The 8 Best Desserts in Boston & Where to Eat Them

Boston is famous for its historic sites, which are conveniently linked by a red-brick road known as the Freedom Trail.

Aside from history, you probably think of higher education universities like Harvard and MIT, or maybe the more casual (but equally fanatical) world of sports. Even the Red Sox’s Fenway Park has the moniker of the oldest continually occupied professional sports stadium in the US, opened back in 1912.

Toss in a few fantastic public museums and galleries, a handful of stroll-worthy neighborhoods to stay in, and comprehensive public transportation, and it’s easy to see why Beantown has remained a near-perfect New England getaway.

But let’s refocus our lens on Boston’s most visitable spots.

What I remember most about my last visit to the city was biting into an incredible dessert—one that I hadn’t tried before or even heard of. The Boston cream pie.

In celebration of Boston’s tastiest desserts (including but not limited to the cream pie), I’m listing out some of the best places to feast on the city’s most unique desserts. It’s time to polish off that sweet tooth!

Which desserts should you try in Boston?

Boston specializes in the Boston cream pie (shocker), but the city’s legacy has lent itself to other sweet treats. Apple pies, with their American heritage, are another favorite, along with the powdered cannoli commonly found in Italian-American neighborhoods across the country.

There are two other desserts you should know about: Indian pudding and something called a Baked Alaska.

The former is yet another callback to Boston’s colonial era. Indian pudding was once a classic New England dessert, likely a spin-off of the British hasty pudding that includes corn meal, milk, and sugar. The Baked Alaska is an ice cream cake topped with scorched meringue.

Very different vibes—but equally delicious. Here’s where to find the best desserts in Boston.

Where to find the best desserts in Boston

Oleana: The Baked Alaska

Oleana, located in Cambridge, is a Middle Eastern restaurant with special vegan and vegetarian dishes. Flavors are vibrant, dishes are colorful, and guests rave about the cozy ambiance.

But all you need to focus on is that dessert menu—and the Baked Alaska. It’s the restaurant’s most famous dish, which is strikingly assembled in a marble-like meringue that’s accented with coconut and passionfruit.

Bar Volpe: Cannoli

Bar Volpe serves up some of the best Southern Italian food in the city. Fresh pasta is made daily, while a wood-fire stove adds complexity to each dish.

While you won’t be short on great cannolis in Boston, Bar Volpe’s cannolis have won the hearts of hundreds. Come in for the hand-prepared pasta, but stay for that sweet, sweet cannoli.

Mike’s Pastry: Cannoli

You’ll get a pretty dressed-up cannoli at Bar Volpe, but if you want to keep things quick and easy, head to Mike’s Pastry. This famous institution has been catering to sweet tooths across the city for around 80 years. That means you can order a near-perfect cannoli without dining at a restaurant.

Plus, you can sample some of Boston’s other tastiest treats.

Petsi Pies: Apple pie & beyond

Along with Mike’s Pastry, Petsi Pies is a well-known Boston dessert shop despite being founded recently in 2003. The specialty is—you guessed it—pies. I’m recommending you sample their classic apple pie as an ode to Boston’s colonial history… but I’d also make room for their cherry crumble pie and brown butter pecan pie, too.

Union Oyster House: Indian Pudding

Like I mentioned before, Indian pudding is a colonial dessert that combines cornmeal, milk, and sugar. That’s not the flashiest combination by modern standards, but Union Oyster House offers a delicious take on this historical favorite.

Established in 1826, this restaurant is now a National Historic Landmark. That’s two layers of history for you to enjoy—and one of them you get to eat.

Flour Bakery & Café: Pies, pastries, & more

A newer and more innovative take on dessert-slinging, Flour Bakery and Café includes savory dishes and also offers cooking classes. But there are cream pies galore for you to taste-test, including a chocolate cream pie, lime cream pie, and coconut cream pie.

(The chocolate cream pie is a Boston cream pie—they’re sometimes used interchangeably.)

Lyndell’s Bakery: Boston Cream Pie

Finally—we’re moving into firmer Boston Cream Pie territory. Though you might see full pies and mini versions of this treat offered around the city, head to Lyndell’s Bakery (or Omni Parker House, below) for a master class in Boston cream pies.

