Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, with millions of travelers passing through each year. People flock to the heart of France to walk the footsteps of artists and writers, visit exceptional monuments like the Louvre and the Eiffel tower, and trip over cobblestones. And we love all of that, we really do. Our founder is a writer, and we’d bruise our toes ten times over to get to Sacré-Coeur. Only that’s not all there is to this city. Paris is not just Notre-Dame, or the Arc de Triomphe: it’s what’s in between, and all around. Paris is a city of nooks and crannies; of forgotten corners. Of local businesses struggling to stay open and people like us trying to bring their dreams to life. If you stick with us, we’ll share some of the best places in Paris. To eat, to drink, to take in the view, to try something new. It’s all in our guide. But today, we’re going to share seven of our favorite hidden gems - at least, hidden to visitors who don’t know the city yet.
Are There Any Hidden Gems in Paris Left?
You might be wondering how there can be any hidden corners left in this relatively small city that hosts over 2 million inhabitants intramuros, and many more than that spreading into the suburbs. But there are; that’s the beauty of a place with twists and turns, and with monuments around the city drawing people in. There will always be places “too far” from the attractions - even if they’re popular on social media. But if you’re willing to wander a little further, you’re sure to be rewarded, and make some seriously memorable experiences.
What is a Hidden Gem?
Great question! We had the same thought as we were writing this blog. The answer may vary from person to person, but in our opinion, a hidden gem is a place, whether on or off the beaten path, that’s either not very well known, only known to certain locals, or is literally physically hidden. That’s what you’ll be able to expect from this blog!
Why Discovering Hidden Gems In Paris Makes Your Trip Better
For some people, traveling is a check list. See this. Do that. Eat snails. Check, check, check, let’s get out of here. If that’s you, that’s fine. There is no judgement here, get in, get out, say you did it, move on. But before we get too far - if that’s what you’re looking for, this blog, and our guide, aren’t for you. Heck, half our recommendations aren’t even French food (but they sure are good). Here’s why we recommend getting off the beaten path in Paris (and elsewhere).
Feel Like A Local
Sit in a park. Small roses in a garden (literally). Wander into that open gate (the worse they can do is send you back out again…). Shut down a local bar. Banter over charcuterie… when you get off the beaten path, you start to feel like a true local. And you might even be mistaken for one.
Avoid Crowds
Everyone and their sister’s aunt Sally will be at the Eiffel tower. And so should you, at least once in your life. But then, get out of there. Head to the 19th, the 20th, the 12th, and you’ll find yourself away from the masses of crowds (and the pickpockets that go with). And guess what? Out there you’ll still get your apérol spritz, your sprawling terrace and your steak tartare. We promise.
Explore More History and Architecture
You can get lost centrally two - in the heart of the second arrondissement, you’ll find yourself in covered passages that will take your breath away, and not far from there, you’ll be on a street filled with ramen restaurants. Turn the corner to see the Opera house at a distance and lean on a Haussmannian wall. Even away from the Louvre, you’ll get a good dose of the history and architecture this city has to offer.
And in our opinion, the best way to see the touristy sights is on a tour. You can whip in and out with a guide who’s taking care of you. You’ll learn history and have a general good time. After the tour, you can wander off to the quieter parts of Paris. This is the best of both worlds. And one of our favorite tours of the city is by motorcycle and sidecar (no, we’re not kidding). This is especially fun if you’ve got teens in the picture; we promise they won’t be bored.
Better Photo Opportunities
Do you really want hundreds of people in your photos? And is it really authentic to have to edit them out later? Climb up to Park de Belleville for a far away photo of the Eiffel tower. Or actually…we have a video about that!
Find Better Food
…Because the best restaurants won’t seduce you to come inside. They won’t harass you in the street. They won’t be covered in fake flowers, or have an overly catered instagram presence made up of Tiktok influencers. They’re the ones in the shadows of all that, and they’re waiting to give you a really good time. We know because we test new restaurants every week, Jay’s Patrons vote on it; and if they’re that good, we add them right to our guide.
Discover Real Paris
Because isn’t that why you’re here?
Our 7 Best Hidden Gems in Paris
Of course we have more than seven, but these are seven of our favorites that feel accessible to most travelers! These places are great whether you’re traveling in a group or on your own, but if you’re planning a solo trip to Paris, we also dedicated a whole blog to you!
