3 April 2026
Paris never ceases to inspire. Whether you live here or head this way just once a year – simply walking through the city recharges your batteries, let alone trying the latest hotspots or the all-time favorite restaurants the city has to offer. And then, of course, there are the countless shops and hotels. Out of all these addresses, I’ve curated a list of the top 10 absolute best for you. And if you want to check out all the design spots and create your own custom list, you can easily do so on the Paris page or in new The Paris Guide. On y va!
Head over to Le Cornichon for a fantastic lunch set in a former lottery bar. They have beautifully preserved some of its vintage elements, like the old pinball machine, while freshening things up with a cool, vibrant green on the booths. Make sure to keep an eye out for the cozy corner near the kitchen where the hand-drawn menus are displayed. Every single day of the week features a different daily special, so there is always something new to try. Plus, they offer outdoor seating for those sunny days.
Merlo is a new specialty coffee shop right in the beating heart of Le Marais. It’s the kind of place where you’ll overhear people chatting about new films they’ve worked on, or a fashion shoot they just walked off of. This makes it a great spot to sit back and soak up creative inspiration. Afterwards, you can easily head out for some shopping in the surrounding boutiques, or go admire the latest exhibition at Perrotin, which is located directly opposite across the street.
If you eat plant-based or vegetarian, Faubourg Daimant is the place to be. The cuisine is, naturally, inspired by French traditions – but without the heavy cuts of meat. Instead, you’ll find options like their bestseller croquettes cochonnes, filled with mushrooms and smoked tofu. Be sure to order the ‘Experience’ menu so you can taste a bit of everything. Alternatively, stop by for their daily lunch menu. There are two locations in the city, but the first one – inspired by the year 1900, the year the Eiffel Tower was built and the World Expo took place – is my absolute favorite due to its French bistro style.
Got something to celebrate, or do you just love discovering hidden gems in neighborhoods you wouldn’t normally stumble upon? Then make sure to reserve a table at Dandelion well in advance. The chef previously cut his teeth at the renowned Septime and now cooks here using exceptional, seasonal French ingredients. Naturally, they also offer an extensive, well-curated French wine list. In the summer, the tables spill outside, letting you dine on a highly photogenic Parisian square.
I think I’ve stayed at pretty much every single design hotel in Paris by now. For my work, I always try to test out a brand-new spot, but my absolute personal favorite remains Residence Bouchardon. Why? It’s incredibly centrally located, and you get your very own apartment. This is super convenient if you still have some work to catch up on, or if you feel like cooking your own meal in the evening. It’s tucked away in a wonderfully quiet street, and the interior is strikingly beautiful with all its rich wooden accents.
Every hospitality brand that respects itself nowadays seems to have its own line of caps or shirts. However, the quality is often quite subpar. At least, that’s exactly what the founders of Gift Shop thought. Coming from the fashion industry themselves, they loved bringing home a cool souvenir, but hated having to throw it away six months later because it fell apart. So, they decided to do it right from the start, working with the best culinary establishments, such as Bistro Paul Bert. In this Gift Shop – featuring a secret door right near Palais Royal- you can browse the entire collection.
Two women met while working at a pop-up restaurant, became close friends, and started dreaming of opening their own place. But it had to be a spot where they could also channel their love for second-hand design. Et voilà: Occasion is now a reality. They are only open for dinner and offer a curated menu with just a few options. Occasionally, they also open their doors on Sundays for a vintage design gathering.
If you only visit one museum, make it Bourse de Commerce. The building was designed by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando and is absolutely breathtaking in its own right. But the exhibitions are just as impressive. They recently hosted a sound bath installation by Céleste Boursier-Mougenot, and Minimal was highly recommended as well. Starting June 4th, they will transform the so-called Rotunda into a canvas for the ‘fog sculptures’ of Fujiko Nakaya.
It remains a winning formula: a hotel that doubles as a wellbeing hub, complete with an in-house yoga studio and a plant-based restaurant. The moment you step inside Hoy from the bustling Pigalle district, you instantly unwind thanks to the clever use of colors and materials (plenty of wood and earthy tones). This soothing vibe extends right into the rooms. The yoga studio is open to locals, but also to guests, making it a wonderful way to truly feel like a local yourself.
How could we possibly curate a list without including Merci? The concept store of all concept stores has been around for years, yet it never ceases to amaze with its top-tier collection of fashion, interior design, beauty, books, and incredibly cool knick-knacks. You’ll always find a little something to take home in your suitcase. Their collaborations with brands from all over the world: one time it’s with Hello Kitty, the next with a French outdoor brand. Plus, they also have a lovely café right under the same roof.
You can find the complete list of Paris addresses on the Paris page
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