Paris is considered by many to be one of the most romantic cities in the world. People flock from across the globe to enjoy their honeymoons, proposals, weddings, romantic escapes, and even solo trips filled with wonder and creativity. But the real magic of Paris comes from knowing where to go, when to go, and how to experience the city beyond the obvious tourist spots. Paris can feel romantic in many different ways, and we’re here to share some of our favorite ways to make the most of the City of Light (and city of love!), and how to find the moments of stillness and of aimless wandering to discover the true heart of Paris.
If you’re looking for the best food and drink spots for an intimate evening, you can find several in our Guide to Paris. In it, not only will you find dozens of articles to help you prepare for your trip, but hundreds of food and drink recommendations that you can filter in various ways. Looking for a late night drink? There’s a tag for that. French food? You can filter for that, too! Anything you want, you’ll be able to find over on Paris in My Pocket.
Is Paris Really Romantic?
Of course, romance has no one singular definition. It can mean many different things to many different people. And Paris being romantic really does depend on how you experience the city. Do you stick to the crowded places, fighting mobs of other tourists for one photo? Or do you go out of your way to avoid the crowds and stick to the hidden gems?
What we’re trying to say is that Paris isn’t inherently romantic, per say. It is inherently beautiful, with architecture that never gets old and cobblestone streets scattered about. And this beauty can easily be considered romantic at the right time of day, in the right light, with the right person, and the right activity planned. But this takes intention and planning - thinking ahead is how you’ll create the experience you’re looking for. And that’s why we’re glad you’re here!
What Makes Paris Romantic?
The sunset over the Seine river perhaps? The sunrise at the top of Montmartre? A rooftop cocktail? City streets in under soft snow? There are many ways Paris can be romantic, but here are a few that stand out to us:
Its architecture
Haussmannian buildings, the classic Parisian rooftops. Scattered grey and limestone colors, that somehow seem to glow more in cloudy weather. Don’t forget to look up in this city as you walk around, or you’ll miss the beauty.
Its walkability
With many pedestrian-friendly streets, and pockets of town that remain windy cobblestone paths, Paris is the perfect city to embrace your inner flâneur. Grab your loved one’s hand, and get yourselves lost. Who knows what you might find?
Its terrace culture
If you’re from the United States, this is something that will bowl you over. Sprawling terraces in any season, filled with locals having a coffee or an apéro. While you can find outdoor terraces in much of Europe, in a way that is difficult in car-heavy America, there’s something seeing them on every corner, year round. Sitting on a terrace, under a blanket, in the autumn rain… not a bad plan.
Its river
The Seine is something else. The river and its banks of beautiful buildings, its view of the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame… it’s particularly stunning when the full moon rises into the sky, reflecting off the ripples.
Its food and drink
Another reason people fall in love with this city, and one of our favorite reasons. From incredible local French food to international cuisine, this is a city full of creative people - including some amazing chefs. Bursting with small businesses, Paris is the city of dreams, and that in itself makes it romantic, doesn’t it?
What Romantic Things To Do In Paris?
Here are a few of our ideas of romantic things to do in Paris. But this list is non-exhaustive and not universally romantic - you might not agree with every recommendation. If you can gain even a little inspiration on how to plan your romantic evening from this, we’ll be happy. If you walk away with the tools you need to make your trip to Paris the best possible trip, then we consider our job done.
And don’t forget that we created our guide specifically to help you have the best time in Paris. In 2026, we launched our Guide+, for those who want to spend even less energy planning full itineraries. With the Guide+, you have access to three full-day itineraries, as well as an audio walking tour. That’s four full days of your trip covered! In the meantime, here’s what you can do to maximize romance on your Paris trip.
Romantic Things to Do in Paris in the Morning
Imagine this - you wake up early to the sun trickling into your bedroom or hotel room. You open the window to the budding sounds of the city (Paris is late to wake). You’re in the city with the person you love, and you don’t have a strict agenda this morning. So you…
Have pastries in bed
Send your partner down to the corner boulangerie - nothing fancy. Have them pick up some croissants. If there’s a grocery store or fruit market open, perhaps even pick up some fresh squeezed orange juice. Stay in bed with a book and have a slow breakfast before starting your day. Remember, you’re on vacation.