Lyndell’s opened up shop back in 1887 and has been serving pies, pastries, and breads daily since then. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it—and this cream pie is perfect.

Omni Parker House: Boston Cream Pie

Last, but certainly not least, we have Omni Parker House—the birthplace of the Boston cream pie. This historic hotel opened in 1855, at which time head chef Augustine Francois Anezin created the dessert using two sponge cakes and a thick custard, then topped with chocolate fondant.

It’s remained largely unchanged since then—and you can enjoy one right in the same spot where the dessert was first presented and tasted.

9 Things to Do for St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

Chicago knows how to party.

From New Year’s Eve to July 4^th, Chicago regularly turns into a block party. From private parties at rooftop bars to street parades that snake through the city, there are dozens of ways to join the seasonal calendar of festivities.

But there’s something about St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago that stands out.

Though cities like Boston and New York City also have substantial Irish-American populations that have shaped massive St. Patty’s Day celebrations, Chicago is arguably the top spot to ring in the holiday in the US.

Is it all down to the green river dye that plumbers dump into the Chicago River? Is it owed to Chicago’s rowdy party culture? Or is it a callback to the city’s well-known and well-preserved Irish heritage?

Probably all three—but I’ll let you decide. I’ve rounded up the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, including my own top pick. (Special thanks to my brother who lives in Chicago and knows how to drink.)

If you want to keep digging into St. Patty’s Day fare, stick with Choose Chicago.

Top 9 activities in Chicago for St. Patty’s Day

#1: Watch the river run green

It’s been happening for almost half a century for a reason—and you can watch as local plumbers spew a harmless, green dye into the Chicago River. The event happens between State and Columbus streets each year. You can watch live from Upper Wacker as the dying starts at 10 am. Just make sure to get there early to nab your spot.

#2: Take a river cruise to party at a safe distance from the mayhem

I’m not one for crowds, so piling onto one of the parades isn’t my idea of a great St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago. If you’re like me, book a river cruise that’s offering a St. Patty’s Day route.

You can choose from a handful of options, many of which include events like live bagpipe music, Irish dishes, and plenty of beer and cocktail options. All while cruising down an electric-green river. (Head to the Choose Chicago page linked above to find more St. Patrick’s Day river cruise offers.)

#3 Or kayak through the currents

If you’re a fitness buff or simply like to get out on the water, you can book a kayak tour that cuts through the Chicago River. Don’t worry—you won’t get in the way of those cruises. The Chicago River is wide, and tour guides are adept at helping you navigate the channel safely and happily.

#4 Join a parade—but choose wisely

You have three main options when it comes to choosing a St. Patrick’s Day parade. Your three options are the South Side Irish Parade, North Side Irish Parade, and the main St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Grant Park.

The South Side has the strongest Irish associations, as neighborhoods like Beverly, Bridgeport, and Morgan Park still have strong Irish Catholic demographics. In fact, you might see them called the South Side Irish. This is the most homegrown St. Patty’s Day parade in town.

That being said, you can also join the North Side Irish Parade, which has been going strong for over two decades. This smaller celebration heads through the Norwood Park neighborhood.

The largest event is this year’s 70^th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which is the largest in the city and one of the most prestigious in the country. You can expect live performances, step dancers, marching bands, bagpipers, and more over three hours.

#5 Keep it old school at Shamrock’n: A Family-Friendly Irish Celebration

Old St. Patrick’s Church is a Catholic assembly that has been hosting a family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration for the past few years. This warm pop-up includes an a la carte menu, alcoholic beverages, a pot’o gold-themed raffle, and live entertainment that’s fit for all ages.

#6 Or at the Irish American Heritage Center

Similar to Old St. Patrick’s, you can find a more family-friendly party at the Irish American Heritage Center. In fact, if you’ll be out of town on the actual holiday, you can still join the festivities at the center. They host a range of celebratory events leading up to March 15^th, from Celtic art classes to Irish singing workshops.

#7 Reserve your spot at an Irish pub—I vote you go to Replay Lincoln Park

Like I said before: Chicago knows how to party. You won’t be shorthanded looking for bars and cocktail lounges that are rolling out specialized St. Patty’s Day menus, drinks, and more.

