Paris Travel Guide
Where to Stay, Explore, and Eat in Paris
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August 26, 2026
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Few cities are more beloved for their beauty and refinement than Paris. The pale stone architecture lining its wide boulevards, the dappled light reflecting off the Seine, the soaring churches, gilded palaces, and leisurely cafés all add to the magic of this French capital.
Paris continues to be a city that has to be experienced to be believed, offering endless opportunities for entertainment and discovery—from museums that loom large in the art world to the hotels that exude romance and the restaurants and markets that delight food lovers. To help you plan, our Paris-based local experts, Mike and Karell, share some of their favorite things to do in Paris as well as insider hotel tips below.
Plus, learn about the benefits that eligible Card Members can enjoy when booking through Amex TravelTM. And once you arrive, keep in mind that you can use your Platinum Card® on purchases without the worry of foreign transactions fees1.
Explore our Paris Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Where to Eat, What to Do
1American Express will not charge any foreign transaction fee on the purchases you make outside of the United States with your Card. However, there may be circumstances where ATMs or merchants charge a fee on foreign transactions.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) is ideal for sightseeing and sampling the outdoor café culture. Tourism peaks in July and August, as does the heat; many Parisians go on holiday and some venues close. Crowds are thinner in late autumn and winter but pack for chilly weather and possible rain.
Getting There
Fly Air France to Paris and enjoy savings on select premium tickets on designated international flights with Platinum Member Airfares™* when booked through American Express Travel®. Platinum Card and Centurion Members receive reduced fares compared to fares available for other American Express® Card Members through Amex Travel™.
Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG)
17 miles
*
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1
Daily breakfast for two
$100 credit to use toward eligible charges2
Guaranteed 4pm check-out
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
3,*
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1
$100 credit to use toward eligible charges2
4pm late check-out, when available
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
3The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
Mandarin Oriental, Paris
With a coveted address on designer-shop-lined rue Saint-Honoré, near Place Vendôme and the Tuileries Gardens, Mandarin Oriental, Paris appeals to connoisseurs of the good life. The hotel puts a contemporary spin on its 1930s-era Art Deco building; 135 rooms and suites feature silk bedspreads, playful modern art, and marble bathrooms. Many come with balconies or terraces, and connecting rooms are available for families. Treat yourself with visits to the two-story spa with a glass mosaic floor and indoor pool—and the lobby Cake Shop for irresistible pastries.
Hotel du Louvre
Hotel du Louvre has been luring guests since 1885 with its elegance, comforts, and central location. Along with the Louvre, popular attractions like Opera Garnier, Le Centre Pompidou, and Notre Dame Cathedral are in walking distance. Dine at the very first Brasserie "Bocuse" in Paris, also known for its vintage bistro décor. And let your evening spill over to the hotel’s l’Officine du Louvre, a cocktail bar with a magnificent glass ceiling and palm fronds. Then wake up to complimentary daily breakfast for two, an additional benefit provided at this property in The Hotel Collection2.
2The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
InterContinental Paris Le Grand
Facing the Opéra Garnier, InterContinental Paris Le Grand has welcomed guests since the days of Napoleon III. Rooms and suites feature Second Empire-style décor and custom furnishings, with many offering balconies overlooking the historic opera house. Café de la Paix remains one of Paris’s great dining destinations, and La Verrière serves French classics beneath a soaring glass atrium. From here, stroll to Place Vendôme, the city’s grand department stores, or the Haussmann boulevards.
SAX Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts
SAX Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts is tucked into the heart of the seventh arrondissement, just moments from the Champs-Élysées and the artistic pulse of Paris. The 118 bright, elegant rooms and suites feature white marble, brushed brass, and soft leather finishes, with the option of connecting rooms available for families. Between urban adventures, you can recharge at the hotel’s spa with a sauna or in The Garden, a tranquil space with café tables and a heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi.
