Paris is possibly one of the most sought-after cities to visit. With things like the top places to see like the Eiffel Tower, embracing its romantic image and finding a good restaurant with a view. These all make it a focal point when thinking of visiting France, but there really is so much more to the city than these fabulous spots. Now, if you’re anything like me, you’ll love seeing all the popular sites but you’ll also be hankering to find some of the more unique things to do in Paris.
As you’ve probably guessed, your time in France doesn’t have to be filled with macaroons, pretty desserts or the Mona Lisa, not that there’s anything wrong with them, but there’s soooooo much more. So, after heading up the Eiffel Tower, make sure to see some of these more unique spots you’ll love.
Take a look at some of the unique things to do in Paris, below. 🇫🇷
1.) Wander through the Catacombs
Holding the skeletons of over 6,000,000 people, the Catacombs in Paris are one of the most unique (but pretty macabre) spots you should think of visiting. Let’s be honest, it’s completely different to places like the Eiffel Tower, but not less relevant to the history of the city.
You will usually find a queue to enter the catacombs, so make sure to plan your visit just as it opens or just before it closes. If you can avoid weekend, please do so. After all, no one likes waiting in a queue.
2.) Watch the sunrise over Sacré-Cœur
Sacré-Cœur is pretty well-known but it’s definitely one of the unique spots you’ve got to see. Completed in the earlier part of the 20th Century, Sacré-Cœur might not be too old but it’s still a beautiful spot to visit.
If you want to avoid the crowds, make sure to visit early in the morning. Sacré-Cœur opens every day around 6 am making which is great if you want to see the sunrise over the city.
3.) Wander around Chateau de Chantilly
Nestled within the Chantilly Forest, just north of Paris itself is the Chateau de Chantilly. A gorgeous place to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris for the relaxed and grand charm of the commune itself.
It won’t take you long at all to visit, especially from Paris. It takes less than 25 minutes on the train from Gard Du Nord Station but feels like a world away from the city. Wander around the gorgeous buildings, stop off for some pastries and coffee or even head out on a horse ride.
You’ll love this place.
4.) Grab Cheeses from Marché Bastille
One of the biggest Markets in the city is Marché Bastille and a spot you definitely shouldn’t miss if you’re looking for some of the more unique things to do in Paris.
The Market itself is open on Thursday from 7 am-2.30 pm; and Sunday, 7 am-3 pm. Personally, I find this market best to grab some local cheeses and a few bottle of wine for the time in the city.
There’s nothing better than having a cheeky glass of vino and a tummy full of cheese.
5.) See a concert at Philharmonie
If you love your music, you’ll love the Philharmonie. Perched in the north-east of the city, within Parc de Villette, it’s truly a unique venue to experience some of the best symphonic performances from across the world.
It’s a total one-of-a-kind venue and a place that’s
6.) See the Statue of Liberty
Yep, you read that right. You can actually visit the Statue of Liberty in Paris… though, it’s a little smaller than its big sister across the pond. Head over to Pont de Grenelle and see the gift that the USA gave to France in celebration of their friendship.
Oh yeah, I nearly forgot, you can also see the Liberty Flame, which is identical to the new flame that Lady Liberty holds in New York City. It’s right next to Pont de l’Alma bridge. You can’t miss it.
7.)Go inside the Museum of History and Medicine
Well over, 100 years old, is The Museum of the History of Medicine -which is pretty different from the likes of the Louvre. Pop inside.
The museum is housed in a beautiful hall and situated within the previous Universite de Paris-Descartes’ Faculty of Medicine. It really is one of the more unique things to do in Paris. Especially when it comes to museums.
8.) See the, I love you wall
Right by the metro stop, Abbesses and not too far from the Moulin Rouge is the ‘I Love You’ wall. It’s not the biggest wall or biggest piece of art, but it’s a great spot to see and take someone special. Especially when you’re leaning into that romantic vibe of the city. 💛
You probably won’t spend longer than 10-minutes here, so it’s a great pitstop to see when you’re in the area.
9.) View Paris Through A Clockface
Within the popular Musée d’Orsay is the stunning view through the clock (which was once a train station). Head to the clock face itself, take a peek through the face and see a view that’s one of the unique things to do in Paris… well, for views anyway.
You’ll even spot some of the major landmarks and even the silhouette of Sacré Coeur.
10.) Find proof that the earth spins
Yup, Paris is home to one of the first Pendulum’s that proved the earth spins around. Pop into the Panthéon to see a full-scale copy of the original (now at Musée des Arts et Métiers) and learn more about this experiment.
If physics isn’t your thing, make sure to wander around the Panthéon itself. The building is stunning.
11.) Walk over an old prison
Crossing the River Seine, Pont Concord Bridge is an unassuming 18th Century bridge that’s got a shed load of history within it. Literally. The structure itself was made (rather eerily) from the remnants of the infamous Bastille Prison. Meaning that you can actually walk over the remnants of a historic prison.
After crossing the bridge, make a pitstop at the Palais Bourbon with its classic design. On certain days, you might even be lucky enough to join a tour.
