Paris! The history and culture is as rich as its buttery croissants. And with more than 450 parks, 173 museums and 830 libraries (more than any city in the world!), there is plenty to keep your itinerary jam-packed. Of course there is an extensive list of must-do’s. Surely, you’ll go shopping at Champs-Élysées, plan a picnic under the Eiffel Tower, visit the Louvre museum, the list goes on! Click here for the perfect 3-day Paris itinerary! But while you truly can’t go wrong with anything you choose to do in the city of love, I’ve gathered a list of 4 things you can’t miss in Paris that are sure to make your visit extra special!

Covered Passages

Tucked away from the noisy boulevards and crowded museums, you can find a labyrinth of hidden passages across paris.  In the 19th century, town planners in Paris created les passage couverts. These glass-covered labarynths served as a passageways that offered shelter from the rain. Nowadays these quiet yet unbelievably charming passages are real architectural gems. The all polished wood, glass and iron latticework will whisk you back to the Belle Époque. Each one is brimming with shops, classic boutiques and cafes that shelter you from the weather yet bathe you in natural light. About 150 originally, only less than 20 are left in the city. But I promise you’ll find  some of the best souvenirs and one-of-a-kind treasures. Two of my favorites below:

Galerie Vivienne

Galerie Vivienne, one of the prettiest and, arguably, the most iconic is just steps away from Palais-Royal. It’s delicate mosaic and grand statues have been wonderfully preserved. The elegant awning offers a rare light into the passage and the original mosaic floor and artistic detailing make it one of the most worthwhile visits in Paris. Today, the extraordinary Galerie Vivienne hosts luxury boutiques, tea rooms, and lovely bistros.

Galerie Vivienne
4 Rue des Petits Champs
75002 Paris · France

Galerie Véro-Dodat

Galerie Véro-Dodat is not particularly long but it is characterized by its black and white checkered marble floor and the low ceiling which gives the illusion of depth. Originally, it was a shortcut between the palace and Les Halles district, and it was also one of the first galleries to be equipped with gas lighting. Today, it’s filled with boutiques of various arts and trades, galleries, an antiquarian bookstore and atmospheric eateries. And it’s headliner tenant is Christian Louboutin; the workshop boutique is the Paris flagship store and the storefront is a sight for sore eyes.

Galerie Véro-Dodat
19 Galerie Véro-Dodat
75001 Paris France

Best Panoramic View of the City

Printemps, the fashion mogul department store of France, is a great place to shop. Although there are several locations, the flagship store on Haussmann Boulevard boasts 8 floors of shop-till-you-drop delight. What a lot of people don’t know is that the rooftop terrace is the perfect place to drink in panoramic views of the city. Right in the center of the city, you can see the Sacré-Cœur, the Eiffel Tower and more. And you can grab a bite or drink at the rooftop cafe, Deli-Cieux but I recommend you pick up some macaroons at Ladurée on your way up (its on the first floor of Printemps). Besides, it’s  beautiful art nouveau store-front windows and breathtaking glass domed roof earned it the honorable distinction of registered Historic Monument in 1975. All the more reason to visit!

Deli-Cieux: Printemps rooftop terrace café
Printemps Beauté/Maison, 9th floor
64 bd Haussmann 75009 · FRANCE

Paris by Night

Seeing the romantic city of Paris by boat is on the must-do list for most visitors. Seine cruises are very popular and a great way to learn about the history of Paris. Far from hidden gem, there are a handful of cruises to choose from. And you can spot them on the Seine River year-round, day and night.  If you’re looking for a truly magical experience, however, take the boat after sunset. The view of the city lights, the illuminated monuments and the cool breeze of the night make this tour extra special. We chose the Vedette de Paris and got the opportunity to see the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame, and much more while enjoying a glass of champagne!

Vedettes de Paris
2 Port de Suffren (next to the Eiffel Tower)
75007 Paris · FRANCE

Dine Like a Parisian

Le Petit Prince de Paris is a quintessentially French hidden restaurant in the Latin Quarter. Just a stone throw from the pantheon, if you blink you miss it. The beautiful deep red tones and vintage details will you give you an old French feel that’s dark and romantic but so fun! The prix-fixed menu changes seasonally but the quality and taste do not. We discovered this hidden gem on New Year’s Eve. We rung the new year in with flowing champagne, live music and their unforgettable cuisine!

Le Petit Prince
12 Rue de Lanneau
75005 Paris ·FRANCE

Have you been to any of these? Let me know if you have any hidden gems or must-do’s in Paris!