When visiting Paris, you probably have all the top sights and museums on your itinerary. But a big part of the city’s charm lies in its more offbeat attractions. Where else can you see Jim Morrison’s grave or see the cancan performed in the dance hall where it was invented? No matter your personal tastes or travel style, Paris has something for everyone. In this guide, I’ve included some of the most fun and unique things to do in Paris. Which are you most interested in?
Visit the Oldest Bakery in Paris
Take an afterhours tour of the Opera House
Admire the Rodin Sculpture Garden and Museum
Find the Sinking Building in Montmartre
Visit a Cemetery
Explore the Catacombs
Watch a Cabaret
Attend an Art Exhibition
Sip Champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower
This unique Paris activity is not for the faint of heart. Or those afraid of heights.
Do a Dijon mustard Tasting
Hunt for Space Invaders Street Art
Look Through the Musee d’Orsay Clock
Lastly, it was fun to explore Parisian neighborhoods and spot the colorful-yet-discreet Space Invader tile mosaics.
What are some of your favorite fun things to do in Paris?
Save this guide for easy reference!
Liene says
Considering we lived in France, we spent very little time in Paris – and we missed most of these places. Of course we’ll return someday (and maybe sans kids!)… Tomorrow we are having “France” day here with a dozen other prekindergarten kids, thank you for l’inspiration!
Liene says
And of course one of the littles was crawling in my lap at the moment – sorry for the italics!
Heather Hall says
Happy to help! 🙂
We saw tons of families with kids – and strangers helping mothers with strollers on the metro! – so I think the city is a fairly child-friendly destination. Hope you make it back!
Ann says
We were there last summer but have been lots before but we went to the Opera House and it was wonderful.
Heather Hall says
I wanted to visit the Opera but we ran out of time! Hopefully on the next visit…
Wandering Carol says
Having dinner in the bar of the George V Hotel was just one of things I loved about Paris. But there are so many others …
Heather Hall says
Ooh, adding that to my list for next time! Thanks, Carol!
Andrea says
So many of my favourites here! I’m a huge fan of the parks in Paris, Jardin du Luxembourg, the Tuileries, Place des Vosges, Palais Royal etc.
Heather Hall says
I was hoping to spend more time in the parks, but the weather was rainy and cold in early March. Definitely not ideal for sightseeing, but we made it work!
Jess @UsedYorkCity says
Absolutely loved this post, Heather! I’ve been BEGGING the hubs to take time off work so we can go to Paris–I was last there in 2008 and have to say, to this day it’s been one of my favorite trips! So much to see (and eat!) I loved the daily routine of getting croissants and cafe au laits at the bakeries in the morning, and nutella crepes from the outdoor food vendors after an afternoon at the museum.
Heather Hall says
Thanks, Jess! I hope you get to go back to Paris soon! I loved the city before, but it was so much fun to explore it with my hubs! Especially since we were on the same page re: afternoon wine and cheese breaks 🙂
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) says
You know that I am NOT a museum person, and yet, we visited quite a few of them during our time in Paris and I actually really enjoyed myself! I agree that the Musée d’Orsay is just stunning; if I have any regrets, it’s that we chose to go on the free Sunday and so it was totally swamped with people. Good for the budget, but it would have been lovely to enjoy it without so many of our not-closest not-friends around!
I would say my very favorite museum that we visited, however, was the Orangerie, which features Monet’s waterlilly collection. It’s such a beautiful, serene space and the paintings themselves are gorgeous. Did you get a chance to visit? If not, you definitely have to the next time you are in Paris!
Heather Hall says
We had both been to the Orangerie on our previous trips to Paris and it wasn’t a priority this time. But we did go to the Musee Marmottan Monet which was excellent. The private collection included a bunch of Monets as well as paintings by Berthe Morisot, a hitherto unknown to me female Impressionist. This museum probably should have made the list but the post was getting a little long 🙂
mom says
The Musee d`Orsay is just magnificent. Can you just imagine it as a train station?! We visited Notre Dame years ago but I don’t remember it. Spectacular view from the top! I wish I’d gone up the Eiffel Tower when I was there before. I’m surprised the Louvre wasn’t on your list. I would love to go back!
Heather Hall says
I don’t think I need to go back to the Louvre ever in my lifetime. It has some incredible art, but the viewing experience leaves a lot to be desired!
Daina says
Amazing list. Looks like I would love Musee d’Orsay – seems we have similar taste in art! I’ve seen some of the rest of France (Loire Valley, Avignon, Strasbourg), but have not made it to Paris yet.
arabesque says
Paris is always and will be my fave destination. ^0^
We skipped museums and headed elsewhere, but if I were to visit this city again.
It would be the Gargoyles, Napoleon’s tomb and museums. I’m surprise to see fotos inside the Musee Orsay,
used to be so strict with the no photo policy.
and The tapestry of Unicorn which I’m looking forward also,\
ever since I read Tracy Chevalier’s novel.
thanks for taking me down to memory lane.
I miss Paris and your fotos make me want to go back again.
Heather Hall says
Thanks arabesque, I hope you get to visit Paris again soon! It’s such a wonderful city, as you know, with so many interesting things to see and do. As for taking photos in the Musee d’Orsay, it’s no problem as long as you don’t use flash. This was true for most museums we visited. Cheers!
Sara @ Simply Sara Travel says
Looks like a lovely trip! So glad to see you did the tower climb of Notre Dame – that’s one of my favorite views of the city! And it’s so nice to see that someone is enjoying riding the Metro! I can’t say I really look forward to it, but Paris does have a good system. I really miss the electronic boards in the Metro that give the time estimate for the next train. Having just moved to NYC, I can’t believe that so many of the stations still don’t have this!
Heather Hall says
When I lived in NYC, the stations didn’t have any electronic time boards to speak of and was pleasantly surprised to find some on a recent visit. But I also missed the thrill of not knowing when, or if, my train would arrive! LOL.
Velysia Zhang says
Haven’t been to Paris but definitely they have some of the best museums to see artistic creation of great artists. I’ll definitely go to Musee d’Orsay. Thanks for the beautiful share 🙂
Heather Hall says
Thanks so much for your comment, Velysia!
Michelle says
I love Paris so much! Musee d’orsay is my favourite museum in the world so I’m so happy to see you mentioning it first! 😀
Heather Hall says
It’s such a fabulous museum! If I lived in Paris I’d definitely get a membership pass 🙂
Joy @MyTravelingJoys says
Great photos Heather! I’ll add some of these museums to our list too for next month.
Also, I certainly have a soft spot for Paris since that’s where my hubby proposed. In the rose garden at the Le Palais Royal. It was tres romantic! 😉 Last time I really enjoyed the Les Halles neighbourhood bc of all the restaurants, butchers and other foodie shops!
Heather Hall says
Oh wow, Joy! That’s enough to give a girl serious proposal envy. Your hubby outdid himself on that one! 😉