The Stylish Traveler’s Guide: NYC, London, Paris & Louis Vuitton’s Top City Picks
- Marielle McElrath
- Nov 7, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 8, 2024
Have you heard about the stunning Louis Vuitton 16 City Guides? This chic piece won’t just enhance your home; it will quickly become your ultimate travel companion. I discovered it about a year ago and have been dreaming of the perfect spot in my living room to display this gorgeous, polished wooden box that adds a vibrant pop of color.
Inside, it features 16 iconic cities, highlighting the best addresses—from trendy restaurants and lively bars to luxurious hotels and shopping avenues. It’s like having a personalized travel assistant at your fingertips, providing tailored 24-hour itineraries for those on the go.
On my recent trip to London, I explored a few spots from the guide and was impressed by its selection of hidden gems. Each stunning recommendation made my city experience even more memorable. If you want to elevate your travel game, these guides are a must-have!
Your 24h New York Itinerary
This NYC Explorer Pass provides an amazing journey through the city from morning to night, packed with unforgettable experiences. Start your day with a morning coffee at the New York Roastery Reserve before heading to the Upper East Side, where you can explore a picturesque stretch of Victorian brownstones and designer boutiques, ideal for a shopping spree. Don’t miss the chance to visit the top of the World Trade Center for stunning 360-degree views of the NYC skyline, particularly breathtaking at sunset. With so much to see and do in this vibrant city, the nightlife options are endless for those who love to dance.
FROM DAY
Best Breakfast in NYC
Bagels have been a quintessential New York breakfast for generations, loved by locals and visitors alike. If you want to experience one of the city’s best, Black Seed Bagels is an absolute must-try. With locations all around the city, this spot has become a local favorite for its hand-rolled bagels, which are crafted to perfection. The outer crust is wonderfully crispy, while the inside is light, airy, and perfectly chewy—an unbeatable combo. The real fun comes with the fillings, as Black Seed offers a wide variety of creative options, from classic spreads to bold, unique choices that let you build your ideal bagel. It’s the kind of place that’s quickly become a go-to for New Yorkers, and it’s easy to see why—great bagels, great flavors, and a true taste of the city.
170 Elizabeth Street, Nolita Subway Prince Street
Open 7am to 3pm, Saturday and Sunday until 6pm
TO EVENING
Best Rooftop In NYC
Gallow Green – Sleep No More is a haunting, interactive show set in the fictional McKittrick Hotel, home to one of the city’s most magical rooftop bars. Even if you’re not seeing the show, the rooftop is an ideal spot to sip a cocktail or enjoy a frosty bowl of punch. Surrounded by lush, leafy trellises, seating inside the skeleton of a vintage railcar, and waitresses in flapper-style attire, the atmosphere feels like you've stepped into Gatsby’s decaying estate—except with an incredible skyline view. In the winter, the space transforms into a cozy, rustic retreat, complete with prop bunk beds and a crackling fire pit.
The McKittrick Hotel, 542 West 27th Street, Chelsea, Subway 28th Street
Where To Stay In London First Time
SOHO, COVENT GARDEN, WEST END NEIGHBOURHOODS
Nestled in the heart of London, Nomad is a stunning slice of Greco-Roman Victoriana, seamlessly blending old-world glamour with modern luxury. From its striking three-story glass ceilings to its chic, day-to-night restaurant, Nomad offers one of the city’s most impressive meeting spaces. The rooms feature soaring ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors, and stylish walk-in showers, providing both comfort and sophistication. Many rooms boast breathtaking views of the Royal Opera House, adding a touch of drama to your stay. Whether you're here for business or leisure, Nomad combines grandeur, elegance, and a unique London vibe that’s sure to impress.
