Beautiful bridges and views of the Seine in Paris, France - Pont Alexandre III

There are many things that come to mind when I think of Paris. Food, wine, picnics by the Eiffel Tower, immaculate gardens, evening strolls… Paris is so picturesque and timeless. What I love most about the city is each individual neighborhood’s charm and quirks. No matter where you are, you’re sure to stumble upon a local spotΒ that will quickly become a go-to during your visit (for me, it was the quintessential French bakery around the corner from our apartment!). Here are my tips for making the most of thisΒ classic European destination…

The best neighborhoods of Paris, France - Complete Paris Travel Guide

The best pastries and bakeries in Paris - Complete Paris Travel GuideViews from Shangri La Paris - Complete Paris Travel GuidePalace rooms at the Shangri La Paris Hotel - Complete Paris Travel GuideThe eiffel tower at sunset - Complete Paris Travel Guide

5 DAYS

β€”

needed to take it all in

Where to Stay

  • Hotel des Grandes Ecoles – $ – located nearby endless bakeries and restaurants, this hotel is a welcome oasis with a courtyard in the middle of the city.
  • Hotel Le Relais Montmartre – $$ – this affordable hotel is at the top of my list to stay in on my next Paris visit. I love the Montmartre area for its local cafΓ©s, shops, and overall laid-back neighborhood vibe. Plus, it’s extra romantic for an evening stroll.
  • The Hoxton Paris – $$$ – this ever-trendy chain of boutique hotels is my top pick on value for money if you’re planning a visit to Paris.
  • HΓ΄tel du Petit Moulin Paris – $$$ – this cozy and fashion-forward boutique hotel was decorated by the French designer Christian Lacroix and is just outside of the trendy Marais district.
  • Shangri-La Hotel Paris – $$$$ – with views of the Eiffel tower, a breakfast and tea spread that will have you instagramming for days, and impeccable service, the Shangri-La is a once-in-a-lifetime stay for those looking to splurge.
Best views of the Eiffel Tower from the Shangri La Paris Hotel - Complete Paris Travel Guide

Eiffel tower views at the Shangri-La Hotel Paris

  • Le Royal Monceau – $$$$ – recently re-done by French designer Philippe Starck, this elegant hotel is designed to feel like you’re stepping inside a friend’s private art gallery. Many of the rooms have pink walls and bathroom mirrors from floor to ceiling. Plus – splurging for a room at the front will give you views of the stunning Arc de Triomphe.

View All Hotels in Paris

Or, spring for an Airbnb —Β  it’s easy to find an apartment overlooking a quaint side street in Paris thanks to Airbnb’s massive selection. My tip: stay a couple days in Le Marais (it’s my favorite neighborhood), then switch to a different “arrondissement” for a completely new experience.

French croissants for breakfast in our paris airbnb - Complete Paris Travel Guide

Eating French croissants on the balcony of our Airbnb

Where to Eat

  • PiQUE NiQUE – the fixed menu at this neighborhood spot is amazing. Think fresh and bright ingredients, and lots of unique flavors. A new favorite!
  • Le Relais de l’EntrecΓ΄te – steak, fries, andΒ an unforgettable sauce are on the menu at this local French spot. Arrive early, because the line grows out the door as the night goes on!
  • Pierre Herme – if you love macarons, theΒ fresh ones made daily at Pierre Herme are not to be missed.
  • La DurΓ©e – did you really visit Paris if you didn’t stop at La DurΓ©e? I fell in love with their rose tea duringΒ my recent visit.
La Duree Paris on Rue Bonaparte - Complete Paris Travel Guide

La DurΓ©e on Rue Bonaparte

  • Chez Janou – a cozy neighborhood cafΓ© with typical French fare. My tip: order their chocolate soufflΓ©,Β and they’ll bring outΒ a large bowl and let you scoop it onto your plate until you’re full!
  • Pink Mamma – this instagrammable Italian restaurant has an interior that’s unbeatable, complete with giant glass windows overlooking quintessential Parisian rooftops.
  • L’Atelier Ramey – rotating French dishes at this cozy restaurant near Montmartre.
  • Stohrer – famous for its eclairs and homemade side dishes, StohrerΒ is a quaint bakery that oozes French charm.
The best eclairs and pastries at Stohrer in Paris - Complete Paris Travel Guide

Stohrer has delicious Γ©clairs and homemade pastries

  • Frenchie Restaurant – Frenchie is high-end restaurant praised by locals and visitors alike. For the experience without the high price tag,Β grab a bite to eat from theirΒ casual concept next door,Β Frenchie To Go.
  • Angelina – famous for its hot chocolate and Mont Blanc dessert, this restaurant is located across from the Tuileries Garden and a great optionΒ for a lazy afternoon tea time.
  • Eric Kayser – originally foundedΒ in Paris, Eric Kayser bakery gained so much popularity that it now has internationalΒ locations in New York and Japan. My tip:Β stock up onΒ pastries early and find aΒ bench with a view to enjoy them!
Best parisian bakeries to go - Notre Dame de Paris bench - Complete Paris Travel Guide

A baguette snack break in front of Notre Dame

  • KB Cafeshop – recommended by a friend of mine, this coffee spot with outdoor seating is the perfect spot to sit and people watch on one of the most charming streets in Paris, Rue des Martyrs.
  • L’Elica – if youΒ are looking for something other than French cuisine, this casual and tasty Italian eatery serves up an amazing truffle risotto.

