Eat, stroll, and enjoy: a local’s guide to the best things to do in Paris, France
Follow in the footsteps of a Parisian to venture beyond the obvious.
As a Parisian who’s called Hong Kong home for the past nine years, I eagerly return to the City of Light each summer. Amidst the iconic landmarks lies a Paris known for its hidden delights and timeless charm. It’s a city where following in the footsteps of a local can truly unlock a world of new discoveries. With the 2024 Summer Olympics on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to share my insider’s guide. Join me as I unveil the restaurants where I love to book a table, and the strolls I like to take. These are the very best things to do in Paris if you want to experience the authentic side of the city.
P.S. I also curated this guide to the most exquisite heritage hotels in Paris if you’re looking to stay somewhere totally unique.
A local’s guide to the best things to do in Paris
Eat like a Parisian
In Paris, dining goes beyond steak tartare and croque-monsieur. While I adore both dishes, wine and bread are my staples. My first opinion of a restaurant is always forged on the quality of its bread basket, which should come free of charge and at the beginning of your meal by the way.
Here are the spots I consistently visit when I’m in Paris. These are not Michelin-starred venues; you don’t need me for these recommendations. They’re just my usual hangouts as a Parisian eating out in Paris.
Found in trendy Le Marais (my hood!), Parcelles (13 rue Chapon, 75003) embodies the essence of a wine bistro. It’s popular, but believe me securing a reservation is a feat worth the effort (bookings open two weeks ahead for dinner and you’ll have to be fast). The concise menu, a testament to the quality of what you’re about to eat, features three options for starters, mains, and desserts (with a vegetarian choice for each). A personal hit is the comforting sweet bread. Don’t hesitate to ask for it if you can’t find it on the menu (they sometimes have it as a special). Trust the sommelier for impeccable, and well-priced, wine recommendations.
Stepping into the world of plant-based cuisine in the traditional realm of French bistros? It takes balls. But Alice Tuyet, the mastermind behind Faubourg Daimant (20 rue du Faubourg-Poissonnière, 75010) has silenced the sceptics with her magic. In less than a year, her latest restaurant (she has another joint Plan D, dedicated to plant-based street-food) has earned a spot on all the most coveted foodie guides in France. At Faubourg Daimant, expect plant-based dishes that are as sexy as they are finger-licking good—including the signature pornfood croquettes, a veggie take on the classic pig’s trotter.
Paris might not boast the same culinary diversity as cities like New York or London (I’ve always wished for more top-notch Southeast Asian spots in my hometown), but it nails certain cuisines, and Italian is definitely one of them. Daroco (6 rue Vivienne, 75002) is a personal favourite, thanks to its hype yet laid-back atmosphere, stunning décor (it’s housed in the former workshop of haute couture legend Jean-Paul Gaultier), and mouthwatering selection of fresh pasta. Their linguine with citrus butter and sea bream tartare is an absolute obsession of mine.
Speaking of nailing certain cuisines, Mediterranean flavours also shine bright in Paris. And for my fix, I head straight to Malro (7 rue Froissart, 75003) – yet another one of my Le Marais hangouts. Cue friendly vibes, good cocktails, and dishes perfect sharing. I can’t get enough of their Tunisian fricassés stuffed with tuna, harissa, egg and potato (totally worth every calorie). And don’t even get me started on their zucchini flowers stuffed with anchovies and mozzarella.
Le Café Marly (93 rue de Rivoli, 75001) might not be a hidden gem, but let me tell you, its terrace offers some iconic views, right under the arcades overlooking the Louvre’s Pyramid. Fair warning though: it’s a popular spot, and snagging a table can be a bit tricky. They’ve got this fancy dress code thing going on, but if you’re up for it, you’re in for a treat. Picture this: sipping on a glass of Rosé, munching on their divine truffle tarama (or elevated brasserie-style dishes), and soaking in the Parisian vibe as you watch the world go by.
I must confess a little crush on French chef Cyril Lignac. You know how sometimes looking at someone you can tell ‘this is a good person’? Well, he looks like one of these good people. Not to mention his restaurants in Paris are both lovely and lively. At Aux Prés (27 rue du Dragon, 75006) in the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés, you can expect bistro classics elevated with an Asian fusion touch and served in an openly vintage ambience. I always order the crispy sushi salmon and the crunchy crab galette with Madras curry.
Alternatively, head to Le Chardenoux (1 rue Jules Valles, 75011) where similar dishes are served alongside fish creations, in a heritage-listed interior décor. The sun-bathed terrace is a standout, and if you happen to have a booking at Le Chardenoux, remember to stop a Lignac’s next-door chocolate shop, buy a box of his chocolate marshmallow bears, and thank me later.
Stroll like a Parisian
When visiting the fashion capital of the world, ditch your Louboutin heels and Chanel slingbacks, because you’ll want to explore the city on foot to feel its heartbeat.
