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Unique Things to Do in Paris: 10 Fun + Unexpected Experiences

MLE Travel Diary — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Having been to Paris 3 times now, I still wouldn’t call myself a “local” or anything of that sort. However, I definitely feel like more of a seasoned visitor who actually has some hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to share.

And I’ll let you in on a little secret: I actually hated Paris the first time I visited.🙊 Ah! I know! The horror!

Soo I wanted to share 10 unique things to do in Paris that you may not have heard of, or may have missed on your first trip to Paris! These are all things I wish I did the first time I visited that definitely would have made my experience better.

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1. Learn how to make a classic French pastry

What better way to immerse yourself in French culture than to bake a scrumptious French croissant or macaron? I took a macaron-making class with mom on my most recent trip to Paris, and it was so fun.

We learned the proper technique, got to taste test as we went, and got to take the recipe home with us!

This is a great activity to do with others, or go solo and make new friends with the other people in your class! The classes at Maison Fleuret are small, so you will get that quality interaction with the chef.

You can take a look at all their class options on Get Your Guide starting at $120 / person:

2. Take a photo at the secret photobooth in Montmartre

One of my favorite things to do, in general but especially when I travel, is get photobooth pictures! So you can imagine how stoked I was when I found one tucked away on a little street in Montmartre called Fotoautomat.

Look how cute and old-fashioned this photo strip is:

It’s definitely a unique thing to do in Paris and will give you a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take back home with you. The exact location is saved in my Google Maps list, so make sure you download that before you go!

3. Take a Seine river cruise

Taking a river cruise along the Seine is a great way to see all of the sights in Paris and learn more about the city! You’ll be able to get up close to the Eiffel Tower and find new spots of the city to explore.

You could also do a more romantic evening cruise with music and a glass of champagne. Depending on what time your boat is at, you may even get to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle…keep reading to #10 for more information on this!

Make sure you book your tickets in advance and arrive early so you can snag a seat on the top deck!

4. Explore La Galerie Dior

This one is for all of my fashion girlies or someone looking to explore Paris’ underrated museums. La Galerie Dior walks you through the history of Christian Dior, the masterpieces he created and has this insanely cool display wall organized by color when you first walk in.

I definitely recommend getting your tickets in advance; this can sell out quickly and the line to wait in person gets quite long. With tickets, you will have an assigned time slot and can walk right in when it’s your reservation time.

5. Snack on a GIANT croissant

Stop by one of Philippe Conticini’s bakeries in Paris to get your hands on the largest croissant you will ever see. They have an XL butter croissant, as well as an XL pain au chocolat (my personal favorite), and of course “regular” pastries too.

If you are really wanting to try one of the XL croissants, I would recommend placing your order online at least 2 days in advance. They do usually have one or two in stores, but it’s not always guaranteed.

6. Get dressed up and have tea at the Ritz

Instead of walking around and tiring out your feet, why don’t you enjoy tea at the Ritz Paris and feel like royalty for an afternoon?

We chose L’Impérial experience at Salon Proust and enjoyed a glass of champagne, selected a tea, and got a platter of all their pastries to try. This was such a fun, unique experience and I wish I had done it sooner!

7. Ditch the crowds and find the Louvre's secret entrance

Did you know that there are multiple entrances to the Louvre Museum? Almost everyone waits outside in this massive line to enter through the Pyramid – this is a BIG mistake!

First, make sure that you reserve your timed entry tickets online in advance, as you cannot purchase tickets at the ~secret~ entrance.

Then, you’ll want to head into the Carrousel du Louvre, a shopping mall right outside and down a level from the street. Here is a map so you can visualize how to access the entrance to save time by not waiting in line!

8. Dine at Pink Mamma

If you have not seen Pink Mamma yet all over your social media, then you are in for a treat! This is an Italian restaurant with an amazing glass rooftop that reminded me a bit of dining in a greenhouse.

Make sure to book your reservation ASAP when they open up 2 weeks in advance. I would also recommend booking for the first time slot, and showing up 15-20 minutes before they open so you can snag a table on this rooftop.

