EAT
As a general rule for restaurants in Paris:
- Try to find a restaurant that is not on the main street where there is so much pedestrian traffic. A side street location is ideal
- If there are pictures of the food on a sandwich board outside the restaurant, don’t eat there.
- If the restaurant is busy with lot of people, good sign. Wait for the table. Don’t eat in an empty restaurant.
Le Comptoir du Relias: Thirties-style bistro it's worth the hassle of waiting and not taking “non” for an answer. If you have to wait, go next door to L'avant Comptoir for a glass of wine. There you go - evening is set!
Cafe Relais Odeon: Quintessential Paris on one of the best streets in Paris located in St. Germain on Rue de Buci
Le Compas: This is that restaurant with fabulous outdoor seating and great food to match the people.
Ferdi: The best cheeseburger in Paris. It's a favourite restaurant of mine in Paris.
Chateaubriand: Get reservations exactly two weeks in advance. One of the top 50 restaurants in the world. Basque inspired modern French cuisine. A tasting menu worth the price.
Brasserie Lipp: One of the go to spots in St Germain. If its good enough for JLo and Ben it's good for me.
Breizh Cafe: The best crepes in Paris located in the Marais
L’Avenue: On Avenue Montaigne, good for lunch but make sure you sit on the outdoor patio and wave to the Paparazzi while you say hello to the A List models.
La Terrasse Montaigne: Also on Avenue Montaigne. This patio is a sure fire place to experience the finer side of Paris. Maybe you'll get lucky and get a table next to Lionel Messi.
Bisto Paul Bert: It's a Paris institution. Then you can say that ate at Paul Bert.
Ralph's: Treat yourself at this chic and uber cool restaurant. If you want to splurge a little. It's well worth it here.
La Grand Cremerie: If you had one night in Paris. This would be the spot. A wine bar/restaurant on Rue Buci in St Germain. It's such a memorable place. Trust me on this one.
Frenchie: Modern Paris dining. this is a sure fire bet. Wine bar as well as a Michelin Star.
Ellsworth: Had a memorable dinner here. I bet you will too.
Le relais de l'entrecôte: If you are looking for steak and frites. Look no further.
BREAKFAST IN PARIS
Sadelle's: At KITH Paris. Beautiful setting with a really nice menu and then you can shop at KITH.
Rivie: A great spot for breakfast at the Hoxton. Their courtyard is a divine spot for a coffee and croissant.
Holybelly: Holy busy. Here's a fine spot to enjoy brunch in Paris.
Buvette: New York, Tokyo, London, Mexico City and now Paris. One of my favorite spots for brunch. Go with the waffles.
Cafe Charlot: Preferred spot for breakfast in the Marais.
Angelina: Special occasion? Go here for tea - the way the Parisians do.
La Galerie: At the Hotel Plaza Athénée. A beautiful room that oozes Parisian elegance and glam.
BOULANGERIES & PATISSERIES
Morning ritual is a café au lait and a croissant – make sure you go well before noon to taste Paris’ iconic morning staple – it also offers a great excuse to wander some cool neighborhoods in search for that perfect croissant - so here’s your guide:
Maison Kayser: A destination boulangerie in the Latin Quarter. It is the perfect spot for a light lunch; a plat du jour, dessert, and coffee are about $15.
Gosselin: The city’s Best Baguette in Paris award.
Mamiche: I loved this place so much that I went there four times over a weekend, Get a croissant, beignets and a baguette sandwich and walk up a couple of blocks to a neighbourhood park and enjoy the treasures as you get a view of Sacre Coeur in the background. Thank me later!
Maison Landemaine: Some of the best and a worthwhile visit.
Gontran Cherrier: A visit to Montmartre is highly recommended and this is your place.
Les Deux Magots: Opened in 1885 this is one of Paris's most famous cafe's. Located in St. Germain.
Cafe de Flore: You've seen this cafe in movies and all over instagram. Many of the Parisian elite have been frequenting here since the early 1900's. Located in St Germain
Cedric Grolet: There is a line up for a reason!
Stay
Hotel Du Champ De Mars: Best value in Paris for a hotel. Located off Rue Cler just blocks from the Eiffel Tower. A very residential neighborhood. Small rooms but very clean and quaint.
