best dinner cruise on seine in paris

Paris Dinner Cruise Guide: 10 Top Companies Compared (2024)

Enjoying dinner while cruising along the River Seine is an iconic Parisian experience. But with so many boat companies offering tours, how do you choose?

As a long-time Paris local, I’ve personally researched, reviewed, and rated all the best Seine dinner cruise options. Whether you’re looking for romance, luxury, entertainment or just delicious French food with amazing city views, you’ll discover the perfect riverboat here.

This guide also features my insider tips to help you book dates and seats that suit your trip.

Warning: these choices only reflect my personal opinion!

⭐️ Top Paris Dinner Cruise Picks

• For those looking for a reliable, classic River Seine cruise experience , I recommend Bateaux Mouches or Les Bateaux Parisiens . These long-running dinner cruises consistently receive excellent reviews.
• If romance is your top priority , treat your loved one to an intimate evening on Bateaux Mouches’ Privilège Étoile service or the newer luxury yacht Don Juan II .
• For a high-end Michelin star meal , only Alain Ducasse’s Ducasse Sur Seine single-handedly matches fine dining with smooth electric riverboat transport.
• On a budget but still interested in Seine views? Check out Paris en Scène or historic boat Le Calife for cheaper dinner cruises that impress.

Now let’s go into detail about each dinner cruise on the Seine.

Bateaux-Mouches, the Iconic Paris Dinner Cruise With Live Music

Bateaux-Mouches is a registered trademark that has been around for over 60 years.

Originally, the name referred to boats that transported goods, and it was during the 1867 Universal Exhibition that some boats began to accept passengers on board.

You will discover the main monuments of the capital: the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame-de-Paris, the City Hall, the Musée d’Orsay… so many romantic places for your dinner on the Seine.

⌚ Schedule: 8:30pm (duration: 2h15)

• €115 for the “Prestige” menu (aperitif, starter, main course, dessert, drink)
• €155 for the “Excellence” menu (window seat, aperitif, champagne, starter, main course, cheese, dessert, drink)

You can also enjoy special events:

• New Year’s Eve : €460/person (from 20:30 until 02:00, band and singer)
• Christmas : €110

😍 What We Love:

• the large windows
• the live music that creates a great atmosphere
• the quality of the food
• the vegetarian options
• the wine included even in the cheapest package

🫤 What We Like Less:

• Saturdays are often fully booked weeks in advance
• the portions could be larger
• disappointing Cheese selection, like brie, were not up to expectations.

Note : Book in advance. Especially if you want to come on a Saturday, you should do so several weeks or even months in advance.

➡️ Book your dinner cruise with Bateaux Mouches   🔥 H IGH DEMAND

Bateaux Parisiens, a Sophisticated Glass-Enclosed Cruise

You can board the Bateaux Parisiens next to the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame. Their main point is their enormous glass panes offering a panoramic view of Paris.

Whether you’re on the Onyx , the Diamant II , or any other of their boats, the Bateaux Parisiens will serve you the most famous monuments in Paris such as the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides, the Louvre and many more on a silver platter.

⌚ Schedule :

• 6:15pm (duration: 1h15)
• 8:30pm (duration: 2h30)
• Dinner Cruise 6:15pm (1h15): €95 for Dinner Etoile, €125 for Dinner Privilege, €149 for Dinner Premier.
• Dinner Cruise 8:30pm (2h30): €115 for Dinner Etoile, €139 for Dinner Découverte, €185 for Dinner Privilege, €215 for Dinner Premier.
• July 14th (National Day): €159 for the Excellence service (panoramic view)
• New Year’s Eve : €430/person

😍 What We Love :

• the fully glazed boats
• French cuisine
• the casual chic atmosphere
• the musical entertainment
• good timing with the Eiffel Tower’s light show
• a children’s menu at €39.

🫤 What We Like Less :

• the boat can sometimes appear quite crowded
• few availabilities
• the (too) short (1h15) and (too) early (at 6:15 pm) route

Note : Les Bateaux Parisiens can be difficult to book, so don’t wait until the last minute, especially if it’s for a Saturday (which can sometimes be fully booked 1 or 2 months in advance).

➡️ Book your dinner cruise with Bateaux Parisiens   🔥 H IGH DEMAND

Paris Seine, an Intimate River Cruise With French Cuisine

The boats offered by Paris Seine will delight you with their elegant and intimate decoration.

You will be able to enjoy high-quality food while admiring the main monuments of Paris, as the route starts at the foot of the Musée d’Orsay.

• Dinner Cruise 6:45pm (1h15): €85
• Dinner Cruise 9:15pm (2h): €100 without drinks, €130 for VIP including drinks, €165 for Romantic package.
• July 14th (National Day): €149 special menu
• A very popular cruise available most of the time
• The 9:15 PM journey allowing views of the illuminated Eiffel Tower
• Children’s menu at €40
• 100% vegetarian menu with several options
• Enjoyable live music performances.
• The price of additional options (drinks and seats near the windows)
• Some seats are sometimes too tight and crowded.

➡️   Book your dinner cruise with Paris Seine

Le Diamant Bleu, Paris By Night With Singers and DJs

Discover the magic of “Paris by night” aboard the Blue Diamond and savor a gourmet dinner while admiring the breathtaking views of the city’s iconic monuments.

Enjoy a 2.5-hour cruise along the Seine with a choice of starter, main course, and dessert, all prepared by the talented Chef Mohamed Gamara and his team.

Enjoy live entertainment with singers and a DJ.

⌚ Schedule : 8:30 pm (2.5 hour)

• €89 Gourmet Dinner Cruise
• €109 Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Wine (1/2 bottle of wine per person)
• €129 Sparkling Gourmet Dinner Cruise (1/2 bottle of champagne/wine per person)
• €144 VIP Sparkling Gourmet Dinner Cruise (guaranteed window table)
• The superb upper deck terrace
• The excellent quality of food
• The Lounge and live music ambiance. The performance of the musicians and singer is incredible (songs in French and English)
• Friendly and very helpful staff
• The opportunity to dance back at the dock (Live DJ)
• Music a bit too loud for having a conversation
• No vegetarian options
• Limited non-alcoholic drink options
• Some tables are a bit too close to each other

➡️ Book your dinner cruise with Le Diamant Bleu  

Calife, a Charming Barge Cruise That Feels Like Old Paris

The Calife , whose personnel clearly seems to treat you as a pasha combines two opposite aspects: a both sumptuous and friendly atmosphere.

Whether it is the music, the decor and, obviously, the Parisian monuments to admire, you will definitely not be in want.

⌚ Schedule : 8:45 pm (duration: 2h).

• Calife menu priced at €67/adult without drinks (welcome cocktail, starter, main course, dessert)
• Royal menu priced at €109/adult (welcome cocktail, starter, main course, dessert, wine, champagne)
• Children’s menu called Les Petits Matelos priced at €45 (starter, main course, dessert)
• good value for money
• the barge is pretty, typical and quite small
• outdoor pontoon to admire Paris
• retractable roof to see Paris under the stars in the open air
• there are vegetarian options
• some tables are close to each other

➡️ Book your dinner cruise with Le Calife

Ducasse sur Seine, Alain Ducasse’s Gourmet Electric River Boat

  View this post on Instagram   Une publication partagée par Ducasse sur Seine (@ducassesurseine)

Now you can enjoy the excellence of chef Alain Ducasse on the Seine. Since 2018 it is possible to take a (gastronomic) dinner cruise on board the Ducasse sur Seine.

Beyond a simple cruise, Alain Ducasse offers you a real experience on board an electric boat. A silent trip around the historical and remarkable sites of Paris.

⌚ Schedule : 8:30 pm (duration: 2h).

• €160 for the 4-course menu (excluding drinks).
• €200 for the 5-course menu (excluding drinks).
• €305 for the 5-course menu & wine pairing.
• the only eco-friendly dinner cruise (100% electric)
• the silence of the boat
• the high-level gastronomic cuisine
• over 100 wine references
• the valet parking service (€15)
• drinks not included in the menu (glass of wine is expensive).

➡️ Book your dinner cruise with Ducasse sur Seine

Vedettes du Pont Neuf, Casual Terrace Dining With City Views

Initially founded in 1959 with no less than four boats, the Vedettes du Pont Neuf have been welcoming travelers who want to visit Paris in a tasteful atmosphere.

As such, under the lights of the Eiffel Tower and other famous monuments, you will be able to enjoy a meal worthy of French gastronomy.

💰 Price: €79 for the menu (excluding drinks): Earth Menu, Sea Menu, Vegetarian Menu

• the terrace
• the beautiful 2h00 trip
• the French cuisine
• there is a vegetarian menu
• Background music: French classics
• drinks not included in the menu

➡️ Book your dinner cruise with the Vedettes du Pont Neuf 

Paris en Scène, an Affordable Cruise With Parisian Bistro Fare

An affordable dinner cruise on the Seine is possible! And it’s offered every day of the week.

You will enjoy a meal inspired by French bistro traditions, comfortably seated in large leather armchairs.

After dinner, treat yourself to a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris’ landmarks from one of the boat’s three captivating terraces.

⌚ Schedule : 7:30 pm, 10:00 pm (duration: 1h45).

• €62 for the Water formula
• €72 for the Wine formula (½ bottle of wine for two)
• €82 for the Champagne formula (½ bottle of champagne for two)
• the value for money
• the comfortable leather armchairs
• the romantic atmosphere
• the friendly service
• the vegan/vegetarian options
• the lack of live performance
• the wait between courses can be long
• the insufficient portions

➡️ Book your dinner cruise with the Paris en Scène 

Capitaine Fracasse, a Cozy Dinner Cruise on A Freshly Renovated Boat

The Capitaine Fracasse offers a cruise on the Seine aboard a freshly renovated boat, allowing you to discover the most beautiful Parisian monuments along the river.

Inside, passengers are seated in a contemporary and elegant setting, with an optimal view of the Seine from their table thanks to the large bay windows.

The menu offers gourmet dishes cooked on board with options for all tastes and budgets.

Well thought-out packages are available to suit all budgets and options are offered to enhance the cruise.

⌚ Schedule:

• Sunday to Friday: 8:45 PM (duration: 2 hours 15 minutes)
• Saturday: 6:15 PM (duration: 1 hour 45 minutes), 9:00 PM (duration: 2 hours 15 minutes)
• €75 for the Fracasse formula (without drinks)
• €85 for the Amiral formula (welcome cocktail and ½ bottle of wine included)
• €95 for the Vinophile formula (75 cl of a superior wine for two)
• the human-sized boat
• the welcoming and quality service
• the quality of the dishes
• the soft background music
• access to the rooftop and animation by the photographer
• vegan and gluten-free options
• the wait between the starter and the main course can be long
• the staff’s insistence on taking photos can be a bit too much.

➡️ Book your dinner cruise with the Capitaine Fracasse 

Don Juan II, Michelin-Star Dining On a Luxurious Parisian Yacht

Since 1991, Yachts de Paris allow you to discover the monuments of Paris in luxury.

They’re aiming for excellence.

The 7 yachts, all more splendid than the next, will welcome you in an elegant atmosphere but it is on the Don Juan II that you can have your dinner.

The cuisine, created by the Michelin-starred chef Frédéric Anton, is worthy of a three-star restaurant. You’ll definitely never want to leave the Don Juan II.

💰 Price : fixed menu at €240 (drinks not included)

• the extremely high-class ambiance
• the human-scale barge
• the atypical setting
• the menu worthy of a gourmet restaurant
• the originality of the dishes
• the discreet musical atmosphere
• the portions are sometimes too small
• drinks are not included in the menu

➡️ Book your dinner cruise on the Don Juan II 

Comparison Table of the Paris Dinner Cruises

Paris dinner cruise booking tips.

Planning ahead is key when booking a memorable Paris River cruise. Follow these tips for an amazing hassle-free tour:

• Reserve Early: Popular cruises like Bateaux Mouches or intimate boats fill up weeks in advance, especially for peak summer months and weekends. Book your tickets at least 2-3 weeks out if possible. Last-minute trips could have limited days or times.
• Consider Group Size: Smaller barges like Le Calife or Don Juan II provide a more exclusive vibe. If traveling with more guests or kids, larger boats like Bateaux Parisiens accommodate bigger groups.
• Check Schedules: Evening illumination cruises to see monuments like the sparkling Eiffel Tower are stunning but shorter in length. Late evening departures allow you to dine at leisure while taking in the sights.
• Confirm Dress Code: While most Seine cruises have no formal dress code, shorts and flip-flops are best avoided. Business casual or smart casual attire creates the right vibe for these classy Parisian dinner events.
• Bring a Cover: Even in summer months, cool breezes can pick up at night on the open river. Having a light sweater, wrap or jacket ensures you stay comfortable admiring the views.
• Arrive Early: Aim to arrive 15-30 minutes before your cruise departure time to check-in, get settled at your table, and enjoy a pre-dinner drink on board

I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!

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15 Best Seine River Dinner Cruises in Paris for an Unparalleled Dining Experience

• 4 Pinterest

Whether it’s your first or fifth time in Paris, any pick of the best Seine River dinner cruises down the famous waterway will blow your high heels off!

Even if you’ve explored the city or the river before, there’s something oh-so-magical about this experience.

At the end of the day, the surroundings are what make a dinner cruise on the Seine River so special, but it’s also about the food — you’re in one of the world’s Food Capitals! Combining both, this is one activity hard to beat!

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• Seine River Dinner Cruises

With plentiful options and so many reviews, it can be daunting to know which one to go with. Luckily, our complete guide about the best Seine River cruises includes everything you need to know about sightseeing options and famous landmarks, routes, different lunch and dinner cruise operators, and so much more.

1 – Dinner Cruise by Bateaux Parisiens

With the city lights dancing off the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, revel in a gourmet three-course meal (of classic French dishes) with your favorite person during a Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise .

There are multiple seating options (middle, window seats and tables at the bow) and menus to suit all budget types.

Expect champagne on arrival and live musical entertainment setting the mood.

• book this cruise
• 6.30 PM Cruise: 1h15minutes
• 8.30 PM Cruise: 2.5 hours
• Etoile Service: €95
• Privilège Service: €125
• Premier Service: €149
• Etoile Service: €115
• Decouverte Service: €139
• Privilège Service: €185
• Premier Service: €215

This one really impresses with its menus. Think French duck foie gras, snail tart and spiced duckling fillet with a citrus dressing …

We especially love the panoramic views, and no matter your seating, you’re blessed with river vistas from all angles.

It’s a fabulous pick for couples: only one section of the boat allows dinner reservations with kids onboard.

We especially love the route, with the Eiffel as the star of the show!

2 – Dinner Cruise by Bateaux Mouches

For those that don’t want to just float along the river confined indoors; feel the river breeze on your skin from the open top deck when embarking on a dreamy Bateaux Mouches Dinner Cruise .

Feast on traditional French cuisine, highlighting regional ingredients, while the sounds of the grand piano and violin take you into the night.

• Dinner menu - 6pm early bird Service: €85
• Prestige dinner menu: €115
• Excellence dinner menu: €155
• Get a Yes in Paris - Marriage Proposal: €340

Thanks to the boat’s design, with its rooftop setup, this dinner cruise is perfect for photo-happy travelers — or professional photographers — snapping all the sites you pass by from open surroundings

We especially love the menus, with multiple choices between various starters, mains and dessert (or cheese platters). The pricier dinner menus have fancier items, but no matter which one, the food doesn’t disappoint!

3 – La Gourmande Seine Dinner Cruise by Le Diamant Bleu

The dinner experience with the La Gourmande Seine Dinner Cruise aboard Le Diamant Bleu is top-notch, from the service to the setting.

Dazzling guests with its superyacht-like design, enjoy drinks under the stars from its open 350m² terrace deck. Dinner is served while live musicians strum guitars, and as dessert approaches, kick back and head to the dance floor, where a DJ spins the funkiest beats.

• Gourmet Package: €89
• Sparkling Gourmet Package: €129
• Add a VIP bay window location to your package for an extra €15
• Add a PRESTIGE location (at the bow of the boat) to your package for an extra €20

While some of the other Seine River dinner cruises have an overly fancy feel, this one is perfect for a group of friends, welcoming younger crowds with open arms. We love the DJ!

All ingredients are sourced from local producers, and so the plates are always seasonally fresh.

The boat stops for long enough in front of the twinkling Eiffel Tower and doesn’t just glide past. Bonus!

4 – La Trattoria sur Seine dinner cruise by Le Diamant Bleu

Oui, oui , we may be in France, but who’s to say you have to only eat French food? If you’re in the mood for Italian, then book a table onboard the Theo barge boat (an open upper deck included) for its La Trattoria sur Seine dinner cruise!

Seating 90 passengers only, it’s an intimate affair!

• Trattoria formula – 1st service: €55
• Trattoria formula – 2nd service: €59
• Add a VIP bay window location to your package for an extra €10
• Add a Rooftop Dining location for an extra €15

Two words: handmade pasta! Using imported ingredients straight from Italia, like Sicilian wheat, transport yourselves to Italy for the night!

Not only is the food traditional, but so is the ambiance! From its classic Italian lounge, Italian songs and opera arias fill the air!

What do we love most? This excursion ensures that you get to see the most famous landmarks of Paris!

5 – Dinner cruise by Paris Seine

No matter which one of the three boats you end up on during your dinner cruise by Paris Seine , you’re in for a treat! All boast unique features: the Saphir has a 100m² open-air terrace, the Grand Pavois has a glass roof, and the Vert Galant is all-wooden floors.

Expect a menu full of seasonal products inspired by French gastronomy.

• 6 PM Cruise: 1h15mins
• 8 PM Cruise: 2 hours
• Paris Flavors: €75
• Festive Paris: €85
• Romantic Paris: €120
• Paris Flavors: €65
• Festive Paris: €75
• Romantic Paris: €100

These dinner cruises are super affordable in comparison to some of the others — no matter which one you book. On that note, discover different seating plans to suit all budget types.

Our personal favorite is the cruise onboard the romantic Saphir, with dining options available outside (weather permitting).

6 – Dinner cruise by Ducasse sur Seine

Calling all the serious foodies out there! It’s time to put on your red lips and don your high heels for the fancy schmancy Ducasse sur Seine dinner cruise!

Forget about an ordinary three-course meal; here, you have the option of a four, five or six-course menu! We’re talking lobster, scallops and truffles!

And just wait until you get a load of the all-glass boat …

• see price & reviews
• 4 Course Dinner: €160
• 4 Course Dinner + Food & Wine Pairing: €265
• 5 Course Dinner: €200
• 5 Course Dinner + Food & Wine Pairing: €305
• 6 Course Paris est une fête: €500

Eco Warriors, as the first 100% electric Parisian floating restaurant, this boat is 100% ecologically friendly!

We’re obsessed with the professional sommelier services (a private wine cellar onboard included), and the entire experience runs like a proper restaurant — plus, the ship is so silent, it all makes you forget you’re traveling on water.

7 – Dinner cruise by Don Juan II

If you’re keen on at least one Michelin-star experience in Paris, ditch all your previous ideas and opt for the Michelin-award-winning Don Juan II dinner cruise instead! Providing the most unique setting for it, it doesn’t get better than its one-star cuisine!

Its elegant and rich interiors (and Art Déco vibes) add the final cherry.

With three-star Michelin chef Frédéric Anton at the helm, expect the most gorgeous graphic plates of food flying out of this professional kitchen!

And because it’s got such a high-caliber chef leading the way, the restaurant boat matches in standard. We just love the regal feeling, everything dripping in luxury, including the wine cellar!

8 – Dinner cruise by Capitaine Fracasse

How delicious does celery root remoulade with truffle sound? Or how about duck breast tossed with honey and nuts ? Indulge in a gourmet three-course dinner cruise aboard Capitaine Fracasse .

Admire the sunset from the outdoor terrace (the perfect setting for drinks and mingling with other guests), or cozy up indoors in a plush and comfortable setting.

Thinking of popping the question? Add on extras like a window or front-of-ship table and a rose bouquet.

• Fracasse Package: €69
• Amiral Package: €79
• Champagne Package: €89

Free onboard wifi? You bet!

We also love the fact that there’s a plant-based menu available (on request beforehand)!

Don’t forget to let them know if it’s your birthday for a sweet surprise of glitter cake and a glass of bubbly!

No matter which of the dinner packages you choose, the menus are all the same; it’s another super affordable dinner cruise.

9 – Dinner cruise by Calife

With a Calife Dinner Cruise , you’re spoiled with an array of seating plans, each one designated in a different part of this vintage barge. Whether it’s the terrace, veranda or its exotic wood living room salon, fall into the rhythm of the Seine with 360-degree views.

Expect a cocktail reception greeting you as you arrive, and there’s a live jazz concert every night in the grand music room!

• Salon lounge dining: €87
• Terrace or Veranda dining: €107
• Salon lounge dining: €129
• Terrace or Veranda dining: €149

Honestly, it’s the unique seating sections of this boat that win our hearts over. Depending on the weather, the terrace is open or covered (and with heating), the veranda has a see-through glass roof, and the indoor lounge is modeled after a classic Parisian Salon (every table, a window seat).

All menus are three courses, and if there’s one item you have to try, it’s the famous iced nougat!

10 – Paris en Scène dinner cruise

Inspired by the French classic “en cocotte” casserole dish, a dinner cruise with Paris en Scène is a feast for the senses, all dishes revolving around traditional French simmered dishes.

With all the makings of a classic French bistro, menus comprise starters, a casserole main and dessert. Lap up the all-round views from bay windows or the terrace on the upper deck!

• Water Cruise: €55
• Wine Cruise: €65
• Champagne Cruise: €75

With two dinner cruise timetables available (7.15 PM and 9.45 PM), no one has to miss out, especially if you’re a night owl!

Its distinct style of cuisine sets it apart from the usual menus offered elsewhere.

Not breaking any bank accounts with its reasonably-priced options, we suggest going the full mile and opting for the Champagne Cruise.

11 – Bistronomic dinner cruise by Eiffel Croisières

Departing from the foot of the famously ornate Alexandre III Bridge, prepare your palettes for the delicious degustation menu from Eiffel Croisières’s Bistronomic Dinner .

Savor each morsel with stunning panoramas thanks to the Ivoire barge’s giant windows.

Changing with each new season, always expect something new from this kitchen. Not keen on a tasting menu? A la carte options are available, too, fab wine list included!

• Bistronomic Dinner: €59
• Bistronomic Dinner with wine: €69
• Bistronomic Dinner with Champagne: €79

The food and wine pairings are a must for anyone considering themselves a vino connoisseur.

In case you were wondering, a vegetarian menu is available.

We’re mega fans of its onboard sightseeing commentary — they provide a QR code to download a description of all the monuments you pass by during the cruise.

12 – Prestige dinner cruises by Eiffel Croisières

Say hello to seafood towers, champagne showers and terrace moments under the moon!

Three glistening and glamorous lounges await you onboard the luxe Tosca barge. It’s not named the Prestige Dinner for no reason!

Admire the sites from its Privilege Lounge’s bay windows, sweep in panoramas at the bow at the Premium Lounge, and the upper deck is the VIP Lounge.

See how many bridges you can count (hint: you sail under 31 of the 37)!

• Prestige Dinner: €79
• Prestige Dinner with wine: €89
• Prestige Dinner: €99

Tables are set to fine-dining standards, and think seasonal ingredients with the options of seafood, meat or vegetarian menus. Plus, wine pairings!

We (highly) recommend the seafood option — we’re talking langoustines, oysters and shrimp on ice! If you want to order the seafood tower (its signature), let them know in advance.

P.S. Right at the Statue of Liberty, your captain rotates ship so that you catch direct sight of Paris’ most famous landmark. Quick , get your camera!

13 – Bistro dinner cruise by Canauxrama

Nothing beats a divine charcuterie and cheese board — and you’re in the perfect country for it! Add onto that a glass of Champagne and macarons (with live music setting the tone), and you’re all set for a quintessential Parisian soiree!

All thanks to Canauxrama’s La Parisienne Gourmande Cruise .

Take cover on the lower deck or dine under the warm evening sky. In cooler months, both sections are heated.

• Add a glass of champagne and a trio of macarons for an extra €11

This is for those that maybe have dinner plans later on but still want to experience the romance of an evening cruise filled with good food and fine wine!

Cue the accordion player and festive atmosphere, and you can topple up at the bar.

We’re mega fans of its first-come, first-pick seating vibes, and you’ll pass the Eiffel Tower not once, but twice on this trip.

14 – Seine River dinner cruise and Eiffel Tower combo

When the Eiffel Tower lights up at night, she becomes even more alluring! Add some extra excitement to your dinner cruise, finishing off the night with a climb up Paris’ most famous landmark!

Choose a guided exploration through its three levels, or opt for a combo that simply includes entrance tickets to the Iron Lady.

If you’re planning a proposal, these combination cruises are utterly romantic!

• Eiffel tower & dinner cruise

15 – Seine River dinner cruise and Moulin Rouge combo

“ Because we can, can, can. Yes we can, can, can, can ” embark on a dinner cruise AND a visit to none other than the world-famous Moulin Rouge in one go!

After you’ve got a load of the most famous sites along the Seine, complete your evening with a show at the iconic cabaret house!

All logistics are taken care of; what a pleasure!

• Moulin Rouge & dinner cruise

How to book Seine River dinner cruises?

Bookings are essential to secure your spot on your preferred floating restaurant.

Either book directly with the cruise company or with an online travel agency.

What’s the difference? Online operators often offer discounted rates, as well as epic combo tickets (for anyone wanting to visit the Eiffel Tower or experience the Moulin Rouge show after your dinner cruise). With a combination package, save extra euros!

Use our search engine to explore and compare the different cruise and combo tour options available on the web in one simple click!

With so many incredible options on the table, don’t miss out on the best Seine River dinner cruises for an unparalleled night out.

If your evenings are already full with other plans, you don’t have to miss out on the experience! Here are the best Seine River lunch cruises for daytime options.

Got any questions? Ask us in the comments below.

Bon Appétit!

The 5 Best Seine River Dinner Cruises [2024 Reviews]

The Seine River in Paris is a sight to be seen especially when looking across it at the Eiffel Tower and other Paris landmarks. But there is an even better way to view Paris’s famous architecture and attractions.

The Seine River flows through the heart of Paris and past many of these locations. Why not take a cruise down the Seine River and enjoy champagne, a delicious meal, or both as you glide gently past some of the most well-known sites in Paris?

There are dozens of cruises taking tour cruises up and down the Seine River in Paris every day. How do you know which one is best for you? The following are reviews of our 5 top Seine River cruises.

Be sure to see our reviews of Day Trips to Normandy , Louvre Guided Tours and Paris Catacombs Tours .

Best Paris Dinner Cruises

Quick answer: the 5 best rated seine river dinner cruises in paris.

• Best Dinner Cruise: Evening Cruise with Dinner on River Seine
• Best Evening Cruise: Seine River Sightseeing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner
• Best Lunch Cruise: 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise
• Best Champagne Cruise: 1-Hour Seine River Champagne Cruise with 3 Tastings
• Best Value Cruise: Early Evening Dinner Cruise on the River Seine

We’ve chosen these Paris river cruises because they offer a wide range of experiences and will fit into everyone’s budget.

Seine River Dinner Cruise Reviews

1. best dinner cruise: evening cruise with dinner on river seine.

• Departure Point : Meeting point varies depending on the option booked
• Departure Time : 6:15 PM (early dinner), 8:30 PM (dinner, more included)
• Duration : 2.5 hours (approx.)
• Includes : 3-course dinner with either wine or champagne

As your glass-roofed riverboat pulls away from the marina and slowly glides down the Seine River, your waiters will pour your wine or champagne.

With many options available for your meal, they will also provide you a menu and discuss it with you. Those enjoying the later, 8:30 PM departure will also be served champagne and there will be live music on board.

As you enjoy your meal, over the course of approximately four hours, you will be floating leisurely past some of Paris’s most famous monuments.

The magnificent lights that Paris is famous for, even being dubbed “the City of Lights,” provide a stunning view against the night backdrop.

Not only will you be able to see the massive but elegant Eiffel Tower lit up, you’ll also pass the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum.

Be sure to ask a waiter if they can take a picture of you with your party while aboard this luxurious Bateaux Parisiens riverboat. This is our Editor’s Choice for the best Seine dinner cruise and should not to be passed up when vacationing in Paris.

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

More information & tour booking, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best evening cruise: seine river sightseeing cruise with 3-course dinner.

• Departure Point : Next to Musée d’Orsay museum
• Departure Time : 9:15 PM
• Duration : 1.5 hours (approx.)
• Includes : 3-course dinner, champagne, coffee or tea

This dinner cruise is perfect for those who want to enjoy a authentic French dinner with a beautiful sightseeing cruise on the river.

You won’t want to pass up seeing Paris from a glass-enclosed boat on the Seine. You will see Paris’s most iconic sights: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, the National Assembly, and Pont Neuf.

You will be able to take stunning photographs of the City of Lights sprawling out in every direction. Your Seine River cruise dinner will feature three courses aboard the Marina De Paris floating restaurant.

Savor authentic Parisian cuisine with a appetizer of heirloom tomato tartar, smoked salmon to be followed by dinner with several options like fillet of sea bream, creamy spelt with peas or artichoke tartar, split pea velouté, eggplant chips.

To wrap up your 3-course dinner with dessert such as fresh lemon fingers, raspberry chou or wild berry coulis. If you have a child a special children’s menu is available.

If you are a vegetarian, they have you covered with a special dinner that is will have your mouth watering. As you finish the cruise enjoy a glass of champagne while you cruise by the Eiffel Tower. If you are wondering what is the best Paris river cruise this may be it!

Search For Paris Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. best lunch cruise: 2-hour river seine lunch cruise.

• Departure Point : Port de Solferino
• Departure Time : 12:45 PM
• Duration : 2 hours (approx.)
• Includes : 3-course meal, wine, and champagne, optional vegetarian meal

If you already have plans for your evening in Paris, you may want to enjoy a Seine River cruise while enjoying a delicious lunch. The lunch offered on this river cruise includes three courses in typical French fashion.

The food options will depend on what is in season and is as fresh as can be!

If your vacation to Paris is a romantic getaway for two, or maybe even a honeymoon this a perfect way to spend lunch on the river and enjoy all the sights.

You will be seated at a window on the glass-enclosed boat, there will be wine and champagne, rose petals can be added, and you’ll have the option for souvenir photos.

As you slowly make your way up the Seine River while enjoying a delicious lunch, you’ll pass under the Pont Neuf and other famous Parisian bridges straddling the Seine River.

If choosing the romance package, you will to have photos taken with many famous Paris monuments in the background such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum by a professional photographer.

For a bargain price this is the best Seine River lunch cruise on our list!

Related: See the World Famous Louvre Museum – Skip the Lines – Find the Best Tour for Your Money.

4. best champagne cruise: 1-hour seine river champagne cruise with 3 tastings.

• Departure Point : Les Vedettes de Paris, Port de Suffren
• Departure Time : 6:00 PM
• Duration : 1 hour (approx.)
• Includes : Onboard sommelier, 3 champagne tastings, option to purchase a bottle at the end of the cruise

If you’ve already made plans for your meals while vacationing in Paris, you may still want to take a leisurely cruise through the city down the Seine River.

This relatively short cruise will take you past several popular Paris sites. You’ll be able to see the Eiffel Tower and even the Musee d’Orsay. As you take in the beauty surrounding you, you’ll have a chance to taste three local champagnes.

This Seine champagne tasting cruise is the perfect way to learn more about local wines and champagnes as well as the wineries that produce them.

Your sommelier will point out various physical locations as you glide slowly by and teach you the tricks to truly tasting the champagnes presented. You will be offered a brut, a rose, and a demi-sec.

The sommelier aboard your champagne tasting cruise is an expert on the wines, champagnes, and wineries local to Paris.

They will also be able to answer any questions you have about the champagnes you taste and may be able to answer questions about many famous Paris landmarks. This is a great way to spend an hour.

Related: Skip the Lines and See the Catacombs – Find the Best Tour for Your Money.

5. best value cruise: early evening dinner cruise on the river seine.

• Departure Point : Port de Solférino – 1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur 75007
• Departure Time : 6:45 PM
• Includes : 3-course dinner, c offee or tea , night-time views of the Paris skyline, live music

This early evening dinner cruise down the Seine River in Paris is perfect for couples seeking a romantic experience.

Even if you aren’t, you’ll still enjoy the delicious 3-course dinner provided as well as the live music. There’s no better way to take in beautiful Paris landmarks lit up at night than the slowly and leisurely glide down the Seine River.

The selection you are given on the menu will vary based on the season. However, you will be served hors d’oeuvres and an appetizer to start.

Your main course will be followed by a selection of decadent French cheeses. You’ll follow that with one of many traditional Paris desserts such as praline fondant cake or a pineapple sapphire cheesecake.

Coffee or tea is served with dessert and your meal comes with an optional choice of wine. You will need to be formally dressed for this Seine dinner cruise. While a jacket and tie are not required, you must be dressed appropriately.

If you’re looking for a way to experience some of the class and elegance available in Paris, this is a great Seine dinner cruise.

Tour Information & Booking

Your guide to visiting paris.

While visiting the City of Lights may not be just as you expect after watching An American in Paris, a vacation in Paris is like nothing else. With so many tourist spots to explore, you may find it difficult to plan everything you’d like to see and experience into just one vacation. I guess that just means you’ll have to come back to see this beautiful city again.

Our travel guide below can help you plan a vacation to Paris whether you are staying for 2 days or 10 and whether it’s your first visit or fifth.

Airports & Entry

When headed to France, you won’t need to apply for a visa so long as your expected stay is less than 90 days. You also need to have at least three months before your passport expires past the date you expect to leave the country.

An emergency passport will not be accepted unless you also have an approved visa, no matter the length of your stay. There should be at least one page available for a stamp when you arrive.

There are three major airports in the area of Paris, France. The one you fly into will most likely be determined by the airline you are using. That airline will fly into the airport it is contracted with. With that in mind, when flying to France you will most likely land at one of the following airports:

• Paris Beauvais Airport
• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
• Paris Orly Airport

Planning Tips

Paris is unlike most other vacation destinations. The French, especially Parisians, live life a little differently. This means that while you’re there, you may have to get used to eating at different times and you may need to plan your attire.

These are our top 5 tips for visiting Paris. Have you been there and have tips of your own? Let us know!

Tip #1: Stay in a Central Location

Everywhere you’re going to want to go as a tourist in Paris will be centrally located or have provided travel that leaves this area. Most of the hotels, many museums, and a lot of restaurants are all centrally located.

You’ll also find that the pickup and drop-off locations for many tours are located here. It makes things much easier if you find accommodations close to central Paris.

Tip #2: Always Have Euros on Hand

There are many stores and even restaurants that don’t accept debit or credit cards. Some taxis won’t accept plastic either. If an establishment does accept a card, they often won’t allow you to leave a tip on your receipt.

This means it’s important to always have a few euros on hand. Many ATMs in the city will allow you to use a foreign card to withdrawal euros.

Tip #3: Have Snacks on You

Parisians often eat their dinner very late. While you may be used to a dinner time of between 4 and 6 pm, it’s not uncommon for those in Paris to eat as late as 9 or 10. You’ll want to keep this in mind when making reservations, but you should always have a small snack with you just in case you get hungry and it’s still a few hours to dinner.

Tip #4: Avoid Traveling to Paris in August

Most Parisians are used to taking off the entire month of August. This means that while you will most likely be able to find accommodations, many restaurants and attractions will not be open. If you’re traveling to Paris in August , this can be a very quiet time to visit the city. However, if you’re looking forward to seeing the sights, it’s best not to travel to Paris in August.

Tip #5: Dress Appropriately

While those in Paris can still be found wearing sneakers, most dress in a business casual or a simple but chic style. Most attractions and restaurants will frown on those wearing beat up shoes, blue jeans, and other very casual clothes. Some places will even require a more elegant or fancy appearance, such as certain high-end restaurants.

Bringing a set of casual clothes might not be a bad idea but be sure to bring enough clothes you can wear while out and about. If you don’t have much in the way of the chic style that Paris requires, at least you’re in the perfect place to go shopping to stock up on some.

Restaurants & Eating Out

The Ciel de Paris is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. It is located in the Montparnasse Tower with beautiful views of the city. You’ll also find a well-stocked champagne bar available to you. The Polidor is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris.

It dates back to 1895 and the interior decor hasn’t changed much since. This is one of those restaurants that only take cash, so have a few euros on you.

In Paris, it’s hard to find a truly casual restaurant. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure that you’re dressed for the occasion. If you’re not sure what you could or should wear to a particular establishment, some will list their dress code online or you can always give them a call.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Harry’s New York Bar was actually once located in New York City. The entire bar, just as it was, was moved over to Paris in the early 1900s. This bar is credited with inventing some of the most popular cocktails we know today, including the Bloody Mary and the Sidecar.

Wine and champagne are something most Parisians are very proud of. If you’re looking for an upscale wine bar, you’ll want to try out Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels. You’ll be able to try nearly every wine and champagne local to Paris. However, there are wine bars located in nearly every corner of the city.

From backroom speakeasies to modern nightclubs, Paris has a little bit of everything for everybody when it comes to nighttime entertainment.

Getting Around

There’s no shortage of ways to get around in Paris. The most popular, effective, and affordable way is the Metro. You may find it a bit intimidating at first due to the sheer number of lines and routes, but after a few trips to an attraction or restaurant, you’ll be riding the Metro like a pro.

You can purchase single ride tickets or a batch of 10. If you’re going to be in Paris longer there are also ride passes.

While traditional taxis can be quite expensive in the city, Uber offers some fairly inexpensive ways to get around town if traveling by car is best.

Walking between destinations is very doable in Paris but if you’d like to ride a bike instead, there’s plenty of kiosks that rent them. In fact, this can be a great way to tour the city and do some sightseeing on your own.

Accommodations

You’ll find everything from small and inexpensive hostels too large, luxury resorts in Paris. There are even small boutique hotels with spas and other amenities. Where you decide to stay while visiting Paris will largely depend on the type of experience you’re looking for.

If you wish to spoil yourselves, the Le Roch Hotel & Spa is perfectly located between restaurants, the Louvre Museum, and many tourist pick up spots. If you’re looking to meet other tourists, learn more about the city from those who’ve been here several times, and have a quieter stay, one of the many hostels around town are ideal. We recommend The Generator Hostel Paris.

On average, July is the warmest month in Paris. While the weather is much better during the summer months, there are usually more crowds. If you don’t want to have to fight the crowds and don’t mind cooler weather, traveling in late winter or early spring might just give you the blend of comfortable weather and fewer crowds. January is the coldest month, on average, with temperatures in the low 40s Fahrenheit.

Attractions

Paris is full of attractions. The Louvre Museum is a popular stop for tourists. The Mona Lisa exhibit here can be quite busy, however. Use your limited time at this world-famous museum by taking in the many other exhibits, many of which are quite interesting and just as important to French history.

If you like to visit museums, you might want to try the Musee d’Histoire de la Medecine. You might just learn more about how modern medicine came to be. The Museum of Modern Art is a popular stop as well.

Thinking of taking some day trips?

If you enjoy Champagne, then do yourself a favor and take a day trip to Champagne and do some tastings while exploring the countryside.

Visiting the Palace of Versailles, exploring the Paris catacombs , taking a river cruise down the Seine River, and making it to the top of the Eiffel Tower usually top most tourist’s lists of attractions. Remember that traveling to or visiting these places can be much easier if you go as a group on a tour.

