All Things Paris: A Guide for First Time Visitors
- Chenny
- 1 day ago
- 10 min read
There’s no place quite like Paris—a city that blends timeless elegance with modern charm on every corner. Whether you’re strolling along the Seine, sipping espresso at a tucked-away café, or eyeing the latest fashion in a chic boutique, Paris invites you to experience it all in style. In this guide, I’m breaking down some of the best places to stay, eat, and shop—so whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, you’ll find inspiration to make your trip unforgettable.
my favorite hotels:
Paris, similar to numerous other major European cities, offers excellent accessibility through its metro system. Nonetheless, it can be more convenient to stay in a neighborhood close to the attractions you intend to visit, allowing you to walk and explore with ease. If you enjoy shopping like me, the best area to stay is near Palaise Garnier, from luxury brands to department stores, you have it all. And there is even a direct airport shuttle bus that takes you strait to CDG. By the time you finish your shopping walk you’ll end up at the Louvre, where there is a Duty Free and you can keep shopping.
The one thing Paris has a lot of, are cafes. So no matter where you stay, you’ll likely have one to sit at right outside your door. Here are some of the categories you may be thinking of, I’ve created a list of hotels in each category to help make your trip planning easier:
You can use my code “CHENNY” when booking on Expedia for a 5% discount on your booking!
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If hotels aren’t your thing, home rentals are a great way for you to stay in a city and immerse yourself with the locals. I had a wonderful stay here in 2022, there is a delicious bakery right outside the door selling baguettes for less than 2 euros. And you’re only a short 10 minute walk away from the Eiffel Tower. It still blows my mind how I can be so close to the Eiffel Tower and still feel completely immersed into the local’s daily lives.
the lines are long to eat here, but it’s worth it:
While I personally do not like to wait in lines, occasionally I do if a spot pops off on my for you page. Here is a list of “viral” must-eats in Paris.
📍 Le Relais de Venise – L’Entrecôte
• Address: 271 Boulevard Pereire, 75017 Paris, France
• Cuisine: French Bistro (Specializing in Steak-Frites, aka they ONLY serve steak frites)
• Ambiance: Classic Parisian brasserie with red leather banquettes, marble-topped tables, and brass accents. The staff, all women, wear traditional black dresses with white aprons, contributing to the timeless bistro atmosphere.
• Website: relaisdevenise.com
📍Le Comptoir Général
• Address: 84 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris, France
• Cuisine: French, Fusion
• Ambiance: Eclectic and tropical, with a vibrant, casual setting perfect for Instagram photos
• Website: lecomptoirgeneral.com
📍Septime
• Address: 3 Rue Basfroi, 75011 Paris, France
• Cuisine: Modern French, Sustainable
• Ambiance: Minimalist, elegant, and contemporary, with an open kitchen showcasing culinary artistry
• Website: septime-charonne.fr
📍Le Cinq
• Address: 31 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France
• Cuisine: Haute Cuisine, French
• Ambiance: Luxurious, refined, with classic French elegance in a prestigious setting
• Website: fourseasons.com/paris/dining/le-cinq
📍Big Mamma Group (Ober Mamma)
• Address: 107 Boulevard Richard Lenoir, 75011 Paris, France
• Cuisine: Italian
• Ambiance: Lively, colorful, and vibrant, with rustic yet modern touches
• Website: bigmammagroup.com
📍Frenchie
• Address: 5-6 Rue du Nil, 75002 Paris, France
• Cuisine: French, International Fusion
• Ambiance: Intimate, modern, with a laid-back and stylish atmosphere
• Website: frenchie-restaurant.com
aesthetic & beautiful restaurants:
Whether you’re going for the vibes or to grab that iconic shot for your gram, these restaurants are some of the best when it comes to their interior decor. Icons like Coco Chanel once graced the dining halls of Le Train Bleu, that right there is a story to tell to your friends and family at home.
📍 Beefbar
• Address: 5 Rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris
• Cuisine: Steakhouse with a focus on premium meats
• Ambiance: Elegant and contemporary setting
• Website: https://beefbar.com/paris/
📍 Le Comptoir Général
• Address: 84 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris
• Cuisine: Eclectic fusion with a focus on rum-based cocktails
• Ambiance: Tropical and eclectic, featuring a pirate ship bar and garden terrace
• Website: lecomptoirgeneral.com
📍 Andia
• Address: 19 Chaussée de la Muette, 75016 Paris
• Cuisine: Latin American-inspired dishes
• Ambiance: Vibrant and colorful, located in a former train station
• Website: andia-restaurant.com
📍 Poulette
• Address: 3 Rue Étienne Marcel, 75001 Paris
• Cuisine: Traditional French bistro fare with a modern twist
• Ambiance: Charming and intimate, with Art Nouveau decor
• Website: pouletterestaurant.com
📍 Le Train Bleu
• Address: Place Louis Armand, Gare de Lyon, 75012 Paris
• Cuisine: Classic French cuisine in a historic setting
• Ambiance: Opulent Belle Époque decor within a train station
• Website: le-train-bleu.com
craving a croissant?
