There are plenty of Paris travel guides in existence: France, after all, is the most-visited country in the world, and its capital city is the main reason why: with world-class museums, wide open boulevards, Belle Epoque architecture, and distinct cuisine, it’s known not just as the cultural capital of Europe, but perhaps the world.
Yet it’s not just the reality of Paris that draws you in—it’s the fantasy. The City of Light, after all, has been romanticised for most of us since birth, in books by Victor Hugo and Ernest Hemingway, movies like An American in Paris and Moulin Rouge, and through photographers like Brassaï and Henri Cartier Bresson.
And while the majority of travellers know the iconic tourist spots of Paris—the Eiffel Tower! The Louvre! Notre Dame!—the spots that encompass the soul of the city that so many of us seek are harder to find. With that in mind, Vogue asked its editors where they stay eat, shop, and visit across the arrondissements.
Some answers are for the classicists—you can’t go wrong enjoying an evening of soufflé and a night at the ballet. Others are for those seeking alternative activities, from five Euro dumplings to vintage shops that will “make you look Emmanuelle Seigner straight out of Frantic,” as one fashion writer puts it.
Below, the Vogue editors’ guide to Paris.
Where to stay
Cheval Blanc Paris
“The feel is 1930s meets 1970s, cool elegance with a bit of grooviness,” Vogue wrote of the new Cheval Blanc Paris, which opened this September. The five-star hotel, which is owned by LVMH, boasts four restaurants, a Dior spa, and grand suites with stunning views of the Seine. —Elise Taylor, living writer
Hôtel Duc de Saint Simon
Hotel Duc De Saint Simon is the perfect, petit hotel with all the elegant chintz you want tucked in a perfect little courtyard in the 6eme. —Chloe Malle, contributing editor
Bulgari Hôtel Paris
The Bulgari feels more like a discreet modernist apartment building than its enormous neighbors, and would be preferable for anyone who prefers their room service menu Italian rather than French. The hotel gym (with pool and spa) is one of the best in city. —Mark Guiducci, Creative Editorial Director
Four Seasons Hotel George V
By sheer luck and her connections, my friend got us a stay at this ultra-luxurious hotel. You feel like a celebrity as soon as you walk through its doors. The service was impeccable, and the rooms evoke classic French luxury. Some of the rooms have balconies looking onto the Eiffel Tower. What more could you ask for? —Christian Allaire, fashion and style writer
Hôtel Elysia
With spacious, Parisian apartment style suites and elegant marble bathrooms, Hôtel Elysia is built for a comfortable night’s sleep. Rooms on the top floor are so incredibly quiet, you’ll forget you’re a stone’s throw away from the Champs-Élysées. —Jasmine Contomichalos, Senior Experiences Editor
Hotel Raphael
On the middle of Avenue Kléber in the 16th arrondissement is the romantic and five-star Hotel Raphael. The interiors are adorned in a mixture of Louis XVI and Belle Epoque decor, creating an all-encompassing aura of grandeur that can only exist in Paris. —Elise Taylor
Madame Rêve
The former Louvre Post Office now houses Madame Rêve, a hotel that opened in fall 2021. Its 82 rooms offer stunning views over the city, and from the roof (where sunrise yoga sessions take place), you can see the Eiffel Tower. The interior design scheme—a soothing combination of goldenrod yellow, burgundy, and wood—extends into the downstairs restaurant and cocktail bar, where the feeling is cozy even with the chandeliers and high ceilings. The hotel is ideally located near the Louvre and an easy walk into the Marais. For breakfast, pick up pastries a couple of blocks away at Stohrer, a patisserie that’s been around since 1730. —Ella Riley Adams, contributor
Soho House Paris
In Pigalle is the new Soho House, set over five floors in a 19th-century apartment building that once was home to artist Jean Cocteau. While so much of Paris celebrates its grandiose architectural history, the Soho House takes a different approach, basing its design off of the playful work of Jean Royere and Santo Sospir, Cocteau’s colorful villa in Cap de Ferrat. —Elise Taylor
Chateau Voltaire