I actually got to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago a few years back at Replay Lincoln Park. This pop-up, high-décor bar did not disappoint—and I’m sure it’s hardly the only option out there.

(Replay Lincoln Park is one of my favorite bars of all time—so check it out even if you’re not in Chicago over St. Patrick’s Day!)

#8 Or go on a bar crawl

If committing to a single bar experience is a little underwhelming, avoid FOMO with a bar crawl. I’d hate to repeat myself, but here I go again: Chicago has some of the best bars, lounges, and watering holes in the US. You can explore them at full speed over St. Patrick’s Day.

#9 Enjoy themed menus at restaurants celebrating St. Patty’s Day

If Guinness and lime-green cocktails aren’t your thing, then look for a menu that sparks joy. From casual eateries like Pizzeria Portofino to more refined private parties like Raised, An Urban Rooftop, you can find restaurants celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in style.

You can also find restaurants that offer a party-like atmosphere, which is a pretty solid compromise for anyone who wants to eat, drink, and stay warm over the holiday.

5 Perfect Day Trips from Rome To Escape the Jubilee Rush

The 2025 Jubilee is in full swing in Rome.

If you’ve been following updates and tips on how to navigate Rome during the Catholic jubilee (which is a time for added spiritual reflection), then you know that millions of pilgrims are converging in the city alongside tourists throughout the year.

The jubilee offers tourists another way to learn more about Catholic culture and history in the city, which is home to the Vatican. At the same time, the added number of visitors is sure to cause hectic scenes citywide.

While the city has been preparing with added public transportation and services (like public toilets), you’re still bound to be caught up in more crowds than usual.

One of the best ways to make sure your trip to Rome isn’t interrupted by the jubilee is to book a day trip outside the city. There are dozens of options at your fingertips, and they’re all accessible by public transportation.

But which towns are worth your time?

If you want to plan a day trip during your jaunt around Italy’s capital city, I suggest you head into one of the areas listed below. They’re five of the best day trips around Rome according to travelers, travel advisors, and locals.

Top 5 day trips around Rome

Orvieto

I’m drawn to Orvieto thanks to the sheer number of Etruscan sites, from tunnels, caves, and a vast necropolis. The Etruscans were pivotal in the formation of ancient Rome—and you’ll probably recognize their sophisticated alphabet, much of which we inherited.

The Etruscan caves are hardly the only historic appeal. You can also explore Orvieto Cathedral, San Giovenale church, and Albornoz Fortress.

But part of the magic is the view. Orvieto is situated on a towering hilltop. From the peak of Torre del Moro, a large tower in the center of town, you can gaze across the gorgeous Umbrian countryside. At sunset, the views are unreal.

Want to stay in Orvieto? Book a room and find something to do.

Assisi

Assisi is the hometown of a beloved Catholic saint: St. Francis of Assisi. I’d personally love to visit Assisi because I grew up in the Catholic church, where St. Francis is renowned as a protector of animals and the environment.

Regardless of what you know (or don’t know) about this saint, a visit to Assisi will let you gain a hands-on look at this saint and what makes him so special to millions around the world.

Assisi is a picturesque rural town that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The big attraction is the Basilica of St. Francis (that’s San Francesco in Italian), along with Cathedral of San Rufino, which is where St. Francis was baptized.

I’d also plan to visit the Rocca Maggiore, a magnificent stone fortress with panoramic country views.

Want to stay in Assisi? Book a room and find something to do.

Anzio

Don’t want to dig into history when you escape Rome for the day? No problem—you can soak up the coastal views in Anzio. If it’s warm enough, you can lay on the beach and enjoy the sunshine. Or if you’re looking for a more active adventure, try out windsurfing or diving.

But let’s not forget that just about every town, village, and city surrounding Rome has some type of major historical tie. In Anzio, that’s the palace of the cruel emperor Nero, known as the Villa Imperiale di Nerone.

This eroded site lines the beach, letting you soak up sea views while looking down on the remains of a two-thousand-year-old palace.

Want to stay in Anzio? Book a room and find something to do.

Tivoli

Tivoli is made up of two sites: Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este. Once again, there’s an ancient imperial tie; Tivoli’s Villa Adriana was a preferred escape for Emperor Hadrian in the 2^nd century CE.

