15 Things to do in Paris - Non-Touristy and Lesser Known Off the Beaten Path

Visiting Paris isn’t only about the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Step away from the busy streets and iconic landmarks to explore an off the beaten path side of the French capital. This guide is full of non-touristy things to do in Paris, perfect for travelers seeking a different perspective on this magical city.

1. Stroll Along Canal Saint Martin & View the Eiffel Tower from a Different Angle

Skip the most touristy attractions and head to Canal Saint Martin, a place beloved by locals for its vibrant atmosphere and colorful street art. It’s ideal for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful afternoon by the water. Park benches line the canal, offering views of charming houses and quirky cafes.

2. Explore the Abandoned La Petite Ceinture

Once a railway viaduct, La Petite Ceinture is now a hidden gem overgrown with nature and murals. This green space winds through residential neighborhoods and gives visitors a surreal experience off the beaten path. It's a peaceful contrast to Paris’s busy streets.

3. Stroll Through Covered Passages Like Passage des Panoramas

The covered passages of Paris are lesser known but incredibly atmospheric. Begin with Passage des Panoramas, one of the oldest. Nearby, Passage L’Homme charms with quirky shops, vintage bookshops, and intimate bistros. These arcades offer a retreat from the crowds and a taste of Parisian culture.

4. Relax at Parc des Buttes Chaumont and Forget

Forget the Jardin du Luxembourg for a moment and head to Parc des Buttes Chaumont. Its rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and suspension bridge provide a stunning setting in a residential neighborhood. Enjoy a few hours here with a picnic or find a shady park bench to soak in the views.

5. Wander the Latin Quarter & Left Bank

Winding alleys in the Latin Quarter reveal bookstores, quiet courtyards, and hidden churches. This area on the Left Bank is ideal for exploring the rich history and gothic architecture of Paris without the crowds. Peek into cute little museums and enjoy the lively cafes.

6. Attend Classical Concerts in a Lesser-Known Chapel

Catch a classical concert in intimate chapels like Sainte-Chapelle. Its stained glass windows are mesmerizing, and performances here connect you to Paris’s deep art history in a non-touristy setting.

7. Take a Perfume Workshop Near the Eiffel Tower

Instead of climbing the Eiffel Tower, book a perfume workshop nearby and create your own eau de toilette. It’s an immersive way to connect with French luxury and learn about fragrance-making beyond what most tourists experience.

8. Visit Père Lachaise Cemetery – Final Resting Place of Icons

Home to Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and many more, Père Lachaise Cemetery blends quiet beauty with the rich history of Paris. It’s both haunting and peaceful, a true hidden gem in the French capital.

9. Experience Traditional French Cuisine in a Wine Bar

Skip touristy restaurants and settle into a cozy wine bar in Saint Germain or the Latin Quarter. Enjoy non-touristy traditional French cuisine, from charcuterie to escargot, paired with expert wine tasting. It’s a delicious way to slow down and live like a local.

10. Discover La Villette and the Old Railway Viaduct

La Villette is an eclectic mix of art, science, and culture in northeast Paris. Walk along the old railway viaduct, which has been transformed into an elevated garden called the Coulée Verte René-Dumont. It offers quiet nature walks away from the crowds.

11. Take a Day Trip to Île de la Cité – Beyond Notre Dame

While Notre Dame attracts many, the rest of Île de la Cité holds gorgeous architecture, peaceful courtyards, and the serene Square du Vert-Galant by the River Seine. It’s perfect for a Saturday morning walk before the city fully wakes up.

12. Visit Musée de l'Orangerie and Musée d'Orsay for a Vast Collection

Instead of the Louvre, head to Musée de l'Orangerie or Musée d'Orsay. These hold a vast collection of impressionist and post-impressionist works in a more relaxed setting. Art lovers will appreciate the lesser known masterpieces and intimate atmosphere.

13. Get Lost Around Place des Vosges

Tucked in the Marais, Place des Vosges is surrounded by charming houses, arcades, and small galleries. It’s one of the oldest squares in Paris and radiates elegance. A stroll here offers a beautiful look into old Paris without the tourist crush.

14. Enjoy a Baking Class in a Local Parisian Kitchen

Join a baking class in someone’s home or small studio to learn croissant or macaron techniques. This authentic experience reveals secrets behind traditional French cuisine and gives you something delicious to take home.

15. Save Your Spots with Google Maps

Make a personalized to-do list of your favorite hidden spots by saving them on Google Maps. This is the best way to navigate non touristy things like covered passages, tiny bistros, and charming museums without missing a thing.

FAQs

1. How do I not look touristy in Paris?
To avoid looking touristy in the French capital, blend in by dressing simply, using Google Maps discreetly, and exploring non touristy things like wine tasting in a local wine bar, or enjoying a leisurely stroll in a residential neighborhood like the Latin Quarter or near Canal Saint Martin. Skip the busy streets packed with most tourists and opt for covered passages and vintage bookshops for a different perspective.

2. Where is the least touristy part of Paris?
The least touristy parts of Paris include the La Villette area, the Left Bank, and around La Petite Ceinture—an old railway viaduct turned into an urban trail. These residential neighborhoods offer a chance to explore hidden gems, quirky shops, and charming houses away from the crowds. The Parc des Buttes Chaumont and the Bois de Boulogne also provide tranquil green spaces to enjoy Parisian culture.

3. What is the one thing not to miss in Paris?
While there’s a lot to add to your to-do list, the one unmissable experience is visiting the Eiffel Tower—even most tourists agree it defines the magical city. But for a twist, view it from the River Seine or a small park for a lesser known, different perspective.

4. What to do in Paris off the beaten path?
Explore non touristy sites like the charming museum of Musée de l'Orangerie, or stroll along the La Petite Ceinture. For history lovers, the Père Lachaise Cemetery—the final resting place of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison—offers rich history. Try a baking class, browse vintage bookshops, or relax on park benches in the Place des Vosges for a truly off the beaten path experience.

5. What to do in Paris not touristy?
Visiting Paris doesn’t have to be cliché. Head to the Saint Germain district for lively cafes and non touristy things like a perfume workshop or sipping wine in a wine bar. Explore the art history of Musée d'Orsay or wander through covered passages and discover cute little museums. Walking along Canal Saint Martin or relaxing at the Jardin du Luxembourg gives you a taste of Parisian culture with a vibrant atmosphere.

6. What is the number of tourists visiting Paris?
Paris welcomes around 30 to 40 million visitors annually, making it one of the world’s top travel destinations. Still, there are countless non touristy experiences scattered across the magical city.

7. What to do in Paris if you don't like art?
Even if art history isn't your thing, you can enjoy wine tasting, take a scenic day trip, explore gothic architecture like Notre Dame, or discover quirky shops in the Latin Quarter. Try a baking class, walk through La Petite Ceinture, or admire the gorgeous architecture of the Arc de Triomphe. Paris offers plenty of non touristy options beyond museums.

Final Thoughts

Paris isn’t just a city of landmarks—it's a living, breathing tapestry of culture, cuisine, and character. By venturing beyond the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, you’ll uncover the magical city in ways that most tourists miss. These non-touristy things to do in Paris let you connect deeply with its soul and savor its quieter beauty.