A Follow-Up to “Paris with Teenagers: A Local Mom’s Complete Guide”
In my main guide to Paris with teenagers, I shared the activities that tend to work for almost everyone. The reliable ones. The crowd-pleasers.
But not all teens are the same.
Some are happy climbing towers and hunting Space Invaders. Others are drawn to places they’ve already seen on their screens — filming locations, beautiful cafés, cinematic streets, and spots that feel instantly familiar.
This is the more focused follow-up.
If your teenager loves Instagram, Netflix, and visual moments more than adrenaline, you’re in the right place.
7 Ideas For Teens Who Love Instagram, Netflix & Visual Vibes
Maybe your teen doesn’t need constant action. Maybe they light up more for places with atmosphere. A café they’ve seen in a series. A street that looks like a movie scene. A photo spot that feels iconic the second you arrive.
Paris appears everywhere online. And for visually driven teens, that recognition matters.
This section is about leaning into that energy — choosing places that are photogenic, cinematic, and easy to enjoy without feeling staged.
#1 Emily in Paris Filming Locations
Even if you’re not an Emily in Paris fan, chances are your teen has watched it — or at least seen it everywhere online.
Real-life filming spots are perfect for taking photos. The most famous ones are this:
- Place de Estrapade: Here you find Emily’s Appartment, Gabriels Restaurant and the Bakery. It’s right next to the Panthéon, so a good opportunity to combine activities.
- Palais Royal: Here’s where Emily and Mindy met for the first time. It’s by the Louvre and easy to combine as well with Place de Valois where the Savoir Office is located.
- Maison Rose: Where Emily and Mindy enjoy some wine
If you’re traveling with a real fan and want to go deeper, this Emily in Paris walking tour pulls all the filming locations together in one easy route.
#2 Tour Paris in a Vintage 2CV
Book your ride: Discover Paris in a vintage car
This is one of those experiences that feels instantly special. Cruising through Paris in a vintage Citroën 2CV has a cinematic quality that’s hard to beat — especially for teens who care about photos, aesthetics and atmosphere.
You see a lot in a short time: major highlights, quieter streets, small neighborhoods you’d never stumble into on your own. The pace is relaxed, you’re not walking or queuing, and the vintage car alone already feels like an experience.
What really sets it apart are the photo opportunities. These aren’t the same Eiffel Tower shots everyone posts. Sitting in a classic car, windows open, Paris rolling by in the background — it feels personal and a bit different, which makes it a wonderfully special experience.
You can choose between different routes depending on your mood:
- Paris Secrets in a Citroën 2CV — a great daytime option, book here
- Discover Paris by Night in a 2CV — especially magical, and excellent value book here
If you want to see the city, enjoy the vintage vibe, and come home with photos that feel genuinely special, this one delivers.
#3 Get a Professional Photo Shoot in Paris
If photos matter — and for many families in Paris and teens they do — a professional shoot can be a surprisingly good idea. Not only because you need perfect pictures, but because it makes you feel special.
Instead of juggling phones or asking strangers, you simply walk, talk, and let someone else handle the camera. The result is a set of relaxed, natural photos that actually capture the moment — not just proof that you were there.
It’s a lovely keepsake, especially if this trip feels like a milestone. Because let’s face it, we won’t travel with them forever and you don’t always realize it until later.
If you like the idea of a photoshooting, you can check availability and book a session here.
#4 Shakespeare & Company
This is probably the most famous English bookstore in Paris — and easily one of the most charming. It’s perfect for a quick browse, a few photos, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.
Wandering the narrow aisles is really something, if you’re lucky, you might even meet the cat upstairs.
It’s also a real meeting place for literature lovers. They regularly host free author readings in the evening (in English), which can be a lovely, low-key option if you’re looking for something relaxed to do at night.
They’re also known for their tote bags, which make great souvenirs. And if you do buy a book, ask for the stamp at the counter. They’ll add it for free, and it turns your book into a small Paris memory you take home with you.
