Smoke in the colors pf the flag of Team France is shown over Pont d’Austerlitz during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games 2024.
(Photo by Lars Baron via GettyImages)
If you know you know! Discover our hand-picked recommendations and uncover Paris’ hidden gems beyond the usual tourist spots. We have curated a list of unique things to do in Paris to ensure a unique and personalized visit. Whether you’re seeking exquisitely-prepared food in intimate settings, the best contemporary art galleries, inspirational museums, the perfect places to gather your French picnic essentials—read on! Bon voyage!
Dining Delights: A Culinary Journey for the Discerning Palate
When it comes to dining in Paris, there’s no shortage of Michelin three-starred restaurants. But if you’re looking for something more intimate and unique, these are our favorites.
(Image courtesy of Chef Bruno Verjus.
Photo credit Philippe Vaurès. Courtesy of Table.)
Table
Located in the heart of Paris, Table by Bruno Verjus offers a cool and contemporary dining experience without the formal stiffness of a three-star Michelin establishment. Bruno is also an art collector and displays his beloved pieces in the restaurant. Recognized as third-best restaurant in the world in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list, it’s a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Go for the food and art! 3 rue de Prague, 75012 Paris.
Aida
Takayuki Honjo, chef and owner of this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a pure experience of modern French cuisine in a minimalist-style dining room. The talented pâtissier Mariko will bring you desserts that combine East and West flavors, making this a must-visit restaurant during your trip. 91 rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris.
(Image courtesy of Restaurant ES)
Restuarant ES
Takayuki Honjo, chef and owner of this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a pure experience of modern French cuisine in a minimalist-style dining room. The talented pâtissier Mariko will bring you desserts that combine East and West flavors, making this a must-visit restaurant during your trip. 91 rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris.
Breizh Cafe
Indulge in delicious crepes and galettes at this classic gourmet crepe and galette spot. Founder Chef Berchand Larcher combines inspiration from Brittany and Japan. Impeccably sourced ingredients include Bordier butter and organic Breton stoneground wheat that harmonize every bite. 109 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris.
Au Bon Pho
Craving some comforting Vietnamese pho? This hole-in-the-wall restaurant is as authentic as they come. Be nourished by a warm, flavorful bowl of noodle soup that will bring the flavors of Hanoi to the heart of Paris. 22 rue au Maire, 75003 Paris.
Cultural Riches: Must-Visit Museums for the Aficionado
Paris is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums, but beyond the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, here are some of our favorite places.
(Photo by Bertrand Guay via Getty Images)
Fondation Louis Vuitton
Ensconced within this gorgeous architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry, after a monumental exhibition of Rothko, current exhibitions include Matisse: The Red Studio; and Ellsworth Kelly. Shapes and Colors, 1949-2015. Upcoming exhibitions include Pop Forever, Tom Wesselmann. 8 Av. du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116 Paris.
(Image courtesy of Pinault Collection. Vue de la carte blanche à Kimsooja « To Breathe — Constellation » dans le cadre de l’exposition « Le monde comme il va », Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection, Paris, 2024.)
Pinault Collection at Bourse de Commerce
A stunning collection of international contemporary art housed in a beautifully restored historical building by Tadao Ando Immerse in the Pinault Collection’s current and upcoming exhibits, La Monde Comme Il Va, The World as It Is; Carte Blanche to Kimsooja, a South Korean artist; Arte Povera; and In-Situ Works. 2 Rue de Viarmes, 75001 Paris.
Palais de Tokyo
This avant-garde contemporary art museum offers a dynamic and immersive experience. A new group show, Borders Are Nocturnal Animals, starts this October. It traces a thread through complex colonial histories, realities, and visions of the future. 13 Av. du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris.
Shopping Secrets: Where to Find Unique Treasures
Paris is a shopper’s paradise. Here are a few spots where you can find unique items that may not be on every tourist’s Instagram.
Officine Universelle Buly
Jean-Vincent Bully was a French distiller, perfumer and cosmetologist who opened his eponymous store in 1803. This apothecary-style store offers a range of personalization options and exquisitely packaged perfumes, lotions, skincare and grooming products. 19 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75004 Paris.
L'uniform
For stylish and functional bags and accessories, these minimalist designs are both practical and chic—the epitome of savoir-faire. You can even get them personalized with monograms for yourself or as unique customized gifts. 1 Quai Voltaire, 75007 Paris.
