If you’re visiting Paris for your fourth, fifth, or seventeenth time and looking for new spots to explore, this is the guide for you!

I’ve been living in Paris for the last two years, first as a jeune-fille au pair and then while pursuing my masters, so I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the city and discovering my go-to spots.

Here is a complete list of my favorite places to explore, things to do, and more throughout Paris. Be sure to check back regularly as I will be updating this list throughout my time living here!

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At a Glance:

Favorite Quarters to Explore in Paris
Unique Things To Do
Favorite Parks
Best Spots for French Cuisine
Favorite Museums
Favorite Lookout Points
Favorite Spots for Drinks with Friends
Top “Touristy” Spots That Feel More Local

Bonus: If you’re looking for unique events and festivals to do during your trip to Paris, check out my blog for my favorite must-see events year round!

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Favorite Quarters to Explore in Paris

1. The Latin Quarter, 6th Arrondissement
   Walking through the Latin Quarter, I feel like I’m walking through Paris one hundred years ago, with all of the beautiful old architecture and charm. Most of my favorite restaurants are in this area. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a movie filing near the Pantheon!
2. The Opéra, 9th Arrondissement
   This area is has a lot of shopping opportunities and of course Le Palais Garnier, but my favorite part is the Japanese quarter, filled with so many amazing Japanese restaurants!
3. The Marais, 3rd and 4th Arrondissement
   Great area for thrift shopping and lots of good restaurants / coffee shops!
4. Canal Saint-Martin, 10th and 11th Arrondissement
   This is one of the most charming areas in all of Paris! Canal Saint-Martin is very calm and tranquille, and not flooded with thousands of people like other spots throughout the city. I love coming here for a relaxing day getting coffee nearby, or going on a run with my run club!

Unique Things To Do in Paris

1. La Cinémathèque Françaises
   I have not actually been here yet, but it’s on my to-do list! This spot is a combination between a library, movie theater, and museum, and in the movie theater they feature movies from the 1900s from all over the world.
2. Take a day trip to see Claude Monet’s house and garden in Giverny!
   A secret to many, but for those who know, one of the best day trips you can take from Paris is to see Monet’s house and garden! This day trip is super easy, as it’s only one hour from Paris by train, and you’ll be able to explore the cutest and tiny French town of Giverny, take in the country side, and experience the iconic inspiration for many of Claude Monet’s paintings.
   For more details on how to plan your visit, check out this blog!
3. Brocantes on the weekends
   A brocante is a flea market where you can find some old treasures! There are dozens throughout Paris, and the biggest one is at Saint Ouen, just outside of the périphérique. Remember to bring cash as a lot of the vendors don’t accept card!
4. Have a picnic along the Seine or Canal Saint Martin
   This is my go to activity with friends when it’s nice out! Picnics are budget friendly and the atmosphere along the river is always so lively. Pick up a bottle of wine, your favorite cheeses, fruits, and voila!
5. Pick up a bottle of wine or some beer and enjoy the skateboarders skateboarding at Bastille on the weekends
   During the weekend of Paris Fashion Week back in the fall, my friend and I had gone to see the défile de Hèrmes and then stumbled upon a skateboard park by Bastille! Honestly, it was so fun watching the skateboarders because they were very talented. We ended up leaving to go get a beer and bring it back to enjoy while watching them!

Favorite Parks in Paris

When I first moved to Paris, I had no idea that Paris had any parks! There are actually so many parks throughout the city, and they’re the perfect spot to have a picnic with friends, go for a run, or stroll through with a date. I love going to these parks when I’m out in the city, exploring by myself, because they’re so relaxing and it doesn’t feel awkward going alone!

Here are my favorite parks:

1. Parc de Sceaux
   About one hour south of Paris, this park is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for a day trip away from the crowds. If you come during April you might be able to catch the Hanami festival for the Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree Blooming!
2. Parc Monceau
   Very cute local park filled with families and friends. Great place to go for a run, stroll, or have a picnic.
3. Parc de Bercy
   Gorgeous park right along the Seine. Great spot to read a book or stroll with friends.
4. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
   Huge park filled with hills and views of the Paris skyline.

Best Spots for French Cuisine in Paris

If you’re looking to try traditional French cuisine in Paris, on almost every corner you’ll find what’s called a Brasserie, which is a traditional French restaurant with typically non-stop service, showcasing a classic French menu with dishes like TarTare de Bœuf, Bœuf Bourguignon, Steak et Frites, Pavé du Saumon, Escargot, Soupe à l’Oignon, and many more.

However, to help you narrow down where to eat, here are some of my favorite French restaurants! Contrary to what I have just mentioned, these are not Brasseries, but French restaurants none the less that are a must try when visiting Paris.

