Two things are true: Paris is steeped in history, and it is utterly dynamic — changing every month, sporting new and revamped places to explore, dine, dance, sip, admire, and connect.
Whether you’ve been before and checked off the tourist attractions or are planning your first visit, having up-to-date recommendations on the new-and-now hot spots of Paris is always a good idea.
Visiting Paris this summer? We think that’s a great idea. (Photo Credit: Chris Linnett)
It’s hard to beat the City of Light in the summer. (Photo Credit: Sebastien Gabriel)
Millions will flock to Paris this summer. By reading on, you can count yourself one of the savvy ones who knows exactly where to go to savor the City of Lights (and avoid the mobs of tourists).
Oh, Paris, we all love you so. Let’s dive in.
Where to Eat
Because there is nothing quite like a take-your-time, delectable meal in Paris — these are our top restaurant recommendations to try on your next visit.
Brasserie Rosie Lou — a taste of the French Basque coast, right in one of the coolest parts of Paris (near the 2nd arrondissement). A colorful surf and seaside bar atmosphere with cool shells, textures, and even surf boards welcomes you, but as you continue on into the restaurant, you’ll enter the deep blue (literally, the color of the walls) and sit down to enjoy menu hits such as Basque sausage, Pinxto–style stuffed peppers, and the catch of the day.
Le Bon Georges — a Parisian bistro with a menu that changes almost daily. The cuisine is made with exceptional seasonal ingredients, and the wine list is practically never-ending, with over 1,800 offerings to choose from.
Carve out the time for a lengthy meal on the streets of Paris. (Photo Credit: Charles Loyer)
Because French croissants are the best croissants. (Photo Credit: Diliara Garifullina)
Montecito — a subtle blend of French & California Pacific cuisine with a lively, upbeat atmosphere, especially on Thursday nights. Some nights include DJ sets and all offer exceptional craft cocktails to pair with the colorful, casual-chic plates.
Drouant — a historic and classic French restaurant that has housed the deliberations of the Goncourt (the French literary prize) judges since 1914. It’s a chic and timeless brasserie that’s definitely worth a visit, and the outdoor seating is lovely on a nice day.
Le Mary Celeste — inventive cocktails and a stellar wine list pair perfectly with the light bites at Le Mary Celeste. There’s always something interesting on the rotating menu, but favorites include the oysters, seafood stew, and steak tartare. The bartenders are top-notch and the team members are friendly and helpful. If it’s in season, don’t skip the rhubarb tart for dessert.
Pink Mamma — the aesthetics of this restaurant shine on their own, and the Italian food absolutely keeps pace with the visuals. Nestled in the nightlife district of Pigalle, it serves handmade pastas and pizzas and Firenze style meat. You might love the lively atmosphere so much, you’ll decide to come back the next night.
Eat as much pâtisserie as you can — you won’t regret it. (Photo Credit: Siebe Warmoeskerken)
In the summer, produce and florals bloom throughout the streets of Paris. (Photo Credit: Louis Le Pessot)
Aux Bon Crus — a delightfully retro bistro menu full of French classics awaits at this small restaurant in the 11th arrondissement. People love this place for its neighborhood feel, friendly & familial service, and warm and buzzing atmosphere. Don’t miss the stuffed cabbage.
La Recyclerie — so unique that it’s unquestionably worth the metro ride to North Paris, La Recyclerie makes sustainability very cool. Using parts of the old railway ring around Paris for its various projects, this restaurant, shop, and sustainability workshop brings to life an ethos of reuse through food, classes, gardening, and goods. If you’re interested in having a meal at a restaurant that is decidedly different than the bourgeois bistros, this is your place.
Where to Stroll
There is no better way to absorb the energy of Paris than to simply walk amongst it — these are our favorite tourist-free spots.
Rue de Lévis — a quaint little pedestrian street exploding with charm, you’ll find it in the 17th arrondissement next to gorgeous Parc Monceau. Pretend you’re a local as you pop into the butcher shops, bakeries, fromageries, and darling cafés that dot both sides of the street.
Take an afternoon to explore Parc Monceau. (Photo Credit: Stephanie Klepacki)
The beauty of the park will have you feeling transported. (Photo Credit: Stephanie Klepacki)
Parc de Bercy — on the grounds of a former wine depot, this petite oasis of a park packs in a lot: Bridges, hundreds of trees, fish ponds, paved paths, statues, even a carousel. Locals love to bring blankets and spread out in the meadow on a nice day. It’s the perfect place to bring a baguette and a bottle of Sancerre.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont — almost every visitor to Paris chases after a great view of Sacré-Coeur at some point, and this park is a very fine place to nab one away from the masses. Home to a Neoclassical temple, a grotto, cafés, sculptures, and even a waterfall, the views alone make this arguably one of the best parks in Paris.
The Art, Culture, Shopping, and Music
While art and culture are always at the forefront in Paris, the summer is a particularly magical time in the city when it comes to the arts. Here’s what to check out when you can pull yourself away from the games.
Belleville — this is the street art hotspot of Paris, with buildings lined up and down, left and right with colorful works from local street artists. Take a tour with an artist guide to learn about what you’re looking at, or pop in your earbuds and take it all in to your favorite soundtrack.
