Paris

Travel Guide

Travel tips

Ideal stay:

3-5 days

When to visit:

‌The best times to visit Paris are late spring and early fall, as you’ll get temperate weather and fewer crowds. Summer is high tourist season, so avoid summer if possible and August in particular, as this is when locals go on vacation and therefore many shops and restaurants are closed.

Getting around:

‌Paris is split into 20 neighborhoods (arrondissements) which are well-connected by metro. Metro is the fastest and easiest way to get around, you can buy tickets inside the station (single journey or a Navigo card). Paris is a very walkable city, so we recommend walking anytime you can. Save all our recs to Google Maps on your phone for easy navigation once you’re there.

What to pack:

Paris is a notoriously fashionable city, so steer away from casual jeans and beat-up sneakers, and instead go for an effortlessly chic look. Shop some of our favorite French brands such as Sezane, & Other Stories (Paris Atelier), Ba&sh, IRO, Rouje, Frankie Shop, and APC.

Things to do

Our picks for the most classic Parisian experiences.

Explore around the Eiffel Tower

G‌rab some bread and cheese and head to Trocadéro or the more popular Champ de Mars to enjoy a light picnic while admiring the Eiffel Tower. Go in the morning to avoid crowds, or in the evening to watch the tower illuminated in twinkling lights (every hour). While you’re in the area, snap an iconic Eiffel Tower photo from Rue de l'Université, stroll the market street of Rue Cler or Marché Président Wilson, admire the world’s largest collection of Monet paintings at the lesser-known Musée Marmottan Monet,grab an evening aperitif at the small neighborhood cocktail bar Cravan, or enjoy a classic Parisian bistro lunch or dinner at La Fontaine de Mars or L’Ami Jean.

Metro stops: Trocadéro or École Militaire

Café hopping in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

The 6th arrondissement, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, is a chic neighborhood on Left Bank that was once a favorite hangout of literary legends like Jean-Paul Sartre and Ernest Hemingway. Today, it retains its charming atmosphere and is home to modern art galleries, antique shops, and quintessential Parisian cafes including the famous Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, and Brasserie Lipp. Grab pastries or a baguette at the legendary Boulangerie Poilâne and a block of French cheese at Barthélémy to enjoy along the Seine or in Jardin du Luxembourg. Stop for lunch at Huitrerie Régis (oysters), Freddy’s (tapas & wine), Chez Fernand Christine (classic bistro) or Le Christine (trendy bistro). Grab a glass of wine at Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels or get cocktails at Prescription Cocktail Club or Grouvie and a nice dinner at Le Petit Lutetia.

Metro stops: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Odéon, Mabillon, or Saint-Sulpice

Romantic stroll through Montmartre

Saunter the winding cobblestone lanes of Montmartre, a charming historic neighborhood in northern Paris that was once the haunt of famous artists and writers of the 19th and 20th centuries including Picasso, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Dalí. Every turn around this winding hilltop enclave is picture-perfect, so take your time exploring. From Abbesses station, walk up the hill past Place Émile Goudeau towards Rue de l'Abreuvoir and spend the morning getting lost in Montmartre’s picturesque backstreets. Or you can do the route in reverse, starting at the top of the hill and walking down. Visit the iconic Basilique du Sacré Coeur and enjoy views over the city, pop into one of the many museums such as Paris Dalí, linger over lunch at one of our favorite little French bistros La Boîte aux Lettres, and take in sweeping city views from the iconic Basilica of Sacré Coeur. Ideally, visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds.

Metro stops: Abbesses, Pigalle or Blanche and keep walking up the hill

Parks, art museums & shopping in Le Marais

Le Marais is probably the hippest neighborhood in Paris, dotted with designer boutiques, lively cafes, leafy parks, and modern art museums. Grab pastries and coffee at Dreamin Man before getting your museum fix at Centre Pompidou or the Picasso Museum, then stroll around Place des Vosges, pop into the many shops and galleries, and grab a bite at Les Enfants du Marché, a market stall located in the back corner of the Marché des Enfants Rouges. Grab cocktails at Les Epiciers or at a local wine bar followed by dinner at Carboni's, The Clown Bar or Parcelles.

