Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. People flock to this beautiful city to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and other famous landmarks. But Paris has so much more to offer than just tourist traps. There are plenty of unusual and unique things to do in Paris that will make your visit truly memorable. In this blog post, we will explore fifteen of the most exciting and offbeat attractions in Paris!
Père Lachaise cemetery – 20th arrondissement
Paris’s biggest and most visited cemetery is the perfect place to start our guide to unique and unusual things to do in Paris. Père Lachaise Cemetery is the perfect place to go if you want to look for celebrity graves, haunting statues, lush landscaping, and beautiful cobblestone lanes. The cemetery is actually the world’s most-visited cemetery.
Learn more here.
Les Catacombes – 14 arrondissement
Perhaps you have already heard of the famous catacombs in Paris; perhaps you have not. What is certain is that it is a must-visit if you are into unique and unusual experiences. The Paris catacombs are a maze of tunnels that stretches deep underneath the city. In the maze, you can find roughly 6 million human skeletons.
It is recommended that you book a ticket 7 days in advance! So book in good time.
Learn more here.
Musee du Parfum – 9 arrondissement
Musee du Parfum, or the Fragonard Perfume Museum, is a small museum in Paris. The museum has been there since 1983. It has since been renovated and reopened as the Fragonard Musee du Parfum. Paris is the Capital of perfumery, so it is only natural that you visit this charming museum if you want to know the city’s history. In the museum, you learn how to make perfume from scratch, learn about the history of perfumery, and you can even buy perfumes to take home. And the best part is that the museum is free to visit! So there is no excuse.
Learn more here.
Street Art tour – 13 arrondissement
Street art is the modern art form using a public area as a canvas. You see them all over the world, with unique features according to the destinations. You can find street art all around the city of Paris. Furthermore, you can choose to simply walk around and explore the streets of Paris and its art and culture. We highly recommend you take a free guided tour. When you do this, you get to explore the city in the footsteps of a true Parisian and make sure that you don’t miss the most colorful streets of Paris.
Read more about paid tours here.
Watch a show at Moulin Rouge – 18 arrondissement
You might already have heard of the famous Parisian Moulin Rouge. Although it might be more popular than most of the other items on this list, it does deserve a spot on our list of unique and unusual things to do in Paris! The Moulin Rouge is the world’s most famous cabaret, with more than 130 years of history, since the end of the 19th century. It is definitely a must to experience the famous French cancan dance firsthand.
Learn more here.
La petite ceinture – 12 arrondissement
The petite Ceinture railway is an abandoned railway in the French capital. It served travelers from 1862 to 1934 before being abandoned. Translated to “the little belt,” the railway connected the main train stations of the city. The tracks are now overgrown with more than 200 species of flora and fauna. You can visit the railway from the outer arrondissement, and some of the former stations on the Petite Ceinture have now become bars, restaurants, and cultural venues. Take a stroll through the tracks or eat or drink at one of the venues. Such a unique experience when you are in Paris and a great way to get off the beaten path.
Learn more here.
Pari Roller – 14 arrondissement
If you are from a big city in Europe, you might have heard about this concept before. This skate event is the biggest of its kind. Paris Roller is a weekly touring ride of roller skaters and rollerbladers. The event was born from unauthorized races through the streets of Paris. Basically, it is a big roller race through the streets of Paris. The route is different every week, but it is always around 30 km long. It is free for everyone with a pair of skates. It starts every week at 10pm in the 14 arrondissements if you are in for an unusual adventure!
Learn more here.
Roman Ruins – 5 arrondissement
Did you know that you can find genuine Roman Ruins in Paris? The French capital has been around for a long time, but it was actually the Romans that set roots in Paris. It was named “Lutetia”. What you might not know is that you can still find many Roman Ruins around Paris! Under the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, you can find a hidden archaeological crypt, where you can find the remains of the Roman port, as well as an ancient public bathhouse. The two most famous ruins are the Thermes de Cluny, and the Arènes de Lutèce.
Learn more here.
