Get ready for a Parisian escapade like no other! While the classics like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre are must-sees, let’s sprinkle a bit of magic onto your itinerary with the hidden gems and quirky places that make Paris truly unique. From secret vineyards to unique passages, I’ve curated a list of Unique Things to Do in Paris for your next Paris adventure. Let’s unveil a side of Paris that’s charming, unexpected, and absolutely delightful.
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Unique things to do in Paris for free
Paris, the city of romance and art, dazzles not only with its iconic landmarks but also with a treasure trove of unique attractions that won’t cost you a cent. In this section, I unveil the lesser-known, yet quirky and budget-friendly places that are perfect for those seeking to explore off the beaten path.
Montmartre Cemetery
Montmartre Cemetery is almost like a sculpture garden park nestled in the heart of the Montmartre neighborhood. Established in the early 19th century, the cemetery is the final resting place of numerous notable figures, including artists, writers, and musicians. You can borrow a map at the entrance if you want to find some famous residents. Officially known as Cimitière du Nord, this hidden gem offers a peaceful retreat with its winding paths, fountains, trees, and stairs. Located beneath the streets in an old gypsum quarry, the entrance to this unique spot is tucked away on Avenue Rachel. It’s like finding a hidden doorway to a little wonderland!
- 20 Avenue Rachel, 75018 Paris
- Ⓜ️ Place de Clichy (👣 3 min), Ⓜ️ Blanche (👣 5 min)
- Free
- Opening; Monday – Friday (08:00 – 17:30), Saturday (08:30 – 17:30), Sunday (09:00 – 17:30)
Vigne du Clos Montmartre (Vineyard of Montmartre)
The vineyard of Montmartre is a unique vineyard behind the Montmartre Museum. Owned by the city of Paris, it was created to preserve Montmartre from extensive real estate development. Each year, the vines produce a limited quantity of exclusive wine. Unfortunately it is closed to the public and the only way to stroll through the grapevines is through the organized tour during the Montmartre Wine Harvest Festival. You can find more information about the festival here. You can still catch a glimpse through the wire fence.
- 18 Rue des Saules, 75018 Paris
- Ⓜ️ Lamarck – Caulaincourt (👣 4 min) 🚌 Saules-Cortot (👣 2 min)
However, it still worth a visit as the are many interesting places to visit nearby. The first one is the Montmartre museum which is not totally off the beaten path, but should be on your itinerary list. You can explore the former studios of renowned artists like Auguste Renoir. The museum’s charming garden, with its terrace overlooking the vineyard and Montmartre streets, is itself worth a visit.
Cabaret Au Lapin Agile is right next to the vineyard. Established in 1860 as the “Cabaret des Assassins,” the venue underwent a transformation in 1875 under new ownership, adopting the name it’s known by today. Renowned for its bohemian clientele, including artists like Picasso, the cabaret became a cultural hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Picasso’s painting “At the Lapin Agile” immortalized the venue. Despite changes over the years, the cabaret preserves its historic charm and remains a live entertainment venue, offering a glimpse into the artistic legacy of Montmartre.
Rue Crémieux
Rue Crémieux is a quaint and colorful pedestrian street located in the 12th arrondissement. It was constructed in the late 19th century as a part of residential developments during the city’s urban expansion. The street was named after Adolphe Crémieux, a French lawyer and politician known for his involvement in the establishment of the Crémieux Decree, which granted French citizenship to Algerian Jews in the 19th century.
Now known for its distinctive charm, the street stands out with its row of pastel-colored houses adorned with vibrant shutters and flower-filled window boxes. Each house on Rue Crémieux boasts its unique character and charm, creating a picturesque scene.
This cobblestone street has become a popular destination for photography enthusiasts, tourists, and locals. It’s a nice little place to visit if you have extra time while waiting for your train at Gare de Lyon train station.
- Rue Crémieux, 75012 Paris
- 🚊 Gare de Lyon (👣 5 min), Ⓜ️ Quai de La Rapée (👣 7 min)
The Bouquinistes
One of the classic things to do in Paris is to stroll along the Bouquinistes. They are traditional riverside booksellers along the Seine River. These iconic green bookstalls have been a part of the city’s cultural landscape for centuries. They typically operate from green boxes attached to the parapet walls along the Seine. These boxes are filled with a diverse array of books, including vintage editions, rare finds, and various used books. Some bouquinistes also offer prints, postcards, and other paper ephemera that make great souvenirs.