28 Bow Street, WC2 Tube Covent Garden
Best Coffee Places In London
The Attendant is one of London’s most unique cafes, tucked inside a former Victorian gentleman’s lavatory that was abandoned in the '60s and transformed into a stylish, vintage-deco haven. With its artisanal décor and quirky charm, the below the ground cafe features original Doulton porcelain urinals that have been cleverly repurposed as benches, giving the space a whimsical touch. The coffee here is roasted in-house, offering rich, full-bodied flavors that pair perfectly with small bites. What started as a single, one-of-a-kind spot has now expanded to multiple locations around London, bringing its distinctive blend of history, creativity, and great coffee to even more fans across the city. It’s a place where the past meets the present, creating an unforgettable café experience.
The Attendant
27a Foley Street, W1 Tube Goodge Street
Tucked away in the charming streets of London, H.R.Higgins is a haven for coffee connoisseurs, offering an experience that transcends the ordinary. This traditional roaster cafe is known for its exceptional selection of beans sourced from some of the world’s finest coffee-growing regions, including Brazil, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. For those seeking something truly unique, the rare Galapagos San Cristobal Elixir offers an unforgettable taste journey. Alternatively, you can indulge in one of their carefully crafted brews, each made with precision using the signature Higgins copper V60 filters—handmade to perfection for a smooth, refined cup every time. Whether you're a seasoned coffee enthusiast or simply looking for a moment of indulgence, H.R. Higgins promises an unparalleled taste of luxury in every sip.
79 Duke Street, W1 Tube Bond Street
Open 8am to 6pm, Saturday from 10am, Sunday Closed
Paris Bakery Tour
Located in a picturesque Parisian neighborhood, Vandermeersch is a pastry lover’s dream, where tradition meets innovation in every delicious bite. Trained by the renowned Pierre Hermé, Stéphane Vandermeersch opened his own bakery in the late '90s and quickly became a Parisian icon, earning awards such as “Best Galette des Rois” and “Best Mille-Feuille”. Known for his impeccable exquisite technique, each pastry—whether it’s a flaky, buttery croissant or a melt-in-your-mouth mille-feuille—is a testament to the art of French baking. As soon as the oven doors open, loyal fans, like daffodils in spring, appear to savor the latest creations, ensuring that every visit feels like a celebration.
278, avenue Daumesnil, 12th Metro Michel Bizot
Open 7am to 8pm, Closed Sunday and Monday
Discover Benoit Castel Bakery, where simplicity and quality meet in the most delightful way. The secret to Castel’s signature pain du coin lies in just two exceptional ingredients: honey from the Alpilles and Salish smoked salt, a combination that creates a uniquely delicious loaf. Castel and his team of artisans have transformed the historic Ganachaud Bakery into a modern loft, offering a nostalgic menu of hearty loaves and desserts that evoke the warmth of childhood memories. From buttery shortbread to creamy pastries, every bite is a taste of comfort. Be sure to visit for their legendary weekend brunch, served from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.—a gargantuan feast at an unbeatable price that’s perfect for a leisurely Parisian morning.
150, rue de Menilmontant, 20th Metro Saint-Fargeau
Open 7:30am to 8pm, Saturday from 8am, Sunday 8am to 6pm, closed Monday & Tuesday
Beauty Shop Paris
Step into the world of Diptyque, a Parisian fragrance and beauty boutique that has been a beacon of elegance and innovation since 1968. Ahead of its time, Diptyque began with its first fragrance, L'Eau, inspired by a 16th-century pot-pourri—an aromatic blend that set the tone for the brand’s signature sophisticated scents. The iconic oval label and dancing letters have become a hallmark of the brand, instantly recognizable and synonymous with luxury. Today, Diptyque continues to offer an exquisite range of oils, lotions, candles, and soaps, each crafted to deliver a refined and indulgent sensory experience. For a true taste of Parisian tradition, visit the original boutique on Boulevard Saint-Germain, where you can immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the brand. And if crossing the Seine feels like a challenge, fear not—the city boasts several other Diptyque locations, bringing their timeless and elegant fragrances to every corner of Paris.
34, boulevard, 5th Metro Maubert-Mutualité
Open 10am to 7pm, closed on Sunday
