Escape the usual tourist trails and discover a different side of Paris with these 15 quirky and unique spots:

  1. Passage des Panoramas (2nd Arrondissement):
    • Description: This is one of the oldest covered passages in Paris, dating back to 1799. It’s a charming arcade filled with antique shops, bookstores, stamp and postcard dealers, and cozy bistros. The intricate glass roof and old-world charm offer a step back in time.
    • How to get there: Metro lines 8 or 9 (Grands Boulevards). The entrance is located on Rue Saint-Marc or Boulevard Montmartre.
    • Cost: Free to wander. Costs for shopping and dining vary.

  2. Le Marché des Enfants Rouges (3rd Arrondissement):
    • Description: Paris’s oldest covered market, dating back to 1615. It’s a vibrant and multicultural food hub with stalls offering cuisines from around the world (Moroccan, Lebanese, Italian, Japanese, etc.). Enjoy delicious street food in a bustling, local atmosphere.
    • How to get there: Metro line 8 (Filles du Calvaire).
    • Cost: Free to enter. Food costs vary per stall.

  3. La Coulée Verte René-Dumont (Promenade Plantée) (12th Arrondissement):
    • Description: An elevated park built on a former railway line, stretching for almost 5 kilometers. It offers a unique perspective of the city from above street level, with lush greenery, fountains, and views into private gardens.
    • How to get there: Multiple entry points. Start near Bastille (Metro lines 1, 5, 8 – exit towards Avenue Daumesnil) or further along at various points accessible by metro or bus.
    • Cost: Free.

  4. Musée de la Vie Romantique (9th Arrondissement):
    • Description: A charming museum housed in the former home of the painter Ary Scheffer. It evokes the atmosphere of the Romantic era with period furniture, paintings, sculptures, and personal belongings of famous figures like George Sand and Frédéric Chopin. The tea garden in the courtyard is a peaceful oasis (seasonal).
    • How to get there: Metro lines 2 or 12 (Pigalle) or line 7 (Blanche), a pleasant walk uphill.
    • Cost: Permanent collections are free. Temporary exhibitions may have an entrance fee (around €8-€10). Tea garden costs extra for refreshments.

  5. Le Centquatre-Paris (10th Arrondissement):
    • Description: A vibrant artistic and cultural center housed in a former municipal undertakers’ building. It hosts exhibitions, performances, workshops, and has a lively atmosphere with cafes and shops. It’s a place where different artistic disciplines meet.
    • How to get there: Metro line 7 (Riquet) or line 2 (La Chapelle).
    • Cost: Free to enter the space and explore. Costs for specific exhibitions and events vary.

  6. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (19th Arrondissement):
    • Description: A stunning and hilly public park with dramatic landscapes, including cliffs, waterfalls, a temple perched on a hilltop (Temple de la Sibylle), and winding paths. It offers fantastic views of the city and a more rugged, natural feel than some other Parisian parks.
    • How to get there: Metro line 7bis (Buttes Chaumont) or line 11 (Pyrénées or Botzaris).
    • Cost: Free.

  7. Canal Saint-Martin Locks (10th Arrondissement):
    • Description: Watching the Canal Saint-Martin’s charming swing bridges and locks in operation is a unique experience. The slow rhythm of the water traffic and the mechanics of the locks offer a different pace of Parisian life.
    • How to get there: Multiple access points along the canal. Metro lines 3, 5, 8, 9, 11 (République) or line 5 (Jacques Bonsergent).
    • Cost: Free to watch.



  8. Musée des Arts et Métiers (3rd Arrondissement):
    • Description: A fascinating museum dedicated to the history of science, technology, and design. It houses an impressive collection of inventions, scientific instruments, and industrial models, including Foucault’s pendulum, early airplanes, and Pascal’s calculator. The building itself is also beautiful, a former priory.
    • How to get there: Metro lines 3 or 11 (Arts et Métiers).
    • Cost: €12 for the permanent collections.

  9. Belleville Park (20th Arrondissement):
    • Description: Offering some of the best panoramic views of Paris (including the Eiffel Tower), Belleville Park is a large green space with a more local and less touristy feel. It features terraced slopes, a vineyard (Clos de Belleville), and contemporary sculptures.
    • How to get there: Metro line 11 (Pyrénées or Belleville) or line 2 (Belleville).
    • Cost: Free.

  10. Passage Brady (10th Arrondissement):
    • Description: Another charming covered passage, this one with a distinctly Indian and Pakistani flavor. It’s filled with small restaurants serving flavorful curries, spice shops, and hair salons. A sensory experience offering a taste of South Asia in Paris.
    • How to get there: Metro lines 4, 8, or 9 (Strasbourg – Saint-Denis). The entrance is on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin.
    • Cost: Free to wander. Costs for food and shopping vary.

  11. Le Perchoir (Rooftop Bars – Multiple Locations):
    • Description: While rooftop bars can be popular, Le Perchoir locations (Marais, Menilmontant, etc.) offer a stylish and often less overtly touristy rooftop experience with great cocktails and views. Each location has its own distinct vibe.
    • How to get there: Varies depending on the location. Check their website for specific addresses and metro stops.
    • Cost: Free entry, but drinks and potential cover charges for special events apply.
    • Website: https://leperchoir.fr/

  12. Les Arènes de Lutèce (5th Arrondissement):
    • Description: The ruins of a Roman amphitheater dating back to the 1st century AD. It’s a surprisingly well-preserved historical site tucked away in the Latin Quarter, offering a glimpse into Paris’s ancient past. You can often see locals playing football or pétanque inside.
    • How to get there: Metro line 7 (Jussieu) or line 10 (Cardinal Lemoine).
    • Cost: Free to enter and explore.

  13. The Petite Ceinture (Sections Open to the Public):
    • Description: An abandoned railway line that encircles Paris. While much of it is inaccessible, certain sections have been repurposed into walking trails and urban gardens, offering a unique and slightly wild perspective of the city. Check online for currently open sections (e.g., in the 15th and 16th arrondissements).
    • How to get there: Access points vary depending on the open sections. Search online for current access points and nearby metro/bus stops.
    • Cost: Free.

  14. Atelier des Lumières (11th Arrondissement):
    • Description: A digital art center housed in a former foundry. It projects immersive, large-scale exhibitions of famous artists onto the walls and floors, creating a unique and engaging art experience set to music. While gaining popularity, it’s still a different way to experience art.
    • How to get there: Metro line 9 (Voltaire) or line 3 (Rue Saint-Maur).
    • Cost: Entrance fees apply (around €16-€17). Book tickets online in advance.
    • Website: https://www.atelier-lumieres.com/en

  15. Street Art in Belleville and Canal Saint-Martin:
    • Description: Wander through the Belleville neighborhood or along the Canal Saint-Martin to discover vibrant street art murals, graffiti, and urban art installations. These areas are known for their creative and alternative scenes.
    • How to get there: For Belleville: Metro line 11 (Pyrénées or Belleville) or line 2 (Belleville). For Canal Saint-Martin: Multiple access points (see point 7).
    • Cost: Free to explore.

These quirky spots offer a chance to experience the lesser-known charms and unique character of Paris, providing a refreshing contrast to the major tourist attractions.

Enjoy your off-the-beaten-path discoveries!