A cornerstone of Lisbon’s fado circuit since 1993 – a tiny former tavern framed by paintings, posters and packed benches, drawing established fadistas and hopefuls alike. Come Monday or Wednesday for fado vadio (amateur fado). Tip: don’t be alarmed by the flaming chorizo – taste it once the flames die.
A classic French bistro near Bastille with a simple recipe: quality produce, generous servings and good wine in a relaxed, elbow-to-elbow room. Ask for a Patxaran digestif and save room for the profiteroles.
A 4.7 km linear park built atop a disused railway – the world’s first, and an inspiration for New York’s High Line. It starts elevated on the Viaduc des Arts from Bastille, crosses the Jardin de Reuilly, then drops to ground level. Tranquil benches and treetop views.
A charming, partly-covered flower market a step from Notre-Dame that has traded on the Île de la Cité for over a century. Wander the rare and unusual blooms and soak up the scents even if you are not buying.
A cosmopolitan open-air market along Boulevard de Belleville every Tuesday and Friday – souk-like and great value, with stalls of fruit, veg and exotic produce ringed by Chinese and North-African shops and eateries. Tip: grab a sweet at the oriental patisserie “Nani”.
A wonderfully dark, poster-plastered student bar in the Latin Quarter, going since 1969. A convivial mix of students, young professionals and a few travellers, with free jazz manouche on Monday nights (drinks cost a little more then). Tip: don’t talk over the music.
Ride the lift then escalator to the top of Printemps for a free, breathtaking 360° panorama of Paris – Montmartre on one side, the Eiffel Tower on the other. Grab simple café food or a drink among the rooftops. Note: no step-free access.
A hidden tearoom tucked in a quiet passage near Odéon and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Locals come for delicious pastries and a famous Aztec hot chocolate; it doubles as a restaurant of traditional French dishes. Tip: the raspberry macaron is superb.
A haberdashery championing Portuguese heritage wools from native sheep breeds.