The seating is first-come, first-serve. Regardless of where you’re sat though, the food is all so delicious and vibes are immaculate.

9. Day trip to Palace of Versailles

While this might not be one of the most unique things to do in Paris, taking a day trip out to the Palace of Versailles should absolutely be on your list.

It’s located about an hour from Paris, so plan to spend at least a half day on this excursion.

Make sure you book your ticket in advance. Tickets for the earliest time slots tend to sell out quickly, but if you prefer to keep your plans more flexible you should be able to snag a later entry time closer to the date you want to go.

I recommend getting a Versailles Palace and Gardens Full Access Ticket so that you can really explore everything the palace has to offer. The Gardens alone could take you 3-4 hours just to really walk all the way through!

To visit Versailles when it’s the least busy (AKA to get the most epic pics of the Hall of Mirrors), try to go at either the earliest time slot or the latest time slot.

10. Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night

Okay, okay, okay I know this one is a little more “basic” and maybe doesn’t fit in with the other unique things to do in Paris. However, the first time I visited, I had NO idea that the Eiffel Tower sparkled at night!

So, in case you’re like me, let me be the first to tell you the exciting news. After the sun sets, the Eiffel Tower will sparkle for 5 minutes every hour at the top of the hour!

Also, in case you didn’t realize this either – you can take an elevator up to the top of the Eiffel Tower for some amazinggg views.

Get my FREE Paris travel guide! Drop your email below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox 💌

If you’re currently planning your trip to Paris, make sure to check out my full Paris Travel Guide which has even more things to do, and accommodation, dining, and transport tips. And be sure to follow me on Instagram for more Paris + travel content.

mariss

The post Unique Things to Do in Paris: 10 Fun + Unexpected Experiences first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.

Paris Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know

MLE Travel Diary — Thu, 08 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Paris is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and should absolutely be on your bucket list! There are so many different neighborhoods to explore; you can never get bored here.

This Paris Travel Guide will help you plan your trip to Paris, with recommendations for the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around.

Ironically, I kind of hated it the first time I visited. So I want to share all of my tips and tricks to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes!

I’ve been three times now – once solo, once with my boyfriend, and once with my mom, so I feel like I’ve gotten to experience it in a bunch of different ways.

I personally did not enjoy my time solo traveling – Paris can be pretty expensive, and I feel like so many of the spots I love experiencing with someone else. HOWEVER you can absolutely solo travel here – I’ve never felt unsafe and there are endless things to do.

Get my FREE Google Maps List of all the best Paris recommendations! Drop your email below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox 💌

Things to do and see

1. Eiffel Tower

Okay, duh! Seeing the Eiffel Tower in person is always so special for me, and an absolute must! Once the sun sets, it sparkles every hour for 5 minutes at the top of the hour.

You can also eat dinner in the Eiffel Tower! There are two restaurants: Le Jules Verne on the second floor and Madame Brasserie on the first floor.

2. Palace of Versailles

Versailles is about an hour away from the Paris city center, and is worthy of a day trip. I recommend planning to spend about 4 hours to really explore the palace and gardens.

And make sure to book your tickets in advance on the official website. Ticket sales open 3 months in advance, on the first business day of the month.

3. Montmartre

Montmartre is the 18th arrondissement of Paris, and the best place to watch the sunset over the city! Head to the steps of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur for the best view.

During the warmer months, there are local musicians who come out to play live on the steps, making it a really fun and lively place to hang out all night!

Make sure to stop by the Fotoautomat on your way up – an old-fashioned photobooth in the streets of Montmartre! For the exact location, save my Google Maps list with all of these spots and more.

4. Louvre Museum

Another iconic landmark in Paris, the Louvre is the most-visited museum in the entire world and should definitely be on your itinerary.

I do not even think it’s possible to everything the museum has to offer in one day, but you can see pieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People, and so much more.

Make sure to book your tickets in advance on the Louvre website. They become available 60 days in advance, and are likely to sell out.