Metro stop: Saint-Paul

Wine bars near Canal Saint-Martin

Canal Saint-Martin is a bustling local spot—where the young, in-the-know crowd hangs out. It has a slightly grittier, artsier, laid-back feel than most areas in Paris. Enjoy a stroll along the canal or bring a picnic to enjoy along the banks. Grab pastries at Mamiche, Du Pain et des Idées, Ten Belles, or Holybelly; slurp down fresh oysters at Sur Mer; and wash them down with a glass of wine at Early June or Le Verre Volé. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont isn’t far from here, so you can go here afterwards for nice views over Paris at sunset.

Metro stops: Jacques Bonsergent, Château d’Eau, République, or Strasbourg Saint-Denis

Admire French art — away from the crowds

While we love the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay, we recommend getting a more authentic flavor of Parisian art history—with a fraction of the crowds—at lesser-known museums such as Musée Jacquemart-André (15th-18th century European art in a grand 19th-century townhouse), Musée Rodin (18th-century mansion and sculpture garden displaying Rodin's influential works including The Thinker), Musée de L’Orangerie (20th-century European art, showcasing 8 of Monet's water lilies murals), and the Musée Marmottan Monet (houses the world’s largest collection of works by Monet in an old mansion on the outskirts of the city near the Eiffel Tower).

Catch the best city views from L’Arc de Triomphe or Montparnasse

Many think the best views are from the Eiffel Tower, but we think the best views are from atop of L’Arc de Triomphe or Montparnasse Tower because you can actually see the Eiffel Tower in the skyline—plus fewer crowds and cheaper entry fees.

Scenic walk along the Seine

Take a scenic walk along the Seine River, which runs through the heart of Paris and is lined with the city’s most important landmarks. Start at the Eiffel Tower and head east, passing Grand Palais, Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde, Musée d’Orsay, Jardin de Tuileries, the Louvre, and Notre Dame. End with a wine picnic at the banks of the river at Pont Neuf, or on Il-de-la-Cité or Il Saint-Luis near Notre Dame, or in Jardin de Tuileries. If you’re up for it, continue into the lively La Bastille district for cocktails and dinner.

Metro stops: Trocadéro or École Militaire

Book a guided tour, cooking class, or river cruise

Take a day trip to Versailles, Monet’s Gardens, or Champagne

  • Versailles - A day trip to Versailles is a must do at least once to experience a slice of French history. Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the lavish royal palace and breathtaking grounds. Don't miss the Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette's private quarters. 30-40 minutes from Paris by car or train.

  • Giverny - The perfect day trip from Paris for anyone who appreciates Claude Monet and impressionism. It's easy to see how Monet found artistic inspiration in this magical setting where he produced his most famous works.The highlights here are the Musée des Impressionnismes and the Monet home and garden. Note the house and garden are closed during the winter. Driving is the easiest way to get here. If you don't have access to a car, take the train from Paris to Vernon and take the bus the rest of the way from there. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds!

  • Chantilly - If you haven't seen enough châteaux in France yet, head to Chantilly for the day. This elegant town outside of Paris is known for its lacemaking tradition, horse-racing, and Chantilly cream. The most famous sight here is the Domaine de Chantilly, an opulent castle with a spectacular garden and several museums. 30 minutes from Paris by train.

  • Reims - Home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine region is steeped in French and Roman history. Visit world class wine cellars and don't miss the iconic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims where kings were crowded for more than a thousand years. One hour train ride from Paris.

  • Fontainebleau - Just 45 minutes from Paris by train, Fontainebleau is an easy day trip. Visit the Château de Fontainebleau, the most popular sight in town and one of the largest French royal châteaux where French monarchs once lived. Fontainebleau is also home to an idyllic forest and the Michelin-starred L'Axel restaurant.

Where to eat/drink

Our picks for the best restaurants, cafés, wine bars, and bakeries

Tips:

  • While Paris is home to a slew of Michelin-star fine-dining establishments, you don’t need to dine high-end to eat well. We love veering away from tourist hubs and wandering down tiny side streets where the locals go; look for anywhere with handwritten chalkboard signs featuring daily changing menus—these are often the best spots.

  • At the nicer restaurants as well as the tiny bistros with limited seating, advance reservations are highly recommended, if not required.

  • For a casual lunch or dinner, bistros and brasseries that line the streets of Paris offer a classic dining experience and are great for lingering over an espresso or aperitif while people watching. Just note that meals here are usually pretty simple and classic, nothing too special, but still delicious.

