20 Places For Your Paris Bucket List That Aren’t the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre
If you’re coming to Paris for the first time or even the fiftieth, it’s always helpful to have a plan of what you want to see. After all, there is a lot of Paris to see, and you’ll never fit it all into one trip. And as much as I love the famous attractions, finding those hidden gems tucked away off the main streets is so exciting.
From bookshops in 12th-century alleyways to teashops with views of the Seine River, there is so much to enjoy in Paris. And that’s before you get started on the restaurants and cafes. One restaurant even has Napoleon’s hat in the entrance, which he left there after one of his many visits.
If you only have limited time in Paris, you’ll want to create an itinerary that mixes tourist attractions with secret spots only locals know. That way, you cover all bases. So let’s dive in and help you tick some items off your Paris bucket list.
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Take the Latin Quarter Private Guided Walking Tour I did and loved!
20 Hotspots For Your Paris Bucket List
As I mentioned, I’m not going to talk about the usual suspects, such as seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre.
And I’m not going to be cliche and tell you to book a table at one of the restaurants at the Eiffel Tower.
Instead, I’m going to give you something a little different for your Paris itinerary. I’ll be suggesting places you may not know but will be glad you’ve discovered once you’ve been.
My Top 3 Picks: The Ultimate Paris Bucket List
No 1. Do A Tour of the Latin Quarter
Most people will tell you to start off in the first arrondissement, and whilst I know there is a lot there, I’d rather start in the 5th in the Latin Quarter of Paris, which is, without a doubt, my favourite place to hang out. It’s been featured in lots of movies, including Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris, one of my favorite movies.
It’s central to so many things and is within walking distance from Notre Dame, The Panthéon, and the Seine River.
When I was last in Paris, I stayed in the Latin Quarter as I was only there for 24 hours and wanted to walk around my favorite spots.
My hotel, Minerve Hotel, was perfectly located, just around the corner from St Etienne du Mont, an area featured heavily in Midnight in Paris. It was only a three-star but really cute, quiet, and clean, so perfect for a one-night stay.
And if you’re a fan of Emily in Paris, you’ll find Emily’s apartment in Place de l’Estrapade, also in the Latin Quarter. It’s seen a surge of popularity, and tourists flock there throughout the year.
If you’re short on time and aren’t sure what to see in this arrondissement, I highly recommend doing what I did and taking a private walking tour.
No 2. Shakespeare and Company
We’re sticking with the Latin Quarter and Shakespeare and Company bookshop, the original American bookstore in Paris. This place has an amazing amount of history dating back to the early 20th century.
Many famous writers sought refuge here, sleeping in the shop and joining the ranks of the tumbleweeds as they were known.
I spent a very happy couple of hours there on my last trip on the upstairs floor, the reading area, where I had a spectacular view of Notre Dame. It’s also a stop on the Latin Quarter Private Guided Walking Tour I did a year or so ago.
No 3. Abbey Bookshop
Another gorgeous bookshop worth seeing, also in the Latin Quarter, is Abbey Bookshop. It opened in 1989 and is run by a Canadian. It’s housed in an old 18th-century building and is on a street that was originally the hub of the Paris book trade from the 12th century.
You’ll feel as though you’re stepping into another world as you walk through the doors. The history of the building fills the air, and the shelves, narrow though they are, are jam-packed with books from all disciplines. It’s a fun place to explore.
There are several English bookshops in Paris, and they’re all different but worth a visit.
No 4. Odette’s Tearoom
If, after all the walking, you’re starting to get hungry, my next two suggestions will help.
Odette’s tearoom is just around the corner from Shakespeare’s and is beyond cute.
But it only sells one thing, and that’s cream puffs. It’s famous for them, and I can completely see why, as they are delicious.
What a lot of people don’t realize is that there is a staircase behind the counter, and if you go up to the top floor, you can eat your cream puffs with a view of Notre Dame, which is across the road.
No 5. Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole, Île de la Cité
If the sight of a flower-covered Parisian cafe stops you from scrolling on Instagram, you’ll love Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole. In the spring and summer, it’s covered in wisteria and is jaw-droppingly gorgeous.
The purple chairs outside add to the riot of color going on, and it’s impossible not to stop and look if you happen to stumble across them.
