20 Underrated Things You Never Thought to Do in Paris
Paris is full of hidden gems and unexpected delights beyond the famous Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
Get ready to learn about the coolest spots and activities that will give you bragging rights for experiencing the City of Light in a way that few travelers do!
1. Take a French Baking Class in Montmartre
In the heart of Montmartre, you can learn the secrets of French baking from experienced chefs. A French bread baking class isn’t just a lesson; it’s a hands-on journey through France’s beloved culinary tradition.
2. Attend a Secret Concert in a Historic Parisian Building
Paris hides away some of the most enthralling musical evenings in its historic buildings. You can find yourself in a centuries-old church, enjoying the timeless works of Bach or Vivaldi.
The setting is intimate, and the atmosphere is touched with the charm only a city like Paris can offer. Classical concerts in these secret spots last around ninety minutes, enveloping you in pure acoustic bliss.
Tucked away from the common tourist routes, attending one of these concerts gives you a blend of culture and serenity.
3. Explore the Catacombs after Hours
If you’re seeking an unusual adventure in Paris, consider an after-hours tour of the famous Catacombs. While most tourists visit during the day, the nighttime brings a whole new atmosphere to this labyrinth of history.
These special tours often include areas not seen by the general public during regular hours, giving you a deeper insight into this underground world.
4. Join a Literary Tour of the Latin Quarter
Discover the vibrant past of Paris’s Latin Quarter with a unique walking tour. Ignite your passion for literature and stroll paths once walked by legendary authors. Envision the cafes that great minds like Hemingway and Fitzgerald frequented!
It’s an intimate peek into the intellectual heart of Paris. You can almost hear the scribbles of poetry and heated debates that shaped modern thought.
5. Have a Picnic at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Discover an overlooked haven for a relaxing afternoon, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Tucked away in the 19th arrondissement, it’s the perfect spot for your picnic with friends or family.
Lay your blanket on the lush green slopes, indulge in a cheese platter and sip on some French wine while enjoying the charming scenery. Make sure to visit the stunning Temple de la Sybille, perched atop a cliff overlooking the park.
6. Discover Vintage Treasures at the Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen
Ever wandered the narrow alleys of Paris craving something truly unique? Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is your answer. Here, stalls spill over with memories from bygone eras just waiting to be discovered.
This is not your average flea market. With a history dating back to the 1870s, this marketplace is legendary for vintage finds. From ornate mirrors to Louis XV chairs, every piece has a story.
7. Go on a Street Art Tour in Belleville
Paris has a secret splash of color waiting at every corner of Belleville. You’ll find vibrant streets lined with art that turns your casual stroll into an outdoor gallery affair. Belleville’s street art scene is a refreshing break from the usual Parisian must-sees.
In this slice of the city, you’ll capture the sights of pieces by famed graffiti creators. Join a street art tour with a seasoned local artist, and you’ll peel back layers of Parisian history through each stroke of paint.
8. Experience a Traditional Guinguette on the Seine
If you’re in Paris and longing for a slice of old-world charm, find your way to a Seine-side guinguette. These riverside taverns offer a festive spot for dancing and dining.
For an authentic ambiance, Rosa Bonheur sur Seine floats on the water, promising an evening where French history meets fun times. Revel in the music, dance like no one’s watching, and savor simple yet tasty fare under a canopy of lights.
9. Visit the Musée de la Magie
Have you ever felt the urge to uncover some of Paris’s most unusual spots? The Musée de la Magie waits with its doors wide open to reveal a world filled with enchantment.
Time travel is real in this space—the captivating collection takes you on a journey through centuries of magical artifacts. You’ll find yourself marveling at antique trick boxes, optical illusions, and even get a chance to see some magic up close.
10. Enjoy a Wine Tasting in a Historic Parisian Cellar
When you’re roaming the streets of Paris, don’t miss the chance to savor the flavor of France in a traditional wine cellar. The Les Caves du Louvre offer a unique wine tasting tour where age-old walls echo with the history of French winemaking.
Or venture into the Latin Quarter where De Vinis Illustribus invites you into a 17th-century cellar for a personalized wine experience. Discover wines you’ve never tasted before, selected just for your palate.
