Paris is beautiful. But it’s more than art and museums. And if you don’t like museums, it doesn’t matter how incredible the art is. So, what can you do in Paris if you don’t like museums? Fortunately, there are many things to do and many ways to see this iconic town. Here are a few recommendations. Number four is my personal favorite.

1. Walk Around the Beautiful and Iconic Neighborhoods

Walking sounds lame, I know, but if you haven’t been to Paris yet, you’ll be surprised by the architecture, the small streets, the pedestrian walkways, the stores, and the awnings. Everything in Paris is unique, from another time, and so beautiful, it’s like you’re in a fairytale. It’s no wonder many people claim Paris is the city of love.

You can literally walk down any street and find it amazing, but here are a few popular suggestions for you:

Don’t miss Le Marais Neighborhood

The Marais is pretty much at the center of town. The Marais is within arrondissement 3 and 4. It’s known for its charming streets, boutique shops, and cafes. It’s perfect for people-watching and exploring hidden courtyards. Le Marais is also the gay district. It has many gay bars and clubs, including a cute bakery that sells baguettes shaped like penises. Get you some!

The Cute and Iconic Montmartre Area

Famous for its artistic history, this hilltop neighborhood offers a panoramic view of the city, the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and cobblestone streets lined with cafes. Although this neighborhood is cute, historically, it hasn’t always been the safest area. But it’s super iconic and makes for great photos. It’s located in the 18th arrondissement.

The Latin Quarter is a Must

The 5th arrondissement is always hopping and filled with incredible architecture, cafes, shops, and beautiful sites for those luscious photo ops. Just walk around, and your jaw will drop. It also has a bookstore called Shakespeare and Company, where you can live if you apply to volunteer.

2. Relax at Beautiful Parks

Paris has several beautiful parks with lots of history. It’s more than just a grassy area. They are landscapes. But I mean, take this one with a grain of salt. I don’t usually travel to other countries to simply walk around parks. It’s an option, though.

Jardin des Tuileries

Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, it’s a serene garden where you can enjoy a peaceful walk or relax by the fountains.

Jardin du Luxembourg

A lush park where you can sit, read a book, or rent a boat to sail in the pond. It’s a local favorite.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a picturesque park that provides a more rugged and untamed ambiance, making it stand out from other parks in the area. It has dramatic landscapes, featuring stunning waterfalls, imposing cliffs, and a captivating suspended bridge that adds to its allure. It makes a great photo op, at the very least.

3. The Seine

Many cities have a river area, but not every city uses it as a cultural center for nightlife and beyond.

The Seine is a river bank that spans the city. It is NOT like the hellhole that is the LA River but more like the fun Chicago River, which is used by many locals who choose to run, walk, or simply stroll. It provides a way to see the iconic tourist sites or have a bite to eat. The Seine is more of a cultural area in Paris that holds events throughout the year. And many young Parisians come here to sip a beer and party until the sun rises.

4. Download the Invader App

One fun way to see the city is to download the Invader App (called Flash Invaders). Invader is the Banksy of Paris. He/she/it (no one knows who he/she is or if it’s a team of people). Nevertheless, you will find Invader’s art all over town. And with the Flash Invader App, you can take a picture and validate whether or not it’s a real art piece or a copycat. For each one you find, you get points, too. It turns the entire city of Paris into a fun game.

5. Visit Iconic Tourist Sites

Are you into tourist sites? If you are, here are some you can check out.

The Eiffel Tower

You can climb all the way up the tower and get stellar views of the city. Even if you don’t go to the top, a picnic near the tower at the Champ de Mars is a quintessential Parisian experience.

Notre-Dame

Due to the fire, the Cathedral of Notre Dame is still closed, but you can still see it from the outside. Yes, it sucks, but at least you can read all the great historical information on nearby panels.

Arc de Triumph

It makes for a great photo op, and it’s in a central shopping neighborhood. Also, don’t cross the street. Use the underground tunnel. It’s safer.

6. Explore the Catacombs

The Catacombs are impressive and hold lots of historical significance. It contains the skeletons of over six million bodies, which you can see today. It’s creepy, bizarre, and super unique. The entire city of Paris sits on top of this grizzly site (just about 200 miles of tunnels). It begs the question: Is the city of love sitting on top of death? Yes. It is.

Fly to Paris and design your itinerary any way you want. The city of Paris has tons of things to do for everyone. So, even if you don’t like museums, you can choose many fun and unique ways to see the city and make memories.