25 Epic Things to Do in Paris Locals Love

Did you know Parisians walk past 30,000 hidden courtyards daily? These tucked-away gems embody the city’s magic—and most travelers never see them. Forget crowded selfie spots. This guide unlocks the authentic heartbeat of the world’s most romantic capital, blending iconic sights with neighborhood secrets even longtime residents adore.

Paris thrives on experiences, not souvenirs. Imagine kneading dough in a boulangerie workshop or sipping wine where artists debated cubism. Our curated list—vetted by local guides—reveals everything from macaron-making classes to free midnight jazz sessions in cobblestone alleys.

You’ll explore all 20 arrondissements, each with its own flavor. One minute you’re marveling at the Louvre’s pyramid, the next you’re hunting for vintage treasures at Marché aux Puces. We’ve even included an interactive map showing hotel deals and a family-friendly treasure hunt to spark kids’ curiosity.

Ready to ditch the tourist script? Let’s uncover bistros where waiters still greet regulars by name, parks perfect for picnics, and that glowing bookstore locals visit weekly. Paris isn’t just a city—it’s a living story waiting for your chapter.

Experience the Iconic Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel’s 1889 masterpiece towers over Paris not just physically—it’s a layered experience blending history, engineering, and romance. Originally built for the World Fair, this iron lattice giant still sparks wonder with its 674 steps and three sky-high restaurants.

Skip the Long Lines with Timed Tickets

Ditch the endless queues like a pro. Booking timed entry tickets online guarantees elevator access to the second floor. You’ll glide past crowds while guides share stories about the tower’s controversial beginnings. Pro tip: Arrive 10 minutes early—they’re strict about entry windows.

Dine at the Tower’s Restaurants and Enjoy the View

The Tower’s dining scene rivals its views. Jules Verne on the second level serves Michelin-starred seafood with a side of city panoramas. For bubbly thrills, head to the champagne bar atop the structure—locals swear by sunset glasses here. Reservations open three months early.

Choose your ascent: energetic climbs (steps to second floor) or elevators to all levels. After dark, the iron lady sparkles hourly—but photograph carefully! A quirky copyright law technically prohibits night shots. Capture daytime glory from Trocadéro Gardens instead.

Marvel at the Louvre Museum

Few realize this art titan began as a 12th-century fortress protecting Paris from Vikings. Today, its 652,300 square feet hold 35,000 works spanning 9,000 years—from Mesopotamian carvings to Liberty Leading the People. The building itself tells stories: kings expanded it into a palace, revolutionaries turned it into a public museum in 1793, and Nazis later hid stolen treasures here.

Why Expert Guidance Matters

First-timers often get lost within minutes. Private tours solve this with curated routes—you’ll see Venus de Milo and hidden gems like Vermeer’s Lacemaker in 2 hours. Guides share juicy details: how Mona Lisa survived a acid attack, or why her new climate-controlled room (opening 2025) will reduce crowd chaos.

WWII buffs get chills in the Denon Wing. That’s where Nazis stored looted art—guides explain how staff secretly protected pieces. For architecture fans, tours decode I.M. Pei’s glass pyramids and medieval moats still visible underground.

Skip weekends—locals visit Wednesdays when it’s open late. Can’t book a tour? Grab the museum app: its “90-minute masterpieces” path beats wandering aimlessly. Pro tip: Enter via the Carrousel du Louvre mall to avoid pyramid lines.

Explore the Historic Notre-Dame Cathedral

Paris holds its breath as Notre-Dame rises anew. After surviving revolutions, wars, and a catastrophic fire, this 860-year-old marvel reopened its doors in 2024. You’ll find scaffolding still hugging its towers—a living testament to restoration efforts as intricate as the original medieval stonework.

Where Stone Meets Story

Look up at the west façade’s Gothic architecture masterpiece. Each carved apostle and mythical beast whispers secrets—the 13th-century “Gallery of Kings” survived the French Revolution’s iconoclasm. Guides point out bullet marks from 1944’s Liberation of Paris, proving history lives in every crevice.

