top of page

Your Insider’s Guide to Where to Eat, Stay & Play in Paris

Writer's picture: Shelly MaffiaShelly Maffia

Updated: Jul 10, 2024

Suite terrace
Image courtesy of Relais Christine

Paris is a mosaic of vibrant neighborhoods, each offering its own unique charm and attractions. The city is divided into 20 arrondissements, or districts, and your Parisian adventure will likely revolve around a few select areas that resonate with your travel style.


Exploring the Arrondissements:


  • Central Islands: Île de la Cité and Île Saint Louis host landmarks like Notre Dame and the Louvre.


  • Up-and-Coming: The 9th arrondissement boasts a hip, edgy, boho-chic vibe, while the 11th is a culinary hotspot with trendy, unpretentious eateries.


  • Tourist Essentials: The Eiffel Tower and other iconic sites are must-sees for first-timers. However, make sure to also indulge in off-the-beaten-path experiences and embrace the spirit of wandering.


Travel Tips for Paris:


  • Currency: Euro (€)


  • Language: French


  • Airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Paris-Orly Airport (ORY)


  • Transportation: The Paris Métro and RER make city navigation a breeze.


  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and busy, while August sees many locals on vacation, leading to quieter streets.


  • Ideal Stay Length: Four to six days allows you to cover major sights, but six to seven days will let you enjoy a more relaxed pace.


Savor the Flavors of Paris:

  • Signature Dishes: Don’t miss out on fresh baguettes, croissants, soupe à l’oignon, coq au vin, pommes frites, crêpes, and tarte tatin. Paris’s culinary scene also boasts a rich array of international cuisines.


Key Phrases to Know:

  • Hello: Bonjour

  • Thank You: Merci

  • Please: S’il vous plaît

  • Cheers: Santé


Dress Code: Parisians favor chic, understated elegance. Stripes are always a good choice. 


Left Bank (Rive Gauche)


The south of the Seine is a hub of history and intellectualism, brimming with top universities, historic cafés, and diverse shops.

Image courtesy of J.K. Place Paris

Where to Stay:

  • Relais Christine: Tucked away in a leafy courtyard, enjoy perks like a €90 spa credit and late check-out.

  • J.K. Place Paris: A five-star boutique epitome of chic, offering $100 hotel credit and extended check-in/out.

  • Hôtel Dame des Arts: Hip and contemporary with Platinum perks like $100 hotel credit.

  • Hôtel Lutetia: The Left Bank’s only luxury palace hotel, with €90 hotel credit and late check-out.

  • Hôtel Bel Ami: Intimate boutique hotel with Diamond Club perks including $100 food and beverage credit.

  • Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain: Historic hotel with spacious rooms and €90 hotel credit.


Musée d’Orsay

What to Do:

  • Musée d’Orsay: Visit this former train station for art exhibits.

  • Jardin de Luxembourg: Relax in these manicured gardens.

  • Latin Quarter: Explore the youthful, vibrant streets.

  • Paris Catacombs: For a unique, eerie experience.

  • Butte aux Cailles: Enjoy street art and charming cafés



Where to Eat:

  • Racines des Prés: Seasonal, elevated bistro fare.

  • Le Christine: A neighborhood gem in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

  • Café de Flore & Les Deux Magots: Iconic historic cafés.

  • Coya: Peruvian and Latin American fusion.

  • Le Voltaire: Traditional French cuisine in cozy surroundings.

  • L’Assiette: Gourmet locavore country cuisine.

  • La Felicità: Casual Italian dining with hip vibes.

  • Poilâne: Must-visit for artisanal sourdough bread



Right Bank (Rive Droite)


North of the Seine, you’ll find trendy neighborhoods, green spaces, and many of Paris’s famous landmarks and museums.



Images courtesy of La Fantaisie

Where to Stay:

  • La Fantaisie: Eclectic decor, rooftop bar, and €100 food/beverage or spa credit.

  • Château Voltaire: Luxurious, discreet stay with complimentary aperitivo.

  • Hôtel L'Eldorado Paris: Retro charm with daily breakfast and welcome drink.

  • Kimpton St Honoré Paris: Chic with a rooftop bar and $100 hotel credit.

  • Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel: Elegant with €95 food/beverage or spa credit.

  • Hôtel Pulitzer Paris: Warm, hip aesthetic with welcome amenities.

  • Hôtel Adèle & Jules: Bright personality with breakfast daily.

  • Cheval Blanc Paris: Ultra-luxurious with complimentary airport transfers.

  • Ritz Paris: Legendary luxury with complimentary airport transfer.

  • Le Bristol Paris: Elegant retreat with €100 food and beverage or spa credit.

  • Le Petit Moulin: Modern design with breakfast daily.

  • Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa: Discreet luxury with $100 hotel/resort credit.

  • Cour des Vosges: Art-filled mansion with $100 food/beverage or spa credit.

  • Grand Pigalle Experimental: Trendy with daily breakfast.

  • Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin: Playful newcomer to the Marais.

  • Saint James Paris: Regal château estate with breakfast daily.

  • Sofitel Paris le Faubourg: High-end stay with $100 hotel/resort credit.

  • InterContinental Paris - Le Grand: Five-star central stay with $100 hotel credit.

  • Hôtel Plaza Athénée: Parisian icon with €100 hotel/resort credit.


Fondation Louis Vuitton

What to Do:

  • Fondation Louis Vuitton: Modern art in a stunning building.

  • Bois de Boulogne: Botanical gardens, lakes, and walking paths.

  • Cimetière du Père-Lachaise: Final resting place of many famous figures.

  • Champs Elysées & Arc de Triomphe: Iconic landmarks.

  • The Louvre: Vast museum, best explored by prioritizing key exhibits.

  • Marais: Boutique shopping and hammam sessions.

  • Pigalle & Montmartre: Authentic neighborhoods with great views.

  • Canal Saint Martin: Bustling area with bars, restaurants, and shops.


Image courtesy of Vincent Leroux for Boubalé & Le Grand Mazarin

Where to Eat:

  • Septime: World-renowned tasting menus.

  • Clamato: No-reservations seafood spot.

  • Mokonuts: Lebanese-Japanese fusion with excellent cookies.

  • Boubalé: Vibrant Eastern European cuisine.

  • Tekés: Elevated Israeli cuisine.

  • Vantre, Korus, Aspic, Le Richer: French fine-dining in neighborhood settings.

  • Vivant 2: Intimate with a great wine list.

  • Frenchie Bar à Vins: Buzzing wine bar.

  • Holybelly: Youthful spot for breakfast or lunch.

  • Du Pain et des Idées: Must-visit bakery.

  • Sol Semilla: Organic, vegan-friendly.

  • Le Très Particulier: Exclusive craft cocktails.


Paris Markets:

  • Le Marché aux Puces Saint-Ouen de Clignancourt: World’s largest flea market.

  • Marché Couvert des Enfants Rouges: Paris’s oldest food market.

  • Marché biologique des Batignolles: Organic farmers’ market.

  • Bio c’ Bon, La Récolte & Bien Epicerie Bio: Organic grocery stores.


This is just a taste of what Paris has to offer. Let me craft a personalized itinerary for you, ensuring you experience the best of Paris while enjoying VIP perks and priority status at top hotels. Connect with me today to plan your dream Parisian getaway!

7 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page