Discover Paris: Insider Tips & Hidden Gems

In a city as saturated with things to do as Paris, it can be difficult to figure out the best way to get off the beaten path. Do you wander and get lost, and risk ending up somewhere with no good food? Do you trust content creators who make the same off-the-beaten-path recommendations as others, or risk those places not being truly off the beaten path? Is off the beaten path even possible in Paris anymore?

Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, and it’s a city people tend to visit not just once, but multiple times throughout their lives. It’s known for its historical monuments, cultural significance, and historic architecture - and a lot of it. First-time visitors may discover that not all famous attractions in Paris deliver a worthwhile experience. Some monuments, restaurants, and shops are overrated TikTok trends, some museums aren’t worth it unless you have a very specific interest, and some areas of town aren’t worth a wander. The team at Paris in my Pocket has been wandering the city for over a decade, helping travelers like you to have the best possible time in the City of Light.

A trip to Paris is always exciting, whether you’re visiting for the first, fifth, or fiftieth time (lucky you, if that’s the case!). But if you’re planning your first trip, the prep and packing can be rather overwhelming. You’re probably trying to figure out how to balance planning for sightseeing, transportation, food reservations, and packing.

When planning a trip to Paris, France, or Europe in general, one of the first questions to overcome is the question of time. Perhaps you only have a week or two off. Perhaps you have multiple cities or countries you’d like to visit. Or on the flip side, maybe you have lots of time and want to be sure not to overdo it. This can be an overwhelming decision, and we frequently are asked how many days for the perfect Paris vacation. The reality is, when it comes to this city, you want time. As much time as possible.

Paris in the summer is a dreamy place to be. We’re not going to pretend it won’t be hot and sweaty, but there’s a beautiful and relaxed energy as the Parisians start to trickle out of the city on their summer vacations. Paris might seem overhyped, but the fact remains that it’s one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, filled with experiences that could keep you entertained for weeks or months, if not years. Whenever someone walks away from the city unhappy with their time spent here, we know they’ve been misguided. There is truly something for everyone, and part of the reason we’re here is to help you figure out what will make your trip the best it can be.

Planning a summer trip to Paris? Here are 5 fun, local-approved things to do in Paris this August, including swimming in the Seine, outdoor movies, music festivals, and exhibitions.

Traveling to Paris in August? Skip the guesswork and avoid tourist traps! Discover what’s open in Paris this August with our local-approved 5x5 guide to food, coffee, drinks, museums, and more.

When planning an itinerary to Paris, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. People have lots of opinions on where you should go, where you should want to go, and where you should avoid - as do we, of course. And museums can be a hotly debated topic - is the Louvre too big to be worth it, or is it a once in a lifetime experience? How about the Versailles Palace? Is the Orangerie a nicer overall experience than the Orsay? Everyone will have an answer for you, and chances are, those answers will compete with one another.

France is not only famous for the Eiffel Tower, but also for its fantastic Parisian markets, the outdoor markets. If you’re visiting Paris at an even remotely warm time of year, you’re probably looking forward to exploring the markets around the city and greater France. We’ll have another blog out soon that gives a general overview of some of the best markets in Paris, but today, in honor of Bastille day in July, we’re going to focus on the Marché Bastillle.

So you’re traveling to Paris. You know that there’s an abundance of incredible food here - that has always been true - but when you start searching the internet for “Best places to eat”, all you get is AI assists or Tiktok trending Paris restaurants. Aka, far away from where the locals eat. In a world of so much information, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Hopefully, this article will help steer you in the right direction. We’ll outline some of the tourist traps to avoid, how to save a little money, and give you some of our favorite recommendations along the way.

I'll be upfront with you: Paris is not the easiest city in the world to navigate in a wheelchair. But Paris is changing. Here are the best spots, insider tips, and useful phrases so your stay can be as free and joyful as possible.

So you’re visiting Paris. Perhaps for the first time, perhaps for the fifth. Either way, there is plenty to see that you have not yet seen, and you might be feeling a little unsure about how to craft an itinerary that hits everything you feel should be hit and everything you want to hit, with good food and drinks in between.

Paris still has plenty to offer that is off the beaten path, genuinely unique and fun, and away from crowds. We’ll share nine of our favorite unique things to do in Paris with you today.