You may get priority access, free souvenir photos, and more, just for traveling with a tour group. This is often the most affordable way and makes it easier to plan the days you’re planning to spend in Paris.

Last but not least, while you are in the city of lights be sure to take a walking tour and do a wine tasting tour !

Tour Quality

The Bateaux Parisiens is our top choice for the best Seine River cruise with its combination of dinner, sites seen and quality of the tour.

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 7 best paris walking tours [2024 reviews].

THE CRUISE DETECTIVE

Home  » 5 Best Seine Dinner Cruises in Paris in 2024 (Personally Tested)

5 Best Seine Dinner Cruises in Paris in 2024 (Personally Tested)

Published: Nov 21, 2023 Last updated: Dec 26, 2023

Author: Adam Dimitrov — Owner & Head Cruise Detective

🏆 Editor's #1 Choice

✔️ tested by author

After testing the top five dinner cruises in Paris myself, I concluded that Bateaux Mouches offers the best dinner experience . ‍

Here are the top 5 reasons why:

• Friendliest and Fastest Service (Miles Ahead of the Competition)
• Best Value (You Get the Most Drinks and Food Here)
• Highest Quality Food (Gourmet, Tasty and Sizable Portions)
• Best Ship and Views (Rooftop Deck, Luxurious/Elegant Interior and Large Windows)
• All-in-all, everything is impeccably orchestrated for a memorable and special evening in Paris.

The problem with dinner cruises in Paris is that there are too many to choose from !

Each promises a great experience, making the decision difficult.

The stakes are high — no one wants a poor choice to ruin an otherwise unforgettable vacation, especially in a city like Paris, which for many is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fortunately, the Cruise Detective is here to help.

I embarked on a 12-day journey to Paris to find definitive answers by trying out the five most popular dinner cruises and sightseeing cruises.

Each has thousands of glowing reviews, so the most reliable way to rank them was to experience them all . This guide gives you an incredibly detailed rundown of my findings.

Note: I am not sponsored by any of the companies I review. I pay for my cruises with my own money and review anonymously to deliver thorough and unbiased reviews.

Disclaimer: This website uses affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps sustain my work. Cheers!

Summary & Comparison — 5 Best Dinner Cruises in Paris

💡 Reviews are calculated using the weighted average and aggregate review count from GetYourGuide, Tripadvisor, and Viator.   I also include listings that I consider "arbitrary duplicates" of the original ones (e.g. the same cruise during the day vs night).

Paris Dinner Cruise Itinerary

Every dinner cruise in Paris follows the same itinerary , which runs between the Statue of Liberty and Pont de Sully. The route passes nearly 20 landmarks, including:

• The Eiffel Tower
• Pont Alexandre III
• Musée d'Orsay
• Grand Palais
• Petit Palais
• Institut de France
• Île de la Cité
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Hotel de Ville
• Louvre Museum
• Place de la Concorde
• The Statue of Liberty

Video: 5 Best Dinner Cruises in Paris

Is it worth trying a dinner cruise in paris.

Yes, absolutely!

Don’t listen to those who say the food on dinner cruises in Paris is not gourmet enough or that you cannot enjoy the sightseeing while having dinner.

The food is generally excellent, and going on a dinner cruise at least once is a must.

Of course, not all dinner cruises are the same, but you can find the perfect one for you below.

FAQ: Photo Service 📷

• Every cruise offers a professional photography service to capture the evening. Pricy, but could be worth it for high-quality family or couple photos as souvenirs. You can always inspect both the digital and physical photos before deciding to buy.
• The photo service is most affordable at 15€ per photo on Bateaux Mouches compared to other cruises, which charge 20-25€ per photo.

FAQ: Birthday Celebrations 🎂

• Every cruise I have tried has been accommodating for birthday celebrations . These take place by the end of the cruise, with a birthday musical cue, clapping, and a piece(s) of cake/dessert with firework candles.
• Marriage proposals are also possible  on certain cruises, just ask the company if they offer them.

1. 🏆 Best Dinner Cruise Overall (Bateaux Mouches)

✔️ Best Value for Money ✔️ Generous Amounts of Drinks Included (Wine, Water, Coffee or Tea) ✔️ Elegant & Luxurious Atmosphere ✔️ Open-Air Rooftop Deck ✔️ Lightning Fast Service ✔️ Classical Piano & Violin Music Duo ✔️ Exceptionally Friendly Staff ✔️ Freshly Prepared Gourmet Food ✔️ Delicious Nibbles (Scones) ✔️ Tasty Starter (Beef Carpaccio) ✔️ Tasty Main Course (Sea Bream) ✔️ Incredible Dessert (Profiteroles) ‍ ‍

❌ Wifi Not Available

Summary & Review — How Was It and What to Expect?

Even though Bateaux Mouches' online presence needs improvement, their dinner cruise does not.

‍ They orchestrated the best dinner cruise in Paris.

‍ I'm not exaggerating. Their attention to detail is impeccable. I truly felt like they wanted to make my night special.

They excel at everything that matters - standout friendly service, fair price, generous drinks package, excellent food, and flawless ship amenities.

I recommend Bateaux Mouches without hesitation if you want to have the best dinner cruise experience in Paris.

Apologies for the hard sell, but they've earned it. The reasons are explained below in detail.

Video Review: Bateaux Mouches Dinner Cruise

Take a look at this short video I made to get an accurate feel of the cruise:

Detailed Breakdown

Quick overview.

• 3 or 4 Courses
• Free Bottle of Wine
• Free Bottle of Water
• Free Coffee or Tea
• Live Piano & Violin Duet
• Excellent Gourmet Food
• Great Ambiance
• Open-Air Rooftop Deck

• The ship is flawless in every aspect - huge (500-person capacity), elegant, luxurious, spacious, and high-end. I felt excited on this cruise , which is a big thing after trying out four other dinner cruises.
• Note that Bateaux Mouches has 5 dinner cruise boats in its fleet , so you might get a slightly different ship than I did.

• The ship features large windows that offer magnificent views of the Parisian cityscape.

• The interior is tastefully decorated and has a lot of space .

Rooftop Deck

• The ship has a massive rooftop terrace where you can ascend any time you want to enjoy the view and snap some photos.

• Sophisticated, romantic, and high-end — they nailed the perfect energy and feel of the evening.

Live Music 🎵

• There is a live piano and violin duo playing on the boat, which adds to the " Romantic Parisian dinner on the Seine" ambiance without being overwhelming, like on Le Diamant Bleu .

Staff & Service 🧑

• The staff is unusually friendly and chatty , not to mention fast , making you feel like a cherished guest. This is rare in Europe , like a white raven, so when you experience it, it leaves a lasting impression.

Food and Drinks 🍴 🍷

• The freshly made food was delicious and wasn't just gourmet in name but in reality.
• You get 3 or 4 courses depending on your ticket (nibbles, starter, main course, and dessert and/or cheese).
• The ticket includes a generous amount of drinks - a 1L bottle of water (per 2 people), a bottle of wine (per 2 people), and a glass of champagne on the Prestige ticket .
• You get an extra bottle of champagne and a welcome drink on the Excellence ticket .

Tickets & Prices 🎟️

• There are two ticket tiers: Prestige and Excellence.
• Prestige tier (115€): 3 courses, gourmet food and drinks.
• Excellence tier (155€): 4 courses, better quality food, and more/better drinks.
• The price is middle-of-the-road in the dinner cruise category, and you get the most bang for your buck out of all the cruises I tested.

• Seat reservations are not available. In other words, seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis .
• If the ship is not at full capacity, all passengers will receive a window seat (subject to availability).

Dinner Cruise Menu 🍽️

Prestige Menu (115€ Ticket)

💡 Bateaux Mouches has two different menus depending on the ticket tier. The more expensive "Excellence" menu includes an extra cheese course, higher quality dishes, and extra drinks. The menu is subject to change.

Welcome Drink:

• Glass of Castel Mouche (12.5 cl) or Crodino Virgin Spritz (non-alcoholic)

💡 Special diets: Bateaux Mouches offers a vegetarian option that can be made vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, egg-free, and nut-free. You can inform them of your requirements when booking.

• Prawn tartare with sesame sauce, cucumbers, mesclun, and pineapple
• Smoked beef carpaccio, cream of gorgonzola, lamb's lettuce, argan oil
• Beet hummus, raw vegetables, crunchy vegetables, citrusy tofu

• Canon of lamb, herb crust, vegetable millefeuille, fondant berry sauce
• Fillet of veal, beetroot and bigarade mousse, crunchy vegetables
• Fillet of sea bream, sweet potato with parmesan, chickpeas falafels, pepper ratatouille, basil jus

Cheese or Dessert(s)

• Assorted seasonal PDO Cheeses
• Chocolate and raspberry delight
• Lemon millefeuille and praline creme
• Chou pastry profiterole
• Mouton Cadet (white wine) or Bordeaux Agneau (red wine) 1 bottle per 2 persons or 1 soft drink (25/33 cl) for 1 person
• 1 bottle of Evian water (1L) for 2 persons
• Tea or coffee

Children’s Menu

• Sweet potato soup
• Supreme of chicken, potatoes in all their forms
• Royal chocolate with praline

Excellence Menu (155€ Ticket)

• Glass of Champagne (12.5 cl) or Crodino Virgin Spritz
• Amuse-Bouches
• Whole duck foie gras, mango and Espelette pepper chutney
• Heart of semi-smoked salmon in a Nori crust, creamy horseradish and pickles
• Snail fricassee with mushrooms
• Butternut squash soup with hazelnuts and a perfect organic soft-boiled egg *
• Châteaubriand steak with morels, Élysée potatoes
• Supreme of chicken with truffle
• Back of line-caught cod, duo of carrots, vegetable sauce vierge
• Roasted leek with baby vegetables, cream of carrot soup with cumin *
• Comté aged 24 months, quince jelly
• Chocolate tartlet, praline crisp
• Verbena and stewed lemon dessert
• Coffee cream in a chocolate shell, vanilla mascarpone
• Meringue cloud, pear and tonka bean sorbet
• Champagne Moët & Chandon
• AOP Crozes Hermitage, Chablis La Sereine, or La Chablisienne (1/2 bottle per person) or 1 soft drink (25/33 cl) for 1 person
• A bottle of Evian water (1L) for 2 people

Quick Facts

• 📅 Schedule: Every day at 20:30
• 🎟️ Ticket type: Mobile/printed
• 🧥 Dress code: Formal
• 🌐 Wifi: Not available ❌
• 💨 Open air section: Available ✔️
• ❄️/🌡️ Aircon: Available ✔️
• 🐶 Animals: Not allowed (except service animals) ❌
• 🚬 Smoking: Not allowed ❌
• ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Accessible ✔️
• 🚻 Restroom: Yes ✔️
• 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible (️infant seats also available) ✔️
• % Children discounts: free for infants age 0-3 (no food served, but children's menu is available), 34€ ticket (age 4-12) ✔️ ‍
• 🚗 Parking: Free parking is available during the cruise ✔️

Meeting Point

• 🗺️ Meeting point: Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris, France

2. 🥈 Runner-Up Dinner Cruise (Bateaux Parisiens)

✔️ Elegant/High-end Ambiance ✔️ Freshly Prepared Gourmet Food ✔️ Tasty Nibbles ✔️ Tasty Starter (Fish Scallops) ✔️ Tasty Dessert (Chocolate Tart) ✔️ Good Amount of Drinks ✔️ Great Boat and Interior ✔️ Open-Air Section (Small)

❌ Singer/Music Not Memorable ❌ Slow Service ❌ No Rooftop Deck ❌ Not Ideal for Sightseeing ❌ Tasteless Main Course (Duckling Fillet)

Bateaux Parisien's dinner cruise is the cruise the everyone recommends in Paris - so I've put the name to the test!

Verdict? Second best to Bateaux Mouches. Here's why:

• Price:  Bateaux Mouches' most expensive 4-course ticket costs 155€, while Bateaux Parisiens' middle tier tickets cost 139€ and 179€, while the highest tier ticket is 215€.
• Value: Bateaux Mouches' highest tier ticket offers more value, including a 4-course meal, a bottle of champagne (per 2 person), and a bottle of wine (per 2 person). Bateaux Parisiens' top-tier ticket (215€) offers a 4-course meal, a glass of champagne and a bottle of wine per 3-4 people. The 4th course consists of cheese on both cruises.
• Open-air areas: Bateaux Mouches' boat has an entire open-air rooftop deck, while Bateaux Parisiens' boat only has a small terrace at the rear end of the ship.
• Ship / Atmosphere / Staff:  Bateaux Mouches' boat is more spacious, and the atmosphere is more elegant. Additionally, the staff is way friendlier and more accommodating than Bateaux Parisiens'.
• Food: The food at Bateaux Mouches is better and more unique, but you get the same amount of courses. There are 3-course and 4-course options on both ships.

Verdict - Bateaux Mouches or Bateaux Parisiens?

Now, this may sound one-sided. Am I saying you shouldn't book a Bateux Parisiens cruise?

They offer excellent cruises in both the sightseeing and dinner categories. They have the most reviews, too.

But as good as it is, I strongly felt that Bateaux Mouches to be better. I may be the only person in the world who has been a guest on all 5 major dinner cruises in Paris, so that's my credibility. And I'm in the business of ranking cruises, after all.

Even by objective standards (price, value, staff, ship, food), it's easy to see that you simply get more and better quality at Bateaux Mouches .

But I understand that not everything is so black and white, and you may have your own preferences and criteria. You will find everything here to help you make your choice.

Overall, Bateaux Parisiens secures a solid second place on my list.

Video Review: Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise

• Okay Live Music
• Gourmet Food
• Small Open-Air Section

• Sophisticated, modern decor captures the essence of a chic Parisian dinner cruise. Intimate two-person window tables and spacious group seating are available (with both center and window seating).
• There are clean, large restrooms on the lower deck and an open-air section in the rear.
• Note that Bateaux Parisiens also has several dinner cruise boats in their fleet, so you might get a slightly different ship than I did.

• The cruise ship is not the best option for sightseeing (due to the lack of a rooftop deck) , but there is a small open-air section at the back of the boat for photo shoots (for perfect shots of the Eiffel Tower).
• The windows provide a decent view of the city but can fog up, especially in colder seasons.

• The cruise offers a film-worthy experience: a fusion of elegance, romance, and culture , accentuated by a stylish crowd and a tastefully decorated interior . A more outstanding musical performance could have made it even more memorable.

• While there was a live singer , the music barely registered and faded into the background . Paris City Vision offered the best musical experience among all the dinner cruises I've tried.
• On the positive side, if loud music disturbs you and you prefer to talk and be able to hear each other, this cruise will be to your liking.

• The staff was cordial, polite, and helpful. However, I experienced some service delays (e.g., slow to take orders ), and they almost forgot my dessert .
• However, these are common potential issues on all dinner cruises (which go along with servicing hundreds of guests in such a short time) and vary from server to server.
• The quality of the food here is generally high. While the starter and dessert (scallops, tart) were excellent, my main (duckling fillet) was underwhelming (bland). You also get a nibble (1 x scone). ‍
• A la carte menu for drinks: glasses range from 8-15 euros, and bottles can go up to 40 euros, but the ticket already includes enough drinks, in my opinion.
• 3-course dinner, a bottle of water, a glass of champagne and wine, and coffee are included, even in the least expensive  etoile service ticket .
• The  privilege and premium tickets  include a 4-course meal, complete with a cheese course.

• Etoile and Decouverte: Center seats (you may still get window seats with etoile service like I did).
• Privilege: Window seats guaranteed.
• Premium (best place): Mostly window seats at the front of the ship.

💡 Bateaux Parisiens food and drinks menu available in French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Chinese . Dishes are freshly prepared aboard the ship's kitchen. The food is gourmet.

• Scallops, citrus gremolata, leeks, Chardonnay sauce
• French duck foie gras, mild-spiced pear chutney
• Thin-crust snail tart, spinach and mushroom fondue, Bordelaise sauce, sweet garlic emulsion
• Beluga lentils and tofu, beetroot condiment, red onion pickles (vegetarian)

Main course:

💡 Special diets: Bateaux Parisiens offers vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, residue-free, fibre-free and diabetic options. You can inform them of your requirements when booking.

• Pan-fried veal and foie gras, mashed potatoes, Périgueux sauce
• Pan-fried sea bass, fondant einkorn, butternut squash and celery, shellfish coulis with tarragon
• Spiced duckling fillet, a variation on carrots, citrus sauces
• Toasted buckwheat, confit seasonal vegetables and spiced bouillon (vegetarian)

• Iced pear and almond dessert, pear coulis (vegetarian)
• Chocolate tart, crisp and creamy
• Honey-roasted pineapple, soft Valencia almond biscuit, vanilla whipped cream
• Coffee with a twist, coffee-soaked brioche and a light mousse
• Etoile and Découverte Service: Get a cheese instead of dessert (or pay €8)

• All tickets include a generous amount of non-alcoholic (bottle of water, coffee) and alcoholic drinks (glass of champagne and wine per person), so you won't need to order. The exact amounts depend on the ticket.
• 🧥 Dress code: Smart casual (cloakroom available)
• 🌐 Wifi: Available ✔️
• ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Not accessible ❌
• % Children discounts: 66% off Etoile service ticket (children age 0-11) ✔️
• 🚗 Parking: Free parking available near meeting point for guests ✔️
• 🗺️ Meeting point: Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France

3. 🎵 Dinner Cruise With Best Live Music (Paris City Vision)

✔️ Best Live Music of All Cruises ✔️ Quintessential Parisian Vibes ✔️ Freshly Prepared Gourmet Food ✔️ Tasty Main Course (Bass Fillet) ✔️ Incredible Dessert (Flan) ✔️ Elegant & Luxurious Atmosphere

❌ Lack of Open-Air Section ❌ Slow Service ❌ Not Ideal for Sightseeing ❌ Low Amount of Drinks Included (Only Water, No Alcholol) ❌ Merely Passable Starter (Foie Gras) ‍

Summary & Review — How Was It and What to Expect? 📝

Paris City Vision's cruise is in the same pay grade as Bateux Mouches and Parisiens - but does it stack up against them head by head?

‍ It's not a bad cruise by any means, but the previous two choices are objectively better. The food is excellent, and the live music is the best I have experienced, but it packs less value for the price, and the absence of open-air sections is a serious downside.

Video Review: Paris City Vision Dinner Cruise

• 3 Courses Dinner
• Alcohol Not Included
• Exceptional Singer & Music
• Good, but Not Mind-Blowing Food
• No Open-Air Section

• Modern and elegant interior fitting the smart casual-elegant Parisian dinner cruise vibe.
• Medium-sized and on par with our two top cruises look-and-feel-wise.

• An experience straight out of the movies — elegant, cultured, and giving off high society vibes. Quintessential French background music sets the mood, punctuated by live performances.

• The situation isn't rosy in this area. The otherwise great big windows were prone to fogging up , and there was no open-air area or rooftop deck available, which made taking a great selfie or photo of the Eiffel Tower impossible.

• Their female singer was a shining diamond. She had an  outstanding stage presence, charisma, and  voice. She frequently delivered classics such as Besame Mucho and other romantic Parisian vibes-inducing music.
• She  often included the audience  in her acts. In between her performances, tasteful French background music was playing.  They nailed this live music and vibe aspect the best of all cruises, I got to give it to them.
• The service was  polite and helpful but could have been warmer and friendlier . They were helpful in answering my menu questions. 
• They took my order quite late, which was the norm with most cruises except Bateaux Mouches.

• For starters, I chose foie gras. It was impeccably prepared, but it was a strange mix with a sweet pastry, and I wasn't a big fan. But I had to try it.
• The main course was a bass fillet, which I found tasty but anything to write home about.
• Finally, I had flan for dessert . I found this to be incredible. The French are truly masters of desserts - it's always mind-blowingly good.
• A la carte menu for drinks: glasses range from 8-15 euros and bottles can go up to 40 euros.
• The basic ticket (100€) doesn't quite pack much value - 3 courses, tea or coffee, but no drinks . I had to order a bottle of water and cocktail separately for 6 and 12 euros.
• Their highest tier ticket (155€) ticket includes a bottle of champagne per 2 people, but it doesn't come close to what the latter two companies offer in value for the same price.

• There were two-person tables with window views available.
• Groups were seated in the center at larger tables and near the windows in the back of the ship.
• Tickets with guaranteed window seats are available.

Dinner Cruise Menu 📋

💡 Paris City Vision menu is available in different languages on GetYourGuide et al. Access it by switching the Getyourguide language switcher to your desired language. The menu is subject to change. Note: The food is freshly made in the ship's kitchen.

• Mozzarella di Buffala, tartar, focaccia with Italian flavours
• Lightly cooked foie gras, red fruit financier with honey from our beehives
• Gazpacho prima verde with tomato brunoise (vegetarian)

💡 Special diets: Paris City Vision caters to guests with special diet requirements. You can inform them of your requirements when booking.

• Bass fillet, creamy risotto with green asparagus, squid ink tuile
• Yellow poultry fillet, courgette flan, feta cheese, thyme sauce
• Grilled beef, potato soufflé, yellow carrot mousseline (+9€)
• Casserole of sunny vegetables with Provençal herbs (vegetarian)

• Crème brulee tart, caramel sauce
• Our Eiffel Tower all chocolate, red fruit nectar
• Strawberry soup, pistachio crumble (vegetarian)
• Cheese platter (for 8€ extra)
• Coffee or black/green tea included
• "A la carte" drinks, cocktails, wines, beers, soft drinks available for purchase (8-15€)

Children's menu:

• Starter: Salmon mille-feuille with leek compote
• Main Course: Suprême of poultry, mashed potatoes
• Dessert: Chocolate finger cake ‍
• 📅 Schedule: Every day at 21:15 (shorter & cheaper cruise also available at 18:45)
• 🧥 Dress code: Smart casual
• 💨 Open air section: Not available ❌
• 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible Accessible (️infant seats also available) ✔️
• % Children discounts: free for infants age 0-2 (no food served, but children's menu is available), 40€ ticket (age 4-12) ✔️
• ‍ 🚗 Parking: Paid parking options available nearby. ✔️
• 🗺️ Meeting point: Port Solferino, 75007 Paris, France
• Note that the nearby Jardin de Tuileries is closed at night by the start of the 9:15 pm cruise, so you have to go around it.

4. 🔭 Best Budget Dinner Cruise With Panoramic Views  (Paris En Scene)

✔️ Most Affordable Dinner Cruise ✔️ Most Panoramic ✔️ Tasty Starter (Pumpkin Soup) ✔️ Tasty Dessert (Mousse) ✔️ Rooftop Deck ✔️ 0.5L Water Included

❌ Catered/Not Freshly Prepared ❌ Average Service ❌ Bland Main Course (Guinea Fowl) ❌ Generic Background Music ❌ Alcoholic Drinks Not Included

If you're looking for an affordable and panoramic dinner cruise, Paris en Scène is the perfect choice.

However, if you're looking for a fancy fine dining experience, you may want to look elsewhere. Their main course meals are a bit bland (not the soup and the dessert, though!), and the cruise has a more budget cruise vibe, but it's still a great value and offers a unique, enjoyable experience.

Video Review: Paris En Scene Dinner Cruise

• 3-Course Dinner
• Budget Friendly
• Panoramic Seating
• Excellent Views
• Loudspeaker Music (Contemporary/Generic)
• High Quality and Tasty Food

• Spacious, cozy and large, although it may not be as elegant as previous options on our list. Also features a rooftop deck.

• During the cruise, you can access to a top-notch rooftop deck with stunning views.

Panoramic Views 🔭

• The views are the strongest feature of this cruise. You can enjoy a delicious dinner while facing the windows and enjoying the stunning scenery.
• There is a small open-air terrace available at the front of the ship, as well as an entire rooftop deck at your disposal.

• Although not as high-end as our top 3 contenders, the boat offers a decent atmosphere for a busy dinner night with seats oriented to the sides, providing splendid views.
• There's generic background music playing in the background. The guests usually crowded it out.

• Like on most dinner cruises, the service was so-so .
• The staff were polite and helpful , but they were not very warm or friendly . It took them quite some time to take my order, and the waiting time for my food was long. The food is catered and not prepared fresh on board.

• The pumpkin soup was delicious . The guinea fowl was bland, but the portion was good. The same goes for the fish fillet option, so the main courses aren't award winners . Finally, the mousse (dessert) was delicious .
• Alcoholic drinks are between 8-15 euros (bottles are up to 40€).
• For 59€ , you can enjoy a 3-course meal including soup, main course, and dessert alongside a bottle of water.
• ‍ Alcoholic drinks are available to order separately. The price is reasonable for the quality of the food and service.
• Only one ticket tier is available , but you can choose between two starting times: 7:15 pm and 9:45 pm.

• On this ship, there are pairs of comfortable tub chairs with foldable mini tables attached. These chairs face the windows , providing a panoramic view. For groups of four, regular tables with standard orientation are available in the center and front.

Dinner Cruise Menu 🍽️ ‍ ‍

• Cream of Pumpkin Soup with Hazelnut Pieces and Parsley Oil

• Guinea Fowl with Cider Cream, Spelt and Apples, Dill Oil
• Sebastes Bream Fillet with Artichoke Barigoule, Fennel with Aioli Sauce and Flat-leaf Parsley

• Harlequin Chocolate Mousse with Sweet Almond Cream
• Stewed Plums with Rosemary Creamy and with Cottage Cheese

Plant-Based Menu

Available on reservation only. Suitable for those who do not eat meat, fish, or animal products.

• Pumpkin Cream Soup with Hazelnut Pieces and Parsley Oil
• Vegetable Lasagna with Coconut Milk
• Stewed Plums with Rosemary
• 📅 Schedule: Every day at 19:15 and 21:45
• 🧥 Dress code: None
• 🌐 Wifi: ???
• 🚬 Smoking: Allowed at designated smoking area ✔️
• 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible ✔️
• % Children discounts: 28€ ticket (age 4-12) ✔️
• ‍ 🚗 Parking: ???
• 🗺️ Meeting point: L'île aux Cygnes, Escale de, Pont de Bir-Hakeim, 75015 Paris, France

5. 😞 An Okay, but Not Extraordinary Dinner Cruise (Le Diamant Bleu)

✔️ Freshly Prepared Gourmet Food ✔️ Tasty Main Course (Veal) ✔️ Excellent Dessert (Rhubarb Pavlova) ✔️ Rooftop Deck ✔️ Friendly Waiter

❌ No Nibbles ❌ Slow Service ❌ Unfriendly Welcome ❌ Passable Starter (Scallops) ❌ Not Good Value for Money ❌ Gloomy Live Music ❌ Decor Feels Cheap ❌ Wobbly Tables ❌ Lack of Energy ❌ Sketchy Meeting Point Area

In the final place, we have Le Diamant Blue. 

Unfortunately, their place here is a formality since their dinner cruise is below average . The reasons are explained below in detail.

In short, all other cruises in the same weight-class are better , so there's no reason to choose this cruise.

It's a pity, as I always try to find something unique in each cruise, but unfortunately, I could not find anything noteworthy about this one.

If Le Diamant Bleu wants to remain competitive, they need to improve their services and address certain issues outlined below.

Video Review: Le Diamant Bleu Dinner Cruise

• 3 Course Dinner
• Free Bottle of Water (Alcohol No Included)
• Live Music (Low Energy/Gloomy/Contemporary)
• Great Gourmet Food
• Low Energy Ambiance

• It was massive, wide, and spacious , with great lighting and audio technology.
• The windows are tall and wide and offer splendid views . However, the decor , including the chairs, tables, and tablecloths, felt cheap and low-quality , giving a faux luxurious feel . It was not up to the standard of the elegant high-end decor of most other dinner cruises.

• The ship also had a flawless open-air rooftop deck . In theory, they only allowed you to go up once you had finished your main course . In practice, people did sneak up. They said they don't want you to complain if the food goes cold. I found this patronizing as if adults couldn't decide whether to go up or not and return in time for their meal. 

• Even though the ship looks amazing in the pictures, the vibe was a bit dull. The meals arrived too slowly , the music wasn't uplifting , and the atmosphere lacked energy . All in all, the night ended with a dud instead of a blaze of glory.

• Our singer was a talented guitarist , but his vocals were too loud and did not fit the vibe. The tunes were gloomy , which didn't give off the quintessential romantic French vibe that many people were expecting. The low energy of the cruise wasn't solely due to the music, but the singer didn't quite hit the mark , and the night wasn't memorable as a result.

• Upon my arrival, I wasn't greeted with a particularly warm welcome . It was awkward as I had to wait until someone finally acknowledged me and led me to my table. However, despite the shaky start, my waiter was above and beyond attentive and friendly.

• The guests didn't get any nibbles , which would have been nice since the service was a bit slow, and we had to wait a long time for our otherwise freshly prepared food to arrive. The starter scallops, which were combined with pomegranate, had a strange taste. Although it was acceptable, it wasn't a crowd-pleaser. I recommend choosing the soup instead.
• I enjoyed the main course of veal, which was impeccably prepared , delicious, and served in a decent portion size.
• The dessert was amazing and truly stood out. As I always say, the French are experts in dessert-making.
• There are 2 ticket tiers , and both are available with guaranteed window seating ("VIP").
• Although their pricing is in the low-to-middle range (89-144€), the cheaper ticket only includes three courses and a bottle of water.
• The higher-priced ticket includes alcoholic drinks (one bottle of champagne per two people), which makes them okay but still not great value  for money compared to other cruises.

• The dinner event took place in a vast and continuous main area , which had around a hundred tables arranged in four long rows.
• There was a gap in the center where a live singer performed, and some tables were located in the VIP area at the front of the ship . Two of the four rows were adjacent to the windows , while the rest were in the center .
• Guaranteed window seats are available.
• Meeting point in dodgy area:  The cruise is far from the Eiffel Tower, which may be fine depending on where you're staying. However, before I arrived, I had to pass through a very sketchy area along the Seine River. Passing by dozens of homeless people in tents and areas with minimal lighting left a bad impression on me.
• Wobbly tables: My small two-person table was wobbly . Most two-person tables may have this issue. The window tables appeared to be more stable.

💡 Special diets: Le Diamant Bleu caters to guests with special diet requirements. You can inform them of your requirements when booking.

💡 Mismatch between menu vs. photos: Like on all cruises, the menu is subject to change. The menu below is what I found online, but I had a different menu on the boat,ests with special diet requirements. You can inform them of your requirem which I unfortunately didn't photograph.

• Pumpkin soup with hazelnuts, forest mix and ceps, tortellini, bread tuile, chestnut shavings
• Egg parfait and its vegetable garden with artichoke puree, carrots, radishes, chioggia beetroot, truffle carpaccio

• Candied lamb shoulder with caramelized onions, baby carrots, and roasted baby beans, oriental flavour, spicy juice
• Fillet of cod with fennel sauce, lightly spiced pepper coulis, herb salad with basil, bergamot, sumac, and mashed potatoes

• Chocolate tart with a warm flowing heart
• Italian-style Chiboust
• 📅 Schedule:
• 🚬 Smoking: ???
• 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible Accessible (️infant seats NOT available) ✔️
• % Children discounts: free for infants (age 0-2), but no food served (children's menu is NOT available)
• 🚗 Parking : Paid parking available near meeting point ✔️
• 🗺️ Meeting point: 36 Quai d'Austerlitz, 75013 Paris, France

TheCruiseDetective.com is your free guide to help choose the best river cruises around the world. We test, evaluate and review river cruises in the various cities around the world for your benefit.

Best Dinner Cruise in Paris (Honest Review)

By: Author Tiana Thompson

Posted on Last updated: August 20, 2023

Categories Food , Paris , Things to Do in Paris , What to eat in Paris

Home » Best Dinner Cruise in Paris (Honest Review)

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Want to do a Seine River Dinner Cruise?

You’re in the right place for information because I just came back from the best Paris dinner cruise .

If you’re planning a visit to Paris, a Seine River dinner cruise is definitely an experience to consider. It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to take in the iconic landmarks of the city and it’s the #1 activity I recommend to any of my friends or family planning to visit Paris.

In this article, I’ll provide you with a comprehensive review of my dinner cruise experience. I’ll detail the itinerary, the food, the views, and the overall atmosphere.

I’ll also give you my take on why a dinner cruise can be a more appealing option compared to a standard daytime Seine River cruise, tips to keep in mind before heading out on your cruise, and advice on what to wear on your Paris dinner cruise!

Ready to book your Paris dinner cruise?

I went with Bateaux Parisiens - Seino Vision , and it was excellent. The food, the ambiance, and the service was top notch.

✔️ River Seine cruise

✔️ 3 or 4-course meal (depending on the menu selected)

✔️ Champagne and appetizers

✔️ Live entertainment by a singer

Best Dinner Cruises in Paris

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 (3648 reviews) | ⏲️ Tour time: 2.5 hours | ⛵ Book now

So, let me tell you more about my night out on my Parisian dinner cruise. This was my second dinner cruise I’ve taken along the Seine in Paris, and it was honestly even better than the first.

Even though it was my second time, the experience felt fresh. Different travel companions, a change in the menu, and booking a window seat all contributed to a novel experience.

“ A delicious dinner, with amazing views of Paris!! We recommend upgrading to sit alongside the windows- we were so glad we had paid a little extra for that! The service was excellent and we enjoyed meeting the couple next to us, who were also traveling from the U.S. The directions and check-in were easy to follow. “ – Alicia from the United States | See more tour reviews

​ Don’t speak French? Don’t worry! This is one of the best things to do in Paris for English speakers too.

All the staff on this dinner cruise spoke fluent English, so no need to try to test your language skills on this dinner excursion. Unless you want to, bien sûr .

Note:  I was not paid by the tour company to write this review . I paid full-price for   this tour  out of my own pocket, and the opinions I give are in no way influenced by compensation of any kind.  Bateaux Parisiens  didn’t know I planned to write this article after the tour.

Navigating the Menu Options of the Dinner Cruise

A lovely feature of the Bateaux Parisiens – Seino Vision Dinner Cruise is the array of dining options available to you. Not a one-size-fits-all, these options cater to different preferences and price points.

Let’s break down these four, fabulous menu choices:

1. Premier Service

Premier service offers you the best of both worlds – privileged seating right at the front of the boat and a mouthwatering menu.

What’s included in the Premier Service menu:

• Privileged seating at the front of the boat
• Glass of champagne as an aperitif and dessert
• Starter + main course + cheese + dessert of your choice
• Bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine for 4 people

You’ll start with a glass of champagne as an aperitif to whet your appetite. The dinner includes a starter, main course, cheese, and a dessert of your choice, complemented by a bottle of red and white wine for every four guests. The front-row seating offers the most uninterrupted views of the Parisian monuments.

🍴 Best for: It’s perfect for those looking for an ultra-luxe, memorable experience.

2. Privileged Service

For those who love a view with their meal, the Privileged service is an ideal choice. With seats by the window, you’ll have a panoramic view of the City of Lights while you dine.

What’s included in the Privileged Service menu:

• Privileged seating by the windows
• Glass of champagne as an aperitif
• A bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine for 4 people

Just like the Premier service, you’ll enjoy a glass of champagne as an aperitif followed by a starter, main course, cheese, and a dessert of your choice. Each group of four also receives a bottle of red and white wine.

🍴 Best for: This service is an excellent choice for couples or anyone seeking a romantic dinner cruise.

3. Decouvert Service

Decouvert service promises panoramic views and delightful dining.

What’s included in the Decouvert Service menu:

• Panoramic view
• Starter + main course + dessert of your choice
• A bottle of red wine or white wine for 4 people

This service begins with a glass of champagne as an aperitif, followed by a starter, main course, and dessert of your choice. For every four people, a bottle of either red or white wine is provided.

🍴 Best for: If you’re a small group or a family seeking a memorable yet reasonably priced experience, this is your go-to option.

4. Etoile Service

Positioned in the center of the boat, the Etoile service offers a unique vantage point of the surroundings.

What’s included in the Etoile Service menu:

• Seating in the center of the boat
• Kir white wine as an aperitif

The meal begins with Kir white wine as an aperitif, followed by a starter, main course, and dessert of your choice. A bottle of red or white wine is provided for every four guests.

🍴 Best for: The Etoile service is a fantastic choice for those wanting to experience the magic of the dinner cruise on a budget.

💡 Tip: Each service offers a vegetarian menu option upon request, so no one has to miss out on this unique culinary journey through the heart of Paris. Just remember to mention it while making your booking!

Paris Dinner Cruise Itinerary

8:30pm: Meeting Point and Initial Impressions 

As we all know, a journey starts long before we actually hit the road, or in this case, the river. The same was true for our Paris Dinner Cruise.

The anticipation was real as we got closer to our starting point at the Eiffel Tower. I could feel the butterflies fluttering, more from excitement (but a little bit from hunger, I admit).

The check-in process was straightforward, and the folks greeting us onboard were super friendly, which started the night off on the right foot.

9:00pm: Boarding and Start of the Cruise 

After a bit of waiting, it was finally time to board. We got ushered into the boat, and oh boy, it was a sight to behold. Once onboard, I was instantly impressed with how neat and cozy the boat’s interior was.

We snagged the window seats, thanks to our Privileged Service package. Talk about the best seats in the house!

We had a clear view of Paris’s breathtaking sights, from Les Invalides’ shiny golden dome to the striking Louvre Museum and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.

We began with a glass of champagne because, well, when in Paris! It was the perfect start to our night.

Dinner Time – What to Expect

Let’s move on to one of my favorite parts, dinner time. A cruise without a delightful meal is like Paris without the Eiffel Tower, incomplete.

The rest of the menu comprised of an à-la-carte 3-course meal that did not disappoint. Expect a delightful variety of French dishes. The vegetarian options were a hit too. With the city’s landmarks floating by, we got treated to some lovely live music.

This wasn’t some over-the-top performance, but just the right volume to create a pleasant ambiance without drowning out our chatter.

Cruise Highlights and Ending

The highlight of our journey, as you can guess, was the radiant Parisian landmarks glowing against the night sky.

We cruised past the grand Les Invalides, the charming Musée d’Orsay, the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, and many more. Each of these sights created picture-perfect moments that were worth every penny.

📸 There is even an option for souvenir photos on this cruise! There’s a professional photographer clicking away on the boat, but you’ll have to shell out some extra bucks if you want a copy.

I decided to opt out this time, but would probably go for that option next time if I come on a family trip or with a significant other.

As the evening came to a close, we docked back at the Eiffel Tower, the starting and ending point of our memorable journey. It felt like a perfect full-circle moment, ending where we began but with hearts (and bellies) so full.

Is A Paris Dinner Cruise Worth It?

Okay, so you’re probably asking: Is a Paris Dinner Cruise worth it? 

In short, absolutely. It’s an unparalleled way to see the City of Lights, providing a feast for the eyes and the stomach. This magical experience mixes delicious food with unique sights, and it’s my go-to recommendation for anyone visiting Paris .

Taking a dinner cruise in Paris is not just about the food or the boat ride, it’s about the fusion of the experience that makes it so special. The Seine River becomes a moving stage that presents you the grandeur of Paris while you relish a hearty meal.

Every corner you turn on the river presents a new view, a new building, a new perspective. It’s like seeing the city in a whole new light, literally and figuratively.

Paris Dinner Cruise vs Standard Seine Sightseeing Cruise: Which to Choose?

