Paris is one of the must-visit destinations for travelers worldwide. Its iconic landmarks, indulgent cuisine, and enchanting culture combine to create a vibe that’s too seductive to resist. But that’s part of the problem. Paris is so incredibly popular that the bustling crowds and chaotic noises can make the City of Light lose its charm. But it doesn’t have to be this way!
Spend your time exploring all the unique things to do in Paris and you’ll see a whole different side to the city than what you find at the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. While I’m certainly not suggesting you avoid the city’s world-famous attractions, heading for some of the hidden gems in Paris when the crowds get to be too much for you is an excellent way to spend your time.
So you don’t waste a single second of your Paris trip, I’ve put together a list of some unique activities in Paris that most visitors miss out on. To give you an extra helping hand, I’ve also included some tips on how to avoid the crowds at the most popular attractions, too!
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The 10 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Paris
1. Gaze at the Street Art at Boulevard Paris 13
Checking out the local street art is one of my favorite non-touristy things to do in Paris. You won’t find it scattered throughout the entire city, but the best place to see creative murals is in Boulevard Paris 13. This neighborhood is bursting with giant works of art on the sides of buildings created by local and international artists.
Start at Boulevard Vincent Auriol, close to the Nationale metro stop – this is where most of the street art is. Then work your way down to the Quartier de la Gare. It almost doesn’t matter which street you take. The neighborhood is covered in vibrant, thought-provoking pieces!
2. Snap Photos at the Stravinsky Fountain
If you’re in the mood for some more bright and colorful artwork, head to the Stravinsky Fountain on Rue Brisemiche, next to the Centre Pompidou. This eye-catching water feature is dotted with bizarre sculptures featuring a rainbow of colors, patterns, shapes, and styles.
Study it and you’ll spot a clown’s hat, a treble clef, a mermaid, and a set of red lips. The artists, Jean Tinguely and painter Niki de Saint Phalle, asked that the water be left untreated and that moss be allowed to grow on the statues so the piece could be influenced by nature.
3. Stroll Down Rue Lamarck
One of my favorite unusual things to do in Paris early in the morning is to take a walk down Rue Lamarck. This street is pretty much empty first thing, so you’ll be able to snap loads of photos without any strangers getting in the way. Hidden away in Montmartre, this off-the-beaten-path street boasts stunning architecture that symbolizes the romantic city.
Make sure you check out the Lamarck-Caulaincohet metro station. The classic red metro sign, gorgeous double staircases, and multi-colored cafes in the area make for fabulous photos. Head up the steps on the right-hand side leading toward the Sacré Coeur and you’ll be in the perfect position to take a picture of the iconic red and white “sinking house.”
4. Be Blown Away by Le Moretti
When it comes to non-touristy things to do in Paris, seeking out hidden street art is one of the best, and you’ll find one of the most eye-catching examples in La Défense. Tucked in between the New York City-inspired Neuilly Défense and Manhattan Square buildings, stands Le Moretti. This 104-foot-tall building looks like a giant rainbow exploding from the ground and shooting into the sky!
Believe it or not, this stunning sight wasn’t designed as a standalone piece of artwork. It’s actually a ventilation stack that’s adorned with 672 multi-colored fiberglass tubes. Stand at the very foot of it and you’ll snap an incredible picture.
5. Indulge Your Taste Buds along Rue des Martyrs
It’s hard to find cool and unusual things to do in Paris for foodies. Of course, the croissants and cafes au lait are amazing and definitely worth trying. But if you’re looking for a gastronomic experience that’s a little out of the ordinary, I suggest taking a walk down Rue des Martyrs in the 9th arrondissement.
This dreamy street is lined by tempting cafes, specialty food shops, and gourmet food markets. Wherever you look, you’ll see creamy French cheese, fresh seasonal produce, and delicious local wine. If you like truffles, I absolutely recommend you stop by Artisan de la Truffe and grab some truffle honey!
6. Be Mesmerized by Danse de la Fontaine Emergente
Part dragon, part water feature, and part light show, the Danse de la Fontaine Emergente is one of the most unusual hidden gems in Paris. Located on Place Augusta-Holmes, this unique work of art begins as a painting on the wall of the nearby water control facility and winds down to the square. Here the 2D painting transforms into a 3D sculpture, with the steel and plastic body of the dragon bursting through the ground.
The best time to see the Danse de la Fontaine Emergente is at night. This is when the fountain’s neon colors are most vibrant and dazzling.
7. Meet the Resident Cats at Montmartre Cemetery
Paris is full of famous cemeteries, but Montmartre Cemetery is one that few people visit. Hidden away below street level, this lush, green cemetery is home to many artists who once lived in the bustling neighborhood. Take a look around and you’ll spot impressive mausoleums now covered in cobwebs and remarkably detailed sculptures of the deceased.
If you’re missing your pet cat, you’ll find one of the most comforting and unique activities in Paris here – petting the stray cats who call the cemetery home! Dozens of cats live among the mausoleums, keeping watch over their long-forgotten inhabitants.
8. Window-Shop in the Longest Covered Passage in the World
You don’t need a lot of money to enjoy some of the most unique things to do in Paris. Even if you’ve already exhausted your vacation budget, you can still check out the Passage Choiseul, said to be the longest covered passage in the world. This one-of-a-kind place was built in 1826 and has hardly been touched since it first opened almost two centuries ago.
Here you’ll find fashion boutiques, old bookshops, charming cafes, jewelry stores, and art galleries all vying for your attention. It’s a wonderful place to wander and lose yourself among the old-world beauty.
9. Learn a New Language at the I Love You Wall
If you’re ever feeling a little blue in the city, I suggest you seek out the I Love You Wall in Jehan-Rictus Square. One of the coolest hidden gems in Paris, visiting this wall is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and make you feel better.
Spanning 416 square feet, this unique work of art is made up of 612 lava tiles with the words “I love you” written on them in 250 languages. The creators, Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito, went door to door, asking people to write the phrase in their native language in their notebook to collect all the words for the mural!
10. Dine at Le Foyer de la Madeleine
Visiting a church doesn’t sound like one of the most unusual things to do in Paris, but the Eglise de la Madeleine guards a secret that makes it definitely worth visiting. From the outside, it looks like a Greek temple – but that’s not the strangest thing about it. Beneath the church lies a clandestine restaurant where you can dig into gourmet French eats until your heart’s content!
For just €17.50, you’ll be treated to an appetizer, main course, dessert, and a coffee for lunch. Le Foyer de la Madeleine is truly one of the most unique hidden gems in Paris. The location is unlike anything you’ll experience elsewhere and the food is shockingly great value. The best thing is that you don’t need a reservation – you can just walk in!
5 Tips to Avoid the Crowds in Paris
- Buy your tickets in advance online. Not only do you get to choose the day and time you want to visit the attraction, but you’ll also get to skip the ticket line.
- Visit attractions when they first open or just before they close. Avoid the busiest times, which are mid-morning and early afternoon.
- Travel during shoulder season when there are the fewest visitors. April, May, September, and October are the best months to avoid the crowds in Paris.
- Visit the most popular attractions during the week – this is especially important when it comes to Disneyland Paris. Many locals are at work during the week, so there will be fewer crowds.
- The metro is a great way to get around Paris, but avoid using it at its busiest times or you’ll be in for a nightmare. Plan your day so you don’t need to use public transport in the middle of the city between 8 am and 10 am or 5 pm and 8 pm.
