Cafe Paris

Eat like a local: the 10 Best Cafés in Paris

By Go City Expert

Slow it down during your visit to Paris and eat like a local with our guide to some of the best cafés in Paris. Embrace the leisurely pace of Parisian life and discover the city's culinary gems.

In a city where people-watching is an art form, finding the perfect spot to indulge in this delightful pastime is key. Our selection of the best cafés in Paris offers more than just a great cup of espresso; they provide a window into the soul of the city.

 

Cafe in Paris

 Whether you're seeking a cozy corner for contemplation or a vibrant terrace for observing the bustling streets, our list ensures that you'll find the ideal café to sit back, relax, and watch the world drift by in true Parisian style.

Café des Deux Moulins

Made famous by the movie Amélie, this café is a popular spot with tourists and locals. With a good selection of food and drinks, a particular highlight is the Goûter d’Amélie, offering you a choice of coffee (black or with milk), hot chocolate or tea, with a crème brûlée. Because of its location in a non-touristy area of Montmartre, you can immerse yourself in French culture and, if you like, take a selfie next to a large poster of Amélie.

Amelie

Moncoeur Belleville (formerly Ô Paris)

A cafe in Paris

At the top of Parc de Belleville, this is the perfect place to relax on a sunny day. From the outdoor terrace, you can get a fantastic view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower. With affordable drinks and an excellent brunch, there are also regular live music events. The local area is full of boutiques and studios and is perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Le Caféothèque

A favorite for locals, this little café on the Rue de l’Hôtel de Ville is famous for its impressive selection of coffee from around the world. Grab a comfy seat, choose your coffee blend, and admire Notre Dame as the sun sets.

Angelina

Do you love hot chocolate? Then Angelina, on Rue de Rivoli, is the place to go. Serving delicious classic tea-room food and their famous chocolat chaud, it’s not hard to see why this is one of the most famous cafés in Paris.

Angelina

Ob-La-Di Café

Nestled in the heart of Le Marais, this retro café is tiny. With only about 15 seats, it’s also always busy. If you manage to get a place to sit, then you’re in for a treat. The café is popular with bloggers, photographers, and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris. The avocado toast is highly recommended!

Chocolat chaud

Nestled in the heart of Le Marais, this retro café is tiny. With only about 15 seats, it’s also always busy. If you manage to get a place to sit, then you’re in for a treat. The café is popular with bloggers, photographers, and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris. The avocado toast is highly recommended!

Les Deux Magots

One of the oldest cafés in Paris, Les Deux Magots has welcomed a host of literary figures and artists over the years, from Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre to James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, Bertolt Brecht, and Ernest Hemingway. Close to the Church of Saint-Germain des Près, this café has a traditional bistro ambiance.

Au Thé Gourmand

Away from the tourist areas, this café in the Latin Quarter is popular with a younger crowd. The homemade desserts make this place famous and, with exposed stonework, wooden beams, and huge windows, this is the perfect place to while away a few hours.

Cafe in Paris

Away from the tourist areas, this café in the Latin Quarter is popular with a younger crowd. The homemade desserts make this place famous and, with exposed stonework, wooden beams, and huge windows, this is the perfect place to while away a few hours.

Berthillon

On the Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, Berthillon is the place to go for ice cream and sorbet. It's got some seating and also offers a to-go counter. Although relatively expensive, the quality of the ice cream is evident, as shown by the queues of people who wait outside every day.

Café Lignac

Café Lignac, nestled in the heart of Paris, offers a quintessential French dining experience. Known for its charming ambiance and exquisite cuisine, the café is a popular spot among both locals and tourists. Chef Cyril Lignac, renowned for his culinary expertise, brings a touch of modern flair to traditional French dishes, creating a menu that's both innovative and deeply rooted in French gastronomy.

Woman in beret at Parisian cafe

The café's interior, with its cozy seating and elegant decor, provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely meal. Whether it's for a morning coffee, a leisurely lunch, or a sophisticated dinner, Café Lignac captures the essence of Parisian dining culture.

Café de Flore

Café de Flore, located in the vibrant Saint-Germain-des-Prés area of Paris, is more than just a café; it's a historic institution. Renowned for its rich history, this café has been a favorite haunt of intellectuals and artists since the 1920s. Its classic Parisian charm is reflected in its timeless decor, with red seating, mirrored walls, and a bustling terrace.

The menu offers a range of traditional French café fare, from simple breakfasts to hearty lunches, all served with the elegance and flair expected in such a legendary spot. Visiting Café de Flore is not just about enjoying a meal; it's about immersing yourself in a piece of Parisian history and experiencing the atmosphere that inspired many famous writers and thinkers.

