The Paris Bucket List: Stunning Stays & Unmissable Sights
Paris is a dream destination that has captivated hearts for centuries. With iconic landmarks, world-class art, and unparalleled charm, it’s hard not to fall in love with every arrondissement. It’s truly a top destination for travelers from across the globe. While I haven’t visited Paris quite yet, with the Olympics currently happening in the City of Lights, I have seen half a million incredible places I can’t wait to see when I do go.
Whether you’re a first time visitor, a seasoned professional, or just looking for items to put on a bucket list, I have collected some of the best recommendations in hotels, Airbnbs, food, and activities to do.
Bulgari Hotel
An 11-story hotel melding Italian craftsmanship with French touches that is modern and minimalist. There are 360 degree views from the expansive rooftop terrace and a 26 table fine dining restaurant, Il Ristorante.
Hotel De Crillon
Hotel de Crillon has been a long favorite of the fashion crowd due to its suites, culinary offerings, and award winning spa. There are spectacular views over Place de la Concorde and the Eiffel Tower. This 18th century palace has been restored in a 4 year uplift that includes a pool lined with over 17,000 gold scales.
La Fantaisie
La Fantaisie is a hidden-gem with one of the most charming courtyard gardens in Paris. The floral motifs help to create a whimsical interior setting and the rooftop bar is a stunning spot for cocktails. The hotel is home to three-Michelin-starred chef, Dominique Crenn, who helms the signature vegetable and seafood-focused restaurant, Golden Poppy.
Le Pavillon de La Reine
Located in the Marais neighborhood, this family-owned spot has an ivy-clad 17th century facade, private garden courtyard, and a harmonious blend of antiques, marble, and modern finishings. All of the rooms have stories of their own and wellness seekers can spend time rejuvenating at the spa.
Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera
Sophisticated and understated, this hotel has been an icon since it debuted in the 1860s. This pet-friendly hotel has a rich history, small fitness center, 24 hour room service, and a horseshoe-shaped bar that was once frequented by Ernest Hemmingway and Marlene Dietrich.
Chateau Voltaire
Opened by Zadig & Voltaire founder Thierry Gillier in 2022 in the brand’s former headquarters, the hotel combines traditional Parisian elegance with contemporary cool. It has a prime location in the heart of Paris, an intimate luxurious ambiance, and is fit for the fashion crowd.
Le Pigalle
Le Pigalle is an innovative spot marrying retro aesthetics with cutting-edge design. Each room is adorned with Art Deco furnishings, photo displays, and a minibar with premixed cocktails. It embraces the neighborhood’s history as a red-light district with playful nods like a stripped pole. Close to hot spots, this area is undeniably edgy and cool.
Le Royal Moncceau - Raffles Paris
This spot contains an exquisite art collection on property and values art so much they have their very own Art Concierge to show guests their art collection and private tours of the Louis Vuitton Foundation before doors open to the public. There is a state of the art private theater, spa treatments, and the largest hotel pool in Paris. They also offer the Royal Film Club, a monthly event screening Hollywood blockbusters and classics while serving champaign and popcorn.
Hotel Grand Mazarin
Opened in late 2023, Hotel Le Grand Mazarin is an art lovers dream. Located in a converted 14th century building, its prime location is tucked along hip shops and art galleries. Each room blends French classicism with eclectic pops of jade, patterns, funky rugs, and custom lamps.
Cheval Blanc Paris
Cheval Blanc Paris is the finishing touch of the 5 year renovation of La Samaritaine and is LVMH’s first space intended to feel like home. The terrace boasts one of the best panoramic views of Paris’ skyline, one of the hottest tables in town, Plenitude, and the Dior Spa.
J.K. Place Paris
The J.K. brand has a cult following and their first hotel beyond Italy is the J.K. Place Paris. Located in a former embassy, the hotel is not far from the Musee d’Orsay. There is an assortment of African chairs, Hermes sketches, and eye-catching rugs. One can’t miss spot is Casa Tua, a glass roofed restaurant serving up Northern Italian cuisine.
Le Meurice
Housed in the oldest palace in France, it has been a part of Paris’ landscape since 1835. It has undergone 5 renovations and is widely considered one of the most luxurious hotels in Paris. Guests can access butlers, rooms varying in size and decor, history, high fashion shopping, and of course, the spa.
Hotel Madame Reve
Located within what used to be Paris’ only 24-hour post office, it is now home to a rotating selection of fashion designers and insiders. There are panoramic views of the city, two on-site restaurants, rooftop bar, and spa complete with sauna overlooking the city.
Romantic Hideway
A studio perfect for couples that won’t break the bank. This spot is owned by a film buff who has designed the space with vintage posters and art deco pieces to curate a special and romantic vibe. Down the road is Jardin des Plantes, whose botanical gardens are a sweet spot for a picnic or leisurely stroll.
Airbnbs
This home has rustic wooden beams, sloping ceilings, and stone walls - everything you want from a countryside home. Just a six minute walk from the Notre Dame and the artsy Saint-Germain-des-Pres, this home contains 3 floors, sound system for nights in, and air conditioning.
Private gardens are rare in Paris, but this Airbnb is impeccably designed right down to its private garden. There are smart touches including remote-controlled blackout curtains, carefully curated modern art, and fluffy bathrobes. With a back garden, guests can enjoy an alfresco evening under the stars.
Located inside an 18th century building that has been redesigned, this Airbnb blends classic Parisian romanticism with plenty of cool, modern touches like marble. There is an American-style kitchen, plush bedrooms, and is located in the bourgeois Marais.
This studio is charming and allows guests to live like a local. Located in the heart of Marais, not only is the location enviable, but guests experience the full Parisian apartment experience. Every nook is made use of, there is plenty of natural light, and it overlooks a leafy courtyard.