That being said, I’d probably explore Villa d’Este, instead. Villa d’Este was established in the 1500s as the Renaissance took hold of Italy. It’s dotted with gorgeous fountains, pools, and basins. Sort of like Versailles’ gardens, only on a smaller scale.

But don’t forget about Cascata Grande, Italy’s second-tallest waterfall, which is located in a nearby park.

Want to stay in Tivoli? Book a room and find something to do.

Calcata

Tired of ancient villas? That’s too bad in Italy—but you will find a slightly more modern experience in Calcata (written as Il Borgo di Calcata). This tiny medieval village has those cobbled walkways and buildings that you expect in central Italy.

But there’s also plenty in the way of contemporary culture, which adds extra allure compared to other day trips from Rome.

Along with boutique shops selling clothes, notebooks, and more, you can find galleries showcasing local artists and photographers, museums that dig into the area’s history, and a handful of fine dining establishments.

It’s also a perfect place to sit at a café and people-watch or simply soak up the calming, historic atmosphere.

Want to stay in Calcata? Book a room and find something to do.

5 Mosaics in the United States Worth a Visit

I live in Barcelona, which means I’m surrounded by gorgeous mosaics.

In fact, millions of tourists from around the world flood into Barcelona each year to visit some of the world’s most famous mosaic landmarks. You can probably name a few off the top of your head if you know about famous artist Antoni Gaudí, from Sagrada Familia to Casa Batlló to Park Güell.

But Gaudí isn’t the end-all of mosaic genius in the city.

My favorite mosaic around is actually The Kiss or El Beso by Joan Fontcuberta. Located near the Barcelona Cathedral, it depicts an intimate kiss that’s made up of 4,000 rectangular tiles. Each tile includes a photograph that was submitted by local residents that showcase their favorite ‘moments of freedom’. From the methodology to the final product, it’s a very meaningful piece of public art to me.

I may be spoiled by art in Barcelona, but you don’t need to cross the Atlantic to enjoy a beautiful mosaic.

The US is home to dozens of sprawling, drool-worthy mosaics. Many are found in our most stunning basilicas and cathedrals—but not all. Some of the best works of mosaic art are designed for public enjoyment (and are even found in strange places), meaning you may have run into them without even realizing you were staring at a mosaic from a famous artist.

Ready to count down the best mosaics in the United States? Here are my top six picks, including a handful of options from the New York City subway.

6 of the best mosaics in the United States

New York City subways, New York City

From William Wegman’s ‘Stationary Figures’ (Courtesy of MTA)

I’m obsessed with the artworks commissioned for the New York City subway for one reason: the juxtaposition.

Seeing world-class art surrounded by things like urine, rats, dirty food, and impatient commuters is the daily reality of life in New York City. And there’s nothing like being gently caressed by a delightful mosaic before having to dodge a pile of vomit.

If you’ve used the MTA often, you’re already aware that many stations have their names carefully laid out in mosaics that make it easy to see which stop you’re at. But many also have ornate mosaics from acclaimed artists, including Chuck Close and Yoko Ono.

These are my favorite picks for the best mosaics giving hope to those cruising through the guts of the city:

14^th Street (Manhattan): Wild Things by Fred Tomaselli
23^rd Street (Manhattan): Stationary Figures by William Wegman
72^nd Street (Manhattan): SKY by Yoko Ono
86^th Street (Manhattan): Subway Portraits by Chuck Close
125^th Street (Manhattan): Flying Home by Faith Ringgold

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Philadelphia

Spanning three lots on Philadelphia’s South Street, the Magic Gardens are a large-scale folk art and gallery space. The project comes from mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar who has slowly built up the project since he purchased the lots in 1968.

Today, the Magic Gardens sprawl over 3,000 square feet and were designed to be explored on foot.

There’s also a gallery space that showcases works from artists from around the world. Beyond the grounds, you might also spot Zagar’s works dotting the city. His works are large-scale, creating a labyrinth for guests to wander through.

Venice Cafe, St. Louis

In Saint Louis, you can find a similar project at Venice Café. The bar is covered in eclectic mosaic designs, along with diverse works of art from the owner and other local artists. The result is a small-scale menagerie that serves up cold drinks and offers live music almost every night.

