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| I've visited Paris a dozen times and know the best places to go that tourists might miss. Kelly Magyarics |
Paris has a certain magic that draws you back again and again. I’ve circled the globe, but even after more than a dozen trips, the French capital remains my favorite city in the world. Its charming cafés, leisurely afternoons spent people-watching, lush green parks, and endless opportunities to practice my French keep me coming back.
Over the years, I’ve done the “must-sees” more times than I can count — the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame. While they’re undeniably iconic, I’ve also discovered that Paris holds countless lesser-known experiences that are just as captivating, if not more so. If you’re looking to sidestep the tourist crowds or simply add some new memories to your Paris itinerary, here are seven of my personal favorites.
1. Swap the Eiffel Tower Climb for the Montparnasse Tower View
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| The Montparnasse Tower offers panoramic views of Paris. shomos uddin/Getty Images |
The Eiffel Tower is breathtaking, no matter how many times you’ve seen it. I’ve sipped Champagne from its bar, wandered its viewing platforms, and admired the skyline from every angle. But if you want that perfect, postcard-worthy shot of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll need to go elsewhere.
Head to the Montparnasse neighborhood, home to the city’s only skyscraper — Montparnasse Tower. Its rooftop terrace offers panoramic, 360-degree views of Paris, with plenty of space to move around without elbowing your way through crowds. I always recommend timing your visit for early evening. From there, you can watch as the Eiffel Tower begins its sparkling light show — five magical minutes of glitter every hour after sunset until midnight or 1 a.m., depending on the season.
2. Skip the Louvre Rush and Explore the Musée d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie
Like most first-time visitors, I once power-walked through the endless corridors of the Louvre to glimpse the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and other masterpieces. But Paris’ artistic treasures extend far beyond the Louvre’s walls.
The Musée d’Orsay, housed in a stunning former railway station, is a paradise for fans of Impressionism. The building itself is a work of art, with a soaring glass roof that floods the space with light. Inside, I found myself face-to-face with the works of Monet, Manet, Renoir, and Degas — the very artists I once studied in French class.
If Monet’s Water Lilies hold a special place in your heart, make your way to the Musée de l’Orangerie. Here, eight monumental panels are displayed in two oval rooms, surrounding you in a dreamlike, almost meditative experience. It can get crowded, but the feeling of being enveloped in Monet’s vision is unforgettable.
3. Pair Père Lachaise Cemetery with the Haunting Les Catacombes
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| Les Catacombes was unlike any other experience I've had in Paris. Miguel Sánchez Villafán/Getty Images |
On my first trip to Père Lachaise Cemetery in high school, I sought out Jim Morrison’s grave, covered in flowers and mementos from fans. Over the years, I’ve returned not only for the famous graves — from Oscar Wilde to Edith Piaf — but also for the peaceful, tree-lined avenues that feel like an open-air museum of history.
Afterwards, take a darker turn beneath the streets of Paris at Les Catacombes. Created in the 18th century to address the city’s overflowing cemeteries, the catacombs hold the remains of over six million people. Walking the dimly lit tunnels, with neatly stacked skulls and bones lining the walls, is both eerie and awe-inspiring — a sobering reminder of the city’s layered history.
4. Trade Wine-Only Nights for a Cocktail Crawl in Le Marais
Yes, sitting at a sidewalk café with a glass of wine and a croque madame is peak Paris. But the city’s cocktail culture has quietly been flourishing, especially in the stylish Le Marais neighborhood.
At Little Red Door, a regular on the “World’s 50 Best Bars” list, I tried cocktails that highlighted a single ingredient in inventive ways. At The Cambridge Public House, I was served a perfect blend of gin, aquavit, and fino sherry in a cozy space that felt like a pub-meets-cocktail-lounge.
The night continued with a savory olive oil and balsamic martini at Le Mary Celeste — an intimate bar with an excellent wine selection — before ending on a fiery note with a spicy margarita at La Mezcaleria, hidden inside the 1K Hotel Paris.
5. Balance Notre-Dame with the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur
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| The Basilica de Sacré Coeur is a beautiful, impressive church. Westend61/Getty Images |
Notre-Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, but for sweeping views of Paris, I recommend climbing the hill to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre. The journey there is part of the charm — winding past small shops, lively cafés, and local artists selling their work in the neighborhood’s cobblestone squares.
The basilica itself is stunning, with gleaming white domes and mosaics that glisten in the light. From the steps, Paris stretches out before you in a panorama of rooftops and spires. On some visits, I’ve been lucky enough to hear street musicians playing, adding a soundtrack to the view. Afterwards, I like to stop by Le Studio Café nearby — not for the food, but for the unbeatable view of the basilica from its terrace.
6. Go Beyond Sweet Crêpes and Try Savory Galettes
Paris street crêpes are irresistible, but for something different, seek out a galette. These buckwheat pancakes, a specialty of Brittany in northwestern France, have a nuttier, earthier flavor that pairs beautifully with savory fillings.
In the Latin Quarter and Le Marais, I’ve found small cafés specializing in these rustic treats. At Breizh Café, a chain known for its dedication to Brittany’s culinary traditions, I devoured a galette filled with mushrooms, Gruyère cheese, and ham. It’s comfort food with a distinctly French twist — hearty, satisfying, and perfect with a glass of cider.
7. Take Home Art in the Form of a Tattoo
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| My friend and I got tattoos of Champagne flutes while we were in Paris. Kelly Magyarics |
Souvenirs can be hit or miss, and finding genuine Parisian art to bring home can be tricky. On one trip, a friend and I decided to skip the gallery hunt and head to Freaks and Geeks Tattoo. There, surrounded by buzzing tattoo machines and French chatter, we got matching Champagne-flute tattoos — a playful nod to our time in the city.
The shop’s artists are exceptionally talented, turning everything from delicate lavender sprigs to whimsical cheeseboard designs into permanent keepsakes. My Paris tattoos aren’t just souvenirs; they’re memories I carry with me everywhere I go.