Say hello to Paris in the height of summer. (Photo Credit: @vladb)
When nature itself is a form of art. (Photo Credit: Valkyrie Pierce)
Fête de la Musique — if you happen to be in Paris on June 21st, consider yourself lucky. Every year on this date, there are concerts just about everywhere: In parks, bars, cafes, and on the street. Most of them are free to the public, and it’s delightfully fun to bounce around and take in several of them.
Open-Air Cinema at Parc la Villette — with screenings taking place throughout the late summer, bringing a bottle of rosé, an assortment of cheeses, and a picnic blanket to this park on movie night is absolute perfection. It’s free and casual, so come and go as you please.
Summer Concerts at Parc Floral — jazz and classical music fill the air in the summer months at Parc Floral, with open-air shows that explore these genres in all their forms. They even have a festival for kids (stop by the park’s playground before or after!) called Les Pestacles.
Saint Chappelle is one of the most beautiful works of art in all of Paris. (Photo Credit: Stephanie LeBlanc)
Atelier des Lumières — a digital arts center that blends art and technology to bring concepts (everything from Ancient Egypt to nature and fine art) to life. It’s an immersive experience for all ages, and definitely worth a visit.
Sainte Chappelle and Conciergerie — two spectacular monuments on L’île de la Cité, both are slightly under the radar of the masses, and absolutely worth the combined ticket price. The Conciergerie is a former courthouse and prison, and before that, it was part of the former royal palace along with Sainte-Chapelle. Two large, striking medieval halls remain from the royal palace. If you make it on a sunny day, the sun shines through the stained glass in a way that’s pure magic.
Where to Drink
There’s more than just wine to drink in Paris (though definitely still try the wine) — here are our favorite spots to cozy up and cool down with a drink.
Willi’s Wine Bar — the simple pleasures of life (art and wine, of course) are presented among good company at this cozy spot on Rue des Petits Champs near the Louvre. The place is charming and unspoiled, with a great vibe and friendly staff, and it’s been loved by locals since it opened in 1980.
Because wine is obligatory when in France. (Photo Credit: Alena Torgonskaya)
Machi Machi — if you’ve ever enjoyed bubble tea, you should get familiar with Machi Machi, near the Opéra because this place takes it to the next level. With more-than-unique sips like Black Milk Tea with Crème Brulee, Cream Cheese Foam Oolong Tea, and Chocolate Latte with Panna Cotta, your taste buds will surely encounter something curious.
Cours de Commerce Saint André — the bars that line this half-covered alley are just plain fun, and the area is worth exploring because of its undiscovered, hidden passageway feel. You’ll find it tucked away in the 6th arrondissement, and it dates back to the 16th century. Cozy up with a glass of wine and people watch outside Le Procope, one of the oldest restaurants in Paris.
Moonshiner — the entrance to this speakeasy is disguised as a storage closet in the back of a real pizza joint on Rue Sedaine. Don’t be afraid to walk right up to the door and open it, because behind it, you’ll find a clever, prohibition-style cocktail bar with 1930s New Orleans vibes. The bartenders are clearly into their craft, and will make you an excellent cocktail, to your liking.
Parisian speakeasies are hidden everywhere throughout the city. (Photo Credit: Celine Ylmz)
Because when in France, right? (Photo Credit: Mathias Reding)
La Perchoir — you’ll only find it if you look up. Perched on a rooftop and offering insane city views from above, this bar’s design alone is a draw. With lounge-worthy open-air spaces, cool fixtures and furniture, and a beautiful ceramic-tiled bar, there’s nothing not to love about this place (especially the lobster sandwiches).
Where to stay: Kimpton St. Honoré Paris
A Few Side Trip Ideas to Tack onto Your Paris Adventure
If visiting Paris for the summer games, why not tack on another side adventure? You’re already in Europe, after all, and gorgeous destinations are a short plane ride or a quick train away. Here are our top three spots.
Mallorca — there are several direct flights from Paris to this Spanish island in the Mediterranean, known for its beautiful rocky coastline (with beaches dotted throughout), secluded coves, Spanish architecture, wineries, and limestone mountains. This island is a good time morning, noon, and night.
Where to stay: Kimpton Aysla Mallorca
Since you’re already in Europe, why not hop on over to Mallorca? (Photo Credit: @reiseuhu)
While you’re at it, pop on over to Barcelona too. (Photo Credit: Kristijan Arsov)
It’s definitely worth the trip. (Photo Credit: @andreag)
Barcelona — another one of Europe’s most beloved cities, Barcelona is warm and welcoming in the summer, with so much to do that it’s hard to pack everything in. The good news? There’s something for everyone, from history buffs to architecture fans, art connoisseurs to foodies. There’s even a beach if you’re itching for a peek at the ocean and some coastal faire.
Where to stay: Kimpton Vividora Hotel
Amsterdam — the summer months in Amsterdam are practically irresistible. The locals are happy, people are out and smiling, and the weather is close to perfect. Get your steps in along the canals, or post up waterside or in ultra-cool neighborhood De Pijp for a genever cocktail and some people watching.
Where to stay: Kimpton De Witt Hotel