Patrick Seguin
Furniture enthusiasts will love this gallery, which showcases iconic pieces from 20th-century designers. It’s time to find the next statement piece for your home. 5 Rue des Taillandiers, 75011 Paris.
Ogata
A perfect spot for artists and creatives, this hybrid tea cafe, gallery and boutique offers a curated selection of Japanese-inspired homeware and lifestyle products. 16 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris.
Art Galleries: A Feast for the Eyes
Paris is a hub for contemporary art, and these galleries are perfect for discovering emerging and established artists.
“Expulsion” 2023. 200 x 350cm. Oil on Linen.
(Image courtesy of the artist Katherina Olschbaur.
Photo credits: Shark Sensac and Perrotin.)
Galerie Perrotin
Emmanuel Perrotin’s gallery is renowned for its innovative exhibitions and impressive roster of artists, some of whom have a 30+ year working relationship with Perrotin as he helps them realize their artistic visions. Upcoming exhibits include Koak: “Lake Margrethe”; Nick Goss: “Isle of Thanet”; Katherina Olschbaur: “Sweet Expulsion.” 76 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris.
A’Driane Nieves exhibition installation,
January 2021.
(Image courtesy of Gallery Marguo)
Gallery Marguo
Founded by Hauser & Wirth and Christie’s alum Vanessa Guo and her partner Jean-Mathieu Martini, a seasoned art dealer, this contemporary art gallery in the Marais district features emerging and early-career artists from France and all over the world. Current exhibits include Xie Fan: “Various Fires” and Patrick Kim-Gustafson & Laurent Pernot: “It's Beautiful, You Would Have Seen It—It's All Around.” Upcoming exhibit Claudia Keep: “Somehow, Somewhere, Someway” is not to be missed. 4 rue des Minimes, 35 Rue des Tournelles, 75003 Paris.
Mendes Wood
With locations in Paris, São Paulo, New York and Brussels, Mendes Wood showcases art from some of the most sought-after and critically acclaimed artists from South America. The new Paris gallery is located at the most beautiful square in Paris—Place des Vosges. Upcoming exhibitions include “Amadeo Luciano Lorenzato En Conversation,” with works by Patricia Leite, Paula Siebra, Erika Verzutti and Castiel Vitorino Brasileiro. 25 Pl. des Vosges, 75004 Paris.
Picnic Perfection: Where to Pick Up Supplies
For a quintessential Parisian experience, here’s where to get the best picnic supplies.
Lastre Sans Apostrophe
This classic Parisian delicatessen offers a fantastic selection of charcuterie, cheese and other picnic essentials.
(Image courtesy of Cave Rive Gauche)
Cave Rive Gauche
La vie est trop courte pour boire du mauvais vin. Life is too short to drink bad wine.
With its wide selection of Burgundy wine and spirits, the shop has its own 19th-century library, which remains until today. Two wine-tasting spaces create a unique experience combining contemporary art and the art of living. 91 Rue de Sèvres, 75006 Paris.
Flowers to brighten anyone’s day
(Image courtesy of Agnes Lew)
Cordelia Coffee Flower Shop
Inspired by her country estate in L’Oise, north of Paris, Cordelia de Castellane, Artistic Director of Baby Dior and Dior Maison, created this exquisitely beautiful combination flower shop and cafe. Pick up a seasonal bouquet and artisan latte. 14 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris.
Mangez bien, riez souvent, aimez beaucoup.
Eat well, laugh often, love a lot.
We hope you have the time of your life, between the international unity and sportsmanship of the Olympics, all of the delicious food you can eat, unique shopping, and fabulous art!
A favorite quote by Victor Hugo:
Savoir, penser, rêver. Tout est là, which means to challenge yourself to know more, to think more and to dream more!
Amuse-toi bien à Paris.
Plan your visit
Dinner: Table | Aida | Restaurant ES
Lunch: Breizh Cafe | Au Bon Pho | L'As du Fallafel | Café Nuances
Museums: Fondation Louis Vuitton | Pinault Collection at Bourse de Commerce | Palais de Tokyo
Shopping: Officine Universelle Buly | L'uniform | Patrick Seguin | Ogata
Galleries: Perrotin Contemporary Art Gallery | Gallery Marguo | Mendes Wood
About Agnes Lew
Agnes Lew, East West Bank's Managing Director, Head of Private Banking, leads a team of experienced bankers and financial advisors to provide bespoke banking and financial services for our VIPs. An avid world traveler and art lover, Agnes is East West Bank’s culture connoisseur.