“The ultimate guide to Paris – the only list you’ll ever need of the best restaurants, museums and things to do in Paris.” If any the guide to Paris always begins with such a statement, my recommendation is to click immediately – anyone who knows and loves the City of Light will agree that such a feat is impossible .
Paris is an onion: you fall in love the first time you set foot in her streets, and each visit after that is a shell of her beauty returning.
If you approach her with the same feeling curious, With the wit and playfulness that the French love, Paris will always surprise you. So let this list be a starting point – then go around, explore and add your own Paris spots that speaks only to your soul.
Read on for my favorite restaurants, shops, cafes, museums and things to do in Paris, then bookmark this post if you want to save it. my google map outline all my favorite places. It’s a city that covers all neighborhoods and knows what’s within walking distance, so I always pin down and map out my plans before any trip to Paris. I’d love to hear your favorites in the comments.
Best restaurant in Paris (follow me)
Paris has to have more restaurants per capita than any other city and I’ve learned from experience that if you don’t plan, you can accidentally eat mediocre pasta at the only tourist trap where you can score. That said, I’ve also found that looking to the quote “Best restaurants in Paris” can be a recipe for claustrophobic, presentation-oriented white tablecloth experiences. rather than feeling happy. My best experiences eating out in Paris came from a recommendation from a friend and now I’m happy to be that friend for you. These are my favorite movies:
Paris Cafe for Breakfast and Lunch
La Fontaine: This cafe is an authentic all-day venue. Come for a coffee and indulge in French classics like croque sandwiches, baguettes and a great cheese plate.
Ten Belles Bread: Really good coffee, delicious pastries and some of the best sourdough in Paris.
L’Avenue: L’Avenue is a stylish spot for a delicious lunch, especially if you’re taking a break from shopping on Avenue Montaigne. The outdoor terrace is a place for epic-watchers, though the inside is just as gorgeous.
Le Café Marly: An ideal spot for coffee and breakfast in front of the Louvre.
Miznon Marais: All you need to know is: get the falafel.
Cafe Charlotte: A classic brasserie in the Marais, Café Charlot is another popular spot if you want to feel like a Parisian.
Ober Mamma: Delicious and casual Italian place for all your pasta and pizza cravings.
Les Deux Magots: It’s a classic for a reason. Sit 6 inches from the next table, order a coffee or glass of wine, and take in the city views.
Berthillon Glacier: This popular ice cream parlor is the perfect end to any meal in Paris. Grab a cone and take a stroll along the Seine.
Best Pub in Paris
La Buvette: The tiny, cozy natural wine bar of your dreams. Arrive early to get one of the few tables – walk-in only.
Deviant: Fun spot to enjoy natural wines and creative small plates around a cozy, sometimes noisy bar.
Cave of September La: This pub is super cozy and walk-in only – and it’s the next best thing to booking a table at Septime.
Vivant 2: Fun vibe and really great food.
Restaurants in Paris for Dinner
Clown stick: I spent the most enjoyable evening at Clown Bar with friends sharing delightful small plates and sampling the natural wines recommended by their warm, friendly team. Make a reservation for the terrace.
Le Servan: We actually went for lunch and Le Servan’s Asian seasoning menu got us hooked. The perfect balance between beauty and attention to detail, no fuss.
Pizza Chic: You all know how much I love pizza, and the food here is just as good as the food that makes you feel like you’re at an Italian diner. I love this for a nice lunch or a casual dinner – and that’s always a good sign when you see Italian families gobbling up pizza there.
Balagan Paris: The most fun, chic and mouth-watering Mediterranean menu. Balagan is a party every night of the week, and it’s as much about energy and music as it is about the incredible pita bread. Go early and enjoy a cozy treat at the adjoining bar.
Clamato: Owned by the same crew as Septime, this trendy seafood restaurant always wins. It’s also join-only, which is a huge perk if you forget to make a reservation.
