The 50 best things to do in Paris right now

What is it? Michelin-starred chef Bertrand Grébaut’s unique restaurant venture in Faubourg Saint-Antoine, and one of the best restaurants in Paris.

Why go? Offering up two tasting menus (one a little more extravagant than the other), this is a dining experience for a special occasion. Interiors feature antique ornaments, huge mirrors and bare wood, and the food is delicate, fresh, and expertly balanced. 

Don’t miss: It can get booked up a year in advance. If you can’t get a table, try Septime La Cave next door.

What is it? Two of the best museums near the Eiffel Tower. 

Why go? A pair of museums with totally different vibes. The first, the Musée d’Art Moderne, pays tribute to the Avant-gardistes, while the second, the Palais de Tokyo, combines installations, videos and new-age icons, cementing its status as a temple of contemporary art. 

Don’t miss: Grab a bite at Monsieur Bleu, the Palais de Tokyo restaurant.

What is it? Storied picture houses that put on obscure screenings at low prices. 

Why go? A historic flytrap for Parisian cinephiles, the 5th and 6th arrondissements are still full of independent cinemas, most notably Le Champo on Rue des Écoles, where many of the Nouvelle Vague directors hung about in the ’50s and ’60s. 

Don’t miss: Legend has it that on his travels to Paris, Quentin Tarantino would often make a pilgrimage to the Latin Quarter’s Filmothèque.

What is it? A former coal station turned live music hotspot.

Why go? The MU collective has made the most of this old coal station’s architectural quirks and turned it into an events space reminiscent of underground Berlin. Explore its three rooms, an outdoor stage, and two indoor stages, playing everything from hardcore punk to pure techno. 

Don’t miss: The edgy atmosphere and budget-friendly prices.

What is it? The thing Paris is known for, this spectacular glass pyramid has been around since 1983, when it was commissioned by Mitterrand. 

Why go? You could spend hours wandering around the outside of it with a coffee, but the inside is a never-ending treasure trove of cultural artefacts, from the likes of the ancient Greeks to the Egyptians. What we’d suggest is to try one of the niche tours of the museum, like a feminist tour, or even the Beyoncé and Jay-Z tour, which showcases the iconic creations featured in the ‘Apeshit’ music video filmed at the Louvre in 2018.

Don’t miss: Géricault's ‘The Raft of the Medusa,’ David's ‘The Coronation of Napoleon I and the Crowning of Empress Joséphine,’ or the Venus de Milo.

What is it? A small food market that feels like – and is? – the 'real' Paris.  

Why go? This historic Parisian market takes its name from the Enfants Rouges (Red Children) orphanage, which was built in the 16th century and closed down just before the revolution. Saturdays are when the market is at its liveliest, but expect a hard time choosing between the different stalls: Moroccan, Italian, Lebanese, or a refined blowout at the Enfants du Marché. Try it all if you can. 

Don’t miss: Take a look around the cactus shop Les Succulents. 

Why go? Because no visit to Paris is complete without a spin around Beaubourg.

Why go? Behind Richard Rogers’ and Renzo Piano’s piping and air ducts lies one of the richest collections of modern art in the world. Step inside the Centre Pompidou to fall under the spell of Picasso, Magritte, Duchamp, Pollock, Warhol and Tinguely.

Don’t miss: Head to the top floor for a truly eye-popping view.

What is it? A funky, inventive and genuinely cool bar in Paris (and one of the 50 best bars in the world, according to 50 Best).

Why go? Fréquence is run by Matthieu Biron and Guillaume Quenza, who are equally as passionate about fine drinks as they are about Motown on vinyl. The fruits of their labour have culminated in this delightful bar, where turntables and records share the spotlight with bottles and shakers. The cocktails are as clever as they are slap-you-in-the-face strong, like the doud (salted pine nuts, white Cap Corse, shochu and calvados).

What is it? Undoubtedly the world’s best-known graveyard.

Why go? A favourite among Parisians and tourists, the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise allows bookworms to enjoy an intimate moment with some of their literary heroes and learn about the Paris Commune. It is also beautifully picturesque: a vast, shaded labyrinth with snaking hillside paths and pretty stone stairs. Careful not to get lost...

Don’t miss: Treat yourself to a spooky late-night grave walk with the park’s ‘vampire expert’.

What is it? One of Paris’s most impressive museums.

Why go? A spectacular building designed by starchitect Frank Gehry hosts the collection of LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault. Far out in the western suburbs of Paris, this brand-new stage for contemporary art showcases the biggest names of our time, from Jean-Michel Basquiat to Charlotte Perriand.

Don’t miss: Its prime location by the Bois de Boulogne makes for a convenient forest stroll. 

