What activities can you do in Paris for an unforgettable time with friends?
Paris, a city with a thousand facets, is the perfect setting for friend outings full of emotion and discovery. Whether during the day or after nightfall, the capital offers a unique mix of experiences: walks through iconic neighborhoods, unusual museums, fun activities, gourmet moments, and lively evenings. Between connection and wonder, every outing turns into a precious memory to share. Here is a complete guide to the best ideas to fully enjoy Paris with friends, through its vibrant streets, hidden gems, and festive atmospheres.
What are the must do activities in Paris with friends?
Paris, an essential capital for unique experiences and unusual discoveries, is perfectly suited for outings with friends. Whether you enjoy authentic walks through iconic neighborhoods or are looking for original and friendly activities, the city is full of opportunities to share memorable moments. From the vibrant heart of Montmartre to off-the-beaten-path museums, as well as relaxing river cruises or charming shopping afternoons, Paris offers an endless playground for creating unforgettable memories through its lively streets and squares. Here is an overview of the must-do activities to fully enjoy the City of Light, between connection and discovery.
Walks and iconic places
Among the best neighborhoods in Paris, Montmartre is always a favorite for a walk with friends. Its cobbled streets, artist workshops, and the lively Place du Tertre market create a truly unique atmosphere. By choosing to explore Montmartre on foot, you can also discover the Clos Montmartre, this surprising and unusual vineyard nestled in the heart of the capital, before heading up to the Sacré-Cœur to enjoy a spectacular view over all of Paris.
A little further down, the Marais offers a different pace. With its hidden museums, independent boutiques, and gourmet spots, the neighborhood is perfect for a real urban stroll. The Rue des Rosiers is a must-stop to taste the famous falafels, known far beyond the district. The Place des Vosges, meanwhile, invites you to take a break, listen to a street musician, or simply sit for a moment of calm.
The walk continues along the banks of the Seine, between Pont Neuf and Pont Alexandre III, where views of monuments and lively terraces create a relaxed atmosphere, especially pleasant at the end of the day.
Museums and monuments to visit together
Paris is full of artistic places that go beyond the usual paths and invite you to share discoveries with friends. The Fondation Louis Vuitton, designed by Frank Gehry, perfectly illustrates this idea. Its bold glass and steel architecture is striking from the moment you arrive. The exhibitions, often immersive, combine contemporary art and innovative installations, creating the perfect setting for conversations and memorable moments. Outside, the surrounding garden offers a peaceful break, ideal for relaxing, having a picnic, or simply extending the discussion in a calm atmosphere.
Price: free for students, up to 16 euros for full price.
Just a short distance away, the Palais de Tokyo represents one of the most dynamic and unconventional creative spaces in Paris. Its program blends interactive installations, performances, and experimental exhibitions, creating a lively and relaxed atmosphere perfect for curious friends open to new experiences. After the visit, the Le Dôme bar and restaurant offers a warm and friendly place to continue the evening over a drink.
Price: free for under 18s, between 9 and 13 euros depending on reduced or full rate.
Another place worth discovering is the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, located in a historic mansion in the Marais. Less known than other Parisian museums, it offers an immersive and unexpected experience, ideal for a group looking for something original. Here, classical art interacts with contemporary works in a carefully designed setting that feels halfway between a cabinet of curiosities and an immersive installation. You move freely through the rooms, from richly decorated salons with tapestries to spaces filled with fantastical creatures, sometimes enhanced with augmented reality. All of this unfolds in an intimate space in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of the capital.
Price: between 9 and 13 euros, reduced rate available.
Seine cruises and other reimagined classics
Renting a license-free boat at La Villette with Marin d’Eau Douce lets you explore a secret side of Paris, where calm and hidden canals offer a fully independent experience. On board, everyone can choose the route, set the playlist, and organize a picnic at their own pace, creating a friendly and free-spirited afternoon with friends, far from the crowds. More peaceful still, the Canauxrama cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin reveals another face of the city, shaped by locks and rotating bridges. This experience invites you to discover a more intimate Paris, perfect for groups who enjoy stepping off the beaten path and sharing a suspended moment.
Price: between 40 and 95 euros per hour depending on the number of people.
Brunch in Oberkampf
What better activity for a Sunday than brunch? The Oberkampf district is full of spots where you can enjoy a generous brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, and sometimes even during the week. Among our favorites is Abaita, a must-visit café opened by traveler Laura, where you instantly feel at home. On the menu: eggs Benedict with creamy hollandaise sauce, avocado toast topped with lemony greens, and brioche French toast served with plant-based yogurt and seasonal fruit. All of it is best enjoyed with a frothy latte or a homemade hot chocolate.
Looking for an original outing with friends and a brunch that stands out? Head to Kokotte, where eggs are cooked in every possible way. From comforting soft-boiled eggs with soldiers, to scrambled eggs with pastrami, pancakes topped with fried eggs, or buns filled with scrambled eggs, there is something for every craving.