L’Ami Jean: We spent Adam’s birthday here with a table full of friends, and it was a night I will never forget. Our server brought us almost everything on the menu, and when we learned about the family party, it felt like we were at a friend’s cozy Paris apartment. Don’t miss the rice cake.
Candelaria: A late-night hideaway, this pub and cocktail bar has a hidden door in the back that leads to a tequila bar.
The best museum in Paris
Again, the title of “best museum in Paris” is very subjective as there are several museums in Paris that I have not been to. I keep visiting my old favorites, but let me know in the comments if there’s a great museum I’m missing out on.
Musée d’Orsay: Impressionism lovers: be transported to heaven in this beautiful museum formerly a railway station located on the banks of the Seine. Its permanent collection is bursting with works by Matisse, Degas Cezanne, Cassatt, Monet, Van Gogh and the list goes on…
Rodin Museum: Home to the famous “The Thinker” sculpture, the Rodin Museum has beautiful sculpture gardens and a beautiful residence containing Rodin’s work.
Louis Vuitton Foundation: An excellent modern and contemporary museum sponsored by the LVMH group. The building itself is a work of art.
Maison Européenne de la Photographie: Brimming with contemporary photography, this museum is housed in a splendid 18th-century mansion. The exhibits change frequently, so even when you’ve arrived, there’s always something new to see.
Center Pompidou: Not only does this museum have an amazing collection of contemporary and modern art, but the building itself is an incredible glass and metal structure that is not to be missed. It means like a heart pumped by arteries the structure with bright colors.
National Museum Picasso-Paris: This particular building houses 5,000 works by Pablo Picasso, as well as his own personal art collection.
Louvre museum: You cannot go to Paris without going to the Louvre. You can walk for miles through the royal palace and see some of the most famous works of art (think Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, etc.). It’s one of the best things to do in Paris.
The best hotels in Paris
Hotel Costes: This is my favorite hotel and the best lunch spot for people watching. However, you absolutely must make a reservation for the restaurant, especially when eating late at night.
Providence Hotel: Our friends stayed in this beautiful hotel. It’s cozy and in a fun, vibrant neighborhood.
Best shopping in Paris
Food store
Since Paris is all about food (IMHO), I always make sure to stop by a few shops for coffee, jams, cakes and sweets to take back as souvenirs for friends and family.
Marche Raspail: One of the largest organic markets in Europe, Marché Raspail is a great place to stroll around or pick up a few things for lunch. This is one of my personal picks for the best things to do in Paris. Warning: chances are you’ll get carried away with all the great options.
A la Mére de Famille: Craving for chocolate? This handcrafted chocolate shop is the perfect place to indulge.
Stohrer: This elegant pastry shop has the best cakes and pastries, along with a gorgeous interior.
Design shop
Studio 7L: This is Karl Lagerfeld’s bookstore and it’s as luxurious as you can imagine.
Astier de Villatte: This Chinese shop has beautiful pottery and glassware that you will keep and cherish forever. Regardless, it’s fun to browse for inspiration.
Madeleine & Gustave – Siege Paris: This one-of-a-kind homeware store is fun as you stroll around in search of precious items and little inspiration. Plus, they focus on responsibly produced local products.
Papier Tigre: This paper shop has the best notebooks, stationery, and home accessories. It’s the perfect place to pick up a small souvenir for someone back home.
Au Petit Bonheur la Chance: I like a good antique store, and this might be my favorite. You never know what you’ll find, but it’s always great to walk through.
OFR bookstore: This cozy bookstore/gallery is a great place to browse.
Clothes and accessories
CELINE PARIS MONTAIGNE: If you’re craving a moment of self-indulgence, every bag, scarf, and pair of sunglasses is a forever item.
Tom Greyhound Paris: Tom Greyhound is a luxury boutique with couture clothing for both men and women.
Merci: I love browsing around this store for inspiration.
What are your favorite things to do in Paris? Drop them in the comments so I can add them to my list for next time! And be sure to save Google Map Guide for your next visit.
