Top 25 Unusual Things to Do in Paris

Spend time in some of the other Paris museums. The Museum of Comparative Anatomy and Paleontology provides an amazing look into a the world of 19th-century science with rows and rows of animal skeletons marching shoulder to shoulder against walls lined with old wood and glass cabinets. Within the Jardin des Plantes where the museum resides there is also a botanical garden, zoo and an array of other natural history museums. Other favorites include the Musée de Quai Branly, Musée du Moyen Age and Musée des Arts et Métiers. Check out our full guide to museums in Paris.

On warm summer nights the quai along the left bank of Port St Bernard comes alive with people strolling, picnicking and ballroom dancing. Every evening, starting June 1 through the end of August, dancers gather along the river bank near the Institut du Monde Arabe, in the Jardin Tino Rossi, to perfect their salsa, tango, waltz and swing.

The beautiful capital is still riddled with numerous timeworn traces of its ancient Roman past: a coliseum, baths, and various remains of walls, pillars and carved stones lie strewn about the city, waiting to be discovered by those with an observant eye. While the Roman Baths at Cluny are plausibly the most impressive architectural remnant from the Roman era, the Archaeological Crypt near Notre Dame reveals the center of the old Roman city of Lutetia, right on the Île de la Cité.

A long, narrow stretch of trees and flowers flourish on what once was an elevated railway track. The promenade, also referred to by locals as La Coulée Verte, stretches from Bastille through the area around Gare de Lyon and Bercy, all the way to the west entrance of the Bois de Vincennes. When you’ve finished enjoying the gardens, drop down to street level and wander along the Viaduc des Arts where ateliers, workshops, cafes and galleries have taken up residence in the vaulted arches below the garden. The main section of both can be found at Avenue Daumesnil, near Bastille.

Explore the 19th-century covered passages of Paris: remnants of the post-revolution rise of the middle-class in France, these precursors of today’s department stores and malls have mostly disappeared. Less than 30 still exist today. Some of the most impressive lie strung in a line stretching from Passage Vivienne, behind the Palais Royal, continuing northbound, where they end at rue Cadet, a charming, bustling little street. Passage hopping is perfect for a rainy day in Paris.

Share a bottle of wine at the edge of the Canal St Martin with a friend on a warm evening. Many Paris first-timers (and a lot of long-timers) have yet to experience the Canal St Martin, but it is a popular treat with in-the-know Parisians, artists and the Bobo-Chic crowd. Use a Canal St Martin walking tour to find the most charming areas.

The best spot for a graffiti-viewing urban safari is the Canal St Martin in the 10th arrondissement, one of the most exciting and up-and-coming areas in town. Chock-full of wonderful restaurants, artistic shops and great graffiti, the area is a great place for leisurely strolling. To be sure not to miss the best spots for viewing graffiti, try Localers, who offer a space invader tour appropriate for the whole family. Alternatively, do a self-guided tour of Canal St. Martin that will allow you to detour and linger as you like. Check out our full list of places to find street art in Paris.

For a hip, off-the-beaten-path neighborhood, visit Belleville’s renowned flea markets and produce stands, filled with bustling shoppers, colorful products, and heckling merchants. Get lost in the tree-lined, picturesque rues of Caulaincourt – a perfect stroll for those seeking a more authentic French atmosphere. Food lovers will want to stroll the charming rue des Martyrs in the 9th arrondissement, one of the best market streets in Paris, where bakeries, cheese sellers and gourmet shops mix with cafés and hot, new restaurants. Visit our guide on the coolest neighbourhoods in Paris to find out more.

A trip to Paris is best accompanied by a visit to a typically Parisian event. Nuit Blanche, held every autumn, is the one night a year when galleries, museums, and other art and cultural institutions are open all night, free of charge. Those traveling in June should not miss the Fête de la Musique, when the streets will be filled with dancers into the early morning hours. The Journées du Patrimoine (or heritage days celebration), which usually takes place in late summer, is a great opportunity to visit all the government buildings in France, including the Elysée Palace, the National Assembly building and the French Mint.

Bring a piece of Paris back home with you by learning a skill you can recreate for friends and family. Sometimes the most memorable experiences arise when you dial back the pace of your visit and take time to view Paris through the lens of a class, whether it’s cooking, photography, calligraphy, writing, or language. Taking a class in Paris is a wonderful way to make some great memories.

Officially, Chandeleur is a Catholic holiday celebrated 40 days after Christmas. However, its true significance is revealed by the day’s more common name: la fête des crêpes. Events leading up to this day include crêpe-making demonstrations and even a neighborhood crêpe block party. To celebrate your love of this French staple, head to the refined Breizh Café or the rustic La Crêperie de Josselin, two of the most (rightfully) popular crêperies in Paris. Recommended by Andrea Yao.

The Paris International Agricultural show, which celebrates French farming and food products, is one of the most important events of the year. Indeed, the 700,000+ annual visitors include the French president. The show boasts over 300 breeds of animals and a hall dedicated to the latest in fruit and vegetable farming. And, after a day of petting cows and learning about sustainable wine grape production, you can indulge your inner gourmand in the food hall. There, you can sample regional French specialties, wash down a plate of oysters with champagne or enjoy a traditional fondue. Recommended by Andrea Yao.