Compared to a typical dinner in a restaurant, a dinner cruise offers more than just food. It gives you the opportunity to discover the city in a relaxing way, combining the enjoyment of French cuisine with the discovery of Paris at night.

And compared to a standard daytime Seine River cruise, a dinner cruise has a different charm.

While daytime Bateaux Mouche cruises are great for capturing vibrant photos and seeing the city in natural light, dinner cruises showcase Paris’s romantic side. The illuminations of the landmarks against the night sky create an enchanting atmosphere that’s hard to beat.

Plus, nothing quite compares to enjoying a meal while cruising down the iconic Seine.

Who Would Enjoy This Cruise?

✅ Romantic Couples:  This Seine dinner cruise is the epitome of romance. It’s easy to fall in love all over again with the Parisian landscape drifting by – iconic sights like Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Assemblée Nationale, and the stunning Grand Palais. The twinkling lights reflecting off the River Seine, live entertainment onboard, and a three-course dinner featuring traditional French cuisine all add to the romantic atmosphere. It’s like Moulin Rouge, but on water.

✅ Families:  Families looking for a memorable night will find this a perfect way to create special memories. It offers an immersive educational experience, too, thanks to the available audio guide. From explaining the historical significance of Île de la Cité and the Left Bank and Right Bank, to pointing out the Hôtel de Ville, it offers a fun, interactive way to learn about Paris.

✅ Solo Travellers:  Solo travelers looking for an unforgettable evening will not be disappointed. Imagine savoring a delicious meal, sipping on a bottle of wine, all while gazing out at the most beautiful Parisian monuments. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience.

✅ Foodies:  If you’re a fan of good food and a fan of beautiful views, there’s no better way to combine the two. The three-course dinner, featuring dishes like foie gras, served on the restaurant boats offer a typical atmosphere of Parisian bistros.

Who Should Avoid This Cruise?

❌ Budget Travellers:  While it’s worth every penny, this cruise might not suit those on a tight budget. There are other options like Vedettes du Pont Neuf or the one-hour cruise from different companies which may be more budget-friendly.

❌ Active Sightseers:  For those who prefer active, on-your-feet sightseeing, lunch cruises or walking tours might be a better option. But, this dinner cruise is a great way to rest your feet after a long day of exploring Central Paris.

❌ Time-restricted Travellers:  With a duration of about two and a half hours, those with limited time might opt for a quicker tour. Yet, if you can squeeze it into your schedule, starting your early evening with this cruise is one of the best ways to see Paris. 

What to Wear on a Paris Dinner Cruise

When embarking on a Parisian dinner cruise, it’s crucial to remember there’s a dress code – it is a fancy dinner in the City of Lights after all! So, ditch the sweatpants and flip-flops and aim for a smart-casual look.

Here are a few outfit ideas for both men and women that hit the sweet spot between comfort and chic.

Paris Dinner Outfits for Women:

• Classic Little Black Dress:  You can never go wrong with a little black dress, can you? It’s chic, sophisticated, and perfect for a dinner cruise. I love  this dress for its comfortable fit and elegant design. Pair it with statement jewelry and heels for an elevated look. And if the weather’s a bit chilly, bring along a stylish wrap or shawl.
• Silk Blouse and Slacks:  If you’re not one for dresses, try a silk blouse paired with slacks. This combination exudes elegance without being overly formal. I highly recommend  this silk blouse and  these slacks  for their excellent quality and comfort. Pair this outfit with ballet flats or low heels for a stylish, Parisian look.

Paris Dinner Outfits for Men:

• Collared Shirt and Chinos:  A well-fitted collared shirt paired with chinos is a versatile and stylish choice. You can’t go wrong with  this classic shirt  and  these chinos . They’re comfortable, stylish, and perfect for a dinner cruise or any Parisian dining experience. Complete the look with loafers or dress shoes.
• Knit Sweater and Dark Jeans:  For a more casual, yet still polished look, opt for a knit sweater paired with dark jeans.  This sweater  is a favorite of mine for its comfort and timeless style. Pair it with  these dark jeans  for an effortlessly stylish ensemble. This outfit is perfect for those chillier evenings on the Seine.

In the end, remember that while looking good is important, comfort should not be compromised. You want to enjoy the sights, the food, the music – not be distracted by a tight collar or an itchy fabric.

👗 P.S. Check out my guide on What to Wear in Paris in Summer for more style inspo!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Dinner Cruise Experience in Paris

Planning your dinner cruise can make a big difference to your experience. Here are some personal tips and tricks I learned from my second dinner cruise:

1. Arrive Early:  Get to the meeting point well ahead of time. This not only avoids any last-minute stress but also gives you a chance to snap some great photos before boarding.

2. Choose Your Service Wisely:  If views are your priority, go for the Privileged service, which provides seating by the windows. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge, Premier service is your best bet.

3. Dress Smartly:  Remember, it’s smart casual. You’re in Paris, darling! It’s the perfect excuse to put on that special outfit you’ve been saving.

4. Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Food:  With so many beautiful sights, it’s easy to get carried away and forget about your meal. The food is part of the experience, so savor each bite.

5. Embrace the Moment:  Most importantly, remember to take some time to put the camera down and truly absorb the beauty of Paris at night. It’s a sight you won’t forget.

With these tips in hand, you’re all set to have the best dinner cruise in Paris. Bon voyage and bon appétit!

Book your Paris Dinner Cruise

Faq about paris dinner cruises.

1. How do I book the Dinner Cruise in Paris?

You can book the cruise online, directly from the Bateaux Parisiens – Seino Vision website or any popular travel agency website. Just select your preferred date and time and make a secure payment to confirm your reservation.

2. How much does A Paris Dinner Cruise cost?

The price of the cruise varies based on the service you choose. Etoile service, with seating in the center of the boat, is the most affordable, while Premier service, which provides privileged seating at the front of the boat, is the priciest. Remember, all services include a delightful three or four-course meal.

3. When is the best time to take the dinner cruise in Paris?

Though the dinner cruise is a year-round experience, it’s especially magical in the summer months when the days are longer and Paris is in full bloom. However, there’s a unique charm to seeing the city lights reflected on the Seine on a crisp winter evening too.

4. What should I wear?

The dress code for the dinner cruise is smart casual. So, guys, no need for a tux, but perhaps leave the shorts at the hotel. Ladies, a comfortable dress or nice pants outfit works well. And remember, even in summer, it can get a little breezy on the water, so you might want to bring along a light jacket.

5. Is there a vegetarian menu option?

Absolutely! The cruise caters to various dietary needs. Just make sure to request a vegetarian meal while booking your cruise.

Thanks for Reading!

I hope you enjoyed reading my review of the Paris dinner cruise I took and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

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Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The Best Seine River Dinner Cruises in Paris

Last updated: June 30, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 5 Comments

We have visited Paris many times, and one of the activities we always recommend folks do when visiting the city for the first time is to take a Seine River Cruise . They offer a unique perspective on the city and let you see many of the highlights of Paris as you relax onboard.

You actually have some options when it comes to taking one of these cruises. You can either do a sightseeing cruise, or you can take a cruise which includes a meal, either lunch during the day or dinner in the evening.

We have taken several Seine River Cruises in Paris over the years, including sightseeing cruises and dinner cruises. In this guide, we’re going to share our thoughts specifically on taking a Seine River dinner cruise when you visit Paris.

We’ll cover our favourite dinner cruise options, share our experiences taking dinner cruises, and also offer our advice on what to look for when deciding between cruise options.

If you’d prefer to take a sightseeing cruise instead, which is more focused on seeing the sights and often comes with narration, we also have a detailed guide to the best Seine River Cruises , which covers sightseeing cruises in detail.

We have taken a number of dinner cruises in Paris, and this guide is based on our personal experiences. We’ve also written a number of other guides you might find useful in Paris, including suggested itineraries for 2 days in Paris and 3 days in Paris , tips for how to get around Paris , as well as a review of the Paris Pass . We share all these resources at the end of this post.

Now, let’s look at our favourite Seine River dinner cruises in Paris!

Best Seine River Dinner Cruises

This guide lists what we think are the best options for a dinner cruise in Paris. If you’d prefer a lunch cruise, most of these companies also offer that as an option.

These are listed in no particular order. Pricing is correct as of June 2023; however, do always check the latest prices as they can vary. All prices are listed in euros.

Bateaux Mouches

Bateaux Mouches is one of the most well-known and popular sight-seeing cruise companies operating on the Seine River. They have a range of cruises offering dinner, with a convenient departure location by the Eiffel Tower. You can book these cruises here .

Cruises run every day, with an early-bird special at 6pm offering a shorter, value option. Most cruises last for 2 hours and 15 minutes approximately, with the exception of the early-bird cruise which lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Pricing and Tickets

Bateaux Mouches currently offers two dinner cruise departure times. These all include live musical accompaniment and there’s also a dancefloor which is open to guests to enjoy.

The two main cruise departures are:

• A 2.5 hour “Prestige” cruise which costs 115 euros per adult (39 euros for children). This includes an aperitif, three course meal, as well as wine, soft drinks, tea or coffee, and water. This can also be upgraded to a four-course menu (“Excellence”) and additional drinks, which costs 155 euros per adult. This cruise departs at 8:30pm.
• A 1 hour 15-minute early bird cruise which costs 85 euros per adult (39 euros for children). This includes a three-course meal as well as wine, soft drinks, tea or coffee and water. This cruise departs at 6:00pm.

Whilst the price of the early-bird cruise is attractive, we’d recommend taking one of the longer cruises as otherwise it might feel like a bit of a rushed experience. However, if you are looking for a dinner cruise in Paris to do with children, this early departure can be a good option for those wanting an earlier, shorter, and more budget-friendly cruise.

Vegetarian options are available for all the above.

If you upgrade from the Prestige menu to the Excellence menu on the 2.5 hour cruise you will be able to board the ship earlier as well have a slightly elevated menu with an extra course and a wider complimentary drinks selection.

So you will have to decide if this menu upgrade is worth the price difference for you. The actual cruise experience is the same as it’s the same boat, you just get a different menu.

Menu Upgrades and Special Diet Options

On the early-bird cruise only one menu is offered. On the longer cruise, you can choose between a three-course menu and an upgraded four course menu.

According to their website Bateaux Mouches can provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, egg-free and nut-free dishes.

Departure Points

The boat departs at Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris, France.

Accessibility

Bateaux Mouches boats are wheelchair accessible. Access to toilets on board the boats requires navigating stairs, but there are wheelchair-accessible toilets available near the docking area. Priority access for disabled guests is available.

For dinner cruises, a smart dress code is applied. This means no sportswear, flipflops, shorts, or baseball caps.

Bateaux Parisiens

Another of the major operators in Paris is Bateaux Parisiens. We have taken the standard Bateaux Parisiens sightseeing cruises a number of times in Paris as they are so conveniently located by the Eiffel Tower, and their sightseeing cruise is included on the Paris Pass which we regularly use.

Naturally, they also offer evening dinner cruises. These are a shorter 1 hour and 15 minute cruise or a longer 2.5 hour cruise. The latter would be our suggested option. You can book these cruises here .

Bateaux Parisiens currently offer two dinner cruise departures with different durations.

The longer cruise includes live musical accompaniment and there’s also usually a dance floor which is open to guests to enjoy.

The two main cruise departure times are:

• A 2.5 hour cruise which starts at 109 euros per person (34 euros for children). This includes a three-course meal. Drinks are not included in this package but can be purchased on board. We would recommend considering upgrading to either the Decouverte Service (139 euros) or Privilege Service (179 euros) option though. These include drinks and, more importantly, an improved view. This cruise departs at 8:30pm.
• A 1 hour 15 minute cruise which starts at 89 euros per person (34 euros for children). This includes a three-course meal and an aperitif. Other drinks can be purchased on board. Consider upgrading to the Privilege Service (119 euros) option for a window table.

There are three main menus which you can upgrade between. The standard “Etoile” menu is a three-course meal. The “Privilege” service adds a cheese course. The Premier Service adds a cheese course and an appetiser. Additional drinks are also included as you upgrade between menus.

According to their website Bateaux Parisiens can provide vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, residue-free, fibre-free and diabetic meals.

Leaves from the Port de la Bourdonnais (near the Eiffel Tower, on the left bank) in the 7th arrondissement.

Bateaux Parisiens boats are wheelchair accessible. Access to toilets on board the boats requires navigating stairs, but there are wheelchair-accessible toilets available at Le Bistro Parisien, the company’s restaurant near their Eiffel Tower dock.

For dinner cruises, a smart dress code is applied. This means no sportswear, flipflops, or shorts.

La Marina de Paris

The first dinner cruise we took in Paris was with Marina de Paris and we really enjoyed the experience. They offer a couple of different dinner sailings, including a shorter early departure and a longer later departure.

What is nice about the later cruise is that it is timed to sail past the Eiffel Tower as the twinkling lights come on, which is a very special sight to see. You can book their cruises here .

There are two main options, as follows:

• A 2 hour “Flavours” dinner cruise which costs 100 euros per adult (40 euros per child). This includes a 3-course meal. Wine and drinks are optional extras. 9:15pm departure.
• A 1 hour 15 minute “Discovery” dinner cruise which costs 85 euros per adult (40 euros per child). This includes a 3-course meal. Wine and drinks are optional extras. 6:45pm departure.

We’d generally recommend the Flavours dinner cruise, which can be upgraded to include drinks if you prefer.

We are not aware of any menu upgrades for the food.

According to their website a vegetarian option is available.  If you have other dietary requirements, we would recommend contacting them directly to see if they are able to accommodate you.

This cruise departs from Port de Solferino, 75007 Paris. It’s by the Musee d’Orsay.

Due to the steps required to access the boat this tour is not recommended for those with access requirements.

A dress code is not mentioned, we would recommend smart casual as a minimum.

Captaine Fracasse

One of our favourite Paris dinner cruises we have done was on the Capitane Fracasse, which was recommended to us by a couple living in Paris.

They are a smaller company which only operate one vessel as far as we know, and we found the service on board to be top notch. The food is also cooked on board. You can book their cruises here .

Capitaine Fracasse has different options depending on which day of the week you are cruising with them.

All the options include a 3-course menu. Drinks, including soft drinks, are not included in the standard ticket but are available to purchase on board.

• On Saturdays, there’s a 1 hour 45 minute cruise which departs at 6pm and which costs 69 euros (35 euros for children), and a 2 hour 15 minute cruise which departs at 9:30pm and costs 79 euros (35 euros for children).
• On every other day of the week there is one 2 hour 30 minute cruise which departs at 8:45pm and costs 79 euros (35 euros for children). We’d normally recommend this cruise if possible as it is slightly longer.

You can see all the information about their cruises on their official website here .

According to their website a plant-based option is available. For other requirements they recommend you contact them directly to see if they are able to accommodate you.

The departure point is L’île aux Cygnes, Escale de Pont de Bir-Hakeim, 75015 Paris. This is just a little walk south of the Eiffel Tower.

The departure point is actually on a small artificial island (the Isle of Swans) in the middle of the Seine River, accessed from the Bir-Hakeim bridge. Be sure to arrive early as there are lovely views up and down the Seine from this bridge.

Paris en Scene

Paris en Scene are one of the smaller dinner cruise operators, offering meals which are prepared on-board. They also have very competitive pricing. If you are looking for the best value Seine River dinner cruise, then Paris en Scene is definitely worth considering. You can book their cruises here .

Paris en Scene offers two dinner cruise departure times. The experience and duration is the same, the only difference is the departure time.

• A 1 hour 45 minute cruise which costs from 55 euros per person. Includes a three-course meal as well as water. Upgrades are available to include wine and champagne as well as a window seat.  This cruise departs at either 7:15pm or 9:45pm.

According to their website a vegan option is available. For other requirements they recommend you contact them directly to see if they are able to accommodate you.

Diamant Bleu

Diamant Blue is another of the smaller operators on the River Seine. They have two boats, the Diamant Bleu and the smaller Theo.

Meals are all prepared on board, and they have two options, a standard cruise which features French cuisine and live musical entertainment, as well as an Italian dining cruise on board the smaller Theo.

We think the Diamant Bleu offers great value for money and is definitely worth considering when comparing Seine River dinner cruises.

Diamant Blue have a number of departure times, depending on which boat you use. These are as follows.

• A 2.5 hour cruise on board the Diamant Blue with a 3-course meal including water for 89 euros (same price for adults and children). Live music is provided. This can be upgraded to include window seating and champagne. This cruise departs at 8.30pm.
• A 1 hour 45 minute cruise on-board the Theo with a 3 course Italian meal which costs 55 euros per adult (39 euros for children, infants not allowed). Drinks can be purchased on board. This cruise departs at 6pm.
• A 2 hour cruise on-board the Theo with a 3 course Italian meal which costs 59 euros per adult (39 euros for children, infants not allowed). Drinks can be purchased on board. This cruise departs at 9pm.

For other requirements we recommend you contact them directly to see if they are able to accommodate you.

The departure point can vary by boat and departure so do check your booking. Normally it is as follows:

For the Diamant Bleu, the departure point is: 36 Quai d’Austerlitz, 75013 Paris. This is near Gare Austerlitz.

For Theo, the departure point is: Escale de Beaugrenelle, situated at Port de Javel Haut, 75015 Paris

The Diamant Bleu is listed as being wheelchair accessible, however the Theo cruise is not.

Sandals, flip flops, and shorts are not permitted.

Seine River Dinner Cruises Summary & Where to Book

To help you out, we’ll summarise the best Seine River dinner cruise options here to show what’s included, pricing, duration and also where you can book each cruise.

• Bateaux Mouches . Recommended cruises start at 115 euros per person and include a 3-course meal, wine, tea/coffee, soft drinks, and live music. Cruises are normally 2 hours 15 minutes with an 8:30pm departure. Book online here .
• Bateaux Parisiens. Recommended cruises start at 109 euros per adult and include a three-course meal and live music. It can also be upgraded to include drinks and a window seat. Cruises are normally 2 hours 30 minutes with an 8:30pm departure. Book online here .
• Marina de Paris. Recommended cruises start at 100 euros per adult and include a 3-course meal. Drinks can be purchased on board. The cruise is 2 hours in length with a 9:15pm departure. Book online here .
• Capitaine Fricasse . Recommended cruises start at 79 euros per adult and include a 3-course meal. Drinks can be purchased on board. Cruises are normally 2 hours 30 minutes with an 8:45pm departure (except on Saturdays). Book online here .
• Paris en Scene . Recommended cruises start at 55 euros per person and include a 3-course meal as well as water. Cruises are normally 1 hour 45 minutes with departures at either 7:15pm or 9:45pm. This is a great value dinner cruise option. Book online here .
• Diamant Bleu . Recommended cruises start at 89 euros per person and include a 3-course meal with water. Live entertainment is provided. Cruises are normally 2 hours 30 minutes in duration and depart at 8:30pm. Book online here .

What to Consider When Booking a Seine River Dinner Cruise in Paris

As you have seen, there are quite a few choices when it comes to dinner cruises in Paris. So you might be wondering how to narrow your selection down a bit.

Well, to help you out we wanted to go through some of the key things to think about when comparing cruises, so you can decide on the right one for you.

Departure & Return Location

Seine River dinner cruises depart from various locations along the river, so you might want to consider this when booking your cruise.

Booking a cruise that starts and finishes closer to your accommodation will make getting back when it finishes easier.

Cruise Time

Dinner cruises depart at different times of the evening, from around 6pm through to around 9.30pm. Depending on the time of year you visit Paris you might prefer to take an earlier or later cruise to experience different lighting. This decision will depend on the sort of experience you want to have.

We have taken a cruise which went through sunset and into the night, as well as a cruise that took place entirely in daylight.

In the summer in Paris it doesn’t get dark until quite late, so if you want to have a nighttime experience on one of these cruises you’ll need to book one with a later departure time. Conversely over winter it gets darker much earlier so you might not have as much choice over whether you cruise in the daylight or not.

There are pros and cons to daytime, sunset and nighttime cruises.

During daylight hours, you will generally get a better view of Paris and it will be easier to take photos. However, it might not feel quite as romantic.

When it’s dark, you get to see the city when it is lit up. This can be very beautiful, and the Eiffel Tower in particular at night is gorgeous. This is definitely a more romantic experience.

However, it’s worth noting that photography can be pretty challenging at night. Reflections from the interior lights on the glass combined with the lack of light combines to make photography much more challenging.

Price is of course going to be a major factor when considering which Paris dinner river cruise to book.

Prices range from around 55 euros up to 150 euros and up.

When comparing price, it’s really important to look beyond the price and see what exactly is included. Some cruises include things like live entertainment for example. Others might have a better menu, a more intimate seating environment or more inclusions like water and drinks.

Choice of Seating

One of the reasons to take a Seine River dinner cruise is of course the view. Whilst the food on board most cruises (in our experience) is generally good, what you are really paying for is the experience and the views.

Most boats have a range of seating options, from central seating with limited views through to window seating along the sides. Some also offer more premium panorama seating near the front of the boat.

We’d usually recommend trying to get a window seat if it’s possible to specify this as you will generally have a better view of Paris. Just note that this is often a paid upgrade.

Duration of Dinner Cruise

When choosing a Seine River dinner cruise, you will need to decide what sort of duration of cruise you want to take. Cruises are offered ranging from around 1 hour 15 minutes up to 2 hours 30 minutes.

It’s worth noting that these times are the time that the boat is actually spent cruising on the water from departure to docking. Most cruises require you to arrive at least 30 minutes earlier so everyone can be seated in time for departure.

Our suggestion is to take a cruise that lasts at least 90 minutes – 2 hours as this way you will be able to enjoy your meal and not feel rushed.

Of course, you can save money by taking a shorter cruise if you prefer. Just be aware that the cruise will cover less ground, and you’re going to have less time for capturing all your favorite moments!

This being a river cruise, there is not a huge amount of choice that the boats have when it comes to the route.

Most vessels in our experience have a route which stretches from the Eiffel Tower area to the Notre Dame area. This route covers most of the sightseeing highlights of central Paris that you can see from the river.

Of course, the duration of the cruise can affect this route. Cruises that last for less time might see less, whilst cruises which last for longer will probably cover more ground.

Meal options

All the Paris dinner cruises we are aware of offer a fixed menu, usually consisting of 3 or 4 courses. There are usually at least 2-3 main course options, and there are also normally 2-3 starters and desserts to choose from.

Meals are normally included in the price of the cruise, however there will sometimes be a premium menu item such as steak which comes with an additional charge.

The majority of the cruises offer French food. You should be able to check the menu online prior to booking your cruise, which we recommend doing to be sure there will be an option to your liking.

Children’s Pricing, Age Policy, and Menu

The majority of Seine River Dinner cruises welcome children on board. If you are travelling with children and want to take them on a cruise, then this can definitely be a fun experience as a family.

There are a few things you will want to check before you book. First, what age the company defines as a “child”, as it varies from under 12 to under 13. Often (but not always) those defined as children will pay a lower rate, so this is definitely worth checking.

Many cruises also offer a children’s menu, so you will want to be sure that it is something your child will enjoy.

Drink options

Depending on the dinner cruise you choose, different drinks options will likely be available. Some packages include drinks, whilst others do not include any drinks at all. However, you can always purchase drinks, including alcoholic and soft drinks on board.

So obviously you can decide in advance if you would prefer to include drinks with your package or just pay as you consume.

It’s also worth noting that in our experience, tap water is not available on any of the boats, so if drinking water is not included in your meal package you would need to buy it on board.

Special Diet Needs or Preferences

If you have a food allergy or intolerance, then you will definitely need to check that the cruise you are thinking of taking is able to accommodate them. For most allergies, I would contact the cruise company directly to check if they can accommodate your needs.

For most special diets, unless they have a specific menu you can book directly (e.g., a lot of companies offer a “regular” and vegetarian menu), it is wise to contact the company in advance about your dietary needs or preferences.

Most companies require that you tell them in advance if you would like to choose a special menu option such as a vegan menu, dairy-free, or a gluten-free one.

Entertainment

Some cruises provide entertainment, normally in the form of live music. If this is something that you would like, then you would need to choose a cruise which includes this as an option.

Note that none of the dinner cruises we are aware of include any kind of sightseeing commentary as you travel up and down the river, as this would interrupt the ambience of the cruise. You can always ask a member of staff to identify sights of interest if you see something you are not sure about.

However, if you would prefer a cruise with commentary then you might consider taking a Seine River sightseeing cruise . We think that the two types of cruises are complimentary to one another so you could do a sightseeing cruise during one day of your trip and then do an evening dinner cruise another day of your trip.

But if you are choosing one or the other and want commentary, then we’d recommend a daytime sightseeing cruise instead.

Professional Photography

Most crusies have professional photographers on board who take photos. They will generally ask to take your photo and offer you photos to purchase if you wish towards the end of the cruise. This is optional and not something you need to do, but it can make for a great souvenir.

If you have accessibility requirements, you will obviously need to check what the cruise is able to accommodate.

For example, some of the dinner cruise options are accessible to those with reduced mobility issues and those in wheelchairs, particularly those which depart from near the Eiffel Tower as the dock can be accessed without steps.

However, other departure points require navigating many steps and so would be an issue.

If you have specific accessibility needs then we highly recommend reaching out to the company in advance of your tour to discuss your requirements.

Depending on the cruise you take, a dress code might apply, so it is important to check this beforehand. Even if a dress code is not mentioned, our experience is that most people tend to dress up a bit, so we would recommend smart casual as a minimum. Generally if you avoid shorts, flip-flops, sportswear, and very casual wear, you’ll be fine.

In our experience, people are generally a bit more casually dressed on the early evening dinner cruises and a bit more formally dressed on the later dinner cruises.

You can of course be as dressed up as you like, we’ve seen some very smartly dressed folks on the dinner cruises we’ve taken in Paris. We think it adds to the experience to put a bit of effort into dressing up at least a little for the cruise.

Our Experience Taking a Seine River Dinner Cruise?

We have actually taken a number of Seine River dinner boat cruises in Paris. We wanted to share our experiences of doing so to give you an idea of what to expect (and what not to expect!).

I’ll cover two cruises we have done in this section. One was in late summer, so whilst it was light when we departed (at around 9:00pm) it was fully dark by the time we returned at around 11.15pm.

For the second one we cruised in early summer with a 6.30pm departure and as a result it was light pretty much throughout the whole cruise until our return at just after 8:00pm.

The overall experience was similar. For both cruises we arrived around 45 minutes before the actual departure. Most cruises let you board at least 30 minutes before departure, and we definitely recommend arriving early so you can locate the boarding point and have time to check in. Sometimes being early can also mean you might get a better table.

On boarding, we gave our names and were shown to our table. In both cases we were allocated a window table.

After sitting down we were presented with a menu. We had already selected a drinks package on the cruises so water was waiting for us on the table, and we were offered a choice of wine which was brought and poured.

On most cruises you’ll get a set menu which will generally at least have a choice of mains. Sometimes you might also have a choice of appetizers and/or desserts but these are often set. So it is definitely important to have an idea of the menu before you choose your cruise.

Some menus also give you the option to pay extra for an upgrade (e.g., to have a special menu item like caviar, steak, lobster, etc.). So be careful about this if you don’t want to pay extra. It should be clearly marked on the menu.

We had time to take a quick look around the vessels and take a few photos, and then we ordered.

In both cases most of this happened while the vessel was still docked. We then got underway, where we enjoyed our wine before our meals arrived.

For our cruise which departed later, this was when we watched the sunset, over our aperitifs. For our cruise which departed earlier, it remained light throughout the whole experience.

On both cruises the food was good. First courses and desserts were generally chilled, whilst the main course was served hot. We also had a drinks package included on both cruises, which gave us more than enough to drink between us. On both cruises it included wine, water, and coffee/tea.

Service was efficient and friendly, and the service staff also answered any questions. There was also a professional photographer on board both cruises who took photos of everyone if they wished and then offered photo prints to purchase at the end of the cruise.

On the later cruise when it got dark it was lovely to see the Eiffel Tower lit up. However as it was dark it was quite difficult to take photos! This cruise also had a dance floor which quite a few people enjoyed towards the end, although there wasn’t live music.

Overall we enjoyed both our cruises a great deal. The views were lovely, the food was good and the service was excellent.

Is a Seine River Dinner Cruise in Paris worth it?

We would say that yes, a Seine River dinner cruise in Paris is definitely worth it. It’s a lovely way to spend an evening, the food is normally good and the sights of Paris are always wonderful to see.

The meals we had were both good but you shouldn’t expect a Michelin-starred meal. This is due to the constraints of being on a boat and serving multiple people at the same time. If you want a really nice meal in Paris, we would recommend booking a high-end restaurant. A lot of the cost of the cruise is for the cruise itself, rather than the meal.

You should also not expect this to be a narrated sightseeing cruise as the dinner cruises rarely include any type of narration. After dark, some of the attractions can be difficult to see although you get the chance to see the lights come on at night across central Paris. Many people love the experience of seeing the Eiffel Tower lights sparkle at night from the boat.

If you want a sightseeing cruise, we’d recommend booking a Seine sightseeing cruise as these give you a very different experience. But a dinner cruise is still a special way to see Paris at night.

So we’d recommend booking this for the experience of having a nice evening out with a good meal aboard a ship with nice views of Paris along the way.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Seine River dinner cruise, based on our experiences.

• Do some research and book your dinner cruise in advance – compare factors such as what food/drinks are included, price, departure time and duration
• Be sure to take into account the time of year in Paris in terms of how dark (or not) it will be during your cruise. For example, if you want to see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night you need to book a cruise that will be cruising at night. You can see sunrise and sunset times in Paris at different times of year here .
• Arrive in plenty of time. It’s important to arrive in plenty of time so you can find your boat and be boarded in plenty of time. Some of the departure locations have multiple companies, so you want to be sure you arrive in time to find your vessel.
• Bring a camera. You will absolutely want to document the experience, so we recommend bring a camera. A smartphone will of course do, but if you’re looking to elevate your photos you might consider picking up a good camera for travel .
• Dress up a bit. First you’ll want to check to see if your cruise has a specific dress code or not. Whilst many of the cruises don’t have a dress code, we suggest dressing up a bit anyway. It’s a special way to spend an evening, and many people will certainly be quite dressed up.
• Ask the crew to take a photo of you. Whilst a selfie is all well and good, you will nearly always get a better result if you ask a member of the crew to take your photo. Depending on the cruise you book there may also be a shipboard photographer who will offer to take your photo and then sell them to you. These can make for a lovely souvenir of your trip.
• Enjoy and make the most of your evening cruise in Paris!

Further Reading for your visit to Paris

We have been lucky enough to visit Paris many times, and based on our experiences we’ve put together a number of guides to help you plan your trip here. We also have some suggested third-party resources that we think you might find helpful.

• To help you make the most of your time in Paris, we have a series of itineraries. These cover spending  a day in Paris ,  2 Days in Paris  and  3 Days in Paris
• If you’re looking for good photos, we have a guide to the  best photography locations in Paris
• We have detailed guides to the best Seine river cruise ,  buying Paris opera tickets ,  attending a fashion show in Paris  and  saving money on Michelin starred restaurants in Paris
• We have a detailed  review of the Paris Pass and the Paris Museum Pass to help you decide if these might save you money
• If you’re wondering how best to get around, see our guide to how to get around Paris for lots of tips
• If you like afternoon tea, check out our definitive guide to the  best afternoon tea locations in Paris
• We have a detailed guide to attending the famous  Moulin Rouge show in Paris
• Are you coming to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the  best way to get from London to Paris  to help you plan
• For walking tours in Paris, we can recommend both  Context Tours  (link gives 10% off) and   Take Walks  who both offer tours in Paris.
• If you want a guide book to Paris, we always like to recommend the Rick Steves guides – here’s the  Rick Steves Paris  edition. We also recommend the Lonely Planet guides, and they have a  guidebook on Paris .

And that’s it! As always, if you have any questions or comments about this guide to our favourite Seine River dinner cruises in Paris, just let us know in the comments below. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

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Gerald & Teresa says

20th September 2023 at 4:31 am

My partner and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Paris and I just wanted to say thank you for your many helpful posts from you and your wife’s blogs. You made our trip much easier and one of the many highlights was our Seine cruise for dinner, we had a lovely meal, good weather, and loved seeing the eiffel tower and many other interesting historical buildings from the water.

As reference we did one of the recommended ones (Paris Marina I think, it was specifically this one ) and we booked the late dinner with 1/2 bottle of Champagne and window seat option.

For anyone on teh fence, I’d say definitely do a cruise! If you have a small budget, enjoy a daytime regular cruise but if you have a bit of a bigger budget we did really love our dinner cruise at sunset. It was very special for us and an unforgettable experience.

Merci beaucoup! G&T

Laurence Norah says

20th September 2023 at 8:03 am

Hi G&T,

Thanks for taking the time to pop by and leave your feedback and we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time in Paris and the dinner cruise in particular. Thank you also for letting us know that our content helped with your trip, that means a lot! We think a dinner cruise is very much worth it and are so happy you enjoyed yours 🙂

All the best and safe travels

Laurence & Jess

Leona Ramsey says

28th July 2023 at 8:09 pm

Hi Laurence!

What a great guide you have here to all the seine boat cruises–so helpful!!!

I am wondering if you could help us to find at least one option for a party of 6 (5 adults, 1 child age 14) for a dinner cruise in Paris between August 12-14. Any time OK. No special dietary requirements. I have been struggling to find one but may be my Internet connection or doing something wrong. Prefer booking on GYG (if price same) if possible rather than on the french company websites as they tend to be very clunky. I am older and not as easy for me to navigate online.

Also, a quick question, I have been trying to book window seats but I think based on my limited experience with this that this isn’t possible on most boats with a party of 6. Can you confirm that most of the window tables seem to be for parties of 2, 3, or 4? We prefer to sit all together so a middle table is fine as long as still have view but window table would be a bonus.

Thanks! Leona

29th July 2023 at 2:07 pm

Thanks very much! So you are correct, for the most part the tables for larger parties tend not to be near the windows as it is easier from a layout perspective to put smaller tables around the windows and larger tables in the middle. However, there are some options.

The Bateaux Parisiens Premier Service has seating at the front of the boat and offers good views. However they are rather pricey.

I’d perhaps instead suggest the Bateaux Parisien Decouverte Service for a group. They’re one row back from the window but as most of the Bateaux Mouches windows extend into the roof section of the boat, the view is still usually good. You can book those both on GetYourGuide.

Another option to consider would be the Bateaux Mouches Excellence menu, which if you book on Viator states that you wil have priority on the seats next to the windows. Again, on these boats normally the windows extend into the roof of the boat so the views are normally good, but like all the companies with multiple vessels there are a few different designs. You can book the Excellence menu on Viator here where it talks about the window seating.

The links I have put in should take you directly to the booking pages on either GetYourGuide or Viator. For the GetYourGuide link, it’s the same link, once you select your party size and date you can choose between the service level. There’s also quite a helpful boat layout map on the Bateaux Parisiens website here so you can see where you are going to be sitting for each price point.

They currently have availability for the dates you are looking for and your party size as well.

Do let me know if I can offer any further assistance! Otherwise have a great time in Paris and enjoy your dinner! I’d love to hear your feedback on the experience as well 🙂

30th July 2023 at 3:37 am

Thanks Laurence, this is what I needed and you’ve saved me a lot of time, will book the one from Bateaux Parisiens!!!!!!!! Merci beaucoup 😉

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Getting around paris, paris travel guide, paris essentials, train travel, paris arrondissements, the top-rated romantic dinner cruises in paris – the city of light at night, our top-rated, most romantic dinner cruises in paris.

A dinner cruise is our number-one recommendation for visitors who want to see the city in a different way. How can you beat sipping champagne while being served a classic French meal while cruising the river in the City of Light. Outside the bateau's window are the iconic monuments lit up for your viewing pleasure. You'll look back and remember this Seine dinner cruise as the highlight of your time in Paris. Bienvenue à bord! — welcome aboard!

Our Top-Rated Seine River Cruises

1. VIP Dinner Cruise with Champagne & Live Music… Our top-rated nighttime activity

2. Champagne Cruise Along the Seine… Get on board the boat with the bubbly

3. Dinner Cruise by Maxim's of Paris… Celebrating the Belle Époque bistro

3. Parisian Picnic Cruise with Wine & Champagne… Now that's cruising in style!

4. Seine River Lunch Cruise… With spectacular views outside your window

1. VIP Dinner Cruise with Champagne & Live Music…

2. Champagne Cruise Along the Seine…

3. Dinner Cruise by Maxim's of Paris…

3. Parisian Picnic Cruise with Wine & Champagne…

4. Seine River Lunch Cruise…

#1. VIP Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise

This is our top choice for a romantic dinner cruise over the course of a wonder-filled evening. This two-and-a-half-hour, slow cruise along the world's most beautiful river route is offered by Bateaux Parisiens , the most prestigious dinner cruise company in Paris. Marvel in the light show that is Paris in the evening, when all of the most famous monuments are lit up and visible from your boat on the river.

The evening starts on the banks of the Seine at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Be sure to choose the Service Premier option. You will be rewarded with front-of-the-line entry as well as VIP seating at the front of the boat for the best views and the best service.

The four-course dress-up dinner includes a variety of wines, coffee and liqueur. There is champagne served both at the beginning and the end of the dinner. The view and the leisurely pace are fantastic. There's nothing to do but to take in the many aspects of this beautiful city as the sun sets and the buildings light up. Did we mention the champagne?

#2. Dinner Cruise by Maxim's of Paris

We think you're going to love this new dinnertime cruise that joins the Seine River with Maxim's of Paris , the Belle Époque bistro that debuted at the 1900 Paris Exposition. On this evening cruise you'll dine on specialties made famous at the historic bistro as you admire the lights of the city. With VIP treatment, including guaranteed window seating for the best views, you'll be immersed in an unforgettable romantic atmosphere. Travelers are are raving about the delicious meal, live jazz and friendly service.

#3. Bateaux Mouches Dinner Cruise with Live Music

A Seine river cruise is an essential activity, so why not combine it with a leisurely dinner? This highly-rated Seine river cruise is conducted by Bateaux Mouches, a Paris river boat company that sails from a dock on the Right Bank. You'll relax in the glass-walled boat while a classic French dinner is served. Outside your window are spectacular views of the City of Light.

For the best experience, book the Dinner-Cruise Excellence option for a priority window table and a bottle of wine or champagne. Travelers are loving the experience: "Seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up was absolutely breathtaking."

#4. Early Evening Dinner Cruise – NEW!

This sunset dinner has the advantage of showing you the best of Paris as day turns to night. Travelers rave about the scenery at sunset and the delicious French food. We insist you choose the Romance Package , with a guaranteed window seat, rose petals on your table, a bottle of chilled champagne, and a special heart-shaped chocolate fondant dessert. Aprés dîner there's time to stroll along the banks of the Seine. Romance will be in the air.

#5. Le Diamant Bleu – Dining, Music & Dancing

If you still have some pep in your step , consider this fun dinner cruise offered by our friends at Le Diamant Bleu river cruise line. This bateau is more casual than others and adds live music, a DJ, and a dance floor. But when it comes to dining, the multi-course meal is all business with classic French ingredients like truffles, long-simmered lamb, roasted vegetables, and desserts including a caramelized pear with vanilla crunch. The VIP option (our recommendation) is limited so book now.

The Highest-Rated Paris Activities

Should i choose an upgrade for my dinner cruise.

