Galleries Lafayette (Lafayette Galleries), Paris

Galeries Lafayette boasts a breathtaking neo-Byzantine stained-glass domed ceiling dating back to 1912, with opulent gilded balconies that steal the show. To behold this grand centerpiece, simply make your way to the center of the main store, surrounded by perfumes and cosmetics, and look up. Alternatively, ascend the escalators to the 7th-floor rooftop for a panoramic view over the back of Opéra Garnier.

If shopping isn't your cup of tea, visit the first-floor Galerie des Galeries, a free art gallery dedicated to fashion, applied arts, and design. And when you need a break, indulge in one of the restaurants, which include a rooftop bar and restaurant in the main store offering some of the city's most magnificent panoramic views.

On your way down, the top floor of the main store is an excellent spot to pick up interesting Parisian souvenirs. Across the street at Galeries Maison, the gourmet food hall boasts one of the city's finest selections of delicacies and several restaurants, such as the elegant Maison de la Truffe lunch bar. YC Café Yann Couvreur's popular teatime features classic madeleines filled with pistachio or lemon. Bar Kaspia, a luxurious eatery located beneath the main building's famous dome, specializes in caviar and seafood. And don't forget to check out Duclot La Cave on the first floor of Galeries Maison/Gourmet, displaying 2,500 bottles of wine from France and around the world.