Top Things to Do in Paris Beyond the Eiffel Tower

Paris is commonly equated with a landmark of the epitome of the Eiffel tower, but there are much more things in the City of Light. In addition to the renowned skyline vistas, there are lovely neighborhoods, global-class museums, secret courts, bustling cafes, and history a hundred years old lurking around every turn. In case you are preparing your program or doing a Paris must-see attractions tour, you can explore the not so well-known attractions to make your tour much more memorable and authentic.

This guide will reveal some of the rare experiences and attractions that reflect the other face of Paris, one that the locals enjoy as much as the tourists.

1. Exploring the Arts of Montmartre

Montmartre is as if entering into a painting. This hilly district was where Picasso and Van Gogh had their inspirations, and that remains the same type of a creative and bohemian atmosphere. Take a walk down cobblestone streets, observe portraitists on Place du Tertre, and visit warm cafes in between pale-colored houses.

Don’t miss Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The steps present the best panoramic views in Paris, particularly during the sunset. It is a relaxing substitute to city congested views and it is an ideal place to take photographs.

2. Explore the Allure of Le Marais

Le Marais is among the oldest and the fashionable neighborhoods in Paris. It has the medieval streets, fancy mansions, upscale boutiques, and busy bakeries making it an ideal place to explore at a slow pace.

See Visit Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in the city where people sit on the grass. Visit the Musée Carnavalet to know about the history of Paris, or just go cafe-hopping and people-watching. The background is a mixture of the past and present.

3. Explore World-Class Museums Beyond the Louvre

Although the Louvre is mythical, there are numerous other museums that are worth considering. The masterpieces of Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh are available in the Musée d’Orsay that is located in a former railway station. Another exhibition that will be appreciated by the lovers of art is the Musée de l’Orangerie, which keeps Monet and his beautiful series of Water Lilies.

Something different will be going to the Centre Pompidou to see modern art and views of Paris on the rooftop or to the Rodin museum where the gardens are so serene in their sculptures. These less crowded areas make you enjoy art without the huge masses of people.

4. Canal Saint-Martin Relaxation

Canal Saint-Martin is where you would want to feel the regular life in Paris. This high-fashioned district is characterized by a tree-lined walkway, iron foot passageways, and cafes on the water. It is ideal when one wants to go on a walk or picnic.

The locals come here to read, chat and watch the sunset. It is also highly recommended that one might find independent boutiques and bakeries that are not overcrowded by tourists.

5. Walking along the Seine River at Night

Paris transforms after dark. As opposed to hastening to attractions, you can take a leisurely stroll through the Seine River. Monuments and glowing bridges, as well as street musicians, provide a magical ambiance.

You will see such sights as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre, but in a more intimate and romantic angle. The experience usually becomes a popular memory among tourists who want to get something basic and memorable.

6. Excursion to Hidden Passages and Covered Arcades

Not many tourists are aware of the covered passages in Paris. These arcades of glass and roofs were built in the 19 th century and tavernish bookstores, antique shops and old cafes.

Particularly beautiful are Galerie Vivienne and Passage des Panoramas. It seems as if one walks back in time when he or she walks around them and provides a relief to busy streets.

7. Local Food Experiences

Paris is not only about sightseeing, but it is about tastes as well. Begin the day by eating fresh croissants, go to the local markets to buy cheese and fruit, or have crêpes sold on the street.

Attend a food stroll or visit the areas such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés where there are traditional bistros. Eating the local food will establish a connection with the culture of the city more than any monument does.

8. Go on Day Trips Right out of the City

When you have a spare time to think about, think about the quick getaways in Paris. Day trips are easy to the Palace of Versailles, Monet gardens, Giverny, and such pretty towns as Fontainebleau. These places will make your trip more diverse and show more beauty of France.

Enhance Your Paris Experience

What is so beautiful about Paris is the ability to balance between known landmarks and the ones that cannot be found easily. Although sightseeing is an obvious activity of first-time visitors, who visit to see the most popular places, the city can also be studied in terms of neighborhoods, markets, museums, and canals as the genuine features of Dutch culture. This is why numerous tourists do not only consider landmark attractions when making their list of the Top Things to Do in Paris.

You are either a lover of art, food, history, or local life then there is always something new to explore. A careful planning will make sure you will enjoy the classics and the surprises that Paris has in store.

Go Kite Tours assists tourists in creating unique experiences and travel plans in order to visit various sites and locations within the city. Visit Paris as your own travel guide to sightseeing with this article and feel at ease in exploring Paris beyond the Eiffel tower.