10 offbeat things to do in Paris!
Are you traveling to Paris anytime soon? It’s time to move past the most common historic spots like the Eiffel tour and visit some of the city's lesser known gems that are waiting to be explored. France’s most loved city has so much to offer. Now is the perfect time to don your finest walking shoes and discover the city like a real explorer.
Explore street art in Rue Denoyez
You can find some of the best street art in Rue Denoyez, Belleville. Here, graffiti artists are always painting their masterpieces, making it a perfect spot for art lovers. You can also enjoy food from a number of cafes and Asian restaurants. As the sun sets, this area comes to life. Grab a pint of beer or visit a small local restaurant.
This narrow district is a minute away from the metro station which you can get to by foot, you can also visit the one of the most famous Père-Lachaise Cemetery nearby.
Visit a Flea market - The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
Located in the outskirts of Paris to the north, the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is one of the best flea markets in the world and home to some of the best antiques. Here you can come across paintings, furniture, clothes, glassware, toys and several other second-hand items. With 1,700 merchants selling a variety of items, a day won't be sufficient to explore this flea market. We recommend spending the afternoon searching for the best of antiques and other rare finds!
Timings: Saturdays and Sundays - 10am to 6pm. Mondays - 11am to 5pm
Shop at Galerie Vero Dodat
Situated close to the Louvre Museum, the Galerie Vero Dodat is a less well-known retail district. Here, you can admire Parisian architecture that dates back to the 19th century. Discovering exquisite antiques, mementos, galleries, décor, musical instruments, and more. This hidden gem is located away from the tourist crowds and symbolizes a lesser-known side of Paris where each alleyway is a true reflection of the city's history. This makes it a must visit for anyone looking to experience the true Paris.
Stock on some of the freshest produce at a food market
Calling all foodies out there! Marché des Enfants Rouges, a popular food market in Paris was built during the 16th Century. Here, you can find stalls selling a variety of food from fresh produce to cheese, flowers, Lebanese sandwiches and Italian deli specialties. It is considered to be one of the oldest food markets in Paris. Locals and tourists alike visit this area, with lunchtime being a busy time. This is a must if you would like to enjoy a multicultural food experience.
Visit Musée d’Art Moderne and Palais de Tokyo
One of the best museums for modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries is the Musée d'Art Moderne, also known as MAM Paris, which is near to the Eiffel Tour. More than 15,000 artworks that capture different eras, such as the European art scene, can be found here.
The largest hub for contemporary art in Europe, Palais de Tokyo, also has a wide selection of modern art pieces.
Enjoy a film in an outdoor theater
Enjoy a movie under the stars. During summer, many locations in Paris screen films out-doors. Crowds often gather and have a picnic style movie marathon. You can find various cinema festivals such as the Silhouette Festival which is expected to take place between August 30, 2024 to September 7, 2024.
Take a cooking class
When in Paris, don't limit yourself to merely enjoying the best of pastries, confections, and savory foods. Enroll in a class and learn some tips and tricks on how you can master making your favorite Parisian food. Discover how to prepare french croissants or an elaborate gourmet meal. Visit a professional kitchen to pick the brains of a master chef on how to make your favorite dessert. Savor an in-depth master class. The best part - enjoy your creations at the end!
Visit the Oval Room
This stunning library contains around 20,000 books and 160 study seats. Books on French literature, art history, genealogy, and a variety of other subjects are available here. You can also find a wide variety of comic books which are well known in Asia, America, Europe and Africa among many other regions. This reading room is open to all and free of charge. Digital systems available here help you access the library better.
Relax in a Park
Paris is known for some of the best parks and gardens. Despite Paris's reputation for being an expensive city, you can find a lot of budget-friendly ways to explore the city. For more tips on exploring Europe on a budget, read our article. If you wish to get away from the crowded city, sit back and relax, we’ve got the perfect day time activity for you. Whether you enjoy a nice stroll, a quiet picnic or an outdoor workout location, you can make the most of the parks in the city as they have some of the most scenic views. Some of the best parks include:
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
- Jardin des Plantes
- Parc Montsouris
- Parc Monceau
- Jardin des Tuileries
Attend a music festival
Paris has several music festivals all year round especially during the summer. This is a great way for you to immerse yourself in Parisian culture and discover new music and artists. Witness great live performances and enjoy music no matter what your favorite genre is. There's something for every kind of music lover out there. Some of the popular upcoming festivals you can visit are :-
- Solidays (28-30 Jun, 2024)
- The Peacock Society (13 Jul, 2024)
- Rock en Seine (21-24 Aug, 2024)
Join us for an unforgettable exploration of the City of Lights! We’ve got some of the best tours best Paris tours planned for you.