11. Take a Soap Making Workshop in Le Marais
In Paris, beauty and creativity find their way into every aspect, even soap making. Venture beyond the typical tourist path and treat yourself to a crafty afternoon in Le Marais.
Here, you can join a laid-back soap-making workshop at Le Baigneur, a buzzworthy spot that brings together organic ingredients and French craftsmanship. With your own hands, you’ll blend natural scents and colors, learning a new skill to take home.
12. Explore the Petite Ceinture
Have you unearthed the hidden charm of Paris’s Petite Ceinture? This disused railway encircles the city like a secret loop, ripe for exploration. Once a vibrant train line, it’s now a tranquil pathway where nature has taken over.
You’ll stroll alongside wildflowers and spot local wildlife, all with the buzz of Paris just beyond the trees. With accessible sections across multiple arrondissements, your next Parisian adventure awaits among these historic tracks.
13. Attend a Perfume-Making Workshop
Paris hides a unique activity that often flies under tourists’ radar: perfume-making workshops. These hidden gems offer a hands-on approach where you can mix and match scents to concoct a fragrance that’s uniquely yours.
Paris is home to world-class perfumeries, and by joining a workshop, you can learn from the best. Discover the secrets of fragrance creation, from floral to musky notes, in a session tailored just for you.
14. Go on a Nighttime Photography Tour
Paris transforms as the sun sets, and you haven’t truly seen the city until you’ve captured its illuminated beauty. By joining a nighttime photography tour, you can discover Paris in a whole new light.
Learn how to snap the perfect shot of the glowing Eiffel Tower or the historic streets lined with lamps.
15. Visit the Albert-Kahn Museum & Gardens
In the bustle of Paris, uncover a peaceful escape at the Albert-Kahn Museum and Gardens. Step off the city streets and stroll through the lush beauty of themed landscapes that teleport you across the globe.
Recently renovated, this hidden gem marries history with scenery, holding a treasure trove of early 20th-century photographs in a modern museum. It’s a visual journey back in time, giving you a fresh lens on the world.
16. Take a French Pastry Food Tour
Discover hidden culinary delights on a French Pastries Tour. Picture savoring eclairs so light, they seem to dance on your tongue. In Paris, pastry isn’t just a treat; it’s a masterpiece of craft and flavor.
Indulge in a hands-on tart class, where you mix tradition with your own twist. A tour through Paris’s adorable patisseries offers you not only a taste, but an insight into the sweet artistry itself.
17. Join a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Palais Garnier Opera House
Discover hidden corners and secrets of the majestic Palais Garnier on a behind-the-scenes tour. You’ll have the chance to peek at the backstage workings that bring operatic masterpieces to life.
Delve into areas normally off-limits and maybe even catch sight of the famous ‘lake’ under the building. This tour is a chance to see this historic venue from a new perspective.
18. Experience a Hammam in the Mosquée de Paris
Paris isn’t all about the Eiffel Tower and croissants. Try something out of the ordinary by visiting a hammam at the Mosquée de Paris. This steamy retreat is a slice of heaven right in the heart of the city.
At the hammam, you’ll scrub away your worries, along with any tired skin. Open most days, this escape is popular among both locals and savvy travelers.
19. Watch a Movie in the Historic La Pagode Cinema
Within the 7th arrondissement rests La Pagode, not just any cinema, but an extraordinary venue that dates back to 1896. La Pagode was once a gift of love, and it still feels like it!
So why not catch a classic or a contemporary flick in this unique setting? It’s a chance to relish cinematic art in a room echoing with history. The atmosphere alone makes for a story to share.
20. Visit the Musée des Arts Forains
Discover a slice of Parisian magic at the Musée des Arts Forains, nestled in Bercy. A once-private collection turned public, it showcases a whimsical array of 19th and 20th-century fairground and entertainment artifacts.
Marvel at a world beyond the usual with ornate carousels and vintage games—each piece with its own story. Your day can sparkle with a glimpse of the forgotten funfairs of Europe, where history comes alive.