In a word, yes. You may notice that we gently urge you to choose options such as Service Premier , Excellence , or the Romance package. Upgrades are well worth the investment when you consider that they include extras like champagne, more champagne, a better menu, seating at the front of the boat, and a few culinary surprises.

Best of all, you'll have the most desirable seats in the house… we mean, cabin! Who doesn't love being at a premier table close to a window, with privacy and a view onto the most spectacular sights of Paris? To our way of thinking, you're in Paris to feel like you're special and to get VIP treatment whenever possible.

What You Can Expect When You Dine on the Seine

We've observed that the French consider good food essential to their culture. And so, on a Seine River dinner cruise, you can expect a fabulous multi-course meal with champagne & wine. Although the menus change with the seasons here's an idea of the type of menu you are likely to find on one of these dinner cruise along the city's beautiful river. All cruises offer vegetarian menus as well.

Entrée (first course)

• Marinated Scottish salmon over baby greens, or • Foie gras with truffle shavings, or • Chilled prawns, herb vinaigrette & baby vegetables, or • Lobster chaud-froid cream sauce & a vegetable melange

Plat (main course)

• Beef filet with morel mushroom cream sauce & fresh pasta, or • Duck breast with fig sauce & baby potatoes, or • Grilled Veal with pomegranate sauce, chanterelles & rice pilaf, or • Sea bass filet with grilled zucchini, olives & basil

• Chocolate entremets — classic chocolate dessert selection, or • Raspberry schuss — a vanilla and raspberry cake, or • Raspberry macaron , or • Vanilla and strawberry vacherin — a meringue-filled with cream and fruit

In France, it's common to have an aperitif before dinner. Popular choices include kir ( creme de cassis & white wine), a glass of champagne, or even a glass of fruit juice — we prefer a glass of rosé champagne. With the meal, wine is always the right choice! There will be a sommelier on board who can help with your selection.

It's also common in France to pay a little extra (called a supplement ) for some of the special items on a menu. This might mean a supplement is added for the cheese course, or if you select higher priced-items like lobster or foie gras. In general, the standard (lowest) price is offered on the menu and the high rollers can tailor their menu with extra supplements. And of course, vegetarian options are almost always available.

What to Wear on a Paris Dinner Cruise

The dress code for the cruise is smart casual , meaning a blazer for men and elegant attire for women. It may sound obvious, but sportswear — including running shoes, baseball caps, flip-flops, crop-tops — are interdit (not allowed). This is a night to dress up! Here's your chance to wear your best dress, your best suit, your coolest shows, to be your best. It's a time to celebrate your evening in Paris in style.

The Boat Stops Here

Your travel e-documents will indicate where along the Seine you board your bateau . Check-in usually ends 15 minutes before departure time, so get there twenty to thirty minutes in advance. Better early than late. Here are the ports and quais where the various dinner cruise boats dock.

1. Port de la Bourdonnais

Located on the river across from Musée du Quai Branly , boats docking at Port de la Bourdonnais board at either Pontoon No. 5 or No. 7. Easy access from the Eiffel Tower. • Metro – Trocadero, Bir-Hakeim

2. Port de Solférino

Sitting on the banks of the Seine in front of Musée d'Orsay , Port de Solférino is easy to find and easy to access at the base of the pedestrian bridge, Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor . • Metro – Assemblé Nationale, Solferino

3. Quai Anatole France

Along Quai Anatole France, which runs downriver from Port de Solférino, is another bateau docking point. This quai , now closed to automobile traffic, has become a favorite destination for walkers. • Metro – Assemblé Nationale, Solferino

4. Port de la Conférence

Head to the Right Bank, between Pont l'Alma and Pont des Invalides for the dock at Port de la Conférence. There's a staircase off of Cour Albert 1er (which is itself next to Voie Georges Pompidou) that takes you directly to the dock. • Metro – Alma-Marceau

5. Quai d'Austerlitz

Quai d'Austerlitz is upriver, beyond Jardin des Plantes and Gare d'Austerlitz on the Left Bank in the 13th Arrondissement, yet it's easy to get to using the Metro. In fact, there's a lovely walk along the river from the Metro station to the dock. • Metro – Quai de la Gare

Discover What's On When You're Here...

Discover what's on when you're here, scenes on the seine.

Viewing Paris from a dinner boat on the river you quickly realize just how many of the city's sights are found along the banks of the Seine. Iconic landmarks are strung along the river like pearls.

A typical Paris dinner cruise sails the boat below Notre Dame Cathedral, passing the Louvre, the Hotel de Ville, and the Conciergerie. Most boats turns around at the Institut du Monde Arabe and heads towards Île de la Cité for another, closer view of Notre Dame, before cruising past Musée d’Orsay towards the Eiffel Tower. You may even head downstream a bit to view the Statue of Liberty on L'île aux Cygnes. Here are some of the celebrated sights the boats pass.

• Pont Alexandre III
• Les Invalides
• Grand Palais
• Petit Palais
• Pont des Arts
• Institut du France
• Île de la Cité
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Hotel de Ville
• Louvre Museum
• Place de la Concorde
• The Statue of Liberty

Three Dinner Cruise Companies

1. Bateaux Parisiens – Savoir-Faire Since 1956

Bateaux Parisiens was founded in 1956, and has become one of the leading river boat companies in Paris. With a fleet of a dozen boats, their Seine river dinner cruises pass beneath twenty-five bridges, and sail past just as many monuments. For the past few years, Bateaux Parisiens has been upgrading their fleet with innovation and sustainably in mind. The cruise cuisine emphasizes freshly-prepared meals made on board by a French chef and team. Bateaux Parisiens board at Port de La Bourdonnais in the 7th Arrondissement.

2. Bateaux Mouches – Elegance Beginning in 1949

Founder Jean Bruel began Bateaux Mouches in 1949 with a single steamboat salvaged from the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1900 . His novel idea was to offer guided tours on the Seine River. Today, the cruise company has a fleet of fifteen boats that host more than two million Parisians and travelers each year, making Bateaux Mouches the fourth-most-visited attraction in Paris, after the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and the Pompidou Centre.

All the boats feature open-air top decks and all dining tables are next to windows, providing amazing views of the Seine. A team of professional chefs prepare the dishes on board with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The Bateaux Mouches dock is found near Pont de l'Alma on Port de la Conférence.

3. Le Diamant Bleu – Build It And They Will Come

Designed by restaurateur Alain Daien, whose dream was to build a yacht that could accommodate dinner cruises on the Seine, Le Diamant Bleu launched in 2015 — an innovative, modern high-tech concept by launching jewel, with two levels, including an expansive rooftop deck. Le Diamant Bleu offers comfort, clean lines, and panoramic windows for exceptional views. Board Le Diamant Bleu at 36 Quai d'Austerlitz in the 13th, under Cité de la Mode's green facade.

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Cruise on the Seine in Paris

Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches® is the leading provider of cruises on the river Seine. Take some time to explore Paris a little differently and uncover the historic heart of the city of lights whilst slipping down its most beautiful avenue. Commentated tour, lunch in a unique restaurant or romantic dinner, there’s a cruise for everyone...

See Paris by boat

Hopping onto a boat and enjoying a tour down the Seine, for over an hour-long trip, seeing the capital’s iconic monuments is surely top of the list of things to do during a trip to Paris.  Read more

This service includes a meal for one person and a cruise ticket. Four sandwich options are available: Le Bastille (Ham & cheese), Le Châtelet (Pastrami), Le Montmartre (Salmon & Avocado) and Le Champs Elysées (Roasted vegetables / vegetarian).

Champagne cruise in Paris

This package contains a combo ticket including a sightseeing cruise on the Seine river with the Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches and Half a bottle of EPC Champagne for 2 people to be collected from the « Bar » situated on the boarding area, just before the turnstiles.

Brunch with a view in Paris

How about brunch on the Seine right opposite the Eiffel Tower? Every Sunday Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches opens up its restaurant Mademoiselle Mouche, on the Port de la Conférence, right next to the Pont de l’Alma. The chance to brunch in a quirky location...

Boat & Bus Visit

Combine your leisure cruise on the Seine with a double-decker bus tour! Take advantage of OpenTour's open-topped double-decker buses to visit the heart of Paris on your own terms, getting on and off at will.

Lunch on the Seine

Every weekend and public holiday, Bateaux-Mouches® casts off its moorings and sets sail for a friendly, laid-back lunch. A fantastic guinguette atmosphere, reminiscent of the Paris of yesteryear.  Read more

Romantic Dinner Cruise

A romantic dinner cruise lulled by the sound of the piano and violin, bathed in the shimmering reflections of the lights of Paris on the Seine. Two menus, Excellence and Prestige, for an unforgettable evening... An extraordinary moment.   Read more

Dinner show

Combine the enchantment of our dinner cruise with the sassy glamour of the Crazy Horse cabaret, another Paris institution. An evening full of spectacle, from start to finish.  Read more

Dates and special evenings

For a special event such as a marriage proposal, renewal of vows or special dates like New Year, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or 14th July, we offer special evenings. 

5 of the best dinner cruises in Paris

What better way to experience Paris’s legendary ability to tug at the heart strings than a cruise along the famous River Seine while enjoying a sumptuous meal?

(Photo: GetYourGuide.com)

If you’re planning a trip to Paris with that special someone, you may want to treat yourselves to a memorable dinner cruise. There are a wide number of companies offering a range of indulgent cruises in Paris, some of which include a mouth-watering on-board dinner as part of the experience. To help find the right one for you, we’ve picked out three of the best dinner cruises currently available in the City of Lights.

Romantic Seine River Dinner Cruise

Marvel at the beauty of Paris during this romantic 1.5-hour evening cruise for two. After boarding your vessel at the Quai de Solférino at 6pm, you’ll be able to get acquainted with the on-board facilities at your leisure. Once you’re ready to take your seat, you’ll be shown to an individual table by a window in the boat-restaurant, affording you exceptional views of the bridges and sights of the city all along the river banks. During the tour you’ll enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner, including a glass of champagne, coffee or tea, and rose petals while soaking up the vistas of such iconic landmarks as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower before your cruise comes to an end. From $109 per person.

Book at ParisCityVision

3-Hour Dinner Cruise on Seine River and Saint-Martin Canal

(Photo: Viator.com)

Lesser known than its Seine counterpart, Paris also boasts another important waterway in the shape of the Saint-Martin Canal. This 3-hour cruise takes in both and includes a mouth-watering on-board dinner. As well as offering the chance to see some of Paris’s most famous landmarks on the banks of the Seine, you’ll also get to see a more hidden side of Paris on the canal, including passing under a mysterious underground vault with natural light holes. The price of the tour includes dinner. From $81 per person.

Book at Viator

Seine River Cruise & Dinner on Champs Elysées Avenue

Discover Paris’s rich cultural heritage on this one-hour Seine River cruise before heading to an acclaimed restaurant on the iconic Champs-Elysées for a sumptuous dinner. With hourly departures throughout the afternoon until 8pm, you’ll get to admire famous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral from the comfort of your cruise.  You can also learn the history of Paris through an on-board audio guide available in 14 languages. After your cruise, head to dinner at L’Alsace, renowned for serving delectable French specialties, to bring your tour to a close. Dinner, including one glass of wine, is included in the tour price. From $63 per person.

Book at GetYourGuide

Seine River Dinner Cruise and Moulin Rouge Show

(Photo: Paris City Vision)

A popular choice with those with a bigger budget and more time on their hands, this all-day tour includes a river dinner cruise, a trip up the Eiffel Tower and a seat at the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret show. After departing at 6pm, you’ll cruise along the Seine on a floating restaurant, savouring a delicious meal while watching the famous illuminated monuments and bridges of Paris speed by. Your next stop is the Eifel Tower where your skip-the-line ticket gives you priority access to the 2nd floor. Finally, you’ll sit down for the legendary Moulin Rouge (including a glass of champagne) in Paris’s bohemian Montmartre district to bring your memorable day to a close. From $306 per person.

Paris: Cruise, Dinner and Cabaret Show at Lido de Paris

Admire the monuments and museums of Paris during a peaceful cruise on the Seine, followed by a delicious dinner and cabaret show. As you cruise down the river you can unwind while contemplating the city’s rich history, before disembarking and heading to the renowned L’Alsace restaurant on the Champs-Elysées Avenue. After dinner, you can move on to the nearby Lido de Paris to watch an unforgettable, spectacular and historic cabaret show dating back to 1948. The cost of the tour includes your cruise tickets, cabaret show tickets, and two course dinner. From $171 per person.

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11 Best Paris Dinner Cruise with Eiffel Tower (2024)

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A Seine River Dinner Cruise and Eiffel Tower are quintessential Parisian experiences that allow visitors to witness the city’s historic heart from its lifeline, the Seine River. 

As you glide past iconic landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, the Musée d’Orsay, and the glittering Eiffel Tower, indulge in a gourmet meal highlighting French cuisine’s essence.

The Seine River Dinner Cruise and Eiffel Tower offer a harmonious blend of relaxation, sightseeing, and gastronomic delight, presenting the best of Paris in a single evening.

Whenever I visit Paris, the Eiffel Tower and a Seine River Cruise are always at the top of my list of things to do. 

Many companies offer Seine River Dinner Cruises and it can be hard to choose the perfect tour.

Based on personal experience with Seine River Cruises and visiting the Eiffel Tower, traveler reviews, and company offerings I have found the best Paris Dinner Cruise and Eiffel Tower experience. 

Are you ready to choose your perfect cruise?

Table of Contents

Best Paris Dinner Cruise Eiffel Tower

1. paris: eiffel tower dinner cruise with a moulin rouge show.

⭐RATING: 4.6 OUT OF 5 | 📍 DURATION: 2.5 HOURS | 🏚 BOOK NOW

Experiencing Paris by night is a unique and magical adventure I have personally enjoyed.

This tour is the best dinner cruise in Paris and includes a Seine River Cruise, Eiffel Tower and Moulin Rouge show.

It begins with an entry ticket to the city’s iconic monument, the Eiffel Tower, ascending to the first floor to marvel at the breathtaking views, just as I did on my visit.

The next feature to delight in is a cruise on the Seine River, enjoying a delicious 3-course meal and champagne.

As you pass the romantic bridges and palaces, including Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre , the scenery echoes the beauty I witnessed during my nighttime cruise.

Finally, join a revue show at the Moulin Rouge, toasting the French Cancan with sparkling Champagne, an unforgettable spectacle.

The tour concludes with a convenient drop-off near your hotel in a luxury coach, allowing you to reflect on a luxury dinner cruise in Paris filled with elegance, romance, and excitement that defines the essence of Paris.

✔ Top Tip: If you attend the earliest show at the Moulin Rouge, you will take the cruise on a separate day

Very good activity! Everything went well as planned.. the guide finally the guides at the top! Very small problem, not much time to spend at the Eiffel Tower.. just enough time for a photo or two and you have to go directly to the rallying point for the Moulin Rouge! But excursion at the top 👍👍👍 – Bertrand (Read More Reviews )

➡ Click here to check availability and rates

2. Paris: Seine River Cruise with 3-Course Dinner & Live Music

This Seine River dinner cruise with Champagne is the perfect option for those who would rather see the Eiffel Tower from the water.

The Seine River Cruise dinner menu includes luxurious options like Lobster ravioli and Risotto, black truffle chips, and live entertainment for an authentic Parisian ambiance.

Guests are guaranteed window seats, allowing them to soak in a new perspective of Paris as they glide past its famous monuments.

The smaller, more private experience on the boat , accentuated by the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling lights, promises a once-in-a-lifetime evening.

Though the food service might feel rushed, the swift presentation ensures ample time to enjoy the glittering sights and great atmosphere onboard.

Dressed in elegant attire and sipping Champagne , guests can revel in the blend of culinary delight and breathtaking scenery that makes this journey a standout among the city’s offerings.

The crew and pianists were fantastic!!! By the end of the cruise, everyone was dancing and singing. So much fun and the food was delicious! Great experience 🍷🎉 – Jack (Read More Reviews )

3. Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise

⭐RATING: 4.5 OUT OF 5 | 📍 DURATION: 2.5 HOURS | 🏚 BOOK NOW

Embark on an unforgettable Paris Seine River Cruise from Eiffel Tower , a unique experience offering the elegance of a traditional French meal, all made onboard with seasonal and local products.

The soothing live entertainment by a singer featuring an incredible voice and perfectly chosen songs add to the romantic atmosphere.

Departing from the foot of the iconic Eiffel Tower and embracing the city’s illuminated landmarks, this tour captures Paris in all its nighttime glory.

Knowledgeable servers explain the sites, and professional pictures are taken to capture the memories.

With a dress code of smart casual and infants welcomed with available seating, it’s an inclusive outing suitable for various occasions.

Though the portions might seem modest, they perfectly complement the intimate, exquisite experience, allowing guests to savor both the culinary delights and the city’s visual feast.

It’s more than a meal; it’s a lovely way to experience Paris at night .

✔ Top Tip: Upgrade for a window table to get the best views

This a MUST DO while in Paris! Everything was magnifique! The service was outstandingly, the music enchanting and the food was quite good. A perfect way to spend two and one half hours taking in all of the enchantment of Paris while enjoying a leisurely cruise – Mark (Read More Reviews )

4. Eiffel Tower Access with Seine River Dinner Cruise & Moulin Rouge

⭐RATING: 4.0 OUT OF 5 | 📍 DURATION: 7 HOURS | 🏚 BOOK NOW

Embarking on this all-encompassing Parisian adventure means ticking off three must-see bucket list items in a single outing.

You will be treated to an unforgettable gastronomic meal aboard a Paris Seine boat, allowing you to admire the capital’s most beautiful monuments, such as the splendid Alexandre III bridge, the illuminated Louvre museum, and the majestic Notre Dame de Paris cathedral.

This immersive experience doesn’t stop at sightseeing; it also offers priority access to the Eiffel Tower’s second floor, opening up a gorgeous panorama of the City of Lights , enriching both the trip’s visual spectacle and emotional resonance.

The evening culminates with the vibrant Moulin Rouge show, part of the new ‘Féerie’ review, encapsulating the quintessential Parisian spirit.

Combining these elements ensures a time-efficient and exhilarating experience, perfect for those looking to maximize their Paris escapade.

✔ Top tip there can be some confusion about meeting places so make to communicate with your guide so you know exactly where you need to go

We had a great time! The tour on the river was so fun and I loved visiting the Eiffel Tower and watching the show at the moulin rouge! – Karina (Read More Reviews )

5. Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music by Bateaux Mouches

⭐RATING: 4.5 OUT OF 5 | 📍 DURATION: 3 HOURS | 🏚 BOOK NOW

Gliding along the water, you can spot glittering landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre, all illuminated beautifully under the night sky, leaving me awestruck.

The tour also ensures a memorable culinary experience, with a delicious 4-course dinner prepared in classic French style and live music performed by a skilled violinist and pianist.

What made the experience even more special was the excellent timing of the captain to position the boat in front of the Eiffel Tower just as it began its dazzling light show and the professional waitstaff that served the scrumptious food at a comfortable pace.

This perfectly crafted night ensures not just sights and flavours but the essence of Paris itself.

Wow! This was a highlight on our trip to Paris. It was well organized, food was delicious, sights were beautiful. All capped off by the Eiffel Tower lighting up and sparkling just as we cruised by. I highly recommend this dinner river cruise!!! – Julian (Read More Reviews )

6. Paris Seine River Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Champagne

⭐RATING: 4 OUT OF 5 | 📍 DURATION: 1.5 HOURS | 🏚 BOOK NOW

You will indulge in a gourmet 3-course meal, exquisitely paired with Champagne, aboard La Marina de Paris glass-enclosed boat .

As the city’s top sights, like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre, glide by through panoramic windows, one can’t help but admire the city lit up in all its glory.

The early-evening dinner option is perfect if you are on a tighter schedule, or the nighttime dining accompanied by music enhances the cozy ambiance.

Packages with rose petals and souvenir photos are available to add a touch of romance.

The narrated parts were engaging and insightful. Although you must descend 20 or more steps to reach the entry-level, this minor inconvenience is overshadowed by the enchanting experience that awaits onboard.

We had a wonderful evening on this river cruise. The food was great, our servers were friendly and accommodating and they easily handled my food allergy. . This lady who sang throughout the night was excellent and we found ourselves joining in with her on several songs which seemed to delight her as well. This was the perfect first evening in Paris – Sandy (Read More Reviews )

7. Paris: Seine River Champagne Dinner Cruise with Live Music

⭐RATING: 4.1 OUT OF 5 | 📍 DURATION: 1.5 – 2 HOURS | 🏚 BOOK NOW

The charm of the Seine envelops you in a musical and cozy atmosphere, creating the perfect setting for couples or families to relish the city’s beauty.

As night falls on Paris, you will be treated to a delicious menu that includes starters, main courses, and desserts, each crafted with carefully selected seasonal ingredients.

This feature not only tantalizes the taste buds but further enhances the romantic ambiance, turning a simple meal into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Being punctual, with arrival at the boarding gate 30 minutes before, ensures a smooth start to a great trip that combines the allure of Paris with the comfort and elegance of dining on the water, leaving lasting memories like it did for me.

It was just lovely. The boat was air conditioned. The food was absolutely delicious and the scenery along the Seine was stunning. This is a trip that is good for couples or families. – Barbara (Read More Reviews )

8. Seine River Early Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Wine by Bateaux Parisiens

You are treated to traditional French cuisine, skillfully prepared on board by the Chef, providing an elegant and refined dining experience that effortlessly elevates the evening.

Cruising aboard a glass canopy boat adds the benefit of unobstructed views of Paris’s iconic landmarks, a feature that becomes a lasting memory.

Including alcoholic beverages enhances the meal, allowing for a full culinary delight. The cruise’s timely start at 6:15 pm and its prime boarding point that captures the Eiffel Tower in the background benefit those with children or night-time plans in the city.

It turns a simple dinner into a mesmerizing Parisian experience.

The food was delicious, staff was excellent and the views were terrific. I would highly recommend this cruise to anybody! – Susan (Read More Reviews )

9. Paris Gourmet Dinner Seine River Cruise with Singer and DJ Set

The charm of the Diamant Bleu, a panoramic yacht sailing the Seine River, is perfect for those seeking a romantic dinner cruise.

The 2 hours and 30 minutes cruise unfolds a breathtaking journey, passing by iconic landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral, Concorde Square, and the Eiffel Tower river cruise.

The quality culinary experience, paired with live music and a DJ set, adds to the elegance of the evening, perfect for couples seeking a magical night.

The panoramic terrace, a highlight of many travellers, is ideal for selfies, especially with views of the Eiffel Tower that makes this one of the best Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise with rooftop and live singer.

Opting for the VIP option can enhance the experience further, providing window seating for up to 5 people.

Starting at 8:30 pm, this cruise perfectly balances elegance and enchantment, transforming a simple dinner into a Parisian affair to remember.

Great experience for us. We purchased VIP package so we boarded the ship at 7:30, sipped champagne and started to look around. Then we started sailing at 8:30pm and dinner was served, food and ambience were all excellent and first class. I would highly recommend it – Xiaokun (Read More Reviews )

10. Paris: Sightseeing Cruise on the Seine with 4-Course Dinner

The Bateaux Mouches, centrally located near the Pont de l’Alma and many of the 5-star hotels in Paris, is easily accessible by public transport or free parking. The convenience begins even before the adventure does.

As the boat leaves the quay, an aperitif sets the tone for a delightful evening where both Paris’s monuments and intimate corners unfold before your eyes.

The choice from an à la carte menu, accompanied by live piano and violin, creates a romantic atmosphere, enhanced by special attention for those celebrating an occasion.

The upper deck invites unforgettable photo opportunities, while children under 4 join for free.

This tou r is not just an early dinner cruise; it’s a harmonious blend of sightseeing, gastronomy, and music designed to appeal to families and couples.

This trip made our breakaway to Paris very special. The food was fantastic and the staff were really helpful and the sights on the evening dinner cruise just blew us away. Very relaxing experience would definitely recommend – Caroline (Read More Reviews )

11. Paris: Seine River Sightseeing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

⭐RATING: 4.2 OUT OF 5 | 📍 DURATION: 2 HOURS | 🏚 BOOK NOW

Taking a night time cruise on the Seine River is an experience I will never forget, one that offers the perfect blend of sightseeing and culinary delight.

Boarding by the Musée d’Orsay museum, the cruise weaves through Paris, gliding past iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre Museum.

But it’s not just about the sights; the tour treats you to an authentic Parisian culinary experience.

A sophisticated gourmet meal, comprising a rich starter, choice of main course, and a typical dessert, tantalizes the taste buds.

And for those seeking a touch of romance, a glass of champagne can be included with the romantic option.

However, it’s worth noting that the steak comes with an additional charge.

This cruise effortlessly marries the elegance of Paris with its gastronomic excellence.

After looking through many different dinner cruises & reading lots of reviews, we are so glad we chose this one. Food was amazing- so tasty and large portions. Staff were so friendly, service was 10/10. We opted for the champagne/ window seat option which was well worth it… – Niamh (Read More Reviews )

FAQs: Eiffel Tower Dinner and Cruise

What is the best seine river dinner cruise in paris.

The best Seine River Dinner Cruise in Paris is the Eiffel Tower Dinner Cruise with a Moulin Rouge Show . It combines an elegant dinner cruise past iconic landmarks with the entertainment of a world-renowned Moulin Rouge show, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

Are Paris Dinner Cruises Worth It?

Yes, Paris Dinner Cruises are worth it. They offer a unique opportunity to enjoy authentic French cuisine while sailing past iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Combining sightseeing with a gourmet meal, they provide a memorable experience that captures the essence of Paris’s romantic and cultural allure.

Wrap Up: Paris Eiffel Tower Dinner and Seine River Cruise

A Paris Dinner Cruise with Eiffel Tower tour is a must-do during your trip to Paris . Getting out onto the water is a fantastic experience.

You get to view Paris’ famous landmarks from a different perspective, with the beautiful lights twinkling as your sail by.

With so many tour options, you’ll have no problem finding the best dinner cruise in Paris. However, my favourite Paris Dinner Cruise with Eiffel Tower Tour is the Eiffel Tower Dinner Cruise with a Moulin Rouge Show . It combines an elegant dinner cruise past iconic landmarks with the entertainment of a world-renowned Moulin Rouge show, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

If you want to spend more time exploring the Eiffel Tower, take the opportunity to climb the stairs and take the scenic route !

➡ Don’t forget to book your Dinner Cruise and Eiffel Tower Tour

I'm Fiona, the Australian blogger behind Travelling Thirties. Travel has always been my passion since 2007. I created this site to help inspire you to travel the world. In 2010 I moved from Australia to Scotland with $500 and a one way ticket, no one thought I'd last 5 minutes but I lasted 5 years. I share everything from one day itineraries to travel tips and tricks from Australia to Europe that will inspire you to get out and travel. Some of my favourite countries I have been to are France, Finland, Denmark, and England.

Travel Expertise: Europe Travel, France Travel, Christmas Markets, travel planning, itineraries and travel tips

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12 Best Seine River Cruises in Paris

Want to know the best Seine River cruises in Paris?

As one of the top things to do in Paris, there are surprisingly a lot of different options to choose from.

That’s why I’ve researched for you.

Not to mention, throughout my 9 trips to Paris, I’ve taken a couple of different ones myself so I know firsthand how they work and how relaxing they are to see the city and its landmarks.

There’s everything from sightseeing tours with audio guides to gourmet dinner cruises. A Paris boat tour is a popular thing to do in the City of Light and that’s why there are so many options. Which Seine River cruise is the best one for you will depend on your personal preferences. That’s why selected 12 of the best boat tours on the Seine.

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to book. Please check out my  privacy policy and disclosure  for more information.

My Top 3 Picks of Best Seine River Cruises in Paris

Wondering what is the best Seine River cruise in Paris? If you don’t want to go through my list of 12, I’ve shared my top 3 picks.

River Seine Cruise

✅ Most popular

✅ Audio guide

✅ Budget-friendly

Dinner Cruise

✅ Option to select seating

✅ 3-course a la carte dinner

✅ Special Occasion

Eiffel Tour & Seine Boat Tour Bundle

✅ 2-4-1 attractions

✅ Skip-the-line entry at Eiffel Tower

✅ Bundle pricing

Best 12 Tours: Cruises on the Seine River Paris

1. Tour 1: River Seine Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4.3/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   1 hour | 📍 LOCATION: Eiffel Tower | ✅  BOOK IT: Best Seine River cruise for families

This Seine River Tour is an excellent way to discover Paris and its famous landmarks. With an audio guide commentary, you can learn about the history and architecture of iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame Cathedral while enjoying the stunning views from the water.

This tour isn’t going to break the travel budget. It’s one I take over and over again like to see the Paris autumn foliage in the fall.

Traveller’s Pro Tip : have your Smartphone fully charged and bring your headphones (or headphones are provided) to get the best Seine River cruise experience.

Check Prices and Availability!

2. Tour 2: Dinner Cruise on the Seine River

⭐️  RATING:  4.6/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2.5 hours | 📍 LOCATION: Eiffel Tower | ✅  BOOK IT: For a special occasion as the best dinner cruise in paris

A Seine River dinner cruise is a romantic way to experience Paris . While indulging in a delicious à-la-carte 3-course meal, you can take in the breathtaking views of Paris, illuminated for the night, aboard an all-glass boat.

This is a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or to create a memorable experience while visiting Paris .

My husband and I celebrate our wedding anniversary every 5 years in Paris. And on one of those trips we booked this tour, and fondly cherish that memory. There’s nothing quite like a cruise on the Seine at night.

Traveller’s Pro Tip : upgrade your package to include priority seating like we did and you are guaranteed a seat by the window and a glass of champagne to make this one of the best dinner cruises in Paris (a vegetarian option is available).

3. Tour 3: Eiffel Tower Summit Access and Seine River Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   3 hours | 📍 LOCATION: Eiffel Tower | ✅  BOOK IT: First-timers to Paris

The Eiffel Tower & Seine River Cruise bundle is the ultimate way to experience the iconic landmarks of Paris.

The combination ticket includes access to the Eiffel Tower summit, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city from one of its most famous landmarks.

Additionally, the bundle includes a 1-hour cruise in the Seine River Paris, providing a unique perspective of the city and its iconic landmarks, such as the Ile Saint Louis and Louvre Museum.

The bundle is an excellent value for those visiting on a quick Paris getaway and wanting to experience two of the most popular activities in Paris in one convenient package. It also includes a guide.

REVIEWERS say: collecting tickets was easy , go as a group with a guide (pros/cons) , great way to see 2:1 attractions

4. Tour 4: River Seine Cruise with Lunch

⭐️  RATING:  4.7/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2 hours | 📍 LOCATION: Eiffel Tower | ✅  BOOK IT: Leisure lunch

A River Seine Lunch Cruise is a perfect way to indulge in a delicious meal while taking in the stunning views of Paris from the water. Enjoy an à-la-carte 3-course lunch, prepared by skilled chefs, aboard an all-glass boat.

Appreciate the beauty and charm of Paris while enjoying a luxurious dining experience. Whether it’s a romantic outing or a family gathering, a River Seine Lunch Cruise is a memorable and delightful way to experience the best of Paris.

REVIEWERS say: enjoy the upgrade of priority seating, cheese platter and champagne, food was delicious, attentive servers

5. Tour 5: Marne River Loop Cruise with Lunch

⭐️  RATING:  4.7/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   6 hours | 📍 LOCATION: Musee d’Orsay | ✅  BOOK IT: Art and History lovers

The Marne River Loop Day Cruise is a fantastic way to experience the scenic beauty of the French countryside. The 6-hour Paris boat trip takes you along the Seine and Marne rivers, offering stunning views of the countryside that inspired the Impressionist art movement.

Indulge in a delicious lunch while taking in the breathtaking views, including gardens and quaint villages. This France off-the-beaten path experience is a perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris and enjoy a relaxing day in the countryside.

REVIEWERS say: small sized group, ability to order champagne, guide was insightful, pleasurable way to spend the day

6. Tour 6: Louvre Museum and Seine River Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4.4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   1 day duration | 📍 LOCATION: Eiffel Tower | ✅  BOOK IT: Art and Architecture lovers

The Louvre Museum & Seine River Cruise bundle is the best way to experience two of the most popular activities in Paris. The combination ticket includes access to the world-renowned Louvre Museum, home to some of the most famous works of art in the world, including the Mona Lisa.

The bundle ticket also includes a 1-hour boat ride on Seine River. The value-pack bundle is perfect for art enthusiasts and anyone interested in exploring the history and culture of Paris.

REVIEWERS say: appreciate the skip-the-line access to the Louvre, the flexibility of when to use the boat cruise

7. Tour 7: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour & Seine Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4.3/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: Valid for 1, 2 or 3-day options (at booking) | ✅  BOOK IT: Relaxed sightseer

The Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour & Seine River Cruise bundle is an excellent way to explore the city without strolling the Paris streets .

The combination ticket offers 1, 2, or 3-day options, allowing you to experience the city at your own pace. The bus tour provides an informative audio commentary and stops at all of the major landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.

Additionally, the bundle includes a cruise on the River Seine Paris giving you a new perspective of the city and its famous landmarks.

REVIEWERS say: the buses were on schedule, information was shared on the bus tour and the boat tour was different so no duplication

8. Tour 8: Illumiantions Seine River Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4.3/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   1 hour | 📍 LOCATION: Eiffel Tower | ✅  BOOK IT: Sunset Lovers

The Illuminations Seine River Cruise is a magical way to experience Paris’s landmarks at their most beautiful. Cruise Paris Seine River for an hour where you can enjoy stunning views of Paris, illuminated by the evening sunset. The landmarks include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, among others.

The experience offers a unique perspective of the city, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty and romance of Paris as the light slowly dips into the horizon.

It’s an excellent way to cap off a day of exploring the city and a must-do for anyone looking to experience the enchanting ambiance of Paris at its finest.

REVIEWERS say: time it perfectly to catch the sunset, best night boat tour Paris offers to see the Eiffel Tower twinkle lights, top deck does not have audio

9. Tour 9: Seine Cruise & Crepe Tasting

⭐️  RATING:  4.2/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   1 hour | 📍 LOCATION: Eiffel Tower | ✅  BOOK IT: Foodies

The Seine Cruise & Crêpe Tasting is a delightful way to experience Parisian cuisine while taking in the beauty of the city from the water. The 1-hour Paris Seine River cruise takes you along the famous river, offering stunning views of Paris’s iconic landmarks such as the Grand Palais and Hotel de Ville.

Before or after the cruise, you can indulge in a delicious crêpe at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, a quintessential French treat.

REVIEWERS say: delicious crepes, the cruise boat offers outdoor seating and indoor seating with glass windows, busier times are in the evening to catch the sunset , best night Seine River cruise

10. Tour 10: Evening Cruise with Drink and City Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.2/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2 hours | 📍 LOCATION: Eiffel Tower | ✅  BOOK IT: Explorers

The Evening Cruise with Drink and City Walking Tour is an exciting way to experience Paris. This 1-hour Seine River cruise at night takes you past some of the city’s most treasured landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides. During the cruise, visitors can enjoy a glass of champagne, adding a touch of luxury to the experience.

After the River Seive boat tour, you can choose from a selection of 10 audio walking tours around Paris, allowing you to explore the city’s charming streets and neighbourhoods, like Saint Germain . This fun experience offers a unique perspective of Paris, combining stunning views of the city with a cultural walking tour.

REVIEWERS say: glass of wine was a nice touch, loud music on board (pro/con), option of using the walking tour after the cruise is over

11. Tour 11: Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4.2/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2.5 hours | 📍 LOCATION: Eiffel Tower | ✅  BOOK IT: Hidden gem seekers

The Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin Cruise is a fascinating way to experience the hidden side of Paris’s waterways. The 2.5-hour cruise takes you along the Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin, offering a unique perspective of the city’s secret side. This is the best Paris boat tour for exploring the charming and lesser-known areas of Paris.

The cruise offers stunning views of the city’s historic buildings, arched bridges, and picturesque locks. It’s a perfect way to escape the crowds and experience Paris’s peaceful and hidden waterways.

REVIEWERS say: watching the opening of the canals, guide commentary is difficult to hear and only inside seats, great value for experience

12. Tour 12: Sunset and Evening River Cruise with Music and Drinks

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   1 hours | 📍 LOCATION: Eiffel Tower | ✅  BOOK IT: Nightlife seekers

The Sunset and Seine River Night Cruise with Music & Drinks is a fantastic way to experience the magic of Paris at night. The 1-hour cruise on the Seine Paris takes you past 8 of the city’s top landmarks. Enjoy a glass of champagne, wine, or beer while listening to music on board, adding to the ambiance of the experience.

The Sunset and Evening River Cruise is a perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing and enjoy the beauty of Paris at night.

REVIEWERS say: best part is rooftop, magical, couldn’t hear guide, bring own headphones and Smartphone , one of the best Paris river cruises to see the lights

Tips & Highlights for Your Seine River Cruise

To make the most of your Paris river cruise it’s important to plan and keep these tips in mind:

• Book your tour in advance to ensure availability and to get the best possible price.
• Double-check the departure point and time to avoid any confusion or delays.
• Read the instructions and details of the tour you are taking to manage expectations.
• Arrive early, as it allows you to choose your preferred seating and ensure a smooth boarding process.
• Dress appropriately for the type of tour you’ll be taking – whether it’s a casual daytime cruise or a more formal dinner cruise.
• Cruises are wheelchair accessible. There may be limitations once onboard the boats in Paris. But all boats have ramps suitable for wheelchair users to get on and off safely.

Each of the River Seine Tours starts and ends at the Eiffel Tower and will cruise past 8 iconic landmarks:

• Les Invalides
• Musée d’Orsay
• Ile de la Cite
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Hôtel de Ville
• Louvre Museum
• Place de la Concorde
• Grand Palais

The cruise on River Seine Paris will take you under 16 of the most iconic bridges like Pont Alexandre III and Pont des Arts.

As a Holidaymaker

So there you have it, some of the best Seine River cruises in Paris that will leave you with unforgettable memories. From romantic dinner cruises to family-friendly options and everything in between.

So whether you’re here for a special occasion or just want to take in the sights and sounds of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, be sure to hop on board one of these amazing river cruises. Bon voyage!

Creator, Founder of Dream Plan Experience

She specializes exclusively in European travel and crafting unforgettable day trips within her home province of Ontario, Canada.

She has been travelling to Europe for over 35 years and has lived abroad in Germany twice. Revisiting countries and exploring them extensively to create in depth travel itineraries, destination guides and helping travellers plan their trips to Europe through her customized services.

She also is a co-partner in a woman-led company that offers luxury retreats in Europe offering immersive cultural experiences.

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Savvy Travel Advice

Seine River Cruises in Paris: How to Choose the Best Seine Cruise Boat Tour

Last updated: February 17, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 103 Comments

A Seine river cruise is a very popular way to see Paris, and one we always recommend to visitors to the city. These short river cruises allow you to take in many of the highlights of the city—the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral, etc.—as you float along the Seine River.

Many of Paris’s most famous and important buildings, bridges, and attractions can be seen from the river. The river viewpoint also allows you to gain some good insight into the city’s history, evolution, and architecture. In fact, the banks of the Seine in Paris were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

We have taken many Seine river cruises over the years on multiple visits to Paris with a lot of different companies, and we always recommend one to friends and family when visiting Paris.

However, deciding on the right cruise may be difficult as there are several companies that provide similar tours along the Seine River.

