Welcome to part two of this three-part Europe travel guide. Today’s stop is Paris. If you missed part one, be sure to check the Amsterdam travel guide for more ideas and inspiration. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply enjoying some armchair travel, this guide highlights a selection of memorable spots—boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and a few cultural stops—that stood out during our visit.
Full disclosure: much of our time in Paris was overcast or rainy, but that didn’t stop us from exploring, shopping, and enjoying the city’s food scene.
Instead of repeating the usual tourist checklist, I’m sharing places I personally loved—unique shops, excellent coffee, and local-feeling restaurants. These are the kinds of finds that can make a visit feel more authentic and inspiring.
Best Places to Shop
Fleux: One of my favorites in Paris. Fleux is actually several adjacent shops that you can wander through—perfect for browsing homewares, props, and smaller décor items. I came away with several pieces and enjoyed window-shopping the larger items.
Artazart Design Bookstore: A haven for design lovers. Artazart is filled with inspiring books and magazines—an ideal stop if you enjoy architecture, graphic design, and creative reference books.
Centre Commercial: A thoughtfully curated shop with clothing and accessories for both men and women. It’s a good place to find responsibly made and stylish pieces.
Sezane’s Apartment: We didn’t get inside—this spot isn’t open every day and the one day it was available we arrived after closing—but it looks incredible. Sezane stocks clothing, stationery, home goods, books, and jewelry, and the space itself is well worth checking if you can time it right.
Cafés, Coffee Shops and Notable Food Spots
Holybelly: Small but exceptional. This cafe is a must-try for breakfast—great coffee and a friendly atmosphere.
Artefact Cafe: A relaxed spot for coffee or tea with plenty of reading material. It’s perfect for lingering over a magazine or catching up on design publications.
Buvette: I first discovered Buvette in New York and loved it, so visiting the Paris location was a treat. The menu leans slightly upscale, but it’s a delightful place for a memorable meal.
Craft: Another compact café with a focus on quality coffee and a pleasant, unpretentious vibe.
La Boîte aux Lettres: An authentic, local-feeling restaurant with only a few tables. We found mostly residents dining there rather than tourists. The food was simple and genuine—save room for the French toast dessert.
La Dégustation: Directly across from La Boîte aux Lettres, this champagne bar is a great spot for post-dinner drinks and a relaxed evening.
Kraft: A surprising but excellent hot dog spot—ideal for a quick bite while shopping or exploring the neighborhood.
Other Things of Note
The Louvre: This was the most tourist-heavy stop on our trip. Many people recommended it, so we went, but our experience was mixed—we arrived late with limited time, and the crowds and constant phone photography made it hard to fully appreciate the art. If you have limited time in Paris, you might prioritize other museums or go early to avoid crowds.
Centre Pompidou – Musée National d’Art Moderne: I enjoyed this museum a lot. If modern art appeals to you, the collection is strong and the view from the fifth floor is worth the visit.
Eiffel Tower at Night: If you plan to see the Eiffel Tower, consider visiting after dark. It’s less crowded and takes on a magical quality with its nighttime illumination.
Photography: Brittni Mehlhoff
Have you been to Paris before? If I missed one of your favorite spots, I’d love to hear your recommendations.