Don’t get us wrong: we love the Eiffel Tower, but we really love non-touristy things to do in Paris. In a place that gets 50 million visitors per year, doing the less-touristy things will actually help the city.
Going off the beaten track helps you spread your tourist dollars to small businesses and tour guides who might not otherwise get loads of travelers. It also helps you see a more authentic side of the city.
So we’re not here to say the Eiffel Tower is bad, but we are here to help broaden your horizons. There is so much to discover in Paris (and in all of France), and it’s worth checking out the unusual stuff, too!
I’ve had the privilege of exploring Paris multiple times, and each trip has given me a new perspective of the city. One of my favorite discoveries was the Petite Ceinture, a former train track turned bike and walking path that circles Paris.
We’ve got 15 more exciting options for your non-touristy itinerary of Paris, so let’s get into it!
What’s In This Article
- A deep dive into the 15 best non-touristy things to do in Paris.
- A breakdown of why each activity is unique, fun, or off-the-beaten path.
- Tips for authentic travel in Paris, and beyond.
TL;DR: The capital of France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and yet, there are so many lesser-known things to do in Paris. This article covers our 15 favorite activities in Paris where you won’t find many other tourists.
Want all the Paris hidden gems?
If you like avoiding crowds, traveling for culture, and exploring deeply, we curated a list of over 100 must-visit spots in Paris.
The 15 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Paris
Paris is separated into 20 different administrative districts (known as arrondissements), but most visitors will spend their time in two or three of them at most. As you stretch away from the central arrondissements, you begin to see the many faces of Paris and all the unique discoveries in each.
Some amazing events take place throughout the city, so make sure to read up on these Paris travel tips for a well-rounded itinerary!
A roundup of the 15 best non-touristy things to do in Paris:
- Petite Ceinture
- Château de Vincennes
- Jardin des Plantes
- Fontainebleau
- Grande Mosquée de Paris
- D’Aligre Market
- Parc André-Citroën
- église située sur l’Île Saint-Louis à Paris
- Street Art 13
- Bois de Vincennes
- Monte Marte Cemetery
- Musée Marmottan Monet
- La Promenade Plantée
- Arènes de Lutèce
1. Walk along La Petite Ceinture
Known as the Little Belt, this is a walking path that cinches around the outer perimeter of Paris. It used to be a railway, and you can still see remnants of the train track in some areas.
A little-known option among the many non touristy things to do in Paris, Petite Ceinture is great if you’re traveling with kids or pets and want to have a little time outdoors on a sunny afternoon.
2. Visit Château de Vincennes
Teetering on the eastern edge of Paris is a huge 14th-century castle complete with a moat and drawbridge. Château de Vincennes is particularly known for the “donjon”—the center tower, which is the tallest in Europe.
The fortress has a sturdy exterior, making it serve multiple purposes throughout its lifetime. At times, it was used as a safe haven in war, then as a prison, and a military headquarters.
3. Explore Jardin des Plantes
This is the primary botanical garden in Paris, but is often less busy than the Luxembourg Gardens. A winding maze takes you on a journey of native and exotic plants for a natural excursion right in the center of the city. The botany school in the center of the garden still educates botanists and operates as a lab to this day.
As a popular option for non touristy things to do in Paris, don’t miss the rose garden. Its blooming season displays a color burst colors from hundreds of different rose species.
4. Visit Fontainebleau; skip Versailles
Fontainebleau is a fantastic little commune an hour southeast from Paris where locals go for a weekend getaway. A royal castle resides right in town and features Marie Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir and the Napoleon Museum.
While Versailles is among the most well-known and visited royal palaces in France, the Fontainebleau castle holds a much longer history. Some parts of the royal castle date back to the 12th century, and housed French kings for centuries.
There is a direct train that connects Paris to Fontainebleau. Just head over to the Gare de Lyon station and look for the R train.
5. The Grande Mosquée de Paris (The Grand Mosque)
The Grand Mosque is already a holy destination for the Parisienne Muslim community, but it’s also a welcome sanctuary to all who wish to learn about Islamic teachings or simply enjoy the incredible architecture. The development of the Grand Mosque is undoubtedly linked to the French colonization of the Muslim world in the 19th century.
Opened in 1926, it’s the oldest Mosque in metropolitan France and one of the largest religious buildings in the country. Inside you can find a garden, library, gift shop, cafe, and restaurant, along with numerous prayer rooms. It’s located close to the Place Monge metro stop a few streets away from Jardin des Plantes.
6. Explore Market Life
There is no other feeling quite like losing yourself in a bustling market within a foreign country. No matter the language spoken, you seem to pick up the meaning of the words heard over the crowds of chattering shoppers. Fresh strawberries. Only five euros. Come try a sample.
One thing we learned from exploring the quaint villages of Provence is that market shopping is a way of life. Markets are where people go for a lot more than just groceries: social interactions, snacking, fresh air, and a sense of community.
D’Aligre Market is the natural starting point for French home cooking, where you’ll find virtually any fresh ingredient and a few other things of interest. Think of it like a cross between an antique flea and a farmer’s market. Come here for an impromptu lunch comprised of the fresh cheese and meats you’ll find sold within the stalls.
7. Parc André-Citroën for hot air balloons in Paris!
If you’ve been dreaming about a hot air balloon experience in Cappadoccia, you can still enjoy city vistas without having to leave Paris. Located inside of Parc André-Citroën is Ballon de Paris Generali, a tethered hot air balloon. It originally served as a tool to test the air quality, but now it brings people 32 meters above ground.