Walk to a local coffee shop
Looking to start your day with specialty coffee? It’s all over Paris now, so chances are you’ll find one near you. They open late, so be sure your morning agenda starts a bit later. Give yourself time to settle in and have your flat white sur place (for here). Yesterday you picked up a few postcards, so take a moment to write to your loved ones while enjoying your caffeine.
Romantic Things to Do in Paris in at Night
If you’ve already planned out your mornings, perhaps you’re looking for a romantic evening plan instead? You could grab…
A rooftop drink
Perhaps on a cozy rooftop in the center of town? There are many places to grab a drink on high in Paris with great views of the city, but not all have a cozy and romantic ambiance. Hotel Dame des Arts ticks those boxes, even moreso if you decide to stay there during your Paris trip.
A Seine stroll
Have yourself a wander right in the middle of town. If you walk down to the river near the Notre-Dame (on the right bank, though), then wander west all the way down to just before the Pont des Arts. (don’t take the tunnel, it’s not very romantic, especially at night) You can take the steps up and cross to the left bank there; the Pont des Arts is a lovely wooden slated bridge that leads from the back of the Louvre across the city to the Institut of France. On the other side, you can choose to descend again to loop back, or wander up top.
Romantic Experiences to Have in Paris
Looking for unique things to do with your loved one? You could treat yourselves to…
An immersive dining experience
An old movie theatre-converted restaurant, perhaps? ATICA combines their fresh, seasonal, and delicious menus with scenes from the geographic areas of that menu’s themes. We’ve tried three of them, and loved them both. It’s a unique experience that moves away from traditional dining and into an immersive audio-visual experience to share with your date.
A cooking class
A quintessentially Parisian thing to do, how about a macaron class at La Cuisine Paris? Our friend Jane has been running cooking classes there for years; it’s a fantastic experience.
Romantic Things to Do in Paris on a Budget
Several items on this list can fit into a low budget vacation, like the walk on the Seine above, but here are a few more options to add to your list. You could have…
A picnic in a hidden park
Head to a market, and grab everything you need for a picnic. To save money, avoid the stalls that say “bio” (organic). While generally we recommend these for better quality food, you’ll still get some delicious treats at the non-organic stalls, and will save a little cash in doing so. Take that picnic to a hidden park or garden (or the riverside) and enjoy!
A glass of wine on a terrace
Find a terrace that calls to you - maybe one on a cute square, or near the river or the canal. Look for a classic local bistrot, not a tourist trap (have a look at the menu before you sit). If you pick well, you’ll be able to get a glass of red or white wine for €4 (especially during happy hour). Don’t fuss over the quality - it’ll still be good. Instead, embrace an inexpensive yet quintessential Parisian experience. Cheers with your loved one, or take a moment to journal. Both options are magical.
Romantic Places to Drink in Paris
There are many, and often we recommend walking around and letting yourself be pulled into a place that has the ambiance you’re looking for. But as a start, you could visit…
Le Mary Celeste
Located in central (but not too central) Paris, just at the edge of the Marais, Le Mary Celeste is a wonderful cocktail and small bites bar. You’ll want to try one of their house creations along with a plate of oysters. Enjoy your evening at the bar lit by candle light. The cocktails are exceptional, and the team is delightful. Get directions.
Les Petites Mains
A seasonal bar tucked into the Palais Gallierea, and referred to as the temple of love. Open in the summer, you’ll want to stop here for a drink and an exceptional view of the Eiffel Tower. Perfect for a classic Parisen experience - a late night glass of wine with a view of the tour. Get directions.
And in the winter, there are even more extra cozy romantic places to be had.
Romantic Places to Eat in Paris
And finally, we can’t forget what many of us come to Paris to do - eat. good. food! Why don’t you make a reservation for…
De Vie
One of our recent and very central discoveries, De Vie is a gem of a restaurant cocktail bar that we highly recommend. You’ll get a romantic high end experience without a hint of pretentiousness. They focus on sustainability and low waste, and make everything in house. Get directions.
Caché
Translated to “hidden”, Caché is a fantastic restaurant off the beaten path in the 20th arrondissement of Paris. It’s got cozy vibes but with lively energy. Enjoy some spice, some seafood, and some fantastic wine. Get directions.
And of course, if you’re looking for more where this came from, get all of our recommendations in one place with our Guide. The Paris in My Pocket travel guide is the one guide you’ll need to experience the best of what Paris has to offer, or your money back!