It is pretty easy to fall in love with Château Voltaire, the newish and gorgeously appointed hotel on Paris’s Rue St. Roch, and within glass-shattering distance of a soprano’s aria at the Opera Garnier. —Mark Holgate, fashion features director
Ritz Paris
The Ritz Paris is one of the most famous hotels in the world—if not the most famous. And with good reason: stepping inside is like stepping inside another, grander era, with its Louis XV furnishings, rare books, canopied beds, and gilded chandeliers. Afternoon tea at Salon Proust is a must, as is a drink at the famed Bar Hemingway. —Elise Taylor
Peninsula Paris
19 Avenue Kléber in the 16th has lived many lives: First, it once belonged to Queen Isabella II of Spain, who resided there after her exile. Then, it became Hotel Majestic, where George Gershwin wrote An American in Paris, before becoming the Ministry of Defense. Its latest journey? Housing the Peninsula Paris, which honors its history-rich atmosphere while embracing modern touches. When I stayed there this summer, I was in awe of the efficient amenities and services—an in-room iPad allows you to submit an array of requests that will be executed within minutes—as well as the romantic lodgings: Every morning, I could open my window to gaze upon a Beau Arts balcony. It’s perfect for the traveler in need of all the modern bells and whistles, but who still wants to indulge in the old-school Paris fantasy. —Elise Taylor
Hotel du Sentier
Situated on a quiet corner in the 2nd arrondissement, Hotel du Sentier feels like your home away from home. The understated yet utterly chic interiors make every room feel bright and airy. Of course, the sweeping views of the city’s skyline don’t hurt either. On the first floor, a bistro serves traditional French fare from dawn to dusk—meaning that sourcing an oat milk latte or a bottle of Sancerre couldn’t be more convenient. —Elisée Browchuk, experiences, production, and marketing manager
St. James Hotel
The St. James hotel in the 16th was absolute heaven on earth on a recent visit, which I wrote about here—a perfect calm counterpoint to the rest of the bustling and busy city. And its Michelin-starred restaurant, Bellefuille, shouldn’t be missed (whether you’re staying here or somewhere else in Paris). —Corey Seymour, senior editor
Where to eat
Le Soufflé
You can’t go to Paris and not eat soufflé. Le Soufflé is an old-world kind of place tucked away on the Rue du Mont Thabor, which is a great street for restaurants. I like to go at lunch, when they have a special of starter salad, savory soufflé, and dessert soufflé. Decadent and delicious! —Nicole Phelps, global director of Vogue Runway
Le Voltaire
A restaurant on the Left Bank quay of the same name, Le Voltaire has kept high standards since it was converted from a former stables in the 19th century. Many of the tables are divided by carved wooden panels which recall its earlier equine function, and make it ideal for discreet conversation. —Mark Guiducci
Le Recamier
Le Recamier is your must stop for soufflés and only soufflés! They don’t take reservations so it’s best to go for a latish lunch around 1:30 p.m. Go for a walk in the Jardins Luxembourgs and then have lunch at Recamier and then wander through Le Bon Marché, especially their incredible food hall La Grande Epicerie. —Chloe Malle
Lapérouse
LVMH scion Antoine Arnault is a minority investor in Lapérouse, which should tell you all you need to know about the crowd at the Left Bank restaurant that takes up multiple gilded floors in an 18th-century mansion. Stepping inside feels like stepping back in time: the interiors are Belle Époque influenced, and dishes are served on Bernardaud china. Do a 10:30 pm reservation if you want to dine, as the place quickly descends into a party. —Elise Taylor
Girafe
Girafe is one of Paris’s most iconic restaurants. The view of the Eiffel Tower is so close, it feels like at you can almost touch it. Inside, minimalist decor meets traditional Paris style, creating an effortlessly cool modern ambiance. From the elevated menu to the elegant design, this restaurant should be top on your list. —Elisée Browchuk
Wild and the Moon