In this article, we’ll give you the details on the most popular sightseeing boat tours in the City of Light and help you decide which one might be best for you. We’ll also provide you with a list of Seine dinner cruises and companies offering private Seine river cruises for those looking for a special evening out. We’ll also let you know which ones we chose and why for our own Seine river cruise experiences.

Table of Contents:

Seine River Cruises: Main Paris Sightseeing Boat Companies

There are a lot of similarities in many of the Seine river boat cruises that offer larger scale cruises along the Seine.

First, most Seine cruises last about an hour in duration and stop and end at the same point unless otherwise noted. They also all complete approximately the same circuit although you can check for the exact map for each by going to the companies’ websites. Most companies operate sightseeing river cruises in Paris year-round.

In addition to regular sightseeing cruises, the majority of these companies also operate dinner cruises on the Seine (as well as other meals and special event cruises) if you are looking for a meal on board.

While you can buy tickets for most cruises the same day in-person near the dock, you may be able to save money by purchasing in advance. Often tickets are valid for 3 months to 1 year following purchase allowing you to choose the time and date of your Seine cruise. If you purchase a ticket or voucher online, be sure to print it out and take it with you to claim your ticket at the dock.

Some of the companies offer cruises seasonally whereas others operate year-round. Those that operate year-round often offer less frequent cruises in the low season. High season is generally from April to September and low season is from October to March.

Below we summarize the departure points, type of commentary or narration provided, cost of tickets, how to buy the tickets, and other points of interest about each company that offers Seine cruises. This list is in alphabetical order: 

1. Bateaux Mouches Seine Cruise

This is the oldest company operating cruise boats on the Seine River, starting service after World War II, and these boats have become somewhat of a symbol of Paris. Bateaux Mouches has some of the biggest boats which are easy to spot because they are big, double-decker open-top boats with orange seats.

The sightseeing cruises last approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Departure Points(s)

Leaves from Pont de l’Alma (right bank) in the 8th arrondissement.

Pre-recorded narration is provided in several languages, including English, over the boat speaker system. They also provide printed handouts in 22 languages.

Pricing & Tickets

Current prices (as of June 2023): adults are 15 euros, children age 4 to 12 are 6 euros, and children under age 4 are free.

You can buy tickets online (use our link for a small discount) , by phone, or at the dock. If you purchase your ticket online, you can collect your ticket before boarding at the Pont de l’Alma at the Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches kiosk. You will just need to present your transaction number and proof of booking.

Accessibility

Step-free access is available and the bottom floor of the boats is wheelchair accessible. The boat configurations vary, but there are approximately 10 stairs to access the second floor and it is not accessible to wheelchairs.

Access to toilets on board the boats requires navigating stairs, but there are wheelchair-accessible toilets available near the docking area. Priority access for disabled guests is available.

Other Points

• Website: https://www.bateaux-mouches.fr
• Also provide lunch, dinner, and special events cruises.

These boats are probably the most popular on the Seine as they are the biggest and you don’t usually need a reservation to get on them. However, this makes them very popular with tourist groups so be prepared to share the boat with hundreds of other visitors.

The open-top is great in good weather and provides unobstructed better views than some of the other boats operated by other companies without the extra deck. However, in bad weather you’ll be forced into the glassed-in bottom half of the boat.

Narration is provided but it can be difficult to hear if the boat is busy or the weather is bad. 

2. Bateaux Parisiens Seine Cruise

Bateaux Parisiens have a large fleet of medium-sized boats. Most of the boats they use for sightseeing cruises have lower enclosed decks and an upper uncovered deck. This is probably the second most popular company on the Seine.

The sightseeing cruises last approximately 1 hour.

Leaves from the Port de la Bourdonnais (near the Eiffel Tower, on the left bank) in the 7th arrondissement -OR- from Quai de Montebello (near the Notre Dame) in the 5th arrondissement.

If you depart from near the Eiffel Tower , narration is provided through individual audio devices available in 14 languages on the lower part of the boat. A live guide is also available for questions.

If you sit on the upper part of the boat, the boat has recently started asking customers to download a free audioguide app on their smartphones rather than giving out individual audio devices. The app commentary is available in multiple languages, but you will need a smartphone and set of headphones or earbuds to listen.

If you depart from near Notre Dame then there is live commentary provided by a live guide in 3 languages (including French and English).

Current prices (as of June 2023) are 18 euros for adults, 9 euros for children age 4-13, and children under age 4 are free. 

Tickets can be purchased online , by phone, or at the ticket offices near the boats.

** DISCOUNT : If you plan to depart from the Eiffel Tower, you can save an extra 2 euros off your ticket price for any trips departing from the Eiffel Tower by booking your ticket online here .**

Note for PARIS PASS holders: Currently, a free Bateaux Parisiens Seine river cruise is included as part of the Paris Pass . Check the website or guidebook for most up-to-date info but Paris Pass holders can currently collect their free ticket by presenting their Paris Pass at the ticket window at Pier 3 at the Eiffel Tower departure port.

Read our review of the Paris Pass for more information, and take a look at our suggested 3 day Paris itinerary that includes this ride.

Step-free access via a ramp is available at the Eiffel Tower stop, and the bottom floor of the boats is wheelchair accessible. Access to toilets on board the boats requires going up and down stairs, but there are wheelchair-accessible toilets available at Le Bistro Parisien, the company’s restaurant near their Eiffel Tower dock.

• Website: https://www.bateauxparisiens.com/
• They offer lunch, dinner, and special events cruises. They also offer a special family-oriented cruise (offered in French only) that includes music and children’s activities.

If you choose Bateaux Parisiens and don’t have a strong preference regarding boarding location, I would choose the Eiffel Tower departure point as you’ll save with our discount , making this what we think are some of the best value Seine River cruises available.

If you plan to sit on top, be sure to download the cruise app onto your smartphone and bring your headphones or earbuds if you want to listen to the commentary.

3. Batobus Seine Cruise (well, sort of…)

These are hop-on/hop-off boats that make a circuit with 9 separate stops, all near major tourist destinations (e.g., Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre). The Batobus is not really intended for a sightseeing cruise but can still be a good economical choice if you also want to use the Batobus for transportation.

If you use the boat to do a sightseeing tour, the full circuit takes about 2 hours. It stops about every 15 minutes.

Departure Point(s)

Boats leave from 9 different stops near the following sites: St-Germain-des-Prés, Notre Dame, Jardin des Plantes, Hôtel de Ville, Louvre, Champs-Elysées, Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Beaugrenelle.

The boats stop at each stop every 20 to 25 minutes depending on the season.

There is no narration during these boat tours as they are designed as a boat taxi service rather than an actual cruise. Staff members are on board, however, and can answer questions in both English and French.

For a 1-day pass current prices (as of November 2022) for adult passes (age 16+) are 20 euros and child (age 3 to 15) passes are 10 euros. Children under age 3 ride for free. For a 2-day pass, adult passes are 22 euros and child passes are 11 euros.

Tickets can be purchased online , at any of the 9 Batobus stops, tourist information offices, or at the Paris L’Open Tour Boutique (3 rue Auber, 75009 Paris).

Step-free access via a ramp is available only at the Eiffel Tower stop, and the bottom floor of the boats is wheelchair accessible. However, many of the other stops require steps or have cobbled walkways. There are no toilets on board these boats. Wheelchair accessible toilets are available near their Eiffel Tower dock.

I would not recommend Batobus for those in a wheelchair unless you plan to stay on the boat for a round trip ride as only the Eiffel Tower stop is easy to access for wheelchair users. Since there is no guided commentary on board, you are probably better off choosing another boat company.

Other Notes

• Website: https://www.batobus.com/
• There are no toilets on board these boats.

While these boats are meant to function as water buses they can still be a good choice for some views of Paris from the river. For some people who don’t want to use the bus system or metro, these can be an especially great and economical option.

For instance, a 1 day pass allows for unlimited transportation for an entire day and you can use the Batobus as a bus during the day and then sit back and enjoy the full circuit at night. Just note that if crowded these boats can get quite hot in the summer heat, but can be nice and warm on cool days as they are heated.

Please note that depending on where you want to go, there may be some walking involved to get there from the port stop. For instance, the stop closest to the Eiffel Tower requires a 15-minute walk to get to the monument from the boat stop.

4. Canauxrama Seine Cruise 

Canauxrama is one of the top companies for providing canal tours around Paris , but they also provide scenic tours along the Seine River as well as a combined canal and river cruise. The Canuaxrama boats vary a bit but all have a closed bottom deck and an open-top deck.

The main Seine River sightseeing cruises are 2 hours long and combine a canal cruise with a Seine River cruise.

There are a number of departure points depending on which cruise you take, so it is important to check which is right for the cruise you choose.

Some cruises, specifically the combined Seine River and Canal St. Martin cruises for example, departs from the intersection of Rue Jean Poulmarch and Quai de Valmy.

Specific Seine River cruises leave from Ile de la Cité near 19 Quai de l’horloge in the 1st arrondissement.

Canal cruises leave from the intersection of Rue Jean Poulmarch and Quai de Valmy .

Live narration on board by guide in French and English.

The 2 hour combined Seine River and Canal St. Martin cruise tickets are currently (as of June 2023) 22 euros for adults, 10 euros for children age 4-12, and free for children under 4. 

It is recommended that reservations should be made in advance for all cruises.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance , or at one of their two ticket offices at the Marina Arsenal or Bassin de la Villette.

Access to the Canauxarama boat boarding points require going up or down several steps and sometimes cobbled walkways. There are also steps (up to 6 steps) on some of the boats that passengers would need to be able to climb.

There are no ramps for wheelchair accessibility. However, some people with greater mobility who are in manual wheelchairs and have a person accompanying them to help them navigate the stairs and walkways, may be able to do these cruises. Mobility scooters are usually too heavy to be moved onto the boats.

There are no wheelchair-accessible toilets on board or near where the boats are docked.

• Website: https://www.canauxrama.com/en/
• The cruise described is generally only offered in the evening.
• Snacks and drinks (including alcohol) are available for purchase at the onboard bar.
• The company offers a wide variety of different types of cruises that include the Seine as well as a number of other waterways (mainly canals) in or near Paris, however, some of these cruises are not available year round.
• If you are interested in learning more about taking a Paris canal tour, check out our experience taking a Canauxrama cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin .

Canauxrama is better known for its canal cruises than Seine cruises; however, the company was purchased by Vedettes du Pont Neuf in 2007 which operates Seine cruise boats. If you are looking for a longer cruise (1.5 hours and longer) that does not include dinner, this is a good price.

The cruises that combine the Seine River and Canal St. Martin includes the unique experience of learning a bit about locks as the boat passes through a lock as transitions between the canal and the Seine River. Many people also appreciate the option to purchase snacks or drinks during the cruise. 

However, if you are looking for just a 1-hour, less expensive tour of the Seine, try another company. The longer cruises may be too long for younger children.

Also be sure to note the departure points and arrival points for the cruises as some leave from central Paris near the Notre-Dame Cathedral whereas others leave from the 12th arrondissement. Some cruises also do not have the same start and finish points. The Port de Paris-Arsenal is a bit further from the center of Paris than most of the other companies, but this may end up being great for those staying closer to the 12th arrondissement.

Another option if you are interested in combining a Seine River cruise and Canal Saint-Martin cruise is this 2.5 hour cruise with Paris Canal that includes a 1-hour Seine River cruise and then 1.5 hour canal ride. It departs from near the Musée d’Orsay (ends at Parc de la Villette).

5. Vedettes de Paris Seine Cruise

Vedettes de Paris operates smaller sized boats along the Seine River. The boat configurations differ a bit but each holds approximately 250 people for the regular Seine cruises.

The regular sightseeing cruises are 1 hour in length. They also offer short 30 minute stopover cruises that go between the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral, as well as longer round-trip cruises that last approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The company also offers a special family-friendly cruise that is geared specifically to children and families.

Boats for the 1 hour cruise leave from Port de Suffren (near Eiffel Tower) in the 7th arrondissement.

Most boats now include an audio guide that will play in several languages including Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. But some boats still have live narration on-board by guides in French and English on some cruises.

The 1-hour non-stop Discovery sightseeing cruise is currently (as of June 2023) 20 euros for adults, 9 euros for children age 4-11, and free for children under 4. 

There is also an evening aperitif cruise , including a choice of a glass of wine (€24.5) or glass of champagne (€29). It’s also available without a drink for €20.

There is also a 1-hour family cruise offered that is geared to children and families, with a live guide in both French and English.

Tickets can be booked in advance online here , or purchased at the Port de Suffren port office.

Access to the Vedettes de Paris boats are now wheelchair accessible since they got a new pontoon platform in 2020. Those in wheelchairs can now embark and disembark with step-free access. On board, passengers can sit in a regular seat or move around the boat in their own wheelchair.

Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available on board the boat and in the boarding area. There is a dedicated disabled parking space.

• Website: https://www.vedettesdeparis.fr/
• Paris de Vedettes offers dinner and themed cruise options with snacks. They also offer a special children’s cruise.
• Snacks and drinks (including alcohol) are available for purchase onboard. You can also eat at the affiliated seasonal restaurant near the boat dock called Le Cafe des Vedettes. Sometimes there is a special deal if you combine a menu and a sightseeing cruise.
• The boat configurations differs depending on the boat, but all appear to have some indoor and outdoor seating. You can see some photos of each boat on the website.

Paris de Vedettes offers pretty much the same standard 1-hour cruise of the Seine as most of the other companies; however their boats are smaller than many of the other companies.

Boats with top decks allow for better viewing and pictures, but during cold weather everyone will be forced into the covered spaces. Live narration can be difficult to hear, especially near the engine and on top deck if crowded.

6. Vedettes du Pont Neuf Seine Cruise

Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf operates a small fleet of small and medium sized boats and have been operating tourist cruises since the 1960’s. The company offers some of the least expensive Seine River cruises. 

The basic sightseeing cruises are 1 hour in length.

Boats leave from the Square du Vert Galant near the Pont Neuf on the tip of the Île de la Cité (within walking distance of Notre Dame)

Narration is provided by live guides who give commentary in both French and English. You can also download the company’s free app that provides commentary in French, English, Spanish, Italian, German and Portuguese.

The website says the tickets (as of June 2023) are regularly 15 euros for adults and 9 euros for children 4-12. However, they often have a discount if you purchase the tickets online from their website . 

Tickets can be purchased online or at the port in person before the cruise.

The Vedettes du Pont Neuf boats have a ramp for access and can accommodate step-free access and passengers with wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The access ramp is located a little further beyond the stairs and staff can help assist in finding the best place to board and exit.

However, it is advised that you call in advance before booking if you need the ramp to ensure access on your planned date of travel.

There are no wheelchair accessible toilets on board or near where the boats are docked.

• Website: http://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/
• Two of the boats currently have two decks with an open upper deck, but all boats allow for open-air and inside covered seating.
• Vedettes du Pont Neuf bought Canauxrama in 2007, so you may see boats with signage from both companies.
• The company now offers lunch and dinner cruises as well

If you are looking for the cheapest Seine River tickets, Vedettes du Pont Neuf is probably the best choice if you take advantage of their online deals. They also offer a great central location if you are going to be near Notre Dame.

If you choose this company, take some time to explore the Square du Vert Galant before or after your cruise as it can be a peaceful little green patch on the tip of the island.

Live narration is provided by real guides; however, both sound quality and guide quality can vary. You also have the option to download the commentary in advance and listen to it during your trip with your own smartphone and headphones.

7. Bateaux de Paris Seine Cruise

Bateaux de Paris is the newest company to offer regular Seine River cruises. Although the company primarily does private events, one of its smaller boats is used for seasonal tourist sightseeing cruises. The boat is one of the smallest boats offering regular cruises and easy to spot with its bright orange color.

The company only operates cruises between April and September and does not offer them daily.

The sightseeing cruises are 1 hour and 15 minutes long. They also offer shorter one-way cruises and cruises that include stopovers at the Eiffel Tower.

Leaves from near the Pont Saint-Michel (12 Quai des Orfèvres) in the 1st arrondissement in Paris.

No narration or commentary is offered on the basic cruise. However, you can add a handheld audioguide with commentary for 3 euros.

Current prices (as of June 2023): adults are 15 euros, children age 4 to 12 are 7 euros, and children under age 4 are free.

Tickets are also available for half cruises and cruises that do stopovers at the Eiffel Tower.

You can buy tickets online . Be sure to bring your booking confirmation to the cruise departure point.

Boat access requires being able to climb up and down a set of stairs so you need to be at least somewhat mobile to do the ride. There are approximately 30 steps from the dock to the boat. For those who can handle the steps, wheelchairs and walkers can be accommodated on the boat and there is a wheelchair-accessible toilet aboard the boat.

• Website: https://www.bateauxdeparis.net/
• Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board the boat
• Sightseeing cruises only operate between April and September

Bateaux de Paris is the newest company to begin operating regular sightseeing tourist cruises on the Seine. It currently has only one boat that offers these cruises and it only operates seasonally.

The boat is one of the smaller boats on the Seine and also one of the least known, so it can be a good one if you are looking for a cruise with fewer people. The prices, if you don’t want the optional commentary, are some of the lowest.

The boat is covered on top but open on the sides to allow for good viewing. Because the chairs are set up facing one direction, we’d definitely recommend taking the full cruise so you get a chance to fully see both sides of the river bank. You can also walk along the deck.

If you want commentary during the cruise, you can hire the optional audioguide. We recommend bringing along your own headphones or earphones so you can better listen to the commentary.

Seine River Dinner Cruises in Paris

If you are looking for a special way to experience Paris, you may want to consider a Seine River dinner cruise. Many visitors want to see Paris at night from the river while having dinner on a cruise.

These cruises typically take place on boats that have a special glass enclosed restaurant area, so you can watch the scenery but are protected from the wind and rain. Some of the cruises are only for those dining onboard and some also carry regular sightseeing guests as well.

In addition to dinner cruises, some cruise companies offer brunch, lunch, and special themed cruises that also serve food. During holidays (e.g., Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, Bastille Day), you’ll find a number of special cruises and menus being offered. The cost of a meal cruise generally ranges from about 50 € to 200 € per person. Lunch and brunch cruises are usually less expensive than dinner cruises and specialty themed cruises.

Some Seine River cruises packages are sold that include a Seine River cruise plus other attractions such as a visit to the Eiffel Tower , a private car tour, or the Moulin Rouge . These can be group experiences or, more commonly, private experiences. For example this evening tour (choice of dinner at Eiffel Tower or on the cruise) includes a Seine dinner cruise, Eiffel Tower visit, and Moulin Rouge show.

Note that almost all the cruises can accommodate vegetarians. But if you have a more specialized dietary preferences or allergies (e.g., gluten-free, vegan, etc.), you will want to check in advance to make sure it can be accommodated.

There are over a dozen companies offering Seine River cruises with dinner, but we’ll provide a list of some of the best-rated ones to help you narrow down your search. Be sure to read recent customer reviews to find the one that is the best cruise for you. We also have a complete guide to our favourite Seine River dinner cruises to help you choose one.

Seine River Lunch Cruises

If you’d rather have a meal in the daytime (better for sightseeing), there are several Seine lunch cruises to choose from, here are the ones we’d recommend checking out:

• This 2 hour lunch cruise by Bateaux Parisiens offers 3-course à-la-carte meal (choice of dishes), live music, wine and coffee, and choice to upgrade food and drink options. Vegetarian option available. Cruise departs from Port de la Bourdonnais (near Eiffel Tower).
• This 2 hour lunch cruise aboard La Marina de Paris offers a 3-course à-la-carte lunch  and coffee aboard boats with large panoramic windows for great views. Wine package (“drinks package) can be added for extra 10 euros per person. Vegetarian options available. Departs from Port Solferino (near the Musée d’Orsay).
• This 1.5 hour Sunday champagne brunch cruise is provided on Captaine Fracasse which is a company that specializes in meal cruises on the Seine. Brunch includes a mix of sweet (e.g., croissant, pain au chocolat , apple turnover, crepes, fruit) and savory items (e.g., eggs Benedict) that are freshly made on board to eat while enjoying the scenery . A 1/2 bottle of Champagne plus fruit juice and hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) are also included. Only available on Sundays. Departs from Ile aux Cygnes, just off Bir-Hakeim bridge (near Eiffel Tower).

Seine River Dinner Cruises

Dinner is the most popular time to eat on a Seine River cruise and there are a lot of options out there. Here are the ones we’d recommend checking out:

• This dinner cruise by Bateaux Mouches is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes long and provides a 4-course meal and live music. Two menu choices offered with 1 glass of champagne and 1/2 bottle of wine per person. Vegetarian option available. Smart dress code enforced. Wheelchair accessible. Tours depart from Port de la Conférence (5 minute walk from Pont de l’Alma).
• The well-rated dinner cruises by Bateaux Parisiens offer different cruise lengths, seating options, and menus (choice of dishes) across different price points. There is an early evening cruise that is 1 hour and 15 minutes (least expensive option) and a longer evening cruise that is 2.5 hours long that includes live music. Vegetarian option available. Smart casual dress code. Cruise departs from Port de la Bourdonnais (near Eiffel Tower).
• This 2 hour dinner cruise aboard La Marina de Paris offers a 3-course à-la-carte dinner with option to add a glass of champagne and 1/2 bottle of wine per person. Vegetarian options available. Departs from Port de Solferino, 1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur 75007 (near the Musée d’Orsay). We have done this dinner cruise and enjoyed it.
• This 2 hour dinner cruise by Captaine Fricasse offers a 3-course meal that is freshly cooked onboard the boat. Plant based menu available on request. Upgrades are available to add Champagne and drinks to the reservation or can order from the beverage menu. Tours depart from Île aux Cygnes, middle of the Bir-Hakeim bridge in the 15th arrondissement. We really enjoyed this dinner cruise when we did it.
• This 1 hour 45 minute dinner cruise by Paris en Scène serves a 3 course dinner (choice of main) in a casual bistro-like setting with all dinner chairs facing windows for a good view. Meals are freshly prepared on board. Champagne and wine options available. Vegetarian option available. Cruises  depart from Île aux Cygnes, middle of the Bir-Hakeim bridge in the 15th arrondissement.

Seine River Cruises: Private Boat Cruises

Most visitors to Paris want to join one of the regularly scheduled group Seine river boat cruises from one of the companies above. However, if you are looking for a special private or semi-private Seine cruise, this can also be arranged.

Most of the previously mentioned companies offer either a semi-private cruise option (e.g., a private area, restaurant, room, or terrace of a boat) or a fully private cruise option (an entire boat just for the exclusive use or you and your group).

Private Seine river cruises are great options for special celebrations, weddings, marriage proposals, large families, holiday parties, tour groups, or corporate travel events. Meals, drinks, and entertainment can also be arranged on most semi-private and private Seine cruises.

Costs for a fully private cruise generally start at about 200 € for an hour for 2 persons or a family and can go well above 2,000 € depending on the duration and type of cruise experience you want.

Here is a list of companies that offer semi-private or private boat tours along the Seine. First, here are those companies which specialize in private Seine cruises which are probably the best fit for those looking for a private experience as a couple, family, or small group.

• Lakana Paris Cruise – This company offers a 2.5 hour private boat cruise on the Seine for up to 4 guests. It is small company run by Gaël and Raphaël. This is the private cruise company Laurence and I have personally used and can recommend. Note that the cruise departs from outside central Paris (easily accessible from central Paris by bus and metro).
• Green River Cruises – This company offers boats that can accommodate 1 to 11 persons, and have set prices for cruises from 1 hour to 3 hours in duration. This is perfect for couples, families, and small groups. 
• River Limousine – This company offers private boat rides in a custom-designed Venetian boat for small groups of 1 to 6 persons. Perfect for couples and families. 

The rest of the cruise companies (most of which also offer regular sightseeing cruises) specialize in renting for private hires for larger groups, weddings, and corporate events.

• Bateaux Mouches – This famous Seine river boat company offers a variety of private hire options for up to 350 guests for personal or corporate events.
• Bateaux de Paris – This company currently has 3 boats and rents 2 out for exclusive use and can accommodate up to 250 people.
• Bateaux Parisiens   – Bateaux Parisiens offers semi-private experiences to smaller groups (2 to 50) as well as entire private boat hires for larger groups that can accommodate over 100 people.
• Batobus – A Batobus boat can be hired for private use and can seat up to 180 persons. These hires are geared towards shorter corporate hires.
• Canauxarama – This company offers boats for private use along both the Seine River as well as the Canal St Martin. Boats can accommodate between 50 to 200 guests.  
• Vedettes de Paris – This company offers boats that can accommodate 30 to 250 persons for events, cocktail hours, and sit-down meals and can do a variety of semi-private (part of a boat or lounge) to private options. 
• Vedettes du Pont Neuf – This company offers various options and can accommodate 30 to 200 people depending on the boat and type of event.
• Yachts de Paris   – This company operates a fleet of yachts and barges for private use in Paris which range from small to large boats, which can arrange sailings for groups from 2 to 800 people!

How to Choose Your Seine Cruise

So there you have it, the details of seven different companies that operate Seine river cruises in Paris, plus a list of companies that offer dinner cruises and private Seine River cruises!

Summary of Seine River Cruise Factors to Consider 

So how can you use all the above information to decide which Seine cruise might be the best for you? This is a matter of deciding on what is most important to you regarding the cruise. Main factors you probably want to consider:

• Location of port departure
• Price of tickets
• Narration type and languages
• Accessibility (for those with physical mobility limitations)
• Length of trip
• Size of boat
• Do you want to pay extra for a meal, themed cruise, or private cruise?
• Do you plan to purchase a pass, such as the Paris Pass , that includes a Seine cruise?

If you are short on time in Paris and interested in seeing a lot of highlights in one day (and do a Seine River cruise), we recommend this full day walking tour . It includes a Louvre tour, visit to Eiffel Tower, Seine River cruise, view of Notre Dame, and visit to Montmartre.

Best Time of Year to Take a Seine River Cruise in Paris

Most companies operate Seine River cruises year round. The high season for the companies is generally April to September with these being the most popular times to take a river cruise in Paris. Most companies have more frequent departures and more boats operating during the summer months.

Obviously the cruises are more pleasant, especially if you want to sit or stand outside, during the warmer months. It can be too cold or windy to sit outside during the winter months. If you have a flexible schedule, I’d try to go on a day without rain forecast.

The boats can become crowded, especially in the summer months and around school holidays. The first and last cruises of the day are often less crowded. If you are in Paris during a busy time of year, we recommend making sure you go to the port well in advance of your desired cruise departure to get your ticket and be among the first in line to get aboard.

Note that the cruises cannot operate in severe weather so during storms they are often canceled. They also cannot operate if the river levels get too high or low. Between November to April in particular, the water levels can often get too high making it difficult or impossible for them to go under some of the bridges, causing cruises to either stop operating or modify their sailings.

Seine River Cruise Tips

Once you know the cruise you want to take and have booked your tickets, here are some things to remember:

• We recommend booking your ticket in advance for any of the Seine cruises as the prices online may be discounted. However, for most of the general sightseeing cruises you can normally buy same day tickets in person at the dock. But for the meal cruises and any special event cruises, it is generally necessary to book in advance and have a reservation.
• Many of the Seine River cruise companies have very similar names. Be sure you know the exact name of the company you book your ticket with so you don’t get confused when trying to find the departure point. Even if you book the ticket through a third-party seller like Viator, you’ll want to know the boat company’s name.
• Make sure you know the location of the departure point and leave some time to find it. Many people have difficulty finding the cruise departure points since they are often not at an exact address. Most of the ticket kiosks are located along the riverside quays so you will need to be looking right along the river. You will often need to walk down a set of stairs to reach the riverside quays and find the boat docking location.
• Most boat companies ask that you be at dock and get your ticket at least 30 minutes before your departure. But this varies by company and the type of cruise.
• Many of the boat companies offer smartphone applications that you can download with the cruise commentary in various languages. If you wish to do this, be sure you bring your fully-charged smartphone and have headphones with you . You can download the app before your cruise or once you are there. In some cases, this is now the only option on some cruises for commentary.

Our Seine River Cruise Experiences in Paris

For my first Seine River boat tour in 2012 with then partner Ethan, we prioritized location, followed by price, and then narration. After researching the options ourselves, we personally chose Vedettes du Pont Neuf for an evening cruise along the Seine for a few reasons.

First, it was within a 5-minute walking distance of where we were staying in Paris. Second, it provided the best prices and we booked tickets in advance online for only 16 euros total for the two of us. These tickets also gave us a lot of flexibility regarding when we used them as they were good for one year following purchase.

Third, the live narration was preferred by us over pre-recorded narration although honestly it rained (unfortunately!) and it was difficult to hear the guide during parts of our cruise because of the rain. Finally, we were not interested in any sort of meal or specialty cruise and the no-frills cruises provided by this company was a good fit for us.

Overall, we were very satisfied with our choice as the only major problem was that it started to rain during our cruise. I would definitely recommend trying to do the cruise when you have good weather if you can.

Then in 2017 I decided to do another Seine river cruise with Laurence as he had never done one before. This time we chose the Bateaux Parisiens. Our decision was made simple on this visit as we were traveling with the Paris Pass and we were able to get free tickets with our pass for this cruise.

The main departure point for this cruise is next to the Eiffel Tower which is convenient if you are planning to do a cruise before or after a visit there. See our Eiffel Tower tips for making the most of your visit to the Tour Eiffel!

This time the weather cooperated and we were able to sit outside and enjoy the views. Towards the end we also moved inside and listed to the commentary. The Bateaux Parisiens boats are larger than those by the Vedettes du Pont Neuf and it was more crowded than my first experience but there was plenty of space to sit and move around. 

Hope this guide was useful in helping you select the Seine cruise that was the best fit for you during your trip to Paris. Essentially no matter which Seine cruise you choose, you are going to see the same scenery!

If you are planning to travel to Paris in the future, you might want to save this article by pinning it to Pinterest to read again later:

Have you taken a Seine cruise during a trip to Paris? Let us know what company you chose and let us know your feedback and tips for other readers trying to decide on a boat tour.

Have a question about taking a Seine River cruise or another question about traveling in Paris? As always, all questions and comments are welcome.

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BabaWaga Post author

May 19, 2023 at 5:26 am

Hi Jessica and Laurence, just wanted to send a little message of thanks: randomly found your blog post whilst researching Seine cruises for an approaching visit to Paris and can honestly say I didn’t need to go any further, your wonderfully informative article covered it all. Thank you so much! We have opted for the Vedettes de Paris sightseeing tour with our children as nice & close to the Eiffel tour where we are booked in to visit later that same day (I ordered the onboard champagne as a surprise for my hubs!)

As we will have a bit of time between disembarking and the Eiffel visit we’re looking for somewhere to stop by for lunch? Is there anywhere you would recommend nearby – cafe’s, restaurants all considered. Many thanks and warmest regards.

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

May 21, 2023 at 9:46 am

Hi BabaWaga,

So happy to hear that our Seine River cruise post was helpful in choosing a cruise company and booking a cruise. I am sure you will have a good time.

Yes, the locations near the Eiffel Tower make it really convenient to visit the tower afterwards. The Champagne I am sure will be a nice surprise. On tip is that I would recommend being early to make sure you locate the correct boarding spot (a few cruise companies board near there so it can be a bit confusing) and to be near the front of the line for your booked or preferred cruise time so you have more choice of seating.

So to be honest, there is not a lot of places I would really recommend there. But one nice (and inexpensive & kid-friendly) experience if the weather is nice is to get sandwiches or buy ingredients for a picnic (or buy them before your cruise) and have a picnic lunch on the Champs de Mars with a grand view of the Eiffel Tower. There are some benches there as well as areas of the grass that you are allowed to sit on (parts were closed when we were last there a couple of weeks ago but there was still plenty of space open). Just be sure to bring something to sit on and something to pack away your rubbish until you find a bin. I did this with my own family a couple of weeks ago and it was really nice.

Hope that helps and wishing you and your family a lovely trip to Paris!

Best, Jessica

Okon Post author

November 9, 2022 at 7:06 am

Great information at one spot! My spouse and I are planning a first-time Paris tour in the Spring, 2023, the tour that will include a dinner cruise on the Seine. Some of the luxury tour boats we see in pictures look like cattle boats. We’d like a boat which is less cram and with a seat/table choice. What interests us most in your presentation is the mention that Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise has seat/table choice options. I wonder if there are other companies with that offer. Any more information in this regard will be highly appreciated.

November 10, 2022 at 10:23 am

So glad that you and your spouse are vising Paris for the first time in the Spring. Such a wonderful city 😉

So yes, the Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruises on the Seine do offer you a seating/table choice. But so do most of the other dinner cruises. I would recommend trying to get a table for 2 persons only with a window view. Some boats only have window views, but many have a middle row of tables as well.

Captaine Fracasse is another company that focuses only on lunch and dinner cruises and is often rated as having some of the the best food on the Seine.

But if you are really wanting a true luxury cruise and want a more private experience, you’ll probably want to book a private cruise if you have that kind of budget. In all the cruises they do try to pack in tables to get in the most guests for the given floor space.

As all the main companies are serving 50-100 guests a 3-course meal in a 1.5 to 2.5 hour period on a boat. The food and service was good in our experience and we enjoyed the dinner cruises we’ve taken, but it is not necessarily a luxury experience. All the dinner cruises are fairly similar. So you’ll want to go in with realistic expectations I think to enjoy the cruise as you are paying for being able to enjoy dinner while floating on the Seine.

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Paris.

jeff cabine Post author

April 6, 2022 at 4:37 am

I found it interesting when you said the boat layouts vary, but there are around 10 stairs to the second story, which is not wheelchair accessible. I used to think differently and now it makes more sense my disabled friend should love this trip to have fun. What you said about seine tours was really interesting to me.

April 6, 2022 at 7:19 am

Yes, I think you are referring specifically to the Bateaux Mouches boats as their boats are wheelchair accessible to get onto and the ground floors are accessible. But as you note, many of their boat have a second story which requires going up a set of stairs so are not accessible for those in wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

There are a few different Seine River cruises that are wheelchair accessible which is great. It is always a good idea to double check with any of the boat companies in advance of your visit as sometimes construction, docking, etc. issues can temporarily impact accessibility even if the boat itself is accessible.

Wishing you and your friends a great trip to Paris, Jessica

Jenn Post author

February 16, 2022 at 6:59 am

I just wanted to say thank you for including detailed accessibility information on your blog post. It is so helpful to me and almost no one includes actionable accessibility information. Thank you so much!!

February 16, 2022 at 7:05 am

You are very welcome, and I hope the information is helpful in choosing a Seine boat cruise company in Paris. The information was accurate pre-COVID so you may want to double check before booking with any company if the info is not noted when booking as I know some companies are running fewer boats now and have had to make some changes. But I think most of the information should still be valid.

Wishing you a great trip to Paris and just let us know if you have any questions!

SA NY Post author

November 11, 2021 at 12:22 am

Awesome info! Thanks for sharing this information on Paris cruises with us.

November 11, 2021 at 4:07 am

You’re welcome SA, and just let us know if you have any questions about choosing or booking a Seine cruise in Paris!

Jessica Post author

October 25, 2021 at 7:06 pm

Thank you for your helpful guidance! We will be in Paris for Bastille Day on July 14, 2022. Any suggestions for a Seine river boat cruise where we can watch the fireworks?

October 26, 2021 at 6:37 am

Hi Jessica,

Yes, Bastille Day is a great time to be in Paris if you enjoy celebrations and festivities. A couple of the cruise companies usually offer Bastille Day cruises in the evening, such as this particular dinner cruise which includes a special 6-course dinner with wine and Champagne.

I haven’t seen an announcement about the specific plans for Bastille Day in 2022, but the river is typically an excellent place from which to watch the illuminations and fireworks in central Paris. Normally the main fireworks are shot off from the Eiffel Tower and you get a wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower from the river. There will be both tourist cruises out as well as lots of small private boats to watch the fireworks.

Just note that for a holiday like this prices are going to be higher both for Seine cruises but also for dinner around that time period because of the holiday as many restaurants will be serving special menus. But it is a great time to be there. Just be sure to book well in advance for any cruises, activities, or dinners!

Mel Danbrook Post author

August 31, 2021 at 10:42 pm

Hello! We will be arriving in Paris on September 18/21. (arriving around 12:30pm) We only have that afternoon and evening to try and see a few sights (taking the train the following morning to Switzerland). Seeing the Eiffel Tower is on our list – the idea of a short Seine River cruise to try and see a little more of the city is intriguing! What would be a good river cruise option that leaves/returns close to the Eiffel Tower – probably one with a meal option as we would be looking to have dinner somewhere anyway. Any suggestions on options that will allow us to see a little more of the city in a short time frame would be wonderful! Cheers

September 1, 2021 at 11:56 am

Yes, it would be pretty easy to combine a visit to the Eiffel Tower and a Seine River cruise into one afternoon/evening. A few of the cruises leave near the Eiffel Tower. So one good option is the Bateaux Parisiens (listed above) which leaves from the Port de la Bourdonnais (a 5 minute walk or less from the Eiffel Tower). There is a discounted ticket for that one available here .

Another option might be take the Batobus hop-on hop-off boat cruise as that will allow you to get on and off the cruise as you wish. The Eiffel Tower is one of its stops. You can see more about it here .

But there are a few options. Most of the normal sightseeing cruises lasts about 1 hour. There are also dinner cruise options available as well which will be longer and in the evening. But since you are wanting to see the city, I’d probably recommend taking a sightseeing one in the daytime so you can more clearly see the landmarks along the river.

Hope that helps! Jessica

Tavish Post author

July 17, 2021 at 9:06 pm

Could you suggest the best option for a longer night time dinner cruise. My daughter just graduated and has never been to Europe, I had hoped to do this on our first evening, but the cost for a nice meal and a window seat seems to be in the 500$ range, and the reviews of the meals are awful, they say there is no customer service, and that many times the boats did not leave the dock without being offered a refund either. Time is not an issue, budget is, but mostly I want to start off her adventure with a really positive experience. The alternative idea was to try to get an earlier dinner at a really good restaurant (I dont know where), and then a nighttime cruise to see the lights and sites. I worry dinner would be too slow, and we would be pressured to get to the boat on time and it would ruin the meal. I would appreciate any guidance/suggestions. Thanks so much.

July 18, 2021 at 4:20 am

For the dinner cruises, you do need to get to the boat on time. You actually need to get there a bit early to make sure you have time to check-in and board. If you miss the boat, you simply miss it. Many people who leave poor reviews had trouble finding the boat, so I’d leave plenty of time for this as if you are not used to looking for addresses along the river, it can take awhile to find the correct spot.

Almost all the dinner cruises last about 2 hours and this was more than enough time for us to enjoy 3 courses. So I don’t think you’d feel rushed in terms of eating. But you do of course do some of the sightseeing while seated and eating your meal.

I am not sure how many people you are booking for but you should be able to easily find an option for $100 per person or less. You do have to pay more for extras like a guaranteed window spot, flowers, Champagne, etc. But for 2 persons on the cruise we did , seem to be currently ranging from $150 to $250 for 2 persons, depending on the extras.

Some of the dinner cruises and regular Seine river cruises are currently not running due to the pandemic so that is something to keep in mind as well as there are fewer choices at the moment than 2 years ago.

Captaine Fracasse is probably the cruise best known for having better food. But I would recommend not booking for the meal itself but for the overall experience, we had good food on our cruises but it was not amazing. Most of their evening cruises are 2-hour dinner cruises.