The stalls are not only a source of literary treasures but also contribute to the charm of the Seine Riverbanks. They have become an integral part of Parisian culture, attracting tourists seeking a unique and cultural experience by the river.
You can find them on both sides of the river between the Louvre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral.
- Ⓜ️ Pont Marie, Ⓜ️ Pone Neuf, Ⓜ️ Saint-Michel Notre-Dame
- They operate individually, but generally they open until dusk.
Musée Carnavalet
Musée Carnavalet, located in Paris’s Marais district, is housed in two historic mansions – Hôtel Carnavalet and the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau. Established in 1880, it features extensive collections depicting the history of Paris, including exhibits on the French Revolution, period rooms, and dedicated spaces for historical figures like Marcel Proust and Marie Antoinette. Explore elegant chambers and exquisite artifacts to understand the lifestyle of Parisian aristocrats. The museum gives you a cool look at their culture and social life throughout history.
It is a big museum and could take a good few hours if you want to see everything. But if you like to learn the history of Paris, this is the place. Apart from the museum, Marais offers art galleries and boutiques among historic architecture in charming cobblestone streets. Join a walking tour with with a local guide to gain insights into the area.
- 23, rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris
- Free; (fee for the temporary exhibitions)
- Ⓜ️ Saint-Paul (👣 5 min)
- Opening; Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 – 18:00), Close on Monday
Unique things to do in Paris at night
The City of Lights transforms into a magical wonderland as the sun sets, offering unique and enchanting experiences. In this section, I will share my favourite offbeat activities that make the Parisian nightscape a captivating experience.
Canal Saint-Martin
The canal, surrounded by trendy neighborhoods lined with trees, takes on an air of quiet mystique as the city lights reflect upon its waters. The charming waterside cafes and bars come alive with the soft glow of fairy lights. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, Canal Saint-Martin played a crucial role in Paris’s economic development by facilitating the transportation of goods. In recent decades, the canal has became a trendy and artistic quarter with street art, boutiques, and cafes. Whether you prefer a quiet stroll along the canal or a night filled with music, the nightlife at Canal Saint-Martin promises a memorable evening. You can also enjoy the canal cruise combined with the Seine river.
There are many bistros, cafes, restaurant along the water and on side streets between Ⓜ️ Jaurès and Passerelle des Douanes (a foot bridge). One notable one is Hôtel du Nord. Originally built in 1885 as a hotel, it has since transformed into a historically iconic bistro. It offers traditional French cuisine with a vintage 1930s ambiance.
The Paris Catacombs
The Paris Catacombs are an underground ossuary in Paris, created in the late 18th century to address cemetery overcrowding. Bones from various cemeteries were transferred to abandoned quarries, forming a macabre labyrinth. The walls are lined with neatly arranged skulls and bones, often in artistic patterns. The catacombs serve as a historical and eerie tourist attraction, offering a unique perspective on Parisian burial practices. It opens until 20:30, making it a perfect night time activity.
The place can get busy. So if you want to skip the line, make sure to buy the ticket in advance. The guided tours are available for visitors who want to explore this unique and haunting underground space.
- 1 av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris
- Ⓜ️ Denfert-Rochereau (👣 1 min)
- Opening; Tuesday – Sunday (09:45 – 20:30 (Last admission at 19:30)), Close on Monday
The Passage des Panoramas
The Passage des Panoramas is one of the oldest covered passages in Paris. This unique and charming passage connects the Montmartre boulevard to the Gaillon street. It was initially designed to shelter shops and provide a covered walkway for pedestrians. But it quickly became a popular destination for both locals and visitors, attracting a number of elegant boutiques, cafes, and entertainment venues. It has a glass roof with neoclassical style architecture.
Each store has its own opening hours. But the passage itself is open until midnight, making it a perfect place to windowshop after dinner.
- 11 Bd Montmartre, 75002 Paris
- Ⓜ️ Grands Boulevards (👣 1 min)
- Opening; Daily (06:00 – Midnight)