Cool things to do in Paris that AREN’T the Eiffel Tower 🇫🇷✨
Cool things to do in Paris that AREN’T the Eiffel Tower 🇫🇷✨
Caity Zagar
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Wanna get to know more of Paris besides its most iconic landmark? Here you’ll find some of my favourite spots that are sometimes overlooked (but still well worth it in my opinion!)
Of course, there is so much to see and explore in Paris so I plan to update this list every time I try a new experience in the city! Be sure to save it for any future updates!
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Monuments:
Visit inside the Palais Garnier
@czphoneshome
This building is what inspired the Phantom of the Opera and I really recommend going inside! It’s comparable to visiting Versailles! 🎭
These tickets I booked in advance online directly from their website! There’s an option to take a tour but we opted out and just wandered around ourselves and still really enjoyed it!
I paid 8 euros because I was 25 and under, however the regular adult price is 14 euros!
Important note: sometimes the building is closed to visitors if there are important events, rehearsals or performances, so I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance to be sure that when you go, there is availability!
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Père Lachaise Cemetery
@czphoneshome
This cemetery is packed with history! You can find some really famous people such as Jim Morrison, Edif Piaf and Oscar Wilde!
I personally think it’s one of the coolest public spaces in Paris and I easily spent a few hours just wandering the grounds! 🌳 And it's huge - its 44 hectares (108 acres)!
It’s also free to visit! There are a few metro stops around the park: Père Lachaise, Gambetta and Phillippe Auguste so you have multiple options as to where you want to arrive and depart from. The walk from the Père Lachaise station was super easy as there was an entrance right across the street and we exited the other end of the park closer to Gambetta Station which was a bit farther of a walk but still very straightforward.
I'd recommend, when you arrive, having a sense of where you want to exit by checking out the maps in the park and finding one that's close to a metro. You don't necessarily have to exit from the same entrance you came in because it's a large park and it might be a better use of your time to enter at one end and exit at a different side.
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Catacombs of Paris
@czphoneshome
It took me FOREVER to cross this spot off my bucket list because getting tickets is really quite tricky. They only publish tickets one week in advance and they sell out quite quickly! 💀
This excursion is a bit pricier than the others, its regular adult rate is 29 euros per person!
Online, there are last-minute ticket deals if they have tickets left the day of, they will be cheaper, however like I said above, for the past 2 or 3 times I've visited Paris I have tried visiting and every time there were no tickets left. I only got to go this past time because I marked on my calendar to remind myself to book one week in advance! Highly recommend doing this, especially in peak season!
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Panthéon
@czphoneshome
This is another monument that is often admired from the outside but the inside is just as amazing! It’s another really famous resting place for many significant people including Victor Hugo! ⛪️
These tickets can be bought in advance or in person! It seems very easy to pay and pop inside! The full adult price is 11.50 euros!
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Sainte-Chapelle
@czphoneshome
This is another spot that I’ve tried a few times to get in but the line has been really long or there were no more tickets available!
It’s located right around the corner from the Notre Dam and its stained glass windows are supposed to be gorgeous! ⛪️
I recommend booking your tickets in advance online, they are 11.50 euros per adult and actually free for those from the EU under 25!
Important to know: Your booking comes with a timed entry!
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Le Marais
@czphoneshome
The Marais neighbourhood is super trendy and is a really great place to wander! One of my favourite cafes are located here (Carette Cafe)! There are tonnes of shops and restaurants to wander around and explore! 🏘️
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Museums:
Musée d'Orsay
@czphoneshome
Right across the Seine from the Louvre is the Musee d’Orsay, and I often believe that it is overlooked in comparison!
I actually prefer this museum over the Louvre, it’s much smaller and the collection is more centralized on one period (the Impressionism period - my personal favourite). They have a wonderful collection of really well-known pieces and they also have iconic clock faces that offer a really cool view of the Louvre and the Seine! ⏰
Our tickets were booked in advance online with a timed entry and they cost 16 euros per person! Book in advance!!!
