PARIS, FRANCE
There's a reason Paris is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and that's because it truly is. Everything about it will charm and enchant you - streets lined with classic architecture, charming cafés and busy bistros; all the art museums, picturesque gardens, and monumental bridges to wander through. A city so rich with history, culture, and cuisine it's almost impossible to see it all, but that of which you do is simply unforgettable.
TO STAY
LE MEURICE: In the heart of historic Paris, Le Meurice is a splendid place to stay in the first arrondissement. Located on the iconic Rue de Rivoli and across the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries, it's also within walking distance of most major landmarks like Palais Royal and the Louvre, Musée des Arts Decoratifs, and Place Vendôme. Its central location helps navigate the city, which is especially ideal for first-time visits. Besides its beautiful location, staying at Le Meurice is a luxury of its own. An original palace hotel with opulent interiors and open views of the garden, a Michelin-star restaurant by Alain Ducasse and pastries by Cedric Grolet, and all the tailored luxury you can expect from a Dorchester Collection hotel. A pleasant stay and an unforgettable experience.
PATISSERIES & BOULANGERIES
LA MAISON D'ISABELLE: Perhaps the best croissant in Paris can be found here. A take-away bakery just off of Boulevard Saint Germain in the Latin Quarter, La Maison D'Isabelle is famous for its award-winning butter croissants baked fresh throughout the day and often served warm from the oven. Its rich, enticing smell will lead you to it. Crisp and flakey on the outside with a nicely sticky centre, it's everything you could ask for in a croissant. They offer a big variety of bread and pastries to try but the kouign-amann deserves an honourable mention. Go early on weekdays for shorter lines (closed Mondays) and kindly ask for a croissant from the cooling rack for the best experience.
DU PAINS ET DES IDÉES: Set in an old 1875 shop with painted ceilings, Du Pains et Des Idées is one of Paris's most iconic bakeries; located in the 10th arrondissement near Saint-Martin. Especially famous for their iconic pistachio escargot pastry and signature pain des amis bread. Their viennoiserie is more on the traditional side, so expect pastries to be paler in colour and denser in texture. There are more exciting bakeries now in Paris, but it's one of those places to try at least once.
LEONIE: Within walking distance to Montmartre and Place du Tertre, Leonie is a neighbourhood boulangerie with now one of the best croissants in Paris. Nicely browned with a well-laminated centre, Leonie's croissaint is softer on the outside and lighter in texture but still rich in flavour. With a few tables inside as well as outside, it's a nice place to start the morning before heading up to Montmartre.
MAMICHE: One of Paris's younger and trendier bakeries, Mamiche is a small take-away bakery near Montmartre with a range of traditional viennoiserie as well as artisanal pastries, breads, and lunchtime sandwiches. The croissant here is paler in colour with a soft but dense texture. Grab a few of their unique creations to try as well.
RITZ LE COMPTOIR: A luxurious bakery by the Ritz with lavish creations by Francois Perret. Le Comptoir serves a variety of creative treats to try but the "millefeuille to go" and madeleines are especially worth mentioning. Located on Rue Cambon at the back of Place Vendôme.
CARACTÈRE DE COCHON: For one of the best jambon-beurre sandwiches in Paris, Caractère de Cochon is the place for it. A small sandwich shop specialising in charcuterie, Caractère de Cochon offers a variety of cured and smoked meats to buy and/or to make sandwiches. The jambon-blanc is a top-seller; a traditional baguette (which is excellent on its own) lathered in rich butter, generously filled with thinly sliced comté and some of the highest quality jambon in the city (ask for cornichons on the side). Located in the 3rd arrondissement by Marché des Enfants Rouges and just a short walk from Le Marais; grab a sandwich for lunch and enjoy it in the beautiful garden of Place des Vosges.
CLASSIC CAFÉS
CARETTE: For a proper French breakfast, Carette offers a delightful spread. A charming café-eatery with two locations: Place du Trocadero overlooking the Tour Eiffel and one on Place Des Vosges across the garden. Their soft scrambled eggs are a signature highlight, served with freshly baked baguette; follow with an XL chausson aux pommes or palmier and a cup of their rich chocolat chaud for a sweet finish. They offer an all-day menu for lunch and dinner as well, and a range of finger sandwiches to go. A classic favourite among visitors and locals alike.
