With international travel opening up again, it’s about time for another post on one of my favorite cities … Paris. Whether you’ve seen every possible museum in Paris or you’d simply rather not spend your time strolling down endlessly long corridors of art, this post is for you. Here are my 12 favorite things to do in Paris that are not museums.
1. Take a boat ride down the Seine …
Though beautiful both at night and during the day, a boat ride down the Seine carries a certain irreplaceable magic at night, but here are some photos to decide for yourself.
2. See a ballet at the Palais Garnier …
What started as an impromptu decision to see a ballet here became one of my all-time favorite memories from Paris. The building itself is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, and the whole experience is simply divine. American theater snacks of M&Ms and soda are replaced by champagne, truffle chips, and artisan chocolates!
3. Take a cooking class at the Cordon Bleu …
No matter your culinary experience, the Cordon Bleu offers short workshops in dishes ranging from macarons, to sauces and jus, to food and wine pairings. There is something for everyone! You’ll even get a Cordon Bleu apron, kitchen towel, and other goodies you can take home.
4. See a jazz show at 38 Riv …
If you like jazz, you’ll love 38 Riv. A 13th century cave turned jazz club, this venue is the perfect place for some late night music.
5. Climb the Arc de Triomphe …
I was luckily able to squeeze this in on one of my last days in Paris, and I’m so grateful. The views at night are amazing, and for the first five minutes of every evening hour, the Eiffel Tower even sparkles.
6. Stroll through some beautiful Parisian gardens …
Whether you opt for the Jardin des Tuileries, the Jardin de Luxembourg, or even lesser known (but equally charming) parks throughout Paris, you simply cannot go without visiting some gardens. All are uniquely beautiful, with their elaborate landscaping of vibrant flowers, pathways, fountains, and more.
7. Visit the Sacré Coeur at Montmartre …
This beautiful church is situated atop a hill overlooking the whole city of Paris. Better yet, the funicular (a tram to transport you up the hill) will get you there for just the price of a metro ticket.
8. Go shopping! My favorite spots are …
If you love fashion, check out the the Rue de Frances Bourgeois in the Marais, or the department stores, les Galeries Lafayette and le Bon Marché. However, avoid the Champs-Elysée. Though famous, most stores are chains that can be found worldwide, and the street is packed with tourists.
If fashion is not your thing, check out Shakespeare and Company, a renowned English bookstore, and stroll around streets like the Rue Bonaparte in Saint-Germain-des-Près for interior design stores and more.
9. Have a picnic …
Nothing says Paris like a picnic of a baguette and some cheese. Head to any local market to pick out some food and take it to a park, the Seine, or even just a neighborhood square.
10. Visit the Eiffel Tower …
Because who says only museums can be touristy?
11. Have kids? Visit an amusement park …
Check out the Jardin d’Acclimatation, a park and amusement park on the western outskirts of the city, walking distance, or if you’re feeling ambitious… Disneyland Paris, just an hour via transit!
12. Here during Fashion Week? See a show …
While you may not be able to get into Chanel or Dior (and if you can, give me a call), up-and-coming designers are showcasing their work across the city. I saw a show through Paris City Fashion Week that was actually located inside the Eiffel Tower, so neat!
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Salut Madeleine 