In Paris, Chinese New Year is not a one-day event but a multi-week celebration. Guided tours, cultural activities, cooking demonstrations, concerts and workshops are held all across the city. These festivities are capped by two highly anticipated Dragon Parades, one in the Marais and one in the Asian quarter. Recommended by Andrea Yao.

Have you ever wanted to visit the control room of a major train station, tour the backstage of an ancient Parisian theater or get a lesson in a celebrated cooking school? If so, February is the time to be in Paris. For one weekend each year, Paris Face Cachée opens the door to sites that are normally closed to the public or provides unique adventures in iconic Paris landmarks. With over 120 events, you are sure to make new discoveries or get a fresh look on an old favorite. Recommended by Andrea Yao.

While most people are familiar with the Rio Carnival, few realize that the event is also a French tradition that dates back to the 11th century. The original Paris Carnivals were raucous, multi-day affairs that were even captured in works by Claude Monet and Édouard Manet. While today’s version lasts only one day, it is still a festive street parade highlighted by music, opulent masks and colorful costumes. Recommended by Andrea Yao.

Though it may sound cliché, it is true: Paris is a wonderful place to be on Valentine’s Day. Famous chocolatiers such as Pierre Hermé and Patrick Roger roll out too-beautiful-to-eat creations to commemorate the day, while restaurants offer Valentine’s Day menus with champagne and foie gras. The Paris mayor’s office even contributes to the romantic mood by giving you the chance to announce your love on the streets. In the days leading up Feb. 14, you can post your messages on their website. They then select the 100 most romantic to display on the 170 digital street signs around Paris. Recommended by Andrea Yao.

If you love sports, then a Six Nations Championship match is a must. This annual rugby tournament is played between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, with the winner being unofficially dubbed the European Champions. Matches take place in all six participating nations, which adds to the patriotic fervor of the event. With an attendance of nearly 70,000 spectators per match, expect a raucous time. If you’re not in town during the championship, then you could always take a tour of the mesmerising Stade de France. Recommended by Andrea Yao.

Held in the striking glass and iron main hall of the Grand Palais, the Taste of Paris is perfect for lovers of French gastronomy (and who isn’t?). The event invites 18 chefs, including legends such as Alain Ducasse and Guy Savoy, to create their own pop-up restaurant. Artisan food makers will also be on hand to sell their products. Guests can wander around the majestic hall, sample the signature creations, participate in cooking demonstrations and buy regional French food products. Recommended by Andrea Yao.

There is hot chocolate, and then there is the chocolat chaud parisien. Made almost exclusively with dark chocolate and milk, a Parisian hot chocolate is unctuous, warming and not too sweet. Try one at Ladurée, Angelina or Café de Flore, three of the coziest tea houses in Paris. Recommended by Andrea Yao.

Another highlight of the holiday season that can be enjoyed until March is the Ferris wheel at the Place de la Concorde. The original Grande Roue de Paris was 100 meters tall and built for the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris. Though today’s version stands at ‘only’ 70 meters, riders are still treated to a panoramic view of the Louvre, the Jardins des Tuileries and the Champs Elysées. Recommended by Andrea Yao.

In France, there are two major sales per year, one starting in January and the other in June. At the beginning of these six-week sales periods, called les soldes, Black Friday-style buying frenzies are the norm. However, in February when the sales are almost over, the real bargain hunting begins. With a little patience, you will be able to snatch up beautiful French clothes, accessories, kitchenware and even food for up to 80 percent off. Recommended by Andrea Yao.

While most people associate French art with traditional movements like Impressionism, France also has a rich graphic design history. Celebrated works include iconic ads by Bernard Villemot and Cassandre. La Fête du Graphisme tries to grow this heritage by engaging graphic designers and the public with expositions, conferences and workshops that take place across multiple venues around Paris. Recommended by Andrea Yao.

The three-week long Festival Suresnes Cites Danse, which takes place just outside of Paris, combines the energy of hip-hop and street performance with classic contemporary dance. In addition to the nearly 30 performances, there are also hip-hop workshops for children and open rehearsals where you can meet the performers and watch the creative process. Recommended by Andrea Yao.

What is better in the winter than a hearty cheese fondue? One of the most celebrated fondue cheeses in France is the Mont d’Or. Made from raw cow’s milk and ripened in a wooden box, this cheese is best enjoyed baked with a touch of garlic and white wine and served with ham, potatoes and bread. You can pick one up at the celebrated Fromagerie Quatrehomme or enjoy one at Le Chalet Savoyard, a cozy restaurant that specializes in fondue, raclette and other cheesy classics that help the French survive winter. Recommended by Andrea Yao.

The French are serious about their holidays, and they are serious about skiing. Therefore, it is not surprising that the February school holiday is informally known as the ski holiday. The government has even staggered when each region takes their holiday in order to take pressure off the ski resorts. So, join the French at sporting goods stores Decathlon and Au Vieux Campeur, stock up on ski sport necessities and prepare to hit the slopes! Recommended by Andrea Yao.