City Guide: Paris

Editors note: We’ve updated this article with some new locations and restaurants 24th July 2023

The basics

Country: France
Language: French
Currency: Euro
Transport: Metro, RER, Train & Uber.
You can get the Metro easily from Gare Du Nord if taking the Eurostar.
From Charles De Gaulle airport take RER B – it will take 34 minutes.
Power: Type C, E, F – Europe
Internet: We recommend getting an E-Sim, you can do that HERE.

I am head over heels in love with Paris. Every time I see it in a movie, or on the tv or see an old photo I just want to be back there at that moment, immediately. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to explore different parts of the city with different friends and family and become more familiar with its culture.

I’m intimidated by this City Guide because I have been to this city so many times throughout so many different phases of my life that the information in my mind is overwhelming. I’ve been sad in Paris, lost in Paris, alone in Paris, dying of the heat in Paris, I’ve partied in Paris, had too many drinks in Paris, I’ve missed both my Eurostars to and from Paris which left me stuck in Paris then broke in Paris resulting in me using my mums credit card online in Paris. I’ve eaten snails in Paris, been drenched by a roadside puddle in Paris and I’ve been ripped off in Paris (Caricature – I’ve learned) I’ve been to Paris with almost everyone that I love and I still feel like I could know more. I could live in Paris.

Luckily for me, and all those based in London with a spare £59 - The Eurostar does return deals from London’s Kings X St Pancras to Gare Du Nord for only £59. The train trip is 2hrs 30 and it would be so wrong of me to not go to Paris all the time.

This guide will contain more information than photos, and because of how much information is in my mind I’m just focusing on my favourite spots in the city of lights.

Where to stay

Paris is gorgeous everywhere you look and each arrondissement is different and varies in price. These days we use Airbnb every time we stay in Paris. In price comparison, hotels are more expensive overall, and you can find some beautiful Parisien style Airbnbs that make you feel just like a local! Check out our Airbnb Guide to help you pick the best one for you.

Our favourite areas to stay are as follows.

Etienne Marcel
There’s a little street called Rue Montorgueil which is a short walk from Etienne Marcel station – which also happens to be a few stops on the metro directly from Gare du Nord. Very easy for traveling from the main station if you arrive via Eurostar. Rue Montorgueil is my reference point for where to stay. This area is perfect! Close to multiple different transport links, fabulous restaurants, bakeries, coffee, and shops. I love all the little back streets and every time I go, there’s somewhere new to discover.

Le Marais
Similar to the above but further East. It’s all walkable and you’ll feel like a real local around here. Away from the major sites with a focus on boutique shops from french designers, local restaurants and independent bakeries and coffee shops. You can’t go wrong staying here, just stay close to a metro.

Abbesses
What a magical part of Paris! Completely different location but equally as beautiful. Just perfect. It’s high up and a short walk even further up to Montmartre.

Saint Germain Des Pres
A more expensive and little more touristy part of the city, it’s on the Seine and very close to Notre Dame. Even your morning coffee will be double in price.

Hotels

The Hoxton Hotel
Such a great hotel in a great location with good coffee and the granola comes with chocolate sauce!

Hotel Costes
The ultimate Parisian stay. If you can splash out, do it.

ChouChou Hotel
Cute boutique hotel, good prices and great location. Good vibes.

Hotel Panache
Excellent location at a slightly lower price point for Paris but just as fabulous as some of the more expensive stays.

WHERE TO EAT

Breakfast

You can pick up a croissant from any bakery and have a delicious breakfast – be sure to try local cafes near you as they are all good! but in terms of true ‘brunch culture’ here are a couple of our special picks that we’ll go out of our way to eat at.

The Hardware Societe
Sitting just underneath Montmartre in Abbesses this Australian-influenced café is always busy, and always brilliant. It’s worth the wait. Check it out here.

Le Compas
There’s a little corner-side cafe on Montorgueil that is the perfect place to people-watch. Watch those lovely people with a coffee, orange juice, and bread or croissant for the cutest Parisian breakfast! This is the way we like to have breakfast when we’re in Paris.

Maison Sauvage
Very beautiful. See their menu here.

Neighbours
Nice coffee too!

5 Pailles
All-day brunch!

Echo
Californian inspired. Website here.

Coffee

Buddy Buddy - the best nut butter you’ll ever try, trust me. Vegan cafe so they won’t serve regular milk but it’s the best oat flat white you’ll have have + if you want, they add nut butter to your coffee or hot chocolate. I think they’re geniuses.
Matamata coffee - this is in our favourite area and they’re about to open a new location.
Substance Cafe
Cafe Kitsune - Palais Royal. Beautiful little area and an interesting cafe.
Telescope café
Merci Paris - with a great store attached!
Ten Belles - The best coffee
Fringe Coffee Paris
Yellow Tucan
Back in Black
KB Coffee Roasters
Dreamin’ Man -

Bakeries

All of them – I’ve only listed a couple because you can go to any bakery near you and it will be unique and beautiful. Try as many as you can fit in your stomach.

Stohrer
The ORIGINAL patisserie. Macarons!

Pain Pain
In Abessess, the quiche is just so. Freaking. Good.

