In a nutshell
- Want to experience the real Paris beyond the tourist trail? We’ve personally tracked down 23 Paris hidden gems that are genuinely worth your time.
- Expect secret spots and hidden passages, the most colorful street in the city, immersive art experiences, and a green walkway above the rooftops.
- We’ve also got you covered on where to eat — from the oldest market in Paris to the best crêpes, ice cream, and fine dining at fair prices.
- Every single tip has been personally tested by us — no filler, no tourist traps.
Artist House 59 Rivoli
What do you need to know? 59 Rivoli used to be a bank. When the bank moved out and the building fell into disrepair, a group of artists simply tore the plywood boards off the entrance and occupied it. That’s why you’ll find 30 permanent studios here today.
Is it worth it? Paris is a true mecca for art lovers. And at 59 Rivoli, right near the Louvre, you can not only admire and buy art — you can also watch the artists at work. It’s genuinely fascinating.
Marché des Enfants Rouges
What do you need to know? The Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest market in Paris. You’ll find it tucked away on an unassuming side street in the Marais neighborhood — a covered market where you can seriously stuff yourself.
Is it worth it? Food is always worth it, right? We certainly think so, and the variety here is enormous: Moroccan, Indian, Asian, or classic French. On top of that, the whole atmosphere is super authentic.
Our tip: The absolute local favorite is the Chez Alain stall. Here you can get baguettes and galettes (savory crêpes) piled high with toppings — each one filled with at least five types of vegetables, salad, cheese, walnuts, honey, and various sauces.
Maison de Nicolas Flamel
What do you need to know? Nicolas Flamel was a French scholar and alchemist who lived right here at 51 Rue de Montmorency in the 3rd arrondissement, near the Centre Pompidou. The house dates from 1407, making it the oldest in the city — it’s now a historic landmark and restaurant.
Is it worth it? Totally! The Maison de Nicolas Flamel is a really cool off-the-beaten-path find. A piece of significant history with a touch of mystery, right in the middle of the Paris streets. We didn’t eat here, but we spent quite a while admiring it from the outside.
Our tip: If you want to see more of Flamel, walk along the Rue de Flamel between the Châtelet and Hôtel de Ville metro stations, or check out his self-designed tombstone at the Musée national du Moyen Âge (Musée de Cluny).
Closed on Mondays
L'Atelier des Lumières
What do you need to know? In the east of Paris, near the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery, you’ll find the Atelier des Lumières inside a former iron foundry. It hosts rotating immersive exhibitions on ever-changing themes — Van Gogh, Monet, the cosmos, dinosaurs, and more.
Is it worth it? Combined with the industrial charm of the foundry, the atmosphere is seriously impressive — the kind of place you could spend hours in. It’s also a great activity on a rainy day in Paris.
Our tip: Monday through Friday you can buy tickets at the box office right at the Atelier des Lumières. On weekends, tickets are only available online. Either way, buying in advance saves you a lot of waiting time.
Book L’Atelier des Lumières tickets online
Rooftop Terrace of the Institut du Monde Arabe
What do you need to know? Over the centuries, Paris has seen waves of immigration from various ethnic groups, and Arab culture in particular has had a strong influence on the city. The Institut du Monde Arabe sits in the 5th arrondissement, right on the Seine.
Is it worth it? This is one of the real hidden gems in Paris! The unique windows create stunning light effects inside, and from the rooftop terrace you get a free view of Notre-Dame and the Île de la Cité. You might even spot your hotel in Paris! The panoramic café Le Zyriab by Noura up top is also well worth a visit.
Our tip: If you’re into Arab culture, take a quick detour into the institute’s permanent exhibition while you’re there.
Canal St. Martin
What do you need to know? The Canal Saint-Martin is a historic canal in the 10th arrondissement. Once important for trade, today it’s a relaxed, charming neighborhood that real Parisians actually call their own.
Is it worth it? Yes! This is where you’ll find locals, not tourist crowds. There are laid-back cafés, cool independent shops, and really great ice cream spots. Perfect for a slow afternoon stroll.
Our tip: Grab an ice cream at Sucre Glace, sit by the water, and enjoy life. Or hop on a boat tour along the Canal St. Martin. Super beautiful and a lovely change of pace.
Read more here:
Viaduc des Arts
What do you need to know? The Viaduc des Arts on the Promenade Plantée was an active railway line between Paris and Strasbourg until 1969 — back then it was called the Viaduc de la Bastille. After it was decommissioned, a shopping promenade gradually took its place.
