🗺️ Before You Go
Tips & Recommendations
Everything you need to know before and during your trip — from apps to download to navigating the city safely.
📱 Apps to Download
Google Translate — Camera Mode
Point your camera at any French text and it translates instantly. A lifesaver for menus, which are almost always entirely in French. Most people in stores and restaurants do speak English though.
Uber
Works perfectly fine in Paris. If hailing a regular taxi, always ask first whether they accept credit cards — otherwise they may ask you to stop at an ATM en route.
RATP / Citymapper (Public Transport)
RATP is the official Paris transport app — buy tickets via Apple Wallet or top up your physical Navigo card. Citymapper is excellent for route planning and live updates.
Splitwise (Group Budgets)
Track who paid for what across the trip. Settle up at the end. Makes group travel so much smoother — highly recommended.
The Navigo Pass — Smartest Way to Get Around
Pick up a physical Navigo card at any metro station booth. Load it with a weekly pass, a set number of tickets, or more. For bikes, use Dott or Lime (weekly/monthly passes available) — or Vélib', the city-subsidised option (cheapest, but bikes can be hit-and-miss in quality).
🏨 Where to Stay
Hotels > Airbnb these days
Between neighbourhood disturbances, increasing regulations, and rising prices — hotels are generally the better bet, especially for shorter stays.
Le Pigalle
Doubles as a lovely café, restaurant, and bar all day and night. A fantastic home base in the 9th district (Pigalle/Montmartre area).
The Hoxton
Another great all-day space — hotel, café, restaurant, and bar rolled into one. Works well for solo travellers and groups alike.
🛡️ Safety
Paris has 2M+ people in the inner city (10M+ in greater Paris). Like any major city, a little awareness goes a long way.
Simple things that make a big difference
- Need to adjust shoes or your bag? Step to the side of the pavement — don't block an already narrow sidewalk.
- Getting something from your wallet or bag? Check your surroundings first and do it discreetly.
- If someone tries to put a bracelet on you — refuse firmly but politely and keep walking.
- If someone asks you to sign a petition — it's a known pickpocket tactic. Decline and walk away.
- At train stations, bus stops, or airports: never follow individuals offering unofficial taxi services. Use clearly signed taxi ranks or Uber.
Areas to be aware of:
La Chapelle
Not much to do here. The one exception: Paris Basketball games if you happen to be in town during the season.
Gare du Nord
Major international hub (Eurostar to London, trains to Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland). Lots of international travellers = easy targets. Keep your belongings close.
14th / 15th / 16th / 17th arrondissements
Very residential and designed for cars rather than pedestrians. Prices are high but there's genuinely not much to do — skip unless you have a specific reason to visit.
Place de la République (weekends)
The main plaza for protests every weekend — can range from 30 people to major national strikes. If you see increased police presence, simply walk around the plaza. Quiet streets are just a block away on any side. It's very amplified by the media; nothing to actually worry about.
🍽️ Where to Eat
Restaurants & Places to Eat
From century-old French institutions to the best pizza by the slice — your complete Paris food guide.
🥐 Classic French & Institutions
Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole
Believed to be the oldest serving restaurant in Paris, right next to Notre Dame. Beautiful inside — a wonderful evening of traditional French food and wine.
Procope
Served food to revolutionaries during the 1789 French Revolution. Inside: incredible artefacts including Napoleon's hat. The menu is deeply old-school traditional French. Try to book upstairs — it looks like the inside of a castle.
Bouillon Chartier
Iconic French restaurant serving since 1896. Inexpensive, no reservations, no fuss — a true Parisian institution. Also see Bouillon République (same owners) and Bouillon Pigalle (different owners, same great formula).
Le Train Bleu
Prepare to be stunned. Located inside one of Paris' main train stations — possibly the most spectacular restaurant setting in the entire city. The price reflects the experience, but it's absolutely worth it.
Le Bon George
Traditional French bistro. Highly recommend anything beef — the homemade fries and wine selection are both excellent.
Le Grand Colbert
Great, classic traditional French restaurant close to Palais Royal / Opéra / Richelieu, between the 1st and 2nd arrondissements.
Le Nemour
Traditional bistro located right next to the Louvre & Palais Royal. Classic and reliable.