CAFÉ DE FLORE: This iconic Left Bank café needs no introduction. Perhaps one of the city's most famous spots with a long history of famous visitors, Café de Flore is still celebrated as a legend of Parisian café culture. Set on a corner of Boulevard Saint-Germain, it offers a cosy and romantic place to watch the city go by from early morning to late night. It's always busy but it's a lovely place to experience a bygone era of Paris.
LES DEUX MAGOTS: On a second corner of Boulevard Saint-Germain is another iconic café with a legendary history. Les Deux Magots was once a creative hub for Paris's finest and today it's a meeting point for some of the city's elites. It's a little more elegant than Café de Flore, but it is a lovely and spacious place to while away the time on the Left Bank.
CAFÉ BONAPARTE: Just off of Saint-Germain on the corner of Rue Bonaparte, this traditional café is a great place to escape the crowds. It's a popular spot but it is more understated than Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots; its side-street location and more local clientele makes it that much better. Take a seat on one of its terrace tables and watch life in Saint-Germain unfold on all sides.
CAFÉ DE LA PAIX: Just across Palais Garnier, this belle-epoque café offers a beautiful hideaway from the crowds of Place de L'Opera. Dating back to 1862, it's an opulent place to experience classic café culture; with both terrace seating as well as a dining space inside, it's an ideal place to stop by before or after the opera.
LE NEMOURS: Situated between Rue Saint-Honoré and Place Colette, Le Nemours is a fashionable little brasserie set beneath the grand pillars of Palais Royal. It's tucked away behind Jardin du Palais Royal but it's also a short walk from the busy Rue de Rivoli, the Louvre, and Musée des Arts Decoratifs, making it an ideal spot for drinks in the area.
DINING
BISTROT PAUL BERT: A plate of steak-frites is a quintessential meal when in Paris. At Bistrot Paul Bert, it's almost mandatory. Situated in the lively 11th arrondissement, Bistrot Paul Bert serves traditional French fare that is both unpretentious and remarkable. Coupled with a cosy and rustic bistro setting, it's perfectly Parisian. Their menu changes seasonally but a few staple classics include the Sole Meunière (nicely buttered fish) and of course the legendary Filet au Poivre (juicy, tender steak served in a pool of black pepper sauce) with a side of really, really good thick-cut pommes frites. If it's your first visit, their large soufflé is a must-order for dessert. They're busy every single night, reservations by telephone are essential.
CHEZ GEORGES: Tucked away on the quiet Rue du Mail, just around the corner from Galerie Vivienne, Chez Georges is a legendary dining institution in Paris. Once you step in to its warmly lit and intimately seated room, for a few hours the world outside ceases to exist. Old wood and rusty mirrors, white cloth tables and hand-written menus are just a small part of its timeless charm. Expect traditional French dishes served in a home-style manner; no fuss, no frills, just good food. A few menu highlights include the sole meunière, le pavé du mail (mustard cream steak), and ris de veau aux morilles; and of course every table is graced with a mountain of their thin, crispy but somehow still fluffy pommes frites. For dessert, the generously creamy millefeuille is the best end to an already wonderful meal. Reserve a table in advance, they almost never take walk-ins.
LE BON GEORGES: This small, laidback Parisian bistro in Pigalle offers some of the best wine and steak in the city. An intimate space with wooden tables, a chalkboard menu of seasonal dishes, and an almost intimidating book of wine bottles to choose from. Two steady staples to order are the steak au poivre and steak haché, which is especially remarkable and not common in other French bistros; and their undressed, hand-chopped steak tartare is a pure ode to their high quality meat. Their perfectly cooked and salted pommes frites are addictive. For dessert, make sure to order their iconic off-the-menu mousse chocolat - it's a generous portion to share, and it is one of the best in Paris. The service is remarkably polite, prompt, and attentive; such a pleasant dining experience overall. Reserve a table online in advance
LE PETIT LUTETIA: A fashionable brasserie-style restaurant with Art Deco interiors, a buzzy atmosphere, and a menu of French cuisine with a flare. It's fancy without extra frills. Just a short walk from Le Bon Marché in the 6th arrondissement, Le Petit Lutetia is a delightful choice for lunch or dinner. Expect traditional French dishes like escargots, tartare, and steak au poivre, alongside house-specials like their creamy morel rigatoni. For dessert, the mousse chocolat and thin tarte tatin are especially famous. Elegant but laidback dining in a lively setting.
