Karim Merikhi

There’s so much to do in the city of love, it can feel impossible to know where to begin. Unlike some of its neighbours, Paris is a huge, expansive city, and each of its districts tells a different story from the others. So you’ve got options. Will you spend your days strolling through its brilliant art galleries? Are you braced to visit all of its greatest attractions? Dorn an Emily in Paris-esque outfit and head for the most Instagrammable breakfast you can find? Alternatively, of course, you can try to squeeze every single bit of it into your three-day stay. God loves a trier, after all. But whichever way you plan to take on this wild and brilliant city, there are some things you absolutely can’t miss. So, just for you, we’ve rounded up the 78 best things to do in Paris, and we’ve ranked them too. Whatever you’re after, it’s here on this list. Here are the best things to do in Paris in 2023.  RECOMMENDED: ⛵ The best day trips from Paris🏘️ Where to stay in Paris🏺 The best museums in Paris📍 The sightseeing guide to Paris🪩 The best clubs in Paris🏡 The best Airbnbs in Paris🚌 The best bus tours in Paris 🥐 The best food tours in Paris

Paris, the City of Lights, is well-known for its heaps of luxury, boutique hotels on every Parisian corner. But that doesn't mean you have to take out a loan to visit the gorgeous city. There are plenty of well-located hotels, right by all the iconic landmarks, that are cheap and cheerful, meaning you'll have more money to spend on bread, cheese, wine, and of course, croissants.  These cheaper hotel options in Paris are comfortable, well-maintained, and super stylish, with many only a stone's throw from some of the city's best restaurants and located near metro stations. If you're travelling to the city and want a fun (but budget-friendly) night out, check out our favourite cheap bars in Paris.  Looking for more accommodation options? Check out the best Paris Airbnbs

Disneyland Paris is hard to pack into just one day. After hitting both parks and their superb attractions, you'll need somewhere to recharge your batteries and prepare the next fun-packed day. Here's our selection of the best hotels in or near Disneyland Paris. Looking for more options? Check out the best Paris Airbnbs. Take a look at the best rides at Disneyland Paris.

Avec l’été caniculaire qui s’annonce, l’envie d’aller piquer une tête va vous démanger ces prochaines semaines. La rédac s’est donc jetée à l’eau pour vous dégoter les meilleures piscines (accessibles) du Grand Paris. En intérieur ou à l’air libre, vue sur la Seine ou sur l’église, avec ou sans Jacuzzi… Dégainez vos Speedo ou faites péter le bikini : Time Out vous fait plonger dans le grand bain.

On relie toujours les aurores boréales à Islande, comme si l’île n’était qu’un poste d’observation astronomique. Nul doute que le phénomène a dû en éblouir plus d’un – et à raison – mais qu’en est-il du reste ? Entre asphalte, nature sauvage et hôtels atypiques, Time Out vous propose un mini-road trip dans le sud de l’Islande. Attention, voiture obligatoire !

Does anyone else feel like new restaurant openings hit differently in 2021? We’ve always been the first in line to try the buzzy new spot on the block (then tell you about it), but these days, we recognise that opening a restaurant is a Herculean task worthy of celebration. Despite the odds stacked against them, new restaurants are popping up all over the world right now, proving just how resilient the hospitality industry really is. So as part of this year’s Time Out Love Local Awards, we asked you to tell us your favourite new places to eat. The stories of the ones you picked are remarkable, too – from long-awaited openings to lockdown daydreams, every spot on this list is praise-worthy. Ready to dig in? Grab a glass, queue up a reservation and join us in celebrating the best new restaurants of 2021.  RECOMMENDED: 14 cool museums and other culture spots that opened around the world in 2021