Enjoying a shopping afternoon in the Opéra district
In Paris, for a bachelorette party, it is the perfect opportunity to go shopping. In the Opéra district, on Boulevard Haussmann, the Galeries Lafayette are a must. During the holiday season, crowds gather to admire the Christmas window displays that enchant both children and adults. It is a great idea for a day out with friends or family during the school holidays. Inside, you can find the best of fashion, leather goods, jewelry, and fragrances across the different floors. For a more unusual outing, head east along Boulevard Haussmann and then reach Boulevard des Italiens. Step into the Passage des Princes, a beautiful covered arcade lined with shops featuring traditional storefronts. This passage is especially known for its toy stores, which continue to delight not only children, but also adults who are still young at heart.
What are some unusual activities to do in Paris with friends?
And why not try an escape game?
For a group activity that combines thinking, teamwork, and adrenaline, escape games remain an excellent choice, especially if you are looking for an original idea to celebrate a birthday in Paris.
In the heart of the 5th arrondissement, between the Sorbonne and the Seine riverbanks, The Game stands out as a must-visit reference in the genre. With 12 immersive scenarios spread across 20 rooms, this escape game plunges you into film-like settings. Locked in a room, you have 60 minutes to complete a mission using clues, logic, and teamwork.
Each session begins with a personalized welcome and a briefing before you dive into the experience. And there is no need to worry, a game master accompanies you throughout the game to guide you without breaking the immersion. Whether you are beginners or experienced players, the scenarios are adapted to all levels.
Located just steps from Saint-Michel and the Latin Quarter, the two venues of The Game are open daily until 11:30 PM and easily accessible by metro, RER, or on foot. A perfect address for a fun, dynamic, and collective experience to share without moderation.
Creative or culinary workshops
Looking for an unusual parisian activity to share with friends ? Creative or cooking workshops offer an experience that is both fun and enriching, perfect for a birthday or simply to switch up your outings.
In the 2nd arrondissement, Chez Mazette is designed for DIY enthusiasts looking for a personalized workshop. Embroidery, sewing, porcelain painting, linocut, jesmonite resin, pyrography… the options are as varied as they are surprising. Whether you are a beginner or more experienced, you can create unique pieces to give as gifts or keep for yourself. The space is warm and welcoming, making it the perfect setting to enjoy a special moment with friends. Expect to pay around 15 euros per hour, materials not included.
For those who prefer a gastronomic experience, the renowned Le Cordon Bleu Paris in the 15th arrondissement offers exceptional cooking and pastry workshops. Limited to 16 participants per session, each class takes place in a professional setting under the guidance of experienced chefs. You will learn precise techniques, from preparation to cooking, while connecting with other participants. At the end of the session, you leave with your creations, an insulated bag, an apron, and a kitchen towel. Prices start at 80 euros for a full immersion into French cuisine and its regional specialties.
What to do in Paris with friends in the evening?
Going out in Paris with friends means treating yourself to a night full of surprises, from lively terraces to intimate rooftops and unforgettable shows. As soon as night falls, the city comes alive, offering countless ways to keep the day going with energy and good vibes.
Enjoy a drink on a terrace in Saint Michel
It is impossible to plan a night out with friends without stopping by the Latin Quarter. Treat yourself to a cocktail on a terrace, just steps from the Seine and Notre Dame Cathedral. The café Le Petit Pont, located near the famous English bookstore Shakespeare and Company, is a must for enjoying a drink in a lively and festive atmosphere.
Or you might prefer to wander through the narrow streets of the neighborhood in search of a more intimate spot. The bar L’Hirondelle, tucked away on the small street of the same name, is a unique place with a joyful atmosphere where you can enjoy a drink in a vaulted cellar for the evening. It is a former cabaret from the Roaring Twenties that has kept its original spirit, a perfect way to impress your friends.
Enjoying a cocktail with a view at Bar à Bulles
For a unique outing in Paris, there is nothing better than gaining a little height. Located at the top of the 18th arrondissement, Bar à Bulles invites you to enjoy an immersive experience in an intimate and welcoming setting.
The rooftop of Bar à Bulles offers an exceptional panoramic view over the capital, with the iconic Moulin Rouge roof and Place Blanche in sight, known for its Art Nouveau metro entrance. This discreet rooftop is a true haven of peace, where you can stroll among fruit trees, far from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Looking to enjoy a drink in Paris in a truly unique setting? This privileged space is perfect for celebrating a birthday or simply extending a day of discoveries. Bar à Bulles promises a memorable evening to share with friends in a truly special atmosphere.
An evening at the Moulin Rouge
To end the day on a high note with another idea for a night out with friends, head to the Moulin Rouge where the Féerie revue awaits you. In a joyful and festive atmosphere, the Moulin Rouge team has prepared a spectacular show, with performers taking the stage one after another to make you dream.
The costumes, created in some of Paris’s most renowned fashion workshops, combine feathers, rhinestones, and sequins to enhance the dancers. The lavish sets transport you into the magical world of the show. Do not wait to book your tickets.
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