Where to Drink

  • L’Avant ComptoirΒ – perfect for pre- or post- dinner drinks, L’Avant Comptoir is a stand-up bar serving small dishes and tasty French and international wines.
  • Bar Botanist – located inside the Shangri-La Hotel, this bar is inspired by Prince Roland Bonaparte’s fascination with botany (he was the hotel’sΒ original resident when it was a palace!). All the drinks are made with fresh herbs and local products, and oh so delicious.
Trendy bars in Paris - Bar Botanist at the Shangri La Paris Hotel - Complete Paris Travel Guide

The drinks at Bar Botanist are works of art

  • Pershing Hall – located just off the Champs-Γ‰lysΓ©es, this hotel bar is set in a historical building and known for its plant-covered wall and intimate, luxurious atmosphere.
  • The Highlander –Β for something casual, this no-frillsΒ Scottish barΒ attracts international crowds and is always open late.
  • CafΓ©s with outdoor seating – if you love trying all French wine (like me!)Β make a night ofΒ ordering a glass and sitting outsideΒ at multiple cafΓ©s. On a warm evening this is my favorite after-dinner plan.

Where to Go

  • Montmartre – for an evening stroll or afternoon exploring the old town, visit Montmartre. I recommend starting at SacrΓ©-CΕ“ur and skipping the firstΒ tourist-heavy street — you’ll be rewarded with tucked away parks and cafΓ©s.
Montmartre's La Maison Rose - Best Photo spots in Paris - Complete Paris Travel Guide

In front of La Maison Rose in Montmartre

  • Tuileries Garden – situated right next to The Louvre, this garden is beautiful in spring and summer and the ideal place to spend an afternoon.
  • Rue CrΓ©mieux – this street is lined with pastel-colored English houses that are ideal for a photo opp.
  • Place des Vosges – when the sun is out, you’ll find locals walking their dogs, picnicking, and dining at nearby restaurants aroundΒ this park.
Local spots and parks in Paris - Place des Vosges in Summer - Complete Paris Travel Guide

The Place des Vosges is the perfect park to visit on a sunny day

  • Arc De Triomphe – located at the endΒ of the Champs-Γ‰lysΓ©es, the Arc De Triomphe has one of my favorite city viewsΒ overlooking the Parisian rooftops and the Eiffel Tower.
  • Île de la CitΓ© – once you’ve had your fill of Notre Dame, I suggest winding your way behind it to explore the Île de la CitΓ©, which features picturesque side streets andΒ buildings.
Photogenic facades in Paris Ile de la Cite - CafΓ© Au Vieux Paris D’Arcole - Complete Paris Travel Guide

CafΓ© Au Vieux Paris D’Arcole, located on the Île de la CitΓ©

  • Palace of Versailles – the gardens are my favorite, but the palace is equally breathtaking. Prepare to spend at least a few hours here exploring the grounds!

What to Do

Shopping for flowers and roses in Paris - Complete Paris Travel Guide

Shopping for flowers on the streets of Paris

  • Picnic at theΒ Eiffel Tower – I recommend stopping at a local bakery to pick up some savory and sweet treats, and spending aΒ late afternoon lounging on the grass.
  • Notre Dame de Paris – Paris’ most famous cathedral is a beautiful demonstration of gothic architecture. Admission is free, but I’d recommend arriving early to avoid the line if you want to go inside. *Note: due to a recent fire, Notre Dame is closed to the public until further notice. You can still view it from the outside but cannot enter the cathedral.
  • Walk along the River Seine – with a partner, this walk is ultra-romantic and has great views of the city.
Walks along the River Seine - Most romantic parisian places - Complete Paris Travel Guide

Overlooking the River Seine

  • Visit Shakespeare and Company – this old bookstore opened in 1951. Its story is unique: the shop is famous for offering a bed to any aspiring writers in exchange for working at the bookshop
  • Explore PΓ¨re Lachaise Cemetery – Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde are all buried here, among other famous names.
  • Relax at a cafΓ© – no one will think twice if you post up at a local restaurant with a book and coffee to people-watch for the afternoon.
Cutest streets in Paris - Rue Montorgueil restaurants and cafes - Complete Paris Travel Guide

The cafΓ©s on Rue Montorgueil fill up quickly in summer

What to Bring

  • A cozy sweater – you’ll want something comfortable to throw on if the temperature drops.
  • Your favoriteΒ fashion-forward outfitΒ  – ideally, bring somethingΒ that will transition from day to night.
  • Heels and sneakers – Paris is the perfect excuse to be practical and fashionable. You’ll walk a lot,Β so packΒ accordingly!

The outdoor french gardens at Shangri La Paris Hotel - Complete Paris Travel GuideThe eiffel tower at sunset - romantic paris activities - Complete Paris Travel Guide

There’s so much to see and do in Paris. I hope this guide helps check off some tasty dishes and beautiful neighborhoods on your list!

Have you been to Paris? We’d love to know your must-see spots.

Locals spots, best restaurants, cutest neighborhoods - Complete Paris Travel Guide

Pin me for later