Unusual things to do in Paris: how to discover the capital differently?
Want to ramble through secret destinations on your Parisian getaway? Have a drink in a little-known spot with a breathtaking view? Or take part in some out-of-the -ordinary activities right in the heart of the capital? Here are some ideas for discovering Paris’s alternative side!
Which Paris neighborhood should you explore for an unusual visit?
If there is one district where the unexpected can be found on every corner, it is Montmartre. Behind its postcard-perfect façades and cobbled streets, this area in the 18th arrondissement is full of hidden gems, far from the usual tourist routes.
Start your walk in the Montmartre vineyard, a secret garden nestled on the hillside, then wander through the district’s picturesque streets. Don’t miss Rue des Abbesses, known for its unique charm and often considered one of the most beautiful streets in Paris. Continue on to Place Dalida and its intimate pathways—true hidden treasures of the 18th arrondissement.
For art and history lovers, head to the Musée de Montmartre. Housed in a building that once welcomed Renoir and Utrillo, this peaceful spot reveals another side of the neighborhood, far from the bustle of the Sacré-Cœur.
Unusual visit: the RATP’s fake façades
Did you know that in Paris, many building façades are actually fake? During the construction of the metro lines, architects came up with a rather unusual idea: to disguise ventilation shafts with trompe-l’œil façades. As a fun activity to enjoy with family or friends, try spotting them as you explore the city. To help you identify them, check whether the entrance doors have a handle or a keypad. If they don’t, you are likely looking at a false building.
The most impressive of them all can be found at 145 Rue La Fayette (75010).
The best spots for street art in Paris
For an unusual route through the streets of Paris, set off to discover the city’s street art and true masterpieces. Simply wander through the 13th arrondissement to uncover stunning murals, tags, and graffiti, each more original than the last. This unique experience lets you explore Paris for free. Let yourself be carried away by this one-of-a-kind district, where art is on full display in the open air. A true open-air museum that is well worth the visit!
Butte aux Cailles (75013) is a favourite with street artists.
The catacombs – a downright disconcerting venue
Are you looking for an original way to visit Paris? For a truly atypical experience, dive into the depths of the capital and discover the city’s Catacombs. These ancient underground stone quarries conceal thousands of bones sourced from several Parisian cemeteries. This unique tour of France’s largest ossuary is a fascinating and mysterious experience.
1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris.
Unusual Paris: the fairground and rides at the Jardin des Tuileries
Every summer, the Tuileries Garden is home to a funfair in the heart of Paris. Featuring some of the most popular rides, the funfair also includes the iconic Ferris wheel. And once you’re at the top, enjoy a breathtaking view of Paris and the magnificent Place du Carrousel. Enjoy an offbeat family day out in Paris, filled with fun and festivities!
Place de la Concorde (75001)
The Moulin Rouge Rooftop
Head to 90 Boulevard de Clichy and step inside the Bar à Bulles for a drink in an unusual and picturesque setting. Enjoy its beautiful terrace, tucked away in a lush green hideaway. You can also take things up a level by heading to the rooftop, one of the most sought-after rooftops in Paris. A distinctive spot, perfect for enjoying a relaxed and friendly moment—ideal if you’re looking for things to do with friends in Paris.
4 Cité Véron (75018)
A Chinese pagoda in the heart of Paris
Maison Loo is one of the unusual buildings in Paris’s 8th arrondissement. This eccentric construction is the work of a wealthy Asian art dealer. He transformed a former hotel into a Chinese pagoda to house his private museum collection.
48 rue Courcelles (75008)
The Joséphine-Baker pool – a one-of-a-kind swimming pool on the Seine
For something unorthodox to do in Paris, head to the Quai François-Mauriac and go for a swim in an open-air pool. The aquatic complex Joséphine-Baker is built on a barge moored to the quays of the Seine. Its roof can be fully opened to transform the space into an open-air swimming pool, giving bathers the impression that they are actually swimming in the Seine. There is also a large solarium on site and plenty of activities and leisure facilities, making it an experience suitable for both children and adults.
Quai François Mauriac (75013)
Unusual visit: behind the scenes of a Parisian cabaret
What better way to end a romantic day in Paris than by stepping into the enchanting atmosphere of the Moulin Rouge? For an unusual evening in the heart of the capital, walk through its doors and let yourself be captivated by a world of glamour and sparkle. Opt for the dinner-and-show package and enjoy a refined meal paired with champagne. Then, extend the night by dancing at Le Central or La Chaufferie, right in the heart of La Machine du Moulin Rouge.
82 Boulevard de Clichy (75018)
Père-Lachaise – an unusual walk in France’s most famous cemetery
Take a stroll through Père-Lachaise Cemetery if you’re looking for something unusual to do in Paris. This site is home to the graves of many famous figures and offers a unique juxtaposition of nature and funerary art. You can wander through the magnificent grounds and admire the spectacular tombs, on a moving, timeless journey through France’s largest cemetery.
16 Rue du Repos (75020)
The Great Mosque of Paris
The Great Mosque of Paris is another one of the city’s most unique landmarks. This Hispano-Moorish-style monument is a cultural site steeped in history. The large patio, adorned with sumptuous sculpted arcades, and the prayer room are well worth a visit thanks to their atypical architecture. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious cup of tea on site.
2 bis place du Puits-de-l’Ermite (75005)
Marin d’Eau Douce – take a boat trip
Among all the unusual activities to do in Paris, how about a boat trip? Marin d’Eau Douce offers you the chance to rent an electric boat. You can sail on the Canal de l’Ourcq from the Bassin de la Villette, without a licence. This original activity allows you to discover many emblematic places of the capital from a different perspective. A fun experience to enjoy with family or friends.
37 Quai de la Seine (75019)
The Palais Garnier
A symbol of the City of Lights, the Palais Garnier is the only working theatre in the world to be both a place of art and design and a monument with a rich history.
A stroll around the Palais highlights several key features: the majestic staircase, a true architectural masterpiece; the Chagall ceiling, which pays homage to 14 major composers of opera and lyrical music; and the Grand Foyer, with its shimmering colours evoking the Belle Époque style. Take advantage of a guided tour to discover little-known rooms open to the public, for an unforgettable experience.
Place de l’Opéra (75009)
The Coulée Verte – a stunning destination for a walk in the heart of Paris
The Coulée Verte is the ideal spot for an off-the-beaten-track stroll in Paris. This former railway line fully pedestrianised and landscaped is a true green lung in the heart of the city. Running from Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes, this little-known five-kilometre walk is a great way to get fresh air with family or friends. It is also accessible via Rue de Lyon (near the Opéra Bastille), while another entrance can be found at the Viaduc des Arts.
48 Rue de Lyon (75012)
59 Rivoli – an alternative artists’ venue
If you’re looking for an alternative art gallery, head to 59 Rivoli. This amazing and unusual venue is a former squat now occupied by a collective of resident artists. Easily recognisable by its colourful façade, 59 Rivoli is home to an eclectic art gallery: a striking six-storey building where exhibitions and workshops by artists of all kinds (street art, painting, sculpture, etc.) take place continuously. Take advantage of your visit to meet emerging artists and young talents. You can also explore their workshops, as admission is free.
59 Rue de Rivoli (75001)
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