However, a few things to note: weather permits all hot air balloon rides, and the journey is tethered. That means that the balloon stays connected to the ground by a cord.
The tour agency has you up in the sky between 15 and 30 minutes—it’s not a particularly long ride. If you’re going just for views rather than one of the non-touristy things to do in Paris, you’re better suited to see the city from Sacré-Cœur.
8. église située sur l’Île Saint-Louis à Paris
Saint-Louis Church On The Island (église située sur l’Île Saint-Louis à Paris) is an elegant little church hiding in plain sight. It’s located right on the Ilse St. Louis, the island one over from Notre Dame.
During their first day in Paris, most people check out the stunning clarity of the stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle, but Saint Louise church also has some fantastic colors on display. Come here for a choral concert or listen to the hauntingly beautiful organ tunes.
9. Explore Street Art 13
It’s no secret that Paris is a city with influences from different walks of life. If you have a passion for the stories told by street artists, Paris has a fantastic walking street dedicated to open-air artwork. Among the most popular murals were painted by British street artists D*Face and Shepard Fairey.Â
Located near the town hall for the 13th arrondissement, you have full access to this open-air museum exhibit of contemporary styles blending together. This arrondissement is historically industrial, and artists of the 1960s wanted to beautify the cement facades of the buildings.
Step out of the Nationale metro stop for the first seven displays, then continue down Rue de Cheveraleret. You can follow this path and find so many more instances of fantastic street art on our Paris map.
10. Bois de Vincennes
Another renewing greenscape just beyond the Parisienne city limits is Bois de Vincennes. Known as one of the capital’s “green lungs,” its 995 hectares of space make it the second largest park in Paris.
This is a great option for those in search of the hidden gems in Paris. Bois de Vincennes requires a step away from the traffic congestion of downtown. Bring an afternoon picnic or walk along one of the many trails. There’s also a botanical garden and zoo, both great options if you’re traveling with kids.
11. Monte Marte Cemetery
This isn’t simply an excursion into a cemetery, but to the surrounding area of the 18th arrondissement. The neighborhood here is a quaint little spot away from the crowds where the city persona puts up its proverbial feet and relaxes.
There’s an assortment of cute cobblestone streets, little cafes, and local artist studios. Start your journey at the Place de Clichy metro station. Your first stop should be 15 Rue Hégésippe-Moreau, where, behind this building, you’ll find the Villa des Arts, a complex of studios where several well-known French artists worked until the end of the 19th century.
Continue to Avenue Junot where you’ll find yet another cobblestone street lined with exquisite townhomes. If some of the shops are closed at the time you arrive, fear not. You’ll find a series of painted murals on the metal roller shutters outside of shops.
Read more: Bars and Cafes in Paris Where Ernest Hemingway Hung Out
12. Musée Marmottan Monet
Classified by someone on the internet as “not the first and probably not even the second or third” museum visited in Paris, but really, how much does that count for in a city with 136 museums?
Yes, there are some fantastic hidden gem museums in Paris that are cruelly overshadowed by the Louvre. This one in particular is dedicated to Monet and has a lovely collection. Impressionist lovers rejoice!
13. La Promenade Plantée
Beginning at the Bastille and trailing through the 12th arrondissement is La Promenade Plantée, a raised railway turned walkway. Think of it a bit like the Highline in New York City without a public relations team.
La Promenade is lovely and lesser known. There likely won’t be too many crowds, allowing you to enjoy the sights from 10 meters above ground.Â
14. Best Non Touristy Things to Do in Paris: Arènes de Lutèce
Being an American, I don’t get the experience often of crossing paths with a several-thousand-year-old structure in the center of the city, but this is totally possible in Paris.
 It’s quite astonishing that Arènes de Lutèce, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater is just in the center of Paris with buildings formed around it, as if it were an ancient crater.
15. Marie Antoinette’s Grotto
It seems even royalty feels the need to get away from their responsibilities from time to time. Hameau de la Reine (the Queen’s Hamlet) was a tranquil getaway built for Marie Antoinette. After your tour of Versailles Palace, take a side trip for one of the non-touristy things to do in Paris.
Curvaceous rock formations extend high above a pond with a walking bridge to explore the natural interior. There’s also a watermill cottage reminiscent of the humble homes found in the Cotswolds.
A Few Paris FAQs for Your Consideration
How many arrondissements are in Paris?
Paris is split into 20 different administrative districts (known as arrondissements). Most of the tourist activity takes place in the central 1, 2, 3, 4 arrondissements, close to notable sights like the Louvre, Musee D’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower.
Which neighborhoods in Paris are best for avoiding crowds?
If you want to experience Paris like a local, wander into the neighborhoods where Parisians actually live and hang out. Our favorites includes:
– Canal Saint-Martin
– Belleville
– Butte-aux-Cailles (13th arrondissement)
– Batignolles (17th arrondissement)
– La Campagne à Paris (20th arrondissement)
How can I avoid tourist traps in Paris?
Avoiding tourist traps in Paris is actually pretty easy! First, avoid any place within 4-5 blocks of major tourist attractions like the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower. Second, avoid places that have long lines of tourists out front (that’s a dead giveaway), and third, avoid places with English menus. Also, I recommend checking out EatWith, which is like the Airbnb of culinary experiences!
What’s the best time to visit Paris if I want to avoid the crowds?
To enjoy the city at its calmest, plan your trip for late fall (October–November) or early spring (March–April), when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are thin. Winter in Paris is even quieter and perfect for cozy café hopping, but a word of warning—it gets really cold in Paris (and I’m saying that as a New Englander!)