What is it? The best restaurant in the city, according to the editors at Time Out Paris. 

Why go? If you've got enough time to book in advance, this is guaranteed to be an unforgettable meal, cooked by some really brilliant chefs. Le Clarence is incredibly eccentric, impeccably OTT, and certainly not cheap, but to sample veal sweetbread gyoza, ink and cuttlefish tartare and a poached oyster all in a single lunch? That's once-in-a-lifetime stuff. It ain't cheap, we'll warn you (but you might have guessed that already). 

What is it? A gargantuan 10,000-square-metre cultural complex in fast-gentrifying Pantin.

Why go? Following in the thriving footsteps of Ground Control and Grands Voisins, the Cité Fertile is the latest multidisciplinary cultural pop-up to pull in the summer crowds. Opened in a former train depot in August 2018, it’s got a three-year licence from national train firm SNCF and, like its predecessors, has a wide array of food offerings, a rich cultural programme, a vast 800-square-metre urban farming lab, and – perfect for families – a beach where you can play volleyball, pétanque and ping-pong.

Don’t miss: Canal de l’Ourcq institution Paname Brewing Company brews on-site. 

What is it? A homey cocktail bar run by Elena Schmitt and Margot Lecarpentier (formerly of Experimental Cocktail Club).

Why go? Perched atop Belleville hill, Combat’s cocktails are punchy and well-balanced. We also like their bar snacks, especially the terrine, prepared by Repaire de Cartouche chef Rodolphe Paquin and served with pickles and pain de campagne.

Don’t miss: The Parc de Belleville across the road. Those views are unbeatable.

What is it? THE place to be during the summer months.

Why go? Spread out over 35 hectares, this is the largest of Paris’s parks, and from mid-July, it hosts the annual open-air cinema festival. There’s always a good vibe, and we’ve even witnessed a crowd of more than 2,000 get up and dance beneath the stars at the end of ‘Grease’. It was a moment, to say the least.

Don’t miss: Round off the night at beach-style nightclub Plage du Glazart, which is kitted out with sand and deckchairs.

What is it? The city’s best-looking concept store.

Why go? In a light-filled building at the end of a courtyard on the Rue Beaumarchais, Merci brings together a collection of influential stylists and designers, from Isabel Marant to Stella McCartney. There’s also an array of luxury stationery, homeware and accessories. It’s hard to know where to look. 

Don’t miss: Enter via the ‘literary’ cafe for a break, order a fresh OJ and let your eyes wander around the book-lined walls. Why not read one if you have time?

What is it? A beautiful reading room with over 20,000 books, 9,000 comics and 160 cosy reading spots. 

Why go? For its three-hundredth anniversary, the historic site of the National Library fully reopened its shelves in September 2022. Besides a new museum, the BNF’s astonishing Ovale room, with 18 metres high and crowned by a glass roof, is now accessible to all. The best part? It's totally free. 

What is it? A stylish seafood bar, in which they’ve taken the name of the house speciality and pressed copy and paste (the ‘clamato’, by the way, is a spicy bouillon of clams and tomatoes)

Why go? For a fresh, spicy taste sensation. Depending on the season, you might get wild Belle Corde n°3 oysters with Tabasco, some delightful Quiberon barnacles in a punchy lemongrass vinaigrette or a gorgeously silky fillet of haddock served with asparagus and a ‘red miso’. 

What is it? For fifty years, the Autumn Festival has been the pulse of contemporary stage creation, setting the hearts of thousands of spectators racing in various cultural venues across Paris.

Why go? A must-attend event dedicated to the performing arts in all their diversity – and their radicalism – the festival has witnessed the rise of some of the biggest names in the international contemporary scene, from American choreographer Merce Cunningham to director Robert (known as Bob) Wilson.

What is it? The best Italian restaurant outside Italy. (Yes, we went there.)

Why go? Since ex-Rino chef Giovanni Passerini opened this eponymous Italian restaurant in 2015, it has been one of our favourites for a simple, traditional Italian meal among friends. Nothing beats their cult pasta all’amatriciana.

Don’t miss: The top-notch menu of sulphite-free French and Italian wines.

What is it? A much-awaited contemporary art gallery in a restored historical monument, which opened its doors (finally) in spring 2021.

Why go? This museum is as grand and central as it gets, fully restored from floor to dome by Tadao Ando with a nine-metre-high concrete cylinder right in the middle. It took something this impressive to house François Pinault's private collection of 10,000 artworks. Within the 7,000 square meters of the Bourse, you'll find 24 creations by Bertrand Lavier, feminist photographs by Cindy Sherman, and a wonderful collection of African and African-American figurative paintings.