Brasserie Dubillot / Brasserie Bellanger
No-fluff, new-wave French bistrots focused on the essentials: good food, normal prices, and beautiful interior design.
✨ Contemporary & Creative French
Café de l'Homme
17 Place du Trocadéro — pricey, but has THE best view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Lunch is better value; evening is more spectacular with the tower lit up. Your call.
Laitcha
Asian-fusion bistro owned by a 2-Michelin-star chef. This is their casual spin-off — great quality without the formality or price tag.
LIZA
Lebanese restaurant — incredible food. Best dessert I've ever had: rose & pistachio Lebanese rice pudding at 8€. Worth every cent. Booking advised for dinner.
Frenchie To Go
Famous French chef worked in NYC, came back and opened Frenchie (upscale) + this street food spot: a French take on burgers, hot dogs, and wings.
Frenchie Pigalle
The Pigalle outpost of the Frenchie empire — the restaurant of a trendy hotel in the 9th.
🍕 Pizza
Alice Pizza / La Place Italienne / Da Faustino
Great Italian-style pizzas with fresh, delicious ingredients. Multiple locations around the city, also on delivery.
Constantia
A solid pizza spot in Montmartre.
Tripletta
Another excellent pizza option in the city.
Sonny's Pizza
The most American-style pizza in Paris. Great pizzas and a cool atmosphere near the Canal and other trendy spots.
Bricktop
Trendy US-style pizza-by-the-slice parlour. Located close to the Canal.
🌮 Mexican
El Nopal
One of the most authentic Mexican spots in all of Paris. Small hole-in-the-wall by the Canal and a slightly bigger location in Pigalle (9th). Also on delivery.
ACA
Another really good option for real, flavourful Mexican food. Multiple locations across the city. Also on delivery.
🍜 Thai
Street Bangkok
Thai street food done really well. A franchise with multiple spots around the city — different locations have different specialties: Roast, Grill, Fry.
🍔 American & Burgers
Will's Deli
Some of the best pastrami in all of Paris. The owners make their own — and even supply it to other restaurants around the city. A family-owned gem.
Dumbo
The original smash burger joint in Paris. Never a wrong choice. Takeaway only.
Numéro 10
Affordable smash burger + fries combo. Highly recommend the vegan option. Serves craft beer. Has a tattoo parlour in the basement — yes, really.
Melt Deli (Rochechouart)
A great deli in the Rochechouart area — solid sandwiches and good vibes.
Gumbo Yaya
My favourite fried chicken in all of France. Feels very US/Southern — Chicken & Waffle is a must. Their spice and seasoning game is genuinely serious.
Baba Zulu
A favourite for Chicken & Waffles or southern-style fried chicken burgers.
🍗 Korean Fried Chicken
Outfry
My current personal favourite for Korean fried chicken — the flavours and seasoning are next level. Delivery only, so sometimes needs reheating.
Chikin
Another top K-fried chicken spot. They even give you a little plastic glove for the messy eating — a thoughtful touch.
🍜 Vietnamese
The Hood
A Southeast Asian canteen — Indonesian, Singaporean, Malaysian, Vietnamese. All authentic and super tasty.
Nonette
Sister spot to The Hood — a bánh mì and donut takeaway. Incredibly delicious.
Banh Mi Tender
Close to the Canal — grab a bánh mì and eat it sitting by the water on a sunny day. A perfect Paris moment.
Phở 14
Two locations in the city. Arguably one of the best Phở in all of Paris — the real deal.
🥢 Asian Fusion
Siseng
Been coming here since it opened around 2013. Never once been disappointed. Fantastic bao burgers, delicious food, great drinks — right on Canal St Martin.
Uma Nota
Japanese-Brazilian fusion — a genuinely interesting combo. The ceviche is to die for.
🍝 Italian
Capucci
Pasta only — but they make it fresh every single morning before service. Lunchtime only. Worth planning your day around.
Dulcinea
Small local Pigalle restaurant serving great Italian food. Doesn't look like much from the outside — a proper hidden gem.
🥟 Chinese & Bao
Petit Bao
Small Cantonese-style canteen. Walk in, no fuss. No booking.
Gros Bao
Same concept as Petit Bao but bigger, with more choices. No booking.