Le Marais (right bank)
Literally the heart of Paris, Le Marais (4th arrondissement) is a lively mix-and-match where Jewish bakeries rub shoulders with designer stores – don’t miss Sézane (33 rue des Blancs Manteaux, 75004) if you’re into effortless French chic, gay bars, gourmet shops, and historical sights and museums. I personally enjoy the Cognacq-Jay Museum, presenting the personal art collection gathered by Ernest Cognacq (founder of department store La Samaritaine) throughout his life, offering a unique glimpse into the lifestyle and art taste of the 18th century.
This neighbourhood isn’t exactly a hidden gem and gets extremely busy during peak tourist season, but you’ll never regret a walk in Le Marais. On a hot summer days, you’ll find locals flocking towards the picturesque Place des Vosges – the oldest square in Paris – to lounge on the grass and soak in the sun. Grab yourself an indulgent cookie from Crème Paris (61 rue du Temple, 75004) or Cookidiction (25 rue des Ecouffes, 75004), a selection of macarons from Pierre Hermé (18 rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie) or a Lebanese ice cream from Baltis (27 rue Saint-Antoine,75004) – my go-to is their signature Achta (cream with orange blossom) flavour. Join the locals as you enjoy a quintessential Parisian experience – eating and people-watching.
I also enjoy strolling along Rue Vieille du Temple, from Saint-Paul all the way up to Rue de Bretagne. There’s many shopping opportunities along the way, such as LIVY (83 rue Vieille du Temple, 75004) for Parisian-chic lingerie, & Other Stories (76 rue Vieille du Temple, 75003) for day-to-day women’s clothing, Courrèges (119 rue Vieille du Temple, 75003) for edgy fashion, and GANNI (118 rue Vieille du Temple, 75003) for clothing with a twist.
Once you’ve reached Rue de Bretagne, turn left and witness gourmet shops taking over fashion boutiques. Don’t miss the chance to buy a slice of Maison Verot’s award-winning pate-en-croute (38 rue de Bretagne, 75003) – it’s the perfect addition to any aperitivo hour. And be sure to explore the narrow alleys of Le Marché des Enfants Rouges food market for more delightful discoveries.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Le Bon Marché (left bank)
This postcard-perfect neighbourhood of Paris may already be on your radar, it’s popular among tourists, but here’s the itinerary I love to take when strolling around the area as a Parisian.
I usually begin my walk from Le Marais, crossing the Seine and passing by Notre-Dame before following the picturesque Quai des Grands Augustins and Quai de Conti until I reach Rue Bonaparte. This street offers plenty of opportunities to visit art galleries and interior décor shops.
One of my must-stop destinations is the beautiful Officine Universelle Buly 1803 (6 rue Bonaparte, 75006), a beauty shop inspired by early 19th-century aesthetic, and Assouline Paris (35 rue Bonaparte, 75006), where I spend all my money on coffee-table blooks worth the splurge. By the way, if you’re searching for a special souvenir to take back from your trip, consider their PARIS CHIC book offering a glimpse into Parisian lifestyle and featuring some of the most beautiful interiors in the capital.
If you have kids, a quick turn right on Rue Jacob, leads you to the Bonpoint Outlet (42 rue de L’Université, 75006) offering adorable and quintessentially Parisian children’s clothes at preferential prices. Afterward, head back towards Rue Bonaparte and continue towards Boulevard Saint-Germain.
Feeling like a coffee break? While Les Deux Magots (6 Place Saint Germain des Prés, 75006) and Café de Flore (172 Boulevard Saint-Germain) are legendary spots—and I do revisit them from time to time—consider stopping by Ralph’s Coffee (173 Boulevard Saint-Germain) if the queues are too long. Though not the most Parisian option, the cozy ambience and the Ralph Lauren shop nearby are definitely worth experiencing.
One shop you absolutely can’t miss in the area is Citypharma (26 rue du Four, 75006). Despite the crowds, it’s worth a visit as it offers all the best French pharmacy brands at discounted prices. Look out for Nuxe suncare products, La Roche-Posay skincare products, Christophe Robin, and Cut By Fred haircare products—some of my favourites.
Then, make your way towards Rue de Sèvres until you reach Le Bon Marché (24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007), the world’s oldest department store and, in my opinion, Paris’ most beautiful shopping destination. Adjacent to it is La Grande Épicerie (38 Rue de Sèvres, 75007), where you’ll find all the fine food you can dream of. I can easily spend hours in these two stores.
If you still have some energy and time to spare, I recommend strolling along Rue du Bac back to Boulevard Saint-Germain, where you’ll find numerous boutiques worth exploring along the way, including Le Grand Comptoir (116 rue du Bac, 75007), Angelina (108 rue du Bac, 75007) for a decadent hot chocolate or Mont-Blanc cake, Oh My Cream! (104 rue du Bac, 75007) for niche beauty brands, Des Gâteaux et du Pain Claire DAMON (89 rue du Bac, 75007) for more delightful pastries, and Chatelles (94 rue du Bac, 75007) for chic Parisian slippers.
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