But if you are looking for the option to order what you want à la carte and the level of service that you can get at a nice restaurant on land, you may be better suited to do the dinner at a restaurant and then get a regular evening cruise to see the sights at night. If you go that route, I’d consider what cruises can work and then find a restaurant within walking distance, a short metro, or taxi ride away from the departure point. If doing a regular sightseeing cruise, your ticket is usually good all day so you have the flexibility of when you get to the boat, you just need to get there well before their final departure time.

Sarah Post author

November 26, 2020 at 5:29 am

Oh, you know, once l used the service of Bateaux Mouches Seine Cruise. Water and everything that connected to it is my passion, even in Amsterdam l was sailing on a boat 3 times during 1 week of stay. Enjoyable. Thank you, guys, for this article!

November 26, 2020 at 6:35 am

Glad you enjoyed your Bateaux Mouches cruise on the Seine while you were visiting Paris — sounds like you really enjoy river cruises!

Nancy Post author

February 15, 2020 at 2:53 pm

We will be in Paris June 8, 2020. We are coming in for the afternoon from Charles De Gaulle Airport. We would like to take the evening cruise at 21:00. Since we aren’t staying in Paris and need to get back to the airport after the cruise, what cruise line and departure point would you recommend? We would also like to sit on the top deck outside. Thank you so much for any information you can give us!

February 16, 2020 at 3:24 am

I think the best cruise probably depends on what else you plan to do in Paris and how you plan to return to the airport. So for instance if you plan to visit the Eiffel Tower (or something nearby), you could do that, and then walk from the tower to a boat departure point. Two of the main places where the Seine River cruises leave (and return) are near the Eiffel Tower and near Notre-Dame.

Most of the cruise companies will have a 21:00 (9:00pm) departure time in June as that is a very popular time of year for the cruises. Many of the cruise companies depart every 30 minutes. Most cruises are 1 hour in duration. You have many choices for cruises.

I would suggest maybe checking out Vedettes de Paris or Bateaux Parisiens as they both leave from near the Eiffel Tower and I think most (if not all) of their boats have top decks with outdoor seating. They normally have departures every 30 minutes in the summer. If you buy a voucher online, it is good for the full day and then you can exchange it at the company ticket booth for when you want to take the cruise.

Note that all of the boat companies have multiple boats and the boats can have different deck and seating configurations so you can’t guarantee a particular boat. It also might not be possible (or desirable) to sit outside if the weather is bad. If there is a type of seat you want, I’d get into line early to be among the first to board for your departure.

If you are planning to go directly to CDG airport after the cruise, you could then walk to the metro station, take Line 6 to RER B. RER B will take you directly to the airport. Or, of course, you could catch a taxi to the airport.

February 16, 2020 at 12:11 pm

Thank you so much! We will take your advise. You have a lot of good information on your web site! Nancy

Davina Cipriano Post author

January 3, 2020 at 5:47 pm

My daughter and I will be coming to Paris in March. When we purchase the ticket do we have to purchase for the exact date we plan on using it? We are going to be in Paris for a little over a week. Or do can we purchase the ticket and use it on the day that works best for us? I notice online it make you pick a day but then says its good for like 6 months.

January 3, 2020 at 6:57 pm

Hi Davina, Sounds like a great trip. For the Seine river cruises, it depends on the cruise company and which cruise you want to take. But yes some of the companies that have the regular daily sightseeing cruises allow you to buy a ticket and then use it for any date and time for a certain period of time (6 months, 1 year). So I am not sure which company you are referring to specifically, but if the ticket says it is valid for 6 months, then I am sure it is valid. Feel free to follow-up with the cruise company and I’m happy to double-check for you. Best, Jessica

Lauren Levy Post author

December 14, 2019 at 5:51 pm

HI! We’ll be in Paris in December and want to take a river cruise with teenagers. Thinking we’ll do an evening cruise sans the food. But we want to take a boat out and around the sister of the US Statue of Liberty. What cruise do you suggest? Is it pretty to see this at night or should we regroup and do this during the day instead? Thank you!!

December 15, 2019 at 10:33 am

Yes, unfortunately, many of the boats do turn around near the Pont d’Iéna after passing the Eiffel Tower, which is just before they get to the Liberty of Statue replica statue. For instance, the Bateaux Parisiens course map shows that its longer lunch, dinner, and festive cruises go past it but not the regular 1 hour sightseeing cruises.

The 1.5 hour Canauxarama sightseeing cruise does go there, probably because it is a bit longer, so that might be the best cruise for you if you don’t want a meal.

From the boat, you can see if just after you go under the bridge Pont de Grenelle, it is located just at the tip of the Île aux Cygnes (Island of the Swans). The statue is probably easiest to see and photograph during the day, but they do light it up at night so you can see it at night as well. When you view the front of it from the boat, you can also see the Eiffel Tower in the background.

You can also walk over by bridge to the Île aux Cygnes as well if you find yourself in that area and want to see the statue up close.

Celeste Post author

December 8, 2019 at 3:35 pm

My daughter and I will be in Paris in late December. Given that it will be cold and possibly rainy, do you have a recommendation? We simply want to see the sites (no meal necessary). Also, are the river cruises impacted by the current strikes? Thank you!

December 9, 2019 at 6:56 am

Hi Celeste,

Yes, I think all the regular Seine cruise boats have ample enclosed/covered as well as open-air space, so any of them should be OK in case of rain/cold. But definitely dress warmly as the air moving through the boats will make them feel a bit colder. We’ve personally used Bateaux Parisiens and Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf and I’ve sat inside on both (once during rain).

I’d recommend going during the day as it will be warmer and you can see more – at night you can see the lights and the Eiffel Tower lit up, but you can’t see the rest of the sites very well.

I don’t believe the Seine River cruises are being affected by the current strikes in Paris, but the strikes are having a huge impact on the metro, suburban trains, and traffic. Hopefully they will end before your trip, but if not, you’ll need to allow more time to get around.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have further questions.

Cindy Post author

October 16, 2019 at 3:06 pm

I’m so confused. 2 of us will be travelling to Paris in May 2020, which Seine River cruise would you recommend for us and which canal cruise would you recommend? Is a canal cruise worth doing? Thank you

October 17, 2019 at 10:47 am

It really depends on the type of cruise you are looking for and I review all the major companies that offer Seine cruises above. Do any sound better to you than the others?

If you are just wanting a sightseeing cruise (no meal) and don’t have a particular price point or concern for where it departs, I would say Bateaux Parisiens is a good one to consider. We’ve done it and it is a standard and popular sightseeing cruise that offers daytime and evening cruises. Cruises last about 1 hour. It has both covered and open seating and you can listen to narration on your phone (pre download app to phone) or in the bottom part of boat using wired in wands. You can read more and book ahead here .

If you are interested in also doing a canal cruise. I would consider combining a Seine River cruise and Canal Saint-Martin cruise, you might consider t his 2.5 hour cruise with Paris Canal that includes a 1 hour Seine River cruise and then 1.5 canal ride. It departs from near the Musée d’Orsay and ends at Parc de la Villette (it is NOT a round-trip cruise).

If you have limited time in Paris and are not overly interested in the canal, then I’d say to just do the Seine River cruise. I’ve done the canal cruise and enjoyed it but the canal section is much slower as it has to slowly go through each lock and there are no major attractions to see unlike the Seine River portion which goes past places like Notre Dame, Musee d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower.

BTW, if you plan to purchase the Paris Pass , then a Seine River cruise is included so don’t book separate tickets.

Hope that helps, Jessica

October 17, 2019 at 5:10 pm

Thank you for the great advice.

Cassim Degani Post author

May 25, 2019 at 8:23 am

Will like to take the Siene cruise on the historical boat on June 5th during midday

May 25, 2019 at 8:29 am

Hi Cassim, Which cruise company do you plan to take? You can book your ticket online in advance or just show up a little early and buy it at the dock. You can often save a few euros by booking in advance, depending on the cruise company, so that is generally what we recommend. Also in summer, although boats have large capacity they can sometimes book out in advance. Enjoy your Seine cruise. Best, Jessica

Patty Post author

May 10, 2019 at 1:10 pm

Thank you for this review. We will be in Paris in two weeks and wanted to take an anniversary dinner cruise. This will help me out a lot to make a final decision.

May 12, 2019 at 11:58 am

Hi Patty, Glad you found our article helpful, and I’d read over the reviews for the dinner cruises and pick one that sounds like a good fit. Wishing you a wonderful anniversary in Paris 😉 Best, Jessica

Bob Post author

February 25, 2019 at 7:24 pm

Excellent info, thank you so much for sharing a great article. We are in Paris for a week (first time, probably only time) and we having a hard time deciding between day and night. Do you think it would be worth it to take a day and evening Seine cruise? Thanks for any input.

February 26, 2019 at 6:49 am

Hi Bob, Yes, I think that if you want to see the views from the river both during the day and night, then taking two cruises may be a good choice for you since you have a full week in Paris. I would not recommend this if you had only a few days. You might consider doing one of the cruises as a meal cruise (lunch or dinner) and then one just as a sightseeing cruise to change it up a bit. Enjoy your time in Paris. Jessica

Peter Post author

February 20, 2019 at 6:52 am

Great advice. I’ve had the pleasure of staying at a hotel near this river where I could jog from Notre Dame to the Eifel Tower. It was a wonderful trip.

February 20, 2019 at 7:23 am

Hi Peter, Yes the area along the Seine River in central Paris is great and you are able to see a lot of the most notable attractions from a Seine River cruise which is nice! Best, Jessica

jdawg Post author

January 29, 2019 at 11:51 am

Thanks you for the comprehensive article.

Trying to narrow down and decide which to take. My wife and I will be traveling with out 7 & 9 year old kids.

Would you recommend an evening / nighttime cruise or daytime?

Also thinking that the 2 hour tour might be too long for the kids?

Thanks again!!

January 29, 2019 at 12:31 pm

Hi there, Yes, I agree that I would choose one of the 1 hour cruises as 2 hours may be too long for the kids (and perhaps some adults).

If looking for a cruise (not a hop on hop off) I’d skip Batobus. If cost is a factor Vedettes du Pont Neuf usually offers the lowest priced online tickets. But I’d also let location guide you if none stand out to you and a few of the companies leave from the Eiffel Tower and a couple from Notre Dame so that might help narrow down which might fit better into your itinerary.

Day or night is hard and we’ve done both. Both are enjoyable in different ways. The highlight of the evening cruises for most is seeing the illuminated monuments, particularly the Eiffel Tower sparkling but you can see a bit more in the day time. If traveling in winter, I’d definitely make sure you have a boat with indoor seating. I’d maybe ask your kids opinions and let them choose between night and day 😉

Enjoy your Seine cruise and time in Paris! Jessica

Marlene Post author

December 15, 2018 at 11:45 pm

I just wanted to let you know simply how much I appreciated the time you took to write this useful post on Paris cruises. It is so complete and helpful, and as my father travels with either a cane or wheelchair, the accessibility information was essential and something we did not find elsewhere. Thanks so much for your excellent travel blog!

December 16, 2018 at 5:23 am

Hi Marlene, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and we are so happy to hear that you found our information helpful. We hope that it has helped you decide which Seine river boat cruise is best for you. Yes, it can be difficult to find a river cruise that is accessible but there are a few boat companies that make this possible for those using canes or wheelchairs. Wishing you a wonderful trip to Paris! Best, Jessica

Sharon Post author

October 22, 2018 at 11:05 pm

This article was very helpful! It really narrowed down the options. Thank you!

October 22, 2018 at 11:07 pm

Hi Sharon, Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, and we love to hear our post was helpful. Just let us know if you have any questions about Seine cruises in Paris! Best, Jessica

Ro Post author

October 21, 2018 at 3:30 am

Any offer vegan food on the dinner cruises?

October 21, 2018 at 8:34 am

Hi Ro, Most offer meat options as mains, but most also offer a vegetarian option. A few can do vegan options by request. I know Paris en Scene offers the option for a vegan menu on their Seine dinner cruises, but you need to make the request to the company after you make a dinner cruise reservation. Here is an example of one of their dinner cruises. Best, Jessica

Bill Post author

August 6, 2018 at 1:35 pm

Can you provide any information on wheelchair accessibility? There is a lot of very general information available on the cruise websites but very little specifics. My wife travels in a wheelchair buy is able to manage a few steps. Are there steps to board the boat? (and how many?) Is there a lift to the top deck? Are toilets available and are there steps involved? Thank you for any information you can provide.

August 6, 2018 at 2:13 pm

Yes, the cruise boat operators unfortunately do not share much info on accessibility (France is notoriously bad about this). I don’t know a lot about the accessibility of the boats but many do have stairs and I doubt any of them have lifts. The other issue is that most companies have several boats, and not all are of the same design.

I actually researched this a bit for another reader who emailed last week which Seine cruises were wheelchair accessible. It seems like the best chance is going to be from one of the cruises that leave from near the Eiffel Tower as these are the most popular and appear to have the most services and there is at least once access ramp here.

I would recommend calling the company you are most interested in to check specifically about accessibility and the specific needs you may have, but here is the info I found on the main Paris Seine River cruise company websites:

-Here is what the Bateaux Parisiens website says: “Bateaux Parisiens welcomes people with reduced mobility. For safety reasons, the number of seats may be limited depending on the configuration of the boat. Access to toilets on our boats is only by stairs. PMR toilets are available at Bistro Parisien, our restaurant dock, pontoon n ° 2.”

-Here is what Batobus website says: “Can disabled people in wheelchairs board the Batobus? Because of the many steps leading to the quays and/or the boats, only the Eiffel Tower stop has wheelchair access. NOTE: access to this stop is via a ramp that is also used by vehicles.”

-Here is what Canauxrama says: “The access to the boats is problematic for people with wheelchairs, especially at the Marina Arsenal since it is entirely paved. Plus there are stairs on some of our boats. Only the persons with manual wheelchairs can do the cruise on the Saint-Martin Canal if they are accompanied with people who can help them. It is the same problem for the cruise on the Marne River, because there are stairs at the landing stage in Joinville le Pont.”

-I could not find NO accessibility information on the Vedettes de Paris , Bateaux Mouches , or Vedettes du Pont Neuf websites.

I would love to know what you find out if you contact the companies about this and I would love to hear about your experiences to update this article and better help future readers. I will note that the other reader I was talking to said that the company he contacted did not respond to his email, so calling is probably the best way to get an answer from some of them.

Hope this helps! Jessica

Regina Post author

June 21, 2018 at 8:25 am

What is the temperature month of October ? What would be a nice romantic dinner an Eiffel dinner or Seinne river cruise ?

June 25, 2018 at 1:19 am

In October the weather in Paris is often cool but not cold, although it can be warm. Rain is definitely a possibility. I’d check the forecast closer to the time. I’d just check the forecast that morning and dress appropriately. You’ll be covered and warm at a Eiffel Tower restaurant or a Seine River dinner cruise (just make sure it offers indoor or covered dining area) so the weather should not matter too much. I think both would be nice. I have eaten in the Eiffel Tower and most tables have a nice view over the city (I’d request one when you make your booking). But on the boat you are on the water with the ever-changing scenery of Paris and you have the Eiffel Tower as a beautiful backdrops.

There are a few restaurants on the Eiffel Tower (e.g., 58 Tour Eiffel and Le Jules Verne) and the most well known is probably Le Jules Verne which offers fine dining. Note that the prices here are high as you are paying more for the location and view than the food here. It is a nice experience but expensive.

The Seine River dinner cruises are likely going to be less expensive than a dinner at the Eiffel Tower but may not offer as many options or be as nice as a restaurant. You can check out compare some of the dinner cruise options here .

If budget is a factor, I’d consider visiting the Eiffel Tower first and then doing a dinner boat cruise in Paris. Many of the cruises leave near the Eiffel Tower. That sounds like a very nice romantic evening that combines both the Tower and the cruise 😉 But either way, I am sure you’ll have a wonderful evening, just be sure to book in advance.

Hope this helps, and wishing you a romantic trip to Paris! Jessica

Mae Post author

June 5, 2018 at 9:29 am

Hello there. I’m so thankful I found your blog. This is very helpful. It’s my first time visiting Paris this July. I was wondering if you think it will be a good decision to do the cruise in the evening. I have a Paris Pass, btw. Will the ticket for the cruise that’s included in the Paris Pass allow me to do the Seine cruise in the evening? How long does the cruise take?

June 6, 2018 at 3:28 pm

Glad you found our articles helpful in planning your Paris trip 😉 A night cruise can be nice, we particularly like getting on the boat just before sunset. But we’ve also done them during the day and at night to see the lights – any time is nice really as long as the weather is good 😉

Currently, Paris Pass holders can claim a free ticket for a Seine River cruise with Bateaux Parisiens. The cruises take approximately 1 hour. The current schedule shows that these tours depart every 30 minutes between April-September from 10:00 to 22:30. So yes you can definitely do a night cruise if you wish.

But you can consult the Bateaux Parisiens website or this page for the Paris Pass information on the cruise for more details and the latest updates before your trip.

Hope this helps and wishing you a wonderful trip to Paris!

Laura Post author

April 15, 2018 at 6:36 pm

Very helpful article! Thank you! I think I would looking at Vedettes du Pont Neuf due to location. I leave in may, can’t wait!

April 17, 2018 at 10:49 pm

Hello Laura, Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and enjoy your trip to Paris and your Seine river cruise!! Best, Jessica

Michael Barnes Post author

April 15, 2018 at 12:09 pm

Hi – great blog, so thanks for the time you’ve taken to share what you’ve learned. Question, though – in this page about the river cruises, you mention that the Paris Museum Pass included a particular sightseeing boat tour, but your page about the Museum Pass says that no boat tours are included. Looking at the Museum Pass’ own website, it looks like there is no longer a boat tour included. Is that now correct?

April 15, 2018 at 12:12 pm

I think I just answered my own question – here you’re referring to the Paris Pass, not the Paris Museum Pass. Thanks.

April 17, 2018 at 10:47 pm

Hi Michael, Yes, the Paris Pass and Paris Museum pass are separate passes although the Paris Pass includes the Paris Museum Pass as well as several other attractions, including the Seine cruise. Best, Jessica

April 17, 2018 at 10:46 pm

Hi Michael, Glad you found the post helpful. Yes it is the Paris Pass (not the Paris Museum Pass) which includes a Seine River cruise and the information is still correct as of today. Enjoy your time in Paris! Best, Jessica

Norma Post author

March 23, 2018 at 5:54 am

Amazing post here, Thank you so much for taking the time to write about and compare all the Paris river trips. I think I am going to do a dinner cruise on the Seine!

March 23, 2018 at 7:00 am

Hi Norma, Great, glad you found it helpful and wishing you a lovely dinner river cruise in Paris 😉 Best, Jessica

Philippe Post author

March 7, 2018 at 2:53 am

Your article was very helpful! Thank you so much! 🙂

March 7, 2018 at 7:45 am

Hi Philippe, You’re very welcome 😉 Enjoy your trip to Paris. Best, Jessica

hind idris Post author

March 4, 2018 at 1:24 am

thank you for the kind info on seine river boats really thank u

March 4, 2018 at 6:03 am

Hi Hind, You are very welcome 😉 Hope you have a fantastic time in Paris. Best, Jessica

Chartres Post author

January 17, 2018 at 11:29 pm

Thanks for this amazing blog about boat cruises in Paris. Very helpful!

January 18, 2018 at 6:31 am

Glad you found it helpful, wishing you a wonderful trip to Paris!

Andrew Drogby Post author

December 1, 2017 at 4:55 am

Hi thanks for this article about the river cruises in Paris . I tried Bateaux Parisiens after reading your article. My experience was great. And I wanted to share it with you… If you go in Paris in winter especially I advise you the illumination cruise. It s cold during the winter but you will be able to feel all the romanticism of Paris city. After 5 pm the darkness come over the city and the buildings around the Seine river are illuminated. This emphasizes the character of the city . Be sure to bundle up otherwise you will be a Mr Freeze!

December 2, 2017 at 12:37 pm

Hi Andrew, Glad that this article helped you choose a Seine river cruise, and glad you had a great time with Bateaux Parisiens. Yes, warm layers are definitely a must on river cruises, especially in the winter, when it can get pretty cold outside in Paris!! Stay warm and enjoy the rest of your winter trip to Paris! Best, Jessica

Sacha Post author

June 22, 2017 at 1:25 am

Good & helpful information on Seine river boats!!!

June 22, 2017 at 10:19 am

Hi Sacha, Glad you found our Paris article on Seine river cruises helpful, and thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a comment 😉

John Post author

June 14, 2017 at 8:38 am

I have a few safety tips for the Seine river boat cruises. Watch out for your stuff at all times. Check whether all your bags are present throughout the entire trip. Be extra vigilant when changing locations and boats to avoid loss or theft. While these tips are important, there’s nothing like experience to help ensure a safe voyage.

June 15, 2017 at 10:19 am

Hi John, Thanks so much for sharing these safety tips for the Seine Cruise boat tours in Paris! Best, Jessica

Nicolleen Post author

May 5, 2017 at 6:40 am

I really thank you for your amazing write- up. It really did helped in making my mind up with regards to the Seine river boat company that I needed, You should write more since you are doing such an impressive job!!! Thank you once again

May 5, 2017 at 12:55 pm

Hi Nicolleen, Thanks for taking the time to comment and glad that our article helped you choose the Seine cruise tour that was a best suited for you! Enjoy your trip to Paris. Best, Jessica

alicia Post author

May 2, 2017 at 8:32 pm

FYI all the children’s cruises are in French

May 4, 2017 at 1:50 pm

Hi Alicia, Thanks for this information!

Note: She is referring to the fact that Vedettes de Paris have recently introduced special children’s boat cruises on the Seine for children (mostly for school groups, reservation required) and they are currently only available in French as of May 2017.

sai kapoor Post author

February 1, 2017 at 8:21 am

We are planning for a short trip to paris, your article was very helpful in planning our trip. Thank you

February 2, 2017 at 4:25 am

Hi Sai, Glad to hear this and thanks for taking the time to comment. I hope you found the perfect Seine Cruise boat for you and that you have a lovely trip to Paris! Best, Jessica

Mohammed Post author

July 19, 2016 at 8:51 pm

I really thank you for your amazing write- up. It really did helped in making my mind up with regards to the Seine river boat company that ! needed, You should write more since you are doing such an impressive job!!! Thank you once again

travelcats Post author

July 21, 2016 at 4:49 am

Hi Mohammed, glad the post was useful to you and thanks for taking the time to leave us a comment. Enjoy your trip to Paris! ~ Jessica

Gulzar Post author

June 25, 2016 at 5:49 am

Thank you for the write up. This really made it easier choosing the Seine cruise for my upcoming trip to Paris.

June 25, 2016 at 8:02 am

Hi Gulzar, Great, glad this was information was helpful in helping your choose the best Seine river cruise for you. Have a great trip to Paris! ~ Jessica

Shannon Post author

May 27, 2016 at 3:58 pm

Wow, I am planning our 21 day European vacation and know that I want to do a cruise on the Siene River. I have been overwhelmed at the choices and trying to figure out which company to go with. Thanks for writing this article! It includes all of the major companies that have come up during my research. Since we are staying near the Eiffel Tower, I will take location into consideration, however I do like the idea of a live guide.

May 27, 2016 at 6:43 pm

Hi Shannon, Thanks for taking the time to write a comment, we greatly appreciate it and it makes our day to know we are providing useful and helpful travel info! I hope you have a great European vacation and best of luck on choosing a Seine river cruise; I am sure you’ll enjoy any cruise on the Seine. Paris is a wonderful city! Happy travels, Jessica

Ginn Post author

January 21, 2016 at 5:26 am

Very good info, im glad that i found your blogpost here. I was trying to google which boat offer an open deck

January 21, 2016 at 6:13 am

Hi Ginn, Glad you found the post on Seine river cruises helpful. As you can probably see by looking at the photos, almost all of the boats have some open deck seating. I would just avoid the Batobus as it is not very open and is not really designed for sightseeing (it is a hop-on/hop-off boat). I think you should be fine with any of the other companies, and just try to get in line early to make sure you get the type of seat on the boat you want. Enjoy your time in Paris! ~ Jessica

Devon Post author

November 7, 2015 at 10:55 am

This is a great post. I’ve been writing similar one during my trip around the world and I’m happy to use yours. I’ll be on the Seine tomorrow!

November 8, 2015 at 3:35 am

Hi Devon, glad you liked the post and hope it helped you choose a Seine cruise in Paris that is right for you. You are happy to link to our post in your own post about the Seine. Enjoy Paris, I look forward to visiting again next month! ~ Jessica

Mike Post author

October 15, 2015 at 7:03 am

Hey, yes cruising in the Seine river certainly one of the best thing to do in Paris. I have tested many of them. I think the best one certianly the cruise between Normandy and Paris. (the impressionist road by the river). I also like dinner cruises in Paris, it’s a good way the visit the French capital. We I have some visit (familly or friends) I generally book a simple cruise with bateau. For originality ,you can also try the canauxama in the Canal St Martin.

October 24, 2015 at 7:08 am

Hi Mike, yes, I also really enjoyed the cruise on the Canal Saint Martin which is a nice thing to do if you have already done a Seine river cruise in Paris. You can read about our experience on the canal cruise here:

https://independenttravelcats.com/2014/02/16/canal-cruises-paris-boat-ride-canal-saint-martin/

Meghan Post author

October 16, 2013 at 12:10 pm

I wish I could remember with which company I went on a boat cruise when I was in Paris. But I do remember it was a great way to rest our feet after tromping around the city and up the Eiffel Tower!

October 16, 2013 at 4:55 pm

Yes, it is definitely great to get an hour or two off your feet after a lot of walking!

MOl S Post author

October 16, 2013 at 4:28 am

Excellent! I’ll definitely take a cruise on the Seine the next time I’m in Paris

October 16, 2013 at 5:19 pm

Yes, hope you enjoy it!

Missy Homemaker Post author

October 12, 2013 at 9:44 am

I am just loving reading about your travels! I’ve nominated you for a Sunshine Award. You can read about it on my post today 🙂

Vanessa Morgan Post author

October 7, 2013 at 3:45 am

Beautiful photos of Paris and great information.

October 7, 2013 at 8:44 am

Thanks Vanessa!

Kate Post author

October 6, 2013 at 11:59 pm

I never took advantage of a boat tour on the Seine because I used to walk past it so frequently and saw a lot of parts of it in my time living in Paris. I had some friends that did and said they enjoyed it. But I think it’s different when you are just visiting I guess, less time to see things.

October 7, 2013 at 8:43 am

Yes, what I think is interesting about the cruises is they give you a different perspective of the buildings and scenery from the water than from the banks.

Miwa Post author

October 6, 2013 at 4:00 pm

New follower! Your blog is amazing! Such great photos and detailed info. I will definitely keep this post bookmarked for the next time I’m in Paris. (Not sure when that’ll be but hopefully soon!)

October 6, 2013 at 4:09 pm

Thanks for stopping by, glad you enjoyed the post. Paris is a special place for us as it was my first international trip when I was 16 and about 10 years later the first place Ethan and I visited together as a couple. Look forward to checking out your blog as well.

Suzanne Lucas Post author

October 5, 2013 at 8:02 am

Although I’m sure the rain wasn’t the greatest for your cruise, I must say the picture of the Eiffel tower through the rainy window is stunning. Paris is definitely on my must-see list. Thanks for the insight.

Stopping in from the Happy Kids Blog Hop.

October 6, 2013 at 12:06 pm

Yes, between the rain and having to keep the windows closed during about half the cruise, it did put a bit of a damper on the cruise but we came prepared with a travel blanket, jackets, and rain ponchos and made the best of the trip. We’d love to do it again with the rain!

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St. Chapelle, dinner, and Seine cruise-help - Paris Forum

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Why won't you have dinner at lets say 6 pm at continuous service brasserie?

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Best Shrines of France 2024

Rue De Bac (Our Lady of Miraculous Medal, Sacre Coeur, Evening Dinner Cruise at Seine River ) | Lisieux (St. Therese of the Little Flower) | Lourdes (Mary's Apparition) | Carcassonne | Avignon | Ars (St. John Vianney) | Lyon Excursion | Paray Le Monial (St. Margaret Mary Alacoque) | Nevers (St. Bernadette) | La Salette (Vatican Approved Apparition) | Chartres Excursion

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Rue De Bac (Our Lady of Miraculous Medal, Sacre Coeur, Evening Dinner Cruise at Seine River ) | Lisieux (St. Therese of the Little Flower) | Lourdes (Mary's Apparition) | Carcassonne | Avignon | Ars (St. John Vianney) | Lyon Excursion | Paray Le Monial (St. Margaret Mary Alacoque) | Nevers (St. Bernadette) | La Salette (Vatican Approved Apparition) | Chartres Excursion 

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The Best New Hotels in the World: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants , and cruise ships , a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech, or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List hotel winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler 's Hot List issue. Never miss out when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler .

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1, Place Vendôme — Paris Arrow

Paris has more than its fair share of hotels to see and be seen in, from buzzy hot spots with Studio 54-style wait lists to storied suites that keep the visitors coming. Countering that razzle-dazzle with stealthy elegance that’s quintessentially Parisian but infinitely more homely (especially for those accustomed to the accouterments of butler service) is 1 Place Vendôme: the first hotel from Swiss fine jewelry and watchmaker Chopard and the Scheufele family, who have owned the company since 1963. This jewel of the regal 1st arrondissement is situated amid Place Vendôme’s murmur of luxury labels and directly above the Chopard boutique, and guests enter through an imposing blue door—unbranded except for an enigmatic cursive C. More akin to a member’s club than a hotel (it’s only accessible to guests and their visitors), several conventions stop here: There’s an 18th-century stone fireplace and sweeping staircase instead of a lobby, and check-in (as with dining) happens whenever and wherever guests please, whether it’s in the library, lounges, or in one of the five rooms and 10 suites—including the double-height, Versailles-worthy Appartement Chopard. Other decor delights include a glass-walled table d’hôte that allows guests to peer in on the chefs while dining; a Winter Garden conservatory with a jungle-themed mosaic mural crafted from thousands of cabochon gemstones; and a Chinese-inspired fumoir with innovative, almost-imperceptible scent-extraction perforations. This is classic Paris, but cut with a haute private edge. From $1,525. —Katie Baron

Angama Amboseli — Maasai Mara, Kenya Arrow

Size is everything in the Amboseli National Park’s ecosystem. Some of Kenya’s few remaining super tuskers make a vast journey along an ancient migratory path below the hulking shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s an environment where big ideas are not only welcome but needed—and safari outfit Angama has risen to the challenge with its third property. Within the Kimana community sanctuary, the 10-suite canvas-roofed lodge is part of an elephant corridor connecting Amboseli with protected areas in the Chyulu Hills and Tsavo West National Park. Built in partnership with the Big Life Foundation NGO, it’s the company’s first major foray into hands-on conservation. It doesn’t shy away from the realities of human-wildlife coexistence—that’s part of the story. From the Mnara, a wi-fi equipped watchtower, guests can see herds parade across swamps at sunset as lights from villages twinkle on the horizon. Elephants have inspired every element of the interior design, from pillars resembling their columnal legs to place mats mimicking their abrasive skin. Even dung has been used to craft the thermoregulating adobe walls. All tents—spaced several pachyderm strides apart—have superb views, a signature for Angama. Beyond a forest of fever trees, the sometimes snowcapped summit of Kilimanjaro can be seen through the clouds—often so close, it feels within touching distance from the bed. Lying back and watching the wild world go by is the biggest treat of all. From $1,638. —Sarah Marshall

Broadwick Soho — London, United Kingdom Arrow

In London , where hotels tend to be either palatial grande dames or discreet unmarked town houses, two enormous elephants in top hats and bow ties peep over a red awning on a Soho corner. Needless to say, Martin Brudnizki’s latest 57-room project is an attention-seeker. His trademark opulent interiors—clashing leopard print and zebra stripes; DJ booths jutting up against silk walls; flamingo-pink parrots floating on green paneling—draw comparisons to his other projects (especially Annabel’s), but Broadwick Soho is a one-off. That’s partly due to the vision of owner Noel Hayden, a tech entrepreneur inspired by the 1970s Bournemouth hotel he grew up in, playing Space Invaders on the arcade machine while his glam mother and magician father entertained guests. That vaudeville spirit survives here. A barman whips up cocktails in the gold-dipped café-bar that spills onto the street, and there’s art by Francis Bacon, Bridget Riley, and Andy Warhol on the way to rooms that feel almost pared back compared to the textural riot elsewhere. Wallpaper embroidered with elephants and tigers shimmers in the chandelier light. The enormous brass minibar is shaped like an elephant, handmade by craftsmen in Jaipur. The rooftop bar, Flute, has cork paneling, sequins, geometric lines, and stellar views. The vibe is sultrier at basement restaurant Dear Jackie, named after Hayden’s mother, with crimson walls, intimate blue booths, and a menu that transcends the trad Italian vibes. Finally, a hotel worthy of the madcap fun of Soho. From $625. —Sarah James

Bulgari Hotel Roma — Rome Arrow

Bulgari has garnered international devotees for its properties in places like Tokyo , Dubai , and Paris —but its new crown jewel is in Rome, the brand’s hometown. Located a stone’s throw from Augustus’s mausoleum, the hotel has museum-worthy pieces, like handcrafted mosaics from Friuli and blown-glass lamps from Murano, alongside modern comforts such as custom mattresses, a pillow menu, and a 21st-century lighting system that’s actually easy to use. Il Ristorante Niko Romito, helmed by a chef with a three-Michelin-starred restaurant back in his native Abruzzo, is a standout. There’s also a spa with a showstopping columned Roman-bath–style swimming pool and a beautiful terrace bar with 4,500 plants overlooking the Eternal City. The starting rate is steep, but with these kinds of accommodations and services (sightseeing tours in vintage Fiat 500s, personal shoppers, and a fleet of chauffeured cars), we say the property is more than worth the price tag. From $2,000. —Ondine Cohane

The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel — France Arrow

A six-year hotel restoration, including two and a half years of complete closure, is serious business. That’s why everyone was clamoring to rush in when the Boulevard de la Croisette’s century-­old grande dame, in a dramatic I’m-ready-for-my-close-up moment, finally flung open her doors in spring 2023 to unveil a swoon-worthy rejuvenation. But there’s more. Rebranded as a Regent Hotel, the Carlton’s neo-resort comeback works its charms beyond the showy marble-­stucco-columned lobby and gorgeously spruced-up tea salon. The sprawling peristyle garden courtyard and splashy infinity pool (which morphs into a skating rink in winter) are just part of the draw. There’s also a dazzling Le C-Club Spa for personalized holistic massages and Dr. Barbara Sturm treatments, plus a luxe cutting-edge fitness center with a boxing ring where you can slug away with a private coach. Aquanauts may prefer a plunge in the turquoise Med and relaxing on a sunbed at the Carlton’s private beach, which still oozes To Catch a Thief glamour. Upstairs, the reimagined sea-view rooms have an unfussy, minimalist beach feel. There are also cavernous seventh-floor signature suites and a massive penthouse for glitzy movie mogul bashes. Come sundown, guests drift to the intimate Bar °58 for signature cocktails (try the tequila old-fashioned spiked with agave and bitter chocolate) then continue on to the newly added restaurant Rüya for mouthwatering Anatolian­-style dishes to share among friends. Gracious service remains paramount, with 14 concierges in high season. The Carlton Cannes ’s legendary glow is brighter than ever. From $435. —Lanie Goodman

Cap Karoso — Sumba, Indonesia Arrow

For years after the millennium, Nihi Sumba was the only top-end stay on Sumba, an island of raw beauty, epic surf, wild horses, and ancient animist culture. More competition has edged in over recent years, but none quite like Cap Karoso. Opened by French couple Fabrice and Evguenia Ivara on the island’s untouched western perimeter, it is surrounded by pointy thatch-roofed uma mbatangu homes, their design unchanged for centuries. Unlike many Sumbanese resorts, Cap Karoso doesn’t ape the local style. Its sprawling 47 rooms and 20 villas are straight-lined and concrete-clad, with a crisp tropical-modern feel. With slatted roofs casting perfect lines of shade and daybeds sprinkled throughout, barefoot guests—the sort that flit between Tulum and Santa Teresa—waft around the pools, restaurant, and surf-caressed beach. But Cap Karoso is still imbued with some of the magical old soul of the island. A striking artwork of colored threads is draped on the back wall of the lobby, woven by Kornelis Ndapakamang, one of the best-known ikat makers on Sumba. Scattered everywhere are Indigenous symbols, sculptures, and paintings. Fishermen populate the landscape, and nut-brown wild horses gallop past. As the sun sets, everyone gathers for papaya spritzers and jackfruit piña coladas before dinner at the long communal table for just-caught-and-plucked feasts by the latest visiting chef: Oliver McGeorge from Paris’s Michelin-starred, sustainable Frenchie is lined up for summer. From $310. —Chloe Sachdev

Casa Lucía — Buenos Aires Arrow

Buenos Aires has many epithets, but none are quite as fitting as “the Paris of the South”—especially when you venture towards the elegant café- and park-strewn barrios of Retiro and Recoleta. It’s here, in the middle of Calle Arroyo, where Spanish hotel group Unico has unveiled Casa Lucia, one of the city’s most exciting hotel launches in recent memory. Housed in the Edificio Mihanovich—a 20-story neoclassical icon that was the tallest building in South America when it opened in 1928—the hotel (which sat closed for the past five years) has emerged from a top-to-toe renovation where porteño glamour seeps into every space. There’s the light-flushed atrium lobby, covered by a glass roof that connects two seven-story wings of the original building, as well as a spa and a 52-foot pool flanked by mirrors. Just off the central atrium is Cantina Restaurant, where the steaks would impress a hungry gaucho, and Le Club Bacan, an intimate lounge bar serving up tapas, louche sounds, and more than 400 wines chosen by master sommelier Aldo Garcia. Rooms are spacious and modern, with a cool palette of gray greens; many have outside balconies with sun loungers and outdoor showers affording wide views over the city to the Río de la Plata. It all feels like a soothing embrace in a city that—for better or worse—often skews on the side of chaos. From $600. —Stanley Stewart

The Celestine — New Orleans Arrow

Built in 1791 as a private residence in the fabled French Quarter , The Celestine marks the glowing return to what its storied former tenants—the Creole chemist Antione Peychaud, responsible for his namesake bitters and a female hotelier who ran the fashionable Maison Deville hotel (where Tennesse Williams is said to have penned A Streetcar Named Desire )—would have enjoyed. The property, named after Peychaud’s wife, was lovingly restored by local restaurateur and hotelier Robert LeBlanc (The Chloe), interior designer Sara Costello (The Chloe), and cocktail whiz Neal Bodenheimer (Cure, Cane + Table). A stylish sprawl of 10 rooms features antique furniture, four-poster beds, pencil drawings, and a trove of 19th-century oil paintings discovered in the building’s attic. Sip a Sazerac from your balcony or descend into the dimly-lit Pecyhaud’s Bar for a nip. Outside, a tropical-fringed courtyard with a babbling fountain is a delightful spot for a Ramos Gin Fizz amid the sounds of jazz music wafting from the legendary Court of Two Sisters next door. From $225. —Kate Donnelly