Though interior access remains limited, you can still:

• Walk the archaeological crypt displaying Roman ruins
• Attend free organ recitals echoing through the nave
• Spot workers restoring rose windows using ancient techniques

Come December 2024, the north tower reopens with new viewing platforms. For now, capture the cathedral’s rebirth from Square Jean XXIII—locals favor this riverside garden for uninterrupted views. Pro tip: Evening visits reveal illuminated arches glowing like liquid gold.

Discover Bohemian Montmartre

Where do brushstrokes dance on cobblestones? The 18th arrondissement’s crown jewel pulses with creative energy that’s inspired generations. This hilltop village retains its free-spirited soul—a maze of ivy-clad staircases and sunlit terraces where easels outnumber café tables.

Stroll Through Place du Tertre and Artist Alleyways

Morning light transforms Place du Tertre into an open-air gallery. Watch painters conjure Parisian scenes with swift strokes—some create custom portraits in 20 minutes flat. Arrive before 11 AM to dodge crowds and snag the best live-drawing spots. Wander down Rue de l’Abreuvoir to find hidden murals honoring Amélie Poulain’s whimsical world.

Three streets reveal Montmartre’s heart:

• Rue Lepic: Van Gogh’s former home sits beside cheese shops
• Allée des Brouillards: Misty pathway lined with ivy-covered studios
• Impasse de la Défense: Secret courtyard where Picasso sketched

Climb to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for Panoramic Views

Your calf muscles will thank you for taking the funicular—though the 270-step climb rewards with ever-expanding vistas. At the basilica’s dome, Paris unfolds like a pop-up book: iron rooftops blend with distant skyscrapers. Locals love the sunset hour when golden light bathes the city. Pro tip: The grassy hill below becomes prime picnic territory after your descent.

Nightfall brings magic—gas lamps flicker on as accordion music drifts from corner bistros. Whether you’re hunting vintage postcards or sipping mint tea at La Maison Rose, Montmartre’s timeless atmosphere lingers long after you leave.

Enjoy a Romantic Seine River Cruise

What if Paris revealed her secrets not through crowded streets, but from the gentle sway of a boat? Gliding along the Seine offers unmatched perspectives of the city’s architectural wonders. You’ll witness bridges arching like ballerinas and buildings glowing in golden light—views unchanged for centuries.

Experience Daytime Serenity

Morning cruises let you trace history’s curve. Watch sunlight dance on Notre-Dame’s restored spires and Musée d’Orsay’s clock face. Guides share tales of riverbank revolutions between photo ops at Pont Alexandre III’s gilded statues. This peaceful way to explore beats battling sidewalk crowds.

Savor an Evening Champagne Cruise

As twilight deepens, the river becomes liquid mercury. Toast with local bubbly as the Eiffel Tower begins its hourly sparkle—a spectacle best enjoyed from floating terraces. Many restaurants onboard serve seasonal food pairings: think duck confit canapés with Burgundy wines. Pro tip: Book the 8 PM slot for optimal lighting transitions.

Choose your way to float through Parisian history. Day voyages offer crisp photography conditions, while night sails wrap you in the city’s atmosphere of enchantment. Either option gifts that rare experience—seeing the capital through her liquid mirror.

Admire Masterpieces at Musée d’Orsay

Imagine standing where steam engines once rumbled, now surrounded by whispers of brushstrokes that changed art forever. This Beaux-Arts beauty—a former railway station—redefines how architecture elevates creativity. Sunlight pours through its iconic clock face, bathing Van Gogh’s swirling skies in golden glow.

Where Iron Meets Inspiration

The museum’s grand hall feels like a cathedral for color. Soaring iron arches frame Monet’s water lilies, while Degas’ ballerinas twirl beneath vaulted glass ceilings. You’ll discover Renoir’s joyful scenes and Cézanne’s geometric landscapes in galleries that once hosted travelers.

Don’t rush past the building itself. Original station features—like ornate ticket windows—now showcase Toulouse-Lautrec posters. Time your visit for afternoon light when sunbeams transform the main nave into a living masterpiece.

Local artists often sketch here, drawn by the same energy that fueled 19th-century rebels. Let your eyes adjust: the space makes art feel dynamic, not frozen. Pro tip? Wednesdays offer extended hours with fewer visitors—perfect for soaking in this world-class collection’s magic.