WHERE TO STAY, EAT, DRINK, SEE, EXPLORE, & SHOP.
STAY:
The Marais is the most charming neighborhood in Paris with packed cafes on every corner, incredible restaurants, the best shopping, and the most vibrant nightlife. Most of the restaurants and shops listed below are in the Marais, in the 4th arrondissement.
Airbnb: tons of great options and a fun way to get a local feel for the city.
Hotels: Villa Beaumarchais, Sinner Paris, Hotel du Petit Moulin, JOBO Hotel
Hostel: MIJE Marais
St. Germain is a more classic and sophisticated version of the Marais. There are tons of cafes and restaurants, art galleries, museums, and great shopping. This neighborhood is home to Paris’s most famous cafes, Cafe de Flore, as well as the Luxembourg Gardens and Le Bon Marché.
Airbnb: tons of options, possibly more affordable than the Marais.
Hotels: L’Hotel, Artus Hotel, Hotel Montalembert, Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris
Hostel: Generator Paris
EAT & DRINK:
Brunch:
- Maison Sauvage: floral cafe with trendy, delicous food and great people watching.
- LouLou: Elegant lunch spot in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, serving Italian & French cuisine.
- Wild & The Moon: health cafe with sweet or savory bowls, smoothies, juices, and other grab and go items.
- Cafe Charlot: prime, corner cafe with French food and the best people watching in the Marais.
- Kitchen: health cafe for coffee, juices, and vegetarian breakfasts.
- La Perle: classic spot for French food. loved by locals.
- Falafel Stands: avoid the lines at the famous L’as Du Falaffel and try a stand on the same street.
Dinner:
- Pink Mamma: beautiful, multi-level Italian restaurant with unique decor. famous for their truffle pizza and pasta. there’s also a speakeasy in the basement.
- Cafe Louise: cozy, French spot with great cocktails, a varied dinner menu, & the best French onion soup
- Kalamata: bohemian interior with Greek food and specialty cocktails.
- PNY Burger Marais: best burger in the Marais and a casual dinner option.
- Balagan: Israeli menu with mezze and main dishes. turns into a club late-night.
- Refuge Des Fondus: strictly fondue on the menu and wine in baby bottles. fun experience!
Apertivo:
- La Brasserie de L’Isle Saint-Louis
- Les Philosophes
- Les Progres Marais
- Cafe de La Mairie
- Oken Marie
- **You can’t go wrong on cafes in Paris, I would sit wherever looks fun.**
Late Night/ Bars:
- Matignon: boujee but fun dinner club
- Le Speakeasy: famous piano bar/ night club
- Buddha Bar: famous for house music
- Hotel Costes: special bar for cocktails
- La Speakeasy: chill vibe, Mexican drinks & food
- O’Jasons: Irish pub with a young crowd
- **NEED RESERVATIONS**
SEE:
- Art Museums: the Louvre, Museum D’Orsay, Pompidu.
- Notre-Dame Cathédrale: interior is still being repaired from the fire in 2019 but the square is open and there is a walking gallery with information about the history, fire, & complex repairs on the side.
- Eiffel Tower: a must. pack a picnic and enjoy the park. the tower sparkles every hour, on the hour, after 19:00.
- Arc de Triomphe: French war memorial. option to walk under the arc or pay to climb the 280 stairs for a view of the city.
- Les Enfants Rouge: MY FAVORITE! A covered market with a maze of stalls. There are multicultural food stands, cafes, fresh produce, and flowers.
- Montmartre: a tiny and charming village with cobbled streets, Parisian cafes, artists, and boutiques on top of a hill.
- Sacré-Coeur: beautiful basilica on top of the Montmartre Hill with the largest mosaics in France.
- Jardin des Tuileries: garden and park between the Seine river and the Louvre, great for explore by foot or sit and relax.
- The Seine: another one of my favorite parts of Paris. the best places to walk or run, people watch, sunbath, or enjoy a drink.
- Moulin Rouge: the most famous cabaret and truly French experience. pre-buy tickets for dinner and a can-can show.
- Hotel Costes: this luxury, design hotel is famous for their cafe and bar, DJ sets, and chic energy
SHOP:
Marais:
- Merci: unique accessories and fashion.
- Palace Callas: vintage designer.
- TILT: vintage.
- Hippy Market: thrift.
- AB33: bohemian clothes & shoes
- Bimba y Lola: cool Spanish brand
- Dover Street Market
St Germain:
- Taschen: art book publisher’s first branded store
- FROM FUTURE: trendy, neon cashmere loungewear
- Bathroom Graffiti: creative home and gift store
- Sandro & Maje: women’s fashion. my favorite brands.
- Zadig et Voltaire: women’s fashion.
- Subdued: trendy but cool and affordable
