Where to go, eat, drink, party and all in Paris - Travel Guide
- Marcos S. Rutherford
- Jan 19
- 7 min read
Você também pode ler este Guia de Viagem em Português clicando aqui.
It’s a fact: every trip is defined by its biggest clichés. I will always look back fondly on the mix of feelings I had when I saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time—and how I almost maxed out my phone’s storage just posing in front of it. But even after that initial experience, Paris remains one of my favorite places on Earth, though for different reasons now. The food, the art, the culture, the traditions, and even the language itself (which seems to evolve differently here than in the rest of the country) are what truly enchant me. Regardless of where I am, they always will.
My favorite restaurant is definitely marked by the experience of having such a privileged view of the Tower, but that doesn't define it. The food itself is what brings back the most incredible memories of the city. If they opened the same restaurant in some random alley or a hidden backyard, it would still be my favorite because of the cuisine, the service, and the atmosphere inside (even if it takes some nearly impossible mental gymnastics to pretend the glass windows aren't there showing the illuminated city at night).
I created the concept of the New Mean 4u Travel Guides to share a bit of the magic of this perspective—one I discover and rediscover around the world—with you. I want these Guides to be updated whenever I revisit a place or find a new one. But for this first selection, I’ve brought you 3 recommendations for each of the things I love doing most in the cities I visit: eat, grab a coffee (or for me, specifically a matcha), visit exhibitions, drink, and dance.
TO DINE OUT
Café du Trocadero
It’s no news to anyone that Café du Trocadero (which, despite the name, isn’t just a café) is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Besides the breathtaking view—day or night—the food is impeccable, and the menu always features the restaurant's striking signature dishes.
Alfred
When I remember that food is also art, the first restaurant name that pops into my head is, without a doubt, Alfred. Paris is an intense city when it comes to beauty, and this is the perfect place to bring that concept right to your table.
Le Mirabeau
A Parisian classic, though my experience with Le Mirabeau is more recent. In 2025, I had the chance to try a few dishes from the menu, and every single one was extremely impeccable—one of those experiences you look back on with a lot of affection. I have to confess, though, a major heads-up here is the bathroom hahaha, it’s a work of art in itself.
TO GRAB A COFFEE (OR MATCHA)
Café Nuances
If you love coffee and you’re headed to Paris, you’ve definitely heard this name. Despite my track record with "hyped" spots that end up delivering average quality, Café Nuances delivers everything it promises in taste and even more in the experience of visiting one of their locations in the city. And if you, like me, eat with your eyes first, their official Instagram profile is definitely worth a scroll.
Inform Café
I must confess my palate isn’t a huge fan of Eggs Benedict, but it was at Inform Café that I actually enjoyed one for the first time. Even though the space reminds me a lot of summer, the view remains beautiful in other seasons, and it’s absolutely worth a visit anytime you’re in Paris.
Juni
I’m a marketing student, and if there’s one thing I appreciate alongside my matcha, it’s well-done branding. Juni is the official café for those who hate bad chain coffee (cough cough) and they even serve up a nice little DJ set every now and then. It’s an experience to be lived, for sure. If your time in the city is short but you get lucky enough to catch a special event happening, it’s worth skipping something else just to live this moment.
TO DRINK
Haze
Honestly, I never thought I’d find a place that made me feel like I was inside Gossip Girl quite like Haze. Intimate atmosphere, mysterious and sexy vibe, and drinks that will mark your memory in the most positive way imaginable. It’s a great spot to wear the best outfit in your suitcase and channel your inner Blair Waldorf, Serena, or whatever character is your life inspiration. Every sip here is like literally tasting the best Paris has to offer.
Serpent A Plume
To be honest, I’m starting this brief description of Serpent À Plume without knowing what to say because it feels like there are no words in the world that can describe what this place is. It’s definitely not for everyone, but everyone should have the opportunity to experience what it has to offer. A quick look at their Instagram should give you an overview of what awaits, but if I can spoil it with my own words in this specifically opinion-light review, I’d say it’s everything you don’t expect but need to experience. Just so I don't leave you completely in the dark: the drinks are classic, the music is usually Jazz (which suits the city at night perfectly), and the memories, you can be sure, will be striking.
