Paris is one of those cities that invites overplanning. Tabs multiply, lists grow long, and suddenly you’re trying to fit three museums, five meals, and an entire arrondissement into a single afternoon. This isn’t that kind of Paris travel guide.
After weeks of research (and a long weekend actually spent walking, eating, shopping, and making plans on the fly), this shortlist reflects what truly stood out. Not everything we did, not everything the city has to offer, but the places I’d happily return to for a weekend getaway in Paris. Consider it a short list of meals, drinks, neighborhoods, and stays that actually delivered when we were there.
Where to Eat in Paris
Lafayette’s
Exactly what I want from a January dinner in Paris: a dark and moody interior, candlelit tables, and mushroom pasta that was some of the best I’ve ever had.
Le St. Régis
An easy stop if you’re on Île de la Cité visiting Notre Dame. Expect fresh bistro-style fare and a relaxed atmosphere.
Chez Bartolo
Italian in Saint-Germain. Order the linguine al vongole (linguine and clams) and thank me later.
Brasserie des Prés
A lively, classic Saint-Germain lunch spot. Everyone around us ordered the beef tartare, so if that’s your thing, you’re in good hands here. I don’t mess with raw beef, but the croque-monsieur was exactly what I wanted.
Boulanger Patisserie
Perfect for a grab-and-go croissant or baguette.
Where to Drink in Paris
Bar Hemingway
One of Paris’s most iconic bars, best known for its martinis. It’ll cost you, though, with some martinis coming in at 40 € a pop.
CoCo
An Art Deco restaurant near the Opéra that leans heavily into old-Paris glamour, complete with live music in the evenings. Better approached as a bar stop than a full meal.
Café Les Deux Magots
Cliché? Yes. Still worth it for an afternoon drink. Sit outside, watch the world go by, and order the hot chocolate if the weather permits.
Hôtel Costes Bar
Celebrity hotspot in the 1st, also known for great martinis (Kim Kardashian was recently spotted here).
Where to Wander in Paris
Rue Saint-Honoré
The backbone of shopping in the 1st, lined with luxury boutiques. Take a stroll with your morning coffee and croissant in hand.
Le Marais
Spanning the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Le Marais has a younger, more eclectic energy than the 1st. The shopping skews more accessible, with a mix of boutiques, vintage stores, and cafés that make it ideal for an unstructured afternoon.
Galeries Lafayette
An architectural landmark as much as a shopping destination. The glass dome alone is worth a visit, and the constant flow of locals and visitors makes it one of the best places in the city for people-watching, even if you don’t plan to shop.
Luxembourg Gardens
One of the city’s most beautiful green spaces — perfect for a slow stroll, a café chair, or a quiet reset between plans.
Musée d’Orsay
Housed in a former train station and home to an impressive Impressionist collection, without the scale (and selfie sticks) of the Louvre.
Where to Stay in Paris
InterContinental Paris Le Grand
Centrally located and decidedly old-school, but in a way I didn’t mind. Spacious rooms, with some offering private balconies overlooking classic Paris streets.
Until next time, Paris.