The Ultimate Guide to Paris
Where to stay and what to do in the City of Lights.
There are few destinations like Paris, with its picture-perfect abundance of charming cafes, boulangeries, flower markets, and winding cobblestone streets. Nicknamed "The City of Lights" for the city's glowing glass lamps and its leading role in the arts and sciences, the city has been a source of inspiration for some of the greatest artists and writers of our time—from Ernest Hemmingway to Salvadore Dali to Picasso. A stroll through the city, with its neoclassical architecture, French manicured gardens, and gilded masterpieces at every turn, will transport you to another time and place, but not without offering visitors a vast array of modern options to enjoy from sleek hotels, contemporary cuisine, and inventive cocktails. Whether you've paid a visit to the city before or this is your inaugural trip to one of the most romantic places on earth—there is no shortage of options to explore in and around Paris's 20 arrondissements—each exuding a distinct personality of its own.
For first-timers visiting Paris, there are a few non-negotiables. Pay a visit to the Eiffel Tower in daylight and at night as the lights begin to twinkle on the hour, take a trip to the Musée Rodin dedicated to the works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin, and a trek to the Louvre to smile back at the Mona Lisa. If time permits, head to the city's outskirts to experience the wonder of the Catacombs underneath the city streets of Paris. Exploring the endless nooks and crevices—from beautifully curated boutiques in the St. Germain neighborhood to the fromageries of the Morais— is one of the simple pleasures of spending time in the city. Ahead, some of our other favorite places to discover in Paris.
Getting There
We've all paid our dues wedged between two people in the middle seat on a transatlantic flight, and let's say it's not pretty. If you're considering booking business class for your next trip, consider La Compagnie. The French boutique airline offers travelers an all-business class experience at a flat rate price that, while still a treat-yourself option, won't completely break the bank. With a sleek 76-seat configuration, each seat feels like your own posh pod, equipped with media centers, fully reclinable seats, and a chic welcome kit complete with French beauty products. You'll arrive in Paris looking and feeling unapologetically fresh and well-rested. Oh, and did we mention they'll welcome you with champagne? The food is one of the standouts of the La Compagnie experience. In addition to bubbly, guests will dine on a seasonally changing four-course menu, encompassing an appetizer, wine pairing, and a cheese tray. Jet lag, who?
Where To Stay
Like many destinations, finding the right place to stay is often about location, location, location. If you aim to feel like a well-pampered Parisian, look no further than the immaculate accommodations, also known as "little Versailles," at The Peninsula Paris, a refined five-star luxury resort in the 16th arrondissement—just steps from museums, historic sites, and shopping. Situated in a centuries-old heritage building that underwent an extensive renovation in 2014, rooms offer a tranquil escape from the bustling streets of Paris.
For discerning spa lovers, the hotel's spa—the largest in Paris—has a 20-meter lap pool and two additional restorative vitality pools. The full spa menu blends a holistic Eastern approach with Parisian glamour, offering treatments ranging from aromatherapy experiences to detoxifying body exfoliations.
Of course, a trip to Paris would only be complete with outstanding cuisine. For a French brasserie experience steeped in history (Marcel Proust met James Joyce here), visit Le Lobby. Then, enjoy a martini (arguably the best in the city) or a glass of champagne at Le Bar Kléber, where you'll be in awe of the gilded moldings and wall tapestries. It was in this very bar that Henry Kissinger negotiated the Paris Peace Accords, ending the Vietnam War in 1973.
Alternatively, staying close to the city center, within walking distance of great restaurants, sites, and attractions, is a great choice. The Bulgari Hotel Paris is located in the ultra-convenient George V neighborhood, but without the heavy foot traffic that sometimes comes with the nearby shopping hub of the Champs Elysees.
The quest for the perfect location was ten years in the making, finally settling on a corner in the "Golden Triangle," in a building that was the former home of a Parisian Post Office. Step inside the Bulgari Hotel, and the intimate, sultry, sleek vibe immediately puts you at ease. Its seventy-six rooms and suites resemble an elegant home, with chic interiors, deep soaking tubs, and lovely sun-soaked terraces. The Bulgari spa, which will entice you to spend your entire day in the underground oasis, boasts a glowing lap pool, a whirlpool, a sauna, a steam room, and a treatment room with signature treatments using cult-following French products like Augustinus Bader.
On the lobby floor, The Bulgari bar is the perfect place to end the evening with a digestif before heading up to your room, where a nightly tea and sweet treat will await you.
Where To Eat & Drink
Between croissants and red wine at Café de Flore, a proper sit-down meal in Paris is an experience worth carving out time for. Make a reservation at Les Marches near the Palais de Tokyo for a bistro-style lunch at a super local spot. Order an omelette and pomme frites. If you're seeking a view, look no further than Gigi Paris restaurant, with an unmatched setting under the Eiffel Tower and within walking distance of the Bulgari Hotel. For delicious tapas-style dishes, Michelin-star restaurant Le Grand Bain will satisfy the craving for innovative seasonal dishes perfect for sharing amongst a crowd. Bambou's chic gastro bar offers an inventive take on Thai cuisine, while Ristorante Il Barone has excellent no-fuss home-cooked Italian food for those who need a break in Parisian fare. Cocktail lovers should head to Le Mary Celeste for trendy drinks and small plates. At the same time, Hôtel Madame Rêve's cocktail bar, ROOF, offers a great rooftop bar, and Shangrila's Le Bar Botaniste will transport you back in time with spirits like absinthe and fernet.
