Paris will always be our favorite city. There’s nothing like a morning wandering Montmartre’s cobblestone streets, an afternoon shopping the Faubourg Saint-Honoré and a long, candlelit dinner that stretches past midnight. And if you’re going to do Paris, you might as well do it beautifully. Here’s our guide to the most glamorous places to stay, dine and sip in the City of Light.

Where to Stay

Cheval Blanc Paris

The most talked-about palace hotel in Paris sits right on the Seine next to Pont Neuf. It has six Michelin stars under one roof, a Dior Spa and a 30-meter pool, the largest hotel pool in the city. The rooftop views alone are worth the splurge.

Ritz Paris

Nothing is more iconic than the Ritz on Place Vendôme. It’s the stuff of Paris legend (Coco Chanel lived here for decades), and its bars and spa are just as glamorous as the suites.

Le Bristol Paris

Our pick for a quieter, residential kind of luxury on the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, steps from the best shopping in the city. Don’t miss the rooftop pool.

Hôtel de Crillon

Overlooking the Place de la Concorde, the Crillon is pure 18th-century grandeur with a modern edge. Its bar, Les Ambassadeurs, is one of the most beautiful rooms in Paris.

Insider tip: Palace hotel rates often drop noticeably in mid-November compared to early fall, so a pre-holiday trip can be the smartest way to splurge.

Where to Eat

Plénitude at Cheval Blanc

Chef Arnaud Donckele’s three-Michelin-star restaurant is widely considered one of the finest in the world. His cooking celebrates French sauces, with a menu that travels from Normandy to the Mediterranean. Book as far in advance as you can.

Le Cinq at Four Seasons George V

The ultimate special-occasion dinner. Chef Christian Le Squer’s three-star dining room is formal, elegant and filled with fresh flowers, just as a Paris palace restaurant should be.

Langosteria at Cheval Blanc

For a more relaxed (but still very glamorous) dinner, head to the seventh floor of Cheval Blanc for Milanese seafood and breathtaking views over the Seine and the rooftops of Paris.

Monsieur Bleu

Tucked inside the Palais de Tokyo, this Art Deco dining room has a terrace that looks straight out at the Eiffel Tower. It’s chic, it’s buzzy and it’s the perfect place for a long lunch.

Loulou

Set inside the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Loulou overlooks the Tuileries and the Louvre. In warmer months the garden terrace is one of the most beautiful lunch spots in Paris.

La Maison Rose

The prettiest pink café in Montmartre is a must for photos and a leisurely lunch. Find more of our favorites in our Dining in Montmartre guide.

Where to Grab Drinks

• Bar Hemingway at the Ritz: The most famous hotel bar in Paris is a tiny, wood-paneled room filled with Hemingway memorabilia. It doesn’t take reservations, so arrive right at opening.
• Le Bar du Bristol: Quieter and favored by the fashion crowd, with a cocktail menu inspired by the hotel’s century of history.
• Bar 228 at Le Meurice: Dark wood, deep armchairs and impeccable martinis across from the Tuileries.
• Les Ambassadeurs at Hôtel de Crillon: A gilded, mirrored jewel box of a bar. Dress up for this one.
• Bar Joséphine at Lutetia: An Art Deco beauty named for Josephine Baker, who was a regular. It’s also one of the more approachable palace bars when it comes to a glass of Champagne.

A Perfect Morning in Montmartre

Montmartre is our favorite neighborhood in Paris. Go early before the crowds arrive, climb up to the Sacré-Cœur for the view over the city, wander past the pink facade of La Maison Rose and finish with a café crème on a terrace. We share our full itinerary in our Montmartre City Guide.

Our Paris Tip Sheet

• Book the big tables early: Three-star restaurants and palace dining rooms can book up weeks or months in advance.
• Dress the part: Parisians dress up for dinner and drinks. Think tailored trousers, a great coat and polished flats or boots for the cobblestones.
• Palace bars are open to everyone: You don’t need to be a hotel guest to have a drink at the Ritz or the Crillon, and it’s the most affordable way to experience them.
• Plan a shopping day: The Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne are home to the flagship boutiques, and Rue des Martyrs is a charming street for gourmet shops near Montmartre.
• Go in the off-season: Late fall and winter bring better hotel rates, fewer crowds and holiday window displays.

Bon voyage, and enjoy every croissant!