Paris, an emblematic and romantic city for many, has been shedding its traditional image lately and embracing new trends in culture, art, and yes, even food.

Its shabby neighbourhoods have become havens for chic boutiques and trendy neo-bistros (think a kind of French gastro pub). Entrepreneurs have started to embrace a more global view, with cooler attitudes than you might expect from the legendarily snobby Parisians, while creating exciting new places that, dare one say, promise to bring the City of Light back onto the world stage of innovation.

07.00
HAVE A HEARTY BREAKFAST AT LADURÉE, one of Paris’ best pastry houses (famed for their double-decker macaroon) and watch the Avenue des Champs Élysées wake while tasting a pistachio- stuffed pain au chocolat.

08.30
MARKETS ARE AT THE HEART OF PARISIAN SOCIETY. The Marché Ave du Président Wilson is one of the best, with locals and Michelin-starred chefs vying for some of the city’s best and most exotic produce.

10.00
THE GAITÉ LYRIQUE, A FORMERLY ABANDONED 19TH-CENTURY THEATRE, has become Paris’ newest art centre, focusing on music and digital arts with a modern décor and eclectic performances and installations.

11.30
EXPLORE THE ‘UPPER MARAIS’, the rapidly gentrifying neighbourhood north of one of the city’s coolest high rent ’hoods. Edgy galleries and up-and-coming designers rub shoulders with jet-setting cool kids.

12.00
THE BREIZH CAFÉ, LOCATED ON THE MARAIS’ HIPPEST SHOPPING STREET, is a great place to refuel with some of the best crêpes in Paris, delicious galettes, and a fantastic list of organic ciders.

14.00
WALK ALONG THE CANAL SAINT-MARTIN, an artsy neighbourhood along a former Napoleonic shipping canal, and watch the barges negotiate the locks from one of the shabby but chic cafés, restaurants, and quirky boutiques.

16.00
HAVE A MID-AFTERNOON COFFEE AT COUTUME CAFÉ, a serious and seriously good café emporium with obsessive and super-pro baristas who can prepare you a delicious caffeine fix from beans roasted on the premises.

17.00
PARIS IS NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT SOME LUXURY SHOPPING. Hermès’ new Left Bank flagship store is worth a look for its amazing architecture in a former hotel swimming pool, funky café, and luxurious updated accessories collection.

20.00
TRY THE LATEST TWO-STAR MICHELIN EATERY AT THIS TINY TABLE located in the oldest covered gallery in the city serving inventive French cuisine (surprise market menu) from Japanese chef Shinichi Sato at Passage 53, 53, passage des Panoramas.

23.00
ROUND THE NIGHT OFF WITH FANTASTIC COCKTAILS AT PARIS’ COOLEST INSIDER BAR, the Prescription Cocktail Club. The vibe is cool with seriously hip bartenders and ambient DJ music. Voted by Bartender Magazine as one of the best bars in the world.

Getting around
Taxi	Taxis may be hailed on the street (ensure that the light on top is illuminated) or at official taxi ranks.
Walk	Paris is a fairly compact city and has many charming historic neighbourhoods best explored on foot.
Bike	The Vélib’ bike rental system is a great and green way to get around; the first 30 minutes is always free. Credit card required.
Metro	The Paris Metro is (for the most part) clean and efficient. A one-way ride anywhere in the city costs €1.70, while ten (a carnet) will cost €12.