Pro-tip: There are FOUR entrances to the Louvre! Most people wait outside in a huge line to go into the glass pyramid. You can avoid the large crowds by entering at Le Carrousel du Louvre, which you’ll access underground in the mall.

5. Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is a street lined with shops and cafés. At the end of the street you’ll find the Arc de Triomphe, where you can actually climb all the way up to the top and look out over the whole city.

Personally, I think it is a little overpriced, but if you are really wanting to go I recommend going on a Wednesday when it is a little cheaper! Here is the link to check out your options and buy tickets.

6. La Galerie Dior

While you’re near the Champs-Élysées, I also recommend checking out the La Galerie Dior. This is a stunning art museum that gives you the full fashion history of Dior with really engaging exhibits.

Plus, there is this insanely cool wall that is organized by color and has Dior handbags, shoes, dresses and every other fashion accessory you could imagine.

7. Notre Dame

The Notre Dame has finally reopened since the devastating fire in 2019, and is absolutely worth seeing in person. The stained glass art is spectacular and the architecture is unreal.

You are able to book a timeslot in advance, however I do not think this is necessary. We waited on a line to get in to the church and it only took us about 20 minutes.

8. Cooking Class

Doing a cooking class is a great way to immerse yourself in French culture. We did the macaron making class with Maison Fleuret, and it was so much fun!

Plus you get the most delicious souvenir to take back home with you!

They also have classes where you can learn to bake croissants, baguettes, and more. You can take a look at all of their classes here, or we actually booked this experience through Airbnb.

9. Afternoon Tea

Going for afternoon tea is another great way to experience French culture! There are a ton of tea rooms around Paris where you can go to get dressed up and spend a couple hours sipping tea and snacking on French pastries.

We went to Salon Proust at the Ritz Paris, and indulged in L’Impérial tea experience. It was amazing; the service was top-notch, the tea was delicious and the pastries were amazing.

Plus, they even gave us loose leaf tea to take back home with us!

Where to stay

Paris is divided into 20 neighborhoods called arrondissements. I’ll share my top 3 favorite arrondissements to stay, and hotel recommendations

Louvre (1st Arrondissement)

The 1st Arrondissement is on the right bank of the Seine and centrally located close to all of Paris’ main attractions. I stayed here in 2025 and loved being so close to the Tuileries Garden!

It was a great spot to walk around and sightsee, and I never felt unsafe here. I went for a long run early one morning starting at the Louvre, and along the Seine.

If you want to splurge, I highly recommend staying at the Ritz Paris. The service and amenities here are unmatched, and you will truly feel like French royalty during your stay.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)

The 6th Arrondissement is on the left bank of the Seine and is known for its upscale shops, cafes and picturesque streets. I stayed here in 2023 and this totally changed my opinion of Paris!

I would compare it to being like the Beverly Hills of Los Angeles. Everything was really nice, and I felt very fancy and safe here.

We stayed at the Hôtel de l’Abbaye Saint Germain and I would definitely recommend it! The rooms are small, but really nice and the location is everything.

Élysée (8th Arrondissement)

The 8th Arrondissement is right where you want to be if you love shopping. This is right on the Champs-Élysées, so the second you step out of your hotel you’ll be surrounded by shops and cafés.

This is also very centrally located to the majority of the Parisian hot spots, plus tons of amazing restaurants.

Where to eat

Bakeries

1. Philippe Conticini

You may have seen the GIANT croissants on social media, but if not then let me be the first to share! Philippe Conticini has these XL Pain au chocolat and XL butter croissants available for pre-order and for sale in their shops.

If you are serious about buying one, I recommend placing your order online at least 2-3 days in advance.

Aside from the XL pastries, their regular-sized pastries are also very delicious.

2. Maison Fleuret

Outside of the cooking school, Maison Fleuret also has their own coffee shop with pastries. It also doubles as a little library, so you can come here and read or just enjoy the atmosphere!

3. Tout Autour du Pain

This is a family-owned bakery known for its croissants! Highly recommend stopping by here if you want to try (one of the) best croissants in Paris.

4. Ladurée

You might recognize this spot if you’ve visited one of their locations in the US! Ladurée is a pastry shop that is well-known for their macarons, and is definitely worth stopping by the original location while you’re in Paris.