Founded in 1512 it sits on one of the oldest streets in Paris, Rue Chanoinesse
It’s just as lovely inside, taking you on a trip back in time. The décor is a curated collection of antiques and memorabilia with an eclectic mix of furnishings, from plush, velvet-upholstered chairs to rustic wooden tables and vintage paintings and photographs whisper tales of the generations that have dined here.
No 6. The Bouquinistes and the River Seine
A few minutes’ walk from Notre Dame and Au Vieux Paris is the Seine River with the Bouquinistes, the iconic green book seller units.
Each box unfolds to reveal shelves crammed with books, magazines, posters, and postcards, many of which are rare or second-hand treasures. This open-air bookshop spans several kilometers, mainly along the Left and Right Banks of the Seine, from the Pont Marie to the Quai du Louvre on the Right Bank and from the Quai de la Tournelle to the Quai Voltaire on the Left Bank.
The sellers, often passionate about their collections, are happy to share anecdotes about the city’s history, culture, and literary traditions. For book lovers and history buffs like me, browsing through the different collections indulges my love affair with books and the arts.
No 7. Montmartre & Artist’s Square
It’s a toss-up between the Latin Quarter and Montmartre for me when it comes to my favorite arrondissements. But I usually manage to get a quick visit in when I’m there.
Its bohemian atmosphere and cobbled streets can’t fail to draw you in.
Montmartre’s heart and soul is in Artist’s Square, an outdoor gallery, where the air is filled with the scent of oil paint and the sounds of sketch pencils on canvas. Artists set up their easels each day, offering on-the-spot portraits, landscapes, and caricatures. Quaint cafés and shops surround the square, and it’s just as lovely sipping a vin chaud (mulled wine) in winter as it is a glass of chilled rosé in the summer.
Walking through Montmartre, with its vy-clad buildings and winding streets, feels like wandering through a painting.
It’s been a magnet for artists, writers, and bohemians for over a century, including:
- Pablo Picasso: Before he became one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Picasso lived and worked in Montmartre, particularly in the Bateau-Lavoir, a commune for artists. It was here he painted one of his most famous works, “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.”
- Vincent van Gogh: The Dutch post-impressionist painter lived with his brother Theo in Montmartre during the 1880s. This period was incredibly productive for him, as he explored the effects of light and colour in his paintings.
- Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: Known for his vivid and colourful depictions of Parisian nightlife, Toulouse-Lautrec lived and worked in Montmartre. He famously captured the spirited life of places like the Moulin Rouge in his paintings and posters.
- Édith Piaf: The French singer, known as “The Little Sparrow,” was said to have been born under a street lamp on the steps of Rue de Belleville. Piaf spent her early years in and around Montmartre.
- Amélie Poulain: While not a real person, the character Amélie from the film “Amélie” (Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain) brought the charm of Montmartre to audiences around the world. The movie showcases many of Montmartre’s quaint streets and cafes, contributing to the area’s global fame.
No 8. The Wall of Love
The Wall of Love, known as “Le Mur des Je t’aime” in French, is an art installation nestled in the heart of Montmartre, within the Jehan Rictus garden square. Created by artist Frédéric Baron and calligrapher Claire Kito, this monument to love was inaugurated in 2000 as a rendezvous for lovers and a symbol of love’s universality.
Frédéric Baron dreamt up the idea by first collecting more than 300 “I love yous” in different languages by knocking on the doors of embassies and asking his friends to write the phrase in their native dialects.
Later, with the help of Claire Kito, a calligrapher, these declarations were artistically inscribed onto the wall’s surface. The mural is composed of 612 squares of enamelled lava, covering a surface area of 40 square meters. It features the phrase “I love you” written more than 311 times in 250 languages.
It also made an appearance in Season 3 of Emily in Paris.
No 9. Sacré Cœur
There is something very special about the Sacré Cœur and I’ve been a couple of times. There is nearly always a queue to get in, and it’s often better to go during the off-season so you don’t have to queue.
It also happens to have one of the most spectacular views of Paris, but it’s a climb of 222 steps, so do what I do and take the funicular to the top. Plus, if you have a metro ticket, you can use it for free.
There is a great scene in the movie Monte Carlo that features the steps leading up to Sacré-Cœur.