  • Note that many restaurants in France have a very specific window for lunch service, usually 12pm-2pm, and dinner service, usually 7pm-10pm. Be sure to check open hours ahead of time. If you’re looking for a late lunch, look for a restaurant that advertises “Service Continu” (continuous service) which remain open all day.

Top bistros & brasseries

  • Parcelles - trendy, intimate French bistro in the hip Le Marais district, reservations required (even for lunch)

  • L’Ami Jean - quaint traditional French bistro in the 7th arrondissement

  • Joséphine Chez Dumonet - brasserie with famous beef bourguignon near Luxembourg Gardens

  • Chez Fernand Christine - cozy, rustic French bistro in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

  • Le Petit Lutetia - classic French brasserie in the 6th arrondissement

  • Les Enfants du Marché - our go-to for a casual lunch. Bar counter restaurant inside the Marché des Enfant Rouges (street market) serving lovely French plates and wine. A hidden gem.

  • Bistrot Paul Bert - old-fashioned and charming French bistro in the 11th arrondissement. The best steak au poivre. Difficult to book, so plan ahead. Also have two wine bars: Le 6 Paul Bert & Le Cave du Paul Bert.

  • La Boîte aux Lettres - small, intimate French restaurant in romantic Montmartre

  • Café le Voltaire -  traditional brasserie right on the Seine in the 7th arrondissement

  • Le Bon Georges - vintage-style bistro in the 9th arrondissement with chalkboard menus, great steak frites, seasonal French dishes, and an extensive wine selection

  • La Fontaine de Mars - quintessential Parisian brasserie that’s very warm and inviting, with white and red checkered tablecloths and a cozy vibe and excellent classic French cuisine, near the Eiffel Tower

  • Girafe Restaurant - upscale restaurant with a scenic terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower; the food is okay, but you come for the views, it’s very popular and great for a girls’ lunch

  • Frenchie - intimate Michelin-star bistro in the 2nd arrondissement (if Frenchie is too much of a splurge, their wine bar Frenchie Bar a Vins is a great alternative; walk-ins only)

  • Septime - amazing Michelin star restaurant, notoriously hard to get a reservation here, but worth it. Septime La Cave. If you can't get a reservation or it’s too much of a splurge, the intimate wine bar around the corner is the next best thing.

By arrondissement

1st / 2nd:

  • Juveniles - trendy wine bar

  • Le Comptoir et les Caves Legrand - great wine bar

  • Restaurant Drouant - refined, classy French spot right near Opera with a nice indoor/outdoor patio flow

  • Ô Château - wine bar / cave

  • Le Bougainville - classic bistro fare 

  • Les Fines Gueules - renowned tartare and other classic French dishes in landmark 17th-century building near Palais Royale

  • L’Apibo - modern meets traditional French

  • La Poule au Pot - charming spot; Top chef Jean-François Piège took over this 80-year-old brasserie serving traditional French dishes

  • Aux Crus de Bourgogne - classic regional dishes & a long wine list in a vintage-chic bistro with sidewalk tables.

  • L’Ardoise  - refined dishes with a focus on seasonality in a cozy bistro setting

  • Mer & Coquillage Paris - upscale seafood near Palais Royale

  • Brasserie Dubillot - colorful brasserie offering seasonal menus, regional dishes & cocktails, plus a street-side terrace.

  • Le Tout Paris - gourmet fare & panoramic Seine views in the chic rooftop eatery of the Cheval Blanc Paris hotel.

  • Vaudeville - French classics, seafood, plus a long wine list in an opulent, art deco venue from 1918.

  • Verjus - seasonal New American tasting menu with a wine bar downstairs; book well ahead

  • Frenchie - internationally renowned restaurant with a Michelin star featuring a cozy bistro-style dining room; book well ahead

  • Frenchie Bar a Vins - If Frenchie is too much of a splurge, their wine bar is a great alternative. Frenchie Bar a Vins offers standout small plates and a reasonably priced wine list. They don’t take reservations, so we recommend arriving before opening time earlier in the week to snag a table here. 