(Pro tip: the upstairs bathroom is the stuff of Saint Louis legends—but the downstairs might actually be cooler.)

Various mosaics by Primo Caredio, San Francisco

I’m sure you’ve heard of the Secret Mosaic Staircase (or heard of it before), so let me steer you in a new direction: a series of mosaics depicting life in San Francisco by Primo Caredio.

The mosaics are showcased alongside grand murals from Lucian Labaudt. You can see both art forms showcased inside Golden Gate Park’s Beach Chalet and Park Chalet in the visitor centers. Though not nearly as flashy as those mosaic staircases, they’re gorgeous, historic, and perfectly integrated with the murals.

The Map of the Grand Canyons of La Jolla, San Diego

Courtesy of the National Recreation and Park Association

One of the largest mosaics I’ve ever heard of in the United States, this San Diego project is a celebration of the ocean, marine life, and our relationship to the seas.

This absolutely massive project covers 2,200 square feet in Kellog Park, La Jolla. Using over 100,000 tiles, artists finished the project back in 2020 to celebrate the late oceanographer Walter Munk.

The interactive mosaic includes QR codes that let visitors learn more about the aquatic species depicted in murals, from orcas to sea snakes to jellyfish. If you’ve seen a mosaic in the city dubbed ‘THE MAP’, this is what they’re talking about.

Mosaic Tile House, Los Angeles

This indie project from artists Cheri Pan and Gonzalo Duran is reminiscent of the folk mosaics that you’ll see in Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and the Venice Café in Saint Louis. But Mosaic Tile House isn’t quite an art installation – it’s a lifestyle.

You can also purchase works from both artists—or wander through their menagerie of a home on Saturdays between 12-3 pm. Except for the roof, every single inch is covered in colorful tiles.

5 Places to See Wildflowers in Texas This Spring

When I think about Texas, I think about thick cuts of red meat and big belt buckles.

I see flashes of rodeo shows and hear crooning country music. I think about the bats that haunt the city of Austin, then the Dallas Cowboys football team.

I have never once thought of wildflowers when imagining the Lone Star State.

But Texas’s sprawling size isn’t just for longhorn cattle and their drivers—it’s also one of the US’s best places to watch wildflower blooms in spring.

And with so many scenic highways, byways, and roadside attractions crisscrossing the state, it’s not hard to see them. So long as you know where to find bluebonnets, winecups, wild petunias, paper flowers, tulips, and more, you can string together a spring road trip for the ages.

These are my top five picks for enjoying wildflowers in Texas. If you want to dive even deeper, I suggest looking at the Texas Highways’ Wildflower Drives selections. (Along with in-depth information on road names and byways, it also has adorable hand-drawn maps!)

Top 5 places to see wildflowers in Texas

Bluebonnets around Highland Lakes and Blackland Prairie

Texas bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush wildflowers at sunset (Getty)

I’ve heard more and more tales of Texas’s gorgeous bluebonnets over the last few years, which is what inspired me to write this article. If you’re also into elegant, tall stalks of indigo flowers, you can find them statewide. I suggest focusing your bluebonnet hunting in the Highland Lakes area, along with Blackland Prairie.

You’ll see stretches of bluebonnets in and around these Highland Lakes spots:

Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park
Longhorn Cavern
Inks Lake State Park (includes other flowers like Hudson flax)

But don’t forget about the Blackland Prairie region in Washington County. You can see a sea of bluebonnets in these areas each spring:

Around the city of Independence (State Highway 105 is ideal)
Around Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
Around Chappell Hill Historic District
Between Corsicana and Athens

Winecups in Hill Country

“Purple Poppy Mallow”, also known as winecups (Getty)

Delicate, violet winecups are another favorite for natualists in the Lone Star State. Like bluebonnets, you’ll notice these dotting Texas’s grasslands and savannahs. But you can find scores of winecups in Western Hill Country.

The best place to see winecups is between Llano and Cherokee, which lies west of Inks Lake State Park. Or you’ll be in Western Hill Country, instead, you’ll notice fields of winecups just south of Vanderpool.

Neches River rosemallow and trailing phlox in East Texas

The famous pinelands of East Texas are home to famous state-specific flowers: the Texas trailing phlox and the Neches River mallow. I haven’t heard of either of these small flowers before, but you can find scores of each in the Pinewoods Native Plant Center, an Austin State University project.

