Our List of Unmissable Places to Visit in Paris
Read our essential list of must-see places to see in Paris, from well-known landmarks to charming parks and gardens.
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Paris really is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Packed with gorgeous architecture, world-class restaurants and trend-setting venues, there’s something for everyone under its iconic skyline. Heading to the City of Light and wondering where on Earth to start with your list of things to see and do? Let us help you with this Plum Guide-approved list of unmissable places to visit in Paris.
The top restaurants to visit in Paris
Paris is famous for its up-market restaurants and quirky cafés. Here’s our pick of some of the city’s best eateries for you to try on your trip.
Coutume Café
Situated on Paris’ trendy Left Bank, this is THE place to grab a coffee in Paris. The fresh decor and delicious cakes make this a quintessentially French experience you can’t miss
Verjus
Verjus is oft regarded as one of the best restaurants in the world, and with good reason. (We tested it just for you, of course.) They combine classic French cuisine with a contemporary flair for an authentic sense of Paris, both past and present. An evening spent at dinner here is a great addition to any Paris itinerary.
Le Cinq
The gourmet restaurant of all gourmet restaurants, the interiors alone at Le Cinq will make you feel like you’re in a fairy-tale. Chef Christian Le Squer perfectly balances simplicity with the complex art of French cooking. Pricey, but totally worth it.
Angelina
Discover a traditional Parisian café that is loved by both visitors and locals alike. Founded in 1903, Angelina's patisserie section is to die for and the coffee is among the best in the city.
Pur' - Jean-François Rouquette
This prestigious establishment holds an elusive Michelin star and features one of the culinary masterminds of the city. Be prepared to be bowled over by the delicious, inventive menu, as it takes you on a journey through France and beyond.
The top bars to visit in Paris
Packed with high-end bars and cosy pubs to satisfy even the most discerning wine guzzler, here are the best places to visit in Paris for a tipple of two.
Le Ballroom du Beefclub
Behind the Beefclub restaurant, behind an old black door, down a spiral staircase, hides the Ballroom. Luxuriously comfortable, cosy and with an air of decadent chic that only a Paris bar could have, take your pick from a vast range of cocktails, wines and tasty light meals.
La Mezcaleria
Paris can do much, much more than French experiences. Discover La Mezcaleria, the bar at one of the city’s most prestigious hotels. A hub for swanky events, visit this bar for delicious cocktails and delicious Mexican-inspired food...and excellent people-watching too.
Au Rendez-vous des Amis
Even if you’re not much of a drinker, Au Rendez-vous des Amis is a must-visit. Lauded as one of Paris’ most authentic dive bars, the venue sits in Montmartre, has divine food and impeccable service and is perfect for a late lunch or evening out.
Le Coq
The chic decor and colourful clientele are only part of what makes Le Coq a must-visit. The vibrant array of classic and contemporary cocktails made by the city’s finest mixologists will make you feel like a kid in a sweetshop.
Chez Georges
Book a table at Chez Georges and we promise you won’t be disappointed. Exquisite food aside, the short wine list is an impressive collection of France’s finest, fit for even the most discerning wine connoisseur (just like you, no doubt).
The top buildings to visit in Paris
From its iconic skyline to its charming backstreets, you can’t visit Paris without admiring its distinctive architecture. Here’s your checklist for the buildings you simply must see. For those a little further afield, browse our guide to navigating the Paris transport system.
Arc de Triomphe
One of Paris’ most famous monuments, the Arc de Triomphe is a tribute to soldiers who gave their lives in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Located on the west end of Paris’ most famous boulevards, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc is a must-visit for history buffs. If you're looking to stay in the area, look no further than our exquisite home, Maillol & Rodin. You'll never want to leave it.
Eiffel Tower
No trip to the French capital would be complete without a visit to, or up the Eiffel Tower. Ticket prices and queuing time should be taken into consideration, but if you do choose to go up, the views of Paris are just spectacular. Want to avoid the tourist throngs? We can't blame you...Forget the queues and stay in one of Plum's homes with views of the Eiffel Tower instead.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
This medieval cathedral lives up to its famous name. Whether you know anything about architecture or not, this is one of the finest examples of it that Paris has to offer. Stay close to this monument by choosing Plum's Hubbub as your home throughout your trip.
Place des Vosges
You'll find this wonderful square right in the heart of the Marais, one of our favourite neighbourhoods to stay in Paris. The oldest square in the city, Place des Vosges is a gorgeous square of lush green grass, benches to while away the hours and a 17th Century fountain in the middle.
The top galleries and museums to visit in Paris
Paris is well-known for its vibrant art scene and eclectic mix of venues. Here are some of the best places to go for a spot of cultural entertainment.
Musée de Montmartre
Discover the illustrious history of the Montmartre district at this dedicated museum. Packed with original paintings by Toulouse-Lautrec and Modigliani, this is one of the finest places to observe Paris’ historical talent for all things arty.
Opéra Bastille
An opera house for the present day, the Opéra Bastille is home to some of the finest theatre productions and operatic performances you will have ever see. Book an evening there and you won’t regret it.
The Louvre
The architecture is breathtaking and the setting iconic: the Louvre is the largest museum in the world and no doubt one of the best too. Given the extent of its size, its highly unlikely you'll see it all in one visit, so plan ahead and decide on what kind of art you'd like to see and where to find it once you arrive at the museum.
La Bellevilloise
The capitals trendy hub for exhibitions, independent film screenings and other events. The café is great, and there’s always something going on to be enjoyed by visitors and Parisians.
No doubt this list of places to visit in Paris has tempted you to a trip. So, now it's time to start browsing our collection of homes in in Paris for you to stay in. Our home critics meticulously test every Plum-awarded home on our site, ensuring you only get the cream of the crop.