What is a vegan to do in the land of excellent dairy? The original Marais juice bar now has outposts all over the city, and is a staple for any health nut visiting Paris. —Mark Guiducci
La Petite Bohème
Nestled in the middle of the 2nd arrondissement, just off the Rue du Louvre, La Petite Bohème is the perfect stop between shows for a plate of manchego or a glass of Rioja. Don’t miss the patatas bravas, a specialty of the owner. —Chloe Malle
Pierre Hermé
There’s simply no better place in town to get a macaron. —Elise Taylor
Café de Flore
A trip to Paris isn’t complete without an afternoon spent at Café de Flore. This picturesque establishment on the corner of Boulevard Saint Germain is perfect for spotting the latest street-style fashions and catching up with a friend over a light lunch. —Elisée Browchuk
Clown Bar
The name of Clown Bar is quite literal: atop the bar are tiles of the circus performers, as well as a quintessential Art Nouveau-era painted ceiling. But rest assured the bistro, founded by chef Sota Atsumi, takes its culinary pursuits quite seriously. Order a natural wine and some tartare de boeuf. —Elise Taylor
Cafe Breizh
Cafe Breizh is a sleek but unfussy creperie with excellent buckwheat crêpe complète. —Chloe Malle
Fromagerie Barthelemy and Marie-Anne Cantin
Fromagerie Barthelemy and Marie-Anne Cantin are two spectacular cheese shops in the 7eme. There is heated debate as to which one is better but I feel it’s totally acceptable to patronise both. —Chloe Malle
Chez Prune
I had never been to Paris before until this year but I randomly ended up staying next to the most amazing and low-key locally famed restaurant called Chez Prune! I love it there. They had this insane slab of beef that made me want to never give up meat. —Liana Satenstein, contributing editor
Le Bon Georges
Le Bon Georges is a classic, quaint Parisian bistro in Pigalle. I’d tell you what to order—but the menu changes seasonally (everything is updated daily on a chalkboard) and they recommend you chose your meal around the wine. Who could argue with that? —Elise Taylor
Raviolis Nord-Est
My greatest weakness is Chinese food, so if I need a break from meat-heavy Gallic cuisine, I always head east to one of the amazing Sichuanese or Cantonese restaurants that line the Rue de Belleville outside the metro station. And for a quick pitstop, there’s nowhere better than Raviolis Nord-Est, just around the corner from Les Halles, where you can get a plate of 10 fresh dumplings for five euros, steamed or grilled to your liking. Another place I love is Les Enfants du Marché, situated in the bustling, must-visit Enfants Rouges covered market and offering elevated, Japanese-inflected riffs on classic French dishes. After that, all you need is some fresh cherries from one of the neighboring stalls for dessert, and you’re good to go. —Liam Hess, contributing editor
Bisou
This bespoke cocktail bar crafts unique drinks for every guest. Yes, even the ones that are always hard to please. Bisou mixologists create one-of-a-kind libations based on individual, in-the-moment cravings using the freshest ingredients. Á votre santé! —Elisee Browchuk
Loulou
In the warmer months, I love eating at the outdoor patio of Loulou. Indulge in some truffle pizza while gazing upon Jardin des Tuileries and the Eiffel Tower, which, every hour, will give you a sparkling display of lights. —Elise Taylor
Holybelly
If you are missing the American brunch menu but still want to preserve the perfect je ne sais quoi lifestyle, Holybelly is the place for you. The hipster cafe just outside of the city center is well worth a trip, and the interior design deserves an honorable mention too. —Cassandra Pintro
Ferdi
Ferdi is not your typical burger spot and that’s why I love it. For one, they only take reservations via text message. The restaurant space itself is so small that you’ll walk right by it if you’re not paying attention, and once inside you’ll find the walls around you filled with anything from stuffed animals to vintage toy cars. Still, there’s a reason why Kim Kardashian and other celebs claim it’s the best burger in Paris. Personally, it’s the special sauce they use that puts it in my number one spot. While famous for its burgers and fries, the churros are a must for dessert. —Taylor Lashley, social media manager
Crazy Horse
