Discover Paris: Insider Tips & Hidden Gems

Discover the vibrant street food scene of Paris, from classic crêpes and baguette sandwiches to global flavors, offering delicious and affordable bites that capture the city’s rich and evolving culinary culture.

Paris is not just Notre-Dame, or the Arc de Triomphe: it’s what’s in between, and all around. We’re going to share seven of our favorite hidden gems - at least, hidden to visitors who don’t know the city yet.

May in Paris is the sweet spot: wisteria blooming, 9pm sunsets, 18°C weather. Get our complete 2026 guide covering what to wear, packing tips, French Open at Roland Garros, what's closed May 1st, museum nights, festivals, and the best local spots to eat and drink. Insider knowledge included.

Visiting Paris in April? April sits in the sweet spot between low season and peak summer, and we’re here to let you know what to expect during your trip.

Looking for tips on what to do as a solo traveler in Paris? In this blog, we break down the cost of traveling to Paris, if Paris is safe as a solo traveler, where to stay as a solo traveler, and what to do.

We are dedicating this post to talking about some of the best things to do in Paris this March, interspersed with our top tips for Paris in March, and why it’s still a great time to be here.

Wondering where to stay in Paris? Local insider breaks down the best neighborhoods, arrondissements, and areas by vibe, budget, and travel style. Avoid tourist traps!

Discover the best things to do in Paris in January, from shows and museums to immersive light experiences and kid-friendly activities. Start 2026 inspired.

Discover 5 fantastic shops in Paris for unique gifts and quality items. From quirky finds to artisan goods, shop local this holiday season!

Below, we’ve rounded up the top things to do in Paris in December to help you plan your magical winter visit. There are numerous live shows, from classical music in churches, to parks and gardens lit up. There are small Christmas markets around town, and lots of places to eat Oysters.

Explore Paris’s coziest winter hideaways: candlelit bars, snug restaurants, and romantic hotels perfect for your cold-weather getaway.

Discover the cozy magic of Paris in November with these fun activities. Whether you're looking for art, live music, or a taste of home with turkey and pumpkin pie, there’s something for everyone.

Here are our top must-do experiences for families visiting Paris with kids, recommended to us by real Parisians with young children. All of them are fun and engaging.

Looking for the best things to do in October in Paris? We're exploring five must-see Parisian happenings in October, including the famous Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre, Jazz sur Seine, and the Salon de la Photo. Plus, what to do for Halloween, from haunted maze experiences to costume parties.

Planning your Paris trip? Explore the best guided tours to see all the top Paris attractions, including iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and local markets. Whether you're cycling through the city, taking a private walking tour, or enjoying a scooter ride, our curated list of top-rated Paris tours ensures you experience the City of Lights to the fullest. Plus, discover the best places to eat, drink, and snap photos. Optimize your Paris adventure with our expert recommendations and insider tips!

Discover what to do in Paris in September as the city comes alive after summer! Experience the magical blend of warm weather and vibrant cultural events, from the Paralympics and iconic Paris Fashion Week to European Heritage Weekend and Jazz à La Villette. Don't miss special events like Whiskey Live. Explore Parisian markets, enjoy boat tours along the Seine, and soak in the last rays of picnic season. Plan your perfect September in Paris with our guide to the city's top attractions and hidden gems.

Discover 25 essential Paris travel tips, dos and don’ts for a safe, fun, and unforgettable visit. Insider advice for first-time and returning travelers.

Planning a summer trip to Paris? Here are 5 fun, local-approved things to do in Paris this August, including swimming in the Seine, outdoor movies, music festivals, and exhibitions.

Traveling to Paris in August? Skip the guesswork and avoid tourist traps! Discover what’s open in Paris this August with our local-approved 5x5 guide to food, coffee, drinks, museums, and more.

When you’re planning your trip to Paris, chances are you’re not prioritizing the 20e arrondissement - and we understand why. It’s out of the way, there aren’t many big tourist attractions… why bother? If you’re here for more than a few days, or you’ve been to Paris before, we’re here to tell you: It’s worth it. While there might not be massive churches or enticing museums, the 20e is where you can come to truly feel like a local. Relatively untouched by tourism so far, it feels the way the 11e once did. Young families hang out in the park, and side streets stay fairly quiet throughout the night. You can find incredible food, great nighttime vibes, and some of Paris’ most epic green spaces. It’s worth a visit (but perhaps grab an electric bike, if you choose to cycle up). Let’s get into it.