This 42-acre area was created to preserve and propagate endangered native species, including the Neches River rosemallow and Texas trailing phlox.

Blackfoot daisy and paper flower in the Panhandle

A Blackfoot Daisy, Melampodium leucanthum, in bloom in Texas (Getty)

Did you know that Texas’s panhandle includes plateaus that rise as high as 4,500 feet? Unsurprisingly, you’ll find unique flowers in Texas’s panhandle compared to other regions. I’d personally love to see the blankets of black-and-yellow blackfoot daisies, along with those delicate paper flowers. Both are easy to find in and around the Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

The whole shebang in and around Lyndon B. Johnson State Park

Can’t decide which wildflower road trip tickles your fancy? You can find interspersed flowers in and around Lyndon B. Johnson State Park between Luckenbach and Johnson City. The grasslands are home to more than 400 wildflower species, including those famous bluebonnets, scarlet sage, and primrose.

GetYourGuide Just Launched a (Very Sexy) Solo Tour in Paris

I have very strong opinions on Paris.

I’ve personally avoided the City of Love like a plague for two reasons.

One, I don’t want to spoil my perfect image of Paris; I’m happy enough with the highly imagined worlds presented in shows like Emily in Paris.

Two, Paris is expensive—a little too expensive for what I imagine I’ll get out of the experience. At least, at this point in my life. I have a specific vision for how I’d like to visit Paris, and I’m nowhere near the point of bringing that vision to fruition.

So, I’ve stayed away from Paris. Not permanently, but just until the right moment presents itself.

And that ‘right moment’ might be now thanks to a shiny new offer from GetYourGuide, especially for solo travelers with a specific vision of what a trip to Paris should be like.

GetYourGuide is taking a new approach to the City of Love, taking the charge in a new direction to rename Paris the ‘City of Self-Love’.

That’s exactly what it sounds like; GetYourGuide is offering the chance for a few solo travelers who are comfortable in their skin to take their relationship with themselves to the next level. Plus, the platform is also offering a few cool opportunities for solo travelers in and around Paris.

(Full disclosure: the self-love course is only for women, but the rest of the solo tours are open to any traveler.)

A self-love course in Paris, you say?

No need to beat around the bush: the self-love course available from GetYourGuide is a masterclass in the art of self-pleasure. Don’t worry—it’s being hosted by one of France’s premier authorities on sex positivity, Marie Morice.

Morice is a sexologist and life coach. She has hands-on experience (forgive the pun) teaching the average person how to foster a healthy relationship with themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally.

From what I can tell, this class is about self-expression and confidence just as much as it is about the arts of pleasure—so don’t worry about broaching any heavier, more intimate topics in front of a group of strangers.

Here’s what Morice says, “As a Clinical Sexologist and Sex Coach, I created ‘The Pleasure Atelier: A Parisian Guide to Self-Love’ to help women reconnect with their bodies and feminine energy, overcome limiting beliefs, and embrace self-pleasure with confidence.”

Again, her class is only open to female solo travelers—sorry boys! And you must sign up alone; no bringing friends along, as this journey is designed to be entirely personal.

It starts with a coffee and pastry meet-and-greet, followed by a discussion, group activities, journaling, lunch, and private shopping that’s designed to encourage self-expression.

The course is called ‘The Pleasure Atelier: A Parisian Guide with Marie Morice’. It will last four hours with limited availability between April and July. You can apply for this masterclass starting in late April; you enter by submitting your email address.

What about other solo tours in Paris?

Private cruises on the Seine (GetYourGuide)

I hope I haven’t alienated any male readers—especially if you’re planning to explore Paris solo. While the masterclass above is intended for women, GetYourGuide is rolling out an extensive solos-only list of tours around the City of Love.

The idea is to empower solo travelers to invest in their personal journey, meet others, and maybe even fall in love.

For a limited time, you can nab a 15% discount on these solo-only GetYourGuide tours in Paris:

Guided walking tour of Montmartre
Private cruise on the Seine
Making macarons (another masterclass option)
Pastry-making class
Guided tour of the Louvre
Versailles palace and garden tour (with transportation)