Chez Time Out Paris, on aime notre capitale, ses bonnes tables, ses bars ou encore ses monuments. Mais on n’oublie pas que les histoires d’amour finissent souvent mal. Pour prévenir d’un éventuel burnout, on vous emmène dans le Paris bucolique. Au programme : des petites ruelles boisées, des squares cachés, des églises surprenantes, des coins mystérieux… Car contrairement à certaines idées reçues, la capitale recèle nombre de petits passages, de cités, de maisons et de ruelles où la nature s'épanouit dans les grandes largeurs, Ce ne sont pas seulement les fleurs, les plantes, les arbres, qui détonent, mais l'atmosphère générale, le charme des maisons, l'originalité des portes et des façades, l'esthétique du décor.  Bref, on a disséqué Paris et sa banlieue, parcouru de longues distances sur des pavés et pris quelques clichés pour vous donner envie de nous suivre. Paris n'est jamais aussi belle que quand elle ne se ressemble pas.

Paris offers an endless amount of sumptuous rooms in a multitude of mind-blowing hotels, so making a decision on where to rest your head is no mean feat. And it's not just the five-star addresses that offer the crème de la crème of hospitality, there are plenty of four stars too. Comfortable, cosy, luxurious; expect a range of prices from the reasonable to the downright eyewatering. These are our very favourite luxury hotels, because if you're going to stay in one of the most chic cities in world, your hotel might as well match. Welcome to the good life.  Looking for more options? Check out the best Airbnbs in Paris.

De toute évidence, le romantisme a été victime de son image trop gentillette (demandez donc un peu à Hölderlin, pour voir). Voilà bien un terme devant lequel on ne peut s'empêcher de sourire, en pensant immédiatement : guimauve, sentimentalisme, bouquets de roses bon marché, mièvrerie et dégoulinures... Et pourtant, certains films d'amour constituent quelques-unes des plus belles œuvres du cinéma, toutes époques confondues. Pour cette sélection de 65 films d'amour, nous avons évidemment creusé du côté de la comédie romantique, sous-catégorie assez écrasante qui nous aura heureusement permis de retrouver Antoine Doisnel, Harry et Sally, des classiques de Woody Allen, Billy Wilder ou Ernst Lubitsch... Mais la catégorie du film d'amour ne s'arrête pas là : pouvant lorgner vers la science-fiction, l'onirisme d'un Cocteau, les délires d'un David Lynch ou le réalisme d'un Kechiche, le genre sait aussi merveilleusement s'acoquiner avec le western chez Ang Lee, ou la comédie musicale made in France avec Jacques Demy. Recommandé : les 100 meilleurs films français de l'histoire.

Ras-le-bol de la grisaille urbaine et du bitume, où le moindre brin d'herbe ne se risque plus depuis longtemps ? Et si votre 30 m² se transformait en un havre de paix ? Ne cherchez plus à pousser les murs, mais remplacez vos étagères surchargées de babioles par des pots de fleurs. Allez hop, on remonte ses manches, on met les mains dans la terre, on arrose, on rempote ! Par ici les plus beaux bouquets de fleurs fraîches ou séchées. On a écumé la capitale pour vous dénicher la crème de la crème, le nec plus ultra en matière de fleuristes parisiens. Un dossier idéal si vous cherchez un cadeau stylé pour Noël, la Saint-Valentin, la fête des mères (et pères !) ou l'anniversaire d’un pote... Flower power !

Restaurants vietnamiens, chinois, coréens, thailandais... A Paris, trouver de bonnes adresses asiatiques n’est pas une mince affaire. Particulièrement lorsqu'il s'agit de sushi. Entre les buffets à volonté privilégiant la quantité à la qualité, et les pseudo-japonais pas toujours très frais, on reste trop souvent sur notre faim. Chez Time Out, on a pensé à vous et on vous a dégoté les meilleures tables pour déguster ce met délicieux et toutes sortes de spécialités nippones. Et comme on dit là-bas : itadakimasu ! Chez Time Out, tous les établissements sont testés anonymement par nos journalistes, en payant l'addition à chaque fois, comme n'importe quel client !

