Paris is a city that rewards both first-timers and seasoned Francophiles, blending timeless landmarks with inventive new haunts. Here’s how to discover the Paris you dream of—plus the side you never saw coming. This insider’s guide covers legendary hotels, Michelin-starred dining, hidden vintage boutiques, neighborhood nightlife, and authentic ways to experience the City of Light’s inimitable culture.
Where Old Paris Meets the New: Essential Sights and Fresh Experiences
Paris is at its best when you savor both eras. Snap your Eiffel Tower shot, but don’t stop there. Between storied museums, flea markets, and the next wave of natural wine bars, you’ll find the city always has another layer to reveal. Let’s start with five can’t-miss Parisian highlights for any itinerary:
- Splurge at the Ritz Paris for ultimate old-school glamour—or just book a Hemingway Bar cocktail and wander its legendary halls.
- Try the lunchtime tasting menu at Michelin-starred Substance, just steps from the Eiffel Tower and far from a tourist trap.
- Explore the intimate Musée Bourdelle—sculpture, gardens, and near-total tranquility away from the crowds.
- Spend a Sunday at the sprawling Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, hunting for vintage treasures in the world’s largest flea market.
- End your night at Cavalier, the canal-side wine and cocktail bar that attracts Paris’s chefs and creatives until 5 a.m.
The Best Places to Stay: Historic Palaces and Design-Forward Retreats
Parisian hotels run the gamut from gilded Belle Époque splendor to playful, modernist escapes. Here are five that truly stand out:
- Cheval Blanc: Atop the historic Samaritaine department store, this LVMH property dazzles with Dior spa treatments, a dreamy lap pool, and central views.
- Le Grand Mazarin: Maximalist, Wes Anderson-worthy interiors meet Marais energy—don’t miss the salted chocolate mousse at Boubalé below.
- Ritz Paris: From the classical music playing underwater in the pool to its historic tearoom, this palace is Parisian luxury distilled. Book a drink at Bar Hemingway for a taste.
- Cour des Vosges: Hidden on Place des Vosges, a spiral staircase leads to cozy, literary-inspired rooms that feel secret and special.
- Saint James Paris: A fairytale château bordering Bois de Boulogne, with lush gardens and a Guerlain spa—ideal for those craving French countryside in the city.
Cultural Immersion: Museums, Markets, and Living History
Paris boasts more than 130 museums, but skip the Louvre crowds in favor of the city’s lesser-known gems. The Musée Picasso is a must for art lovers, while Maison Fragonard and the quirky Pavillons de Bercy delight with perfume and vintage fairground magic. For a journey through Parisian history, wander the Musée Carnavalet or the sunlit halls of Musée Bourdelle.
For culinary explorers, the Marché des Enfants Rouges (operating since 1615) is an atmospheric warren of stalls offering everything from legendary sandwiches to natural wine small plates. And for a step into the city’s shopping history, stroll the 19th-century covered passages—glass-roofed arcades lined with rare books, vintage postcards, ateliers, and wine bars.
The Parisian Table: Restaurants for Every Mood
From the bistro’s steak frites to avant-garde tasting menus, Paris lives up to its culinary reputation. Savor a few of these standouts:
- Substance: Modern French cuisine with a Jura accent, remarkable wine list, and a lunch menu worth clearing your schedule for.
- Amagat: Basque flavors, natural wine, and twinkling courtyard vibes—Paris party atmosphere at its best.
- Breizh Cafe: Iconic Brittany-style buckwheat galettes in the Marais—don’t skip the caramelized onion.
- Le Bistrot Paul Bert: The benchmark for bistro classics, with impeccable steak au poivre and a legendary cheese soufflé.
- Le Relais de l’Entrecôte: A one-dish wonder serving perfect steak frites and walnut salad in a classic setting.
- L’Avant Comptoir de La Terre: Tiny, lively, and meat-focused—come for the duck hearts and cornichons, stay for the wine.
Shopping: From Global Names to Parisian Treasures
Paris is a retail wonderland, from three-story concept shop Merci (with its café and curated gifts) to Empreintes, where you’ll find unique handmade jewelry and ceramics. Sundays call for the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, where 2,000 vendors make vintage dreams come true. Literary fans must visit Shakespeare and Company, the legendary English-language bookshop. Beauty hunters should head to Pharmacie Citypharma in Saint-Germain-des-Prés for cult-favorite skincare at bargain prices.
Vintage lovers will adore shops like Sous Les Pavés and Le Vintage (think ’60s Italian, YSL, and Mugler), while En Voiture Simone and Nice Piece are favorites among Paris fashion insiders.
Nightlife: Where to Toast, Dance, and People-Watch
Chambre Noire is the city’s natural wine darling; nab a spot on the terrace and try the olives. Café La Perle, in the heart of the Marais, is made for sidewalk wine and people-watching. At Martin, Oberkampf’s beloved spot, stay late for small plates and a buzzing crowd. Fréquence is a tiny, vinyl-fueled bar for cocktails and grooving, while Cavalier draws the chef and sommelier set late into the night with charcuterie and oysters.
When to Visit Paris—and How to Get There
Spring and fall are the best bets for mild weather and lighter crowds, but winter brings holiday markets and summer promises late-evening promenades along the Seine. In 2024, the Olympic Games will bring extra energy—and some planning challenges. Flights arrive at Charles de Gaulle or Orly, both under an hour from the city center by train or taxi. French Bee is a low-cost carrier with direct service and bottomless Champagne in Premium class.
Neighborhoods and Local Flavor: Where to Wander
Belleville’s Chinatown, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, and a vibrant dining scene await off the tourist trail. Montmartre offers hilltop views, hidden gardens, and the Moulin Rouge. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is lined with art galleries, designer boutiques, and storied cafés. Paris is made for walking, but the Métro and bus network are extensive and easy to use. Helpful apps include Le Fooding and Raisin for dining, and Google Translate for language on the go.
Final Touches: Local Insights and True Savoir Faire
For a Paris only locals know, book a private tour with agencies like Le Coup de Foudre, who unlock access to ateliers, showrooms, and creative spaces closed to the public. And always remember—start every encounter with a “bonjour,” and you’ll find the Parisian spirit opens up in return.
