Where to stay in Paris?
With each arrondissement having a distinct vibe, flair or, erm, je ne sais quoi (sorry, I couldn't help it), there's so much to be seen. Whilst it completely depends on how long I'm going to be in Paris and what my plans are that will determine which neighbourhood to stay in, there are certain areas that I come back to time and time again.
I just love the vibe of the Marais which feels fun, authentic and achingly cool but equally adore the charm and convenience of La Madeleine. Look to hotels such as The Hoxton (it's in the 2nd but within walking distance to the Marais) or 25Hours Paris (one of our favourite places in the city) which is rather conveniently located across from Gare Du Nord, or if you fancy being within walking distance to the Champs Elysee (and 5-star is your thing), then you have to stay at Hotel de Berri.
Best restaurants to eat in Paris
For the best burgers in Paris, you have to go to Cafe Ruc or Cafe Charlot. For scenic views head to Bonnie (try bag the corner table—trust us). Balagan and Bambou are both achingly cool and LouLou serves some seriously good food.
You've got to head to Lucas Carlton to try their new lunch offering. Created by Chef Hugo Bourny, the gastro lunch menu is a taste sensation featuring 3 hors d'oeuvre toasts, 1 appetiser, 1 main and 1 dessert. The menu runs Tuesday to Friday, for 70€ per person.
Lucas Carlton, 9 Pl. de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, France
Things to do in Paris
There's so much to see in Paris, you'd need a week or two to truly make the most of it. However, if you only have 48 hours, fret not, here are a few must-sees to pack in a weekend.
The Musee Ives Saint Laurent: Don't miss out on a visit to the incredible Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris, which exhibits the couturier’s body of work on the legendary premises of his former haute couture house, alternating between retrospective displays and temporary thematic exhibitions. You'll need to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Palais Galliera: Another excellent destination for fashion fans is the Palais Galliera. You can currently visit the exhibition Love Brings Love, a tribute to Alber Elbaz, which celebrates Alber Elbaz in an unprecedented exhibition format, recreating the collaborative show that was presented in tribute to the legendary designer on October 5th, 2021.
If you're after a more whimsical experience of Paris, and by that I mean if you want to pretend you're in Emily in Paris, then make sure you stroll around the Jardin des Tuileries or enjoy a boat tour that will give you splendid views of Notre Dame. An espresso and La Duree macaron are a must for all selfies.
Best shops in Paris
Being one of the fashion capitals of the world, Paris is a dream when it comes to shopping for new outfits. The newly refurbished La Samaritaine, originally opened in 1869, is the perfect place to start. The designer lab in particular houses up-and-coming and established designers such as Jacquemus and Chloe. Plus, you can easily spend the whole day there, since there are high-end restaurants as well as a spa on the premises.
For a slightly more traditional - yet nonetheless luxurious - shopping experience try the Galeries Lafayette or Le Printemps in central Paris.
A stroll in the Marais district is a must, as it plays host to many independent boutiques (Nose is THE go-to destination for perfume lovers) as well as more established brands such as The Frankie Shop. You won't go wrong with Parisian labels Sezane or Merci Paris either.
