30 Unique And Non-Touristy Things To Do In Paris

Paris is one of my favorite cities, but some of the best parts of it are the ones most travelers never see. If you want to explore deeper, this guide will walk you through the best non-touristy things to do in Paris so you can experience the city through local spots, hidden corners, and quieter neighborhoods.

Paris is full of small moments that don’t make the typical itinerary, and those moments are what make the city feel real.

This guide is built from my own time in Paris. I’ve spent long days wandering side streets, visiting small museums, eating at local markets, and finding experiences that feel more connected to everyday life. Here you’ll find places people actually go on weekends, not just the places every travel book highlights. You’ll also find money-saving tips, neighborhood recommendations, and unique ideas that help you avoid crowds while still seeing the best of the city.

Paris will always have its famous landmarks, but the city becomes more interesting once you step away from them. If you want to explore Paris off the beaten path and build an itinerary with more character, you’re in the right place. This list will help you see a more local, authentic side of Paris from the very start.

How To Get Off The Beaten Path In Paris

Let me start by saying that Paris is a city for tourists but it’s more of a city for locals. Outside of the few tourist-heavy districts Paris is made for Parisians. Which means it’s pretty easy to get off the beaten path but only if you know how to do it. (I suppose that’s what brought you to this blog post though, so you’re in the right place!)

But how do you do it? Well, the first step is to look for alternative activities outside of the famous ones that everyone writes about. Because you cannot find a guide that doesn’t mention the Eiffel Tower and Lourve. (And yes, they are worth visiting.)

But if you can mix in non-touristy activities throughout your itinerary you’ll find that you’ll save money and have a better experience, too.

The real shift here is changing how you see Paris. Most travelers move through the city with a checklist.

Locals move through the city by neighborhood and by routine. When you slow down, stay in one area longer, and say yes to the everyday moments, you start to see the Paris that most people miss.

So, what do these experiences look like? Well, for the most part they are ones that local people do for fun. Local food halls, museums no one writes about, experiences that friends do on the weekends together, and activities that most tourists don’t realize are available to them, too.

It’s these local-first moments that help you step away from the crowds and into the real Paris.

Complete List Of Non-Touristy Things To Do In Paris

After spending a lot of time in Paris, I’ve learned that the best parts of the city are the ones most travelers never see. This guide brings together my favorite non-touristy things to do in Paris so you can explore the city the way locals actually live. If you want to avoid crowds, save money, and experience a more authentic side of Paris, this list will help you plan a trip that feels slower, deeper, and far more memorable.

Head To The Cinema

There are a lot of amazing cinemas to visit in Paris. For those really into French film I highly recommend a visit to Cinémathèque Française. This is a part-museum and part-movie theatre. Its mission is to preserve film and show screenings of rarer films, too.

For those looking for a more traditional Parisian film experience I recommend Le Champo. It’s located in the Latin Quarter, making it accessible for most travelers. Plus, they show many English-language films or films with English subtitles.

Another great option is Studio 28 in Montmartre. It’s one of the oldest cinemas in the city and feels more like an art house than a movie theatre. Many locals go here for classic films, smaller festivals, and late-night screenings.

Take Photos In A Vintage Photo Booth

There’s something charming about stepping into one of Paris’s vintage photo booths. These old-school machines use real film and give you a strip of black-and-white photos that feel straight out of another era.

They’re tucked around the city, and locals use them all the time for fun snapshots with friends. It’s a quick, cheap, and very Paris way to capture a moment.

The easiest way to find a location is through Fotoautomat. The company operates many of the vintage photo booths in Paris. Though there are other places to stumble upon a booth this is the most concise list.

Have A Drink At A Speakeasy Or Social Club

While we traditionally think of brasseries for drinks and a bite in Paris, there are plenty of speakeasies and secret bars tucked away in the city, too.