Bleu Bao
The elevated version of the Bao concept — classy restaurant with beautiful design. Great for a date night or for those who appreciate interiors. No booking.
🏬 Food Halls & Markets
BoomBoom Villette
Massive indoor food court with different restaurants, bars, desserts, and treats. Located around the big La Villette area in the 19th district. Great for groups.
Ground Control
A former train station turned event space — bars, food court, podcast/radio studio, fairs, karaoke, shopping stands, and galleries. An entire city within the city.
La Communale (St Ouen)
Another huge indoor food court and event space, this one in St Ouen.
La Cité Fertile
An outdoor space in Pantin just outside the 19th. Craft beer, street food stalls, and lots of weekend events.
Marché des Enfants Rouges
One of the best markets in Paris and one of the oldest covered markets in the city. Fresh produce, fruits & veg, and a range of food stalls inside. A Marais classic.
Weekly Farmers' Markets
There are weekly farmers' markets scattered all across the city — always a fun experience. Ask locally or look up what's happening in your neighbourhood that week.
Food Tour with a Local Guide
A good friend of Tibz is a Food Tour Guide offering themed tours across the city. We've recommended it to friends — even families with picky-eater kids — and they all loved it. Book via IG and mention that Tibz sent you.
☕ Morning & Afternoon
Coffee, Bakeries & Sweet Spots
Skip supermarkets for bread — find your local boulangerie. And for coffee, Paris has quietly become one of Europe's best cities for specialty.
☕ Coffee Shops
Motors Coffee
Personal favourite. Amazing vibes — they play Soulection all day on the speakers, and they take coffee seriously. Super central, in the Châtelet / Les Halles area.
Nuances
Close to the Louvre & Tuileries. Art-deco vibes, wonderful coffee and dirty chai — they also serve babkas from one of the best babka bakeries in the city.
%Arabica
Recently re-opened in Paris at a new location. Quality coffee, always.
Monocle Café
First Paris location of the café from one of the best magazines in the world. Great food, beverages, coffee, and a fantastic shop and magazine selection.
Café Pigalle
In Pigalle, close to Montmartre. Reliable and well-located.
Café Kitsuné
Several locations across the city. Consistently serious coffee.
Sylon
Lovely coffee house tucked away in Montmartre — off the beaten path and all the better for it.
KB Coffeehouse
Wonderful but a bit pricier than most. In Pigalle.
DOSE — Dealer de Café
A nice, local neighbourhood coffee shop. No fuss, great coffee.
NOIR Coffee
Very well-designed coffee houses all over the city. They've been opening new locations rapidly — you'll find one near you wherever you are.
Partisan
Great coffee, fashionable crowd, prime central location. No laptops — come to be present.
Caféothèque
Wonderful coffee close to Le Marais and the Seine riverbank.
Shakespeare & Co Café
The café next to the iconic English bookstore. Essential.
Ten Belles
Great coffee, located close to the Canal.
Terres de Café
They take coffee seriously — multiple locations across the city.
Grande Mosquée de Paris — Tea House
Don't come for coffee — come for the authentic Middle Eastern mint tea inside the most beautiful mosque in Paris. A completely unique Parisian experience you shouldn't miss.
🥐 Bakeries & Pastry Shops
On finding bread in Paris
Skip any corner store or supermarket altogether. Just look around your neighbourhood for a "Boulangerie" sign — you'll find one within a few minutes everywhere in the city. The places below are genuinely exceptional though.
Pain Pain
Our former favourite when we lived in the city. It's rare to find a bakery where both the bread AND the pastries/cakes are exquisite — but this is it.
Shinya
A local artisan running his own store in the heart of Montmartre. He makes his bread from scratch using French grains and Japanese traditional techniques. Special.
Mamiche
A hip, trendy take on the neighbourhood bakery concept.
The French Bastards
New-school bakery with a fresh, distinctive perspective on the classics.
Leonie
A local bakery drawing inspiration from the south-west of France.
Babka Zana
Specialising in Jewish-style babkas and challah bread. Great sandwiches around lunchtime too.
Le Pain Retrouvé
Old-school bread-making, generous portions. Highly recommend getting a slice of focaccia.
🍪 Cookie Spots
Creme
The iconic London-based cookie parlour has opened in Le Marais. The cookies are exactly as good as you'd hope.
