How to Experience the Best of Paris?

Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, with more than thirty-nine million visitors at any given time. The French capital is known for its iconic attractions, delicious food and iconic culture. But for those of us who are looking for something a little bit different, what are the best ways to experience the city?

Explore the Arrondissements

Paris is divided up into twenty separate “arrondissements” or districts. Each district has its own unique character and attractions. The 1st arrondissement is home to the Louvre, while the 2nd arrondissement is known for its grand shopping boulevards. Meanwhile, Montmartre and the 18th arrondissement boast an impromptu vibrant and bohemian atmosphere. With all of these different districts comes a wealth of unexplored streets and hidden alleys just waiting to be discovered.

Discover Hidden Gems

Many of the most authentic places to explore in Paris are off the beaten path. To find these hidden gems, look out for lesser-known museums, delicious little restaurants, and local street markets. While Paris is filled with iconic sights, you can barely scratch the surface without seeing some of the less visited attractions.

Spend an Evening in a Speakeasy

Few experiences capture Parisian nightlife like a speakeasy. Invisible from the street, these hidden bars are filled with an eclectic mix of people. These are unique spots to grab a relaxed drink, listen to excellent music and soak up that cosmopolitan atmosphere. It’s worth noting that most of these bars require membership – usually in the form of recommendation from another guest – so they may be tricky to locate if you don’t know the right people!

See Some Cutting Edge Theatre

Paris is world-famous for its theatre scene. From well-known West End performances to avant garde pieces performed in tiny underground venues – there’s something for everyone. Those looking for something a bit more daring should check out some of the more experimental spaces. Two of the most interesting ones are Le Centquatre arts center and la Cartoucherie de Vincennes theater.

Explore a Local Street Market

The locals always know best when it comes to markets, and Paris is no exception. So where should you go? Head out to Le Marché d’Aligre for a truly unique experience. Home to colorful merchants and unique dishes, this is a great place to pick up souvenirs dead cheap. If you’re after some vintage finds, then Chopoulos Market is the one for you – this is where all the hipsters hang out on Saturday mornings!.

Experience Paris With GetYourGuide

Visitors looking to take their trip to Paris to the next level can do no better than GetYourGuide’s available tours and activities. GetYourGuide curates experiences in Paris – such as their Paris: Private Speakeasy and Hidden Bar Tour – that provide an insight into the city that can only be gained by exploring it with an experienced guide. Plus, these tours let travelers access exclusive areas and learn secrets that would otherwise remain hidden. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience to take your trip to Paris to the next level, be sure to check out GetYourGuide’s Paris activities. You never know what you might discover!

No trip to Paris would be complete without experiencing some of its hidden gems first-hand. There may be some fantastic tourist attractions but there are also so many incredible sights that most people don’t even know about! Whether you choose to explore the arrondissements, search for hidden bars, or take a tour with GetYourGuide – make sure you take some time to experience all of Paris’s hidden secrets for yourself!

An Insider’s Guide to Experiencing the Best of Paris

Visiting Paris can be an enchanting experience, but often tourists end up visiting only the most famous attractions and missing out on the hidden gems that make the city truly magical. As an insider, I have curated a list of local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that will give you a unique and unforgettable experience of Paris.

Local Attractions

While the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are must-visit attractions in Paris, there are many other lesser-known spots that will take your breath away. One such place is the Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic chapel dating back to the 13th century, famous for its stunning stained-glass windows. The Pere Lachaise Cemetery is also an offbeat location with its hauntingly beautiful architecture and well-known graves of renowned artists such as Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde.

For an authentic Parisian experience, stroll through Montmartre, a charming district with cobblestone streets, artists’ workshops, and colorful cafes. You can also climb up to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont for scenic views of the city, followed by a picnic with locals.

Dining Spots

Paris is widely known for its cuisine, and for good reason. However, beyond the staples like croissants and baguettes, French food has a lot more to offer. For some hearty and delicious French onion soup, visit Au Pied de Cochon, a restaurant that’s open 24 hours. At Le Comptoir du Relais, you can enjoy some classic French dishes with a twist, inspired by global cuisine.

If you have a sweet tooth, Angelina’s hot chocolate is a must-try. For a real treat, try a traditional Breton galette from La Creperie de Josselin, a cozy little spot where you can savor freshly made crepes.

Cultural Experiences

Paris is a city that celebrates art, music, and literature. The Louvre may be famous for its classical art, but the Centre Pompidou is where you can see contemporary art in all its glory. For music lovers, the Opera Garnier is a stunning venue that features regular performances. You can also visit the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, a literary establishment that dates back to the 1920s.

The Palace of Versailles, once home to French royalty, is just a short train ride away from Paris. You can explore the grandeur and splendor of the palace and its gardens. For a more local experience, visit a Parisian flea market like Marche aux puces de Saint-Ouen to browse vintage goods or to catch a live music performance in the evening.

Local History

The history of Paris is an integral part of the city’s charm and allure. The Musée Carnavalet is a museum dedicated to the history of Paris, from its origins to the present day, and an excellent place to learn about the city’s past. The Montparnasse Cemetery is also an interesting location, with graves of famous figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Samuel Beckett.

The Catacombs of Paris may sound macabre, but they are a fascinating site to visit, with bones from around six million people. Opéra Bastille, a modern opera house, was built on the site of the former Bastille prison, which makes for an interesting testimony to the city’s turbulent past.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For a unique experience, take a boat ride on Canal St-Martin, famous for its picturesque bridges, iron footbridges, and locks. For a bird’s eye view of the city, take a hot air balloon ride at Parc André Citroën. You can also check out the Belleville neighborhood for some street art or the Père Lachaise Cemetery for a late-night walking tour. Finally, visit the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, a museum that explores the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Paris is a city of culture, food, and history, which is why it continues to captivate visitors from around the globe. By exploring the hidden gems and local culture, you’ll be able to witness an authentic and unforgettable side of Paris that not many tourists have experienced before.