César Lanzarote — Spain Arrow

Naming a hotel after Lanzarote ’s greatest art and design icon, then building it in his father’s former home, is a bold move. But the latest outpost by the fledgling Numa Signature group (Amagatay and Morvedra Nou in Menorca) is an unapologetic love letter to César Manrique, the architect and activist who art-directed Lanzarote with his style of whitewashed volcanic modernism. This isn’t the first Manrique- and nature-inspired design on the island, but it’s the most polished, and a step up for this underrated destination. There are 20 rooms amid an estate of vineyards, newly furrowed olive groves, banana trees, and pineapple plantations. Rooms have views of the ocean, volcanoes or both, and most have terraces and interior courtyards filled with plants. Interior designer Virginia Nieto leverages the landscape to weave a natural tapestry of lava stone and wood finishes with a white, brown, and green palette. The pool, shaped to resemble a lake, is surrounded by sunloungers ensconced in semi-circular stone dividers, a nod to the walls that protect the vineyards from Atlantic winds. Guests roam among vines that are already yielding wine; soon to follow will be the production of olive oil to accompany chef Zebenzui Ferrera’s seafood specialties, including John Dory with calamari and Canarian red mojo sauce. This is art and nature in an immaculate union: Manrique would surely approve. From $386. —David Moralejo

Chelsea Townhouse — London Arrow

If you know London , you also know how prized its private communal gardens are to the residents lucky enough to live by them. The Cadogan Place Gardens in Sloane Square, with their mature trees and gated railings, are among the most prestigious—and the newly opened Chelsea Townhouse gives its guests access to that rarified local perk. The 36-room hotel—the third London property and the sixth hotel in the Iconic Luxury Hotels collection—is stitched across three redbrick Victorian town houses and includes roomy, ground-level suites with French doors that open directly into the garden. The decor here leans antique but is light-touch and chic—think botanical prints, pleated lampshades, velvet headboards, and the odd porcelain figurine. Much of the period furniture has been repurposed from its predecessor, the Draycott Hotel, but the redesign has breathed new life into its spaces, which are bathed in restful shades of gray and cream. Its communal areas include a fire-warmed dining room and bay-windowed library, made cozier with staff who anticipate your needs. Once nestled in this cocoon, it’s easy to forget the abundance at your doorstep: Stylish sister property 11 Cadogan Gardens—with a clever little gym that’s available for Townhouse guests—is around the corner, as is Pavilion Road, a pedestrian mews street with indie restaurants, bars, and design shops. Further out in Chelsea and Kensington, opportunities abound for a great night out; but as you wind your way back to this comfy, tucked-away sanctuary, you’ll be ever glad to be home. From $576. —Arati Menon

Colima 71 — Mexico City Arrow

Tucked away in Roma Norte, one of Mexico City’s most lively corners, this former school is the area’s latest minimalist refuge with a focus on contemporary art. Famed Mexican architect Alberto Kalach led a local design team that transformed the property into a spacious hotel with 16 residential-style studios. In the cozy lobby, there’s a floor-to-ceiling photography installation by Iñaki Bonillas. Just beyond, in the courtyard, is the next showpiece: a hollow latticework steel structure by Sofía Táboas, another globally renowned Mexican artist. The staircase is adorned with a suspended sculpture made of bicycle tires, stainless steel, and brass by Guatemalan provocateur Darío Escobar. Most rooms have outdoor balconies, white oak bed frames draped in Portuguese cotton linens, and kitchens stocked with ceramics produced by Indigenous communities in Oaxaca. Colima 71 blends a boutique hotel with aspects of a serviced apartment building—so it doesn’t have a restaurant, but there are treats. A barista drops by to deliver coffee made with beans from Chiapas and heartier dishes such as ricotta-and-guava-stuffed rolls from Panadería Rosetta, an acclaimed bakery by Rosetta’s Elena Reygadas, who was voted the world’s best female chef in 2023. For evenings, there’s an honesty bar—made from emerald marble imported from Iran—stocked with Mexico’s top tequilas and mezcals. From $400. — Michaela Trimble

Dawn Ranch — Sonoma, California Arrow

Over the past few years, long-bohemian Sonoma has seen a handful of splashy, big hotel openings that make the area feel like it’s headed in the same way as ritzy neighboring Napa. Dawn Ranch is not one of those openings—in the best, most magical way possible. The cabins, cottages, and glamping-style tents (87 keys all in) are spread out across the retreat’s 22 riverside acres punctuated by ancient giant redwoods, grassy meadows, and a century-old apple orchard. From the minute you step on site, there’s a clear invitation to slow down and take in the surrounding nature. The check-in area is low-key and more outdoor than indoor, with a chalkboard that highlights the week’s activities—morning yoga or meditation, an origami workshop, stargazing in the orchard, or live music at the band shell. The front desk can kit you out with picnic blankets, sketchbooks, and binoculars, and there are acoustic Fender guitars available for campfire sing-alongs. There are quiet places—a bench in the sweet kitchen garden, a picnic table under the shade of a cedar—that beckon for guests to stop and stay put for a moment. While the decor and design is very contemporary, there’s this lovely throwback-to-simpler-times feel (and no phones or TVs in the room help keep this vibe going). Dawn Ranch is the rare property that makes it easy to relax, truly befitting its idyllic setting. From $299. —Rebecca Misner

De Durgerdam — Amsterdam Arrow

A former 17th-century clapboard inn located in a fishing village just a 20-minute cycle from downtown Amsterdam, De Durgerdam has been restored and relaunched as a friendly hotel, with astonishing food by the team behind Michelin-starred restaurants 212 and De Juwelier. Named after the historic village it calls home, the 14-room creation is a celebration of simple, low-impact design, with a mix of vintage and custom-made furniture, including Hypnos beds with beautiful wave-inspired local tulipwood headboards; but also of the golden age of Vermeer, through its moody use of natural light, velvety throws, and palette of green, rust, and putty. The relaxed open-plan restaurant, De Mark, takes over the whole ground floor and is already a local favorite, with a wood-burning stove, a bar, and doors that open onto a terrace overlooking saltwater lake Ijmeer (an inlet of the North Sea until it was dammed in 1932). It’s overseen by head chef Koen Marees, known for his imaginative, vegetable-forward menus featuring dishes such as tomato steak tartare and roasted cod with buttermilk and cream of barbecued celeriac. Downstairs is a candlelit wine snug. Guests can whiz into town in a cab, hire one of the hotel’s electric bikes to explore, or just cozy up by the fire. The braver among them scamper down the hotel jetty and leap into the lake. From $330. —Francesca Syz

Estelle Manor — Cotswolds, United Kingdom Arrow

Hospitality titan Sharan Pasricha’s acquisition of this Jacobethan hall with parkland on the cusp of the Cotswolds has heralded a glamorous new dawn—and created an outpost for Mayfair members’ club Maison Estelle. To transform the austere paneled shell, he hired designers including Roman and Williams (NoMad London, Freehand New York), then installed a riot of paintings and sculptures with a focus on English artists such as Billy Childish and Erin Lawlor. The 108 rooms and suites are split between the main house, kitchen-garden blocks, Scandinavian-styled woodland cottages, and handsome private homes. In spite of the upholstered silk furniture, Persian rugs, and antiques, accommodations feel pared down and modern. Everything celebrates the good life, with eating taken as seriously as work (there are on-site desk spaces, a creche, and a gym at The Clubhouse). Breakfasts and informal suppers unfold in The Brasserie, where the evening menu includes a raw section of caviar and oysters, and juicy steaks served with the marrow. The Billiards Room has an excellent Chinese selection focused on dim sum and bao by ex-Hakkasan chef Ah Tat Ip. There’s a Japanese restaurant by Nobu alum Sergej Leonenko, and the bloom-filled Glasshouse centers on British heritage vegetables and wood-fired roasts. A fun, clubbable, and boozy atmosphere pervades at the 82-foot pool, and hangovers can be soaked off in the phenomenal Eynsham Baths, a Roman-inspired spa in carved marble with sculpted columns. From $570. —Lydia Bell

Farasha Farmhouse — Marrakech Arrow

Marrakech has been abuzz with the arrival of new medina and Palmeraie hotels in the past year. But it’s this farmhouse embedded in an olive grove between the Atlas and Jbilet mountains, 45 minutes from the medina, that feels most like a gear-shift in the city’s hotel scene. The vision of husband-and-wife event stylists Fred and Rosena Charmoy—who have planned some of the most talked-about parties in town over the past 20 years—it’s the kind of in-the-know desert retreat you would expect to find in Ibiza or Joshua Tree. There are no flashy signs; instead the Hamsa, or Hand of Fatima, is etched on a rock to signal you’re close by. Long pathways sprinkled with argan nuts lead the way to the dusty-pink converted farmhouse. Inside, the smooth space looks like a sleek art gallery, with shimmering tadelakt surfaces. Vintage Italian sofas join pieces by local artists and craftspeople, from shaggy carpets by Beni Rugs to Amine El Gotaibi’s giant wooly art installations and coffee-table books handed down from the city’s legendary Vreeland estate. Of the three oversized suites in the main building, the two cavernous rooftop rooms are the best for views across to the mountain peaks. In the wispy gardens, an adobe house has been turned into a stylish casita, where traditional clay contrasts with oxblood and mustard zellige tiles. The 164-foot pool has huge daybeds between plumes of olive trees, where guests sprawl before drifting into evenings fueled by hibiscus sundowners and New Age cosmic chats. From $380. — Chloe Sachdev

The Fifth Avenue Hotel — New York City Arrow

Modern master Martin Brudnizki’s latest riot of colors, patterns, and curiosities is perhaps his most impeccably orchestrated yet. The vaulted lobby is dressed up in ornate wall panels; corridors are bedecked in vivid wallpapers; rooms are filled with painted screens and pagoda-style lamps that are an ode to the travels of hotel owner Alex Ohebshalom. A go-for-broke assemblage of art, from old-world oils to modern photography, greets you around every corner. It’s the bold palette Brudnizki is known for, a dreamlike pastiche that would have been chaos in the hands of a less practiced hand. Just as adept is the hospitality, which extends from the ready-to-please butler service on every floor to extra touches like the candle that’s slipped into your room after you’ve complimented the scent in the lobby, a martini cart that appears at your door when you need a nightcap, and the warm welcome you’ll get when you return. And you will return, even if just for a perfect Negroni at the hotel’s Portrait Bar or an extravagant dish from Café Carmellini —but most of all, for the chance to wake up in a giant cabinet of curiosities in the heart of New York’s NoMad district. From $895. —Arati Menon

Fontainebleau Las Vegas Arrow

Saying that Fontainebleau is the longest-awaited of any Las Vegas property is no hyperbole: In fact, the 729-foot-high tower (the tallest hotel in Las Vegas) was topped out in 2008 but sat vacant through several ownership changes before Jeffrey Soffer’s Fontainbleau Resorts reclaimed it in 2021—and unveiled the final product in one of the most star-studded and lavish parties in Las Vegas history at the end of 2023. The hotel is a soaring tribute to the original architect of its iconic Miami Beach sister property, Morris Lapidus, complete with a massive oval lobby, monolithic bow-tie-shaped porte cochere, and other midcentury modern glam details. The 67-story Fontainebleau (now the tallest hotel in Vegas) features 3,644 rooms in several categories that afford incredible views of either the mountains or the Strip from floor-to-ceiling windows. There are some truly new-to-Vegas experiences on the dining front: Numbering among the 36 restaurants and lounges are Mother Wolf, which doles out Roman pizza and hand-cut pasta; and the witty Washing Potato, serving up dim sum and street food. The clever Reboot Lounge offers everything from a signature foot massage to compression therapy for legs (great for recovering from a long flight). Fontainebleau takes all the best Las Vegas amenities, adds a bit of Miami glamour, and supersizes everything on a massive stage. From $300. —Emily Gordon

Further — Bali, Indonesia Arrow

With Bali’s traffic-choked Canggu district bursting at the seams, the smart crowd have set their sights on Pererenan, a sleepy village one beach to the west. Even though new villas have pitched up over recent years, they abut rice paddies and turmeric-hued temples—a flashback to the Canggu of three decades ago. At Pererenan’s heart sits the new Further, a “diffused hotel” spread out over two terra-cotta-toned buildings (with more on the way) along the village’s palm-hemmed main drag. Each is home to parts of Further’s ambitious collective of creative spaces. There’s a board shop and concept store by Australian label Thomas Surfboards; a boutique by Jakarta-based natural skin care brand Oaken Lab; and a breezy, tropical-Parisian bistro for classic apéro sundowners and dinners of pumpkin Pithiviers and steak tartare smothered in sambal. Upstairs, almost a dozen suites by Aussie design outfit Studio Wenden riff on traditional Balinese shapes and textures, with walls bedecked in burnt sienna plaster and breezy brickwork that filters the morning sun. Robust furnishings made from cast iron, earthy travertine, and timber balance out the sultry black-and-white photography, and a wraparound balcony doubles as an alfresco bathroom. This is go-slow territory, with palo-santo-scented mornings filled with leisurely lie-ins and picnic-basket breakfasts delivered to your door (an in-house restaurant will follow at a later stage), while jazzy tunes seep from the record players in every room. On an island riddled with copy-and-paste hotels, Further brings a fresh perspective. From $230. —Chris Schalkx

The Georgian — Santa Monica, California Arrow

This iconic, sky-blue Art Deco hotel along beach-adjacent Ocean Avenue has been returned to its former grandeur thanks to an overhaul by BLVD Hospitality (the group also behind Downtown LA’s Soho Warehouse and Hoxton Hotel). After nearly a century—the last half of which was a steady decline—the 1930s property is, once again, a design lover’s paradise, with a mix of Art Deco and Old Havana decor, a heavy dose of jet-set photography, and a dash of Wes Anderson (including the bellhop dressed in a vintage-style, powder blue uniform). You’ll feel the retro-luxe-meets-whimsical vibes as soon as you step into the opulent lobby, with its original arched ceilings and curved staircase intact, drenched in colorful velvet furnishings—plus fun relics like rotary phones and manual typewriters—all centered around a horseshoe bar of imported jade green quartzite that attracts both travelers and locals with Italian-inspired cocktails. Rooms are equally stylish and cheeky, with art-covered walls, gold finishes, and curvy custom-made headboards. Suites, meanwhile, come replete with ocean views, record players, and built-in bars, where you can order up a Champagne or a dessert cart with the literal press of a button. From $700. —Lizbeth Scordo

The Global Ambassador — Phoenix, Arizona Arrow

Phoenix has its fair share of easy-to-categorize hotels, from rambling retreats for families to Old Town Scottsdale party spots seemingly custom-made for bachelorette blowouts. But a chic, cosmopolitan hotel? A property that’s a legitimately cool day-and-night destination for locals? Absolutely nonexistent in the Valley of the Sun—until the arrival of the Global Ambassador. At first blush, you feel more like you’ve touched down somewhere in Europe: Peek outside at the sweet pool with its pink-striped chaise lounge and orange-with-white-piping sun umbrellas, and you’ll swear you’re on the Amalfi Coast. Despite the abundant modern touches (and complete lack of southwest design aesthetic), however, the backdrop of the magnificent Camelback Mountain will remind you exactly where you are. The overall palette in the 141 guest rooms and suites is soft beiges and whites, with many different textural delights—and there’s good framed art everywhere. Of the five food and drink venues, rooftop restaurant Théa is the crown jewel, thanks to a Mediterranean-inspired dinner menu and 360-degree views of Camelback at sunset. The cutting-edge spa and fitness offerings nicely round out this stylish, sophisticated hotel—one that feels totally transportive yet exactly right for this fast-changing desert city. From $350. —Rebecca Misner

Grand Hotel Son Net — Mallorca, Spain Arrow

Now and then, there arrives a new hotel that feels like it's been around forever. Son Net, a baroque 17th-century estate cradled by Mallorca’s Tramuntana Mountains , is such a hotel—a place of densely layered and singular antiquarian exuberance. A grand family estate that was first turned into a hotel by American real estate mogul David Stein in 1998, Son Net has been reborn under Javier López Granados, the art collector and creator of iconic Andalusian resort Finca Cortesin. López Granados handed the creative reins to Lorenzo Castillo—a Madrid-based art historian, antiques collector, and interior designer—who filled each of the 31 rooms and suites with heirlooms from across the world. Castillo also designed bold fabrics for the vast suites’ curtains and upholstery that nod to styles from chinoiserie to Spanish colonial and Italian Renaissance. The final result feels like the home of a magpie collector—one with an eye for both ominous oils and comical ceramic ducks. As the sister property to Finca Cortesin, the hotel also hits a level of service that few Mallorcan hotels can match. Dextrous waistcoated staff attend to every whim, in every artfully curated space: from the fabric-walled Chimney Room serving up house gin cocktails to the locavore restaurant in a double-height former olive press; from the aquamarine pool set in cypress-scented gardens to the soon-to-open 10,763-square-foot spa with Morrish touches. Add to this a backdrop of sacred mountains, and the entire setting feels like a grand tour of the imagination. From $692. —Toby Skinner

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll — Iceland Arrow

Iceland really has been the “land of fire and ice” lately, with the recent eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula causing the temporary closure of the Retreat at Blue Lagoon, a 60-suite hotel and subterranean geothermal spa. Luckily the sustainably minded wellness company’s new sister venture, a year-round off-grid retreat for adventure extremists, is 110 miles—and another planet—away in Iceland’s vast and mostly frozen interior, which remained unexplored until the 1930s. Highland Base in Kerlingarfjöll—a vast reserve of snowdrift-blanketed peaks, glaciers, lava fields, and silence—might as well be on the moon. Getting there is a mission. In winter, after arriving at Skjol Basecamp (90 minutes on the Golden Circle from Reykjavik) it can take two to five hours of “floating” over virgin snow in adapted Super Jeeps. The angular Highland Base huddles in a valley like a Nordic minimalist space station, a 28-room hotel and six podlike lodges occupying the abandoned structures of the pioneers who have gone before. The pods, which have sunken living rooms, Polaroid-like windows, and hanging ponchos, were designed with sustainable aged wood and concrete by Icelandic firm Basalt Architects, masterminds of the Blue Lagoon. There’s also a sleeping bag option in A-frame huts left over from a 1960s summer ski school. Activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking, as well as jumping in the geothermal baths to see the northern lights after dinners of Arctic char and warming shots of Brennivín schnapps. From $360. —Stephanie Rafanelli

Hotel Bardo — Savannah, Georgia Arrow

Stylish Hotel Bardo sits inside the 1888-built Forsyth Mansion, looking out onto Savannah ’s largest and oldest public park. Like all homes in the city, it has history—throughout its life, the building has housed several families, functioned as a funeral home, and served as a three-star hotel, the Mansion of Forsyth Park, until 2022. That’s when the team at New York–based Left Lane stepped in to refresh and rebrand the space, unveiling the new Bardo in February 2024. While the iconic brick exterior of the two main buildings is largely unchanged, a second white-brick building housing 20 suites is now attached to the back—and a shimmering pool and “carriage house” for workout classes and events have been carved out of what was once just a parking lot (talk about an upgrade). The accommodations hit everything on your bingo card for a stylish hotel room in 2024—think brass light fixtures, rattan wardrobes, and a bevy of high-end bathroom supplies. On the dining front, Saint Bibiana takes its cues from some of the city’s restaurants of the moment—instead of staying classic with Lowcountry staples, they do shareable plates that come out as they’re ready, with flavors rooted in “coastal Italian” cuisine. The spa menu, meanwhile, has been specially designed by Left Lane—expect cutting-edge skin treatments paired with wine and decadent snacks. Pro tip: When coming and going from neighborhood jaunts, be sure to chat with the doormen for an introductory course in Southern charm. From $348. —Megan Spurrell

Hotel Corazón — Mallorca, Spain Arrow

Mallorca ’s west coast has long been a magnet for writers, artists, and musicians seeking spiritual connection—an intangible alchemy that has been channeled into Hotel Corazón. A wild and spoiling spot between Deià and Sóller, it’s the creation of photographer Kate Bellm and her partner, the artist and cactus gardener Edgar Lopez, who set out to open a hotel that feels more like the private home of an arty friend, a place where anything seems possible. Their creative pals are regular guests, and the 1970s-inspired, free-flowing sculptural interior design blurs the boundaries between indoors and out. Palm fronds peek through the windows of the 15 linen-draped bedrooms, each unique, with shaggy carpets and egg-shaped dome showers in hazy shades of pink, sage, and ochre. At the heart of the property is the abundant land, which is cultivated using traditional regenerative farming techniques. Vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs are harvested to conjure up seasonal dishes, served on the restaurant terrace backed by mountain views. Palm-leaf parasols cast languid shade onto day beds by the pool, and healing medicinal teas and elixirs are sourced from the garden. Sound baths, yoga, and reiki are on offer, as well as insider advice on where to find hidden waterfalls and caves. Hotel Corazón immerses guests in the island’s artistic scene—an invitation to dare to dream. From $289. —Katie Metcalfe

Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin — Paris Arrow

Martin Brudnizki, the designer who has been everywhere this past year, is all about stories—and few are as seductive as the idea of an aristocratic-era literary salon in the Marais, just moments from the Seine and the Hôtel de Ville and opposite the BHV Marais, surely Paris’s most fun department store. At Le Grand Mazarin—from Maisons Pariente, the group behind chic stays such as Provence’s Hotel Crillon Le Brave—the sense is of being in a film about a sumptuous 14th-century hotel, all pastels and layers of velvet and embroidery; everything a little softer than other recent Brudnizki projects in Soho or on New York’s Fifth Avenue. It’s built in the round with a stunning glass atrium winter garden at its heart. A bijou indoor pool (a rarity in central Paris) is overlooked by a free-form forest mural by in-demand artist Jacques Merle, and the hammam and spa specialize in extra-speedy treatments. The restaurant, Boubalé, is run by Michelin-starred chef Assaf Granit with a menu paying homage to the Ashkenazi cuisine of his parents’ heritage: Kurdish kreplach cooked in beurre blanc, potato pierogi, pickled herring, and mamaliga (polenta). Tucked away in the basement is the perfectly dinky Le Bar de Boubalé, which oozes relaxed sophistication but with a dash of Wes Anderson–style whimsy. From $505. —Viv Groskop

Hotel Maria — Helsinki, Finland Arrow

In a country where the sun hides for a large part of the year, light is more precious than gold. Carefully considered illuminations appositely form the design backbone of Finland ’s latest top-drawer opening, an elegantly attired dame igniting buzz in the capital. Inside the former 19th-century battalion residence in the Kruununhaka district, crystal pendants sparkle from 159 chandeliers, and dozens of opaque selenite wands nostalgically mimic snow lanterns above the Champagne- and caviar-stocked bar. In the 117 bedrooms and suites (there are 38 of the latter, the highest number in Helsinki), a dizzying selection of lamps and ceiling lights can be dimmed with one touch of an iPad for a sultry cinematic effect. But even beyond its highly charged interiors, this lustrous beauty is set to shine. Founder Samppa Lajunen, a former skier with three Olympic golds, has high hopes for the first wellness concept hotel in the Nordics. Finnish sauna culture and hot and cold therapy are central to the spa and health club, where nutritionists, personal trainers, and therapists join forces. In restaurant Lilja, head chef Ville Rainio is on track for a Michelin star with his New Nordic menu based on Finland’s bountiful larder—from cheeses made in nearby suburb Töölö to reindeer meat from inside the Arctic Circle in Lapland. This is a distinctly local hotel with finessed service not previously seen in this part of the world. Proof that Finland can deliver more than husky rides and auroras, it’s an enlightening find. From about $489. —Sarah Marshall

La Nauve Hôtel & Jardin — Cognac, France Arrow

Though France ’s Henri IV was a Bourbon, he had a taste for cognac. He insisted that the Charente, which flows through the city, was the loveliest river in his kingdom. The good king would, then, surely approve of La Nauve Hotel & Jardin, which occupies a particularly splendid position on the banks of the river. This blindingly white, 19th-century neoclassical villa is flanked by two outbuildings of similar vintage and surrounded by a dozen emerald green acres that will only get better with age. Much of the garden was redesigned and replanted while the hotel was being created; and though it is already looking gorgeous, the climbing plants taking over the trellises by the water lily pond promise lovelier views with each growing inch. There are currently a dozen rooms—eight in the main villa and four in the smaller of the two outbuildings—and the interiors are charmingly eclectic. Despite the great quantities of gleaming marble and the mesmeric, grand-scale Venetian chandeliers in the lobby, there’s an intriguing hint of the Alps throughout the place. The abundance of wood—not only in the floors and ceilings, but also in the elaborate inlaid headboards, doors, and wardrobes—is an unexpected delight. Further elegant touches include luminous onyx panels, brass details embedded in the parquet, and, here and there, carved birds perched in the rafters. La Nauve’s two restaurants, the fine-dining Notes and the indoor-outdoor Brasserie des Flâneurs, are both overseen by Anthony Carballo (ex-Le Meurice and Shangri-La Paris) and are outstanding additions to the resurgent local food-and-drink scene. From $491. —Steve King

Hotel La Palma — Capri, Italy Arrow

Once the epitome of la dolce vita , Capri is dangerously close to becoming fully eroded by day trippers on Grand Selfie tours. Luckily, Hotel La Palma—an Oetker Collection–helmed revival of the island’s first hotel, built in 1822—arrived fashionably late to the scene last summer. The property evokes images of Capri’s bygone jet-set glamour: Maltese designer Francis Sultana bypassed those ubiquitous cobalt-and-lemon tiles and “I Heart Capri” T-shirts for a stripped-back neoclassical vision inspired by Villa Lysis and Villa San Michele. Everywhere you look, white linen curtains waft like togas, and mosaic floors beckon guests to truly watch their steps. The color schemes of airy whites and sky blues are reminders of the island’s legendary luxury: the view of the Bay of Naples, as seen from the gods of Emperor Tiberius’s palace. Hotel La Palma boasts those same views, though its position opposite Dolce & Gabbana on Via Vittorio Emanuele is a bit more mortal. The hotel boasts its own patisserie run by pastry master Carmine di Donna, while Gennaro Esposito—famed for his two-Michelin-starred Torre del Saracino in Vico Equense near Sorrento—oversees the new La Bianca roof terrace. But on an island where sun loungers can be booked one year in advance, the hotel’s Da Gioia beach club is the biggest splash. From $645. —Stephanie Rafanelli

Hotel Violino d’Oro — Venice, Italy Arrow

It’s easy for hotels to say they want guests to feet at home—it’s harder to pull off. But from the moment you enter this intimate boutique hotel just five minutes from Piazza San Marco , you feel like you’re being welcomed into the abode of a sophisticated host. That’s because it’s a very personal project for Sara Maestrelli, who’s joining her aunt Elena in the family business. (The Maestrellis own hotels in Florence and Forte dei Marmi, but this property is the first of theirs to be part of the Leading Hotels of the World.) They were adamant that Violino d’Oro be a completely “made in Italy” project that not only showcases archival designs by Fortuny, Venini, and Martinelli Luce, but also supports young Italian artists and artisans—including the Micheluzzi sisters, whose Venetian glass vases decorate the hotel; and Allegra Santini, who created regenerated marble busts for the rooms. The locally minded, artisan-led philosophy extends to the bar, where lauded bartender Francesco Adranga shakes up creative cocktails using Gin Venice (one of the only gins made in the Venetian lagoon); and Il Piccolo restaurant, which serves gourmet dishes with an emphasis on plant-based and gluten-free options served, naturally, on Ginori porcelain. But more than the fancy trappings, it’s the staff—from the charismatic general manager, Annabella Cariello, right down to the receptionist—who make you feel at home. From $865. —Laura Itzkowitz

Jannah Lamu — Kenya Arrow

I fell for Lamu , the 14th-century former powerhouse on the maritime trade route between Africa and Asia, as a student in the late 1980s—a time of semi-ruined mansions and no electricity. The island, specifically the outlying former fishing village of Shela, is a bohemian hot spot today, and the new Jannah Lamu is buzzing with energy (and air-conditioning, still a rarity here). This is the latest hospitality project of Kenyan designer-hotelier Anna Trzebinski, who has incorporated old village buildings and outdoor spaces into one innovative “constellation hotel.” It’s easy to shed layers of stress here, lulled by the sounds of Shela: children kicking around a football, calls to prayer, village elders putting the world to rights, and donkeys drinking from stone basins at the hotel’s bougainvillea-draped entrance. Jannah—now the highest building on the skyline—features Gaudí-esque curved windows and a vertiginous staircase tower, which connects the bedrooms to the penthouse and communal roof terrace. The Swahili-chic decor is punctuated with touches of glamour, and terraces overlook the wooden dhows on the bay—three of which are at the disposal of Jannah guests. The hotel also owns a canopied and cushioned barge, for languid day trips to distant dunes and islands, morning swims through the mangrove inlets where turtles like to surface, or shopping trips to vibrant Lamu Town just along the coast. Because as everyone who lives here knows, the essence of Swahili culture is inevitably best imbibed afloat. From $220. —Catherine Fairweather

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa — South Korea Arrow

South Korea’s Jeju Island has long been a beloved weekend getaway for local city slickers. They fly in for the miles of hiking trails that weave past soaring volcanoes and craggy coastlines, then flock to the island’s restaurants for their famed hay-smoked Jeju black pig, juicy mandarins, and shellfish caught by the illustrious Haenyeo divers. It wasn’t until recently, though, that Jeju finally had a resort worth traveling out of the way for. Pitched up on a cliff on the island’s southern tip, the JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa is a sprawling, straight-lined complex of basalt rock. For the interiors, hotel guru Bill Bensley drew inspiration from Jeju’s natural and cultural landscape: Jolts of yellow marble in the rooms nod to the canola fields that bloom every spring; the frames of timber hanok (traditional Korean buildings) in the lobby mimic the island’s oldest settlements. A spacious hot spring complex with indoor and outdoor pools, three local-minded restaurants, a tea lounge, and a jimjilbang (Korean-style sauna) with various themed rooms make it tempting to stay in—but the spectacular walking routes unfurling from the hotel’s art-studded backyard will convince even the staunchest couch potato to strap on their hiking boots. From $780. —Chris Schalkx

Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort — Hawaii Arrow

Originally opened in 1965, Kona Village was an early “if you know you know” type of place, prized for its location and laid-back vibe. After a tsunami struck in 2011 and destroyed much of the original structure, the legendary resort sat in ruins until global real estate investment company Kennedy Wilson and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts partnered to reimagine what once was—and they’ve managed to thread the tricky needle between honoring and acknowledging the past while looking to the future. Some of the 150 free-standing bungalows are right on the beach, others look out over the resort’s natural lagoon, and many have expansive private lanais or patios. The decor scheme is a riot of texture—carved wood, woven palm, wicker—and layered colors, mostly neutrals with pops of ocean blue here and there. The Asaya spa, meanwhile, is one of the most visually stunning spaces on grounds: It’s built into the lava flow and has views of the Hualalai volcano off in the distance. All in all, this new iteration of Kona Village ticks every last box. The design is stellar and channels the location beautifully, the service is warm and professional, the beach and the natural setting cannot be topped, and perhaps most importantly—and hardest to pull off—the vibe is just so good. It’s the platonic ideal of the “Hawaiian hotel.” Or, more simply put: Close your eyes and imagine the dreamiest Hawaiian getaway possible. Now open them. From $1,800. —Rebecca Misner

The Lana, Dorchester Collection — Dubai Arrow

A private Rolls-Royce Phantom is parked by the entrance and doormen in top hats and tails are stationed by the door, yet, somehow, arriving at The Lana still feels discreet. This is the first Dorchester Collection hotel in the Middle East, and it’s a mark of Dubai’s maturation that the group behind landmark properties like The Dorchester in London and the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles has decided to bring its distinct brand of quiet, understated luxury to the city. Architecture firm Foster + Partners designed the 225-room, 30-story hotel around the views: The circular Marassi Marina sits in the foreground, its inky blue waters reflecting the lights of the skyscrapers at night, with the Burj Khalifa rising above the rest. In a city often associated with excess, The Lana is a master class in restraint—sofas are covered in pale rose velvet, while elevators are lined with ripples of pink leather. At Riviera, Jean Imbert, the young French chef who famously succeeded Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester’s Hôtel Plaza Athénée, has created a soulful ode to the coastal cuisines of France and Italy; while at Jara, Spanish chef Martin Berasategui’s menu of Basque classics illustrates why his restaurants have garnered 12 Michelin stars. Dubai’s first Dior spa opened last month, the final piece in an already game-changing puzzle. From $800. —Selina Denman

La Roqqa — Porto Ercole, Italy Arrow

It’s been eons since a new hotel graced Porto Ercole, a chic but discreet village on the Monte Argentario peninsula that’s home to Caravaggio’s tomb. The newcomer creating ripples on this part of the rock-strewn Maremma coastline is petite La Roqqa, a cliffside retreat whose distinctive coral-orange façade and secluded views of the Tyrrhenian Sea provide a forward-looking alternative to Hotel Il Pellicano, the area’s sine qua non grande dame since 1965. In the 55 rooms and suites, floor-to-ceiling windows let sunshine flood onto walls of sage green or Terra di Siena orange, which pop against crisp white bed linen. Designers Palomba Serafini, Milanese masters of uncluttered contemporary chic, have mixed midcentury pieces and Gaetano Pesce’s iconic Up chairs with ultramodern features, including an eye-catching white central staircase spiraling from the entrance. On the alfresco rooftop, Ferragamo-clad locals sip Negronis gilded by sunset rays in view of the 16th-century Forte Stella and harbor yachts below. Aperitivo hour turns into dinner at the outdoor Scirocco restaurant, where chef Francesco Ferretti knocks up fresh sea bass and other local seafood capped with Venetian grappa. Days spent lounging at the hotel’s smart Isolotto Beach Club are broken up by lunches of avocado and tuna salads paired with a local white. Or you can ask friendly staff to book you a Vespa tour along the rugged coast. It’s la dolce vita reimagined for the next generation. From $470. —Erin Florio

Mamula Island — Montenegro Arrow

Gulls wheel above the worn stone of an island monastery, and the Dinaric Alps rise from crystal-clear waters by a thin coastal strip of red-roofed fishermen’s cottages, Venetian merchants’ palaces, and Orthodox churches. Here, where the last narrow spit of the Croatian coast plunges into the Adriatic and meets Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor , the massive, pale limestone walls and central tower of Mamula Island hotel dominate a rocky islet. Reimagined from a 19th-century fort—and preserving its martial grandeur—the property contains 32 rooms and suites, spread through the dramatic, barrel-vaulted spaces of former cannon rooms and officers’ quarters, their interiors softened with natural fabrics, warm brass, solid oak, and smooth curves. Outside, the view links the sea, mountains, and sky. This connection resonates throughout: menus at the three restaurants featuring local oysters and freshly caught lobster, cocktails at the rampart bar infused with Mediterranean pine and olives, and holistic rituals using sea sponges and local limestone in the spa’s serene stone rooms. Guests can unwind with dawn yoga or recline on the island’s small beach. A few hundred feet across the water lie the sea caves, beaches, abandoned forts, and submarine tunnels of the unspoiled Luštica peninsula, with medieval-walled Kotor, the cascading old town of Herceg Novi, and the glorious marinas of Porto Montenegro and Portonovi a short boat ride away. From $540. —Jonathan Wiggin

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino — Greece Arrow

The private Costa Navarino reserve in the Peloponnese ’s Messenia is already known for its dunes, secret bays, world-class golf courses, and family-friendly resorts—but Mandarin Oriental’s Greek debut takes things up a notch. With sweeping views of the coast, the resort is cast organically into the hillside, with flora-topped pool villas and gardens alive with pirouetting butterflies and bushels of oleander and rosemary. The 51 suites and 48 pool villas are spacious, and even entry-level rooms can interconnect for families. The creations of local artisans are everywhere, from the bespoke latticework headboards to the organic thyme-flavored chocolate. The lavender-scented terrace of Oliviera restaurant is the place to go for breakfast tapas, or paramana, including milk cake and homemade yogurt topped with pistachio and honeycomb. Aside from Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Tahir (whose silken baba ghanoush is a must), the pizza omakase counter at Pizza Sapienza impresses with its 48-hour-proved, perfectly singed slices topped with freshly picked courgette flowers and local horta bitter greens with nduja. The citrus-hued spa has a panoramic 82-foot pool and indoor-outdoor gym stocked with pepper and ginger kombucha shots. This is a resort for all generations, with access to Costa Navarino’s four golf courses, tennis academy, and plentiful water sports; and new free kids’ club, laden with wooden toys. And thanks to its excellent GM, Raul Levis, there’s warmth in its soul. From $1,080. —Jemima Sissons

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya — Mexico Arrow

This palm-studded resort has been one of the most beloved destinations on the Riviera Maya since it opened in 1995. But a complete reimagining of the 72-room hotel has given it a renewed edge over its neighbors—without losing any of its soul. Arriving at Maroma involves driving through thick mangroves where spider monkeys swing from the trees (the property sits on 200 acres of jungle) before reaching its signature whitewashed architecture and thatched roofs. The design still leans heavily on the region’s Mayan vernacular—the curved stucco buildings are based on ancient geometric principles—and wider Mexican craftsmanship. In fact, almost every detail of the restoration, overseen by interior designer Tara Bernerd, prioritized Mexican makers and artisans (80 percent of the property’s furnishings and objects were made in the country), from the hand-painted Saltillo floor tiles and woven wall hangings to the cotton “manta” caftans left in rooms for guests to slip into. Rooms overlook the palm tree-lined pool, the Caribbean Sea, or both, and feature more of those beautiful tiles, along with whitewashed walls hung with regional textiles. Every detail is designed to keep guests rooted in the Yucatán Peninsula: Even the in-room bar, which is far from mini, is stocked with local spirits like pox, a Mayan liquor made of corn, sugarcane, and wheat, and Mayalen Guerrero mezcal in a beau­tiful bottle. Of the two restaurants on site, the pick is Casa Mayor from Mexican chef Daniel Camacho, which does mind-blowing tomato salads. (The chef also teaches a predictably delicious tortilla-making class.) While the property is spectacular, you shouldn’t miss the chance to explore the surroundings, which include a network of cenotes reached through underground caves. A swim in the pools, bats swooping overhead, is the stuff memories are made of. From $845. —Lale Arikoglu

Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur — India Arrow

Breakfast by the lake, yoga under the stars, bird watching, nature hikes, outdoor movie screenings—no demand is too high at Mementos by ITC Hotels. The hotel, which is the first under ITC’s Mementos brand, promises mental souvenirs you’ll be tapping into days after your vacation. The hotel is situated 50 minutes from central Udaipur, but therein lies its charm. It’s a perfect alternative for travelers looking to spend time in the countryside, away from the thick of the throng yet within easy access of the historic center. The 117 villas and suites start from 500 square feet and, depending on the category, come with either terraces, gardens, private plunge pools, or all of the above. All rooms offer a view—some overlook the valley, while others the lake. They are sumptuously decorated with golden accents simmered by a muted color palette. Some bathrooms come with Victorian-style bathtubs that sit under sunroofs or the warm glow of a chandelier. For meals, there’s the ITC signature Royal Vega, where your silver thali gleams with recipes from the kitchens of maharajas of the past. At Kebabs & Kurries, feast on perennial favorites such as galouti kebabs, dal Bukhara, and nihari. But before you settle down in one of these restaurants, note that sunset drinks are de rigueur by the infinity pool at the Rock Bar. From $375. —Shradha Shahani

