Cool Things to Do in Paris: Add a Twist to Your Trip
Beyond the must-see sights and famous landmarks, there’s a whole world of cool things to do in Paris – for every kind of traveller and every kind of budget.
Paris is a bit like that friend who always has something unexpected up their sleeve. Constantly reinventing itself, the city is bursting with fresh ideas, hidden gems and cool spots to explore – whether you’re visiting with family, friends, a partner or just enjoying the trip on your own.
Group adventures: fun things to do in Paris with friends
Looking for cool things to do in Paris with friends? Whether you’re into leisurely canal picnics, immersive escape games or rhythm-filled brunches, the capital has it all.
Steer your own boat along the Canal de l’Ourcq
An electric boat. Sunshine. A picnic basket. The perfect recipe for a great evening with friends in Paris. With Marin d’Eau Douce, cruise up the Canal de l’Ourcq to the historic flour mill in Pantin, passing through Parc de la Villette along the way. Available to rent by the hour or for the whole day, these boats take you on a scenic 20-km journey – with no special licence required.
- Prices vary depending on boat type and rental length. Around €20 per person for a full group (boats for 5 to 11 people).
Looking to save on your stay? Base yourself near the Canal de l’Ourcq in the 19th arrondissement – a great spot for affordable hotels in Paris.
Team up for a VR escape game
Escape rooms are always a hit in Paris, but take things up a level with virtual reality. Slip on a headset, grab your controls and immerse yourself in themed adventures from space missions to post-apocalyptic worlds, Gaul villages or zombie chases. Designed for 2 to 4 players, this is a fun and futuristic way to test your teamwork – making it a standout among the cool things to do in Paris with friends.
- Prices €10-€20 per person, depending on group size.
Start the day with a musical brunch
Still buzzing from a night at Mia Mao or a concert at the Accor Arena? Keep the good vibes going with a music-filled brunch. Paris has plenty of restaurants and cafés serving up generous menus with live performances. For a jazzy buffet, head to the Halle aux Oliviers at La Bellevilloise. Prefer not to leave the comfort of your hotel? No problem – ibis Paris Bastille Opéra 11th serves up a deliciously gourmet brunch.
- Prices around €30 per person.
If you’re visiting in early October, Brunch Electronik takes over the Bois de Vincennes racecourse for two days of house and techno brunching.
Family-friendly fun in Paris: cool things to do with kids
Exploring Paris with kids? From story-filled city tours to mind-bending optical illusions and high-speed racing simulators, discover cool, hands-on activities that will keep young travellers curious, active and inspired.
Explore Paris on a themed walking tour
When visiting Paris with children, a guided walking tour is a brilliant way to keep things fun and informative. These immersive outings are more engaging than rushing through a museum – and there’s something for every interest. Sing your way through Montmartre, spot street art in on-trend Belleville, tour behind-the-scenes at the Stade de France or Roland-Garros, or dive into the city’s mysterious night-time history. There’s a guided tour of just about every corner of the capital.
- Prices start at around €10 for children and €18 for adults.
Step into the upside-down at the Paradox Museum
One of the really cool things to do in Paris with kids? A visit to the Paradox Museum – an experience that’s as entertaining as it is mind-bending. Mum’s on the ceiling, Dad’s on the floor… and the whole family’s flipped upside down. For 90 minutes, question everything you thought you knew during this quirky experience in Paris’s 9th arrondissement. With over 90 mind-bending optical illusions and interactive exhibits, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – and probably where you’ll take the most talked-about selfie of your weekend.
- Prices from €22.50 for children, €27.50 for adults.
- Book your ticket.
Just a short walk away, ibis Paris Grands Boulevards Opéra 9th offers affordable family rooms with classic Parisian charm right at the heart of the action.
Feel the rush in an F1 racing simulator
If your kids are into Formula 1, this is a must. Experience the thrill of a real F1 cockpit at Sim Drivers! Choose your circuit, take your seat and tackle the corners like a pro – or just try to keep the car on the track at 300 km/h. It’s a fun, high-energy activity that’s perfect for mini-motorsport fans.