Demandez donc à un Parisien de vous citer le plus bel édifice d’Ile-de-France. Très forte probabilité que son choix s’oriente vers une construction parisienne. Pourtant, en observant la banlieue sous le bon angle, une beauté – parfois sinistre, souvent poétique – se dégage des blocs de béton. En images, voici six bâtiments d’architecture brutaliste du XXe siècle, moderniste (voire post-moderniste) qui subliment le Grand Paris. A voir au moins une fois dans sa vie !

What should I drink? A €4 pint of Stella at happy hour. Once a hostess bar and with a back room that used to store fruit and veg for the rue Saint-Denis market, Le Royal has a distinct air of yesteryear. Owner Manuel is happy to share all these colourful stories with his drinkers, but get there from 5pm to enjoy cut-price happy hour specials.    

Fernando de Tomaso is as comfortable in hospitality as Messi is on the football pitch. After Pulperia and Biondi, the ebullient French-Argentinian chef has a new address in his arsenal: Bar de Biondi, right next to the eponymous restaurant. There's stellar seafood tapas: think killer ceviche, tasty oysters and marinated sardines, as well as crunchy croquetas and beef tataki. Drinks-wise, order a French or Argentinian natural wine or a South American cocktail mixed by expert bartender Alexandre (formerly of 1K). The selection includes the excellent olé pisco (pisco, lemon and coriander), mezcal tiki (mezcal, tequila and lemon) and paloma (tequila, grapefruit and raspberry) – all at a wallet-friendly €8-10. There was even a complimentary chicken terrine from the owner. We were bowled over by Bar de Biondi.

What should I drink? An Hiver Tropical. Buried deep in Buddha-Bar is the minuscule and super exclusive Secret 8, which you can only enter with a reservation and password (accessed through their Instagram account). Once you have the goods, head upstairs to the Buddha-Bar library and say the password to open the magical door. Secret 8 is as small as the Budha-Bar is big, there's Kendrick Lamar as background music, with a magnificent bar serving seriously luxe drinks. There are eight alcoholic and two non-alcoholic cocktails (€12-17), such as the Révolution 8 (Tigre Blanc vodka infused with Nepalese timur berries, yuzu soda, orange jam, lemon and artisanal). This is the perfect spot to meet lovers and friends for a tête-à-tête.

What should I drink? Pick your poison and let the bartenders design it your way. A few strides away from the bustling Rue Oberkampf, on Boulevard du Temple, is the eye-catching bar Bisou. There’s no menu, but behind the sublime marble bar is mixologist Nicolas who, with just a word in the right direction, will shake up a concoction to suit your fancies (€12 a pop). After mentioning mezcal and bitterness, he whipped up a concoction of mezcal, Dolin white vermouth, Suze, sherry, chocolate bitters and sesame oil. It’s simply exquisite. Small plates of hummus and tapenade go down a treat too. Not only are cocktails high-flying, but Bisou is also taking a sustainable approach and only working with 100% organic locally sourced products. Waste products are also recycled as cocktail garnishes. The outdoor area is a highlight – a pink pastel awning and hanging plants make it the perfect romantic date spot.

We're well acquiainted with the delicious brilliance of l'Eclair de Génie, the boutique that creates the beloved  in numerous sexy forms.Now the king of éclairs - founder Cristophe Adam - has traded in the sweet éclairs for the salty planche, and it's the real deal. It's halfway between a coffee shop and a restaurant which is what makes it so original. It runs non-stop from 8am-11pm and therefore incorporates breakfast, lunch, snack and aperitif so you won't struggle to find a reason to swing by this classy establishment's bar. Tuck into some fresh sea bream cerviche, Hawaiian tuna, mango, avocado, fresh truffle cheese and alpine beaufort.  Much like a cameleon, Dépôt Légal changes it colours to fit the apéro scene. To maintain its high level of service, expert bartenders showcase their expertise with their Gin Gin mules, classic whisky sours and spritz - all for an afordable price. The boss continues to illustrate his brilliance. 

