Paris is a city where history, art, fashion, and culture intersect in spectacular ways. While there are countless iconic sights, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, many experiences are unique to this magical city.
Here’s a guide to the top 13 experiences you can only have in Paris, each offering an unforgettable taste of the City of Light.
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1. Admire the Eiffel Tower from Secret Rooftops
While everyone rushes to see the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro, locals know of quieter rooftop spots for amazing views. Many rooftops around the city—such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann—offer a spectacular view of the tower without the crowds. Some spots even have charming rooftop bars, perfect for a sunset view.
2. Explore the Catacombs of Paris
Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a hidden, eerie world—the Catacombs. These tunnels are home to the remains of over six million people, arranged in hauntingly beautiful patterns. The Catacombs are unlike any other museum and give a chilling glimpse into Parisian history.
3. Attend a Private Art Salon
Paris has a long tradition of hosting exclusive art salons, where writers, painters, and musicians gather. Today, several art salons in Paris recreate this experience, offering guests an intimate evening of art, wine, and conversation. Places like the “Club Silencio,” co-founded by David Lynch, provide an exclusive and artistic ambiance that only Paris can deliver.
4. Take a Cooking Class in a Haussmannian Apartment
Paris is synonymous with food, and what better way to immerse yourself than by learning how to cook classic French dishes? Many chefs open their Haussmannian apartments to teach classes in making dishes like coq au vin, pastries, and sauces. These experiences are immersive, letting you take a taste of Paris home with you.
5. Stroll the Covered Passages
Paris is home to a collection of 19th-century covered passages, which feel like hidden time capsules. Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas, and Passage Jouffroy are a few examples. Each passage is lined with unique shops, cafés, and antique boutiques. These passages are perfect for a rainy day and give visitors a peek into a quieter, more refined side of Paris.
6. Sip Coffee at Famous Literary Cafés
Parisian cafés were once the haunt of famous writers like Hemingway, Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir. Cafés like Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, and La Closerie des Lilas continue to attract artists and intellectuals. Order a coffee, grab a seat outside, and soak in the legacy of creativity.
7. Dine at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant on the Seine
Paris offers the rare opportunity to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants on the river. Experience world-class cuisine on a Seine river cruise, with sights of the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame lit up in the background. It’s a luxurious and unforgettable way to see Paris, combining French gastronomy with iconic views.
8. Browse Books at Shakespeare and Company
This English-language bookstore has been an artistic landmark for decades, frequented by literary greats like James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway. Today, it remains a cozy, book-filled sanctuary where visitors can browse shelves of English literature and attend readings. Shakespeare and Company is an absolute must for book lovers visiting Paris.
9. Walk through Père Lachaise Cemetery
Père Lachaise is one of the world’s most famous cemeteries and is the resting place of luminaries such as Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Edith Piaf. The cemetery is also a stunning park, filled with sculptures, chapels, and shaded pathways. It’s a unique, tranquil experience that adds depth to your understanding of Paris’s cultural legacy.
10. Visit the Musée de l’Orangerie for Monet’s Water Lilies
Though the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay often steal the spotlight, the Musée de l’Orangerie offers a unique artistic experience. This museum houses Claude Monet’s enormous Water Lilies series in two curved rooms designed to feel like floating on water. The experience is immersive, serene, and distinctly Parisian.
11. Shop at the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
The world’s largest antique market, Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, is located just outside Paris. This sprawling market offers everything from vintage clothing to antique furniture. Bargaining is welcome, and even if you’re not buying, exploring this market feels like a step back in time, where every stall tells a story.
12. Admire Art Nouveau Architecture in the 16th Arrondissement
The 16th arrondissement is filled with stunning Art Nouveau buildings that showcase the city’s architectural evolution. Wander the quiet streets around Rue de la Pompe and Avenue Henri-Martin to admire the intricate, nature-inspired facades. Architect Hector Guimard, famous for designing the Paris Métro entrances, left his mark here, making it a must-see for architecture fans.
13. Enjoy a Picnic at the Champ de Mars
Few cities invite outdoor dining quite like Paris, and the Champ de Mars, near the Eiffel Tower, is an ideal spot for a picnic. Stop by a local bakery for a fresh baguette, pick up some cheese, and find a spot on the grass to relax. Picnicking at Champ de Mars gives you a front-row seat to one of the most famous landmarks in the world, creating a magical Parisian experience.
Final Thoughts on Unique Paris Experiences
These 13 experiences give a glimpse into what makes Paris so unique. While many people visit for the famous landmarks, exploring Paris through these more unique activities adds depth to your visit. Each tip invites you to see the city from a different perspective, offering a closer connection to its art, history, and people.
From savoring food and art to discovering hidden rooftops and antique markets, Paris promises an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left. With these suggestions, you’ll be able to enjoy both iconic sights and hidden gems, making your time in Paris truly unforgettable.