Puffy
A newer spot serving large, half-baked cookies that are just plain delicious.
Jean Hwang Carant
Independent woman-owned cookie parlour that just celebrated its 9th anniversary. Go to understand why it's lasted so long.
Scoop Me a Cookie
Multiple stores across the city with lots of choices — something for everyone.
🍦 Ice Cream
Glazed
Fantastic independent ice cream parlour working on their own original flavours. Always something interesting on the menu.
Bachir
Serving delicious Lebanese ice cream with a pistachio-dipped topping since the 1930s. A true institution.
Berthillon
The most traditional ice cream vendor in Paris, since 1954. Multiple parlours and supplies many Paris restaurants. An absolute classic — if you have ice cream once in Paris, make it this.
Folderol
Family-operated wine bar that also makes homemade ice cream in-house. A lovely combination.
🧋 Bubble Tea
The Alley
Personal favourite — a few locations around the city, and the best flavours and options of any boba spot in Paris.
Xin Fu Tang
Great Taiwanese-style boba with lots of stores around the city.
Laizé
An indie coffee and tea house that also serves delicious bubble tea.
🍳 Brunch
Bob's Bake Shop
Great brunch spot. No booking — arrive early or expect a wait.
Hollybelly
Another beloved no-booking brunch spot. Popular, so plan accordingly.
Papilles
Booking available online — a more relaxed and plannable weekend brunch option.
🍷 Drinking Spots
Best Bars & Drinking Spots in Paris
From legendary cocktail bars to hidden wine cellars, here's where to enjoy Paris' vibrant drinking culture.
🍸 Cocktail Bars
Little Red Door
Featured in the World's 50 Best Bars list, this moody, intimate spot in Le Marais is perfect for pre-dinner cocktails. Expect queues — it's that good.
Candelaria
A taqueria by day, a speakeasy cocktail den by night. Hidden behind an unmarked door in Le Marais — ask for the cocktail menu.
Harry's Bar
Legendary New York-style cocktail bar, birthplace of the Bloody Mary and French 75. A Paris institution since 1911.
Experimental Cocktail Club
Trendy, dimly lit, and always buzzing. A must-visit for creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
Le Comptoir Général
A Caribbean-inspired bar with a jungle-like vibe, serving rum cocktails and tropical flavors. Outdoor seating available.
🍷 Wine Bars
Le Baron Rouge
A lively, no-frills wine bar in Le Marais. Famous for its natural wines and oysters — get there early for a seat.
Cave du Paul Bert
The wine bar next to Bistro Paul Bert. Intimate, cosy, and perfect for a glass of exceptional French wine.
La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
A stylish, modern wine bar with an extensive selection of natural wines and small plates — ideal for both casual and serious wine lovers.
Ô Chateau
Wine tasting and classes in a beautiful 17th-century cellar. Ideal for groups or learning about French wines.
Le Verre Volé
A tiny, unpretentious wine bar with an ever-changing selection of natural wines and small plates.
🏡 Local Favorites
Chez Prune
A Canal St Martin staple since 2008. Affordable, unpretentious, and always packed with locals. Great for wine, beer, and tapas.
Le Syndicat
Dedicated to French spirits — think Calvados, Armagnac, and Chartreuse. A true taste of France in cocktail form.
La Fine Mousse
A craft beer bar with 20 taps and a focus on French and Belgian brews. Laid-back and welcoming.
🌆 Rooftop & Outdoor
Perchoir Marais
A rooftop bar with stunning views over Paris. Perfect for sunset drinks — book ahead in summer.
Le Bar du Plaza Athénée
Luxurious bar with a courtyard garden. Famous for its red Dior chairs and impeccable service.
Les Maquereaux
Outdoor bar by the Seine with a relaxed vibe. Ideal for a drink by the water on a warm day.
🛍️ Retail Therapy
Shopping in Paris
From cutting-edge menswear to century-old boutiques — the best places to spend your euros.
👔 Menswear
Isakin
Embodies the city's reputation for style and sophistication. Unique cuts and materials often inspired by Japanese and Korean fashion. Tucked in Montmartre, close to Sacré-Cœur.