- Prices €15 for 15 minutes on the Kids simulator; €30 on the Sensation simulator.
Romantic escapes: unique things to do in Paris
Searching for cool things to do in Paris as a couple? Romantic, original and always memorable, the City of Light sets the scene for laughter, music and open-air cinema.
Catch a stand-up show in Paris
Whether it’s a first date or just a fun night out together, stand-up comedy is always a good idea. It’s one of the coolest ways to break the ice or share a few hours of laughter in the city. If you’re feeling brave, grab seats in the front row – where you’re more likely to get picked on by the performers. Some of our favourite venues include The Joke, La Scène Barbès, Paname Art Café and the ever-popular Comedy Club.
- Prices around €15 per person (food and drink not included).
The Fridge Comedy Club, launched by French actor and comedian Kev Adams, offers free entry – just tip what you want at the end of the evening. There are also several English-speaking comedy shows in Paris.
Set the mood with a candlelight concert
Romantic and immersive, candlelight concerts top the list of cool things to do in Paris for couples seeking a magical night out. From Hans Zimmer to Chopin, Céline Dion to Bad Bunny and French rap classics, these genre-spanning performances set the mood with piano, pop or opera in some of the city’s most atmospheric venues, including Maison de l’Océan, 3 Mazarium and Salle Wagram.
- Prices from €19 per person.
- Book candlelight concerts in Paris.
Watch a film under the stars
Looking for free things to do in Paris as a couple? Skip the usual Netflix night and head outdoors for an open-air cinema experience. In summer, big screens pop up along the Seine and in city parks. Highlights include La Villette open-air cinema, known for its crowd-pleasing classics, and Cinéma Paradiso in the courtyard of the Louvre. For something a bit different, La REcyclerie hosts documentary screenings on old railway tracks on Boulevard Ornano in the 18th arrondissement.
- Admission free.
Explore solo: unusual things to do in Paris
Travelling solo and wondering what cool things to do in Paris await? Whether you prefer hands-on workshops, art exhibitions or auctions, Paris is the perfect playground for curious minds and independent spirits.
Discover a new passion at a creative workshop
Take the opportunity to dive into something new. Paris is full of workshops run by local artisans and creatives – ideal for picking up a new skill or enjoying a few hours of mindful, immersive fun. It’s one of the cool things to do in Paris when travelling solo: a chance to learn, connect with like-minded locals and head home with a handmade souvenir to remember the experience.
A few ideas to spark inspiration:
- Cheesemaking and tasting at Paroles de Fromages at 41 Rue du Faubourg du Temple, 75010 Paris;
- Floral design with Désirée Fleurs at 5 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75011 Paris, and across the city;
- Ceramic painting at Céramicafé Geneviève at 327 Rue Saint Martin, 75003 Paris, and several other branches;
- Perfume creation with Maison Molinard at 72 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris;
- Wine tasting at Les Caves du Louvre at 52 Rue de l’Arbre Sec, 75001 Paris.
Explore the city’s museums
With over 130 museums and 1,000 art galleries, Paris is an open invitation to explore whatever interests you most – and solo visits let you do it entirely at your own pace. Beyond the big hitters like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou, the city also offers plenty of hidden gems. Learn about freemasonry at the Musée de la Franc-Maçonnerie, explore the world of languages at Mundolingua, and get to grips with all things lavatorial at the always-entertaining Musée des Égouts (Paris Sewer Museum).
- Prices vary a lot – an adult ticket for the Louvre is €22; adult entry to the Musée des Égouts is €9.
Attend a live auction
Once you’ve explored public collections, why not peek into the world of private ones? Far from being closed-off or intimidating, the doors to Paris’s top auction houses – including Drouot, Christie’s, Artcurial and Sotheby’s – are wide open. It’s one of the city’s most surprising free experiences. Sit in, watch the action unfold, and admire rare artworks and objets d’art up close.
Love off-beat adventures? Extend the experience with a road trip around France, discovering its exceptional landscapes, architectural heritage and traditional gastronomy. But first, enjoy your stay in Paris in the best possible way…
