Paris is more than just the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. The city is filled with one-of-a-kind experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you love history, food, or hidden gems, here are unique things you can only do in Paris!
1. Watch the Eiffel Tower Sparkle from a Secret Spot
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Every evening, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes every hour, from sunset until 1 AM.
While most people gather at Trocadéro or Champ de Mars, these spots get crowded fast.
Instead, try Rue de l’Université, a quiet street with a perfect framed view of the tower.
Another great spot is Pont de Bir-Hakeim, a beautiful bridge with fewer people and a stunning view of the tower reflecting on the Seine.
Want to avoid crowds completely? Watch the lights from the comfort of a Seine river cruise, away from the noise and rush.
2. Experience a Classical Concert in the Medieval Sainte-Chapelle
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Sainte-Chapelle is one of Paris’ most breathtaking landmarks, famous for its 15-meter-tall stained glass windows that bathe the interior in colorful light.
While many tourists visit during the day, the most magical way to experience it is by attending a live classical concert at night.
Sitting beneath the glowing windows while listening to Vivaldi, Bach, or Mozart makes for an unforgettable evening.
Concerts take place several times a week, and tickets sell out fast, so it’s best to book in advance for this once-in-a-lifetime musical experience.
3. Sip Hot Chocolate at the Historic Angelina Tearoom
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Few places in Paris are as legendary for hot chocolate as Angelina, a beautiful tearoom that has been serving its famous “Chocolat Chaud L’Africain” since 1903.
This isn’t just any hot chocolate—it’s thick, rich, and almost like melted chocolate in a cup, topped with whipped cream.
Located near the Louvre, the elegant Belle Époque interior once welcomed icons like Coco Chanel and Proust.
While it’s popular with tourists, the experience of sipping this decadent drink in a historic setting is worth the visit.
To avoid long lines, try coming in the morning or late afternoon.
4. Browse Rare Books and Prints from Bouquinistes Along the Seine
The green bookstalls along the Seine are a Parisian tradition dating back to the 16th century.
These open-air booksellers, known as bouquinistes, offer a treasure trove of vintage books, antique prints, and unique souvenirs you won’t find in regular shops.
Strolling along the river, flipping through old maps, classic French literature, and historic postcards, is a must for book lovers.
The best spots are between Notre-Dame and the Musée d’Orsay, where you can take in the view while discovering a rare literary gem.
5. Dine Where Hemingway and Picasso Used to Hang Out
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Paris’ cafés are more than just places to eat—they’re part of history.
Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés were favorite spots of writers like Hemingway, Sartre, and Camus, and artists like Picasso.
These cafés still have their Belle Époque decor, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Though a coffee here costs more than usual, the experience of sitting where legends once did is worth it.
Another one is Le Procope, the oldest café in Paris, dating back to 1686.
6. Explore the Underground Catacombs
Beneath the streets of Paris lies one of its most mysterious sites—the Catacombs, a 200-mile-long (320 km) network of underground tunnels.
In the 18th century, Paris’ cemeteries were overflowing, so millions of human bones were moved here.
Today, you can visit a section of the tunnels, where skulls and bones are carefully arranged along dark passageways.
It’s eerie but fascinating.
To avoid long lines, book your ticket in advance. For an extra thrill, some tour guides offer secret, off-limits tours in areas the public can’t normally see!
7. Visit Montmartre’s Hidden Vineyard
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Montmartre is famous for its artists, but did you know it also has a working vineyard?
Clos Montmartre, hidden behind a small fence near Sacré-Cœur, produces a limited amount of Parisian wine every year.
It’s one of the last vineyards in the city, a reminder of Montmartre’s village past before it became part of Paris.
While the vineyard is usually closed to the public, you can book a guided tour that takes place every Saturday, offering a rare chance to walk through the vines and learn about its history.
Even outside of the tour, it’s a charming spot for photos and a glimpse of old Montmartre.
8. Watch a Cabaret Show at the Original Moulin Rouge
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The Moulin Rouge isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s where the famous French cancan dance was born!
Since 1889, this cabaret has hosted some of the most extravagant performances in Paris, with stunning costumes, live music, and breathtaking choreography.
The show is a mix of dance, acrobatics, and storytelling, making it a fun experience even if you don’t speak French.
Shows sell out fast, so it’s best to book tickets weeks in advance.
For a luxury experience, some packages include dinner and champagne while you watch the performance.
9. Take a Private Seine Cruise in a Vintage Boat
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Most tourists take the big glass-covered boats on the Seine, but for a more intimate experience, you can rent a vintage wooden boat for a private cruise.