There is no where in the world I enjoy more than the bakeries in Paris. Some of the best bread I’ve had in the world are the ones I randomly walk into from the smell of fresh bread in the air. Here are 10 of the best boulangeries in town:
📍Union Boulangerie
• Address: 2 Rue Bleue, 75009 Paris, France
• Cuisine: French Bakery
• Ambiance: Modern, chic with a minimalist design
• Website: www.instagram.com/union_boulangerie
📍Boulangerie Pâtisserie Miche de Pain
• Address: 42 Rue Cadet, 75009 Paris, France
• Cuisine: French Bakery, Pastries
• Ambiance: Cozy, traditional, and warm atmosphere
• Website: No website, Google search the name
📍Petite Île Boulangerie
• Address: 8 Rue des Filles du Calvaire, 75003 Paris, France
• Cuisine: French Bakery
• Ambiance: Intimate and charming, with a quaint, rustic feel
• Website: www.instagram.com/petite.ile.paris
📍Mamiche
• Address: 45 Rue Condorcet, 75009 Paris France
• Cuisine: French Bakery, Pastries
• Ambiance: Cozy and elegant, perfect for enjoying a quiet pastry
• Website: mamiche.fr
📍Christophe Louie
• Address: 12 Rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003 Paris, France
• Cuisine: French Bakery, Pastries
• Ambiance: Sleek, modern with artistic décor
• Website: christophelouie.com
📍Seraphine
• Address: 26 Rue de la Tour, 75116 Paris, France
• Cuisine: French Bakery, Bread
• Ambiance: Bright and welcoming with a lively atmosphere
• Website: https://seraphine-boulangerie.fr
📍Atelier Hure
• Address: 6 Rue Linné, 75005 Paris, France
• Cuisine: Artisan Bakery
• Ambiance: Refined, with a focus on artisanal techniques and high-quality products
• Website: https://atelierhure.fr
📍Boulangerie Rainette
• Address: 5 Bd de Port-Royal, 75013 Paris, France
• Cuisine: French Bakery
• Ambiance: Cozy and rustic, ideal for a traditional Parisian experience
• Website: https://boulangerierainette.odoo.com
📍Maison Bergeron
• Address: 112 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris, France
• Cuisine: French Bakery, Pastries
• Ambiance: Elegant, with a traditional yet modern French bakery style
📍Boulangerie Raphaëlle
• Address: 5 Rue des Champs, 75003 Paris, France
• Cuisine: French Bakery, Pastries
• Ambiance: Light, airy, and welcoming with a contemporary twist
• Website: www.instagram.com/boulangerie_raphaelle
📍Maison Maé
• Address: 17 Rue du Château d'Eau, 75010 Paris, France
• Cuisine: French Bakery
• Ambiance: Stylish, trendy, with a minimalist, yet vibrant feel
• Website: www.instagram.com/maison_mae
📍Maison Aleph
• Address: 5 Rue des Arts, 75006 Paris, France
• Cuisine: French Bakery, Middle Eastern Pastries
• Ambiance: A fusion of modern elegance and Middle Eastern warmth
• Website: maisonaleph.com
📍Boulangerie Utopie
• Address: 25 Rue de la Reine Blanche, 75013 Paris, France
• Cuisine: French Bakery, Artisan Bread
• Ambiance: Modern, with a focus on creativity and quality ingredients
• Website: boulangerieutopie.com
unique gifts to bring home:
Now that you’re full, it’s time to think about shopping. A walk around town is the best way to burn off the carbs. There are sooo many places to shop in Paris and honestly, I probably can’t even tell you them all. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones you randomly stumble into. Here are some things that make a great gift or souvenir to remember your trip by:
Butter, yes you read that right, as long as you’re flying home to the states and declare your butter you can bring this delicious addition to your kitchen home. The spot to go is Le Grand Epicerie. There are three locations and you can pick whichever is easier to route to. The reason why I love getting my butter from here is because they offer a service at their fromagerie to vacuum seal your goods once you’ve made the purchase. Otherwise, you can always find butter at any grocery, and it may even be cheaper. Check out my reel here to see the shopping experience!
Tea, Paris is known for their beautiful tea shops and you can find many shops that offer vintage wrapping too. Conservatoire des Hémisphères is a beautiful shop where you can choose from their selection of infused tea leaves or you can DIY and make your own combo. It’s right next to a La Grand Epicerie so you can shoot two birds with one stone. I bought one tin for myself and was especially happy to see it beautifully wrapped when I checked out.