For an adventurous night out, go out for dinner and a cabaret show at Crazy Horse. You’ll live out your Moulin Rouge fantasies and more. —Elise Taylor
Where to Shop
Rélique
For delightfully funky vintage shopping, head to Rélique near République. When I visited last fall (upon recommendation from my chic French friend), the window display featured a giant pink tentacle and a bouquet of sunflowers. Inside, there were two floors of argyle sweater vests, wide-legged pants, and fabulous button-downs. Plus, with shag rugs and a retro bubble chair, there are photo ops aplenty. I left with an amazing ladybug-print handkerchief and a polka-dot scarf. —Ella Riley Adams
Maison Dior
Located inside Dior’s recently opened flagship store on Montaigne Avenue, Maison Dior is a carefully curated extension of the heritage brand. A palette of red, black, and white hues inspired by the brand’s archive set the tone in the dining room. Of course, each place setting is adorned with Maison Dior tableware along with mixed and matched houndstooth chairs. For a taste of Dior, this hits the spot. —Elisée Browchuk
A Paris chez Antoinette de Poisson
Lovers of history, prettiness, and paper should make the trek to Antoinette de Poisson. The shop—and the hidden courtyard it’s located in—is an oasis where it seems like time stands still. The company preserves the art of making hand-printed domino papers, featuring floral and geometric patterns. Popular in the 18th century, these sheets were used to cover books and small boxes. Antoinette de Poisson offers the same, plus, perfume, wallpapers, and objects for the home and table—all of which come wrapped in an aura of historical romance. —Laird Borrelli-Persson, archive editor
Sennelier Art Supply Store
For obvious reasons, Paris is a fashion lover’s paradise, but one of my favourite places to have a poke around is the historic Sennelier art supply store, a mere hop, skip, and a jump across the bridge from the Tuileries gardens. I may not be blessed with artistic talent, but after a trip to the Musée d’Orsay, I can pick up some handmade papers and their vibrant high-pigment oil pastels and briefly fancy myself as the next Degas. —Liam Hess
Dary’s
The most heavenly vintage jewellery shop with truly exquisite pieces from the big houses to the unsigned. It’s not for the faint of heart (or wallet) but even a window gaze is worth the time. —Daisy Shaw-Ellis
Michele Aragon and Simrane
Michele Aragon is Aladdin’s cave of eclectic and elegant homewares in the 6th, a must-stop for anyone who loves a kilim-covered armchair. Just down the street from Michele Aragon is Simrane, France’s original Indian block print exporter with every style of paisley tablecloth your tablescape could desire. —Chloe Malle
Pascale Monvoisin
I love Pascale’s jewellery, and where better to buy the Parisian’s pieces than her own boutique on Rue Mont Thabor. Almost all of her jewellery whisks me away on vacation—the shells, the delicate gold pieces, the colour. —Daisy Shaw-Ellis
Dries van Noten
As an avowed believer in the gospel of Driesus Christ, I’ll always make a stop at the Belgian designer’s flagship Paris store—even if I’m not flush enough to actually buy anything. Sitting in a prime position on the Left Bank just over from the Pont des Arts, and with the best-stocked selection of his print-clashing pieces you’ll find anywhere in the world, entering the space feels like stepping into van Noten’s brilliant mind. —Liam Hess
Nuovo
The best shopping place is called Nuovo. It is a tiny vintage shop full of hot girl clothes. Basically, the owner doesn’t curate by labels but by taste. The prices are great, too. I got the most amazing leather jacket from there that made me look like Emmanuelle Seigner straight out of Frantic. —Liana Satenstein
Rouje
French girl fashion lovers look no further than Jeanne Damas’s flagship store, Rouje. I always manage to find one (or three!) floral dresses that quickly become wardrobe staples. —Eliseé Browchuk
Merci
If you’re looking to do some home shopping in Paris and want an addition to the antique markets, I’d recommend Merci, an eclectic home store in the Marais district. I’ve known editors to build out their crockery collections over seasons of shows, and their glassware and linens are great, too. —Daisy Shaw-Ellis