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The CENTQUATRE-PARIS
@czphoneshome
This is a cultural centre and an arts space! They often have really cool exhibitions! Last time I was there they had an exhibition on optical illusions! I’d recommend checking out what exhibitions are on during your visit in Paris! 🎨
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The Centre Pompidou
@czphoneshome
Unlike some of the other museums in Paris, this is the modern, contemporary art collection! It’s a pretty large building also located in the Marais neighbourhood and it’s pretty hard to miss! So if you want to take a break from visiting the classical and historical art pieces you should check this place out! 👩🏼🎨
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Show:
Paradis Latin
@czphoneshome
On my most recent visit to Paris I visited the Moulin Rouge and LOVED IT! However locals have since told me that it’s the most touristy of the cabaret shows, and that Paradis Latin is actually attended by Parisians and locals alike. Their show is also equally as iconic and traditional! 💃🏼
Personal experience: I ADORED my experience at the Moulin Rouge but it was quite expensive! The Paradis Latin prices are much cheaper so perhaps consider this location if you’re interested in a cabaret show (but I still think once in your life, you should see a show in the Moulin Rouge).
To give you an idea: our Moulin Rouge tickets cost 111 euros per person and we went to the late show (11 pm) on a Monday night without drinks.
The Paradis Latin show is around 80 euros per person without drinks earlier in the evening (9 pm).
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There is so much to see and enjoy in Paris that I plan to keep updating this list as I continue to visit the city of lights! Hopefully, this was helpful for your next visit!
If you need more non-touristy ideas for your visit to Paris, I created a complete itinerary that takes you to some of the lesser visited areas of the city! 👇🏼
Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!
You've been to Paris before and want to spend a day NOT at the main tourist attractions? Or maybe it's your first visit to Paris but you want to check out some cool alternatives to the main spots? Then you've come to the right place!
I've been to Paris on several occasions and I've made a full-day itinerary that checks out some of the overlooked destinations in the city of lights. Some of these places you might recognize but have you actually gone to visit yet?
This itinerary has organized your day to make it completely walkable so you can enjoy as much of your time outside as possible. I have personally shared in detail everything you need to know for your visit!
This guide provides you with:
🏛️ 3 options of activities for your morning (museum, park, and monument)
🌳 3 options of activities for your afternoon (shop, monument and park)
☕️ 1 place for breakfast
🍕 1 place for lunch/snack
🥞 1 place for dinner
+ BONUS stops to check out on your route between activities!
The best part is: it's completely customizable to your interest and the time you have to work with! Maybe you want to check out all 6 activities or maybe just 2 - it's completely up to you!
Ready to explore Paris with me?
Car-free • Foodie • Architecture • Art • History • People & Culture • Shopping • Slow Travel
$15.00
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Want help planning your trip to Paris?
I consider France to be my area of expertise. I've lived here for 2 years and have traveled around many times to many regions! I would love to help you with your trip planning - let's make the most out of your trip!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Caity Zagar
Available for hire
BLACK FRIDAY SALE 2024:
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I’m a seasoned traveler with experience in over 30 countries around the world, who’s been lucky enough to have lived in both France & the UK. Now I love helping travelers make the most of their trips and explore more underrated corners of France & the UK!
My goal is to not overwhelm you with options— in my guides & itineraries, I provide suggestions that are truly worth it, based on personal experience or in-depth research.
Whether you’re planning a dream trip to France, the UK, or beyond, I hope I can help you plan your next adventure! ✨
My expertise?
🇫🇷 On top of living in Lille, France for 2 years, my French fiancee has helped me develop a passion for this country beyond a typical tourist. Over the past 8 years, I’ve explored France from north to south: I’ve visited Paris 9 times, road-tripped through Normandy twice, & fell in love with Alsace. I’ve spent time castle-hopping in the Loire Valley, beach-hopping in Corsica, & explored Provence & the French Riviera multiple times. Bordeaux has become a second home, with over 10 visits to the region.
🇬🇧 I lived in London, UK for 2 years, mostly during the pandemic, when I really got to know the city in depth - since we couldn't go anywhere else! Beyond London, I’ve road-tripped through Scotland twice, explored gems like York and Liverpool, road-tripped through Cornwall & enjoyed countless day trips, from charming villages to coastal towns.
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