Our Top Culture Picks for Paris

There are some cities you will go to and plan a detailed itinerary down to the last second, but Paris has never been that for us. With Fête de la Musique transforming the city into one big party and so many of our community passing through for the week, we wanted to propose some of our fave cultural spots.

The main landmarks are, of course, worth seeing, but we have found the most beautiful moments exist in the less obvious parts of the city. This is also not a conclusive list of recommendations, definitely not designed to be completed in a single day. But think of them more as spots to hold in your mind to dip into any time you are in the city.

Restaurants 

Our first recommendations will always be based on food because no one is doing anything on an empty stomach. Paris is one of our favourite cities for Senegalese food. There is something so comforting about familiar flavours abroad. Waly Fay has become a community favourite Senegalese spot in Paris. But we raise you A Folé, which isn't as bougie inside (still lovely interiors) and is slightly more affordable with seriously generous portions. Both spots have warm atmospheres, and you will find something on either menu to love.

Waly Fay. Photo Credits: Tomiwa Oko-Osi

Then a new open we have not personally tried but that is top of our list for this weekend is DKR Restaurant. We will also be here the day of Fête de la Musique for their sound system. But as part of the BMK group, we expect the best West African street food.

How can you come to Paris and not visit a single art gallery?

Centre Pompidou: currently closed but a spot to pin for its grand reopening in 2030. Fantastic contemporary art exhibitions and a lovely free viewing point of the city from the top. 

Bourse de Commerce: If you know you'll be back in Paris, we cannot recommend the annual pass enough. It is only a few euro more than a standard ticket, and there is always an immersive experience on.

Musée d'Orsay & Galerie Vivienne: For more traditional art and the Galerie on the opposite side of the street, beautiful architecture and is home to bookshop Librairie Jousseaume, which to us is a true hidden gem.

Musée de l'Orangerie: To see Claude Monet's Water Lilies and other impressionist pieces, but in such a beautiful area of Paris, the nearby gardens are also worth a visit.

Librairie Jousseaume in Galerie Vivienne

Saint-Ouen Flea Market

If you only take one recommendation from this guide, let it be this one. Paris has numerous fleas, so you do not have to go to this one, but everyone will find something. Paris is generally fabulous as a spot for vintage shopping. Outside of clothing stalls for those interested in design, architecture or photography. Just make sure there is small space in your suitcase.

The Photobooth on Rue des Trois Frères

Our last recommendation, and likely the best. A lovely souvenir to remember your time in Paris. There is an old-school photobooth tucked away on Rue des Trois Frères and on a street with lovely boutique shops and cafes if you are looking for a free-flowing gallivant. The photographs have such a beautiful grain to them and have much more character than the hundreds of selfies in our camera-roll photos. We don't know if it has been updated to take a card payment since we have been there, but bring change just in case!

Point Éphémère

Paris is often presented as a city of grand monuments and tick-sheet bucket list moments, but what keeps the city alive will always be the people. Have fun and stay safe!

Written by: Bridget Eke