Ritz Paris
A stay at Ritz Paris means waking up on Place Vendôme at one of the city’s most iconic addresses. Opened in 1898, the Belle Époque hotel looks as grand as you’d imagine, with opulent rooms and suites outfitted with fine artwork, antiques, and silk accents. Spend an afternoon at the Ritz Club Paris with its indoor pool, hammam, and spa, then enjoy cocktails at the legendary Bar Hemingway or a memorable meal at L’Espadon before wandering the nearby Tuileries or visiting the Louvre.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée Paris
For more than a century, Hôtel Plaza Athénée Paris has been part of Paris’s fashion scene along prestigious Avenue Montaigne. Red geraniums grace the hotel’s façade, while rooms and suites showcase silk, brocade, curated artwork, and glittering chandeliers, some with spectacular Eiffel Tower views. Dine on refined French cuisine at Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, enjoy the seasonal courtyard at La Cour Jardin, or recharge at the Dior Spa.
Le Bristol Paris, Oetker Hotels
Located on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Le Bristol Paris, Oetker Hotels is steps from Arc de Triomphe, Grand Palais, and Champs-Elysees. A century after her 1925 debut, the hotel remains an icon of French elegance, with 190 renovated rooms and suites bedecked with fine fabrics and antiques. Stroll through the courtyard garden and shake off any jet lag with a treatment at the spa or a dip in the rooftop swimming pool. Families will appreciate Le Bristol Paris x Bonpoint, a play area with chalkboard walls, electric car tracks, dollhouses, and books. Le Bristol Paris is also renowned for Epicure, where the menu is thoroughly French.
Hotel Vernet Champs-Élysées
Steps from the Arc de Triomphe, Hotel Vernet Champs-Élysées celebrates classic Parisian architecture with limestone details, black iron balconies, and a striking stained-glass dome inside a historic Haussmann building. Rooms and suites showcase Parisian craftsmanship and warm-hued décor, while Le V serves gastronomic French cuisine beneath a showstopping stained glass dome.
Hotel Dame des Arts
Hotel Dame des Arts captures the creative energy of the Left Bank with art-inspired interiors, contemporary design, and a rooftop bar overlooking the City of Lights. Many rooms feature private balconies or terraces, and Pimpan—serves modern French cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Spend the day discovering cafés, galleries, and bookshops before ending the evening with cocktails and views of Notre Dame Cathedral and Montmartre.
Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris
You may be familiar with Mandarin Oriental Lutetia Paris from its art nouveau architecture or from its many appearances in literature, as depicted by its artistic past clientele. Now, get to know it for yourself. Visit Bar Josephine, named after famed patron Josephine Baker, and take in the botanical frescoes decorating the ceiling. Relax with a treatment inspired by the four elements at Akasha Spa and wander through Saint-Germain-des-Prés to shop at Le Bon Marché or take in the collection at Musée d’Orsay.
Frenchie
The aptly named Frenchie showcases local and seasonal produce using contemporary techniques. Designed with a hint of industrial chic, with glimpses of bare brick walls and overhead piping, the dining space still feels quite intimate. The chef operates a “carte blanche” concept, which allows him to create culinary art, unrestricted. For this, guests can enjoy a menu of five courses that can be paired with wine (frenchie-ruedunil.com).
Aux Crus de Bourgogne
A favorite near Les Halles in the 2nd, Aux Crus de Bourgogne celebrates the hearty flavors of Burgundy in a classic Parisian bistro setting. Start with Burgundy snails or rich onion soup before savoring roasted chicken with creamy morel sauce or traditional boeuf bourguignon. Snag a table outside to take in the lively Parisian atmosphere, accompanied by a glass from the extensive wine list (auxcrusdebourgogne.com).
Credit: Gao Jing/Xinhua/Alamy Live News
Pierre Hermé
Discover why the brand’s signature macarons have earned an international reputation and become an endless field of creative exploration in pursuit of exceptional flavor. While you’re here, save room to sample the desserts inspired by ingredients from Japan (pierreherme.com).
Restaurant Margaux
Directly across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, Restaurant Margaux pairs rustic Parisian charm with comforting French bistro classics in a warm, inviting setting. The next-level onion soup is a must, followed by the impeccably tender duck shoulder confit for two, made for sharing. End on a sweet note with decadent crème brûlée or Tarte Tatin topped with crème fraîche (restaurantmargaux.com).