Rojo
The space itself is definitely the game-changer here. Rojo is a great environment to sip wine with friends (or even on a date) while discussing the more philosophical nuances of life. The art in the place is phenomenal, starting with the entrance sign itself, which is a great—but not spoiler-heavy—introduction to the venue. I confess that regarding the cocktails, I want to hear about your experiences in our community; the mood of the place screamed "late night, wine" to me, and I listened. But my tourist sixth sense for cocktails assures me the experience will be just as good for those who go down that path.
TO VISIT
Fondation Louis Vuitton
This visit surprised me, mostly due to my own carelessness. I wasn't expecting the level of artistic exhibition the Louis Vuitton Foundation delivered because I was mentally prepared for just "another brand's Dior Gallery." Anyone interested in the subject probably already knows this, but for those at risk of being caught off guard like me: heads up, it is truly a museum. The building itself is the first work of art you'll encounter on this itinerary, and at the risk of missing out on what's inside, the view from the outside is already worth the effort of the visit.
Musée Galliera
Paris is the city of love, but it’s also one of the fashion capitals, and not without reason. The Palais Galliera Fashion Museum gathers everything any fashion lover probably wants to know. I visited with a specific friend in mind because she would absolutely love the experience, but even if you (or whoever is with you) aren't super into that universe—which I find hard to believe if you’re reading me—it’s still a swoon-worthy visit just for the beauty of what human creativity can create.
Saint Sulpice
I’m not religious, but no one in the world can disagree (or would dare to) that Catholic churches are always an exhibition of architectural art. Obviously, an ancient city like Paris has many churches to visit, starting with Notre Dame itself, but I’m going to intervene and say that Église Saint-Sulpice is the visit that will make the trip worthwhile. I unpretentiously walked into the church while coming back from the Luxembourg Museum, and everything about it is enchanting: the paintings, the architecture, the history, everything you can imagine. Don’t go to Paris and miss this opportunity; plus, you hit two tourist spots in one go, and you won’t regret it.
TO DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
Bonnie Club
Ever imagined spending the night on a rooftop enjoying good music while also having a privileged view of the Eiffel Tower? If so, you can turn what was once just imagination into reality. Bonnie Club is THE perfect find for a person who, like me, loves to enjoy the night, dance with friends, and stay out until sunrise. The drinks are good, the energy is contagious, and you’ll very likely enjoy an entire set without complaining about a single song or wanting to stop to rest.
Spootnik
Want to live the most surreal experience of your life but with one condition? Spootnik is the right place. The culture here is really the strong point and the differentiator; it’s about really dancing and forgetting the night has an end. There isn't always a "party" happening per se, and in those cases, the bar stays open and the experience is still totally worth it. It’s a bit more competitive to get in, and the prices are great, which might increase the competition even more. For the next available date as of this publication, February 27, 2026, tickets are already on sale. Oh, the condition to live the most surreal experience of your life? No phones allowed!
Caveau de la Huchette
Here we keep the concept of dancing but drastically lower the clubber culture levels. Caveau de la Huchette is the ideal hangout you don’t find in every city all year round, so it’s worth experiencing while you’re traveling. It’s live music with more classic instruments, and it’s also a cool experience to have when you’re there and remember that someone was also there back in 1946. It’s about living, dancing, enjoying, and soaking up the history of the city’s life.
Well, Paris is a city full of incredible surprises. Every time you visit, you're bound to find new things to do and see the city through fresh eyes. That’s the beauty of life and big cities: they change just like we do, surprising us just as much as life itself. Heraclitus used to say that no man ever steps in the same river twice... for it's not the same river, and he's not the same man. The same goes for Paris.
So, what about you? What are your experiences in the city, your recommendations, and discoveries you can share with me? Join the conversation on our Instagram and add this Travel Guide to your Maps to make visiting these spots easier—and to start customizing your own guide with your top picks.
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