ALLARD: In the heart of Saint-Germain, Allard pays an elegant homage to the traditional French bistro. Run by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, its culinary reputation speaks for itself. With warm, wooden interiors and intimate bistro-style seating, Allard provides an elevated experience of Parisian dining. The menu often changes seasonally, but a house-favourite staple is the canette de challans for two - tender roasted duck served in a pan with tangy green olives; a hearty, comforting meal and an iconic Allard dish. If you're looking for a traditional bistro experience with the finesse of Michelin-star dining, Allard is the perfect place for it.
BRASSERIE LIPP: On Boulevard Saint Germain, just across Café de Flore, Lipp's is a Parisian institution and a local favourite for modest French food in a typical brasserie setting. If you've read Hemingway, you'll know he also frequented this spot for the good beer, hearty potato salad and house-special cervelat rémoulade. The menu offers a big variety of typical dishes like escargots, foie gras, sole meunière and filet de boeuf, as well as heartier dishes like pied de porc, andouillette, and saucisse au couteau; their minutely-chopped and well-dressed steak tartare is especially worth mentioning, perhaps one of the best in Paris. Go with an appetite and stay for dessert. The atmosphere is loud, busy and chaotic, the waiters can be intimidating, but it's all a big part of the experience at Lipp's.
LA POULE AU POT: A cosy, little restaurant serving traditional French food in a 1950s-inspired setting. Pink-washed table cloths, dim bistro lighting, and tiled floors, coupled with black-vested waiters and old French music for added nostalgia. The menu is typically French, with options like escargots, paté en croute, filet au poivre and of course their signature poule au pot; the finely-minced steak tartare, prepared at the table, is also worth mentioning here, another excellent one. An ideal and easy choice for lunch or dinner in the first arrondissement, just a short walk from Les Halles, Bourse de Commerce, Palais Royal and Rue de Rivoli.
CARBONI'S: A trendy spot for Italian fare in Le Marais. Much like its hip neighbourhood, Carboni's attracts young and cool crowds to eat, drink, and have a good time. The restaurant space is stripped back with bare walls, modern bistro-style seating, and hanging plants. The menu offers Italian favourites like buratta and vitello tonnato, as well as a few pasta options and meats. Their famous pici cacio e pepe is a must-order. Head downstairs for pre or post dinner drinks at their cool Bar Sotto.
PLACES TO VISIT & THINGS TO DO
THE RIGHT BANK
MUSÉE DU LOUVRE: Of course this needs no introduction if you're a fan of art, but here's a few tips to follow: 1) Book tickets online in advance to avoid hour-long queueing; 2) Prepare a list or plan of the art you want to see and carry a map at all times, it can get very overwhelming inside; 3) There is more than one building to the Louvre! If you've only seen one, that's not even the half of it; 4) Expect large crowds at all times, have patience, and plan accordingly.
MUSÉE DES ARTS DECORATIFS: The hub for decorative art & design, Musée Des Arts Decoratifs hosts a large permanent collection of artefacts dating from medieval times to the 20th century as well as temporary exhibitions. The museum sits right by the Louvre and Jardin des Tuileries on Rue de Rivoli, an ideal stop to make when you're touring the area. It also houses the fashionable restaurant Loulou for a see-and-be-seen lunch or dinner with a sweeping view of Jardin du Carousel.
PALAIS ROYAL: Harmonising Renaissance architecture and modern art, Palais Royal is a 17th century palace is known for its pillared arcade lined with antique boutiques, Daniel Buren's famous 1980s striped columns, and a small but beautiful garden to stroll through. Palais Royal a beautiful space that harmonizes between Renaissance architecture and modern art. Located between Rue de Rivoli and Place des Victoires, Palais Royal is within walking distance to other major landmarks like the Louvre and Musée Des Arts Decoratifs on one side, and the Bibliotheque National on the other. A short and pleasant stop between the 1st and 2nd arrondissements.