Tour D’Argent
Eat feeling right at home—if your home is a centuries-old tower, that is. The mirror-ceilinged dining room at Tour D’Argent is refined yet welcoming and open to the kitchen. One of the standout traditional French dishes is the seasonal duckling paired with eggplant caviar, Greek yogurt, and drizzled with Corinthian molasses (tourdargent.com).
Maison Vérot
This place has always known how to combine tradition and modernity. Maison Verot Delicatessen is a charcuterie distinguished by its constant search for excellence and service. Along with a rigorous offering, up-to-date recipes, and artisan methods, this brand has known how to make its name resonate as a symbol of high quality (maisonverot.fr).
Allard (Ducasse Restaurant)
Decades of traditional home cooking, distilled in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. For over 80 years, Allard has carried on the spirit of the French bistro—and of namesake cook Martha Allard’s Burgundian peasant recipes. Book a table and settle in to enjoy menu mainstays like legs, duck confit, or a sweet rum savarin for dessert (restaurant-allard.fr).
Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée
For an indulgent night out, visit the gilded interiors of Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée at Hôtel Plaza Athénée Paris. The culinary team takes diners on a time-hopping tour through French cuisine, employing recipes as much as 250 years old but constantly providing an of-the-moment twist. For a taste of the secrets behind the success, book a visit to the Cabinet des Conspirateurs.
La Crêperie
This quaint little creperie serves crepes and galettes hot off the griddle in sweet or savory flavor combinations. Ham, cheese, and fried egg galettes are a staple, as well as the classic Nutella and banana. The shop also does daily specials that feature different flavors, such as smoked salmon with Boursin cheese and lemon (lacreperiedupantheon.fr).
Bontemps Pâtisserie
Delight in the exquisite pastries at Bontemps, a renowned patisserie, with a tea room in its courtyard. Sunday brunch is a special set menu affair (bontemps.paris).
Credit: Petr Kovalenkov / Shutterstock.com
Poilâne Bakery
A traditional boulangerie that knows how to combine history with quality. Its value lies in applying an ancient slow fermentation technique to make its renowned bread. Poilâne Bread Bakery also offers vintage grain cookies, bakery croissants, and an amazing apple rotation—chausson aux pommes (poilane.com).
Bar Joséphine
Magnificent Art Deco frescoes adorn the walls and the ceiling of Bar Joséphine, evoking the glamour of the Belle Époque. Reimagined by Mandarin Oriental Lutetia Paris, the Parisian bar offers an elegant setting for a daytime rendezvous, with live jazz in the evenings. Sushi, sashimi, and thoughtfully crafted mocktails and cocktails add a contemporary touch.
Must be of legal age to drink alcohol. Please drink responsibly.
Les Catacombes de Paris
Venture down into Paris’s macabre history with a visit to the catacombs. Twenty meters underground, visitors will discover an ossuary containing the remains of several million Parisians. The bones fill old quarries in grand artistic and structural arrangements. In a maze of galleries, the circuit is dotted with plaques carrying poetry and religious passages to encourage visitors to reflect on the nature of mortality (catacombes.paris).
Skip-the-Line Louvre Highlights Guided Tour
With its extensive collection and labyrinthine layout as a former palace, The Louvre can be tricky to navigate. This 1.5-hour guided tour can help you make the most of a visit, with insightful anecdotes to help you appreciate masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. Enjoy your visit in full with self-guided wandering after your tour, and add on a visit to the fashion exhibits and period rooms in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in the Louvre’s west wing (madparis.fr/en).
Book via GetYourGuide.com
Perfume Creation Workshop at Candora
Visit the Candora perfume boutique near Île Saint-Louis and learn about the art of scent from masters of customized fragrance. You’ll learn about the history and science of perfume, familiarize yourself with a variety of smells, and craft your signature scent profile, which you’ll take home in a 50ml batch.
Book via GetYourGuide.com
Jardin Du Luxembourg
Thrill your inner child by renting one of the tiny vintage sailboats that bob in the Grand Bassin, in the center of this massive Baroque park. No sitting on the grass here, and sandal-wearers may not love the gravel, but everyone loves the discreet alleys, riotous flowerbeds, and garlands of ivy that seem to kiss the water of the Medici Fountain (parisjetaime.com).