Museum of Magic and Curiosity – 4 arrondissement
Fans of the TV-show Modern Family have seen this on their screen. This is the museum that Phil visits in season 11 when the family is in Paris. In this museum, you can find everything magic related, including the art of illusion and costumes and props. When you visit this museum, you get to see genuine props from famous magicians, as well as their original props. A fun fact is that the museum is located in the 16th-century vaulted cellar of the Marquis De Sade. If you don’t know who that is, he was the one who the word “sadism” is named after.
Learn more here.
Gustave Eiffel’s secret apartment – 7 arrondissement
You have heard of the Eiffel Tower. One could argue that the famous tower is the most famous attraction and landmark of the whole city of Paris, France. Dating back to 1889, the Eiffel tower is definitely a must-see when you are visiting Paris. We all know about the incredible panoramic views you can find at the top of the tower. But did you know about the secret apartment tucked away in the Eiffel Tower? Located in the heart of Paris, Gustave Eiffel, the man behind the tower, added a hidden apartment at the very top of the Eiffel Tower. The apartment has been maintained and renovated over the years and is usually not open to the public. However, it is open occasionally and is one of the best-hidden gems of Paris. So make sure to check if it is open when you are planning to visit Paris!
Learn more here.
Sail an electric boat along the canals of Paris – 19 arrondissement
The seine river is one of the most famous rivers in Europe. If you have been to Paris before, you may have seen the river cruises that you can get on, to sail down the river. But did you know that you can rent smaller electrical boats and drive them yourself? The boats do not require any license. The capacity varies from a maximum of 5 to 11 people. You can rent the boat at Marin D’Eau, and you can sail the boat in 40 km of water on the waterways of Canal Saint Martin, Canal de l’Ourcq, and the Bassin de la Villette. You can bring a picnic, or you can enjoy a glass or two of some french wine.
Learn more here.
Visit one of Paris’ public pools – 5 arrondissement
Did you know that Paris has over 40 public pools? Especially in summer, local Parisians use private pools to get a dip in the heat. However, many of the pools are open to the public all year round, so whether you want to have a fun day in the water or simply want to get some exercise, there is a pool for you in Paris.
Pro Tip: The art deco Pontois and Herbert pools have sunroofs.
Learn more here.
Visit the Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy – 5 arrondissement
Part of the French National Museum of Natural History, this museum is definitely part of the more unusual ones. Equal parts fascinating and terrifying, the museums mainly consist of reconstructed animal skeletons. In this museum, you can find bones and fossils on every floor from both big and small creatures that are or once were wandering the planet. It was established in 1898 in an effort to preserve scientific collections. Visit this museum if you want to see complete skeletons of instinct animals, such as various dinosaurs, and prehistoric animals, such as the giant sloth.
Learn more here.
Le Manoir de Paris – 10 arrondissement
Next on our list of unique and unusual things to do in Paris is something spooky. Le Manoir de Paris is a walkthrough haunted house and immersive show. It is precisely what it sounds like. This attraction is dedicated to the city’s most macabre characters. Walk through Le Manoir de Paris’s three-story building and be terrified as the actors with scary costumes and make-up reenact crimes and misdeeds. The attraction is only open in October for Halloween, but it does deserve a space on our list of unusual things to do in Paris.
Learn more here.
Visit the statue of liberty – 6 arrondissement
When you think of the Statue of Liberty, your mind might take you to New York City in the United States of America. What you might not know about Paris, France, is that the city is home to at least 5 authentic models of the Statue of Liberty? When you think of it, it does make sense, as the original Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French to the Americans to symbolize 100 years of American independence. If you are in the mood for a scavenger hunt while you explore the romantic city of Paris, there are many hidden gems in the form of these magnificent statues all over the city.
Learn more here.
Thank you for reading!
Now that you know some unique and unusual things to do in Paris, what are you waiting for? Book a trip now and have the time of your life! With so many interesting activities available, you’ll never be bored in this amazing city. Make sure to leave us a comment below if you plan on visiting any of these places!
Do you want more inspiration on where to go? Check out our guide to the most romantic destinations.