Companies like Green River Cruises or Seine Avenue offer small, stylish boats where you can enjoy the river with just your friends or family.
Some even include wine, champagne, or a picnic on board.
Gliding past the Notre-Dame, Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre without the crowds makes the experience far more special than a regular tour boat.
10. Have Lunch at a Train Station-Turned-Museum
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The Musée d’Orsay is not just an art museum—it used to be a train station!
Built in 1900, it was later transformed into a gallery showcasing some of the world’s most famous Impressionist paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir.
One of the best spots inside is the Café Campana, located right behind the museum’s giant golden clock.
Having lunch or coffee here feels like stepping back in time, surrounded by stunning architecture. It’s the perfect way to experience Parisian art and history in one place.
11. Discover a Secret Apartment in the Eiffel Tower
Not many people know that Gustave Eiffel had a secret apartment at the top of the Eiffel Tower!
Unlike the rest of the structure, his private space was decorated in a warm, cozy style, with furniture, paintings, and even a grand piano.
He used it to host important guests, including Thomas Edison.
Though you can’t enter the apartment, you can see it through a glass window when visiting the top of the tower.
It’s a fascinating glimpse into history, proving that even the architect of the world’s most famous tower wanted a private escape with the best view in Paris.
12. See a Movie in a Century-Old Cinema
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Watching a movie in Paris is special, but doing it in a historic, beautifully designed cinema is even better.
Le Louxor, built in 1921, has an incredible Egyptian-style interior with colorful mosaics and golden details.
Another hidden gem is La Pagode, a Japanese-inspired theater with a beautiful tea garden outside. It’s closed right now but will reopen in 2025.
These cinemas don’t just show blockbuster movies—they also screen classic French films, indie productions, and old Hollywood favorites.
13. Browse Rare Books at Shakespeare & Company
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This famous English-language bookstore has been a meeting place for writers and book lovers since the 1950s.
Inside, you’ll find tiny reading nooks, handwritten notes from travelers, and an old piano anyone can play.
The store even has a bed for writers, where young authors can sleep in exchange for helping out in the shop.
Whether you’re looking for a book, a cozy place to read, or just want to soak in the literary history, Shakespeare & Company is a must-visit for book lovers.
14. Sleep in a Floating Hotel on the Seine
For a truly unique stay, book a night at Off Paris Seine, a floating hotel docked on the Seine.
Instead of waking up in a regular hotel room, you’ll have waterfront views of the river and the Paris skyline.
The hotel also has a swimming pool and a trendy bar, perfect for enjoying the city from a different perspective.
It’s a great alternative to traditional hotels and a romantic spot for couples looking for something special.
15. Try a Wine and Cheese Tasting in a 17th-Century Cellar
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If you want to experience French wine the right way, skip the bars and head underground.
Ô Chateau is a wine bar inside a real 17th-century wine cellar, offering guided tastings with expert sommeliers.
You’ll learn how to pair French cheeses with different wines and get insider tips on choosing the best bottles.
The cozy, candle-lit setting makes the experience feel truly Parisian, perfect for anyone who wants to drink like a local rather than a tourist.
16. Treasure Hunt at the Famous Flea Market
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If you love discovering unique souvenirs, head to the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, one of the largest flea markets in the world.
Spread across 15 different markets, you’ll find everything from vintage fashion and antique furniture to old Parisian posters and one-of-a-kind trinkets.
Many vendors love to share the stories behind their items, making it feel like a mix between a market and a museum.
Since it’s huge and easy to get lost in, it’s best to go early and explore section by section—you never know what hidden gems you’ll find!
17. Take a Cooking Class with a Parisian Chef
Instead of just eating French food, why not learn to make it yourself?
Many chefs in Paris offer hands-on cooking classes where you can learn how to bake croissants, cook a perfect French sauce, or master the art of macarons.
After cooking, you get to sit down and enjoy your homemade meal—a delicious way to experience Paris like a local!
18. Visit the Musée des Arts Forains for a Magical Fairground Experience
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Hidden in Bercy Village, the Musée des Arts Forains (Museum of Fairground Arts) is one of Paris’ most unique museums.
It’s filled with antique carnival rides, vintage games, and 19th-century carousel horses, making you feel like you’ve stepped into an old-time fair.
Unlike traditional museums, this one is interactive—you can ride a century-old merry-go-round, play historic carnival games, and watch magical performances.
The museum is only accessible by guided tour, so it’s best to book in advance to experience this whimsical side of Paris.
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
