5 Unique Things to Do in Paris, France You Need to Try
The nature of my relationship with Paris over the years has been very much like a real relationship. I did all the obligatory first exciting “musts” (as you should) in my first couple of visits, and now I’m happy doing everything but that. It’s now a comfortable place to visit, and I’m thinking one day it could even become a permanent thing :) The truth is, the more you walk the streets of Paris - especially at midnight, the more you fall in love with it. Needless to say, it will always have a special place in my heart, and maybe it will in yours, too - if it doesn’t already.
“I can never decide whether Paris is more beautiful by day or by night.”
As has been my experience with almost every major city, the “first-time musts” often bring on more stress than they are worth. That said, it’d be wrong of me to tell you to go to Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower. Instead, I’m saying maybe forgo going to some of the “top” sights and consider spending your time and money on one or all of these five “other” things when visiting “The City of Love.”
1. SUNSET PICNIC AT THE FOOT OF THE Eiffel Tower at champs de mars
If you want a front-row seat to the best light show in the city, grab a blanket and pack a picnic, then head over to Champs de Mars at sunset. Every hour on the hour, the Eiffel Tower dazzles as it lights up from head to toe until after midnight.
Address: 2 Allée Adrienne Lecouvreur, 75007 Paris, France / Closest Metro Station: Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel, École Militaire
2. cafÉ hop ‘til you drop
When in Paris, expect to multiply your coffee breaks by three (in my case, that’s six). It seems like no matter what time of day it is, sitting down at a café and people-watching always sounds like a good idea when you’re in Paris. I can’t even pretend to begin to name them all, but you can find a list of the top 21 cafés right now by TimeOut here. One of my personal favorites is Kléber for its outdoor seating area. Unfortunately, my other favorite, Fragments, is now closed.
3. take in art AND a view at the FONDATION Louis Vuitton (SORRY, NO HANDBAGS HERE)
If you’re a fan of art, architecture, and a view - then the Fondation Louis Vuitton is for you. Located in the northern part of the Bois de Boulogne Park, this architectural masterpiece houses both contemporary and modern art. The museum was inaugurated in 2014 and has quickly become a favorite for art lovers, welcoming over 1 million visitors each year. The views from the top impress almost as much as the exhibits.
Address: 8, Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne 75116 - Paris, France
Hours: Vary by exhibit, check the website for the latest information
4. A STREET ART LOVER’S hideaway IN BUTTE AUX CAILLES
Street art abounds throughout Paris, but on my last trip in October, I stumbled upon a small hilltop village called Butte aux Cailles. Home to a community of artists and filled with small restaurants and bars, this neighborhood surprised me with the amount of impressive street art at every turn. Multi-color murals and quiet cobblestone streets were a delightful surprise in a quarter of Paris I had never had on my to-see list. If you’re looking for local art and cuisine on a budget, Butte aux Cailles is worth a visit. For more street art locations in Paris, check out Culture Trip’s article here.
5. START OR END YOUR NIGHT WITH COCKTAILS AT Le Bar Kléber
Located in the heart of Paris, within The Peninsula's 5-star hotel, you’ll find Le Bar Kléber. This historic bar and lounge serves up exquisite cocktails and small bites. It’s the perfect spot after an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing near the Arc de Triomphe.
Paris has a way of weaving itself into your soul, whether it’s your first visit or your fifth. Over the years, my relationship with this city has deepened into comfort, and each trip feels like a reunion with a familiar place.
Whether you’re just beginning your journey with Paris or it’s already etched into your heart, I hope these recommendations help you find your unique connection to this timeless city.
24 Hours in Paris
Footage: Andres Hernandez, Editing: Karen Gomez