15 Non Touristy Things to do in Paris: A Local’s Perspective (2024)
Looking for the best non touristy things to do in Paris?
Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to charming cafes, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this beautiful city.
But with so many tourists flocking to Paris every year, it can be difficult to experience and appreciate the true local culture.
I’ve been living in France for six years, three of which were spent in Paris, and there’s nothing I hate more than crowded attractions. Even now when I go back to Paris, which is about once a month, I skip the popular sites and head straight for my off-the-beaten-path spots.
These activities will give you a taste of authentic Parisian culture so you can see the city from a different perspective.
Planning a trip? Use my favorite resources:
- Accommodations: booking.com
- Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
- Tours & Excursions: Viator
- Flights: Skyscanner
- City Pass: Go City
- eSim: Airalo
15 Best Non Touristy Things to do in Paris
There are so many off-the-beaten-path things to do in Paris. Here are some of my top recommendations:
1. Explore Bois de Vincennes
Bois de Vincennes is a large park located in the eastern part of Paris. It’s the perfect spot for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city center.
You can go for a walk, have a picnic or visit the largest Buddha in Europe. It’s even home to one of the most overlooked castles, Château of Vincennes.
But my favorite thing to do here is rent a paddle boat and cruise around Lac Daumesnil. There’s also a small structure called Temple Romantique de l’Île de Reuilly. It’s the most picturesque spot in the park. You can visit it for free or admire it from the shore.
2. Discover Rue des Thermopyles
If you’re looking for a charming, old-style street you’ll find tons in Paris. The most popular is Rue de l’Abreuvoir in Montmartre. But it is so crowded it’s impossible to appreciate.
So, I went looking for some quieter streets and the most beautiful I found was Rue des Thermopyles. This small, cobblestoned street is lined with quaint homes and colorfully painted doors.
And, if you’re visiting Paris during the summer, the street overflows with hanging vines and potted flowers.
3. Visit the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
It may seem odd to visit a cemetery on your Paris trip, but Cimetière du Père-Lachaise is not your average graveyard. It’s the final resting place for many famous figures such as Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf.
I lived less than five minutes from Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, so I spent hours on end wandering around.
The architecture of the tombs and mausoleums are more like works of art than graves. And if you go early in the morning, you’ll have the entire place to yourself.
4. Take in the View from Belvédère de Belleville
Most people head to the Eiffel Tower for a panoramic view of Paris, but I prefer Belvédère de Belleville. It’s free and you’ll get an unobstructed 180-degree view of the city.
Most don’t know about this spot because it’s located in a residential neighborhood. And it’s a good 10-minute climb to the top.
I recommend entering the park near Jardin de Pali Kao. From there you’ll follow a series of winding paths – by far the most scenic way to get to this viewpoint.
5. Walk Along La Petite Ceinture
La Petite Ceinture or, “the little belt,” is a 20-mile long abandoned railway that encircles the city. It’s been closed since 1934, but you can still access certain parts of it.
There are various entry points throughout the city, and one of my favorites is in the 15th arrondissement. It’s a linear walkway that is maintained entirely by the residents. They’ve planted small gardens with flowers that are native to the region, and let nature take over the rest.
The entrance is hard to find so you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled. I recommend marking it down in Google Maps before you go.
Entrance: 101 Rue Olivier de Serres
6. Discover Église Saint-Louis-en-l’Île
When you hear about cathedrals in Paris, or even France in general, some of the first that come to mind are Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte Chapelle. If you’ve ever been to either one, you’ll know they are always overcrowded.
Luckily there’s a church that’s not too far from either of these that is just as beautiful.
Église Saint-Louis-en-l’Île is a hidden gem located on the Île Saint-Louis. Of all the churches I’ve been to in France, it’s one of the most elegant.
The church was built in the 17th century but much of it was destroyed during the French Revolution. It has since been restored and is absolutely beautiful, with an interior coated in gold and marble.
Address: 19 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île
7. Take a Day Trip
While it is a beautiful city, it’s always nice to escape its busy streets for a day trip from Paris.
And what better place than Strasbourg? Located near the German border, this quaint Alsatian town has a unique blend of French and German influences. It’s known for its charming half-timbered houses, winding canals and savory cuisine.
Spend the day wandering through the La Petite France district, go on a boat tour of the Ill River and try some of the local specialties like tarte flambée.
But no trip to Strasbourg is complete without climbing its Notre Dame Cathedral. From here you’ll have sweeping panoramas over the city. I might be biased because I’ve been living here since 2019 but it’s one of the best attractions in Alsace.
8. Check out the Street Art at Boulevard Paris 13
Paris may not be known for its street art, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. In fact, Paris has a whole district dedicated to graffiti and murals – Boulevard Paris 13.
This area is filled with large-scale murals by local and international street artists. It’s a great spot to take a stroll and admire the unique pieces scattered throughout the neighborhood.
Helpful tip: Most of the murals are along Boulevard Vincent Auriol near the metro stop Nationale.
9. Enjoy Local Art at 59 Rivoli
If you’re an art lover, then you know Paris is full of fantastic art museums. But what about local artists?
Located in the heart of Paris, 59 Rivoli is a collective space where emerging artists can showcase and sell their work. There are over 30 local artists with studios spread across six floors.
It’s entirely unconventional and I loved how the building was covered in different murals. From the walls to the stairs, even the railing was painted with a fun design.
It’s a great place to support local talent and find unique pieces to bring back home.
Entry is free but donations are accepted to help support the artists and the upkeep of the building.
10. Visit the Deportation Martyrs Memorial
The Deportation Martyrs Memorial is one of the most overlooked World War II memorials. It’s located on Île de la Cité and is dedicated to the 200,000 victims who were deported from France to Nazi concentration camps.