Molori Mashuma — Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe Arrow

Iconic Mana Pools National Park has a reputation for many things: otherworldly scenery, a plentiful elephant population, riverfront game drives spotting majestic hippos and crocodiles, and prides of lions easily tracked to the park’s five marshy watering holes. But one thing this rugged area is decidedly not known for is its luxury options—until now. Situated 15 miles south of the Zambia border and named for the water pan it overlooks, Molori Mashuma brings the magic of a Zimbabwe safari intimately close thanks to suites perched on the edges of a watering hole in an unfenced property, where the wildlife is not only experienced on game drives—it’s also rambling through camp, day and night. Still more high-end hideaway than tented camp, the property has six permanent suites that boast viewing decks and chic interiors designed by Hesse Kleinloog Studios of Johannesburg : Think hardwood floors, stocked armoire bars, color-popped rattan light fixtures, stand-alone tubs, and outdoor showers. A central, open-air area houses the fully-stocked cocktail and coffee bar, a braai (charcoal grill) for elevated barbecue dining, a nature-engulfed swimming pool, and a wine pod where imported South African vintages are uncorked daily. But it’s the scenery that makes even these five-star comforts sometimes feel like a blip on your radar: Prepare to come within an arm’s reach of majestic elephants who reliably mill through camp almost every day to graze and seek shade. Once the adrenaline of those encounters wears off, slip into your private plunge pool or deck daybed (depending on your suite) to come back down to earth behind a pair of binoculars. From $1,765. —Shannon McMahon

Monument — Athens, Greece Arrow

Classified as a modern monument, this mansion was designed in 1881 by Ernst Ziller, the German architect whose eclectic neoclassicism shaped Greece’s new 19th-century capital. Hotelier Grigoris Tolkas spent three years transforming the neglected beauty into an intimate hotel, undeterred by strict building restrictions, maddening bureaucracy and spiralling costs. Restoration specialists from the Ministry of Culture painted the delicate acanthus flowers on the ceilings and trompe l’oeil stairwell, which leads to nine subtly different rooms and suites. There are sepia-toned limewash walls, brass lamps beside bespoke wooden beds and a smattering of contemporary Scandinavian furniture to keep things from sliding into retro pastiche. Modern bathrooms are concealed in mirrored boxes, a neat trick that makes the lofty rooms seem even bigger. Some suites have marble balconies overlooking the domed church of Agios Dimitrios, the pavement scene at fashionable Linou Soumpasis restaurant and the Parthenon hovering above the rooftops. A locally sourced breakfast is the only meal served in the subdued living and dining room that occupies the whole ground floor. The complimentary sauna and steam room in the basement is a lovely perk. Service is hyper-personal, from the morning crew remembering your coffee order to behind-the-scenes tours tailored to your interests, whether you’re into art, architecture or eating your way around Athens. This is a charming hideout in the heart of the city, where you can peel back layers of the past while checking the frenetic pulse of the present. From about $305. —Rachel Howard

Nolinski Venezia — Italy Arrow

Most of Venice’s household-name five-star hotels are converted palazzi. In this respect, and others, the Nolinski—43 rooms and suites on Calle Larga XXII Marzo, the smartest shopping street in town—is different. It occupies a 20th-century building constructed not as a grand private residence but as a stock exchange. Yet there’s nothing the least bit stock exchange-y about it. Its five-storey façade, in a version of the Liberty style, is subtly animated by rippling lines and wavy undulations, suitably rich in maritime associations. Interior designers Yann Le Coadic and Alessandro Scotto have pulled off a nifty trick, deploying an adventurous mixture of elements in a way that creates an impression of great restraint and serenity. Mirrors feature prominently, along with a remarkable collection of glassware, assembled specifically for the hotel. Indeed, the art throughout has been curated, hung, and displayed with exceptional flair—nowhere more so than in the ravishing little Library Bar on the piano nobile. Venetians have a particular fondness for sunny courtyard spaces; Nolinski is a doozy, with a small but extremely fetching adjoining bar and dining room. Upstairs, in a stupendously domed space with gold-trimmed arches, fine-dining restaurant Palais Royal is due to open in spring, overseen by chef Philip Chronopoulos, a protégé of the late Joël Robuchon and much admired for his Hellenic take on classic French cuisine. From $920. —Steve King

North Island Okavango — Botswana Arrow

Natural Selection’s intimate new “micro-camp” is proof that the best safaris happen when the wildlife comes to you. Here, elephants snuffle in the shadows of overhanging jackalberry, fig, and ebony trees; at night, hippos splutter clumsily, fish eagles squeal, and frogs belt out a lullaby chorus from the surrounding lagoon. Active wild dog dens have lured natural history filmmakers, and sightings of leopards and lions are on the rise. This daringly modern island escape in the African bush delivers the best of the Okavango Delta : top-class game viewing (by land and water), eye-widening scenery, and sunsets demanding moments of reverential silence every evening. Prioritizing privacy, four villas fan out along walkways that weave between termite mounds on either side of the dining area and marble-top honesty bar—the place is even intimate enough for an exclusive-use buyout. An outdoor gym, hot tub, and rainbow selection of fresh juices nod to an evolving trend of health-conscious safaris. Guilt-free on so many levels, the camp runs on 100% solar energy; operates in partnership with local partners, the Nakwa and the Magobagoba Youth Trust; and provides jobs and revenue as part of a private community-owned concession on the edge of the Delta’s panhandle. Guest benefits include the option to game drive off-road through grasslands and floodplains beyond dawn and dusk—but all roads lead temptingly back to the villas, where afternoons are spent dipping in plunge pools, reading on wrap-around verandas, or watching animals from the comfort of your bed. From $1,395. —Sarah Marshall

One&Only Aesthesis — Athens, Greece Arrow

In its 1960s heyday, Asteria Beach was a playground for socialites and starlets; many black-and-white Greek movies were shot in the modernist cabanas and open-air restaurants. Now this peninsula on the Athens Riviera pulls an equally glamorous crowd to the One&Only’s long-awaited Greek debut—a resort so rigorously art-directed that it sometimes feels like a movie set. Following the low-density blueprint of the original structures, bungalows and villas built from local stone and pale timber are scattered between exuberant gardens and the shoreline. The shallow bay isn’t great for swimming, but it’s perfect for learning to paddleboard or launching off to the nearby islands of Aegina or Kea (where another One&Only opens in summer 2024)—and anyway, all the bungalows and villas come with private pools. With two relentlessly responsive hosts at your disposal, you’ll be hard-pressed to venture beyond the gilded compound. There’s a lively scene at Ora, a vibrant Greco-Italian all-day affair, where plump aubergine, lobster, and lamb are wood-fired or flame-grilled in the open kitchen; and at El Bar, chef Paco Morales’s hedonistic spin on Andalusian tapas bars, where Iberico flamenquin and oysters escabeche are paired with a fiery pisco punch or sherry cocktail. Daytime drinking and sunset DJ sets keep up the tempo at the beach bar, Manco. Self-indulgence is gently encouraged by the therapists at the Guerlain spa too. Euphoria-inducing facials and wellness rituals focus on deep relaxation and inner glow, which pretty much sums up a stay at this smoothly operated urban resort. From $820. —Rachel Howard

Our Habitas Atacama — Chile Arrow

There’s a stillness in the Atacama Desert , where undulating red-sand landscapes are graced with brittle shrubs, slow-moving camelids, and the impending volatility of geological formations. But safe from the towering volcanoes and bursting geysers, ripe for days of exploring, the recently opened Our Habitas Atacama is an oasis for adventure travelers. Here, adobe walls and thatched roofs keep travelers rooted in the destination, with earthly pleasures like a plant-focused menu and desert-herb body scrub that speak to the wellness-inclined. The sprawling 51-room lodge is a natural extension of the Our Habitas brand—which has already found a home in bohemian destinations like Bacalar, Mexico, and Agafay, Morocco—promising creature comforts like a shimmering pool with cocktail service, as well as quiet gardens where you can plop down to stargaze at night. The elevated but unfussy atmosphere is a treat in a destination best known for its backpacker accommodations and ultra-high-end lodges: Much like the nearby Licancabur volcano, which straddles the Chile-Bolivia border, Our Habitas lands invitingly in the middle. From $300. —Megan Spurrell

Palacio Arriluce — Getxo, Spain Arrow

The mills of God grind slowly—or, as they say in Spain , “Las cosas de palacio van despacio.” But most of the time, patience pays off. In the case of the transformation of the Palacio Arriluce into a luxury hotel, expectations were almost as high as the imposing façade itself, as well all wondered when the doors of Palacio Arriluce Hotel would open. The result rises above any and all of those expectations—we are facing a true masterpiece of hospitality. The long-awaited five-star hotel, a member of the distinguished collection of Leading Hotels of the World, turns the guest into a protagonist of a movie. Sometimes the romantic, historical, mysterious hotel feels like stepping into Downton Abbey or Hogwarts. Other times it may be a scene taken from Pride and Prejudice or a Sherlock Holmes story. Art (with works by Sonia Delaunay and František), gastronomy (with the signature of chef Beñat Ormaetxea), and contemplation all coexist in this icon of the Biscayan coast, wrapped in a halo of luxury, sophistication, and charm. Palacio Arriluce offers one of the most coveted luxuries today, that of watching time go by: reading one of the books from the library, playing croquet, chatting in front of an abstract painting, enjoying a glass of txakoli (a traditional wine from the Basque Country), relaxing at the spa, or admiring the sunset from the pool. Don't call it a hotel—call it a palace. From $380. —Maria Casbas

Palazzo Roma — Rome Arrow

Though many dream of palaces fit for a king, finding an undiscovered one these days is a tall order. Enter Palazzo Roma, a bona fide 18th-century palace turned boutique hotel and the latest (and most dazzling) debut from the buzzy Shedir Collection, owned by J.K. Place cofounder Eduardo Safdie. Hidden away on the southern stretch of the iconic Via del Corso in the heart of Rome’s ever-bustling historic center, the 39-room showstopper melds incomparable architectural details—lavishly restored frescoes, intarsia wood ceilings, a baronial marble staircase—with a distinctly modern sensibility (and a 1,000-plus-piece art collection) to jaw-dropping effect. This is all thanks to the singular vision of Milan-based designer Giampiero Panepinto, the aesthetic maestro who designed the restaurant at Hotel Vilòn, its achingly chic sister property just a short stroll away. The palatially proportioned rooms boast 16-foot ceilings, splashy color palettes, and colossal bathrooms honed in rare marbles that would wow Caesar himself, while the common areas delight and surprise: A statue of Euterpe, the Greek Muse of music, presides over the striking Salla de Musica, the palace’s former ballroom-cum-lobby. Meanwhile, more than 100 timepieces beckon in the azure-hued Clock Room, a prime perch for an aperitivo and fresh-fried arancini from Core—the fresco-wrapped, chandeliered restaurant—after a day spent pounding Rome’s black-cobblestoned streets. In a city teeming with new five-star hotels, this storied stunner just may be the jewel in the crown. From $980. —Alex Kirkman

Pemako Punakha — Bhutan Arrow

This is the first top-end Bhutanese -owned hotel in the scene-stealing Punakha Valley east of Thimphu—home to the magnificent Punakha Dzong, the region’s iconic 17th-century fortress. And this is no small thing in a kingdom that has drawn big hitters such as Aman, andBeyond, and Six Senses. A series of buildings in the wooden, sloping-roofed Bhutanese vernacular style—including 21 tented villas—is slung across 70 lush acres of a river valley. The design was dreamt up by hotel designer Bill Bensley to unfold in layers, like the whorls of a lotus. Everything was plotted with the natural landscape in mind, and there was minimal felling of trees to create the one- to three-bedroom villas, each with a private heated pool and a spacious deck. Inside, Serge Ferrari fabrics and copper fixtures—including the bathroom tubs—meet an aesthetic rooted in Bhutanese culture, colors, and works of art. Druk beer is stocked in the minibar, there’s a traditional hot-stone bath in the spa, and prayer flags flutter on the lawns. From the welcome ritual by the resident lama and the warming butter tea to the guided excursions to temples and viewpoints, everything pays homage to the country, its people, and their spiritual beliefs. This is a place that invites you to slow down and be immersed in the quietude and beauty of the forest, the hills, and the river. From $1,770. —Diya Kohli

The Peninsula Istanbul Arrow

Life in this city revolves around the Bosphorus, so naturally the hotel scene does too. Already, the Peninsula in the three-year-old mixed-use Galataport cruise terminal has become one of Istanbul’s hot spots, thanks to the rooftop restaurant Gallada, overseen by Fatih Tutak—Turkey’s only chef with two Michelin stars. Architect Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu has transformed four adjoining buildings into a sleek mash-up of past and present: The massive Bauhaus-era Lobby restaurant was once the port’s passenger terminal, while a newly constructed wing is home to large light-filled suites overlooking the river. Each of the 177 rooms is filled with the usual hallmarks and comforts of a Peninsula—monochrome palettes, thick Tai Ping carpets, and state-of-the-art technology—but it’s the spa where the brand’s ethos shines brightest. There’s an 82-foot-long indoor swimming pool as well as eight treatment rooms and a gorgeous sauna. This is Istanbul, however, which means the spa reaches its pinnacle with a purpose-built hammam—a shimmering, marble-lined space to rival the most established baths in the city. From $760. —Lale Arikoglu

The Peninsula, London Arrow

It’s a sign that a hotel opening is a real event when even the taxi driver excitedly explains the subtly marked genders of the lion statues outside (hint: look for the egg). The Peninsula London has been 30 years in the making, with the Hong Kong brand spending decades looking for a Goldilocks site before opting to knock down an office block that housed the headquarters of building company Sir Robert McAlpine, overlooking the Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner. For all the staff buzz (just ask any of them about the feng shui), the sense inside the new eight-story edifice is of a frictionless bubble. The creamy seven-star cosseting feels distinctly Asian, despite the red buses and daily Household Cavalry horses outside. All the key brand markers are here: the Rolls-Royces in Peninsula green; the tinkly underwater pool music; the afternoon teas in the vast lobby; drawers with nail dryers; and Cantonese classics at Canton Blue and its adjoining Little Blue bar, with sultry interiors inspired by the 19th-century Keying trading junk. There’s also a nostalgic Britishness at play, from the de Gournay wallpaper depicting the Royal Parks to the Brooklands restaurant-bar inspired by the UK’s golden age of flying and motor racing. It’s already Michelin-starred for its modern British dishes by Bibendum’s Claude Bosi, and it has rare views across the parks to the London Eye. This is a hotel for a new London: global, solvent, and demanding only the best. From $1,650. —Toby Skinner

Puqio — Arequipa, Peru Arrow

Peruvian hotel brand Andean has form when it comes to instilling sharp modern design in the most dramatic of settings, from Titilaka on the shores of Lake Titicaca to Cirqa in the cobblestoned streets of Arequipa . But with eight-room Puqio, it has reached new heights. The tented camp, which also has some traditional adobe round houses, is Peru’s first. It sits in the show-stopping Colca Valley , where Inca-era agricultural terraces line the hillsides and gliding Andean condors mirror the slow pace of life below. In the tradition of the great safari camps, expert guides take travelers to look for wildlife during the day, or on treks and horseback rides to nearby archaeological sites. But there’s a sense of adventure that goes beyond admiring the nine-foot wingspan of the local birds of prey or taking photos of the ubiquitous free-running vicuñas, cute Peruvian relatives of the llama. There are zingy outdoor showers and cozy fire pits from which to watch the sunset over the Colca Canyon (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon). And, although the lodge sits in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, its artful menus and creative cocktails feel on par with Lima’s best restaurants , with a spin on local ingredients such as coca leaves and sancayo (a mouth-puckering cactus fruit). Puqio marks a new era for the Colca Valley and allows travelers to bed into the area’s slower pace for several days, in digs that make it hard to leave. From $820. —Megan Spurrell

Raffles Al Areen Palace — Manama, Bahrain Arrow

Arabic script covers the ceiling of the Writers Lounge in the new Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain—verses by famed local poet Ahmed Mohammed Al Khalifa celebrating the tiny kingdom’s rich culture. The hotel—a collection of 78 angular villas in pristine white, with ornate mashrabiya screens, pointed archways, and private pools—is designed to celebrate the same. Artworks reference the nation’s pearl-diving and maritime history, most evocatively in a ceramic sculpture inspired by the seashells that litter Bahrain ’s seabed. The adjacent Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve is reflected in the conservatory-like lobby, which opens into a reception hall filled with cascading plants, water fountains, and loungers in emerald green. Within the low-lying villas—available in one-, two-, and three-bedroom iterations—pale wood is offset by intricate Arabesque wall carvings, beds are covered with Stearns & Foster mattresses made exclusively for Raffles, and a bedside diffuser by Parisian brand Compoz emits scents tailored to your mood. Raffles’s dedicated team of butlers can be reached 24/7 to organize a special bath ritual or a barbecue with a private chef. If you can bear to drag yourself away from this cosseting space, all-day dining restaurant Palma specializes in Mediterranean food with a Bahraini touch, using ingredients sourced from Bahraini and Saudi producers; and Ycone Paris by celebrity chef Yazid Ichemrahen has an artful display of viennoiserie, pastries, and desserts, including the chef’s signature crème brûlée with vanilla from Madagascar and Tahiti. From $1,200. —Pearl Yan

Raffles London at The OWO Arrow

This might be the most talked-about hotel to open in London this century. From 1906 to 1964, the building served as the War Office where D-Day was planned, and where Winston Churchill boomed out briefings to staff on the Grand Staircase while serving as Secretary of State for War. Spies, notoriously, had their own private entrance. In 2016, the Mumbai-based Hinduja Group purchased the building’s lease, invested $1.9 billion in refurbishments, and brought Raffles on board. Completing the 120 rooms and suites, four restaurants, three bars, 27,000-square-foot Guerlain spa, and 65-foot subterranean pool took seven years. Grand state offices have become plum guest quarters, including the Haldane Suite (Churchill’s former office) in smart red damask. Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco helms three of the restaurants: a fine-dining spot, a private-table option, and Saison by Mauro Colagreco, the hotel’s Mediterranean dining space. The Guard’s Bar heaves with gossipy politicians while the tiny Spy Bar, occupying an old interrogation room in the basement, is a good spot for a nightcap with its red-velvet banquettes and an Aston Martin DB5 mounted on the wall. From $1,179. —Lydia Bell

Regent Hong Kong Arrow

Many new hotels are dubbed an instant classic, but few earn that praise quite so literally as Regent’s latest Hong Kong outpost. This Kowloon landmark has been around since the 1980s, but for the past two decades flew the InterContinental flag above its lobby. Since last November, after a top-to-bottom revamp spearheaded by Hong Kong-born designer Chi Wing Lo, the all-caps Regent emblem once again gleams golden over Victoria Harbour. Lo replaced the hotel’s Dynasty -era dazzle with a high-glam but timeless new look: Rooms come bedecked in blond oak and granite, with curvy furniture and brushes of onyx, brass, and caramel-colored leather. The restaurants, some of which have been around since the hotel’s early days, have been spruced up and deliver a cross-cultural pick-and-mix of chichi Cantonese, fine Japanese, and steakhouse classics. At the new Qura Bar, sharp-suited bartenders mix Negronis and Sazeracs from vintage spirits that predate the hotel’s first iteration. Regent’s facelift has rung in a new era for this beloved property, but its trump card, luckily, remained unchanged: Few hotels offer a better vantage point over Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s neon-lit skyscraper jumble. From $765. —Chris Schalkx

Rosewood Munich — Germany Arrow

It’s been more than a decade since Munich had a top-end hotel reveal. Sensing an opportunity, Rosewood—gifted at reimagining historical properties—snapped up and repurposed the aristocratic Palais Neuhaus-Preysing (which dates from 1703) and the old headquarters of the State Bank of Bavaria. The result is a hotel that’s bringing a modern edge to the heart of Munich’s Altstadt, land of chiming glockenspiel clock towers and biergartens. While the imposing façade and the lobby’s original grand staircase and Baroque frescoes remain, London designers Tara Bernerd & Partners have created an airy, contemporary look for the interiors. Bavaria’s mountains and lakes are the inspiration behind the 132 rooms—more than 40 percent of which are suites—in soothing greens, browns, tactile leather, and velvet, and bathrooms with smoky-white marble and brass fixtures. Historical edifices such as these allow for regal amounts of space: The most exclusive suite, the König Maximilian I, has a fireplace and a terrace overlooking the iconic Frauenkirche cathedral. At the main restaurant, Brasserie Cuvilliés, city types gather for modern Alpine dishes such as spinach dumplings with pecorino and brown butter, and Bavarian rice with mountain cheese, pear, sorrel, and artichoke. The Sekt-sipping couples among them segue to the moody Bar Montez for nightly jazz. All this—along with the Asaya Spa’s pool, saunas, and dreamy body treatments—is adding a new dimension to Munich’s social buzz. From $750. —Liz Humphreys

SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico — Riviera Maya, Mexico Arrow

When the original Sha Wellness Clinic opened its doors in Alicante back in 2008, it immediately stood out from other destination spas, taking a holistic, in-depth approach to the often vague concept of “wellness.” This follow-up property includes the same comprehensive treatments and cutting-edge medical techniques—only this time, the address is on a prime stretch of beachfront in Costa Mujeres. The rooms and suites all come with private balconies and studio-size bathrooms, but the health clinic—complete with six stories and a hundred treatment rooms—is obviously the star attraction here. On the top floor there’s a fully equipped gym and a terrace for yoga or sound baths; in the basement there is a hydrotherapy circuit with a sauna, steam room, Roman bath, and cold plunge around a lovely pool; and in between are numerous areas with a dedicated purpose, from aging well to traditional Chinese medicine. Cutting-edge tech abounds, from machines that give you an intense core workout to a bed for advanced cell regeneration therapy. The vibe is calm, cool, dim, and science-y without being overly medicalized. The food is expectedly nutritious but surprisingly flavorful: Following the recommendations of the Harvard Medical School, as well as centuries of Eastern thought, dishes at Shamadi, the main restaurant, emphasize vegetables of various colors, whole grains, proteins (including fresh local seafood), and alkaline foods. If you need a reminder to take care of yourself, a visit to Sha Mexico will flawlessly do the trick. From $5,600 for four nights. —Jesse Ashlock

Shinta Mani Mustang - A Bensley Collection — Jomsom, Nepal Arrow

Even by the standards of cult hotel designer Bill Bensley, this is a breakthrough project: for its location in this vast and mysterious landscape, but also for its embrace of Himalayan culture and spiritual traditions. Inside, Bensley’s quirky interiors showcase cashmere-felt runners and tiger rugs; banners referencing the prayer flags of the region; and lovely studies of the terrain by the Australian painter Robert Powell. There’s a large repertoire of excursions with know­ledgeable guides to ethereal mountain lakes, centuries-old villages, and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries fragrant with juniper smoke. There are archery lessons, cooking classes, cocktails under yak-hair lampshades in the hotel’s bar, and consultations with a local amchi, a practitioner of Tibetan medicine. Each of the 29 suites has floor-to-ceiling views of the 23,000-foot-tall Nilgiri North mountain, endlessly majestic and reverie-inducing as it absorbs the changing light and froths the wind around its triple peaks into tempests of clouds. From $9,000 for five nights, meals included. —Chandrahas Choudhury

Silversands Beach House — Grenada Arrow

Grenada is just 21 miles long, but it packs a punch: Here you will find lush rainforests, nature reserves, spice plantations, the charming town of St. George’s, and beaches so perfect that they look photoshopped. For those seeking a serene island escape, the 28-room Silversands Beach House is the place. Time seems to stop here, a feeling that begins the moment you drive up the entrance and the turquoise waters of Portici Beach come into view. The rooms and suites are so lovely—private terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea, calming shades of cream and light wood—that you may never want to leave; but the dreamy infinity pool and sandy beach just a few steps away make a great case for venturing out. The food at the upscale Mediterranean-inspired Azzurro restaurant is another highlight: Pasta is made in-house, seafood is locally sourced, and the roasted vegetable pizza (plus addictive sorrel cocktails) is the perfect finale to a day spent on the water. There’s also plenty to experience nearby, and the staff will gladly guide you through activities, whether it’s touring the beautiful island or a rum tasting. The vibes are unhurried, gracious, and sweet, and you’ll feel yourself slipping into island time along with everyone else. From $700. —Pallavi Kumar

SIRO One Za'abeel — Dubai Arrow

Encased within Dubai ’s newest landmark, the debut hotel for Kerzner International’s new Siro brand is conceptualized around fitness, self-care, and recovery. While Siro One Za’abeel’s 132 rooms may look basic at first, they are anything but. Between the muted tones and clean lines, every element serves to enhance Siro’s grand mission. Mattresses are thermoregulated, the pillow menu has 11 categories, the integrated Siro app controls blackout blinds to wake guests up in natural synchronization with their circadian rhythm, and—at the recommendation of elite runners who test-drove the rooms ahead of the Dubai Marathon—ceiling fans have been installed to prevent dry throats after a night of heavy air conditioning. In-house nutritionist Heeral Shivnani can put together a macro-counted meal plan for the duration of your stay, while the neon-lit lobby-cum-community-hub serves salads, bowls, and protein shakes. In the 9,687-square-foot Fitness Lab, imposing cardio machines look squarely onto Downtown Dubai’s towering skyline; and upstairs in the Recovery Lab, everything from cryotherapy and electro-muscle stimulation to calming vibroacoustic therapy is on offer. Once you’re done with all that recharging, wind down with yoga and reformer Pilates studios, relaxation suites, and sound-healing sessions before your (scientifically designed) good night’s sleep. From $245. —Sophie Prideaux

Six Senses Southern Dunes — Umluj, Saudi Arabia Arrow

If it seems peculiar that the first hotel in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious new constellation of Red Sea stays has opened a 45-minute drive from the coast, then be clear: This 10,800-square-mile virgin territory is about much more than water. Guests can take a predawn hike across silent, sinuous dunes to a cinematic sunrise show, with the sea on the horizon. This new Six Senses is an oasis in the truest sense of the word. Surrounded by a vast expanse of desert and rock undulations, it is clustered with palms and heat-resistant plants. Here, the sonorous splash of water meets the melodious cooing of doves, drawn by the shade of petal-shaped rope awnings. Foster + Partners–designed, dune-hugging villas are desert-modernist in mood, with sweeping angular canopies providing natural shade from the harsh sun and solar-heated plunge pools for cool respite. In the sprawling spa, treatments cover everything from detox and weight management to antiaging and biohacking; but for sheer relaxation it’s hard to beat the Desert Bliss, a cranio-sacral massage performed on a bed of warm quartz sand. Zero-proof cocktails are dispensed around a palm-fringed main pool on lazy days, and at the resort’s highest point, Arabic fine-dining restaurant Al Sarab revolves around what’s local—abundant seafood and cheese—enjoyed against a fiery sunset backdrop. From $795. —Nicola Chilton

Son Vell Menorca — Spain Arrow

In any setting or landscape, Son Vell would stand out—an imposing 18th-century Italianate villa surrounded by olive and fig trees, holm oaks, chestnuts, palms and luxuriant formal gardens. In its actual setting and landscape, amid the gently undulating agricultural fields at the western edge of Menorca, it stands out all the more. Charming as they often are, it’s probably safe to say none of the island’s other farmhouses possess this kind of dreamy, exotic elegance. The pale lusciousness of the exterior provides the basis of the design scheme throughout the 34 bedrooms—six in the main house, 28 in five bungalows—and is complemented by neutral-toned textiles, limewashed timber beams and well-judged metallic accents. The views from the villa’s upper storeys are wonderful, across treetops and gardens to the ruggedly dramatic coastline, which—if the temptation to relax by the pool or feast in one or other of the superb restaurants can be overcome—cries out to be explored on foot or on horseback. Son Vell was the first hotel to open under the family-owned Vestige brand; half a dozen more, all occupying buildings of historical or architectural significance in various parts of Spain, are due to follow in short order. If Son Vell is anything to go by, the arrival of Vestige is nothing but good news and marks the beginning of an extremely interesting period for the Spanish hotel scene. From $847. —Steve King

Southern Ocean Lodge — Kangaroo Island, Australia Arrow

When the catastrophic “ black summer ” bushfires of 2020 burnt down Southern Ocean Lodge, many thought it was the end of the story for one of Australia’s greatest luxury lodges. A fixture on Kangaroo Island’s sensational stretch of wild southwest coast, the resort was originally opened in 2008 by husband-and-wife duo James and Hayley Baillie, and it quickly became the soft-landing of choice to explore the “Australian Galápagos.” This story received a much-welcomed plot twist in December 2023, when the resort reopened as a near replica of its former sci-fi self, shaped like a low-flying saucer hovering above the Southern Ocean, with uninterrupted last-stop-before-Antarctica views across the sea. The resort now comprises 25 glass-fronted suites that extend across the limestone cliffs, each with midcentury-modern curves, sunken living rooms, fireplaces, and sliding doors that open to private patios and the fresh Antarctic breeze. On the western edge of the lodge, the four-bedroom Ocean Pavilion suite is a new addition—it sits like an amphitheater with an infinity pool, a plunge pool/spa, and views across the coastal cliffs. Another tweak is the now north-facing spa, complete with a chill-out lounge, small gym, sauna, three treatment rooms, and hot and cold plunge pools. The reoriented spa turns its back to the sea to give guests a glimpse of the 250 acres of nature reserve surrounding the resort, all while they’re being massaged and scrubbed with the island’s bounty of lavender, eucalyptus, and pure Ligurian honey. From $2,250. —Chloe Sachdev

The St. Regis Riyadh — Saudi Arabia Arrow

The only hotel inside Via Riyadh—a bijou mall of designer boutiques, hand-picked restaurants, and a cinema complex, wrapped within monumental sandstone walls at the edge of the Saudi capital’s Diplomatic Quarter—the St Regis Riyadh nods to the hotel brand’s New York heritage as well as its new Saudi home. There’s the signature Bloody Mary, made alcohol-free per the kingdom’s laws; 24/7 personalized butler service; and at Jackie restaurant, a Greek American menu inspired by the eponymous former first lady. A more local sense of detail is imbued in the gold-lined tea cups, the lustrous mother-of-pearl decorating the doors in the 2,421-square-foot Royal Suite—one of only 83 rooms and suites—and the intimate majlis-like spaces within the hotel’s sweeping hallways and lobby areas. The spa is a 13,437-square-foot enclave of contrasting textures, undulating dune-like walls, and expert hands. The 400 Journey, a 150-minute signature treatment named after Caroline Astor’s turn-of-the-century New York social set, leaves you with glistening gold-flecked skin and muscles softened by a 24-karat-gold hot stone massage, both courtesy of luxury UK beauty brand Amra. The snow shower, which one might expect to feel like sleet on a gray day, is energizing and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, upstairs at Stella Sky Lounge—located on the third floor beside a modest, heated pool—a DJ plays for a shisha-smoking crowd as night falls. From $900. —Clare Dight

The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya — Mexico Arrow

When viewed from above, the St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya looks like a deconstructed Olympic logo—a series of curvaceous shapes sitting on over a mile of private beach. It’s meant to be a celestial schematic (inspired by the 1,000-plus stars in the constellation Pleiades), with gleaming, ultramodern white buildings hovering over protected mangroves. While the scale may seem overwhelming at first, the genius of its indoor-outdoor architecture reveals itself throughout one’s stay. Every thoughtfully designed, Mayan-inspired room has a view of the sea; there are elevated wooden walkways in lieu of cement paths; and the whole place is surrounded by a ridiculous amount of greenery. The generous footprint allows for a variety of tastes and needs to be accommodated—solo travelers, honeymooners, girlfriends on getaways, extended families—with minimal overlap. There are multiple beach clubs, a kids’ club, and seven dining options (and dedicated butlers to help you manage it all). But the pièce de résistance here is the spa: It’s like a boutique resort within the resort, and you could easily spend the entire day there, whether getting pampered or not. Offerings include separate men’s and women’s outdoor aqua-thermal circuits with pools and a menu of treatments that incorporate ancient Mayan traditions . Best yet, the spa can be experienced even if you’re not staying on property. Similarly, St. Regis guests can easily pop over to the Edition or the Etéreo (an Auberge resort), the hotel’s neighbors in this gated development. From $1,099. —Rima Suqi

Sun Ranch — Byron Bay, Australia Arrow

Byron’s center of gravity has long been swinging inwards from its shorelines to its greener pastures and charming weatherboard villages. Already the not-so-secret postcode for eco-entrepreneurs and Hollywood hideouts, the Byron Hinterland has increasingly felt out of bounds to anyone without an invitation to one of its hillside homes, which has made the opening of Sun Ranch inevitable. The hotel is the vision of Jamie Blakey, who launched rock ’n’ roll denim brand One Teaspoon, and her best friend, Julia Ashwood, who grew up in the area and has cofounded some of the buzziest restaurants in this go-slow region. Spread across more than 55 acres of undulating green hills, this groovy ranch is a loud maximalist hee-haw of color, textile, and pattern. There are bright walls in shades from azure to flamingo, swirling terra-cotta flooring, opulent velvet lounges, and sculptural beaded chandeliers. In the coral Cowboy Bar, bottles of tequila and mezcal are infused with chillies for varying levels of spicy kick. In the main “rambler” house, the four bedrooms offer access to a private pool. Outside, where horses roam, families staying in the colorful two-bedroom timber barns have a hoot on electric bicycles, while young couples and mates down by the dam time each other in the wood-fired sauna and ice bath. Up in the distance, overlooking the property, a monolithic slab of concrete has been chiseled into the Pool Club, where sunbaking and lazy laps to a background of funky jazz and tequila are the order of the day. From about $424. —Chloe Sachdev

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza — Tokyo Arrow

Three years after the opening of the Tokyo Edition, Toranomon, the brand’s second address in Japan is a delicate, intimate addition to the city’s luxury hotel scene. Both hotels share the same DNA, courtesy of the crafted minimalism of Japanese architect Kengo Kuma coupled with the edgy New York vision of Edition founder Ian Schrager. But there is added depth and warmth to the new hotel, reflected in its scale (just 86 rooms and suites spanning a new 14-story structure, resolutely low-rise by Tokyo standards); a quiet back-street location in buzzy, upscale Ginza; and an aesthetic that goes heavy on a dark walnut palette in contrast to the lighter oak of its sister hotel. Hedonism is a must at any Edition: At Ginza, guests indulge at Japan’s first Punch Room, with silver bowls of cocktails served in an intimate space (don’t skip the yuzu and brown rice tea), or at a plant-packed rooftop terrace serving natural wines—a unique experience for the city. From $792. —Daniella Demetriou

Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park — Tokyo Arrow

It’s a surreal Tokyo anomaly to find an infinity pool with lush treetop views floating serenely six levels above the ground—especially one in ultra-urban Tomigaya, somewhere between the fashion-forward crowds of Harajuku and the nocturnal neon of Shibuya. Yet this pool—with its taupe sun loungers and curated clientele—is the heartbeat of Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park, a refreshing 25-room escapist haven. This is the third in a hat-trick of Tokyo spaces by Trunk, pioneers of so-called “punk omotenashi” (the latter translates as mindful Japanese hospitality). Alongside Tokyo’s Keiji Ashizawa Design, Copenhagen’s Norm Architects brought the interior elements to life. The softly minimalist pale decor, smooth curves, natural textures, bespoke furniture, and splashes of foliage are testimony to this Japandi DNA. The Trunk philosophy of community can be found in the buzzy ground-floor Pizzeria e Trattoria L’Ombelico, with its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas (the garlicky, clam-packed Nojiri is named after Trunk’s charismatic owner, Yoshitaka Nojiri) and pet menu. But the signature space is the sixth-floor guests-only Trunk Pool Club, with its sea-toned tiles, sandblasted concrete walls, crafted cocktails, and oysters on ice. These are best enjoyed poolside or in the sunken fire pit beneath Tokyo’s electric skies. From $440. —Danielle Demetriou

Villa Mabrouka — Tangier, Morocco Arrow

Last year, designer Jasper Conran once again proved both his love of Morocco and his gifts as a hotelier. An instant classic, Villa Mabrouka is a sensitive renovation of the former Tangier love nest of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in a magical secret garden by the Kasbah. Conran’s thoughtful follow-up to the delightful L’Hôtel Marrakech is a lesson to our age of design overkill and bells-and-whistles luxury, with nods to masters of subtle design like Jacques Grange—the creator of the “non designed” aesthetic—and YSL himself. You can almost see Saint Laurent wandering in his dressing gown through the horseshoe arches of his bedroom, now the Marrakech suite; there he goes, strolling along reconditioned black-and-white marble floors, beneath the antique chandeliers, and past salvaged Roman artifacts until he reaches the hammam. Meanwhile, Conran reminds us of the simplicity of true luxury: the morning birdsong in the hide-and-seek gardens, the hand-peeled orange slices for breakfast, the figs for snacking in sun loungers beside the kidney bean pool, the white linen sheets ironed every morning, and the eternal indigo of the Strait of Gibraltar. He visits the property regularly to tinker, like a piano tuner. Next up: a new restaurant and bar. From $490. —Stephanie Rafanelli

Warren Street Hotel — New York City Arrow

To step into the Warren Street Hotel is to immerse yourself in the whimsical and wacky world of Kit Kemp. As the interior designer’s third New York City property with the Firmdale hospitality group (and 11th overall), each space is packed with her trademark eccentricity and magpie-like knack for sourcing eclectic artworks and inspiration from around the world—from the British craft and ceramics on display in the light-filled “Orangery” downstairs to the abstract sculptures greeting guests in the buttercup yellow lobby. Even the carpets are done up in a limited edition batik pattern, courtesy of Kit Kemp for Wilton Carpets. Meanwhile, no two rooms are the same—all have been designed by Kemp to exude their own personality, whether it be through the patterned headboards above king-size beds, one-of-a-kind artworks spanning all sorts of creative movements and styles, custom-made wallpaper and egg-shaped lighting, or even an occasional mishmash of antique furniture. Downstairs at the restaurant, where Tribeca locals jostle with guests for a prime-time table, dishes like a rich foie gras terrine and spaghetti alle vongole are served beneath custom-made wallpaper so beautiful it almost rivals the murals at the Carlyle’s legendary Bemelmans bar uptown. Kemp is a master when it comes to transforming a space into a riot of color and wit, and this latest endeavor may just be her most playful yet. From $875. —Lale Arikoglu

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island Arrow

Imagine opening the floor-to-ceiling doors of your villa and strolling to the back of your garden to see baby hawksbill turtles emerging from the soil and waddling across the beach towards the sea. This is a reality for guests at the new Waldorf Astoria on Platte Island, a quarter-of-a-square-mile speck in the Indian Ocean. Lying 80 miles south of Mahé, the Seychelles’ biggest island, this sand cay has been transformed into a solar-powered Eden, reachable only by 14-seater aircraft for an eco-conscious blend of nature and cosseting. Platte’s naturally protected reef teems with marine life, including the largest hawksbill population in the Seychelles. To protect the turtles’ egg-laying, all 50 villas are built slightly back from the shoreline. Snorkeling sessions led by the on-site marine biologist allow for joyful face-to-face encounters with the adult turtles, baby reef sharks, and stingrays that glide in crystal-clear shallows. Personal 24-hour concierges can organize whale watching, scuba diving, in-villa treatments, and more. In this far-flung setting, the restaurants must bring their A game—and they do, including Creole-Latin fusion dishes at Maison des Epices and Moulin’s plant-focused plates sourced from the resort’s garden. The Milky Way is splashed across the sky on clear nights, adding a celestial note to a place of happy nature worship. From $2,780. —Noo Saro-Wiwa

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