One of my favorites is Arbane, located in the Latin Quarter. It’s more of a tucked-away cocktail bar than a true speakeasy, but the vibes are the same. It’s small with a vintage feel and fantastic cocktails.

LAVOMATIC is probably the most unique. You walk into what seems like a laundromat only to slip into a hidden bar behind the machines. La Mezcaleria is another great choice. This secret bar has the largest selection of mezcal in Paris, and it’s a fun place to bring a taste of Mexico to your night out.

Go To The Horse Races

Paris is home to two race tracks, Hippodrome de Longchamp and Hippodrome d’Auteuil. Races are generally on the weekends during the afternoons. The tracks are outside the city, so it takes a bit of time and coordination to get to, but can be a great way to spend a Saturday in Paris.

Travel Tip! Check the race schedule ahead of time since events change by season. That way you can plan your route and know exactly which races are on during your trip.

Many races are affordable, too. Tickets often start around €5–10, which makes this one of the cheaper non-touristy activities in Paris. You’ll be surrounded by locals, families, and weekend regulars, not crowds of visitors.

Dine With A Local

EatWith is one of my favorite ways to really connect with a local community when traveling. Paris is full of quality dining experiences where you can join a French family for a meal. Dinners are usually between €60–75 per person, while classes where you learn how to make the food are more expensive. It’s a great way to step into everyday Paris and share a meal you wouldn’t find in a restaurant.

If you want to see what’s available during your trip, check the current options and hosts on EatWith. You’ll find dinners, tastings, and cooking classes that fit different budgets and styles.

Explore Paris By Bike

The Vélib’ bike rental system is the easiest way to explore Paris more locally. With over 1,500 docking stations and 20,000 bikes, it’s easy to find a bike anywhere in the city. Rent one and ride through the Luxembourg or Tuileries Gardens, or follow the quieter paths along the Seine for a slower look at everyday Paris. It’s a simple way to move through the city the way locals do.

If you want a mix of non-touristy and iconic spots, check out my 3 Day Paris Itinerary for a balanced route through the city.

If you want to plan a route ahead of time, you can check the Vélib’ app for docking stations, bike availability, and suggested paths.

Check Out A Local Flea Market

Paris’ flea markets are full of unique treasures, vintage clothes, and hidden gems. I find that I often stumble upon a small market on the weekend throughout the city. But if you’re actively looking to explore, you can check out the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen.

This is the largest market in Paris and is open Saturday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. With its popularity, it’s not always the easiest place to find a deal. But it is a great market to walk around, with over 3,000 vendors spread across several sections.

If you want something smaller and more local, you can look up the neighborhood brocantes happening during your visit. Many pop up only for a day and offer better prices and a more local feel.

Paris Museum of Sewers (Musée Des Egouts)

What started as a strange attraction for Paris’ elites in the 19th century is now a full museum dedicated to the history of the city’s sewer system. And yes, before you ask, it really is located inside the actual sewers of Paris.

It’s a bit weird, a bit smelly (though much less than you’d expect), and easily one of the most off-the-beaten-path museums in Paris. It’s the kind of quirky experience that shows you a completely different side of the city.

Foundation Louis Vuitton

This art museum and cultural center is located in the Bois de Boulogne, making it a little-known spot outside the central arts district most tourists visit. The museum showcases a wide selection of modern and contemporary art in a striking building that feels very different from the classic Paris museums.

With your ticket, you can also visit Asnières, the historic family home. Personally, I think this is the more interesting option since it shows the history of Louis Vuitton from a small family sewing business to a global luxury empire.

Musée des Arts Forains

Probably one of the most underrated museums in Paris is the Musée des Arts Forains, or the Fairground Museum. The museum showcases real, working attractions from the performing arts of the 19th and 20th centuries. You’ll find vintage carousels, old fairground games, and theatrical sets that feel like you’ve stepped into another era.

And yes, they still work. It’s a fully immersive experience, which makes it feel more like a live show than a traditional museum. It’s a bit harder to visit than some others on the list. You need to purchase a guided tour ticket in advance for specific dates, especially if you want an English tour.