Is it worth it? The Viaduc des Arts is genuinely diverse. The miles-long arches are home to all kinds of shops, from jewelers to galleries. And up on top, a long stretch of greenery — the Coulée verte — awaits for a leisurely stroll.
Our tip: The Coulée verte above the viaduct is one of our favorite Paris finds. Don’t skip it. You can easily combine it with a visit to the Viaduc des Arts and Ground Control for a great half-day out.
Coulée verte René-Dumont
What do you need to know? The Coulée verte René-Dumont is the beautiful green oasis above the Viaduc des Arts. You walk 5 kilometers along a former railway track, starting near the Place de la Bastille and stretching all the way to the city’s edge. Several stairways lead up and down along the way — including one at Ground Control.
Is it worth it? A peaceful walk through greenery right in the middle of Paris — it’s simply wonderful. Instead of noise, you get trees, ponds, and countless flowers. And you can easily combine it with a stop at Ground Control and the Rue Cremieux to knock out several of these Paris highlights in one go.
Our tip: You can also pair this walk nicely with a visit to the Atelier des Lumières.
Ground Control
What do you need to know? On a former rail yard in the east of the city, near the Rue Cremieux, a completely different side of Paris awaits. Ground Control is home to the city’s multicultural scene, where trendy cafés give way to cool bars and food trucks.
Is it worth it? This 560-square-meter space has both indoor and outdoor areas packed with food stalls and small concept stores — so you can eat well and then browse for books, curiosities, and clothes. We also think Ground Control is a great pick for visiting Paris with kids.
Our tip: In summer, concerts and theater performances are often held here. Keep an eye out for the program if that sounds up your alley.
Rue Cremieux
What do you need to know? The Rue Cremieux in the 12th arrondissement, near Ground Control, is the most colorful street in Paris. Instead of the typical Haussmann-style buildings, you’ll find pastel-colored houses with flower pots by the front door.
Is it worth it? The Rue Cremieux is simply gorgeous. That said, the residents aren’t exactly thrilled about the Instagram hype surrounding their street — a sign has been put up asking visitors not to take photos. We just quickly snapped one from the outside.
Our tip: Photography isn’t really welcome here. But walking through is absolutely worth it. Don’t miss it.
Open 24 hours
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
What do you need to know? At 25 hectares, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement is actually hard to miss. And yet tourists rarely wander this way — even though there’s so much to discover, from waterfalls and grottos to a hilltop temple.
Is it worth it? The park is a great escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Because it was built on a former quarry, you’ll find unusually steep slopes for Paris and even a lake — which makes for seriously stunning photo opportunities. From the highest points, you also get a fantastic panorama over the city.
The Hidden Passages of Paris
Among the secret spots in Paris are — more or less — the city’s hidden passages. These three are especially beautiful and offer genuine Paris shopping insider tips:
Passage Jouffroy
What do you need to know? In the 19th century, numerous shopping arcades were built in Paris so that wealthy citizens could escape the city’s dirt while shopping. One of these is the Passage Jouffroy in the 9th arrondissement.
Is it worth it? The Passage Jouffroy isn’t as elaborately decorated as some of Paris’s other arcades, but it has some interesting traditional shops, restaurants, and the wax museum Musée Grévin. A small but special under-the-radar pick tucked between the big Parisian highlights.
Our tip: Directly across the way you’ll find the somewhat more alternative Passage des Panoramas — lots of bars in there. We visited in the morning, but we can easily imagine it being a great spot for drinks in the evening.
Galerie Vivienne
What do you need to know? The covered Galerie Vivienne is in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris. It’s one of the more opulent Parisian arcades, with 15 shops and several restaurants and cafés.
Is it worth it? We discovered a real standout here! The bookshop Librairie Jousseaume has been in the arcade since 1826 and is simply stunning. Thanks to its location near the Palais Royal, the Galerie Vivienne is also a great Paris pick for rainy days.
Passage du Grand-Cerf
What do you need to know? The Passage du Grand-Cerf is just a stone’s throw from the Montorgueil neighborhood and is famous for its long glass roof.
Is it worth it? Arts and crafts shops line up one after another inside the Passage du Grand-Cerf. You can find handmade jewelry, unique furniture, and designer décor — or simply browse to your heart’s content.
