Paris Reigns for Art and Culture Tourism

Paris is one of those cities that doesn’t need a hard sell. It’s been romanticized in every possible way through film, TV, literature and pop culture, and yet, when you’re there, it still feels like there’s more to uncover. Whether it’s the art, the food, or the locals’ undeniable sense of style, the City of Light never stops influencing the global zeitgeist. To this day, this influence is sharper than ever, with Paris offering a mix of old-world charm and internet-era fashion, art and food hot spots.

To inspire your next trip, we’re dropping some of the Hypebeast team’s Paris favourites. Here are 5 must-visit places that epitomize the city’s creative and cultural landscape.

Merci

Photo by Robin Ooode On Unsplash

Paris is a global creative hub and since 2009, Merci has been at the centre of it. This concept store-slash-café houses a curated range of mens’ and women’s’ fashion, furniture and homewares, as well as multiple attached restaurants and cafés. The Merci Used Book Café, where incredible stacks of books line the walls in a cosy room that invites you to sit down and stay a while. We could go on and on, but we’ll leave you with this tip: don’t forget to snap a photo of the iconic vintage red Fiat 500 parked in the courtyard, it’s basically a rite of passage.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Francesco Riccardo Iancomino

Over the decades, this neighborhood has been home to writers, artists and philosophers, and it still feels like a place where revolutionary ideas happen. If you’re a book lover, you could dedicate hours to exploring the many French and English titles in Shakespeare and Company bookstore, then waste the afternoon away in the blissful Café de Flore. Just around the corner in the 7th arrondissement, you’ll also find Le Bon Marché, a beautiful multi-level shopping centre. It was one of Paris’ first ever modern department stores, and is now home to a huge range of designer labels.

The Louvre

Owen Franklin

The Louvre may be historic, but it’s anything but outdated. Hosting recent collaborations like The Carters’ 2018 visual album and Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn teaser video, this iconic museum is proving it’s as relevant as ever. While many come for the Mona Lisa, the museum’s labyrinthine halls offer so much more, from ancient artifacts to groundbreaking modern art displays. It’s where tradition and innovation collide, making it the perfect microcosm of Paris itself.

Ofr. Bookstore

Photo by Veronika Jorjobert On Unsplash

Tucked away in the trendy Marais district, Ofr. (pronounced O-F-R) is a Paris bookstore, gallery, publishing studio and film production house. Co-founded by creative and producer, Alexandre Thumerelle and his sister Marie, it’s known by locals as a family-run creative collective. With a meticulously curated selection of art books, rare magazines, and indie publications, the shop is a haven for anyone who sees books as more than just reading material but as pieces of art themselves. Beyond the stacked shelves, Ofr. also hosts a rotating program of group and solo art and photography exhibitions, as well as private events, live music and book parties.

The Pompidou

Julien Fromentin

The Centre Pompidou’s striking inside-out architecture is still making a statement decades after it was opened in 1977. The exterior is impressive, of course. But step inside, and you’ll find one of the most influential collections of modern and contemporary art in the world, including current exhibitions by iconic 18th century artist Suzanne Valadon and a museum display “Chaosmosis”, including over 120 artworks from painters, sculptors, thinkers, poets. Plus, the rooftop views of Paris are worth the visit alone.

Starting 22 March 2025, Malaysia Airlines will connect seamlessly to Paris from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Melbourne travelers can even experience the airline’s new A330neo aircraft, with flights available six times weekly. Or if you feel like stretching your adventure beyond the French capital, their Bonus Side Trip offer* lets you add an extra stop to one of seven destinations in Malaysia, including Penang and Langkawi, so you can experience two cities in one trip.

If you are treating yourself to travel on Business Class, enjoy an elevated end-to-end travel experience from the moment you arrive at the airport, including personalised Meet and Greet assistance, access to the Golden Lounge and partner lounges worldwide, and private terminal transfers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1, powered by Mercedes-Benz. Onboard, enjoy gourmet dining selections, including the option to pre-order Chef-on-Call signature dishes, along with premium amenities for ultimate relaxation with our signature Malaysian Hospitality. Malaysia Airlines has proudly earned a place among the Top 10 World’s Best Cabin Staff by Skytrax World Airline Awards 2024. Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi** via MHconnect is also available to ensure seamless connectivity throughout the journey.

Right now, Malaysia Airlines is also giving four lucky winners double return flights to Paris, Malaysia, Da Nang or Kolkata^. Enter the competition now for a chance to win a trip of lifetime.

For your chance for you and a friend to live it up in some of the world’s most spectacular cities, enter here to win. Visit malaysiaairlines.com or follow @malaysiaarlines on Instagram or Facebook to get inspired for your next trip.

*Terms and conditions apply.
**Available on selected flights only.
^Terms and conditions apply.