If you're looking for good places to drink in Paris, this post is for you. Here are some of our favorite spots; those bars that take the game to the next level.

Discover the vibrant street food scene of Paris, from classic crêpes and baguette sandwiches to global flavors, offering delicious and affordable bites that capture the city’s rich and evolving culinary culture.

Paris is not just Notre-Dame, or the Arc de Triomphe: it’s what’s in between, and all around. We’re going to share seven of our favorite hidden gems - at least, hidden to visitors who don’t know the city yet.

May in Paris is the sweet spot: wisteria blooming, 9pm sunsets, 18°C weather. Get our complete 2026 guide covering what to wear, packing tips, French Open at Roland Garros, what's closed May 1st, museum nights, festivals, and the best local spots to eat and drink. Insider knowledge included.

Visiting Paris in April? April sits in the sweet spot between low season and peak summer, and we’re here to let you know what to expect during your trip.

Looking for tips on what to do as a solo traveler in Paris? In this blog, we break down the cost of traveling to Paris, if Paris is safe as a solo traveler, where to stay as a solo traveler, and what to do.

We are dedicating this post to talking about some of the best things to do in Paris this March, interspersed with our top tips for Paris in March, and why it’s still a great time to be here.

Wondering where to stay in Paris? Local insider breaks down the best neighborhoods, arrondissements, and areas by vibe, budget, and travel style. Avoid tourist traps!

Discover the best things to do in Paris in January, from shows and museums to immersive light experiences and kid-friendly activities. Start 2026 inspired.

Discover 5 fantastic shops in Paris for unique gifts and quality items. From quirky finds to artisan goods, shop local this holiday season!

Below, we’ve rounded up the top things to do in Paris in December to help you plan your magical winter visit. There are numerous live shows, from classical music in churches, to parks and gardens lit up. There are small Christmas markets around town, and lots of places to eat Oysters.

Explore Paris’s coziest winter hideaways: candlelit bars, snug restaurants, and romantic hotels perfect for your cold-weather getaway.

Discover the cozy magic of Paris in November with these fun activities. Whether you're looking for art, live music, or a taste of home with turkey and pumpkin pie, there’s something for everyone.

Here are our top must-do experiences for families visiting Paris with kids, recommended to us by real Parisians with young children. All of them are fun and engaging.

Looking for the best things to do in October in Paris? We're exploring five must-see Parisian happenings in October, including the famous Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre, Jazz sur Seine, and the Salon de la Photo. Plus, what to do for Halloween, from haunted maze experiences to costume parties.

Planning your Paris trip? Explore the best guided tours to see all the top Paris attractions, including iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and local markets. Whether you're cycling through the city, taking a private walking tour, or enjoying a scooter ride, our curated list of top-rated Paris tours ensures you experience the City of Lights to the fullest. Plus, discover the best places to eat, drink, and snap photos. Optimize your Paris adventure with our expert recommendations and insider tips!

Discover what to do in Paris in September as the city comes alive after summer! Experience the magical blend of warm weather and vibrant cultural events, from the Paralympics and iconic Paris Fashion Week to European Heritage Weekend and Jazz à La Villette. Don't miss special events like Whiskey Live. Explore Parisian markets, enjoy boat tours along the Seine, and soak in the last rays of picnic season. Plan your perfect September in Paris with our guide to the city's top attractions and hidden gems.

Discover 25 essential Paris travel tips, dos and don’ts for a safe, fun, and unforgettable visit. Insider advice for first-time and returning travelers.

Looking for things to do in Paris' 20th Arrondissement? This post is for you. You can find incredible food, great nighttime vibes, and some of Paris’ most epic green spaces. It’s worth a visit!

We're sharing all the best things to do in Paris' 19th Arrondissement. We’ll give you our best recs and let you decide. It’s definitely worth a visit.

We’re going to take you through some of our recommendations for Montmartre and the 18e Arrondissement in general. Know all the best spots and hidden gems.

The 17e Arrondissement still has plenty to offer for locals and certain travelers. Here are the best things to do to maximize your time in the 17e district of Paris.

Staying in the 16e of Paris and want to know the best things to do there? Here are our best recommendations for how to maximize the time you spend in the 16e arrondissement of Paris.

If you’ve been to Paris before and want to check out new areas, there’s some great stuff to see in the 15th Arrondissement and some excellent food hidden away.