The 19th arrondissement of Paris. Maybe you’ve heard of it, and maybe you’ve been wondering if it’s worth a visit. To us, it absolutely is, and for many reasons. The 19th doesn’t try to be something it’s not, and it doesn’t apologize for what it is. It’s a multicultural, lived-in corner of Paris with a strong sense of community, and it boasts some of the city’s best green spaces, like Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and Parc de la Villette. It shares some traits with neighboring arrondissements, but each has its own flavor. The 10th and 11th, for example, have become hubs for hipster foodies and bar-hoppers, especially around Canal Saint-Martin and Oberkampf. The 20th, while similarly local in feel, has increasingly attracted more affluent young families, particularly near Gambetta and Père Lachaise. But the 19th remains refreshingly unpolished, while still boasting some great local joints.

When you think of the 18e, your mind might go straight to Montmartre - and you wouldn’t be wrong to think that. The hill of Montmartre takes up much of this arrondissement, but not all of it. Around Montmartre you have some seriously up-and-coming bar and restaurant areas where you can find quite a range of tasty treats. On the actual hill, there are tons of nooks and crannies to discover - from hidden parks to various surprise statues to tucked away coffee shops. We’re going to take you through some of our recommendations for Montmartre and the 18e in general.

Ahh the 17e arrondissement of Paris. Quelle mystère! Okay, maybe it’s not mysterious per-se, but it’s definitely a bit of a zone of not-too-much-going-on-so-we-don’t-really-hang-out-there. That said, the 17e still has plenty to offer for locals, and certain travelers. So we’re going to help you maximize your time in the 17e district of Paris.

Okay, if you’re reading this, perhaps you’re already staying in the 16e of Paris and want to know the best things to do there. Or, you’re thinking of staying there, and want to know the best things to do there. Or you’re thinking of spending the day there and… well you get it. Look, there’s not much going on in the 16e! We wouldn’t really recommend staying nor spending too much time here, but if you decide that that’s something you’d like to do - it is a beautiful neighborhood after all - here are our best recommendations for how to maximize the time you spend in the 16e arrondissement of Paris.

If it’s your first time in Paris then don’t make the 15th a priority - this city has a lot to offer and the 15th is very residential. But, if you’ve been here before, you might want to check it out because there’s some great stuff to see here and some excellent food hidden away.

Ah Paris 14e. The boring arrondissement. Home to a big old train station and a lot of corpses. There’s not much to eat, drink, or see here if we’re being honest. If you’re really looking to jam a full-day itinerary in, we’d recommend you stick to other arrondissements.

Did someone say ’The best arrondissement in Paris?’ The beating heart of Paris’ food scene has recently landed in a new district. The 11e has taken the crown from the Marais, is the spot for food, drinks and some of the best coffee in town. This arrondissement used to be known for its nightlife, and if you’re looking for a party you will definitely find one here, but lately the food scene has been taking over the streets north of Bastille. Not just for foodies though, you’ll find some great alternative arts and culture here, as well as a few places for some peace and quiet. The 11e really has it all.

We don’t expect you to be hanging out in the 13e district of Paris if you’re visiting the city for the first or even really the fourth time. It’s pretty out of the way - far from any monuments, most of the best food and drink, and even from much of the classic Haussmanion architecture. However, perhaps you’re here because you want to get out of central Paris for something new, or maybe this is where your hotel or Airbnb are located. There are some great places to check out while you’re in the 13e, regardless of why you’re here. So let’s get into it.

Paris’ 12th arrondissement is an Eastern residential haven for locals; it’s somewhere that feels less city-like, less like a bustling capital. The 12th has more quiet streets, access to the massive Bois de Vincennes, and stays well connected to the rest of Paris by metro, which pretty much runs in line with the Faubourg Saint-Antoine. There isn’t much to see by way of museums or monuments here, so let’s jump straight into food and drink. While we wouldn’t really recommend coming to the 12th for anything specific, you might find yourself staying and looking for something to eat close to your hotel or Airbnb. The 12th might not be foodie, per se, but there are still a few options we’d recommend - and you’re close to the 11th, which will make up all the difference!

We love the 10e arrondissement of Paris and we know you’ll love it, too, once you get to know it! This neighborhood has so much to offer in the way of food and drink, while maintaining a bit of that local, residential energy in some areas and total party blocks in others. We’re not going to preface it with much - let’s dive right in.