📍 Open in Maps
Drôle de Monsieur
Modern European classics at great quality — pieces you genuinely won't find in London or NYC. You've seen their "Not From Paris, Madame" hoodies everywhere for a reason.
📍 Open in Maps
HCS
Multi-brand clothing and shoe store in Pigalle. Contemporary take on classic styles, ethically sourced, for both men and women.
📍 Open in Maps
Bleu de Paname
Updated versions of classic French workwear — high-quality craftsmanship, durable materials, and timeless design.
Blouse de Lyon
Historic Parisian store established in 1937. Specialises in traditional and contemporary workwear and accessories.
Maison Château Rouge
African-owned brand with vibrant, culturally rich designs rooted in the African diaspora. Celebrated for collabs with Nike, Jordan Brand, Lacoste, and more. One of the most unique and coolest brands in Paris.
📍 Open in Maps
Octobre Éditions
Sister brand of Sézane — the same timeless, sustainable ethos applied to menswear. Distinctly Parisian flair, founded 2016.
Dover Street Market
The Paris outpost of Rei Kawakubo's legendary multi-brand concept store. High-end streetwear, designer pieces, and rare drops all under one roof — DSM is in a category of its own.
📍 Open in Maps
🧴 Skincare
Horace
The best skincare brand for men in France — and honestly one of the best I've come across anywhere. Clean formulas, no fuss, works well. Flagship store in the 9th. Great for gifts too.
📍 Open in Maps
👗 Womenswear
Sézane
The Parisian brand for feminine, vintage-inspired designs with a strong focus on sustainability. Timeless, high-quality, ethically made. Their sister brand Octobre covers menswear with the same ethos.
Le Marais (Neighbourhood)
The neighbourhood itself is a destination — a mix of trendy boutiques, vintage stores, and artisanal shops along cobblestone streets. Best shopping district in Paris, full stop.
🕰️ Vintage Shopping
Why Paris does Vintage differently
Paris' love affair with vintage is rooted in its fashion heritage — these shops are portals to the past, offering unique, timeless pieces that tell stories. Shopping vintage here is also a sustainable choice. There's a certain thrill in hunting for that perfect, one-of-a-kind item. Grab a café au lait and dive in.
🏬 Other Favourites
Merci
A next-generation department store concept across 2 city locations. Design objects, interior/decor products, books, and great clothing. Their tote bags are a must-buy for visitors.
Buly — L'Officine Universelle Buly 1863
An incredible hidden gem for beauty products and our #1 gift spot. Their "antique body oil" is beautiful — and they have a calligrapher on hand to personalise the product right in the store. The Rue Vieille du Temple location also has a small coffee counter.
🗼 Explore the City
Things To Do & Areas to Visit
Paris is supremely walkable — you can cross from one neighbourhood to another in about 20 minutes on foot. Here's where to go and what to see.
Getting Around on Two Wheels
For biking, use Dott or Lime — best for short/medium stays (get a weekly or monthly pass). Vélib' is the city-subsidised option and cheapest, but finding bikes in good condition can be hit-and-miss.
🗼 Landmarks & Museums
🗼 Eiffel Tower & Champs de Mars
Walk around and take pictures — you don't need to go to the top if time is tight. The Champs de Mars garden (think Washington Mall scale) is perfect for strolling. For the best views, walk north to the Trocadéro. Watch your pockets around the Arc de Triomphe roundabout.
🏛️ Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
"The most beautiful avenue in the world" — standing at the Arc de Triomphe, you can see all the way down to the Concorde obelisk and the Louvre pyramids in one straight line. Stunning. Careful with pickpockets on the roundabout.
⛪ Notre Dame
Gorgeous Gothic cathedral on its own island in the Seine. Walk over and photograph it — no need to go inside if the queues are long. Expect a lot of tourists.
🖼️ Louvre Museum
Parisians never try to see everything in one go — there's too much to see, you could easily lose 3 days. Look at the map beforehand and decide on what you want to focus on: Mona Lisa, Egyptian/Greek antiquities, etc.
🎨 Musée d'Orsay
What used to be an old train station is now one of the best classical art museums in Paris. The Louvre is more famous, but personally I much prefer visiting the Orsay. Both are great — if you only have time for one, this is my pick.
