Things to Do in Paris: Beyond the Eiffel Tower

Paris seduced me the moment I first stepped out of the metro. The architecture, the light, the constant buzz of café conversations – it’s a city that lives up to the hype while still surprising you at every turn.

After six visits (and counting), I’ve moved beyond the obvious tourist checklist to discover the Paris that locals actually enjoy. Don’t worry, I’ll cover the iconic sites you absolutely shouldn’t miss, but I’ll also share the hidden gems that made me fall in love with the City of Light.

The Essential Paris Experiences

These are the classics for a reason. Even on repeat visits, they never lose their magic.

1. Eiffel Tower (But Not How You Think)

Yes, you should see the Eiffel Tower, but skip the hours-long lines to ascend it. Instead, view it from Trocadéro Plaza at sunrise (the only time it’s not crowded) or from the Champ de Mars with a picnic at sunset.

My favorite view? From the rooftop terrace at Galeries Lafayette department store – it’s completely free and offers a perfect cityscape with the tower as the centerpiece.

💡 Tip: For a magical moment, be anywhere with a view of the tower at the top of the hour after dark to see it sparkle with thousands of twinkling lights for five minutes.

2. The Louvre (With a Strategy)

The Louvre is overwhelming – over 38,000 objects across 782,910 square feet. You could spend weeks and not see everything.

My strategy: Pick 5-10 specific works you want to see (beyond just the Mona Lisa, which is always mobbed), and focus on those. The Islamic Art pavilion and the Napoleon III Apartments are stunning and much less crowded than the main galleries.

💡 Tip: The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays but open late on Wednesdays and Fridays. Wednesday evening visits are magical – significantly fewer crowds and beautiful evening light through the skylights.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral (Even During Reconstruction)

While Notre-Dame’s interior remains closed for reconstruction after the 2019 fire, you can still appreciate its gothic grandeur from the outside. The archaeological crypt beneath the plaza has reopened, offering fascinating insights into the city’s 2,000-year history.

💡 Tip: For the gothic cathedral experience, visit nearby Sainte-Chapelle instead. Its 50-foot stained glass windows will leave you speechless.

4. Seine River Stroll

The banks of the Seine offer Paris’s best free attraction. Walk from the Île Saint-Louis through the Île de la Cité, continuing west past the bouquinistes (traditional booksellers) toward the Eiffel Tower.

In summer, the riverside transforms with temporary beaches (Paris Plages) complete with sand, palm trees, and lounge chairs.

💡 Tip: For a quintessential Paris moment, cross the Pont des Arts bridge at sunset when local musicians often perform and Parisians gather with wine and cheese.

Beyond the Guidebooks: My Favorite Parisian Experiences

These are the places and experiences that made me feel like I’d discovered a different Paris – one that most tourists never see.

5. Canal Saint-Martin

This trendy neighborhood centered around a picturesque canal offers a glimpse of how young Parisians actually live. On sunny days, locals gather along the canal’s edge with baguettes, cheese, and wine for impromptu picnics.

Boutiques like Antoine et Lili offer uniquely Parisian goods, while Chez Prune serves as the neighborhood’s living room with excellent people-watching.

💡 Tip: Take a walking tour from Republic to La Villette along the canal, crossing the iron footbridges made famous in the film Amélie.

6. Rue Montorgueil

This pedestrian market street in the 2nd arrondissement is where actual Parisians shop. Legendary patisserie Stohrer (the oldest in Paris, founded 1730) sits alongside cheese shops, flower stands, and bustling cafés.

I stumbled upon this street by accident during my second visit and spent an entire morning just shopping, sampling, and watching neighborhood life unfold.

💡 Tip: Visit Stohrer for their incredible pain aux raisins, then grab a coffee at Café Compas and watch the parade of local characters doing their daily shopping.

7. Père Lachaise Cemetery

It might sound macabre, but this 108-acre cemetery is actually a peaceful sculpture garden and arboretum. Yes, you’ll find famous graves (Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf), but the real joy is wandering the cobblestone paths among 19th-century memorial sculptures.

On my last visit, an elderly Parisian gentleman noticed me admiring a particular monument and spent twenty minutes explaining its artistic significance. These spontaneous encounters are what make Paris magical.

💡 Tip: Pick up a map at the entrance – the cemetery is huge and confusingly laid out. Go in the morning when the light filtering through the trees is most beautiful.

8. Musée de l’Orangerie

While tourists flock to the D’Orsay and the Louvre, this perfectly sized museum offers Monet’s massive water lily paintings in purpose-built oval rooms. The way the natural light changes the paintings throughout the day is mesmerizing.

The downstairs galleries feature exceptional works by Renoir, Picasso, and Matisse without the crowds of the larger museums.

💡 Tip: Visit first thing in the morning and head straight to Monet’s water lilies. Sit on the benches in the center of the oval rooms and simply absorb the 360-degree immersion in Impressionist magic.

Neighborhood Wanderings: Where to Get Lost

Paris is best experienced neighborhood by neighborhood. Here are the areas where I love to wander without a specific plan:

9. The Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissements)

Medieval streets, trendy shops, Jewish delis, and gay bars all coexist in this historic district. The Place des Vosges (Paris’s oldest planned square) offers a perfect spot to rest under the arcades.

Don’t miss: Merci concept store, falafel from L’As du Fallafel on Rue des Rosiers, and the intimate Musée Cognacq-Jay.

10. Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)

The intellectual heart of Paris, where Sartre and de Beauvoir once debated philosophy at Café de Flore (still worth a visit despite the tourists). Elegant architecture and some of Paris’s best shopping make this area irresistible.

