Attached to Paris: 20 Places to Go

I study in the Netherlands, just a €25 FlixBus and seven hours away from Paris. Having grown up there, I’ve become the go-to Parisian in my circles, and inevitably, I get the “I’m going to Paris, where should I go?” text at least once a month. The city often gets a bad rep for underdelivering on the over-romanticized ideal propagated by social media, so I’m always anxious to put forward its true potential. I’ve gathered here my recurrent recommendations, loosely grouped by places to eat, places to party, bars, things to see, and places to shop.

Most of the spots on this list I’ve discovered, or re-discovered, after moving away. Coming back to the city after living in a small town for over a year has deepened my appreciation of all the excitement and beauty Paris has to offer. I’ve had the chance to bring friends back with me several times now too and share my favorite places with them. It’s these spots that I’ve compiled here, my version of Paris, to be experienced by anyone I might not get the chance to go with.

La Maison d’Isabelle

This open front bakery in Saint Germain makes easily the best croissant I’ve ever had in Paris. For the longest time it was also one of the cheapest, at 1€ a piece, but due to inflation they had to raise them to 1,20€ which they announced with an apology letter posted at the entrance.

La Bourse et la Vie

This is a biased recommendation, but a great one nonetheless. La Bourse et la Vie was opened by Daniel Rose, head chef at le Coucou, and a longtime family friend. I’ve found it to be the perfect date night spot, sophisticated yet unpretentious in an intimate setting. Dinner at the Bourse starts with a set selection of hors d’oeuvres, followed with your choice of their seasonal dishes, generally served with a generous portion of perfectly cooked fries. For dessert, I’d recommend their thyme and olive oil sorbet to round off the richness of the meal.

Bistrot des Victoires

If you’re looking for incredible French food for no more than €14, this is the place to go. I discovered it while searching for a place to have steak tartare on a budget. It delivered that and more in a lively brasserie setting near Place des Victoires. I’ve taken several people back since, and they’ve all been blown away by the exceptional value for money. This is your opportunity to try snails and other perfectly executed variations of classic French dishes.

Pierre Hermé

Macaroons are the quintessential Parisian treat, and the right ones might even exceed your expectations. Pierre Hermé macarons are little culinary works of art, with a mix of perfectly executed classics and bold new creations. If you want a dessert that’ll make you feel fancy, these macaroons are the epitome of decadence.

Rue Saint Anne

This street is essentially Paris’s little Japan. It’s lined with ramen shops, bakeries, and other restaurants ranging from casual to high-end. All are guaranteed to form lines around lunch time, so be sure to arrive early. My personal favorite would be Kunitoraya, a place for incredible udon soups and shrimp tempura.

Happy Nouilles

I’ve been going to this Chinese place since I was little, and it’s remained my family’s favorite spot for a cheap, comforting meal. As a kid I’d stand by the window and stare at the chef pulling the meter-long lamian, until he’d give me little pieces of raw dough to try. Today I often go back with my friends for the fragrant soups and bottles of TsingTao beer.

Candelaria

Hidden at the back of a Mexican restaurant, this speakeasy is the place to take someone you’re trying to impress. At the door, someone will ask you if you’re there for food or drinks. If you answer the latter, you’ll be brought past the kitchen into a dark and beautiful candlelit bar. The drinks themselves are creative and all perfectly executed, heavy with Mexican influences and mezcal.

Mesures Paris

This bar is right next to Candelaria, and I ended up walking in one night because the line at the speakeasy was just too long. I ended up having the best cocktail I’ve ever had in my life, and it’s not even close. Their Coconut Woman, which is unfortunately on their seasonal menu, was so insanely good that I ended up ordering three. I later sent over two of my friends to try it for themselves, one of whom described the drink as “magical”. Drinks aside, the interior is trendy without being obnoxious, and jazz enthusiasts will enjoy the soundtrack played exclusively from their vinyl collection.

Hotel Amour

The hotel, as suggested by its name, has been modeled for love and it shows. Amour is known for its rowdy parties in the early 2000s and an art nouveau crowd. It’s Paris’s answer to LA’s Chateau Marmont or New York’s Bowery Hotel. Get a seat at the indoor terrace and enjoy the alluring and romantic ambiance. Small details in the décor and presentation add a touch playful whimsy that gives this place a truly magical feel.