Cafe de Flore

Paris' café culture is as diverse as it is delightful

From the historic charm of Café de Flore to the modern elegance of Café Lignac, each spot offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Parisian life. These 10 cafés are not just about exquisite food and drink; they are about experiencing the essence of Paris itself.

Whether you're seeking a classic French croissant, a rich cup of coffee, or simply a spot to watch the world go by, these cafés provide the perfect setting. So, the next time you find yourself in Paris, remember to step off the beaten path and into one of these local favorites. You'll not only enjoy a great meal, but you'll also eat like a true Parisian. Bon appétit!

Parisian cafe

Experience everything Paris has to offer with The Paris Pass®

Planning your Paris trip? With The Paris Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots, and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.

✈️ Buy The Paris Pass® ✈️

Continue reading

Blog

“Hearts - Romanticism in Contemporary Art” Review

It’s heartening to note that the “Hearts - Romanticism in Contemporary Art” exhibit at the Musée de la Vie Romantique exhibit wasn’t just for Valentine’s Day in February. In fact, it continues until mid-July. We like that sentiment! While the heart is the universal symbol of love and romance, the exhibit also explores the torments of the wounded heart. Bringing together the works of contemporary artists, set alongside the Romantic artists from the 19th century makes for a wonderful mix. Join us as we take a look! image by the Musée de la Vie Romantique What is the ‘Museum of the Romantic Life’? Set in painter Ary Scheffer’s former home and studio, the Musée de la Vie Romantique’s permanent collection is comprised of works of art from the Romantic period. In addition to many of Scheffer’s own paintings on display, they also have personal mementoes of his friends and colleagues. For example, they have items from famed writer George Sand, and her partner Frédéric Chopin, who regularly attended Scheffer’s famous artistic salons. What defined the Romantic period, wasn’t love per se. It was more about the romantic attitude towards the past, as well as the expression of the individual and of emotion. Visitors can experience the charm of Sheffer’s house and envision what the artist’s life must have been like in the middle of the 19th century. image by the author The Exhibit “Hearts - Romanticism in Contemporary Art” features the work of over 30 contemporary artists and their varied depictions of the heart. The suite of the display takes place in different buildings sometimes set amongst the pieces of the permanent collection. The exhibit is divided into the following categories: the Open Heart, the Artistic Heart, the Symbolic Heart, the Loving Heart, the Broken Heart, the Engraved Heart, and the Eternal Heart. What did we think of the Experience? Though Valentine’s Day had already come and gone, it seemed that Parisians were still basking in its glow. After entering the gates of the Musée de la Vie Romantique, it was clear that everyone was out in spades! Also, right near the main entrance, there was an installation featuring brightly coloured heart-shaped pipe cleaners. In addition, the staff and security were friendly. They greeted me in both French and English. It was welcoming and cheerful from the get-go. Parcours Because the exhibition takes place in different buildings on the property, visitors are all the more engaged. Upstairs, downstairs, then around the bends. It is a multi-levelled, multi-building, and multi-faceted exhibit, featuring contrasting works from different eras and varying mediums. For example, Gilles Barbier’s piece entitled, ‘amour éternel’, shows the image of an upside-down skull with ‘eternal love’ in the written the centre. A memento mori of love. Whereas, the otherworldly heart-shaped pink dress designed by Agatha Ruiz de la Prada evokes a sense of humour and joy. In addition, there are antique jewellery and medallions on display from the Museum's permanent collection. All heart-shaped, of course! Taking a Break at the Tea Salon When attempting to enter Ary Scheffer’s home, I quickly discovered that there was a guided tour taking place in French. Quite simply, there were many people in the small house. After having spied the lovely terrace of the Tea Salon, perhaps it was time to take a break and try my luck again later. Not only was the atmosphere lighthearted and relaxing, there was also a rare moment of sunshine. Parisian winters fade to the greyest of greys, and yes even the City of Lights can seem bleak sometimes. It was so nice to see people relaxed and enjoying themselves. The joie de vivre was contagious. Also, very important to mention: when you order a drink, the lovely folks at the Tea Salon add a complimentary heart-shaped sugar cookie. Adorable! Gift Boutique Since the gift shop is cleverly located right next to the ticket booth, most people were already scoping out the wares. It did not escape my attention that they are selling heart-themed broaches by the Macon and Lesquoy. The famed duo hand embroider all of their fabulous jewellery. Along with artisanal chocolate, tea, and other goodies such as a notebook with visual representations of the heart throughout history, they also have published a book about the exhibition. broach belonging to George Sand (image by the Musée de la Vie Romantique)Conclusion This isn’t just an exhibit for lovers, it’s for anyone who loves love and is interested in seeing it portrayed in art. Some of the artwork is sassy, and some of it dark. Others pieces are downright tacky, all the while they are paired with the elegantly simple. Something for every taste! What’s so interesting is that this exhibit could have been very cheesy indeed. However, they pulled it off marvellously! This is possibly due to the fact that the focus wasn’t solely on the sunny side of love, romance and passion. Love, loss and death were all represented. Also, the history of the Museum, as well as the life and work of Ary Scheffer is fascinating. To sum up, it was both heartwarming and fun! Tips -Would recommend either arriving right when the Museum opens or two hours before closing time. Right after lunch is not the best time, trust me on that one. -There is no need to buy tickets in advance. However, be prepared to wait in line for a few minutes at the ticket booth. Luckily all of the goodies at the gift shop are a pleasant distraction. -The queues for the toilets were intense. If at all possible avoid it like the plague. -Do take advantage of your visit and check out the pieces in the permanent collection! -There’s no rush. Enjoy the exhibit, stop and smell the roses at the Tea Salon, or casually browse the gift boutique. Go back in again if there is something that has captured your imagination. Enjoy the exhibit the Parisian way! That is to say, take your time and savour the moment. Your Visit to the Musée de la Vie Romantique As Michael Ondaatje so elegantly wrote, “the heart is an organ of fire”. And yet, it transmutes. How lovely it was to see creative expressions of the heart! We highly recommend that you don’t miss the chance to catch this unique exhibit at the Musée de la Vie Romantique! The good news? It’s on until mid-July. Dates: February 14 - July 12, 2020 Address: 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009, PARIS Hours of Operation: Tuesday - Sunday- 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Ticket price: 6€ Want to learn more about Ary Scheffer and the Museum of the Romantic Life? Please check out our article. Looking for more things to do in Paris? Check out the Paris Pass!
Go City Expert
Blog

