Let’s set aside the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Louvre, and all that. Instead, we’ll focus on hidden, overlooked, underrated, or even forgotten spots. In short, these are the lesser-known places in Paris that are definitely worth a visit.
Whether you’re a Parisian or a visitor, whether it’s your first or hundredth time here, if you’re tired of the tourist-packed places, this article is for you.
Here’s our Top 5 list of the most underrated spots in Paris.
The Arab World Institute is a French cultural institute dedicated, as its name suggests, to the Arab world. It was established in 1987 and is located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris along the Seine. Known as the “Arab Beaubourg,” its unique feature lies in its facade made up of hundreds of intricate moucharabiya-like screens. This facade reacts to sunlight, with its shutters opening and closing like a camera lens depending on the weather. Impressive, right?
The best part is that, aside from the paid exhibitions the institute houses, you can enter the building for free to admire the facade up close and see the fascinating mechanics behind it.
If you find the right floor and angle, you might even catch a unique view of the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse Tower, or Sacré-Cœur through one of these openings for a truly original photo.
While you’re there, don’t miss the rooftop, where you’ll get a wonderful view of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Seine.
Located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, the Guimet Museum is the city’s Asian Art Museum. Founded by Émile Guimet, it opened in 1889 and houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of Asian art.
You can visit this museum for €11.50 per person (standard rate), which includes a second visit within 14 days if you didn’t get to see everything, as well as access to the Japanese gardens at the Heidelbach Hotel. It’s a hidden gem in Paris that few people know about.
We loved this museum and recommend it 100%. You’ll find beautiful pieces (sculptures, prints, accessories, furniture, etc.), all well-preserved.
Not the first thing that comes to mind when visiting the capital, but the Great Mosque of Paris is truly worth a visit. Located in the 5th arrondissement near the Gare d’Austerlitz and the Jardin des Plantes, it was inaugurated in 1926 and is the oldest mosque in mainland France open for worship. With its Hispano-Moorish style and a minaret that rises 33 meters high, this mosque is symbolic of Islam’s visibility in France.
You can visit the mosque (including the library, gardens, courtyard, prayer room, etc.) for just €3 (standard rate). Or you can relax in the restaurant with a mint tea and some traditional pastries, which are hard to resist.
If you’re a woman, you can also access the mosque’s hammam for €30, open every day of the year from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. This includes a towel and even a mint tea.
Besides the hammam, which is reserved for women, everyone is welcome at the Great Mosque of Paris, as long as visitors respect the space and those who come here (no need to say it, right?).
Deyrolle’s Cabinet of Curiosities is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. Founded in 1831, it’s one of the most famous entomology (study of insects) and taxidermy houses in Paris. Maison Deyrolle welcomes you all year round, free of charge, with plenty to admire. In addition to being a cabinet of curiosities, it’s also a store, showcasing the beauty of nature. You can buy anything you see here: meteorites, mammals, birds, minerals, works of art (the Maison Deyrolle even hosts artists), and more. It’s truly fascinating.
Located on the Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle was inaugurated in 1248 and once housed relics of Christ (including the Crown of Thorns and a piece of the True Cross). It’s a unique site known today for its stained glass windows depicting 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments. These windows bathe the chapel in a breathtaking ambiance that’s hard to describe—you’ll want to stay and soak it all in.
Sainte-Chapelle is rightly listed as a Historical Monument, and we can assure you that the €11.50 entry fee (standard rate) is absolutely worth it.
Our top pick in Paris. The photo speaks for itself, don’t you think?
To book your visit, you can do it here: tickets.monuments-nationaux.fr
And if you want to combine your ticket with entry to the Conciergerie in Paris, you can do so here.
These are the 5 places we highly recommend to all our friends visiting Paris. These hidden gems offer a chance to see the city from a new perspective, in a more original and less crowded way.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Paris now:
Tell us in the comments your favorite unique and underrated places in Paris (whether they’re in our Top 5 or not—we’re curious to discover new spots too).
1. For paid places, remember to book your tickets online to avoid long lines.
2. On the first Sunday of every month, most museums in Paris are free. A great opportunity, but make sure to get up early because the lines get very long… Everyone takes advantage!
Super article !
Merci c'est gentil ! On est contents qu'il plaise 🥰
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