With a lavish hotel feel, Highstay is right on the banks of the Seine and just a quick jump away from the Louvre. The spot with chic, modern decor boasts a huge dining table, two king size beds, underfloor heating, and air conditioning.
Montmartre City Views
This chic spot has polished floors, wood beams, antique furniture, and even hand-sculpted sconces. It fully embraces the dreamy cityscape outside inviting guests to climb a metal ladder to the rooftop terrace to enjoy a sunset. It is located far enough from tourist hotspots that it has a Parisian village feel to it.
Where to Eat
Le Bon Marche’s Food Emporium
This flagship food emporium has grown to nearly 3,000 square meters with over 25,000 products making it a must see for food lovers. Spend hours browsing the colorful produce, massive 3,000+ option wine cellar, and on-site dining options.
Bontemps
If a quirky and homey patisserie is your jam, Bontemps is for you. It’s a vibe that many Parisians are looking for right now. Shortbread is at the very center of everything they do which is unique as this biscuit is often forgotten about. Whether you grab a cute heart-shaped version or a decadent filled sandwich, you’ll be happy enjoying a sweet treat in a vine-lined courtyard reminiscent of a Disney movie.
Gigis
Gigis isn’t just another Italian restaurant everyone raves about. There is an unbeatable view of the Eiffel Tower, a DJ, and has a vibe that everyone says cannot be missed. And with a truffle pizza, who would want to?
Julhes
Located in the 10th arrondissement, Julhes is a series of family-owned specialty shops with a wide range of products from bread to pastries and even international foods and cured meats.
Poilâne
Renowned for its classic Parisian bread and a history that spans generations, this bakery is beloved for locals and tourists alike. While their sourdough is a staple on French tables everywhere, they have a few more tricks up their sleeve. Notably an apple tart that is soft, flaky, and bursting with flavor.
Confiture Parisienne
This charming shop is where you can find and enjoy affordable, customizable jams made in copper pots. They even offer jam and pastry making workshops for more hands-on experiences.
LouLou
LouLou is a trendy, chic restaurant and bar with a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a hotspot for seeing and being seen. Enjoy their delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes paired with crafted cocktails while mixing with Paris’ most stylish. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy brunch in one of the most famous locations in the world - opposite the gardens of the Louvre.
Ritz Paris Le Comptoir
Ritz Paris Le Comtpoir is a luxurious pastry shop that also has giftable items like champagne. This modern intepretation of a Parisian brasserie offers French cuisine with a contemporary twist, impeccable service, and a menu celebrating the finest local ingredients.
Chambelland
Chambelland is a must-visit for bread lovers. Located in a trendy neighborhood, they only use naturally gluten-free grains that are not only certified organic, but produced in their own mill. They offer cakes, cookies, and a lemon meringue tart that has been called a showstopper.
Louis Vuitton Café and Chocolaterie
This spot was originally a year long pop-up tired to a Louis Vuitton collection and offers exclusive pasteries and chocolates. Located with a view overlooking the Seine, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a sweet treat with a stunning view.
Café Nuances
This trendy café serves creative drinks like strawberry macha and a rose latte. But the real star of the show here is the cafe itself. Designed by Uchronia, the funky shapes and highly saturated colors really add to the experience of popping into a cafe to enjoy a drink.
Les Caves du Louvre
Les Caves du Louvre is located in 18th-century wine cellars once used by King Louis XV’s somelier. It is currently a wine discovery center run by O Chateau and offers self-guided and guided tours where guests can learn about wine, bottling, and even enjoy a tasting.
Can’t Miss Places
A few of the places and activities I’ve heard great things about to add to the list.
Pictured above: Zoī - A cutting-edge wellness center providing comprehensive health check-ups and monitoring to optimize the health and longevity of guests. By analyzing hundreds of health markers, Zoi offers personalized health recommendations and support tailored to you.
48 Collagen Cafe
As Paris’ first “glow cafe”, they incorporate anti-aging protein into every recipe, offering a futuristic wellness experience. Each dish has been meticulously designed to boost collagen and enhance your skin’s health.
Bloom
Bloom is a relaxing escape where 45 minutes feels like days when you need to recharge your batteries. There is guided meditation, halotherapy, and a pink Himalayan salt room with a reputation.
Nuovo
Despite the incredible Paris’ vintage scene, Nuovo stands out by focusing on the vibe rather than the specific designer labels. A must-visit for fashion-forward, style enthusiasts.
Paris’ Abandoned Railway
Built over 150 years ago, the abandoned railway is now an overgrown haven for urban explorers looking for a special way to experience history, see local wildlife, and enjoy the outdoors.
Historic Shopping Arcades
Paris’ historic shopping arcades date back to the 18th and 19th centuries and are filled with quirky boutiques, old bookstores, and quaint eateries offering a glimpse into the city’s rich past.
Heimat by Wars Dirie
Heimat is a women-only gym combining fitness and art in a unique setting. Featuring the latest gym equipment and reformer pilates marchings, you can also purchase artwork to directly support Waris Dirie’s Desert Flower Foundation.
Atelier Brancusi
An intimate look at the work of sculptor Constantin Brancusi is a must-stop for art lovers. It provided a unique perspective compared to the more popular, larger art institutions.
Manucurist
A cutting-edge and spacious temple dedicated to the art of nails. Full of light and color, they offer a wide range of polishes as well as the accessories needed to to push the boundaries of your nail art creativity.
St-Ouen’s Flea Markets
One of the largest flea markets in the world also happens to be a vintage lover’s paradise. With over 2,500 stalls offering everything from retro furniture to antiques, it’s a vibrant market perfect for treasure hunting.