Plaza Athene: Because it's Paris and its the spot.
Hoxton: Yes there is one In Paris and Yes it is excellent. Locating in the 2nd.
Marriott Opera: Location is ideal. Perfect for those wanting to use those Bonvoy Points. A concierge lounge with views of the Eiffel Tower and Sacre Coeur. The breakfast here is first class.
Sofitel Le Scribe: A fabulous location and an excellent property with nice rooms.
Hotel Horset Opera: A four star property that can offer some value in a splendid location.
Hotel Mogador: Another hotel with excellent value. Location is magnifique!
DRINK
Plaza Athene: The outdoor café is quintessentially Paris.
Les Ombres: Make sure you sit on the roof top patio. There is no better view of the Eiffel Tower, go when it’s dark and this will not disappoint.
Hotel Costes: After 11:00pm - join the beautiful people of Paris.
Cafe Marly: A glass of wine in the Louvre courtyard is always nice.
La Grand Cremerie: If you had one night in Paris. This would be the spot. A wine bar/restaurant on Rue Buci in St Germain. It's such a memorable place. Trust me on this one.
HANG
Walk and walk more: Focus on the Le Marais, St. Germain, Opera Arrondissements, Rue Saint Honore, Rue De Buci.
Seine River Cruise: A good way to see the center of Paris. Especially if it’s your first time.
Croissants: Have a freshly baked pain au chocolat with a café allongé (Americano) at Maison Kayser if possible. Mamiche is my go to for pastries
Have a Pastis: On an outdoor café and not a care about a thing in the world except the scene in front of you (I like the 6th for this).
The Eiffel Tower: I really wasn’t too keen to go up – but when in Rome I guess…I mean when in Paris.
Arc de Triomphe: Take the metro the namesake station and then walk the Champs-Elysées. Once you’ve done this, no need to go back.
Montmarte: Walk it.
Amorino: Who doesn't like ice cream on a warm summer evening while you walk through Rue Buca. This is the place!
Picnic: with some good cheese, sausage, a baguette and a bottle of wine either at Luxembourg Jardin or the Jardin de Tuileries.
Bastille Market: BEST market you’ll ever go to. It’s overwhelming how much fresh produce, pastries and other food items are here but bring a shopping bag because you will not leave empty handed. Open Thursday to Sunday so plan your Paris days accordingly!
Rue Cler: by the Café D’Marche. Looks like a street from a movie set exemplifying a traditional Parisian Street.
Run: My route always hugs the Sienne. With so many bridges you can make your loop as big or as small as you like. Weekend morning runs in Paris are the best because the streets are empty. You can run through any neighbourhood and any tourist location and have it all to yourself.
MUSEUMS
Musee D’Orsay: Is an absolute must, my favorite.
Louvre: Is a requirement but it’s big and pick your theme because you won’t have enough time to see even a 10th of the museum.
The Natural History Museum: This is one of the better museums and if you are travelling with kids, they will love it. Very interesting interior design too. “Grande Galerie de L’Evolution”
Pompidou Centre: Modern Art.
Rodin Museum: Beautiful and takes an hour. Highly recommend this.
Invalides: If you love history, you could spend a full day here. Full exhibits on WWI and WWII.
Notre Dame: Crazy line but the view/inside is worth it.
SHOPPING
6th Arrondissement: You can’t go wrong in the 6th. Streets to browse are Boulevard St. Germain, Rue du Dragon, Boulevard Raspail, Rue de Grenelle.
3rd Arrondissement: You have several independent stores, best streets are Rue Vieille-du-Temple and Rue Sainte Croixe de la Bretonnerie.
Rue de Martyrs: In the 9th because there are no tourists, the stores and restaurants are very Parisian and it’s away from the hustle and bustle.
Bon Marche: Best department store in Paris.
Champs-élysées: Many of the top boutiques are here as well as many global chains like Zara, Adidas, Lacoste.
Galleries Lafayette: GREAT shopping and make sure you look UP. The stained glass atrium is amazing (right above the cosmetics section). This department store has now expanded into 3 different stores. The men’s, women’s and food store (YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE FOOD STORE) are all walking distance from each other.
Colette: An incredible store in the 1er arrondissement with everything from technology, accessories, high fashion and a restaurant! Definitely worth a browse.