Paris Essentials: what to pack for your trip

If you’re planning a trip to Paris it’s best to know what to anticipate and to be able to pack for every occasion and eventuality. Paris is an infectious city and you’ll find yourself wanting more and more of it; so don’t be surprised when you find you’re not ready to leave when you have to! We want to help you make the most of your trip to Paris so here are some essential ‘what to knows’ and ‘what to packs’ so you’re not caught short or in a pickle. It might seem obvious, but it doesn’t help to reinstate a bit of common sense and share what works from experience. Itinerary We would advise that you don’t set off on your sightseeing adventure without a vague idea of what you plan on doing, or where you plan on going in Paris. There are so many top attractions and things to do in Paris that it can be overwhelming if you haven’t planned a rough structure in advance. So we recommend you choose the top attractions, museums and monuments that you want to see and allocate a few per day and group them by area to make navigating the city more manageable. The last thing you want to be doing is running around the four corners of the city in a wild goose chase of the top attractions. Guidebook To go alongside your itinerary, is a guidebook; you need one to help with the other. Your guidebook will be your number one resource to explore the city. Packed with useful tips, hints and maps it will be your local pocket Parisian. What’s even better is you can download a Paris Guidebook for free before you go to help you start planning in advance. Your Guidebook will also help you visualise where you are going and if you haven’t opted for any of the guided tours, it will be able to provide you with the context and history of the attractions and monuments you are standing in front of. There’s no point wandering around a beautiful building if you have no idea when it was built, is there? Sensible (!) clothes Paris is a European city so it's not blessed with a Californian climate, unfortunately. Pay attention to the Paris weather forecast and make sure you pack enough warm clothes in the colder months, as most of Paris’ beauty is on the outside – so it would be silly to miss out on a selfie opportunity outside Notre Dame because you’re cold. Likewise, it gets very warm in the summer months so make sure you bring light layers so that you can make the most of those sunny afternoons at the beaches along the banks of the Seine. You can even bring a swimsuit as well, as Paris has many public lidos and pools when it’s really hot. Comfy shoes Even if you’re planning on mastering the metro with your Paris Travelcard you will need some comfy shoes to help you along the way. Paris is a big and sprawling city and even the most seasoned traveller and tourist needs a pair (or two) of seriously comfy trainers. If you haven't digested your Paris map already then you might not know but Paris is divided into arrondissements, or districts, and has both a right and left side to the river, so make sure you know which one is which before you end up completely upside down! Euros Now, it might seem obvious, but not everyone knows what currency they use in Paris. In France, and in the EU, the currency is Euros. Local recommendation: make sure you have enough cash for tips and taxis as not everywhere accepts international credit cards and some cash points can charge for withdrawals. Be aware of carrying around a lot on you though, as Paris (like any capital) has the odd pickpocket, so you wouldn’t want to ruin your holiday by making yourself a target. And finally... a Paris Pass The Paris Pass is your all inclusive ticket to seeing everything Paris has to give. It’s your key to unlocking the top attractions, monuments and museums, like the Louvre, Notre Dame and a Seine River Cruise for a one-off price. What’s the catch? There is none. What’s more, it includes a free travelcard to give you unlimited journeys on the metro, buses and trams, as well as a free guidebook for that all important pocket resource. It’s been designed to save you money and time as it also features Fast Track Entry benefits at the busiest attractions – which can save you a lot of waiting around in the busy summer months. Sold? Find out more here.
Go City Expert
Blog