Musée Bourdelle

This unique museum is located in the old sculpture studio of Antoine Bourdelle. The permanent collection is free to visit, which makes it a cost-effective way to spend a few hours in Paris. The museum primarily showcases the works of this early-20th-century sculptor, and the space still feels like an artist’s workshop. It’s quiet, creative, and a great place to see a different side of Parisian art.

Carnavalet Museum

Okay, this museum is known, but based on my experience there are hardly any tourists who visit it. And you should! The Carnavalet Museum is so well done, showcasing the strange, heartwarming, and sometimes sad history of Paris. It’s organized chronologically with incredible artifacts and art pieces along the way, and it gives you a deeper sense of how the city has grown and changed over the centuries.

It feels personal and immersive in a way that many larger museums don’t. The museum’s main collection is free to visit.

Curie Museum

Historically significant and unique, the Curie Museum is located inside the Curie Laboratory at the Radium Institute. The museum showcases Marie Curie’s work, including her groundbreaking research on the study of radioactivity. You can see her office, early lab equipment, and personal archives that highlight how her discoveries shaped modern science.

The museum is a bit more challenging to visit than others on this list, mainly because it’s only open Wednesday to Saturday from 1–5 p.m. But it is free to visit, and a rare chance to step directly into the world of one of France’s most important scientists.

Musée de Montmartre

Probably one of the most underrated museums in Paris, the Musée de Montmartre showcases the history and artists who shaped this neighborhood’s creative past. Some of the highlights include the Renoir gardens, original posters by Toulouse-Lautrec, and other well-known works created in Montmartre’s early artist studios.

Tickets are €15 for a self-guided tour. It’s a bit more expensive than many other options on this list, but it’s a great way to spend a few hours if you’re already exploring Montmartre.

Enjoy A Meal At A Bouillon

If you ask a Parisian where to eat French food on a budget, the answer is always the same: a bouillon. Bouillon République, Comme un Bouillon (this is my favorite), and Bouillon Pigalle are all popular choices.

These restaurants serve classic French dishes at prices that feel almost impossible in Paris, which makes them a favorite for both locals and students. It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy a traditional meal without overspending.

Visit The Grand Mosque Tea Room

Not only is it unique, but it’s also an inexpensive activity in Paris. The tea room at the Grand Mosque has incredible Middle Eastern teas and cookies served in rooms filled with beautiful mosaics. You can come just for tea, but they also have a full menu if you want to stay longer. 

Enjoy A Wine Tasting Experience

There are many wine experiences you can have in Paris. The Caves du Louvre is the most centrally located and the most touristic of the bunch. But it does offer more context than just showing up for a tasting at one of the many wine bars around the city. It’s a good place to learn the basics before exploring Paris’ more local wine spots.

If you want a deeper, more local experience, check out my full guide to the best wine and cheese tour in Paris. It’s one of my favorite ways to taste your way through the city with a true Parisian perspective.

Want a quick option? This is my top cheese and wine tour!

Explore Foods Of The World In The Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is one of the best food destinations in Paris. You can try dishes from all over the world in such a small part of the city.

This is the food tour I did with Devour Foods and I loved it! You get to sample so many foods on the tour and learn a lot about the city’s history, too.

The best way to experience this neighborhood is with a guided food tour so you can sample a variety of dishes in smaller portions. It’s a great way to learn the history of the area while enjoying some of the best bites in Paris.

Jardin des Rosiers–Joseph Migneret

This quiet garden is hidden behind the buildings of the Jewish Quarter, which makes it easy to miss. It’s small, calm, and surrounded by old stone walls that make it feel like a private space. It’s a great spot to take a break, enjoy a pastry, and step away from the crowds in Le Marais.

