Paris has A LOT to offer, and once you’ve seen all the main tourist attractions, there are still many things to do! Check out this list of things to do in Paris that are more off the beaten path!
Quick facts about Paris
Currency: Euro
Population: 2,211,297
Major airports: Charles De Gaulle (CDG), and Paris Orly (ORY), There is also Beauvais but it is about a 2 hour bus ride from Paris
Tipping: Service included in meal and drink price. Ask for une carafe d’eau if you want tap water
Where to stay in Paris
If you want to be near the tourist spots, you should stay close to the Seine. However, places can be a bit pricey there! If you want to save a bit of money but still be well connected to the tourist spots, I would recommend the 14th, 12th, or 10th arrondissments.
If you’re looking for a hostel to stay at, I recommend the following!
Caulaincourt – Located in Montmartre, this hostel is close to some great sights and in the heart of the artsy district. During the day, Montmartre is filled with locals enjoying a coffee in the sunshine. At night, the neighborhood comes alive with bars and clubs suited for everyone.
Les Piaules – This hostel is in a more local area, but walking distance to one of the best neighborhoods in Paris: Republique! Here you will find bars, restaurants, and speakeasies, and you can even walk down to Le Marais if you wish! If you want some greenery, you’re also close to Parc des Buttes Chaumont, one of the best parks in Paris.
MIJE Hostel – A bit pricey but the location cannot be beat! This hostel is located right in the center of Le Marais, the vibrant shopping neighborhood. You could wander the Marais for hours ansd you’re well connected both by metro and by foot to all the sights of Paris.
Discover the hidden gems in Paris
Take a walk through history in Père Lachaise
Metro: Philippe Auguste or Pere Lachaise
This massive cemetery in the heart of Paris is the final resting place of many artists and historical figures. Go on a hunt to find the graves of Molière, Oscar Wilde, Chopin, Jim Morrison, Balzac, and more.
Discover the Passages Couvertes
Throughout Paris! Check the official tourism site to see the most up to date info!
Les Passages Couvertes, or ‘hidden passages’, are small galleries scattered through Paris that offer shopping, sweets to try, or restaurants.
Soak up some greenery in the Moroccan garden at the Grand Mosque
Metro: Place Monge
The Grand Mosque has a huge garden attached, where you can bask in the sun and drink some delicious Turkish tea! It’s the perfect summer spot to escape some of the crowds and enjoy the greenery.
Go thrift shopping in Saint Ouen Flea Market
Metro: Porte de Clignancourt
In the north side of the city is Les Puces, the biggest antique market in the world. Besides antiques, you can also find vintage clothes shops and other knicks and knacks. I will warn you that it isn’t in a very nice area, but just be sure to keep walking past all the commercialized products and you will eventually reach the vintage market!
Enjoy a view of Paris at Galeries Lafayette
Metro: Opera or Havre-Caumartin
I always tell people about this view because 1, it’s amazing and 2, it’s COMPLETELY FREE. At the top floor of the Galeries Lafayette department store you can find a terrace with a birds-eye view of Paris and a small bar. Definitely worth it in every season! The department store itself is really beautiful and nice to see as well, especially in the winter when they put a huge Christmas tree in the center!
See some artists at work at 59 Rue Rivoli
Metro: Chatelet
59 Rue Rivoli is on one of the busiest streets of Paris. You would never know that it’s truly one of Paris’s hidden gems! This building is a residence for artists, where you can climb floor after floor of their workshops, see the artists at work and even start conversations with them! Truly a hidden gem in Paris!
Go down the darker path by visiting Les Catacombes
Metro: Saint-Jacques
In the 18th century, many graves were moved from church graveyards to the underground. Today, the catacombs of Paris hold nearly 6 million people. A great addition for the adventurous traveler.
Live like royalty at Fontainebleau
Take the train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon
A popular spot for locals, but fairly unknown to tourists! If you’ve seen Versailles or simply just want to escape the crowds, head south to Fontainebleau. This chateau was the family home for many French royalty, and is quite expansive! Also in the town is national forest, where you’ll find Parisians escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for a little bit of greenery.
Visit the lesser known art museums like L’Orangerie, Picasso, or Rodin
Metro: Tuileries/Lovure-Rivoli (L’Orangerie), Temple (Picasso), Varenne (Rodin)
The Louvre and Musee d’Orsay are by far the most well known, but Paris is home to many more museums as well! Once you’ve hit the big ones, have fun exploring some of the more local museums, such as the Rodin, Orangerie, or the Picasso museum. Without all of the tourists, you may even like them more!