JARDIN DES TUILERIES: The largest and most popular garden on the Right Bank, Jardin des Tuileries offers a gorgeous park space to stroll through in the 1st arrondissement. Connecting Place de la Concorde to the Louvre, it's a beautiful way to get from one side to the other or to simply while away an hour or two by the fountain.
MUSÉE DE L'ORANGERIE: Located between Jardin des Tuileries and Place de la Concorde, Musée de L'Orangerie is most famous for Monet's masterpiece series of the 'Water Lilies'. Displayed as one long panorama across two rooms, it's one of the most mesmerising pieces of art in Paris. As with most museums, book time-slot tickets online to avoid the long queues.
PLACE VENDÔME: In the 1st arrondissement, just across Jardin des Tuileries, Place Vendôme is one of Paris's most iconic squares; adorned with a monumental column and luxury boutiques on all sides, it's a wonderful place to pass through as well as it's the connecting spot between Rue de Rivoli, Saint-Honoré, and Place de L'Opera.
PALAIS GARNIER OPERA: One of the most beautiful and opulent architectural beauties in Paris as well as one of the most celebrated opera houses in the world. Palais Garnier is a breathtaking revival of Baroque architecture with an enchanting imperial staircase, intricate ceiling art and large marble statues, a theatre adorned with gold fixtures and a show-stopping chandelier. Whether you're attending a show or not, it's certainly worth a visit to marvel at its architecture.
BOURSE DE COMMERCE: This former 18th-century stock exchange building now houses one of Pinault's largest art collections. The building's circular architecture and painted dome ceiling alone are worth visiting. Located in Les Halles in the 1st arrondissement, it's also within walking distance to Palais Royal and Place des Victoires.
GALERIE VIVIENNE: A beautiful 19th-century gallery arcade in the 2nd arrondissement, Galerie Vivienne is one of Paris's emblematic passages. Lined with luxury boutique shops and within walking distance to Palais Royal, Chez Georges, and Bibliotheque National, it's a lovely arcade to pass through.
BIBLIOTHEQUE NATIONAL DE FRANCE: The BNF houses one of the most impressive library collections and reading hall, with a large glass-domed ceiling and circular multi-storeyed bookshelves. Make sure to visit the Richelieu Site. Located in the 2nd arrondissement, just a short walk from Palais Royal, it's worth a quick visit in the area.
LE MARAIS & PLACE DES VOSGES: A charming neighbourhood in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements with cobblestoned streets and quirky buildings that give it a small-town feel. Lined with hip shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants, it's a fun and lively area to roam around during the day or night. In the heart of Le Marais, connecting the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Place des Vosges is a beautiful and tranquil square to stroll through or enjoy a break in the garden.
MONTMARTRE: This is an important area in Paris with several sites to visit. Perched on a hill with narrow cobblestoned streets, old-style bistros and streets artists on every corner, Montmartre looks and feels like a village of its own. Starting at the foot of the hill, make your up to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, then circle around to the charming Place du Tertre, the famous La Maison Rose, as well as the Montmartre and Dali museums. Montmartre is just a short walk up from the 9th arrondissement and the lively area of Pigalle, which means you can pick up some pastries from Mamiche, Leonie, or PainPain and enjoy breakfast with a sweeping view of Paris.
THE LEFT BANK
SAINT GERMAIN/LATIN QUARTER: The heart and soul of the Left Bank, Saint-Germain des Prés and the Latin Quarter are two of Paris's most emblematic neighbourhoods. Once the creative hub of the city for students, artists, poets, and many celebrated figures like Sartre and Picasso, the history and legacy of Saint Germain and the Latin Quarter is still revered today. Set along the Seine, it's a wonderfully busy area to explore with a life of its own; once you cross over from the Right Bank, its unique charm will strike you. This is where you'll find places like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, Shakespeare & Company, Jardin du Luxembourg, and of course the Notre Dame Cathedral. Lots to do and see on this side of Paris.
MUSÉE D'ORSAY: Second to the Louvre, Musèe D'Orsay houses a large collection of the world's most famous paintings. Set in a former train-station with an iconic clock overlooking Paris, Musèe D'Orsay sits right along the Seine on the Left Bank; just a short walk from Jardin des Tuileries via Pont Royal or from the Louvre via Pont du Carrousel. Queues and crowds can be overwhelming; book a ticket online and try to visit as early as possible. Make sure to go up to the big clock on the 5th floor for a wonderful view.