Notebook, in the spirit of DIY, Louis Carmen is a great spot to pick up a solid leather journal while adding personal touches to it. They come in a variety of colors and sizes. My favorites are the travel journals that come with nice pockets. I’m always collecting things on my trips to junk journal when I get home. So any notebooks with good pockets, you will see me adding it to my collection.
Vintage Cosmetics, honestly I am not sure if this is the right word to describe this store. From lip balms, perfumes, soaps, tooth and hairbrushes you will find almost any personal care item in this cozy little shop and be able to customize pretty much everything. Yes, this is in fact another store that went viral on TikTok, so beware, there’s always a line. Officine Universelle Buly makes sure they are worth the wait!
feeling thrifty instead?
Believe it or not, ME TOO. I had thrifting at the very top of my list because you can find some solid things here. There are two types of second hand stores, thrift and vintage. You will spend more time looking through a collection of things at thrifts but they will be cheap. And vintage stores often have all the designers in one place, but the price reflects. So rule of thumb, the more you have to scavenge the cheaper it’ll probably be but the result, worth it, once you hit gold. With that being said, here are my favorite spots:
📍Guerrisol
• Address: Various locations across Paris, including 41 Boulevard de Sébastopol, 75004 Paris, France (multiple locations)
• Style: Budget-friendly, no-frills thrift store offering a wide range of secondhand clothing
• Vibe: Basic and unpolished; ideal for those seeking a true thrift-store experience
• Website: www.guerrisol.fr
📍Kilo Shop
• Address: 125 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France (multiple locations)
• Style: Vintage streetwear and eclectic finds sold by weight (2-5 euros per kilo)
• Vibe: Casual, bustling, and treasure-filled; a favorite among students and tourists
• Website: www.kilo-shop.fr
📍Free’P’Star
• Address: 61 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris, France (multiple locations)
• Style: Affordable vintage clothing with a focus on denim, band tees, and retro accessories
• Vibe: Compact and packed with character; often a bit crowded, but always rewarding
• Website: www.freepstar.fr
📍Tilt Vintage
• Address: 8 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris, France
• Style: Curated vintage pieces from the 1960s to the 1990s
• Vibe: Stylish and organized; offers a more boutique-like experience
📍Emmaüs Boutique
• Address: 158 Boulevard de Diderot, 75012 Paris, France (multiple locations)
• Style: Wide selection of secondhand clothing, furniture, and household items
• Vibe: Spacious and community-focused; proceeds support social programs
• Website: www.instagram.com/emmaus_alternatives
final tips and random things you may be interested in
Paris is a city where you can spend as much or as little money as you want and you can still have a GREAT time. I may indulge a lot on my travels but I also love finding ways to cut back on spendings when I can. Here are some things to look out for that can help keep your wallet happy!
Roissy Bus. This is a direct bus that runs from Palais Garneir to Charles De Gaulle airport. They are super frequent and run every 20 min. By far the most cost efficient wya to travel to/from the airport and it saves you the hassle of having to go up and down stairs while trying to navigate the Paris metro system.
Old Photo Booth, There are two of these in Paris, one in Montmarte (this one usually has a line) and one is in the Duty-Free mall at the Louvre (this one has no line.) Easily one of the cutest keepsakes to add to your souvenir collection.
Newspaper Polaroid, you can find photographers hanging around iconic landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame) where they take instant photos of you in exchange for a donation. These donations are your choice so you donate what you want! The photographer usually takes a peek at how much you donated and they will take the amount of photos they feel aligns with the donation. I donated 2 euros and received 2 photos back.
Monoprix, this is where all the locals go for their necessities and you truly find everything here. Think of it like target but cheaper. From groceries to a new coat, monoprix has it all and it is a great price. It’s worth checking it out at least once on your trip.
Pharmacie, this is the best place to pick up your French skin care! You can find brands like Caudelie selling for half the price of what you’d normally get in the states.
Bring your passport for BIG purchases, if you’re planning to buy a bigger souvenir make sure to bring your passport so you can get a tax refund. We were able to save a lot of money at Chanel this way. It’s a great way to get some cash back but make sure you file the tax refund form properly at the airport upon departure to avoid any penalties. This process sounds scary but its really easy. There’s always a big sign that points to a box for filing away your tax refunds at the airport, honestly you shouldn’t miss it.
There are so many more incredible things to see, do, and eat in Paris, this truly is just a start. I hope this guide helps you plan for your upcoming trip. Subscribe and follow along and be the first to check out my blog for Bordeaux and South of France coming very soon!
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