Paris Essentials: Top 10 Picks and Their Unique Alternatives

Are you heading to Paris and are curious about the top 10 must-do activities in this enchanting city? But you’re also interested in discovering some lesser-known, yet equally fascinating, spots alongside the famous attractions?

Then the article is tailored for you as I am introducing you to the Paris top 10 tourist attractions. But I am also sharing with you my Paris insider knowledge on what you could do instead.

Because no matter your travel style, having alternative activities in your itinerary is a smart move. Especially if unexpected events arise or the lines are overwhelmingly long.

Plus, if you’re a returning visitor to Paris, you might be seeking something beyond the typical first-timer guides – a fresh perspective after the initial “been there, done that” experience.

⪼ see this cool bucket list with the most popular things to do in Paris that I created for GetYourGuide

Top 10 Things to do in Paris & Alternatives

Paris can be experienced in many delightful ways. For some, ticking off the top 10 sights, like a day in the Louvre or a visit to the Eiffel Tower, is a dream come true, maybe with a touch of luxury shopping at Louis Vuitton.

Others might find joy in a more laid-back approach, casually observing the grand Parisian landmarks from afar, wandering through charming lanes, and relaxing in quaint cafés.

And for those who crave the less trodden path, Paris holds a wealth of hidden gems and secret spots, offering a quieter yet equally enchanting side of the city to explore.

Read on and know what to do in Paris, as a first or second-timer, or just as an alternative Paris program. Not completely off the beaten path but a good alternative to the standard sightseeing program.

You also might like these articles

• A Solo Trip to Paris – How to visit the city of love on your own
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• Pack for Paris: Essentials you need in 2023!

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There is an easy solution to it: visit the Tour Montparnasse instead! From the Observation Deck on the 56th floor, you have the most amazing view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower.

It’s not lightning up in the evening, and it’s not a fancy building, but you got to see Paris from above and the killer argument: You see Paris WITH the Eiffel Tower! I think there is no better view in town than Paris in its totality.

#2 Visit Montmartre – or: Head over to Belleville

See our guides: Montmartre | Belleville

You probably will visit Montmartre, no matter what. The artist quarter with the little boutiques and the Sacre Coeur with its iconic shape are a must-visit. But if you’re visiting Paris at peak times, you might easily get tired of the masses that are pushing through the narrow alleys and that are blocking any nice view. 

But did you know that Montmartre is not the only hill in Paris? Belleville in the east of town, It’s also the mecca of Parisian Street Art and grants you an equally great view. In my opinion, it even tops the village flair of Montmartre by far!

And, that’s the best about it, it is rather a local than a touristy hot spot. Want to know more? This way! Know where to eat, go, stay and what to see in Belleville!

#3 Take a river cruise on the Seine – or: cruise the Canal St. Martin

Book your Cruise: Seine River Cruise | Canal St. Martin Cruise

Some Parisian are finding the idea of taking a Cruise on the Seine absurd and cheesy – like something a tourist would do! Yes, that’s right.. and you know why? Because it is super nice! I very often get raised eyebrows when I am advocating for Seine River Cruises (read here more about our experience and why we LOVE it!).

It’s a fantastic way of seeing Paris and opens up a whole new perspective – even for folks that been living in Paris for years.

But, if you did this cruise already or want a more off-the-beaten-path experience, opt for a cruise on Canal St. Martin.

Many visitors even never heard of this channel, that connects the Seine with northern areas. If you decide on this cruise, you are in for an amazing journey. You’ll get to sail through a 1 km-long underground vault beneath the Bastille, cross 7 locks all through the Channel and learn tons of fascinating anecdotes about this lesser-known area of Paris. You can reserve your seat here.

4#  Eat Macarons – or: MAKE Macarons!

Book your Macaron Baking Workshop here

“I don’t like Macarons” said no-one ever. Macarons are fluffy, sweet, not too sweet, and very delicate. They give you the feeling you’re eating something really precious. And they come in tons of flavors. Depending on where you purchase them, you get chocolate, vanilla, caramel, pistachio.. the classics.

But there are even stores that offer Mojito taste or even savory Macaron versions with Fois Gras. Either way, eating Macarons should be on each and every Paris bucket list. 

If you are a foodie, you’ll be interested in these posts as well:

• The Paris Food guide – know what else you definitely should try in Paris!
• Best Pastry Workshops in Paris
• The Best Bakeries in Paris – 5 pastry shops you must try!
• 62 Fascinating French Food Facts

Or: you could learn how to MAKE Macarons! There is probably no better place on earth to learn how to bake Macarons than food heaven, Paris.

The best-rated and luckily also the most affordable Macaron workshop is offered by the Galerie Lafayette. Follow this link for rates and booking. I did this class a few months ago and it was really fun.

#5 Have Drinks at Saint Michel – or: at Butte-aux-Cailles!

Also interesting: Best Cocktail Bars | Best Speakeasy Bars

Saint Michel lies quite in the center of Paris, close to the Marais, Notre Dame, St.Germain and the Jardin Luxembourg.

The cute and narrow streets left from the famous fountain are made for strolling, and the restaurants are inviting to stop and have dinner.