3rd / 4th (Le Marais):

  • Parcelles - trendy, intimate French bistro (reservations required)

  • Les Enfants du Marché - bar counter restaurant inside the Marché des Enfant Rouges (street market) serving lovely French plates and wine, great for a casual lunch

  • Restaurant Korus - French gastronomy, set menu with wine pairing, serving seasonal products 

  • Au Bougnat - traditional French, on Ile-Saint-Louis near Notre Dame

  • Pain Vin Fromages - fondue/raclette

  • GrandCœur - traditional french cuisine with a modern global twist in a warm and welcoming stone interior  and terrace

  • Bistrot de l’Oulette - classic, compact bistro prepping stews, seafood & duck-based dishes from soutwest France

  • Pamela Popo - bistronomique

  • Le Colimaçon - creative takes on French bistro dishes in a snug space with raw-stone walls & wooden beams

  • Maison Plisson - culinary hub with a produce market, cheesemonger, bakery & butcher, plus a cafe & restaurant.

  • Au Bourguignon du Marais - wonderful bistro with specialities from Burgundy and a nice terrace

  • La Propriété Française - cheap classic French fare

  • Café des Musées - traditional bistro with French specialties in a casual atmosphere

  • La Mangerie - airy retro-style spot right off Cour des Vosges serving small plates

  • Breizh Café - casual crêperie

  • Carboni's - great Italian restaurant with an intimate underground cocktail bar/speakeasy for drinks before/after dinner

  • Le Mary Celeste - cozy neighborhood bar serving creative light meals alongside cocktails & an extensive list of wines.

  • Le Clown Bar - creative French-inspired dishes & natural wines at an elegant bistro with a patio.

  • Aux Deux Amis - cold cuts, small plates & natural wines at a cozy modern bar with counter seats & sidewalk tables.

  • Le Temps des Cerises - lovely little French restaurant on corner

  • Le Rigmarole - lovely, tiny restaurant from a husband-wife duo serving unique yakitori-style dishes cooked over a Japanese binchotan grill

  • Capitaine - elevated seasonal delicacies and natural wines in a country-chic bistro run by a young chef with exceptional experience.

  • Sinner Paris - swanky restaurant at a trendy hotel in Le Marais

  • Brasserie Bofinger - one of the oldest brasseries in Paris for a classic French meal in typical Parisian ambiance, perfect for a late dinner.

  • Falafel shops: Miznon Marais, L’As du Falafel

  • Wine bars: Folderol, Assemblages, Les Épiciers, Chambre Noire, Le Serpent à Plume (cocktails), Le 1905

  • Georges - on top of the Pompidou center, an amazing view over Paris with modern cuisine. Food is decent, but you come here for the views.

  • Anne - Michelin-star modern French gastronomic restaurant at Le Pavillon de la Reine hotel, very cozy

  • L’Auberge Nicolas Flamel - fine dining 

11th (Bastille):

  • Bistrot Paul Bert  - classic French brasserie, cozy and old-fashioned

  • Bistro de Tournelles - cozy neighborhood bistro ideal for an introductory classic French meal

  • Vantre - amazing wine cellar with great French food 

  • Brasserie Rosie - Hip spot with a vintage vibe serving traditional cuisine with a twist, plus cocktails.

  • Le Chardenoux - Belle Epoque-era dining room serving refined bistro classics

  • Le Rigmarole - fine dining

6th (Saint-Germain-des-Prés):

  • Josephine Chez Dumonet - brasserie with famous beef bourguignon

  • Chez Fernand Christine - cozy, rustic French bistro 

  • Le Christine - cute/modern French

  • Le Petit Lutetia - classic French brasserie

  • Le Mézières - brasserie

  • La Crêperie de Josselin - crêpes

  • Freddy's - chic yet unpretentious wine bar with a well-curated list of French wines and a daily menu of small plates like Iberico ham and razor clams. The cozy, cavernous interior is best suited for couples rather than larger groups.

  • Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels - This Experimental Group wine bar offers an extensive wine list and small plates in low-lit, intimate surroundings. The prices are steep, so be prepared to splurge!

  • Grouvie - cute and funky cocktail bar

7th:

  • La Fontaine de Mars - small classic bistro near the Eiffel Tower with white and red checkered tablecloths and a cozy vibe

  • L’Ami Jean - rustic French fare

  • Les Cocottes - delicious French fare in a more modern setting

  • Café le Voltaire  -  a classic brasserie serving traditional French cuisine in a refined space with dark-wood paneling, located right on the Seine

  • Restaurant David Toutain - fine dining

8th / 16th:

  • Monsieur Bleu - Chic eatery in the Palais de Tokyo offering Eiffel Tower views & serving local classics & brunch

  • Girafe Restaurant - upscale restaurant with a scenic terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower

  • Taillevent - fine dining near L’Arc de Triomphe

  • Le Gabriel - fine dining in the luxury La Résèrve hotel

  • GiGi - very trendy spot with Eiffel Tower views

10th:

  • Foudre - wine + apéro

  • Bouillon Julien - cheap & quality French fare with a grand bistro setting

  • Vivant 2 - Intimate spot specializing in natural wines and a rotating menu of small, sharable dishes. Best for couples or solo diners since most of the seats are at the counter.