Parc Buttes-Chaumont

Parc Buttes-Chaumont is one of the most unique parks in Paris. It has steep hills, walking paths, a small lake, and some of the best views in the city. Locals come here for picnics, long walks, and slow afternoons in the sun. It’s far from the tourist areas, which makes it feel much more local.

Square du Vert-Galant

Located at the tip of Île de la Cité, Square du Vert-Galant sits right on the water with views of the Seine in every direction. It’s tiny but peaceful, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. It’s a great place to unwind after visiting nearby attractions without feeling stuck in the crowds.

Parc de Belleville

Parc de Belleville sits on one of the highest hills in Paris, offering great views of the skyline without the tourist rush of Montmartre. The park has wide terraces, gardens, and plenty of open space to relax. It’s popular with locals who come to enjoy the view and escape the busier parts of the city.

Take A Street Art Tour

An underrated thing to do in Paris is taking to the city on a street art tour. You can join a local artist, see neighborhoods you might have missed, and check out unique pieces of art along the way. It’s a fun, non-touristy addition to your Paris trip and a great way to explore the city through a different lens.

Make Your Own Perfume

I’m not going to lie, I thought this was going to be yet another hyped activity made for tourists, but I was completely wrong. (Spoiler: I loved it.) This perfume workshop teaches you the art and science behind fragrance and its history in Paris. You also get to design your own signature scent, which feels totally unique and worth exploring on any trip.

Visit The Père-Lachaise cemetery

Père-Lachaise is one of the most peaceful places to explore in Paris. It’s known for its winding paths, quiet corners, and beautiful old tombs that feel more like an open-air museum than a cemetery.

Many famous artists, writers, and musicians are buried here, but the real charm comes from wandering without a plan. It’s a calm, reflective break from the busy parts of the city and a great way to see a different side of Paris.

DIY A Chocolate Tour In The 6th

The 6th arrondissement in Paris has the highest concentration of chocolate shops. Here you’ll find famous spots like Richart, Maison Le Roux, and Chocolats Rochoux, and just across the river you have Edwart Chocolatier.

Looking for affordable places to eat? My Paris on a Budget guide has a full list of cheap eats and local spots worth trying.

Bring a few euros and enjoy a praline or bonbon at each stop on your DIY chocolate tour. It’s an easy, low-cost way to taste your way through one of the sweetest neighborhoods in Paris.

Explore Paris’ Hidden Passageways

I have always loved stumbling upon a passageway in Paris. It’s one of those moments when you go, “wow, how did I get here?” One of the more famous options is Galerie Vivienne, adorned with neoclassical archways and a glass roof.

Another great choice is Passage des Panoramas, the oldest covered passageway in Paris, built in 1799. I love it because it has kept its historic charm.

But if you want a passageway with less charm and amazing eats, check out Passage Brady. This passageway is known as Little India, with incredible Indian restaurants lining the interior.

Check Out A Neighborhood Marche

Personally, my favorite is Marché des Enfants Rouges. This market still sells produce but also has a wide selection of food stalls from around the world. You can grab a quick lunch, sample different dishes, and wander through the small aisles at your own pace.

You could also visit Marché Raspail, which sells more traditional market items and has a wide selection of organic produce. It’s a great way to experience everyday Paris without the tourist crowds.

Join A Ride At Jardin d’Acclimatation

Jardin d’Acclimatation has some of the most charming historic rides and attractions in Paris. This small amusement park dates back to the 19th century, and many of its rides still keep that classic, old-world feel.

You’ll find vintage carousels, small boats, and gentle attractions that feel straight out of another era. It’s a fun, low-key way to step into a nostalgic part of Parisian history and enjoy a few rides without the crowds you’d find at bigger parks.

More paris Tips + Inspiration

• If you struggle to plan your days out, my 3 Day Paris Itinerary breaks everything down step-by-step.
• Paris doesn’t have to be expensive. My Paris on a Budget guide breaks down how much you should expect to spend and where to cut costs.
• Looking for the best cheese and wine tour in Paris? I’ve got you covered.