Paris has a reputation for romance, and for a reason. Every couple dreams of a date there, but let’s be honest: when it comes to planning, the question always starts the same way: “So… what should we do?” Luckily, Paris offers answers and has something for every couple. Our Head of PR, Yulia, who has lived in Paris for over 10 years and knows the city inside out, has put together a few ideas worth trying. From hidden gardens and charming cafés to world-class art, stunning rooftops, and unforgettable cultural experiences, this curated guide will help you fall in love all over again—with the city, and each other.
Start with a Walk and Trust the City
Daytime dates are underrated, and Paris might be the best walking city in the world. You can wander with no plan and find yourself drifting past beautiful streets, tucked-away bookstores, and perfectly imperfect cafés.
If you want something a little less obvious than the Tuileries, the Seine riverside, or the Luxembourg Gardens, try the Coulée Verte René-Dumont. Never heard of it? Exactly. It’s Paris’s answer to New York’s High Line: an elevated green walkway built on an old railway line. It starts near Bastille and stretches several kilometers toward Vincennes, passing gardens, arches, and rooftops along the way. With no cars, very few tourists, and a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere for the middle of the city, it’s perfect—even on a gloomy day.
If the weather is good, another great daytime option is a picnic at Buttes-Chaumont. It’s one of the wildest parks in Paris, known for its dramatic cliffs, winding bridges, and sweeping viewpoints. It’s a favorite of Parisian cool kids, especially when the sun comes out. Bring some snacks, a bottle of wine, and stay longer than planned.
Bonus: Both spots are dog-friendly. And let’s be honest, what’s better than taking your dog on a date with you?
This Sounds Weird… But It’s Not
Take a romantic walk through Père Lachaise Cemetery. It may sound strange, but it’s unexpectedly one of the most beautiful places in Paris, lined with quiet paths, aged trees, and sculptures at every turn. Along the way, you’ll come across the graves of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, and Frédéric Chopin, among many others. Visit on a sunny autumn day, when the leaves turn gold, and it becomes weirdly romantic. Just maybe avoid heavy rain, as the mood can shift from poetic to depressing quickly.
Art, Culture, and Romance in the City of Light
A museum date is always a safe bet in Paris. Walk, talk, comment on what you see, get distracted, and just enjoy being together. Paris is full of incredible museums, so it’s impossible to list them all, but here are some of my favorites for a couple to explore.
Musée Jacquemart-André is an elegant private mansion filled with art, sculptures, and period furniture. The opulent interiors make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Don’t miss the charming café on the ground floor for a coffee or pastry.
Musée de l’Orangerie is famous for Monet’s monumental Water Lilies panels. It’s perfect for a quiet, contemplative stroll with your partner. The museum is compact so that you can see the highlights in under an hour.
Musée d’Orsay is home to an incredible collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir. It’s housed in a stunning former train station on the Left Bank.
Musée de la Vie Romantique is small, charming, and yes, romantic, just like its name! This museum, tucked at the foot of Montmartre, celebrates the Romantic era with art, letters, and memorabilia. Bonus: There’s a lovely garden café, perfect for a pause.
Another hidden gem is the Grande Mosquée de Paris. Beyond its beautiful Moorish façade lies a tranquil courtyard and one of Paris’s most enchanting tea salons. Sip fragrant mint tea, nibble on pastries, and admire tiled fountains and palm trees.
A Date That’s Actually Fun
Try a basketball game. Yes, really. See Paris Basketball play at the Adidas Arena. Even if you don’t know the rules, I promise you’ll pick them up quickly. The games are dynamic and surprisingly addictive to watch. The crowd is fun, the energy is high, and the overall vibe feels much more relaxed than most major sporting events. And the music? Hip-hop, dancehall, R&B—prepare your best dance moves. You’ll laugh, shout, and maybe even get unexpectedly competitive about a team you’d never heard of before. A perfect option for winter or rainy days.
For a summer date, rent a small electric boat on the Canal de l’Ourcq at La Villette. No license needed. Just the two of you cruising together for a few hours. If the ride goes well, stay in the area afterward: the open-air cinema at La Villette is a perfect way to end the evening.
When the Evening Starts
If the weather is nice, rooftop drinks are hard to beat. Aim for around 6 pm so you catch the last light over the Paris skyline. Good options include the rooftop at Hôtel Dame des Arts, Le Perchoir (Marais or Ménilmontant), the rooftop at Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers, or Grand Boulevard Hotel.
If it’s winter or the weather turns moody, Paris does cozy wine bars just as well. Try Little Red Door or Experimental Cocktail Club for cocktails, and Mary Celeste, Andy Wahloo, or Deviant for wine and small plates to share.
Sharing a Meal Is a Love Language
Let’s talk dinner. Early June is always a great idea—and yes, “early” really does mean “come early”. They don’t take reservations for two, so if you want a table, show up early and be ready to wait. It’s worth it. After dinner, walk along the Canal Saint-Martin, one of those effortlessly cool spots where locals gather by the water, bridges glow softly at night, and the whole atmosphere feels relaxed, intimate, and a little cinematic.
My personal favorite, though, is Ethiopian food. Chances are you’ve never tried it, and I guarantee you’ll love it. A shared meal is great, but a shared discovery (with a bit of confusion and a lot of laughter) is even better. Ethiopian food is meant to be eaten with your hands from one plate, which makes it feel strangely intimate and grounding. Maybe a little bold for a first date, but perfect when you already like each other. I recommend Taitu.
If you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine with a very romantic setting, Le Petit Italien is a lovely pick. Dim lights, cozy tables, and an easy date-night feel. For something more quintessentially Parisian, book dinner in the garden at Hôtel Particulier Montmartre—a true hidden gem. Before or after, wander around Montmartre: stroll past Villa Léandre, a tiny street that feels like a village, or head up to Sacré-Cœur Basilica for the views.
A Night to Remember
Don’t listen to Timothée Chalamet and head to the Opéra Garnier. Be ready to spend a lot of time hunting for the tickets and a lot of money buying them. But if you manage to get them, it’s one of those nights you don’t forget. It’s one of the most iconic opera houses in Europe and the perfect excuse to finally wear that outfit you’ve been saving. If it’s sold out, Opéra Bastille is a fantastic alternative.
For a more casual but just-as-Parisian experience, skip the obvious cabarets like Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse and check out a drag show at Madame Arthur or Chez Michou. It’s lively, theatrical, and captures the real energy of Parisian nightlife.
When One Date Isn’t Enough
Dare to spend an entire day together? Plan a day trip to Giverny! Monet’s house and gardens are just about 45 minutes by train from Paris to Vernon, followed by a short bike ride or shuttle. This is where Monet painted his iconic water lilies, and you can still see the bridge and ponds that inspired them. My favorite time to visit is October, when the gardens are bathed in golden hues. It’s simply magical.