My tip: start adding a few Paris-themed books to your reading list before the trip. It makes visiting the store even more special.
#5 Iconic Paris Cafés
Paris cafés are an attraction in themselves — especially the iconic ones that show up all over Instagram and TikTok. Teens recognize them instantly, whether it’s for the hot chocolate, the interiors, or the people-watching.
Angelina is the classic everyone talks about. The hot chocolate is thick enough to feel like dessert, the room is beautifully old-school, and there’s usually a line. As a treat, it works but it’s not for a quick stop between sights.
Café de Flore is less about the drink and more about sitting there. You order one thing, settle in, and watch Paris go by. It’s a good pause, especially if you like places that feel iconic without asking much of you.
Carette is the most popular these days and you see the whipped cream filled bowls all over socials. They have 3 locations in Paris, all close to sights you’ll likely will be visiting.
#6 Eat at Pink Mamma
Pink Mamma is one of the most Instagrammable places to eat in Paris — and thankfully, it’s not just about the looks. It’s a lively Italian restaurant with a beautiful setting, very close to Montmartre, which makes it easy to fit into your day.
I ate here with my son and we both genuinely enjoyed it. It was actually a special moment — he invited me with money he’d earned during his summer job. I couldn’t have been happier.
The pasta is solid, there are good cocktails (with and without alcohol), and the atmosphere feels fun without being over the top. Plus, the service was very friendly and quick.
You do need to reserve in advance — it’s popular for a reason.
#7 Eiffel Tower Photo Spots (Beyond Trocadéro)
Everyone takes photos at Trocadéro or right under the Eiffel Tower. They’re nice — but they’re also very predictable.
If you’re after more striking shots, there are a few spots that feel more special:
- Rue de l’Université — a classic Paris street with the Eiffel Tower framed at the end.
- Avenue de Camoëns — a small, elegant terrace with one of the most beautiful viewpoints.
- Porte Debilly— less known, calmer, and great for photos without the crowds.
The last location is especially beautiful in spring, when the wisteria is in bloom. The setting feels softer, even cinematic. They are not a secret location anymore though. Come best early in the morning.
A Quick Wrap-Up
If your teen connects to Paris through visuals, atmosphere, and recognizable places, this approach works beautifully.
You don’t need to turn every day into a sightseeing marathon. Choose a few cinematic moments. Add a café with character. Mix in a filming location or a photo stop that feels special to them. When teens feel seen in their interests, the whole trip runs more smoothly.
And if this niche doesn’t quite fit your teenager, I’ve covered other personalities too.
You can also read:
→ Paris with Active & Energetic Teens
→ Paris for Food-Loving Teens
→ Paris for Fashion & Beauty Fans
→ Paris for Gamers & Pop Culture Teens
Because in the end, Paris works best when you plan around your teenager — not around a generic checklist.
Want more Paris recommendations? Here’s my free Google Map with 200+ spots 🗺️
À bientôt,
Lena
Parisienne since 2006 🇫🇷
Sharing Paris life, French culture, cafés, food & honest travel tips
Join me on Facebook for updates and news about Paris.
NEW: The Salut from Paris Travel Guide:
Must-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to stay online while in Paris. I used Airalo for my travels.
- You likely need a travel adapter to plug your devices.
- Travel Insurance – if you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is a good option.
- If your flight is delayed or even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Tours & Attractions:
- I book tours & activities through Get Your Guide or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets can be cheaper on the official page, but they are often sold out.
- I love the GoCity Travel Passes for easy planning
Flights & Transportation:
- I use Omio to compare flight fares & connections
- Airport transfers I book through Welcome Pickup
- For car rentals, I use AutoEurope. It’s easy to compare prices
- Train Tickets, you can book through Omio
- Here’s my Parisian Metro Guide
Accomodation:
- Hotels in Europe I mostly book through Booking.com (check reviews carefully)
- Vacation Rentals through Airbnb or VRBO