The Ultimate Paris City Guide 2025: Hotels, Museums, Dining & Shopping Tips
The Ultimate Paris City Guide – Please note: Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners, who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about, as well as where and how they appear on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.
Paris continues to enchant travelers with its timeless beauty, world-class museums, luxury boutiques, and culinary artistry. Whether you’re wandering through the Marais or sipping espresso in Saint-Germain, the City of Light offers a deeply curated experience. This 2025 city guide covers everything from iconic sights and Michelin-starred restaurants to top hotels and essential travel tips.
Top 5 Things to Do in Paris
1. Visit the Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to its most famous landmark. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance or dine at Le Jules Verne for elevated views.
2. Cruise the Seine
A twilight Seine River cruise offers stunning views of illuminated monuments. Opt for a dinner cruise for a romantic experience.
3. Explore Montmartre
Wander the cobbled streets of Montmartre and visit Sacré-Cœur. Don’t miss the Place du Tertre where local artists display their work.
4. Stroll Through the Luxembourg Gardens
These elegant gardens are perfect for a picnic or a leisurely walk, especially in spring and summer.
5. Indulge in a Food Tour
Explore local markets and patisseries on a guided food tour in Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Top Luxury Hotels in Paris
Whether you want a view of the Eiffel Tower, a hotel with the finest restaurant, or a hotel close to the best shopping in Paris, we have some great suggestions for you. Discover the finest luxury hotels in Paris, France, on Tablet Hotels.
Here are the top luxury hotel picks for Paris:
- Cheval Blanc Paris: With direct views of the Seine, this Dior-partnered palace hotel offers 72 rooms, a Dior Spa, and gastronomic excellence at Plénitude (3 Michelin stars). Luxurious and intimate, it’s steps from the Louvre and ideal for design-conscious travelers. Book now.
- Shangri-La Paris: A former royal residence, the Shangri-La blends imperial architecture with Asian hospitality. Some suites offer Eiffel Tower views from your private terrace, and the hotel’s Michelin-starred Shang Palace delivers exquisite Cantonese cuisine. Book now.
- Hotel Le Meurice (Dorchester Collection): A favorite of royalty and artists alike, Le Meurice is classic Parisian luxury overlooking the Tuileries Garden. The Alain Ducasse restaurant and the Dalí-inspired interiors elevate its status. Book now.
- Maison Proust: Inspired by the Belle Époque and the writings of Marcel Proust, this intimate 5-star boutique hotel in the Marais offers immersive interiors, opulent spa experiences, and a literary ambiance like no other. Book now.
- Ritz Paris: Legendary and lavish, the Ritz is synonymous with Parisian glamour. Located in Place Vendôme, it boasts the renowned Bar Hemingway, opulent suites, and the Chanel Spa. Book now.
- Le Grand Mazarin: Set in the heart of the Marais, this playful luxury hotel features theatrical interiors, an underground pool, and proximity to galleries, boutiques, and cafés. Ideal for stylish urban explorers. Book now.
Explore Expedia for top accommodations, flights, and car rentals, and more.
Top Shopping Destinations in Paris
Paris is a global fashion capital. Head to Avenue Montaigne and Rue Saint-Honoré for haute couture and luxury boutiques like Chanel and Dior. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann offers designer selections under a Belle Époque dome. For curated vintage, explore the boutiques in the Le Marais.
Best Restaurants in Paris
Septime (11th arrondissement) – A Michelin-starred modern French gem.
Le Cinq at Four Seasons George V – Exceptional service and timeless French cuisine.
Chez L’Ami Jean – A rustic Basque bistro known for hearty fare and a lively atmosphere.
Clamato – A seafood lover’s dream, perfect for a casual, stylish lunch.
Le Jules Verne – Fine dining inside the Eiffel Tower with panoramic views.
Reservations are essential at most top-tier establishments—book well in advance.
Top Sights in the Surrounding Area
Palace of Versailles – Just 45 minutes from central Paris, this UNESCO World Heritage site showcases royal opulence and breathtaking gardens.
Giverny – Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens, an inspiration behind his iconic Water Lilies.
Champagne Region – Tour the prestigious champagne houses in Reims and Épernay on a day trip.
Best Art and Culture in Paris
The city pulses with creativity. Attend a ballet at the Palais Garnier, a concert at the Philharmonie de Paris, or an exhibit at Fondation Louis Vuitton. For literary fans, explore Shakespeare and Company, an iconic English-language bookstore.
Top Museums and How to Skip the Line
Louvre Museum – Home to the Mona Lisa, this is the most visited museum in the world. Book timed-entry tickets online.
Musée d’Orsay – Famed for its Impressionist collection, housed in a former train station. Consider a combo ticket with Musée de l’Orangerie.
Centre Pompidou – Modern art inside a high-tech architectural landmark.
Musée Rodin – Surrounded by a sculpture garden with The Thinker, this museum is a peaceful escape.
Louis Vuitton Foundation – A modern art venue housed in Frank Gehry’s striking glass structure.
To skip lines, use the Paris Museum Pass or opt for VIP guided tours available through trusted operators.
Travel in Luxury with Carl Friedrik Luggage
Traveling in style begins with your luggage, and Carl Friedrik offers timeless, high-performance travel gear. From elegant trunks to sleek carry-ons, their luxury leather suitcases are ideal for navigating Parisian cobblestones in style. While there’s no standalone boutique in Paris yet, global shipping makes their luggage collection easily accessible for discerning travelers who appreciate fine design and functionality.
Travel Tips for Paris 2025
- Use the Metro: Efficient, safe, and cost-effective. Buy a Navigo Easy Pass or download the Bonjour RATP app.
- Reserve Early: Book restaurants, hotels, and museums in advance.
- Dress Smart: Parisians favor understated elegance. Pack stylish but comfortable shoes for walking.
- Cash Isn’t King: Credit cards are widely accepted, even at cafés and bakeries.
- Learn a Few Phrases: A simple “Bonjour” and “Merci” go a long way with locals.
Best Time of Year to Visit
The best time to visit Paris is spring (April–June) and fall (September–October). These seasons offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and colorful scenery. Summer brings festivals and extended daylight, while winter offers festive Christmas markets and cozy indoor experiences.
Paris 2025 invites you to experience its timeless allure and contemporary elegance—from art and architecture to unforgettable gastronomy. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, the City of Light always has something new to discover.
Let Lush Collective be your guide to living luxuriously—wherever you roam.
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