MUSÉE RODIN: A quaint but enchanting museum set in an 18th century mansion with a beautiful garden, showcasing some of Rodin's most influential sculptures like The Thinker. Located in the 7th arrondissement, Musèe Rodin is also a short walk from places like Esplanade Les Invalides, Le Petit Lutetia, and Le Bon Marché. It's worth visiting not only for Rodin's works but for the museum's wonderful setting.
JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG: If there's one garden to visit in Paris, it's certainly Jardin du Luxembourg. A wonderful and whimsical green oasis in the heart of the Left Bank, just between Saint Germain des Près and the Latin Quarter. Inspired by the famous Italian Boboli Gardens, the grandeur of its Renaissance design is still apparent today; make sure to visit the Medici Fountains as well. It's a short walk to Boulevard Saint-Germain from there.
COUR DU COMMERCE SAINT ANDRÉ: A hidden passageway with a back door to the oldest restaurant in Paris. Just off of Blvd Saint-Germain, Cour du Commerce Saint André is a small cobblestoned alley that's easy to miss but worth looking for to see where Napoleon used to dine at Le Procope and a glimpse of 17th century Paris.
SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY: Considered the holy grail for literary fans and readers of Hemingway, Shakespeare & Company is perhaps one of the most celebrated bookshops in the world. Originally founded by the famous Sylvia Beach in 1919, it was once a hub for the intellectual crowd of 20th century Paris (Hemingway, James Joyce and Fitzgerald, to name a few). There's a large collection of old and new books, as well as a small shop for rare editions next door. A cosy and charming place to visit on the Left Bank, just a short walk from Notre-Dame and La Maison D'Isabelle.
ÎLE DE LA CITÉ: Floating on the Seine between the Right and Left Bank, Île de la Cité is a historic island where Le Notre Dame and Saint Chapelle sit - two of the oldest, most emblematic Gothic cathedrals in Paris. Attending mass at one of them is an especially memorable experience.
VERSAILLES PALACE & GARDENS: When in Paris, it's an opportune chance to visit the stunning palace & gardens of Château de Versailles. Only a half hour by train from multiple stations, it's the easiest and quickest day trip from Paris. Book a ticket in advance and visit as early as possible; it also helps if the weather is warm or sunny to fully enjoy the gardens.
WHERE TO SHOP
HIGH-END SHOPPING: For upscale brands, the best streets to go to are Avenue Montaigne, Rue Saint Honoré, and Boulevard Haussmann.This is where you'll find most designer fashion and jewellery, high-end boutiques, and department stores.
LE MARAIS: This young and hip neighbourhood in the 3rd & 4th arrondissements is lined with fashionable shops, quirky boutiques, galleries and restaurants. It's a fun area to walk around and explore on foot, hopping from café to shop to gallery; its small, cobblestoned streets and historic buildings give it a unique charm that really stands out from other neighbourhoods in Paris.
LE BON MARCHÉ: Most recognised by its white-tile interiors and criss-cross escalators, Le Bon Marché is a department store that has it all. A spacious shopping location with everything from designer brands and luxury cosmetics, to technology and homeware. They also have an incredible gourmet food space at Le Grand Epicerie. One of the finest department stores in Paris, located in the 6th arrondissement near Musée Rodin, Jardin du Luxembourg, and a short walk from Blvd Saint-Germain.
LA SAMARITAINE: A wonderful and whimsical luxury department store with decorative interiors and an avant-garde flare. La Samaritaine is one of Paris's largest department stores with a selection of high-end fashion brands and jewellery, beauty, home accessories as well as a dining space on the roof. Just across Pont Neuf and a short walk to Rue de Rivoli, it's worth visiting for its design alone.
OFFICINE UNIVERSELLE BULY: This luxury French beauty brand was originally founded in 1803 and today has several locations around Paris, all of which are equally wonderful; the first official Buly shop was opened on Rue Bonaparte on the Left Bank, so perhaps start there. The shops alone are worth visiting for their ancient-apothecary interiors, old perfume pumps, and whimsical atmosphere. The intricately illustrated bottles and hand-calligraphy labels are another marvel to admire.