Perhaps one of the most diverse arrondissements in all of Paris, in the 9e you can start the day with some luxury shopping and end it in the seedy belly of Paris’ red light district (if you so desire). Along the way are some of the best coffee shops in the city, amazing local bistros and the odd dive bar or two, of which we are particularly fond. Highlights include the Opera Garnier and the Rue des Martyrs (though we personally wouldn’t stay near the Opera house, just drop in for a visit.) There is plenty to do in the 9e. This blog will touch on a few recommendations, but if you’re interested in even more, be sure to grab our guide. You’ll get instant access to hundreds of recommendations across the city to ensure you have the best time possible in Paris.

Ah, the 8e arrondissement. The arrondissement that gets us into a fair bit of trouble for saying - why are you here? But we stand by that question. The 8e arrondissement is full of… not much of anything. A couple monuments, a sad and crowded shopping street, and a beautiful park. That’s about it. Sprinkle in truly next to no good food and coffee (except for wildly priced Michelin restaurants) and you’ve got yourself a wasted day.

When it comes to the 7e arrondissement of Paris, the important thing to keep in mind is that it’s mainly quiet streets between big attractions. You’ve got the Eiffel Tower, the Champs de Mars, Les Invalides, the Rodin Museum, the Orsay Museum, river views, and more. If you’re looking for a day filled with these things, this blog will help you to maximize your time in a neighborhood that has limited offerings for food, coffee, drinks, and instead fill it with general laid back vibes.

The 6e arrondissement is classic central Paris at its most elegant. The gem of the left bank, the 6e is a mix of literary history, cozy cafés, and art galleries. Home to the Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Sulpice, this quartier is the Paris of daydreams. Our advice will always be this: Let yourself wander. This is a neighborhood best experienced at a relaxed pace, with detours through bookstores, long pauses in the sun, and stops in various galleries.

Welcome to the 5e arrondissement of Paris, where old-school Paris and student life collide. This neighborhood is lively, fun, and filled with bookstores.The 5e, which makes up the majority of the Latin Quarter (though it does spill over into the 6e!) is home to ancient Roman ruins, the Sorbonne, the Panthéon, and a museum full of dinosaur skeletons. And who doesn’t love dinosaurs?

The 4e arrondissement will plunge you into the heart of the Marais, known for being both the Jewish and Gay quarter of Paris. From rainbow-painted roads to kosher falafel, from the Centre Pompidou to Place des Vosges, this neighborhood has straight-up charm.

Paris 3rd, otherwise known as the Haut Marais (the high Marais), used to be the beating heart of the culinary scene in Paris… then came the 11th, but we’ll get to that later. Because of this, you’ll likely feel overwhelmed with where to go in this district. Here are some of our top recommendations but, if you want all of them, be sure to grab our guide to Paris. You’ll get hundreds of incredible options, three full-day itineraries, several walking audio tours, and access for life. Never eat a bad meal in Paris again.

Paris’ 2e arrondissement is an often overlooked, charming, and elegant area of the city. It’s not well known for anything in particular, save for its covered passages, which we’ll get to in a bit, but it does a lot of things very well. We’ll set you up with some tasty coffee and nibbles, and otherwise we just encourage you to walk, walk, walk. This arrondissement has so much to give, but most of it is best stumbled upon.

If Paris were a board game, the 1er arrondissement would be the center square. Home to the Louvre, the Tuileries, and some of the postcard-esque places in the city, many people pass through this neighborhood for its big sights and sounds, but few take the time to really explore it well. It’s surprisingly calm in some parts, full to the brim with history, and worth some time spent lingering.

By July, summer is here and in full swing. The sun beats down on Paris, and most days are hot. The parks are packed with picnickers, the cafés are lively late into the night, and the city feels like one big festival. July brings with it Bastille Day, outdoor cinema, and several festivals. Bring your sunscreen & water bottle, and don’t expect air conditioning in the country's capital. We’re sweaty and we’re here to have fun. Here are our top rated things to experience in Paris in July - from obvious to obscure, and everything in between.

Unsure what to do in Paris in June? Want to know what the locals are doing, and what's happening off the beaten path? June is one of the best months to visit Paris, so you're in for a treat!