🎭 Opéra Garnier (Palais Garnier)
The avenue leading to the Opéra might be my favourite street in all of Paris. The building itself is one of the most extraordinary pieces of architecture in the city.
💎 Place Vendôme
One of the most elegant squares in Paris — the home of haute joaillerie (Cartier, Van Cleef, Chanel). Beautiful to walk through.
🏘️ Neighbourhoods to Explore
⛪ Montmartre
Perched on a hill (accessible by funicular or on foot), with the famous white Sacré-Cœur Basilica at the top. Walk behind for a village-like community with artists, cute streets, and small bars and restaurants. Highly recommend walking Rue des Abbesses. Scenic, historic, and one of my personal favourites to wander.
✡️ Le Marais
Historically the Jewish, gay, and fashion district. Cobblestone streets, brilliant boutiques, beautiful architecture — easily one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in the city. Note: during Fashion Week, it can be overwhelmingly packed.
📚 St Germain des Prés
Classic left-bank neighbourhood south of the river. A few iconic cafés where the all-time great writers used to sit (Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, Brasserie Lipp). Small streets with lovely shops, including the iconic Taschen bookstore and Bonjour Jacob (indie magazines + coffee).
💫 Pigalle / South Pigalle (SoPi)
One of the most vibrant neighbourhoods right now. Great restaurants, bars, shops — a fascinating mix of old Paris cabaret history and new creative energy. Excellent base if you're staying here.
🚶 Best Walks
🌊 Quais de Seine (Riverside Walk)
One of the most Parisian things you can do — walk along the Seine. Best on weekdays or outside public holidays when it's less packed. Absolutely beautiful in good weather.
🛶 Canal St Martin
A lovely canal starting just behind Place de la République. Walk all the way up past great restaurants, independent shops, and authentic local life. One of my personal favourite Paris walks.
⛪ Montmartre Neighbourhood Wander
Hilly, scenic, feels like stepping back in time. Walk Rue des Abbesses, wind your way up to the Sacré-Cœur. Don't rush — this neighbourhood is best discovered slowly.
😌 Chill Spots & Third Places
Parc Monceau
An elegant park perfect for journaling, reading, or watching Parisian life go by at its own pace. One of the more relaxed green spaces in the city.
Le Marais
Great for wandering, café-sitting, and people-watching. One of the best places in Paris to just exist. Avoid Fashion Week though.
Cité Fertile (Pantin)
Outdoor space in Pantin with craft beer, street food, and events. A great place to spend a weekend afternoon.
Ground Control
Former train station turned multi-purpose space — bars, food, events, music. A city within the city.
BoomBoom Villette
Huge indoor food court with bars and events near La Villette (19th). Great for a large group or a rainy day.
La Communale (St Ouen)
A big food court and event space in the up-and-coming St Ouen neighbourhood.
🌳 Green Spaces
Parks
On either side of the city you'll find two enormous parks — Bois de Boulogne (west) and Bois de Vincennes (east), both bigger than Central Park. Here are the best smaller parks scattered across the city.
The Two Giants
Bois de Boulogne (western edge) and Bois de Vincennes (eastern edge) are both bigger than Central Park in NYC. Perfect for a half-day escape from the density of the city.
Jardin du Luxembourg
One of the most beloved parks in Paris — beautifully manicured, great spots to read, model boats on the fountain pond. A true Parisian classic. Highly recommended.
Buttes-Chaumont
One of the most scenic parks in the city — hills, a lake, and a temple perched on a rocky island. In the 19th and beloved by locals. Highly underrated by tourists.
Tuileries Garden
The formal garden between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Elegant and central — great for a post-museum stroll.
Palais Royal
A hidden gem right in the centre — arcades, sculptures, restaurants, and a tranquil garden. Feels completely removed from the city despite being so central.
Parc Monceau
Elegant park with romantic ruins, statues, and wide paths. Perfect for a quiet morning or afternoon with a book.
La Villette
Huge science and culture complex with wide open green spaces. Great for a long walk — also surrounded by the BoomBoom food court, music venues, and events.
Jardin des Plantes
Paris' botanical gardens — beautiful greenhouses, a small zoo, and the Natural History Museum. A lovely, undervisited destination.
Parc de Belleville
High up on one of Paris' hills with great views over the rooftops. A lively neighbourhood surrounds it.