Restaurants

1. Pink Mamma

Pink Mamma is an iconic Italian restaurant located in the 9th arrondissement, well-known for their glass rooftop view of Paris!

Remember to make your reservation when it becomes available online ASAP – bookings open 2 weeks before! If there are no reservations available, I recommend checking out another one of the Big Mamma Group’s restaurants. I’ve heard great things about all of them!

Pro-tip: Book the earliest time slot (usually 6 PM) AND show up at least 15 minutes before the restaurant opens! Seating is first-come, first-serve, so if you want a table on the top floor you’ll need to get there early.

2. Melagodo

Another Italian restaurant, but this one is a hidden gem located near the Eiffel Tower! It’s slightly off the main tourist paths, so you’ll get great prices and delicious food here.

You can make a reservation online in advance, or show up in person!

3. Miss Ko

Miss Ko is an Asian-Fusion restaurant right off of the Champs-Élysées. I got sushi here and it was phenomenal!

The atmosphere is really trendy and fun – I would highly recommend this spot for a lunch or dinner.

4. Pret A Manger

This is my favorite sandwich chain in Europe! It stands for “ready to eat” and offers a ton of different sandwiches that are pre-made and ready to go.

This is the perfect spot if you need to grab a quick bite to eat, or a sandwich to take on the go!

5. Café Cassette

Café Cassette is a great spot to grab brunch to fuel up for a big day of walking around! The flowers all over the café are so cute and make for the perfect Instagram.

I feel like a lot of these floral cafés in Paris don’t actually have great food or good service, but Café Cassette is the exception and worth visiting.

6. Beefbar Paris

If you’re in the mood for a steak, Beefbar is the place to go! There’s a big selection of beef, side dishes and wine selections so you will definitely not leave this restaurant hungry.

The ambiance makes it perfect for a date night, or fancy dinner to celebrate a special occassion!

Get my FREE Google Maps List with all of these spots, restaurants and more! Drop your email below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox 💌

How to get around Paris

By Walking / Running

This is my personal favorite way to explore a new city! Compared to other big cities, I feel that Paris is more spread out than other places so you will definitely need to wear comfortable shoes.

It’s really pedestrian-friendly and easy to walk everywhere. Be careful not to cross the street to get to the Arc de Triomphe – there is an underground tunnel that will take you straight to the middle of the roundabout!

To stay active, I would definitely suggest going for a run in the morning to explore and see more of the city! There were so many people out and about going for runs and bike rides along the Seine.

By Metro / Bus

The public transit in Paris is incredible and covers every part of the city. I’ve found the Metro to be pretty clean and easy to navigate.

Each ride is €2.50, which is comparable to NYC Metro prices. You can also get a Paris Visite Pass for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days if you plan on taking the Metro a ton to get around.

I felt that the Metro was safe to take, even at night, but would be careful not to venture into areas you’re unfamiliar with at night. Particularly the 18th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements are known to be less suitable for tourists.

By Car

Both Ubers and Taxis are readily available in Paris. I found both options to be reasonably priced, and always nearby whenever I needed one.

I would not recommend renting a car in Paris. There are hardly any places to park a car, the streets are really narrow and a lot of them are one-way only.

If you plan to road trip around more of France, I would definitely rent a car for that, but pick it up when you are leaving Paris or drop it off before you get to Paris.

Best views of the Eiffel Tower

1. Pont d’Iéna

The bridge in front of the Eiffel Tower is closed off for pedestrians and makes for the most iconic photos. Just watch out for pickpocketers or other tourist scams here, since this is one of the most touristy spots in the entire city.

2. Jardin de la Tour Eiffel

The Eiffel Tower Gardens make for an excellent photo of the Eiffel Tower! They are sometimes closed off for maintenance, renovations or other reasons, but you can still go around the edges to get a great pic.

3. Passerelle Debilly

Passerelle Debilly is a pedestrian-only bridge that has amazing views of the Eiffel Tower plus the sunset! It is also a bridge where tons of people leave love locks, if you are interested in doing the same.