Rates: €89-170 per night Added extras: a tote bag and the free Henriette Rive Gauche pens Services: breakfast This small hotel on the left bank is not far from the Manufacture des Gobelins and blends several eras with precision and charm. The nineteenth-century wallpaper and contemporary coloured tiles in the entrance hall go together wonderfully. The majority of the decorative objects come from the personal collection of Vanessa Scoffier, the former editor of Marie Claire and a complete accessory queen. Think Guariche coffee tables and Platner armchairs. The lovely patio is the perfect hiding place for reading and relaxing among a plethora of fresh flowers. The beautifully wrinkled armchairs are a pleasant throwback to yesteryear. Each of the 32 rooms is unique,  with graphic and geometric wallpaper in navy blue, mustard and white. Room 32, for example, is jazzed up two fluorescent pink strips on the wall, Mondrian-style. The cosy dining room offers a nice view onto the patio too. If the graphic furniture in pastel and wood is anything to go by, Hotel Henriette is heavily influenced by Scandinavian style, which is already a big hit in the capital. With its calm and soothing atmosphere, you will feel straight at home at Henriette’s.

Rates: €990-6000 per night Added extras: two Michelin-starred restaurants and the sumptuous garden Services: chauffeurs, valet parking, spa, pool, cigar room, breakfast, restaurants, bar, bureau de change, dry cleaner and a hairdressers Le Bristol might as well be one of the city’s unmissable monuments. And it is no coincidence that it was the first hotel in France to be awarded the title of a ‘palace’. All you have to do is walk along rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, and glance at the façade to know that this place is legendary. A tribute to The Earl of Bristol, Frederick Hervey, it is no shock to learn that the notorious globe-trotter was known for his passion for luxury. The 90-year old hotel more than pays tribute to his legacy. Wondrous antique furniture, French paintings and precious fabrics embellish the 188 rooms in a resolutely classic style with refined elegance. The Panoramic Suite boasts a breath-taking view over the city – from the Opéra Garnier to the Butte Montmartre and the Sacré Cœur. This was actually where Woody Allen chose to film ‘Midnight in Paris’. It is also home to some of the city’s most glitzy restaurants – the brasserie, Le 114 Faubourg has one Michelin star and l’Epicure has three stars, with chef Eric Frechon at the helm. It’s a joy for the stomach but also for the eye – dinner comes with a view over 1200m2 of greenery and flowers. It really is a haven of peace. The bar’s château-like space is welcoming, with its marble fireplace, oak parquet floor

Rates: €300-630 per nightAdded extras: the alcoves and the piano restaurant Louis 2 Services: valet parking, breakfast, restaurant and spa  A photo of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington posing for the camera in the lobby gives a good idea of the vibe at Hotel de la Tremoille. Located a hop, skip and a jump from the Champs Elysées since 1883, the hotel was named after Louis II de la Trémoille, an illustrious statesman who lived during the reign of François I. But this historical artefact does a good job of fitting into the present. For example, the restaurant is named Louis 2 not Louis II, for posterity. In the 93 rooms, of which 11 are suites, expect wood, authentic mouldings, antique furniture and marble fireplaces, mixed with pink or green tones; a clever way of brightening up this elegant, discreet spot. All apartments are equipped with the latest gadgets, ensuring the full package. The creative cuisine at Louis 2 is inspired by French gastronomy, so take a seat in one of the alcoves and revel in the relaxing, sensual atmosphere. That might have something to do with the sumptuous piano tunes played by the talented musicians. Don’t miss the Spa, where a sauna and jet showers await. There’s even Decléor face and body care to top things off. End result? Wellbeing: 1. Stress: nil.  

