A trip to Paris is pretty easy to organize: search online for “top sights in Paris” and you’ll be busy for a week. But, many of the most interesting things are somewhat under the radar of most visitors, the hidden gems and unusual things that require luck to discover or local knowledge! But Salut from Paris got you covered!
In this section, you find a collection of unusual things to do in Paris and off-the-beaten-track activities. In short: things you won’t find in any guidebook. For example, our alternative Paris Bucket list.

80+ inclusive insider tips curated for you!
Best to start by checking our most popular blog post: 80+ hidden gems and secret places in Paris
I came up with this list by collecting tips from several Paris-based friends and family members, and I keep on updating it whenever I stumble upon something new!
You can easily add a few of the hidden gems to our 4-day Paris itinerary and even to our guide on what to do in Paris in one day.
For a detailed description of lesser-known activities and sights, the following posts might be interesting:
- Coulée Verte – the Parisian highline
- The 14 most charming Arcades in Paris (+ Covered Passages Map)
- 8 lovely English Bookstores in Paris you shouldn’t miss
- Vanves Flea Market – Explore Paris’ South
- Why the Hôtel Dieu is worth your attention
- Walking on rails – la petite ceinture
- The Human Zoo of Paris

Discover the lesser-known neighborhoods of Paris
If you are searching for walking itineraries in not-so-touristy neighborhoods, browse through our itineraries for Belleville, Batignolles, or the area around the (rather unknown) flea market at Porte de Vanves. They are all safe to go, as well, when you are traveling solo to Paris.
Have a look around and get a preview of what’s to explore in Paris!
- Tipping in Paris – How to Do it Right (+cheat sheet)
- Is the Louvre Worth It? Your No-Nonsense Guide
- La Petite Ceinture: Discover Paris’ Abandoned Railway (+ Insider Tips)
- Bouillons in Paris: These are the 5 most authentic Parisian Restaurants
- Rue de l’Abreuvoir: History & Highlights of Paris prettiest Street
- 98+ Exciting Hidden Gems: non-touristy things to do in Paris
- Belleville in Paris: Between Artists & Locals (Guide & Tips)
- 18 free Museums in Paris (+tips to save on the others)
- Paris Top 10 – and what you could do instead!
- Best Views of the Eiffel Tower: 30+ spots to know!
- 8 lovely English Bookstores in Paris you shouldn’t miss
- The 14 most charming Arcades in Paris (+ Covered Passages Map)
- 22 Simple Ways to Save Money in Paris
- 70+ Free & Fun Things to do in Paris
- 11 Sublime Eiffel Tower photo spots you need to know about
- Paris on New Year’s Day 2023 – What to do?
- The Human Zoo of Paris – a dark secret uncovered!
- Belleville Street Art Tour – is it worth it?
- La Coulée Verte – Discover the surprising Promenade Plantée
- These are the 8 cutest streets in Paris!
- Père Lachaise Cemetery – Know before you go!
- Vanves Flea Market – Explore Paris’ South
- These are the 13 most exceptional viewpoints in Paris
- Why the Hotel Dieu is worth your attention
- Monceau and Batignolles – Paris’ hidden gem