You already know the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, but the real magic of Paris hides just beneath the surface. If you’re ready to trade the usual tourist spots for secret underground tunnels, sky-high balloon rides, and classical concerts, you’re in the right place.
Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, these unique things to do in Paris will help you see the city through a whole new lens. Ready to discover the side of Paris most people never see? Keep scrolling!
1. Explore the Paris catacombs
Walk through dimly lit tunnels lined with skulls and bones of six million people beneath Paris | Photo by Klook User H *
If you've never walked through a tunnel lined with the bones of six million people, well, Paris makes that possible. The Catacombs are one of the most jaw-dropping and unique things to do in Paris, and they're not nearly as creepy as you'd expect (okay, maybe a little).
Built in the 18th century to solve the city's overflowing cemetery problem, the underground ossuary stretches nearly 300 kilometers beneath the city streets. You'll walk through narrow, dimly lit tunnels and pass carefully arranged skulls and bones as far as the eye can see. Make sure to book your Paris catacombs tickets ahead, as this one sells out fast!
2. Create your own perfume at a workshop
Craft your signature scent at a Fragonard perfume workshop
Paris is the perfume capital of the world, so it only makes sense to craft your own signature scent while you're here. This is one of the most unique experiences in Paris; you'll work with a professional perfumer (called a "nose"), learn how to blend top, middle, and base notes, and walk away with a custom bottle of perfume that's 100% yours.
The perfume workshop also includes a visit to the Fragonard Perfume Museum, where you'll get a peek behind the curtain of one of France's most beloved fragrance houses.
3. Watch a classical concert inside a historic church
Experience a magical classical concert in a historic Paris church
Paris is full of stunning churches, but most people just peek inside and move on. Here's a better idea: attend a live classical music concert inside a Paris church. The acoustics are out of this world, the architecture is stunning, and the whole experience feels like something from another century!
You might catch a Mozart symphony, a Bach concerto, or a Vivaldi masterpiece, all performed by talented musicians in candlelit surroundings. This is easily one of the most unique activities in Paris for music lovers and culture seekers alike. Dress comfortably, arrive a little early, and let the music do the rest. 🎶
4. Join a ghost tour at night
See the city's darker side on a spine-tingling ghost walking tour
Want to see the city's darker side? Join a ghost walking tour at night and let your guide lead you through shadowed streets and centuries-old neighborhoods, like the Rue de la Ferronnerie and the Île de la Cité.
You'll hear spine-tingling tales of Parisian legends, murders, and hauntings. Forget the usual sights, because this is a storytelling experience filled with surprising detours and secrets you won't find in any guidebook.
5. Float above the city in a giant balloon
Float 150 meters above Parc André Citroën in the Generali Balloon
Hop into the Generali Balloon, a giant helium balloon that lifts you up to 150 meters above Parc André Citroën. You'll get a stunning 360-degree view of the Paris skyline, the Seine River, and beyond.
It's one of the most unique things to do in Paris because it's both relaxing and exhilarating at the same time! Unlike airplane rides, this is a slow, peaceful ascent, perfect for photos and for admiring the city from above. It's especially magical around golden hour when the city glows.
6. Spend a day at the Paris Zoological Park
Visit the Parc Zoologique de Paris, a beautifully designed wildlife park
Most people wouldn't put a zoo on their Paris bucket list, but the Parc Zoologique de Paris is no ordinary zoo. It's a beautifully designed wildlife park spread across 14.5 hectares in the Bois de Vincennes, with immersive environments that let you get remarkably close to the animals.
With the giraffes roaming savannas, lemurs in a lush Madagascar zone, and an amazing walk-through aviary, it's one of those unique places to visit in Paris that the whole family will love. The design puts nature and animal welfare at the center, which makes every visit feel genuinely special.
7. Splash around at Aquaboulevard Water Park
Escape the city at Aquaboulevard Water Park, a tropical-themed aquatic center with an indoor beach area
Did you know that Paris has a huge indoor water park? Aquaboulevard is a tropical-themed aquatic center with wave pools, waterslides, an outdoor beach area, and even tennis courts. It's a great option on a rainy day or if you're traveling with kids—but honestly, it's just a great time any day of the week.
This is definitely one of the more surprisingly unique things to do in Paris because, well, who expects a beach vacation inside a Paris suburb? It's easy to reach by metro and offers a fun break from all the museum-hopping!
FAQs about unique things to do in Paris
Are there hidden gems to explore in Paris?
Yes! Some standout hidden gems include the Sainte-Chapelle (often overshadowed by Notre-Dame but just as stunning), the Wall of the Fédérés at Père Lachaise Cemetery, and the tiny wine vineyard in Montmartre that still produces bottles every autumn. Even something as simple as finding a quiet courtyard in the 3rd arrondissement can feel like a secret discovery.
If you want a complete guide on Paris’ hidden gems, give this a read!
Can you find off-the-beaten-path experiences in Paris?
Yes, and there are more than you'd think! The ghost and legends walking tour at night takes you through parts of the city most visitors never see. Perfume-making workshops, underground catacombs tours, and balloon flights are all experiences that go far beyond typical sightseeing.
What odd activities are unique to Paris?
Paris has some genuinely quirky things to offer. You can visit a museum dedicated entirely to counterfeit goods (the Musée de la Contrefaçon), take a class in Savate (French boxing), or watch a live pétanque match in one of the city's parks and ask locals to join in.
What are the most unique experiences in Paris?
The most memorable unique experiences in Paris tend to combine history, culture, and a little bit of surprise. Floating above the city in a giant balloon, crafting your own perfume with a professional nose, and attending a candlelit classical concert in a Gothic church are all experiences that go far beyond the typical tourist checklist.
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