Ah, Paris 14e. The boring arrondissement. There’s not much to eat, drink, or see here if we’re being honest. If you're still curious, Paris' 14e Arrondissement has some places you can check out (dead people), eat, and hang out.

Paris' 11th Arrondissement has taken the crown from the Marais, is the spot for food, drinks and some of the best coffee in town. You’ll also find some great alternative arts and culture here, as well as a few places for some peace and quiet. The 11th really has it all.

Perhaps you’re here because you want to get out of central Paris for something new, or maybe this is where your hotel or Airbnb is located. There are some great places to check out while you’re in Paris' 13e Arrondissement, regardless of why you’re here. So let’s get into it.

Paris' 12th Arrondissement might not be foodie, per se, but there are still a few options we’d recommend - and you’re close to the 11th, which will make up all the difference! Here are other things you can do in the area.

We love the 10e arrondissement of Paris and we know you’ll love it, too, once you get to know it! This neighborhood has so much to offer in the way of food and drink, while maintaining a bit of that local, residential energy in some areas and total party blocks in others. We’re not going to preface it with much - let’s dive right in.

There is plenty to do in Paris' 9e Arrondissement. This blog will touch on a few recommendations, but if you’re interested in even more, be sure to grab our guide. You’ll get instant access to hundreds of recommendations across the city to ensure you have the best time possible in Paris.

Ah, the 8e arrondissement. The arrondissement that gets us into a fair bit of trouble for saying - why are you here? But we stand by that question. The 8e arrondissement is full of… not much of anything. A couple monuments, a sad and crowded shopping street, and a beautiful park. That’s about it. Sprinkle in truly next to no good food and coffee (except for wildly priced Michelin restaurants) and you’ve got yourself a wasted day.

When it comes to the 7th arrondissement of Paris, the important thing to keep in mind is that it’s mainly quiet streets between big attractions. This post will help you to maximize your time in a neighborhood that has limited offerings for food, coffee, drinks, and instead fill it with general laid-back vibes.

The 6e Arrondissement is a mix of literary history, cozy cafés, and art galleries. This is a neighborhood best experienced at a relaxed pace. We’re going to share with you some of our top places to visit in the 6e.

Welcome to the 5e arrondissement of Paris, where old-school Paris and student life collide. This neighborhood is lively, fun, and filled with bookstores. Here are some recommendations.

The 4e arrondissement will plunge you into the heart of the Marais, known for being both the Jewish and Gay quarter of Paris. From rainbow-painted roads to kosher falafel, from the Centre Pompidou to Place des Vosges, this neighborhood has straight-up charm.

The 3rd district of Paris, otherwise known as the Haut Marais (the high Marais), used to be the beating heart of the culinary scene in Paris. You’ll likely feel overwhelmed with where to go in this district. Here are some of our top recommendations in Paris' 3rd Arrondissement.

Paris’ 2nd arrondissement is an often overlooked, charming, and elegant area of the city. It’s not well known for anything in particular, save for its covered passages, which we’ll get to in a bit, but it does a lot of things very well. We’ll set you up with some tasty coffee and nibbles, and otherwise we just encourage you to walk, walk, walk. This arrondissement has so much to give, but most of it is best stumbled upon.

If Paris were a board game, the 1er arrondissement would be the center square. Home to the Louvre, the Tuileries, and some of the postcard-esque places in the city, many people pass through this neighborhood for its big sights and sounds, but few take the time to really explore it well. It’s surprisingly calm in some parts, full to the brim with history, and worth some time spent lingering.

By July, summer is here and in full swing. The sun beats down on Paris, and most days are hot. The parks are packed with picnickers, the cafés are lively late into the night, and the city feels like one big festival. July brings with it Bastille Day, outdoor cinema, and several festivals. Bring your sunscreen & water bottle, and don’t expect air conditioning in the country's capital. We’re sweaty and we’re here to have fun. Here are our top rated things to experience in Paris in July - from obvious to obscure, and everything in between.

Unsure what to do in Paris in June? Want to know what the locals are doing, and what's happening off the beaten path? June is one of the best months to visit Paris, so you're in for a treat!

