DK Travel : Paris

From Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower, Paris holds some of the world's most famous sights and these highlights should be top of the list for any first-time visitor. With the exception of the overtly modern Pompidou Centre, they have been landmarks of this elegant and romantic capital for centuries and remain awe-inspiring sights, no matter how often you visit the city.

More on guided tours in Paris

Café Burq

A genuine Montmartre bistro with a trendy clientele. Roasted Camembert with honey is a favourite.
Cafe Daguerre

The best chicken salad you'll ever have tasted, and reasonably priced. Mmm!
Café de Flore

Guillaume Apollinaire founded his literary magazine, Les Soirées de Paris , here in 1912.
Café de Flore

A hang-out for artists and intellectuals since the 1920s, its regulars have included Salvador Dali and Albert Camus. During World War II Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir “more or less set up house in the Flore”. Although its prices have skyrocketed, its Art Deco decor hasn’t changed and it’s still a favourite with French filmmakers and literati.
Cafe de la Mosque

The Mosque de Paris is situated behind the Institut du Monde Arab (Arab Institute) and is the oldest mosque in France.

The mosque itself if great to visit, but my favourite bit is the cafe to one side. Beautiful leafy courtyards provide a unique atmosphere - a perfect place to visit on a sunny day.
Café de la Paix

A grand Parisian café with prices to match, but it’s worth a visit to enjoy the frescoed walls and sumptuous surroundings, designed by Charles Garnier, architect of the Opera House across the square (see Tuileries and Opéra Quarters). This is another Paris landmark with a string of famous past patrons, and arguably the best millefeuille cakes in town.
Café de l’Industrie

This fashionable and sizeable café has three rooms where the walls are lined with paintings and old-fashioned artifacts. The food is cheap but pretty good, and the later it gets the better the buzz.
Café Mabillon

The place that never closes. Hang out on the terrace with a few drinks and watch the world go by. Happy hour 7–9pm.
Café Marly

Superbly situated in the Richelieu wing of the Louvre (see Musée du Louvre), the café offers simple but expertly prepared brasserie fare (steaks, salads, salmon tartare, sandwiches) as well as delicious cakes and pastries. The dining room has plush decor and velvet armchairs, but the best spot is under the arcade overlooking the glass pyramid and the cour Napoléon.
Café Max

Lively atmosphere and hearty food in this quirky bistro.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and charges included.
- under €30
- €30–40
- €40–50
- €50–60
- over €60