  • Le Verre Volé - This no-frills wine bar in Canal Saint-Martin is one of the originals from the early 2000s and still popular with locals. The food here is also excellent. Book ahead, especially for weekend lunch. If you can't get in, check out their épicerie and sandwich shop nearby. There are multiple locations, including La Cave on Rue Oberkampf.

  • Early June - Canal Saint-Martin is a popular neighborhood where locals bring a bottle of wine to enjoy by the canal on weekend evenings. For a more elevated yet laid-back experience, come to Early June for organic wines and side plates prepared by a rotating cast of chefs from around the world. It gets busy quickly and they don't take reservations.

  • Folderol - This wine bar / ice cream spot is a one stop shop for drinks and dessert. Grab a bottle and cone to go or enjoy it at the bar with focaccia and charcuterie. Note there are separate menus for to-go and dine-in ice cream flavors. For a fine dining experience, check out their sister restaurant Le Rigmarole.

11th:

  • Chez Imogene - cozy crêperie

  • Café du coin - Upscale Mediterranean dishes pair with wine & apéritifs in a light-filled, stylish space

  • Orgueil - Esteemed new restaurant hidden away in a residential neighborhood in the 11th arrondissement serving beautifully prepared small plates

  • Septime - fine dining, one of Paris’s best restaurants. Note that reservations are nearly impossible and often books up within minutes

  • Septime La Cave - If you can't get a reservation at Septime, the intimate wine bar around the corner is the next best thing. Septime La Cave is known for their daily selection of 10 wines by the glass, focusing on small producers, biodynamics, and natural wines from around Europe. They also offer a small menu of bar snacks including pain grillé with smoked butter and black truffles, anchovies with mozzarella, sausages from the Ardèche region. Come for date night and go for a stroll through the Marais afterwards.

  • La Buvette - Low-key, woman-owned natural wine bar with reasonably priced glasses and bottles from small producers. There's no kitchen, but the charcuterie, cheeses, and white beans pair perfectly with the wines. Great spot for pre-dinner drinks and snacks. It gets crowded on weekends and probably can't accommodate groups larger than 4. 

9th:

  • Le Bon Georges - classic cute bistro

  • Le Pantruche - classic French 

  • Les Ptits Gros - typical bistro

18th (Montmartre):

  • La Boîte aux Lettres - small, intimate French restaurant 

  • Les Inséparables - French gastronomic tasting menu

  • Polissons -  French gastronomic tasting menu

  • Sacrée fleur - French fare + steak

Additional wine bars:

Juveniles, Ô Château,  Folderol, Assemblages, Les Épiciers, Chambre Noire, Le Serpent à Plume (cocktails), Le 1905

Cocktail bars:

  • Le Mary Celeste - From the team behind Candelaria, this lively neighborhood bar in the Marais offers cocktails, wines, and a selection of small plates focused on fresh seafood. They take reservations, but you can also sit at the bar.

  • Cravan - Coffee, snacks, and cocktails in a beautiful Art Nouveau space infused with historic character.

  • Perruche - Charming rooftop restaurant in the Printemps Haussmann department store. Head to the bar for drinks with a view. The atmosphere and views here are more special than the food. Book ahead if you want a sit-down dining experience.

  • Le Très Particulier - The indoor-outdoor bar at the historic Hotel Particulier in Montmartre feels like stepping into a romantic fairytale setting with velvet fabrics, whimsical wallpaper, and tropical foliage. The drinks named after film and literature classics are crafted with house-made syrups and fresh ingredients from the garden. Take the stairs on the right at the end of the garden bath to access it. 

  • Prescription Cocktail Club - The Experimental Group is known for outstanding cocktail bars and this one in the fashionable Saint Germain is no exception. Prescription Cocktail Club offers creative cocktails in a dark and decadent setting complete with a marbled bar and vintage furnishings. If it gets too crowded, head upstairs to the hidden bar behind a bookshelf.

  • Grouvie - cute and funky cocktail bar in St. Germain