Especially as they are cheap and promote French and international specialties. Just.. don’t do it. Just don’t. The food is cheap for a reason, and the guys who are trying to drag you in are most likely paid on a commission basis. You get better food for not more, basically everywhere else in Paris.

If you want to go for dinner and drinks off the beaten paths, head over to Butte-aux-Cailles next to Place d’Italie in the southwest of Paris. The streets are even cuter, the drinks cheaper, and the guests are locals. Plus, the Butte-aux-Cailles is known for its street art!

#6 Visit the Louvre – or: some of the many small Museums and Galleries

Find an overview of Paris’ best museums here

The Louvre is a mind-blowing place, not only for art lovers and amateurs. Even philistines are easily fascinated by the beauty that lays beyond those walls – and outside, the Pyramid of the Louvre and the nearby Tuileries garden are equally worth a visit.

If you are not a specialist in the field, I strongly advise getting the Audio guide (it’s a Nintendo DS!) and take the masterpieces tour. It takes around 2 hours, and you can be sure that you did not unknowingly walk by the most famous artworks in the Louvre.

(No worries, you won’t miss the Mona Lisa, it’s the one that is hidden behind some hundreds of people trying to take pictures.)

Or, if you are happy with seeing just the outside layout of the world’s biggest museum, what about visiting a less popular but still good museum?

For example, the Picasso Museum. Or the National Medieval Museum, Musée Cluny. I strongly can recommend as well the Musée Carnavalet. It’s a free museum about the history of Paris.

#7 Visit the Tuileries – or head northeast to La Villette

Know where to find the loveliest parks in Paris

The Tuileries between the Champs Élysée and the Louvre is probably the most famous park in Paris. And no doubt, it IS nice. It’s a classic afternoon activity to just grab one of the green metal chairs and do some serious people-watching.

If you’re keen to visit a park that is not, both, fancy and touristic, you should head northeast to La Villette. The park along the basin de la Villette has a rather industrial style. In summer, it’s the best place to see some movies in the (free!) open-air cinema, you can play football or Frisbee or simply have a casual picnic.

The park is also known for cultural events – exhibitions and concerts, but also the Philharmonie de Paris and the Paris science Museum.

#8 Visit the Galeries Lafayette: – or explore the Covered Galleries

Know where to find the covered arcades (map included)

The Galeries Lafayette is a high-end luxury Department Store and is the perfect place to take a shopping break! It customers with its fabulous Belle Epoche interior and decadent decorations. Especially around Christmas Time, when you can find Paris biggest Christmas tree right in the center of the store.

Not only does the Galerie Lafayette offer a plethora of fashion and lifestyle shops, but also an incredible rooftop terrace with a breathtaking view of the whole city – completely free of charge! So if you’re looking for some retail therapy, head over to Galeries Lafayette for the ultimate indulgence.

But, you could also explore some beautiful covered Arcades in Paris. The glass-covered galleries date back to the 19th century, when the Parisian high society could shop in more than 180 of these weatherproof shopping streets.

Today, only around 20 are left, and are a wonderful destination if you are either looking for an activity for rainy days. But also, if you look for exclusive boutiques and gift shops that are off the beaten track. Don’t miss our guide on the covered galleries.

#9 Visit the Château de Versailles – or: the Château de Chantilly

Versailles, one of the most popular places to visit in France, is a beautiful, must-see destination. It’s just a short day trip from Paris away, which makes it obviously very popular for everyone who visits Paris.

The extravagant palace not only offers impressive architecture but equally mesmerizing gardens that make for an enchanting sight. The Hall of Mirrors inside the castle is as beautiful as the cute Hameau de la Reine, that you find in the gardens.

It’s the fairytale-like rustic retreat of Marie Antoinette, that dates back to the 18th century.

Or: You could visit the lesser-known Château de Chantilly! You find this small castle in the north of Paris. Just a short 30-minute train ride away and a perfect getaway from Paris.

In Chantilly, you can explore rooms full of French antiques and intricate artwork collected by Henry d’Orléans over the centuries. The Musée de Condé, the museum inside the castle, is one of the biggest art collections in France. Among others, you even find 2 original paintings from Raphael.

But the estate has as well a beautifully landscaped garden, smaller than Versailles, but not less pretty.

So if you fancy taking a break from sightseeing in the City of Lights, head on out to Versailles or Chantilly. for an unforgettable day out exploring storybook-like landscapes and centuries-old gardens.

⪼ see this cool bucket list with the most popular things to do in Paris that I created for GetYourGuide

#10 Take a Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing tour, or: take a tour in a vintage 2CV

Book your Sightseeing Tour: Bus Tour | Vintage Car Tour

If you want to see much of Paris in a short time, a sightseeing tour is the absolute best thing to do. But it’s also a good idea to go on a tour if you would like to get a good first impression of Paris, or if you wish to wrap up your stay.

Either way, the most popular sightseeing tour is to simply join a Hop on Hop off bus tour.

But, if you are keen on a more tailored and private experience, the loveliest and most iconic tour you can take is in a classic vintage 2CV.

Tip: take the tour at night. I live in Paris and driving around at night gives me still goosebumps, after all those years.

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