4. Pont de Bir-Hakeim

Pont de Bir-Hakeim is a popular bridge with a great view of the Eiffel Tower. You can also see La France Renaissante here – a bronze sculpture depicting Jeanne d’Arc.

5. Port de Debilly

This is hardly ever busy, and is a great secluded spot for a photo with the Eiffel Tower and the Seine in the background. You can also come down here to walk along the Seine and drink a glass of wine!

6. Rue de l’Université

I first came across this secret spot on Instagram – you’ll find this photo opportunity at the end of Rue de l’Université as you’re walking over to the Eiffel Tower!

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, feel free to send me an email or DM on Instagram with any questions or for personalized travel tips!

mariss

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10 Stunning Sights to See in Paris This Summer

MLE Travel Diary — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 15:00:00 +0000

I went to Paris for the first time in the summer of 2021. I was so amazed by all of the architecture, buildings and delicious food. Crêpes & croissants galore! Seriously, I had a chocolate croissant every single morning I was there haha. They are my favorite pastry.

If you are looking to stay in a hostel, I stayed at The People – Paris Belleville and highly recommend it. Some of the neighborhoods in Paris can be less safe, and we felt very safe here. It was clean, quiet, and we made friends within 2 minutes of arriving. It also had a cute outdoor area, and was a 5 minute walk away from the Metro, which was perfect for us!

1. Eiffel Tower

I mean….obviously this has to be on the list so we’re just gonna stick it right on top! My biggest regret from this trip is not seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. Definitely would recommend doing that as well; I plan on coming back just to see it sparkling at night!✨✨

2. Luxembourg Gardens

We spent some time walking around these beautiful gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg in French). It was so fun – they are so so pretty and there are so many great spots to stop and snap a cute pic! There were also a lot of people having picnics or just hanging out on this huge grassy area in front of the Luxembourg Palace.

3. Maisons colorées de la rue Cremieux

If you’ve ever seen these colorful houses on instagram and wondered “huh where are those,” well here they are! This entire street is lined with colorfully painted homes. It is a definite must-add to your bucket list for your next trip to Paris.

4. The Louvre

Another classic! And also another slight regret of mine is not actually checking out the Louvre Museum. This is where the Mona Lisa resides! I plan on going back and going through the museum next time I come to Paris.

It is also definitely worth walking around and seeing the surrounding attractions, Colonnade de Perrault and Tuileries Garden while you are here!

5. Hôtel de Ville

This hotel is stunning! The neighborhood it is located in, Le Marais, is so fun to walk around. There are tons of shops and restaurants. You can also catch the sunset on the Seine!

6. Arc de Triomphe

Now actually, while I was in Paris, they were doing construction on the Arc so I wasn’t too stoked about the pics I took. As you can see, there is a large red crane in the very front. That being said, traveling is not JUST about the pics you can take.

So I still went up to the panoramic viewpoint on top of the Arc to check out a 360 view of the city. Definitely worth it if you want to see the entire city. There was also a super cool spiral staircase on the descent.

7. Sacré-Cœur

We did an excursion to Montmartre towards the end of my time in Paris. It was SO fun. Walking up and down the steps to the Sacre-Cœur was great exercise haha. You can also watch the beautiful sunset over all of Paris here😍.

8. Panthéon

We happened to walk past this monument in the 5th arrondissement while meandering about. I really love the little French flag on top too!

9. Champs-Élysées

Definitely definitely would recommend walking down the Champs-Élysées. There are so many nice stores and cafés! The shopping in Paris is unparalleled. This street made me feel like French royalty.

10. Gucci Store

Last but certainly not least, a favorite hidden gem of mine – the Gucci store along the Champs-Élysées. This one might just be a personal favorite – but I LOVE the color pink and this store was incredible. Perfect for a mirror selfie!!

In summary, there are so many great spots in Paris to take photos and explore! Feel free to drop a comment if I missed any of your favorite spots. I plan on coming back to Paris this Spring…subscribe below or follow me on Instagram to follow along!

mariss

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