There’s nothing wrong with being a tourist. But, after a full itinerary of rushing between museums and attractions, sometimes you just need to slow down a little bit. Here are some great ideas for less touristy activities that still give you a great feel for the city and culture of Paris.
Catch a concert at St. Chapelle
Sainte Chapelle is known for its incredible stained glass windows, but the church also hosts amazing concerts almost every single night of the year. Consider taking an evening to sit and enjoy the space as it was intended…filled with music. You can check out the schedule and purchase tickets here.
Take a cooking class
Paris is known for its incredible food and pastries, so take a little bit of the city home with you by learning a new skill. Your friends and family will thank you. There are lots of different places offering cooking and baking classes. One of my favorites is La Cuisine Paris which offers classes and food tours (in English!).
Browse through a book store
The digital age hasn’t quite killed all the bookshops in the world. Paris is home to many charming bookstores, crammed full of volumes just waiting to be discovered. One of my favorites is Shakespeare and Co., an English language bookstore across from Notre Dame Cathedral. While this isn’t the original, the store has quite the legacy and is exactly what you’d expect in a bookshop…narrow book lined passages…cozy reading nooks…. Make sure to get any purchases stamped with their Kilometer Zero logo (just ask at checkout). There’s also a great café connected to the shop that serves excellent British and American style drinks and treats.
Visit a cemetery
Visiting a cemetery might seem like a strange thing to do on vacation, but Paris’s cemeteries are beautiful greenspaces full of architecture and history…and a great choice for a quiet walk. There are several to choose from that are easily accessible from the touristy areas of the city. Best of all, most of them are free to visit! Check out this blog post on visiting the cemeteries of Paris.
Relax in the parks
Paris is full of incredible parks…and the parks are full of Paris’s iconic green chairs, beaconing all those that pass to sit down and enjoy a quiet, simple moment. You’ll be in great company! Even in the middle of winter, these chairs are in use as Parisians and tourists alike take a few minutes to rest and enjoy the outdoors. Bring a book…or just watch the world go by….
