Unusual Things to Do in Paris

When venturing beyond the iconic landmarks, Paris reveals its lesser-known treasures, offering a fresh perspective on the City of Light. Delve into the cobblestone alleys of Le Marais, where hidden courtyards and vintage boutiques await discovery. For a unique encounter with history, the covered passages of Paris, like Passage des Panoramas, provide a glimpse into the 19th-century Parisian life, nestled amidst modern hustle. Art enthusiasts will revel in the secret atelier of 59 Rivoli, where contemporary artists work and exhibit in a space that’s as unconventional as their creations. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Promenade Plantée, an elevated park built on an old railway line, offering serene walks and splendid views, far from the typical tourist trails. These hidden gems exemplify the unusual things to do in Paris, each turn and corner a promise of something uniquely enchanting.

Paris is not only about its globally renowned culinary classics; the city also beckons the adventurous foodie with its array of unique dining experiences. For those looking to dive into the unusual side of Parisian cuisine, the city’s landscape is dotted with eateries that defy the ordinary. A visit to Dans le Noir? offers a dining experience in complete darkness, served by visually impaired waiters, challenging your senses and altering your perception of taste and smell. Another culinary oddity is the ice restaurant, Ice Kube Bar, where the temperature and the vodka-based cocktails served in ice glasses offer a chilling yet thrilling experience.

For a taste of something truly Parisian but less known, seek out a traditional French guinguette—a riverside open-air café that combines rustic food, live music, and dancing, offering a glimpse into the local culture away from the typical tourist spots. Adventurous eaters might also be intrigued by the city’s occasional insect tasting workshops, where you can experience the sustainable protein source of the future.

And for those with a penchant for the sweeter things in life, Paris hides several speakeasy-style dessert bars, where entry is gained through secret codes or hidden doors, offering an exclusive atmosphere to enjoy innovative and decadent treats. Each of these experiences not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides stories to take back home, epitomizing the unusual things to do in Paris for the gastronomically adventurous.

For those intrigued by the odd and extraordinary, Paris offers a selection of quirky museums that are far removed from the mainstream tourist attractions. Among these hidden cultural gems, the Musée des Égouts de Paris invites visitors to explore the city’s underbelly through its ancient sewer system, offering a unique perspective on Parisian history and engineering. Another standout is the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, located in the Marais district, which combines fine arts with the themes of hunting and nature, featuring an eclectic mix of taxidermy, antique firearms, and contemporary art.

For a more macabre experience, the Musée des Moulages Dermatologiques de l’Hôpital Saint-Louis displays a collection of wax anatomical models depicting various skin diseases, a fascinating albeit slightly unsettling look at the history of dermatology. The Musée de la Magie offers a magical escape into the world of illusion with its array of optical illusions, vintage magic posters, and artifacts related to magic shows, including a secret passage that leads to a private magic show.

Lastly, the Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris, though more mainstream, contains odd and intriguing exhibits related to the history of Paris, including peculiar personal artifacts and eccentric pieces that narrate the city’s past in an unconventional manner. Each of these museums presents an opportunity to discover the unusual things to do in Paris, providing a delightful escape for those looking to venture beyond the typical tourist experience and dive into the city’s quirky cultural offerings.

For a truly immersive Parisian experience, stepping off the conventional tourist path offers a unique adventure through some of the city’s most intriguing and less-traveled locales. Taking off-the-beaten-path tours allows visitors to uncover the layers of Paris often overlooked by the usual guides. One such excursion is the exploration of the city’s fascinating catacombs, far beneath the bustling streets, where history is etched into the underground ossuaries, creating a haunting yet mesmerizing journey through time.

Another option for those seeking the unconventional is a guided tour of La Petite Ceinture, an abandoned railway that encircles Paris. This forgotten relic of urban development has become a secret garden, offering a serene and green escape, peppered with street art, away from the city’s cacophony.

For a closer look at the artistic side of Paris that veers off the traditional gallery and museum tours, consider discovering the city’s vibrant street art scene. Several tours can guide you through the colorful and dynamic districts of Belleville and Ménilmontant, showcasing internationally acclaimed murals and local underground artists, revealing a contemporary pulse of the city.

Lastly, for a taste of Parisian life from a local’s perspective, immersive neighborhood tours conducted by residents offer an unparalleled insight into the daily rhythms, hidden cafes, and artisanal shops of areas like the Canal Saint-Martin or the up-and-coming 13th arrondissement. These tours not only highlight the architectural and cultural diversity of Paris but also provide a narrative on the evolution of these neighborhoods, blending history with modern-day anecdotes.

These off-the-beaten-path tours encapsulate the essence of discovering unusual things to do in Paris, inviting travelers to venture beyond the emblematic attractions and dive into the city’s rich tapestry of hidden stories and locales. Each provides a distinct flavor of Paris, seen through the lens of its lesser-known but equally captivating sights and stories.