The memorial is a peaceful and reflective place. But it is emotional. There’s an underground crypt, designed to resemble a ship, and the inscriptions on the wall are very moving.
I went on a Saturday afternoon and there wasn’t anybody around, so you’ll be able to take your time and appreciate the place.
Admission is free and it’s open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
11. Hangout in La Villette
Skip the crowded and touristy parks like Luxembourg and Tuileries and head to La Villette.
This expansive park is in the 19th arrondissement and offers a lot of green space, walking paths and playgrounds.
There’s also the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, a science museum that has tons of hands-on activities and an IMAX theatre.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, La Villette is also home to iFLY – an indoor skydiving facility.
Non Touristy Foodie Things to do in Paris
12. Browse a Local Market
Paris is known for its markets, but the ones that cater to tourists can be overpriced and crowded. For a more authentic experience, I recommend heading to a neighborhood market.
Every arrondissement has a market that moves between two or three places throughout the week.
I did most of my shopping at the one on Boulevard de Charonne in the 11th arrondissement. There’s a market every Wednesday and Saturday morning. If you want to shop without a tourist in sight and get a taste of what living in Paris is like, this is the place to go.
13. Try Aligot at L’Auberge Aveyronnaise
Aligot is a cheesy and creamy potato dish from the Aveyron region in southern France. But you don’t have to travel all that way to taste it.
L’Auberge Aveyronnaise is a restaurant run by locals from the region. I was introduced to this hidden gem by some of my coworkers who came from Aveyron.
The aligot here is homemade and is served tableside. A waiter comes by and continuously stretches the mixture of cheese and potatoes until your plate is full.
It’s a very filling dish so make sure to come with an empty stomach.
Address: 40 Rue Gabriel Lamé
14. Go to Happy Hour at Le Komptoir
Happy hour in Paris can be expensive and crowded. Plus, there are so many places that look good, it’s impossible to choose. That’s where Le Komptoir comes in.
It’s located in the 4th arrondissement so you might think everyone knows about it, but few do.
Here the cocktails are delicious, and charcuterie and cheese boards are to die for.
My favorite drink is their Royal Mojito, a mojito served with French champagne, but you won’t see it on the standard menu. It’s only on their happy hour menu or available upon request.
Address: 27 Rue Quincampoix
15. Dine at Le Coup Chou
Le Coup Chou is a charming and intimate restaurant located in the heart of Paris. It’s known for its traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. The menu changes often, so even if you’ve been once, it’s worth returning to try what new dishes they have.
The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, but it’s a little pricey. I’ve only gone for special occasions, like my husband’s birthday.
Address: 11 Rue de Lanneau
Explore more of Paris’ local food scene with a Le Marais food tour.
Non Touristy Hotels in Paris
Here are some recommendations for unique and non touristy hotels in Paris:
🏨 Luxury: Hotel Villa Romantic & Spa
If you’re looking to add a little luxury to your stay, Hotel Villa Romantic & Spa will do just that. It’s located in the 13th arrondissement and the spa facilities are incredible. The interior is cozy and welcoming, so you’ll feel right at home.
🏨 Mid-Range: COQ Hotel Paris
Located in the 13th arrondissement, COQ Hotel Paris has a modern design and is comfortable. The staff are friendly and helpful. You’ll be away from the tourist crowds and still have access to public transport. There’s also a ton of restaurants nearby.
🏨 Budget: The People – Paris Nation
Located in the 12th arrondissement, The People – Paris Nation is the best budget option around. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the breakfast is delicious. It’s also close to the metro station Nation, making it easy to get around.
Local Tips for Visiting Paris
Having lived in Paris for three years, I know lots of tips to help you make the most out of your visit. Here are my best tips for visiting Paris:
- Learn a few words in French. A simple thank you (merci) will go a long way.
- Always start with bonjour, it’s considered rude not to do so. If you’re ever lost, before you ask for help, say “bonjour.”
- Take advantage of the public transportation system. It’s efficient and can save you money compared to taking taxis everywhere. The 10-pass booklet is much cheaper than buying individual tickets.
- Be aware of scams. The most common ones are the ‘gold ring scam,’ the ‘friendship bracelet’ and the ‘petition scam.’ Most scammers hang out near popular tourist spots, but if you are paying attention, you won’t have a problem.
- Paris is very walkable, so don’t rule walking out as a transportation option. It’s lso the best way to stumble upon new places to eat or visit.
- Start early in the morning. Paris doesn’t come alive before eight o’clock and that’s one of my favorite times to visit popular sites like the Eiffel Tower.
- Avoid eating in touristy areas. The food is usually overpriced and not that good.
- Know where you’re going before you get on the metro (or train). Pickpockets are very common, and scammers look for people who are on their phones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about visiting non touristy places in Paris.
What is the non touristy area of Paris?
The non touristy areas of Paris are the 11th, 12th, 13th and 19th arrondissements.
How do I not look touristy in Paris?
To avoid looking like a tourist in Paris, you’ll want to try to blend in with the local culture and customs. That means dressing like a typical French person (i.e., no baseball caps), familiarizing yourself with some basic French and knowing where you’re going without your phone.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing Paris like a local is not a far-fetched reality. By blending into the local customs and exploring less-visited areas, you can easily get away from the tourist crowds.
The French capital has a lot more to offer beyond its iconic landmarks and Dabbling in Jet Lag, a blog focused on traveling and living in France. Her goal is to inspire others to get off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known places. On Dabbling in Jet Lag, she shares her experience as an expat in France as well as the best things to do around the country.