Compared to many other churches in France, it’s relatively young. Construction of the Sacré-Cœur began in 1875 and was completed in 1914, though it was not consecrated until after the end of World War I in 1919.
The basilica was intended as a symbol of hope and penance for the country following the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 and the subsequent upheaval of the Paris Commune. It was intended to expiate the crimes of the Commune and restore France’s moral standing.
If you go inside, it’s as though a kind of peace comes over you, and I often sit there for quite a while, letting that feeling wash over me.
No 10. Moulin Rouge
As you walk back down from Montmartre, you can’t miss the Moulin Rouge, the iconic red windmill. I went to a show there for hubby’s birthday back in 2017, and it was fantastic. I’d always wanted to go and, I wasn’t disappointed, although it was probably more for me than hubby, but never mind.
If you get the chance to go, I highly recommend going for dinner and the show. It’s not cheap, but the atmosphere and just being there were worth it. This is the package I booked, and it was great because it picked you up from where you were staying in Paris, so you didn’t have to deal with the Metro late at night.
No 11. Palace of Versailles
I’m obsessed with Marie Antoinette, so a trip to Versailles was always on the cards for me, and I’ve been a few times now, as the first time it was too cold to see the gardens.
If you decide to go, don’t leave your tickets to chance, as the queues have always been big each time I’ve been.
However, when you book the golf cart tour I did, there is no queuing; you’re straight in, which I loved.
Try to go in Spring or Autumn, when the weather is still good but it’s less crowded, so you aren’t pushed and shoved. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see the Hall of Mirrors without anyone in there.
It isn’t actually in Paris itself, and you’ll need to take the train to the village of Versailles using the RER. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time, as our train was cancelled and it meant we were very nearly late.
▶︎ Book the Private Palace of Versailles & Gardens Tour in a Golf Cart
No 12. Pere Lachaise
Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Paris and is as much a walk through history as it is a final resting place for many famous people. Established in 1804 by Napoleon Bonaparte, it spans 44 hectares and is renowned for its serene, tree-lined avenues and ornate tombs.
You’ll find plenty of names you recognize, including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Frédéric Chopin. You’ll also find Heloise and Abelard, the 12th-century French Romeo and Juliet.
It’s a beautiful, peaceful place, but a word of warning: don’t try to do it on your own as I did. Not only was it incredibly hard to find the main graves, but I had absolutely no idea where things were, despite having a map and planning out my route.
Friends of mine did this tour and said it was excellent, as they saw the main graves but also some they added personally.
No 13. Catacombs
I’d wanted to do a tour of the Catacombs for ages but had never been able to get a ticket. They get booked up weeks in advance and will only let a set number of people in at a time.
Unfortunately, some of the areas aren’t open to the public unless you’re on a private tour, and having done one, I’d say it was definitely worthwhile.
Plus, the stories your tour guide can give you are things you won’t hear on the self-guided tour audio. I learnt so much about the Catacombs on my tour that I would never have found out otherwise.
One thing to remember is you’re quite a way underground, so it can get cold. Plus, you aren’t allowed to take big bags down there with you, just in case you decide to pop one of the millions of skulls into your bag.
No 14. Opera Garnier
Phantom of the Opera was one of the first musicals I saw on the London stage when I was a child, and the story was set in Palais Garnier, the opera house in Paris.
Last year in December, my daughter and I took a Christmas trip to Paris and did the full Phantom Tour, and it was fantastic.
Our guide was superb and told us all sorts of stories about the goings on at the opera house, some spookier than others.
Inaugurated in 1875, it was designed by Charles Garnier for Emperor Napoleon III as part of the great Parisian reconstruction project undertaken by Baron Haussmann. The inside is stunning with marble, gold leaf, and velvet, a fabulous grand staircase, a magnificent chandelier, and Marc Chagall’s stunning ceiling painting in the main auditorium.
No 15. Musée des Arts Forains
There are more museums in Paris than you can shake a stick at, but this is one of my favorites.
Located in the Bercy neighborhood of Paris, it’s a fairground museum that transports you into the whimsical world of vintage fairgrounds, carousels, and amusement rides from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Founded by Jean-Paul Favand, an antiques dealer and collector, the museum opened to the public in 1996 and is housed within the former Bercy wine warehouses.