Don’t miss: A wander through the Luxembourg Gardens, browsing at the Taschen bookstore, and macarons from Pierre Hermé.

11. Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)

Yes, the area immediately around Sacré-Cœur is touristy, but venture just a few streets away to find the village-like atmosphere that attracted artists for generations. Steep staircases and hillside vineyards create a different Paris entirely.

Don’t miss: The view from the steps of Sacré-Cœur at sunset, the quiet Place Dalida, and the tiny vineyard Clos Montmartre.

Culinary Paris: Beyond Croissants and Cafés

Food is central to Parisian culture. Here are my favorite culinary experiences:

12. Market Streets

Experience real Parisian food shopping at:

• Rue Cler (7th) – Elegant market street with specialized shops
• Rue Mouffetard (5th) – Ancient Roman road now lined with food stalls
• Marché d’Aligre (12th) – Half covered market, half street market with Paris’s most diverse offerings

💡 Tip: Ask vendors what’s particularly good right now. “Qu’est-ce qui est bon aujourd’hui?” is all the French you need to start a passionate conversation about food.

13. Classic Bistros

For authentic French cuisine without pretension, these historic bistros deliver:

• Bistrot Paul Bert – Perfect steak frites and an engaging atmosphere
• Chez Georges – Traditional dishes served by no-nonsense waitresses in black dresses with white aprons
• Au Petit Tonneau – Family-run since 1932, offering hearty French comfort food

💡 Tip: The “menu” (fixed price meal) is almost always the best value and features the restaurant’s specialties.

14. Paris Picnic Spots

Eating outdoors is a Parisian art form. Grab supplies from a market and head to:

• Canal Saint-Martin – Join the hip locals along the water
• Champ de Mars – Classic Eiffel Tower views
• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – Dramatic hills and a hidden grotto
• Square du Vert-Galant – The romantic tip of Île de la Cité

💡 Tip: Any good picnic needs a corkscrew. If you forget one, don’t worry – someone nearby will have one and be happy to lend it in exchange for a glass.

Off-the-Path Paris: Hidden Gems

These spots rarely make the guidebooks but offer uniquely Parisian experiences:

15. Promenade Plantée/Coulée Verte

This elevated park built on an abandoned railway line influenced New York’s High Line. The 3-mile green pathway rises above the city streets, offering unique perspectives of Parisian apartments and hidden courtyards.

💡 Tip: Enter at the staircase near the Bastille Opera House and walk toward the Bois de Vincennes for the best experience.

16. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature

This eccentric “Museum of Hunting and Nature” is actually a surreal art experience disguised as a traditional museum. Contemporary installations mix with antique firearms and taxidermy in a 17th-century mansion.

💡 Tip: Look for the interactive elements – drawers to open, buttons to push, and sounds to hear throughout the exhibits.

17. La Petite Ceinture

Sections of Paris’s abandoned 19th-century railway ring have been transformed into wild urban parks. The stretch in the 15th arrondissement offers a post-apocalyptic vibe with nature reclaiming the rails.

💡 Tip: Access points can be tricky to find – look for the entrance near Parc Georges Brassens.

Practical Paris: Making Your Visit Smoother

Getting Around

The Paris Métro is comprehensive, affordable, and efficient. Buy a carnet (book of 10 tickets) or use a weekly Navigo pass if staying longer.

For exploring neighborhoods, Vélib’ bike rentals are excellent if you’re comfortable with city cycling.

💡 Tip: The Citymapper app is far better than Google Maps for Paris public transportation.

Museum Strategy

The Paris Museum Pass is worth it if you plan to visit more than two major museums. Beyond saving money, it allows you to skip most ticket lines.

Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month, but they’re extremely crowded then.

💡 Tip: Major museums have late opening at least one night per week – this is the best time to visit with smaller crowds and a magical atmosphere.

Weather Backup Plans

Paris weather can be unpredictable. For rainy days, consider:

• Covered passages (Passage des Panoramas, Galerie Vivienne)
• The extensive underground sections of the Louvre
• Petit Palais (free permanent collection in a gorgeous setting)
• Getting deliberately lost in Shakespeare & Company bookstore

The Reality of Paris: Setting Expectations

In the spirit of honesty, here are some realities about Paris that are worth knowing:

• Paris syndrome is real – some visitors feel disappointed when the romantic image clashes with the sometimes gritty modern city
• Customer service works differently here – it’s not rude, just formal
• Not everyone speaks English, but most appreciate visitors who attempt even basic French phrases
• Pickpocketing happens in tourist areas – be aware of your belongings
• The scammers near major monuments (bracelet trick, petition signers) are easy to avoid with a confident “non merci” without breaking stride

When Things Go Sideways: My Paris Mishaps

Travel doesn’t always go as planned. During my Paris visits:

• I once got trapped inside Père Lachaise Cemetery after losing track of time and missing the closing announcement
• I developed a painful ear infection and had to navigate the French healthcare system (which was actually excellent once I found the right clinic)
• My phone was stolen from a café table when I looked away for literally three seconds

Each mishap became its own adventure and, honestly, made for better stories than if everything had gone perfectly.

The Bottom Line: Finding Your Paris

There are as many versions of Paris as there are visitors. Whether you’re drawn to architectural wonders, culinary adventures, artistic treasures, or simply the pleasure of watching the world go by from a café terrace, Paris rewards those who explore with curiosity and patience.

My best advice? Plan your must-sees, but leave plenty of time for wandering. The Paris you discover by accident often becomes the Paris you’ll remember most fondly.

What aspects of Paris are you most excited to experience? I’d be happy to share more specific recommendations based on your interests!