Paris; arguably the most visited city in Europe, especially lately thanks to a girl named Emily. Of course, no visit to the City of Light is complete without a trip to the heap of iconic landmarks that litter the cityscape. However, if you are looking for the unique things to do in Paris, something a bit beyond the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, this post is for you. Trust me, once you have read my ultimate guide you’ll never look at Paris in the same way. Enjoy!
Unique Things to Do in Paris | Your Ultimate Guide
1. Explore the Catacombs of Paris
If you are after something exciting and spooky, the Catacombs of Paris are certainly a unique thing to do. You’ll find an underground labyrinth walled with bones of millions of people. This incredible experience costs €31 per person, which may seem expensive, but it is definitely worth it.
2. Discover Secret Covered Passages
All across Paris are plenty of hidden covered passages. These date back to the 19th century and are actually historic shopping arcades. You’ll find plenty of charm here, along with vintage shops, bookstores and the odd café too. Good ones to start with are Galerie Vivienne or Passage des Panoramas.
3. Take a Street Art Tour in Belleville
Whilst the Louvre may house some of the world’s most impressive pieces of art, you’ll also find beautiful pieces from lesser-known artists across the city, without paying the premium. The district of Belleville is the perfect place to see these and you’ll be welcomed by colourful streets and vibrant murals.
4. Enjoy a Night of Cabaret at Au Lapin Agile
While the Moulin Rouge is world-famous, Au Lapin Agile offers a more intimate and traditional cabaret experience. You’ll find this in Montmartre, one of my favourite districts in Paris. The idea here is much the same; detailed storytelling with lots of musical fun.
5. Visit the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
The Museum of Hunting and Nature is one of Paris’s quirkiest museums. It is something that you wouldn’t even think existed to start of with and, as you may have guessed, is filled with taxidermy and historical artefacts. It is certainly very different but is also very unique.
6. Cruise the Canal Saint-Martin
Instead of the Seine, why not take a boat cruise along the Canal Saint-Martin? Whilst a more traditional cruise goes past the main historical sites, along the canal you’ll find leafy trees, iron footbridges, and cool cafés. Oh, and did I mention that you’ll escape the crowds too?
7. Climb the Spiraling Stairs of the Saint-Jacques Tower
The Tour Saint-Jacques is a historical Gothic tower in the centre of Paris. Because it is not too well known, I find that the crowds here are minimal and you still get some great panoramic views of the city after a steep climb. Plus, the unique design is worth seeing by itself.
8. Savor Unusual Flavors at Berthillon
Ignore the typical ice cream of Paris and head to Berthillon. You’ll find this on Île Saint-Louis and, once you get there, be prepared to indulge yourself in unique flavours like wild strawberry, salted butter caramel, or quince. This ice cream parlour is legendary to locals and has been open since the 1950s. But shhhh – don’t tell anyone else.
9. Attend a Fashion Workshop
Whilst Paris is the fashion capital of the world, tourists don’t seem to indulge themselves in this. Channel your inner designer and join a couture workshop where you can learn everything from making perfume to drawing your very own fashion design.
10. Picnic at the Coulée Verte
If you don’t know, the French supermarkets are excellent for creating your own picnic. To escape the crowds and for a unique experience in Paris, enjoy your picnic at the hidden green space of Coulée Verte René-Dumont. This elevated park was actually a former railway line, but now is a quiet walkway with the views of the Parisian rooftops.
11. Explore Père Lachaise Cemetery
Visiting a cemetery on your weekend in Paris may not be the first thing on your list, but hear me out. The Père Lachaise Cemetery is actually really interesting, as well as being hauntingly peaceful. As you walk through the site, you’ll see the resting places of Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf and Jim Morrison here. Plus, many of the tombs are highly elaborate which definitely makes it a unique thing to do in Paris.
12. Dine in the Dark at Dans le Noir
Dans le Noir is a truly unique thing to do in Paris. Seriously; it is like nowhere else. Here you will eat in complete darkness. The idea is that your senses are heightened and challenges the status quo of dining.
13. Visit Shakespeare and Company After Hours
The Shakespeare and Company is an English-language bookstore on the banks of the Seine. Whilst the charming building is in itself worth a visit, what makes it special is their after-hours events like book readings and live music. Make sure that you check out their schedule first to see what is on offer.
14. Try Wine Tasting in a Historic Cellar
As you may have guessed, Paris has plenty of opportunities to sample the best of French wine. If you want to do something a little different then I would suggest having a tasting session in a historic wine cellar. A great place to start is O Chateau, where wine education is combined with delicious pairings and a lovely setting.
15. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Lastly, the best way to see Paris is obviously from the sky. What could be more romantic than a hot air balloon ride across the city as the sun rise. You can take these from Parc André Citroën and it is the perfect way to end your trip.
Final Thoughts | Unique Things to do in Paris
In Paris you’ll find plenty of unique things to do and my top 15 choices only scratches the surface. If you think that you have been there and seen all the main sights, then think again; the French capital may yet surprise you. If you are looking to escape the city, then check out my post on day trips from Paris. I hope that you have found this post useful and, as ever, if you have any questions just shout.