Bar à Nénette, 26 Rue de Lappe

Rue de Lappe hosts the worst of Paris nightlife, empty “clubs” where bouncers try to bribe passers-by with free shots, and outrageously priced bars with sleazy clientele. Bar à Nenette is somewhat of a hidden gem in the mix. It’s a funny little bar, where they generally play reggae remixes of pop songs and serve an impressive collection of house made infused rums. Go during happy hour and get a cocktail, you’ll get a great drink and a decent buzz for only 6€.

Place de la Contrescarpe

Right in the middle of the latin quarter, Place de la Contrescarpe is the spot for students from the surrounding universities. This place is lined with bars and full of young people, so come here if you’re looking for a drink and a cute french guy. While in the area, talk a walk to go check out the Pantheon 5 minutes away.

Supersonic

The Supersonic is where I experienced my first real night out, and it’s been my go-to place for a fun time ever since. This club is primarily a live music venue, showcasing up and coming rock bands on weekdays and hosting the best throwback nights Thursday through Saturday. Entrance is free before 23h, and 5€ until 2am. The crowd is always energetic and friendly, you’ll be sure to meet plenty of people.

Silencio

David Lynch’s members club, open to the public after midnight – or at least to those who make it past the bouncer. Don’t be fooled by the 2,3 rating on google, 95% of the one star reviews are left by people who aren’t let in. Silencio is iconic, coined by Vogue as the chicest club in Paris and hosts some of Europe’s best DJs.

Caveau de la Huchette

On the left bank right next to Notre Dame, you’ll find this live jazz bar in a decrepit but charming cellar-like space. On weekdays, it’s a place to listen to talented musicians put on a good concert. On weekends, the Caveau brings the energy with swing and twist. If you’re lucky, you might even get a head-spinning dance with the ever-present old man, an unnamed regular whose role is seemingly to twirl the pretty girls around.

The Seine

Somewhat self explanatory. From the Seine, you’ll get a beautiful view of the city and pass by most of Paris’s great landmarks from a comfortable distance. Pick a spot and walk the banks towards the Eiffel Tower, cross over any bridge and circle back when you get tired. When near Ile Saint Louis, get an ice cream at Berthillon, and a crêpe when you’re around Notre Dame.

Musée d’Orsay

If you can only visit one museum in Paris, have it be d’Orsay. There you’ll find something for every taste, including some of the best impressionist art pieces, and a beautiful collection of statues covering the ground floor. And unlike at the Louvre, you’ll actually be able to enjoy the full experience without being overwhelmed by the massive amount of art or the never-ending lines.

Montmartre / Place Dalida

Also self explanatory. Walking through Montmartre will have you feeling like Amélie Poulain, and you’ll get a beautiful view of the city from the top of the hill. The village-like feel of the houses and layout make Montmartre truly picturesque, it’s a place that’ll definitely live up to your romantic Parisian ideals. Try to find the bust of the iconic french singer Dalida, and listen to her song “Paroles Paroles” while at it.

La Samaritaine

Skip the Galeries Lafayette, this is the best department store in Paris. On top of all your usual fashion brands, La Samaritaine offers the biggest beauty selection of any Parisian department stores, including several korean brands that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. They’ve also got two spas, a japanese café that makes a great matcha, and they’re dog friendly. Most remarkable might be the excellent customer service, a rarity on the snooty Parisian retail scene.

Rouje rue Bachaumont

Rouje is an obnoxiously French brand, founded by an obnoxiously French woman. It is nonetheless one of my favorite clothing stores, which I guess says something about me. If you’re trying to buy into the effortless and chic Parisian girl style, you’ll be sure to find a few pretty pieces here. The higher price tags are arguably justified by the quality of the designs and materials. Beware of their return policy which only offers store credits, something I learned the hard way.

Rue des Francs Bourgeois

The main shopping street in the iconic Marais neighborhood. Start at Place des Vosges and make your way up to the Repetto store with its charming tutu display. This street and its surroundings feature the best perfumeries, jewelers, thrift stores, and some excellent falafel pita restaurants if you need a break to eat. Try to visit during the week to avoid the crowds.