Our tip: Right across from this arcade you’ll find another great one — the Passage du Bourg-l’Abbé. So you can do a little arcade-hopping while you’re at it.
And by the way: The Parisian arcades are also perfect for a rainy day in Paris. You’re guaranteed to stay dry.
Our Paris Restaurant Insider Tips
Restaurant Le Potager
What do you need to know? The full name is “Le Potager du Père Thierry,” and it’s located right in the charming Montmartre neighborhood. It’s so small you could almost walk right past it — so keep your eyes open!
Is it worth it? The tiny place has a wonderfully cozy feel, and you’ll get fantastic, varied French food at very fair prices. With only 24 seats, make sure you reserve ahead.
Our tip: The “Gâteau grand mère au chocolat avec coulis de mangue fraiche et boule de glace” is an absolute must. Grandma’s chocolate cake with mango coulis and a scoop of ice cream is honestly a life-changing experience.
Le Potager du Père Thierry on Google Maps
Street Bangkok
What do you need to know? Street Bangkok has several locations across Paris — one of them in the super cool, alternative Canal St. Martin neighborhood. Here you get authentic Thai street food just like you’d find on the streets of Bangkok.
Is it worth it? We really loved the food and found the whole concept a lot of fun. You sit at metal tables on wobbly plastic chairs — but in contrast, ordering and paying is surprisingly modern, done entirely via smartphone.
Le Comptoir Boutary
What do you need to know? North of the Palais Garnier you’ll find Le Comptoir Boutary — a fine cuisine restaurant at genuinely affordable prices. A six-course menu costs 80 euros, and a small lunch is even less.
Is it worth it? The restaurant was recommended to us by a friend who is a chef himself. And we were completely won over. Le Comptoir Boutary is perfect if you want a taste of Parisian fine dining without spending a fortune.
Le Comptoir Boutary on Google Maps
Babka Zana
What do you need to know? Babka Zana is a small, charming bakery with two locations — one near Pigalle and one near the Place des Vosges. They offer fresh babka rolls, cakes, tarts, pastries, and sandwiches.
Is it worth it? Babka Zana is a one-of-a-kind spot that combines the best of French and Israeli baking. What really stood out for us were the cinnamon rolls. The bakery also has its own cookbook you can buy in store — really cool!
Babka Zana near Pigalle on Google Maps and Babka Zana near Place des Vosges.
Little Tokyo
What do you need to know? Little Tokyo is an entire neighborhood between the Louvre and the Opéra, packed with Asian restaurants. You can practically eat your way down the entire Rue Sainte-Anne.
Is it worth it? Authentic Japanese and Korean food is always a great choice. At Udon Bistro Kunitoraya, for example, you can supposedly get the best udon dishes in all of Paris — and from what we tasted, we believe it. There are also Asian grocery shops dotted throughout the area.
Lucette fait des crêpes
What do you need to know? Lucette fait des crêpes is a crêperie very close to the Passage Jouffroy, with a wide selection of both savory and sweet crêpes.
Is it worth it? The crêpes are so delicious and the prices so reasonable that we briefly considered keeping this little spot to ourselves — we’d like to keep coming back without a wait! But we made an exception for you. You simply HAVE to try them.
Lucette fait des crêpes on Google Maps
The Best Ice Cream in Paris
Une Glace à Paris
What do you need to know? No roundup of Paris restaurant tips would be complete without ice cream. Une Glace à Paris is where you’ll find flavors you simply won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Is it worth it? We’d heard so many great things that we had to see for ourselves. Now we’re definitely fans. Delicious, generous scoops and a seriously impressive selection.
Une Glace à Paris on Google Maps
Berthillon
What do you need to know? The second outstanding ice cream spot in Paris is Berthillon. Technically it’s a tearoom, located on the beautiful Île Saint-Louis. In addition to ice cream, they also serve sorbet and pastries.
Is it worth it? Berthillon is wildly popular in Paris for good reason — among tourists and locals alike. The ice cream is so incredibly good that even a long line is worth it. And you can enjoy it right along the Seine. An absolute dream.
Sucre Glace
What do you need to know? You’ll find even more great ice cream at Sucre Glace in the Canal St. Martin neighborhood. This place has even received a Gault-Millau award. Incredible!
Is it worth it? Who would have thought Paris has so many outstanding ice cream spots? We’re absolutely in seventh heaven, and we highly recommend stopping at Sucre Glace during a stroll along the Canal St. Martin.