There’s no shortage of green space in Paris, but some of the best spots are the ones you’d walk right past if you didn’t know to look. These are the calm, slightly secret gardens we keep in our back pocket — perfect for when the Marais feels a little too buzzy and you just want somewhere to sit, snack, and take a breather. Whether you're holding a falafel, a lobster roll, or just your iced coffee, these are our favorite little hideaways.

Paris in the spring. A fan favorite through the decades, depicted in the classic Amélie (or perhaps you were more of an After Sunset person). Either way the balmy weather, awakening city, and general good energy is addicting. The city changes in the spring - slowly in March, more so in April, and by May we’re in full swing. Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in the city - along with autumn. (We love change, and the feeling it brings). Trees start to grow their little green buds, flowers bloom and brag about their beauty, and bees awaken from their long slumber. From the first warm day of spring, you’ll see the terraces come to life, and the parks and gardens fill with picnickers.

It’s February, and you know what that means. Valentine’s day is only a few weeks away and, whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that romance is in the air. And lucky you, you’re spending it in Paris, one of the most passionate cities on Earth! We’ve put together a list of romantic recommendations around the city to make your date planning that much easier.

Planning your trip to Paris? Discover our 25 Essential Dos and Don’ts to navigate the City of Light like a local! From choosing the perfect neighborhood to stay in and packing the right power adaptors, this blog covers everything you need for a smooth and unforgettable Parisian experience. Learn why you should avoid booking accommodations near the Eiffel Tower and where to find the best local haunts for coffee and cuisine. Don’t miss out on crucial tips for navigating pharmacies and transportation, ensuring you're well-prepared for any situation.

Discover the hidden foodie gems of Paris on Rue Rambuteau! From lobster rolls to pastries and coffee spots, this underrated street links the neighborhoods of Les Halles and Le Marais, offering some of the best eats near the Pompidou. Explore our ultimate foodie guide to uncover must-visit spots like Homer and Glace Bachir.

Discover the top 5 best brunch places in Paris, perfect for indulging in a delicious breakfast or coffee. From classic French pastries like croissants and pain au chocolat to savory options like shakshuka and eggs benedict, this guide to Paris brunch spots has it all. Explore trendy neighborhoods like Montmartre, Canal Saint-Martin, and the 11th arrondissement while enjoying the best brunch cafes Paris has to offer. Find vegetarian, gluten-free, and coffee lovers’ favorites at these must-visit Paris brunch restaurants. Volume I of Paris in My Pocket’s ultimate brunch guide.

Maximize your Paris layover with our ultimate itinerary guide! Discover the best attractions, cafes, and tips to make the most of your 3-8 hour stopover in Paris.

Get the inside scoop on where to watch the Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony! Discover top Parisian bars and spots for an unforgettable viewing experience. With the Seine banks closed, find out where to enjoy the ceremony, support local businesses, and savor quality drinks and ambiance. Explore our curated guide to the best bars in Paris for the Olympics and make the most of the Games.

Discover the ultimate guide to the best specialty coffee roasters in Paris. Once known for its classic, yet underwhelming espressos, Paris has transformed into a haven for coffee lovers, offering some of the finest brews in the world. Whether you’re searching for the perfect flat white, a rich espresso, or a flavorful filter coffee, this guide covers the top cafés and roasters across the city. From hidden gems to trendy hotspots, find out where to experience the best of Paris’s coffee culture. Learn which cafés are making waves with their expertly roasted beans, warm ambiance, and delicious pastries. Whether you're a Parisian or visiting the city, our guide will help you navigate Paris’s flourishing coffee scene, ensuring you enjoy the very best coffee Paris has to offer. Explore Paris like a local and savor the city’s top coffee experiences with our curated recommendations and insider tips.

Your ultimate guide to the Paris 2024 Olympics! Get all the answers to your questions about travel restrictions, monument access, and local business hours during the Games. Learn how to navigate Paris, avoid disruptions, and discover hidden gems away from the crowds. Perfect for visitors before, during, or after the Olympics and Paralympics. Stay informed and experience the best of Paris with our expert tips!

Planning a trip to Paris during the 2024 Olympics? Discover essential details about metro closures, public transport disruptions, and how to navigate the city. Stay updated with our comprehensive guide to the Paris Metro during the Paris Olympics, including station closures and alternative travel tips. Prepare for the Paris 2024 Games with expert advice and local insights from Paris in My Pocket.