Calgary

Similar to Brussells and Dallas, Calgary is a city you visit because of work, family,  or you are flying in here on your way to somewhere else.

Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies,  it is the perfect stopover destination for those planning a visit to the nearby Banff National Park. Despite being a modern and bustling metropolis, the city also boasts a strong western heritage that can be seen throughout its downtown core. Visitors can explore the famous Calgary Stampede, a world-famous rodeo that takes place every summer, or head to the Heritage Park Historical Village to learn about the city’s pioneering past.

While Calgary may be best known for its proximity to Banff, the city itself has much to offer visitors. Take a stroll through the trendy Kensington neighborhood, known for its boutique shops and lively nightlife, or visit the impressive Calgary Tower for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The nearby Stephen Avenue Walk is also a popular destination, lined with cafes, shops, and galleries. For those interested in learning about the city’s culture, the Glenbow Museum offers a variety of exhibits on art, history, and indigenous cultures.

As a gateway to the Rocky Mountains, Calgary serves as an ideal starting point for a trip to Banff National Park, just an hour and a half away. Visitors can enjoy world-class skiing, hiking, and camping in the park’s stunning natural surroundings, and explore the charming mountain town of Banff itself. However, it’s important to not overlook Calgary itself, as the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in its own right.

Calgary Luxury Itinerary

Recommended Stay: At least 4 nights

Lodging Recommendation: The Jervois is my preferred hotel based on its location, which is close to my favorite food spots https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294217-d3800507-Reviews-The_Jervois-Hong_Kong.html

Recommended mode of transportation: Subway and Taxi

Day 1 - Parisian Landmarks

Breakfast: Go to a local bakery like Martin Kayser (opens early) or hotel
Activities: Arc De Triomphe / Champs Elysées (take 1 line subway from hotel if you stay at Hotel Brighton to Arc De Triomphe stop)
Activity: Sacre Coure – (Take 2 line subway from ADT) ….. Lots of steps to climb 🙁 but there is a gondola when you get close 🙂
1 km walk to Moulin Rouge if interested
Lunch:
Do: Nap
Dinner: Clamato (https://www.yelp.com/biz/clamato-paris?osq=clamato)

Day 2- Eiffel Tower Day

Breakfast: Go to Angelina’ (https://www.yelp.com/biz/angelina-paris?osq=angelinas) ……2 min walk from hotel if you stay at Hotel Brighton
Activity: Walk around the Vendome area  
Lunch: Picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower -> Take the subway to Ecole Militaire. Then spend 10 minutes in the Rue Cler area. Walk to to Boucherie du Perche to pick up some Charcuterie, Nicolas Cler to pick up a bottle of wine, to Fromager Marie-Anne Cantin to pick up some cheeses and then walk to Champ de Mars and get a nice spot on the grass or on a bench for your picnic. Also, my favorite croissant place is on this street (Les Saveurs de Cler (Maison Julien)).
Activity: Eiffel Tower 
Activity: Walk to Trocadéro Gardens to enjoy view looking back at Eiffel Tower
Early Dinner:  https://www.lesombres-restaurant.com/en/ …. Amazing View of Eiffel Tower. We went to ADMO here but it was only a pop up. French Bistro option is Le Bosquet (https://www.yelp.com/biz/le-bosquet-paris). I dont feel like Ive been to Paris if I have not eaten there. They have a really great onion soup. 

Day 3-Recovery Day

Breakfast: Go to a local bakery and eat every croissant they have while drinking hot chocolate or a coffee while watching people walk on by.
Lunch:  
Activity: Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet….. for the 2 floors of food (street level and basement). Has all the top pastry places in 1 location.
Do: Walk around Opera area if interested
Do: Nap
Dinner: Le Souffle (https://www.yelp.com/biz/le-souffl%C3%A9-paris-2)

Day 4 -  Versailles

Breakfast: Go to a local bakery like Martin Kayser (opens early) or hotel
Do: Take Train to Versailles
Activity: Versailles (Get Reservations and doorbust to avoid crowds)  
-Definitely rent golf carts to explore the gardens.
Do: Take Train back….. Train will drop you off across the water from lunch recommendation
Lunch: L’avant Comptoir de la Mer (https://www.yelp.com/biz/l-avant-comptoir-de-la-mer-paris-3), which is My favorite restaurant in the world and it’s just a little wine bar. Also, don’t confuse it with L’avant Comptoir next door inside the hotel.
Do: Walk to Notre Dame
Dinner: Frenchie to Go (https://www.yelp.com/biz/f-t-g-paris) ….open until 10 Thurs – Sat….Otherwise eat at Frenchie if they have space

Day  5 - Lourve Day

Breakfast: Go to a local bakery like Martin Kayser (opens early) or hotel
Do: Lourve
– Get tickets ahead of time for first reservation time
– *Highlights: Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, Sphynx, and many others 
Lunch: Go back to L’avant Comptoir de la Mer (https://www.yelp.com/biz/l-avant-comptoir-de-la-mer-paris-3)
Do: Rest
Dinner: David Toutain or Neige d’été or Restaurant Atsushi Tanaka. Been to all. All were great.