There’s no shortage of green space in Paris, but some of the best spots are the ones you’d walk right past if you didn’t know to look. These are the calm, slightly secret gardens we keep in our back pocket — perfect for when the Marais feels a little too buzzy and you just want somewhere to sit, snack, and take a breather. Whether you're holding a falafel, a lobster roll, or just your iced coffee, these are our favorite little hideaways.

Paris in the spring. A fan favorite through the decades, depicted in the classic Amélie (or perhaps you were more of an After Sunset person). Either way the balmy weather, awakening city, and general good energy is addicting. The city changes in the spring - slowly in March, more so in April, and by May we’re in full swing. Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in the city - along with autumn. (We love change, and the feeling it brings). Trees start to grow their little green buds, flowers bloom and brag about their beauty, and bees awaken from their long slumber. From the first warm day of spring, you’ll see the terraces come to life, and the parks and gardens fill with picnickers.

It’s February, and you know what that means. Valentine’s day is only a few weeks away and, whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that romance is in the air. And lucky you, you’re spending it in Paris, one of the most passionate cities on Earth! We’ve put together a list of romantic recommendations around the city to make your date planning that much easier.

Planning your trip to Paris? Discover our 25 Essential Dos and Don’ts to navigate the City of Light like a local! From choosing the perfect neighborhood to stay in and packing the right power adaptors, this blog covers everything you need for a smooth and unforgettable Parisian experience. Learn why you should avoid booking accommodations near the Eiffel Tower and where to find the best local haunts for coffee and cuisine. Don’t miss out on crucial tips for navigating pharmacies and transportation, ensuring you're well-prepared for any situation.

Discover the hidden foodie gems of Paris on Rue Rambuteau! From lobster rolls to pastries and coffee spots, this underrated street links the neighborhoods of Les Halles and Le Marais, offering some of the best eats near the Pompidou. Explore our ultimate foodie guide to uncover must-visit spots like Homer and Glace Bachir.

Discover the top 5 best brunch places in Paris, perfect for indulging in a delicious breakfast or coffee. From classic French pastries like croissants and pain au chocolat to savory options like shakshuka and eggs benedict, this guide to Paris brunch spots has it all. Explore trendy neighborhoods like Montmartre, Canal Saint-Martin, and the 11th arrondissement while enjoying the best brunch cafes Paris has to offer. Find vegetarian, gluten-free, and coffee lovers’ favorites at these must-visit Paris brunch restaurants. Volume I of Paris in My Pocket’s ultimate brunch guide.

Maximize your Paris layover with our ultimate itinerary guide! Discover the best attractions, cafes, and tips to make the most of your 3-8 hour stopover in Paris.

Get the inside scoop on where to watch the Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony! Discover top Parisian bars and spots for an unforgettable viewing experience. With the Seine banks closed, find out where to enjoy the ceremony, support local businesses, and savor quality drinks and ambiance. Explore our curated guide to the best bars in Paris for the Olympics and make the most of the Games.

Discover the ultimate guide to the best specialty coffee roasters in Paris. Once known for its classic, yet underwhelming espressos, Paris has transformed into a haven for coffee lovers, offering some of the finest brews in the world. Whether you’re searching for the perfect flat white, a rich espresso, or a flavorful filter coffee, this guide covers the top cafés and roasters across the city. From hidden gems to trendy hotspots, find out where to experience the best of Paris’s coffee culture. Learn which cafés are making waves with their expertly roasted beans, warm ambiance, and delicious pastries. Whether you're a Parisian or visiting the city, our guide will help you navigate Paris’s flourishing coffee scene, ensuring you enjoy the very best coffee Paris has to offer. Explore Paris like a local and savor the city’s top coffee experiences with our curated recommendations and insider tips.

Your ultimate guide to the Paris 2024 Olympics! Get all the answers to your questions about travel restrictions, monument access, and local business hours during the Games. Learn how to navigate Paris, avoid disruptions, and discover hidden gems away from the crowds. Perfect for visitors before, during, or after the Olympics and Paralympics. Stay informed and experience the best of Paris with our expert tips!

Planning a trip to Paris during the 2024 Olympics? Discover essential details about metro closures, public transport disruptions, and how to navigate the city. Stay updated with our comprehensive guide to the Paris Metro during the Paris Olympics, including station closures and alternative travel tips. Prepare for the Paris 2024 Games with expert advice and local insights from Paris in My Pocket.