by Nipun Dua
Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to charming cafes, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this beautiful city.
But with so many tourists flocking to Paris every year, it can be difficult to experience and appreciate the true local culture.Sometimes we just hate more the crowded attractions and feel just to skip the popular sites and head straight for the best off-the-beaten-path spots.
These activities will give you a taste of authentic Parisian culture so you can see the city from a different perspective.
Bois de Vincennes is a large park located in the eastern part of Paris. It’s the perfect spot for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city center.
You can go for a walk, have a picnic or visit the largest Buddha in Europe. It’s even home to one of the most overlooked castles, Château of Vincennes.
But our favorite thing to do here is rent a paddle boat and cruise around Lac Daumesnil. There’s also a small structure called Temple Romantique de l’Île de Reuilly. It’s the most picturesque spot in the park. You can visit it for free or admire it from the shore.
If you’re looking for a charming, old-style street you’ll find tons in Paris. The most popular is Rue de l’Abreuvoir in Montmartre. But it is so crowded it’s impossible to appreciate.
So, we went looking for some quieter streets and the most beautiful we found was Rue des Thermopyles. This small, cobblestoned street is lined with quaint homes and colorfully painted doors.
And, if you’re visiting Paris during the summer, the street overflows with hanging vines and potted flowers.
It may seem odd to visit a cemetery on your Paris trip, but Cimetière du Père-Lachaise is not your average graveyard. It’s the final resting place for many famous figures such as Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf.
The architecture of the tombs and mausoleums are more like works of art than graves. And if you go early in the morning, you’ll have the entire place to yourself.
Most people head to the Eiffel Tower for a panoramic view of Paris, but I prefer Belvédère de Belleville. It’s free and you’ll get an unobstructed 180-degree view of the city.
Most don’t know about this spot because it’s located in a residential neighborhood. And it’s a good 10-minute climb to the top.
We recommend entering the park near Jardin de Pali Kao. From there you’ll follow a series of winding paths – by far the most scenic way to get to this viewpoint.
La Petite Ceinture or, “the little belt,” is a 20-mile long abandoned railway that encircles the city. It’s been closed since 1934, but you can still access certain parts of it.
There are various entry points throughout the city, and one of my favorites is in the 15th arrondissement. It’s a linear walkway that is maintained entirely by the residents. They’ve planted small gardens with flowers that are native to the region, and let nature take over the rest.
When you hear about cathedrals in Paris, or even France in general, some of the first that come to mind are Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte Chapelle. If you’ve ever been to either one, you’ll know they are always overcrowded.
Luckily there’s a church that’s not too far from either of these that is just as beautiful.
Église Saint-Louis-en-l’Île is a hidden gem located on the Île Saint-Louis. Of all the churches we’ve been to in France, it’s one of the most elegant.
The church was built in the 17th century but much of it was destroyed during the French Revolution. It has since been restored and is absolutely beautiful, with an interior coated in gold and marble.
While it is a beautiful city, it’s always nice to escape its busy streets for a day trip from Paris.
And what better place than Strasbourg? Located near the German border, this quaint Alsatian town has a unique blend of French and German influences. It’s known for its charming half-timbered houses, winding canals and savory cuisine.
Spend the day wandering through the La Petite France district, go on a boat tour of the Ill River and try some of the local specialties like tarte flambée.
But no trip to Strasbourg is complete without climbing its Notre Dame Cathedral. From here you’ll have sweeping panoramas over the city.
Paris has a whole district dedicated to graffiti and murals – Boulevard Paris 13.
This area is filled with large-scale murals by local and international street artists. It’s a great spot to take a stroll and admire the unique pieces scattered throughout the neighborhood.
Helpful tip: Most of the murals are along Boulevard Vincent Auriol near the metro stop Nationale.
If you’re an art lover, then you know Paris is full of fantastic art museums. But what about local artists?
Located in the heart of Paris, 59 Rivoli is a collective space where emerging artists can showcase and sell their work. There are over 30 local artists with studios spread across six floors.
It’s entirely unconventional and we loved how the building was covered in different murals. From the walls to the stairs, even the railing was painted with a fun design.
It’s a great place to support local talent and find unique pieces to bring back home.
Entry is free but donations are accepted to help support the artists and the upkeep of the building.
This expansive park is in the 19th arrondissement and offers a lot of green space, walking paths and playgrounds.
There’s also the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, a science museum that has tons of hands-on activities and an IMAX theatre.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, La Villette is also home to iFLY – an indoor skydiving facility.
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