1. 17.45
   17.45 has multiple locations throughout Paris, and offers a great atmosphere for enjoying charcuterie, fromage, and wine. My favorite was their truffle brie cheese!
2. Avant Comptoir de la Terre
   This is a French inspired tapas & wine bar where you can taste a multitude of French dishes at once! My favorite tapas were their duck hearts (cœurs de canard) and the saucisson with a purée de patate douce. They do not have a wine list, but rather recommend you a wine based off of your preferences! I had their La Compagnon from Domaine Ledogar and it was a very smooth red, the perfect medium between a light and stronger wine.
3. Galerie Lafayette Le Gourmet
   Galerie Lafayette Le Gourmet is a food market located right near the Opéra that has an expansive display of French specialties and even some specialties from around the world! Come here to try different delicacies as you walk around, or sit down for a nice lunch at one of the restaurants. Be sure to go to the bottom floor into the marché to pick up delicious souvenirs to bring back home!

Favorite Museums in Paris

Paris is known for it’s rich history in the arts, so you will never run out of museums to explore if that’s your thing! Personally, I’m used to not be the biggest museum person. However, I’ve come to really appreciate them since living here. Especially during the winter or when it rains, I’ll take myself on a solo date to a museum and learn about different art or pieces of history!

I won’t be listing the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay since they’re the two most popular, but I highly recommend visiting them as well!

Here are my favorite museums:

1. Musée Carnavalet
   Museum focused on the history of Paris from Antiquité all the way through present day. This museum is very intriguing, and also free!
2. Centre Pompidou
   This museum has about 6 floors, with two permanent exhibits along with continuously rotating exhibitions. Each time I go, I and constantly amazing by it’s sheer size, and never end up seeing everything! This museum will actually be closing for renovation for 5 years starting in 2025, so be sure to go before this starts!
3. Musée de la vie Romantique
   Cute little museum featuring pieces from the Romance Period, with a cozy café attached with terrace seating!

Favorite Lookout Points in Paris

1. Sacre Cœur, Montmartre
   Sacre Cœur is a gorgeous basilica located in the 18th arrondissement that has an expansive view of the whole city of Paris. Visiting this spot includes lots of stairs, but it’s so worth it! I also love to explore the little art district in the streets next to the Sacre Cœur.
2. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
   Not many people are aware of the incredible views that this park offers! Take in the Paris skyline from a different perspective at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
3. Centre Pompidou
   From the top floor of Centre Pompidou, you be welcomed by an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower and Sacre Cœur. Plan your visit during the sunset for a magical experience!

Favorite Spots for Drinks with Friends in Paris

If you’re looking to grab drinks or go out with friends, some of my favorite areas in Paris to do so are by Bastille or in Châtelet. Bastille has lots of bars with more of a club scene if you want a full night out, and Châtelet has tons of Brasseries and cute restaurants that are the perfect place to prendre un verre and be surrounded by tons of people! In either area, you’re guaranteed to have a good ambiance and a great night out.

Here are some of my favorite spots to get drinks with friends:

1. Along the Quai of the Seine by Pont Neuf
   Though this area can be flooded with people, it’s still one of my favorite places to be when the weather is nice! I love the vibrant atmosphere with everyone around. This is a great spot for a picnic, to walk or go for a run, or to have a drink with friends
2. Bar à Bulles
   This is a little hidden gem right above the Moulin Rouge. My favorite thing to do is share their planches of cheese and charcuterie, and a bottle of wine with my friends.
3. Fabula
   Fabula is a seasonal spot for dinner or drinks, open only during the spring and summer, located in the courtyard garden of Musée Carnavalet in the 3rd arrondissement. They have a live dj and walk up bar to order your drinks, and then you can enjoy the night in the open air garden situated with lots cozy spots to chat with your friends! We went around the sunset and really enjoyed the vibes of the secret bar!

Top “Touristy” Spots That Feel More Local in Paris

1. Luxembourg Gardens
   Even though the Luxembourg Gardens is one of the top sights to see in Paris, it’s also one of my favorite places to be! Whether I’m hanging out with a friend in the lounge chairs or going for a run, this spot is very lively with tons of people, yet I still feel like it’s not very touristy. There are locals that bring their kids to play, tons of runners, and even a group of friends that regularly come to play Pétanque.
2. Saint Germain des Près
   Saint Germain des Près is located right next to the Latin Quarter on Rive Gauche (the left bank) and is filled with so much culture and history! Despite it being very popular by locals and tourists alike, I love to walk through this area on the weekends because it is so lively and the ambiance is amazing.

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What is your favorite spot to visit when you come to Paris? Let me know in the comments!

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XX – Carmela