We also want to point out that while we aren’t including Canal Saint-Martin as a hidden gem (it’s a pretty obvious and well-loved spot among locals), we want to emphasize walking along the canal, or picnicking along the canal while visiting. Our founder even worked with Le Walk to create an AI audio guided canal sight seeing tour of this neighborhood, which is very off the beaten path where tourists are concerned. To learn more, check out our guide.
Hidden Gems For Shopping in Paris
So you want to shop, but you want to get off the beaten path and find some gems. Maybe your closet is full, and you’re looking for something extra special and unique to remember this visit to Paris, or even to bring home to a family member.
Tampographe Sardon
The Tampographe Sardon is only open on Saturdays, from 11am to 7pm. How’s that for unique? It’s an art gallery and rubber stamp shop, and it’s absolutely wonderful. Pick up some super unique stamps for your friends and family here - or just for you! You won’t regret visiting. And after? Go for a walk in the beautiful Père Lachase cemetery, or grab a coffee at Chaize.
Tienda Esquipulas
In Montmartre, you’ll find two shops called Tienda Esquipulas, one near Pigalle and the other on Rue Lepic. This gem of a shop boasts all sorts of fun and colorful artefacts from Mexico and Guatemala. This is the place for something quirky and filled with character, whether that be a painted hard boiled egg holder, or a wall hanging.
Hidden Gem Restaurants and Bars in Paris
Of course, at the end of the day, here at Paris in My Pocket we love to eat, eat, and eat some more, so we wanted to be sure to include some wonderful hidden food and drink options for you.
Sobremesa
A recent addition to our guide, Sobremesa is included in this list not only because it’s out of the way for your average tourist (north of the hill of Montmartre) but because it’s a restaurant that often invites guest chefs, meaning you never know what incredible meal awaits you. There is a beauty and a mystery in that that makes it one of our top hidden gem recommendations.
Caché
We cannot overlook Caché. Its name not only means hidden, but it’s also tucked away in the 20th arrondissement at the end of a cobblestone street. Serving seasonal seafood in a cozy, romantic atmosphere, the food is amazing, the drinks are fantastic, the team is fun, what else is there to say?
Out of the Blue
Out of the Blue is also a hidden gem, at least for the moment, as it’s fairly new and we’ve only just discovered it. Perhaps less hidden, as it’s on Rue Saint-Maur… we love it because it’s a wine bar… with a cinema attached, something most people will miss.
Hidden Gem Parks in Paris
…Because we’d consider it a failure if you returned from Paris after using our content and only ended up at the Champ de Mars, Tuileries gardens or even, as much as we love it, the Jardin de Luxembourg!
Anne Frank Garden
The Anne Frank garden is an oasis of calm right off of the busy Rue Beaubourg in the center of Paris. If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle, this is a great place for a sit down, a read, or a meditate. Perhaps even a nap on the bench? (as long as you’re holding on to your bag!)
Saint Vincent Cemetery
Tucked on the far side of the hill of Montmartre, not far from the Vineyard de Clos, is the Saint Vincent Cemetary. Most people don’t wander in here, but if you do, you’ll see some beautiful tombs to rival Père Lachaise, which is also a must visit, but absolutely vast. Saint Vincent is smaller, and a wonderful break from the crowds of Montmartre.
Palais Royale
Hidden in plain sight is how we like to describe this one. In fact, the Paris in My Pocket team is split on this - all locals know it, but tourists tend to stumble upon it. Located in the heart of Paris, the Palais Royal is right next to the Comédie Française. You may have seen the Cour d’Honneur - that square in Paris with all the black and white pillars. Well, if you walk through there, you’ll find a beautiful little garden in the back. Most people tend to miss this.
Looking for more hidden outdoor spaces? We have a blog about that.
Bonus: Musée de Montmartre
It’s hard to believe that we have several recommendations on this list in Montmartre - a place you’d think would have nothing hidden left! And yet, here we are. (We know tour guides of the neighborhood that have never been in the Musée de Montmartre). This museum is definitely a gem and usually overlooked. If you are looking for a small, underrated museum in Paris, check out the Musée de Montmartre You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
And when you’re done there, we recommend heading back down the hill for a delicious craft coffee at Clove. If you want all of our coffee, food and drink recommendations, be sure to check out our guide.
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