Marin Montagut
Marin Montagut designs porcelain objects that celebrate the French art de vivre. The artist works on each of his dinnerware models, drawing inspiration from French tableware of the past. The tableware, of a rare finesse, is made of enameled porcelain. Each model is handmade, resulting in unique pieces (marinmontagut.com).
Cooking Class at Galeries Lafayette Gourmet, by Ferrandi
Learn French culinary techniques to take home with you in this cooking class with the Ferrandi school of culinary arts, presented in partnership with Get Your Guide. Venture to the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann department store and let an expert chef guide you through making salty and sweet delicacies. Try your hand at dishes like magret de canard, ratatouille, and béarnaise or tartar of sea bream, gazpacho, and vanilla oil.
Book via GetYourGuide.com
Le Bon Marché
Zola fans will recognize the world’s first department store, opened in 1852, as the inspiration for The Ladies’ Paradise. Shopping fans will recognize it as the most spacious and calm of the world’s fashion capital’s major grands magasins (lebonmarche.com). Don’t miss the adjoining food hall, La Grande Epicerie (lagrandeepicerie.com), complete with a pastry counter, a cheese monger, and formidable wine cellar.
The Pinault Collection at la Bourse de Commerce
Under the glass-and-steel dome of the Bourse de Commerce, the Pinault Collection takes on an unearthly quality. Peruse more than six decades of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos, and installations. The exhibitions and events offer an original perspective on a group of contemporary artworks that François Pinault has put together over the last 50 years as a collector and patron of the arts. (pinaultcollection.com).
Crazy Horse
High art meets risqué fun at Crazy Horse Paris, the cabaret that has been bringing glamour, divas, and delectable artistry since 1951. Blending art, music, dance, and fashion, the current production Totally Crazy! opens with a number in which the dancers don tall, furry hats and step in crisp unison as a send-up of the Queen’s Guard. On selected dates, you can catch a rotating lineup of femme icons-in-residence, from drag queens to pinups to pop stars and more (lecrazyhorseparis.com).
Bar du Bristol: After Dark
Step into the disco-ball-spattered enclave of Bristol After Dark, the effervescent, violet-toned bash that takes over the centennial Bristol Paris when the moon is high and the dancers come out to play. Find your rhythm to a mix of Italo-disco, ’80s pop, and top-of-the-charts current hits in an ambiance where Studio 54 club culture meets Parisian splendor. When it’s time to rest your feet, refresh yourself with the custom cocktail of the month from the Oetker Collection Cocktail Club (oetkercollection.com).
Fly Air France to Paris and enjoy savings on select premium tickets on designated interntional flights with Platinum Member Airfares when you book with your Platinum Card® through Amex Travel™ for you and up to seven of your travel companions, including the refreshed La Première First Class. Platinum Card and Centurion Members receive reduced fares compared to fares available for other American Express Card Members through Amex Travel™.
This luxurious travel experience includes spacious private suites with floor-to-ceiling, sound- and light-insulating curtains, a personal closet, and a spacious seat that transforms into a fully reclined real bed (along with cozy comfort wear to slip into for ultimate relaxation). La Première is available on flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and major destinations across the world, including stateside gateways in New York, Washington, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Boston, and Los Angeles.
The La Première experience can also include a private driver in Paris who will transport you in style from your hotel to the airport. Once at Paris-CDG airport, you’ll be greeted by a porter curbside and whisked off to the haven of the La Première lounge, where exclusive services include award-winning dining, indulgent spa treatments, and even the opportunity to reserve a private suite for up to four guests.
Or, you can earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly through Amex Travel™ to put toward your next getaway on up to $500,000 on purchases per calendar year. You can also use Membership Rewards® Pay with Points* to book your air travel through AmexTravel.com.
Get more out of your getaway with American Express
Enjoy savings on select premium tickets with Air France to Paris on designated international flights with Platinum Member Airfares™*. Platinum Card Member and Centurion Members receive reduced fares compared to fares available for other American Express Card Members through Amex Travel™. As a Platinum Card Member, enjoy access to savings for up to 8 passengers per itinerary on select tickets in first class, business class, and premium economy with participating airlines on designated international flights. Eligible Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary.
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1As of 01/2026.
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