The Smiths
In Saint Germain - the palmiers are the best in Paris.

Une Glace a Paris
Fabulous ice cream!

Fauchon
Unfortunately, the patisserie and market have closed and turned into a cafe. I don’t know if it’s just as fabulous but you can still buy fauchon macarons at the Eurostar which is not the same ‘experience’, but they’re still my favourite. Get some on your way back to the UK!

Lunch/Dinner

Cafe Charlot
In the Marais, one of my favourite places for a casual lunch or dinner. They don’t take reservations but it’s a must.

Chez Papa
This was one of the first restaurants I ever ate at in Paris, and I think that’s why I’m always going to go back. It’s filling French food at good prices in beautiful locations with a very ‘at home’ atmosphere. Highly recommend the confit de canard which is huge and also – snails.

Pink Mamma
Italian food for a change if you need it. Very instagrammable but overall, a fun place to eat.

Poulette
Located in Etienne Marcel with a lovely atmosphere and seriously delicious food. It has fabulous décor and decent prices.

Le Soufflé
If I could choose my last meal before I die, then I would choose Le Soufflé.
The dessert Soufflé is outstanding.

Atlas
We just love the mussels here! In Saint Germain and across from The Smiths Bakery for dessert!

Le Petit Marcel
Have the snails or/and foie gras to start, and then the confit du canard for the main. it's a pretty decent price for Paris and perfect if you want to eat somewhere nice. You can book online. Also, note that Bachir is a Turkish ice cream place across from Le Petit Marcel, you will see it as there are lines out the door and down the street. Have dessert there.

Cafe du Centre - Montorgueil
I’ve been eating here for years. The goat’s cheese salad or steak tartare and a glass of rose is usually what I order. The minute I arrive in Paris, I head here and enjoy some people-watching.

Brasserie les petits Carreaux - Montorgueil
One of my favourite brasseries on Montorgueil. Always full of people outside drinking. Great staff, great vibes, and really good French food.

Breizh Cafe
There are a few of these cafes in Paris. They serve crepes which are perfectly paired with delicious and locally made cider. They’re a little more fancy and expensive than crepes you’d find on the side of the road in Paris, but it’s a great place for a light lunch.

L’Amour Vache - Strasbourg Saint-Denis
After a late arrival on the Eurostar, this spot is open super late serving great food. We’ve been here many times and always enjoy our dinner.

Drinks

The Hoxton - Jacques Bar
The Hoxton is also in London & New York, but it’s a nice place to have a drink. This is my favourite Hoxton!

Bar Bisou.
The best cocktails!

Les Perchees
Serves my favourite rose of all time - MiP

Les Turbines - on the corner of one of my favourite streets full of restaurants. It’s a great spot to have a drink outside and people-watch. A good location to start exploring.

There are so many more!
We will keep adding as we explore over the years.

WHAT TO DO

A GREAT thing to do

Take the Metro to Trocadero and follow the signs to the Eiffel Tower. You will walk out to the most magnificent view of the tower. Go at night and enjoy the view paired with a Nutella and coconut crepe.

The Sights

The Eiffel tower
Go up the tower or just go to look at it, whatever you prefer. We recommend going in the evening to watch it sparkle. There’s a nice open park in front of the tower where you can bring your own picnic and enjoy the view.

The Arc De Triomphe
We recommend going up the Arc at sunset time, it’s magical. The only catch is you have to walk all the way up 284 stairs! I do think it’s worth it though and if you’ve never done it, it’s a must.

Champs-Élysées
After your visit to the Arc, walk down the Champs-Elysee towards Concorde, from there you can walk all the way through Tuileries to The Louvre, it’s just one big long straight road!

Tuileries Garden
Walking through the garden on a sunny day is the best. Enjoy all the little spots to read and rest in the garden. It’s a nice respite right in the middle of the city.

The Seine - Take a boat along the river

Notre Dame

Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica
This little hilltop town is usually on everyone’s list. We recommend catching the Metro to Abessess, enjoying the shops around this area and then making your way up to the top of the hill - to Montmartre. See some of the iconic sights including the very cute La Maison Rose restaurant.

Shopping

Le Marais
Local boutiques and great vintage shopping.

Abbesses
Montmartre area. My favourite shops here are surplus and outlet stores.
There is the APC Surplus store – my absolute favourite. Also the Maje surplus store and more in the surrounding streets. Paul Ward and Jimmy Fairly are beautiful, affordable eyewear stores.

Saint Germain
Lots of stationery and bookstores and wonderful markets along the river.

Galeries Lafayette
During sale time, this is fun!

Forum des Halles
A new and large shopping centre with a cinema, you can get a bit lost there. It’s actually now a Westfield…so do with that what you’d like but it’s a no from us. Mayhem.

ART & MUSEUMS

Musée de l'Orangerie
Monet's water lilies and just a range of some incredible art from around the world.

Petit Palais
A very beautiful free museum that is one of my favourite in Paris. The courtyard is a perfect place to have a tea or coffee, it’s quiet, drenched in sunlight and feels very Parisian.

Musée d'Orsay
Buy tickets online

Musée du Louvre
Buy tickets online