Rates: from €230 to €600 Added extras: Dringme available to guests, champagne bar, Louis Vuitton lift Services: breakfast, concierge service The beautiful 1910 Haussmannian facade of the Dokhan’s hotel has come to be a landmark in the 16th arrondissement. Formerly a private residence, the hotel has retained its charm of yesteryear thanks to a host of invaluable objects such as antique furnishings which fill the space, not to mention the original artwork by masters such as Picasso and Matisse. The lovely scent of wood fire fills the space, giving homely relaxed feel to the hotel. The 45 rooms and suites are all elegantly decorated by the renowned interior designer Frédéric Méchiche. The luxurious and refined rooms feature four-poster beds, Carrara marble bathrooms (a tribute to the 18th century Parisian apartments) and are equipped with a Dringme – a smartphone that acts as a virtual concierge with unlimited calls and internet, as well as a guide to the best addresses of the city. In the evening, head to the first and only champagne bar in Paris to relax on a sublime green velvet armchair. Choose from the à la carte menu which features 240 different types of the best champagnes on offer – from Dom Pérignon and Bollinger to select little known champagnes. A pleasurable moment brought to life by the jazz virtuosos and the caviar specialist, Maison Pétrossian. Another truly exceptional detail is the hotel lift, modelled on an old Louis Vuitton travelling trunk. The unique design

Rates: €240-840 per night Added extras: the vintage objects from around the room and the tea room Services: breakfast, restaurant, weekend brunch and the bar Cross the Champs-Elysées, pass Saint-Philippe-du-Roule and on a small hidden street, you’ll find Hotel Daniel. Inside is a meeting of the East and West; Kazakh carpets, Chinese wallpaper, Syrian trinkets, Turkish silver platters, ebony countertops – a mix of styles which come together harmoniously in this elegant cocoon. The 36 rooms are styled on 18th century Parisian apartments and a special mention has to go to the sublime views of the Eiffel Tower from certain suites. You will struggle to pull yourself away from such comfortable rooms but it’s totally worth it for the afternoon tea. Ensconced on one of the classic armchairs, just choose which region of the world you want to visit via your tastebuds. Cakes and tea are accompanied by a three different hour glasses to customise and perfect the strength of your infusion. All you have to do is remove the tea leaves when the sand has run clean. The well-stocked bar is well worth a visit too – intimate and cosy, this is a great spot for a date. 

Rates: €216-860 per night Added extras: the super comfortable bedding Services: the breakfast, bar and well-being area A few strides from the Seine, between the Pont de l'Alma and the Invalides, this luxurious 5-star welcomes guests in a surprising modern and art deco atmosphere, with objects from all corners of the globe. A monumental chandelier, ethnic statues, sculptures, primitive art and oriental details. It is these rarities which give the hotel it’s originality – the haunting atmosphere extends to the 40 rooms and suites. While the lobby seduces with its wild atmosphere, the rooms, decorated in a refined, sober style offer the utmost in space and comfort. The luxury bedding gets our vote – equipped with two mattresses, you’ll feel like you’re sleeping on an actual cloud. If it’s possible to descend back to earth, the sweet and savoury buffet breakfast is well worth your while. And the cherry on top is the wellness area – complete with sauna, hammam and a fitness room.

Rates: €340-750 per night Added extras: all the modcons of an apartment   Services: valet parking, buffet breakfast and fitness room Looking a lot like a UFO, La Clef Louvre Paris is next to Palais Royal and the Comédie Francaise. A splendid building dating back to 1908, this luxury apartment hotel is home to 51 suites, which charm with their elegance of yesteryear with all the modern functionalities. A real Art Nouveau gem, designed by talented architect Constant Lemaire, La Clef Louvre Paris – formerly Citadines Suites Louvre Paris – is a grade-listed building meaning the majority of the hotel is original. The huge windows offer a sublime view onto Palais Royal and furnishings are of the utmost comfort. And since you’re already staying in the lap of luxury, why not give in to the limousine service? Apartment kitchen areas are fully equipped with a washing machine, dishwasher, hobs and a microwave oven. Just like being at home – if you lived in the classiest Parisian apartment around. You can imagine a couple from a Woody Allen film walking the corridors, him in a hat and a three-piece suit, cigar in hand, and her in a Charleston headband and long fur coat – perhaps with a jazz tune playing in the background. La Clef Louvre is a refined and delightful throwback to the thirties.