A Guide to the Best Street Food in Paris

Street food has recently become as popular a thing has dining in, and especially in Paris where food plays such an important role in society and culture and where the multinational influences are ever growing. Now, where to go for the best takeaway French crêpe is almost as important as where to go for a sit down moules et frites. We thought we’d take to the streets and whittle down some of our best eateries around the city so that you will be well fed on-the-go and can leave Paris with some real recommendations to pass on. To suit every taste and fancy, we’ve tried to provide something for everyone: Crêpes The crêpe is one of the best things to have come out of Brittany. As much loved now as ever (who isn’t partial to a bit of Nutella?) you’ll see many pop up stalls dotted across the city. Our favourite is just around the corner from Notre Dame; great if you want a sugar hit when you’re sightseeing in Paris. Boulangerie de Papa is a must and caters for all whims, whether you want sweet or savoury. You pay by the ingredient so great for big groups – or big tummies! 1 Rue de la Harpe, 75005 Paris Kebabs Istanbul on the bustling rue des Batignolles has a queue outside it no matter when. But don’t let that put you off by any means! If anything it’s a sign of its unwavering popularity. Here residents call it their local while those who happen upon it leave feeling unquestionably satisfied and pass it on to whoever will list, like an urban legend. Not just your average doner meat, this meat is prepared by two brothers and marinated in a ‘secret ingredient’ that heralds from their native town in Turkey. At €5 a pop, you can’t argue with the price either! 43 Rue des Batignolles, 75017 Paris Ice Cream Although you don’t think of ice cream as a typically Parisian dish, mark my words there are some strong contenders throughout the city. One of the most popular venues is Clasico Argentino, which serves creamy smooth helado (ice cream in Spanish). With authentic flavours like dulce de leche (a caramel flavour) and boozy fruits, it’s a sure-fire way of sweetening up your day! The cafes (there are more than one!) are even open late if you fancy stopping by for desert, too. 56 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris Sandwiches Don’t be fooled by the name, Thieng Heng is the master of all things sandwich related! If you’re not afraid of being a bit experimental, this place is a must. Think crusty French baguettes meet Asian infusions. One of their signature dishes is Vietnamese pâté and with glazed pork and vegetables – and at under €5 you can’t argue with the price. Visit Thieng Heng to make your own or stick with the classic ham and cheese if you’re not feeling brave. 50 Avenue d'Ivry, 75013 Paris Burgers For one of the easiest meals in Paris (and one of the most sought after) head to this mobile burger van, Le Camion Qui Fume. Here, you’ll find some of the most succulent burgers at a snip of the price. Forget stereotypical greasy roadside vans, this is something else. For just €10 you can tuck into a range of burgers from classic to champagne, with cheese and home cut chips. As it is a mobile concept, they’re on the move and frequent different stops every few days so look out for their schedule to make sure you don’t miss out. If you miss them at lunch, don’t worry they even do dinner slots too! 11 Place de la madeleine, 75008 Paris Falafel Le Marais (the Jewish Quarter) is one of Paris’ most popular neighbourhoods and is full of falafel joints, but one in particular stands out is l’As du Falafel. Not a secret spot, however, it’s claimed Mr Lenny Kravitz himself makes a bee-line to it when he visits Paris. Hardly expensive either, you can dine with €5 and receive a wrap stuffed to the brim with fresh falafel, salad and spicy sauce. Eat it wandering around the quirky vintage shops and boutiques in the area and you can’t ask for a more Parisian street food experience! 32-34 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris
Go City Expert

Have a 5% discount, on us!

More savings? You're welcome. Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, vacation inspiration and much more.

  • Thick check Icon