This privately owned museum is unlike any other in Paris, offering an interactive experience where visitors can not only admire but also engage with the exhibits.
The collection includes beautifully restored carousels, century-old bicycles, German swings, and Venetian gondolas from old amusement parks and fairs. One of the highlights is the Saloon Carrousel, a magical merry-go-round in the Belle Époque style.
My favorite movie, Midnight in Paris, filmed a party scene here, which is how I first discovered it.
Entry is by reservation only, so you’ll need to book a ticket in advance.
No 16. Observation Deck Montparnasse Tower
Whenever I catch the train to Paris from my home in the Charente, I always come into Gare Montparnasse. Right outside the station is the Montparnasse Tower, the city’s only skyscraper.
It stands at 210 meters, and the Observation Deck is on the 56th floor, offering unparalleled 360-degree views of Paris. You can stand outside and see iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe.
And did I mention the elevator that takes you up there is the fastest in Europe?
The tower itself was completed in 1973 and quickly became a subject of much debate, as is normal in Paris, due to its modern style, which stood in stark contrast to Paris’s traditional architecture.
No 17. Musee d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is on the left bank of the Seine and housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900. The museum was inaugurated in 1986.
It is renowned for housing the world’s largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces. The works of celebrated artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Edouard Manet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Paul Cézanne grace its halls, offering a comprehensive overview of French art from 1848 to 1914.
It fascinates me to think that the halls, which once served as platforms and waiting rooms, now provide an exceptional backdrop for the artworks. It’s well worth a visit.
No 18. Musee du Chocolat
A museum dedicated to chocolate, what’s not to love? I’ve learned quite a bit about French chocolate and how it arrived in Paris, so I was excited to visit.
It traces the evolution of chocolate from its origins as a bitter drink consumed by ancient civilisations in Central and South America to its status as a beloved sweet treat around the world today.
You’ll get a comprehensive historical overview, detailing how chocolate was revered by the Aztecs and Mayans, introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers, and transformed into the confections we enjoy today. The museum showcases an impressive collection of artefacts, including ancient utensils for preparing chocolate, historic chocolate advertisements, and moulds that highlight the craft’s evolution.
Your ticket price includes a chocolate-making demonstration and a tasting at the end.
No 19. Eat at a Bouillon Restaurant
If you want to eat in a restaurant that offers some of the most famous French dishes at a price that won’t make you faint but allows you to sit in a stunningly beautiful Belle Époque building, go to a bouillon.
Bouillons began as a concept in the late 19th century, originating from simple establishments that served bouillon, a clear, seasoned broth intended to restore health and vitality. These establishments rapidly evolved into popular restaurants that offered affordable, hearty meals to the working-class population of Paris.
The charm of Bouillon restaurants lies in their ability to preserve the essence of Parisian dining culture at its most accessible. They serve traditional French cuisine, emphasising quality, simplicity, and flavour.
French favorites like coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, and escargot are staples, offering a taste of classic French culinary traditions without the hefty price tag often associated with fine dining in Paris.
The first Bouillon restaurant, Bouillon Chartier, founded in 1896, is an institution in its own right, maintaining an ambience that transports diners back to the Belle Époque with its mirrored walls, high ceilings, and vintage décor.
The appeal of Bouillon restaurants has seen a resurgence in recent years, and I’ve now been to four of them. I try to go to one every time I visit Paris.
No 20. Les Deux Magots Café
If you love the idea of the Lost Generation in Paris, you have to visit Deux Magots Café. It is an iconic café in Paris, steeped in literary and intellectual history. Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, it has been a Parisian staple since its transformation from a drapery shop to a café in 1885.
The name “Les Deux Magots” comes from the two Chinese figurines inside, offering a glimpse into the café’s eclectic and artistic spirit.
It was a meeting spot for renowned writers and philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Ernest Hemingway.
I had breakfast there in December and couldn’t believe I got to open my laptop and start to write in the place where so many great writers had hung out.
Final thoughts: Bucket List Things To Do In Paris
What appeals to one won’t necessarily appeal to another, but now you have twenty things to select from when thinking about your Paris Bucket List.
And if I had to suggest just three things to add, it would be The Catacombs, Pere Lachaise Cemetery, and Opera Garnier.
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