What is it? A comedy club with secret lineups of top-notch and well-established comedians.

Why go? Downstairs (the performance space is upstairs), there’s a cool bar with elegant decor and a small restaurant area with Maghrebi-inspired cuisine. The big plus: Madame Sarfati’s spacious terrace, bustling with activity in the summer, is perfect for soaking up the sun and nibbling on snacks.

What is it? A bopping bar at the very top of Paris's largest park, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

Why go? This is one of the most vibrant hangouts in the capital. Run by Mimi and Zouzou, former owners of iconic noughties lesbian club Pulp, this riverside bar hosts some of the wildest queer nights in the city. Come on a Sunday when the tracks get especially wild. It's legendary.

What is it? An old network of railway lines has been transformed into the perfect romantic walk.

Why go? Built 150 years ago, La Petite Ceinture is almost 32km long. A public transport network until 1934, it was then used to transport goods until the late 1970s. Untouched for years, it has been cut up and transformed into various distinct sections, much like New York’s High Line. The Petite Ceinture’s best-known part begins in the 12th, a bucolic vision of plants and trees, but stretches across the 15th, 16th and 18th arrondissements, too.

Don’t miss: Grabbing evening drinks at The Recyclerie, a bar at the former Boulevard Ornano station

What is it? After a first year of testing the waters, this electronic hub tucked beneath the ring road hit full speed in 2023.

Why go? Led by Rag, Benjamin Charvet, and Samy Znimi, who respectively head up Barbi(e)turix, Badaboum and Panic Room, the lineup – gender-balanced and inclusive – takes the plunge into the realm of cutting-edge electronic music. From headliners to emerging gems, must-know labels and collectives of the moment, it's all about techno, house, and disco here.

What is it? A mecca of impressionist art in a stunning former train station. 

Why go? In the old Gare d’Orsay, you’ll find one of the finest collections of 19th-century art. It’s got Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Pointillism and all the other great ‘isms’ that appeared between 1848 and the beginning of the 20th century. 

Don’t miss: Savour a coffee in the fantastic coffee shop nestled behind the clock, designed by the Campana brothers in tribute to Jules Verne’s ‘Nautilus’.

What is it? A pan-genre record shop that hosts dangerously good DJ sets.

Why go? From New Orleans jazz to Japanese ambient, Dizonord’s racks overflow with deep cuts. And prices aren’t bad, either. Finally, north Paris has the record store it deserves.

Don’t miss: Grab a beer at one of the Friday-night DJ sets.

What is it? A small theatre showcasing innovative contemporary dance and drama pieces.

What is it? Remember Gaston Lagaffe's brilliant book storage ideas? Well, Regard Moderne is like that... but better. Stacks of books towering several meters high, inaccessible shelves hidden behind columns, and narrow passages where you can only squeeze through by sucking in your stomach.

Why go? It was Jacques Noël who conceived this place, before passing the baton to his successor upon his death, who diligently stored all of these precious volumes, whether they be beautiful works about Duchamp, collections of surrealist poetry or Beat novels in their original language. If you've got an interest in the peculiar in literature, this is the place. 

What is it? A tiny, chaotic bakery in Abbesses, with inconvenient opening hours and bread scattered everywhere, where you might just taste the best bread you’ve ever had. 

What is it? This eco-conscious festival is the most talked-about event in Paris’s spring calendar.

Why go? When it comes to top-tier festivals, all Paris had ten years ago was Rock en Seine and Solidays. Fast forward to today, and We Love Green has displaced the pair as the most eminent music event of the year. The line-up brings together Pitchfork-approved rap, indie rock and techno.

Don’t miss: The food is almost as much of a draw. The likes of Septime, Cheval d’Or and Les Enfants du Marché have all taken part.

What is it? A seriously classy cocktail bar in the far west of Paris. 

Why go? While its new little big brother in the Latin Quarter has reigned over the Left Bank since the summer of 2023, Franck Audoux's original establishment remains a safe bet (if not the only one) for cocktail enthusiasts in this neighbourhood. In a fully Art Nouveau setting from floor to ceiling, you can sample drinks that are all about simplicity; few ingredients, no garnish, and a very delicate balance. 

What is it? Paris’s ultra-modern temple to classical music, near the gently flourishing Pantin area.

Why go? The Philharmonie, which forms part of the Cité de la Musique, has a rich and abundant live music programme. In addition to its impressive concert hall, the Philharmonie has an exciting exhibition space and an educational centre like its neighbour, the Cité des Sciences.

Don’t miss: The prices are super-accessible, so you can experiment without breaking the bank.