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
Paris has an abundance of world-class department stores, including Le Bon Marche, La Samaritaine, and Printemps. I’d advise to go to all of them. But Galeries Lafayette will always hold a special place in my heart for its romantic steel-frame art nouveau glass dome by master Jacques Gruber, making it an architectural monument in its own right. —Elise Taylor
What to do
Pinault Collection
The recently opened Pinault Collection is a must-visit upon every trip to Paris. Housed in the old bourse de commerce, a commodities trading facility, the grand building is the stately and impressive home to the unique collection of both established and emerging artists. The grand rotunda currently exhibiting an Urs Fischer work took my breath away. Plus, the Pinault is just a few steps from rue Saint Honoré, should you wish to do a bit of shopping post-visit. —Alexandra Michler, director of fashion initiatives
Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
One of the great joys of Paris is its wealth of niche museums, and there’s nowhere greater—or more atmospheric—in that regard than the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, the museum of hunting and nature that is tucked away in a spectacularly beautiful hôtel particulier in the heart of Le Marais. The deliciously macabre displays of taxidermy are a highlight, but the museum also manages to avoid feeling too fusty by bringing in contemporary artists to produce works in conversation with its collections, from Sterling Ruby to Jeff Koons. No matter how many times you go, there’s always something there to surprise you. —Liam Hess
Musee d’Orsay
The Musee d’Orsay. Always the Musee d’Orsay. —Elise Taylor
Farmers Markets
Of course, there are many sublime restaurants to visit in Paris, but I always save at least one meal for the bounty I find at one of the open-air markets. Parisians know how to source the best of everything—from vegetables to cheese to chocolates—and it’s a joy to feel like a local and gather goods for a picnic in the park or a home-cooked meal at your Airbnb. I recommend Marché Raspail in the 6th! —Mai Morsch
Walk Around the Marais
Walking around Paris is by far my favourite activity, other than eating of course. Strolling around different neighbourhoods and looking into shops or stopping into museums is just the best. My favorite walk is around the Marais with a stop to refuel midday at Mariage Freres for tea. It’s the most charming spot and they have all the greatest teas (and treats!) in the world. —Willow Lindley, accessories director
Wander Canal Saint-Martin
I love walking (and lounging) around Canal Saint-Martin, especially when the sun is out. Get a cappuccino at Ten Belles, and when hunger strikes stop by Du Pain et des Idées for one of their amazing escargot pastries. You’ll inevitably stumble upon other cute shops and restaurants as you go. —Ella Riley-Adams
Le Bristol Spa
Perched atop the Parisienne skyline is the magical Le Bristol Spa. It’s a serious treat and one I always look forward to indulging in at the end of couture week—especially for their all-natural Tata Harper skincare treatments. The famous rooftop pool resembles the interior of a yacht with teak decking and surrounding windows that offer a breathtaking 360 view of Sacré Coeur and the Eiffel Tower. The perfect way to fit in any sightseeing that you didn’t manage on foot! —Laura Paterson, experiences director
The Musée des Arts décoratifs
There’s no shortage of museums in Paris, but after hitting the nearby Louvre, a stop at the The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is also worthwhile. With an impressive array of antique to modern furniture (there are Louis XVI chairs and Charlotte Perriand shelves) and often marquee fashion exhibit. This upcoming, it’s an examination of fashion in sports, in honour of the 2024 Olympics.—Elise Taylor
Ballet at the Palais Garnier
Surround yourself with beauty and attend a ballet performance at the Palais Garnier, the Parisian landmark that’s iconic and, well, very much deserves to be for its opulent, Napoleonic style. —Elise Taylor
This article was originally published on Vogue.com.
