15 things to do in Paris that only locals know

If you’re like most people, when you think of visiting Paris, the first things that come to mind are the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and other iconic tourist attractions.

But what about those hidden gems that only locals know about?

Here is a list of 10 non-touristy things to do in Paris that will show you the city from a whole new perspective. So put on your best “I’m not a tourist” face and get ready to explore!

15. Get your picnic on at the Canal Saint-Martin

Paris is known for its outdoor cafes, but there are less well-known spots to enjoy a meal more casually.

One of these is the Canal Saint-Martin where you can have a more local experience by bringing your own food or grabbing something from one of the street vendors along the path.

It’s a little more low-key than eating out on the Champs Elysees but just as fun!

Picnicing in Paris is a must and definitely a fun (and inexpensive) non-touristy thing to do while visiting Paris.

14. People watch at Place de la République

One of the things that is so great about Paris is how many people there are and you can see them all in action by watching them at République. This plaza is known for its large fountain and the lively atmosphere it attracts, which makes for great people-watching opportunities.

Don’t worry about looking creepy, people-watching is very common in Paris. In fact, most chairs at outdoor cafes are faced towards the street, making people-watching easy as ever!

There are plenty of local bars and cafes in this area as well if you’d like to have a drink or a coffee while admiring the people passing by on the streets in front of you.

⚡ Read more: The best (cheap) bars in Paris

13. Admire the magnificent murals in Le Marais

Paris has some amazing street art adorning its walls around the city, but one of the best places to find impressive murals is in Le Marais.

This neighborhood is home to many galleries, shops, cafés and historical sites; the perfect place to get lost for hours.

Best of all? You can find some truly spectacular things hidden among the graffiti, like this “Where’s Waldo” mural where you’ll need to look closely to find him!

12. Explore Paris’ nerdier side at La Cité des Sciences

Speaking of things to do in Paris that are a bit off the beaten path…there is definitely something nerdy about this city, but not in the sense you might find in New York or other major US cities.

While things like comic book conventions and other things associated with fandom culture are starting to take hold here, it’s still more science-y than anything else.

La Cité des Sciences is a great example of this and something that makes for things to do in Paris that are more on the quirky side. It’s like a huge science museum with IMAX shows, except it also has things like an aquarium and planetarium too!

Definitely a great idea to keep in mind when looking for non-touristy things to do in Paris!

11. Find some unexpected artwork at Rue Crémieux

Speaking of things to do in Paris that are artsy, Rue Crémieux is a street that has some truly special things hiding among the shops. There are countless art galleries on this street, but what makes it unique are the murals painted by artists on many of the buildings themselves.

On Rue Crémieux you’ll find things like a mural of Audrey Hepburn and another one of famous French singer Édith Piaf.

10. Enjoy traditional French food at Le Comptoir du Panthéon

Going out for dinner is fun, but things to do in Paris that don’t involve eating are equally as rewarding! One such thing is visiting this historic site, known for having some of the best (and most affordable) traditional French food in the city.

Skip the crowded and often overpriced restaurants in the tourist neighborhoods and come here for a great meal and a more authentic experience!

⚡ Related read: 46 Most Famous French Foods to Try in Paris

9. Experience live jazz at La Maroquinerie

You can’t go wrong with things to do in Paris that involve music, but if you’re looking for things to do outside of the city’s more well-known venues this is a great place to check out.

La Maroquinerie is a small club that, while not located in the most glamorous part of town, has some incredible jazz shows.

This is just another one of many non-touristy things to do in Paris, and something worth checking out if you want things to do on a weekday night!

⚡ Related read: The 25 Best Bars in Paris for A Night Out

8. Hunt for treasure at Marché aux Puces de Vanves

There are a ton of things to do in Paris that involve shopping, and also lots of things to do in Paris that involve history; what about doing something that includes both? That’d be Marché aux Puces de Vanves!

If you’re looking for things to do in Paris that will give you the full flea market experience, this is where it’s at! You can find things like old records and books here, or things like vintage clothing and furniture that aren’t always easy to come by in other spots.

The best part? You can bargain for things here! This is a great choice for those looking for classic Parisan souvenirs to bring home from their trip.

7. Take in some history at the Hôtel des Invalides

Speaking of things to do in Paris with a historical twist, try visiting one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Hôtel des Invalides.

This site is home to things like Napoléon Bonaparte’s tomb along with a military museum and things to do in Paris that have to do with history.

6. Watch the sunset from the Seine River

Another cool non-touristy thing to do in Paris is watching the sunset from the Seine River.

Many of the things to do in Paris that are free (or nearly free) can be found alongside the river. You can find both tourists and Paris locals hanging out here during sunset, which makes it a unique place to visit, especially if things have been hectic during the rest of your trip.

⚡ Related read: The Best Seine River Dinner Cruise in Paris (My Review)

5. Get outside at Jardin du Luxembourg

Get outside and enjoy what the city has to offer when it comes to things like nature and parks.

Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the biggest and most popular parks in Paris, but it’s also got things like a casino or puppet theater!

You can even rent a boat here if you’re interested in things to do on the Seine River that are more active (and scenic).

4. Go to a museum that’s not on the typical list of things to do in Paris

It sounds silly, but even things like things you can find at Centre Pompidou or Musée du Louvre might be things you’re looking for aren’t things that locals typically visit!

I recommend things like Musée des Egouts de Paris – a museum dedicated to things like the history of the city’s sewer systems!

It’s things like this that will lead you down streets and paths less traveled, giving you things to do in Paris that are truly unique.

3. Go on a hunt for vintage or retro things to do in Paris

Paris is home to many things, but one thing it definitely isn’t short on is antique shops and things to do in Paris that involve things like vintage shopping.

Châtelet-Les Halles is a great place to start your finds, but you can also try things like Montmartre for things like this cool market.

2. Have a drink at Café des Deux Moulins

There are things to do in Paris that involve things you can find anywhere, but things to do in Paris that are more unique?

That’d be things like this café where Audrey Hepburn’s character from the film, Amélie, worked! This is one of many things to do in Paris that are popular with tourists, but also are not as saturated as more common cafés like La Maison Rose and Café de Flore.

⚡ Related read: 10 Best Hotel Bars in Paris for a Luxe Night Out

1. Go clubbing at the oldest club in Paris

If things to do in Paris have anything to do with things like dancing and things like clubs and bars, then things to do in Paris don’t get more authentic than go clubbing at the oldest club in Paris: Le Bal.

This place is practically a museum, and it’s things like this that make things to do in Paris seem more exciting.

It’s easy to see things like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Arc de Triomphe while things to do in Paris. But if you really want to get a sense of what it’s like to be a local here, try out some of these local attractions instead for a more authentic feel of the city.