What is it? A Michelin-starred Japanese omakase restaurant with a minimalist five ‘flavour’ tasting menu and a seasonal cocktail. 

What is it? An elegant, old-school bistro serving fuss-free French cuisine.

Why go? At this excellent Right Bank spot, the charismatic maître d’ perches behind a bar and advises punters on the best red to enjoy with their confit beef cheeks (or whatever else they order). It’s perfect for Sunday lunch, a boozy dinner with mates, or even a solo trip. However you do it, you’ll savour every single bite.

Don’t miss: You won’t find sausage and mash like this anywhere else, so loosen your top button and dig in.

What is it? Put simply, the most beautiful swimming pool in Paris. 

Why go? This legendary establishment and listed building was bought by the AccorHotels group several years ago. The result? A luxury complex with a five-star hotel, an excellent restaurant, a 48-metre spa and all-around architectural beauty. 

Don’t miss: Order cocktails from the bar without leaving the pool.

What is it? An ultra-modern setting designed by Manuelle Gautrand boldly shaking up the original ornamental Belle Epoque style.

Why go? The Gaîté lyrique has been the epicenter of Parisian cultural life 2.0 since 2011. Taken on since 2023 by a new artistic team, the seven interdisciplinary floors propel visitors into the depths of the digital age, encompassing visual arts, music, graphic design, cinema, fashion, design, and video games. Admission is free, and some of its offerings are free, including immersive exhibitions and workshops.

What is it? A deli serving the best ham and cheese baguette in the city.

Why go? It may be a tight squeeze inside, but the interiors are charmingly retro, with old-fashioned kitchen scales, vintage enamel advertising signs and yellow tiles on the walls. Take your pick from the mouth-watering menu; think classic Prince de Paris jambon-beurre, smoked chicken baguette and chorizo tortilla.

Don’t miss: The perfect way to eat on the run while rushing to catch a show at the Théâtre de la Bastille.

What is it? A former train station-turned-jazz bar.

Why go? Every day at 9pm, this former train station foyer hosts free jazz concerts. The setting is perfect: the airy four-metre-high space enhances the warmth of the saxophones and trumpets.

Don’t miss: Make a beeline for the patio in summer.

What is it? This gigantic fire-engine red bar with its huge terrace fits in well with the rest of the Parc de la Villette’s gaudy architecture.

Why go? Set between imposing trees in the 19th arrondissement park, this colourful enormo-bar exudes a trendy atmosphere redolent of a Berlin beer garden, but drinks prices are unfortunately Paris standard (€6.50 a pint, €7 after 10pm). Still, the excellent tapas and kebabs go down much better than a sticky late-night currywurst. Make sure to visit for the Sunday drag brunch, which gets pretty crazy. 

What is it? A rooftop glass-and-iron restaurant and terrace lounge bar on the top floor of the Musée du Quai Branly. 

Why go? The full-on view of the Eiffel Tower at night would be reason enough to come here, but the food at the restaurant is also excellent. Or just have a drink at the bar (view still included), for swish cocktails, posh nibbles and plush sofas. You'll feel like you've strolled into a postcard.

What is it? A cheese shop that's been serving the best of Paris-made fromage since 2017. 

Why go? Pierre Coulon, a former employee of Androuet and a connoisseur of local cheese, has been turning organic milk into palate-pleasing delicacies at the heart of Goutte d'Or for a while now. This urban cheesemaker produces exceptional soft cheeses, such as a Saint-Félicien with raw cream, a Brillat-Savarin made with triple cream, or a Labat crafted with Breton goat milk... You can also find cheeses from small local producers, aged on-site, and a Normandy camembert from Pierre's farm in the city of the same name.

What is it? A design hotel and bar with a sordid past. 

Why go? Inspired by the Parisian brothels from the Belle Époque period, Maison Souquet’s hidden frontage leads to a vision of orientalist splendour designed by Jacques Garcia. Styled on Arabian Nights, it’s all pretty pleasing to the eye: from the 1895 Cordovan leather on the walls to the Moorish tiles, porcelain, copper and vintage furniture. 

Don’t miss: If you fancy a private pool party, you can rent theirs by the hour. 

What is it? A remarkable showcase of Monet's work at one of our favourite museums in Paris. 

Why go? This Monet showcase is now firmly on the tourist radar: expect long queues. The look is utilitarian and fuss-free, with the museum's eight, tapestry-sized Nymphéas (water lilies) paintings housed in two plain oval rooms. They provide a simple backdrop for the astonishing, ethereal romanticism of Monet's works, painted late in his life. Depicting Monet's 'jardin d'eau' at his house in Giverny, the tableaux have an intense, dreamy quality – partly reflecting the artist's absorption in the private world of his garden.