20 must-see sites in and around Paris that aren’t the Louvre or Eiffel Tower

If you’re a fan of the darker side of cities and don’t mind a bit of creepiness, you need to check out the catacombs on your next trip to Paris. This maze of underground passageways located in the heart of the city was once used as the burial site for inhabitants. You’ll wander past centuries-old graves and amongst walls of real bones and skulls.

The Louvre might be the most visited museum in the world, but it’s not the only one in Paris. If you’re looking for a unique museum, the Musée d’Orsay will surely delight. The art museum consists mostly of 19th-century artifacts. However, the most interesting feature is the location, as it’s housed in an old Beau-Arts railway station.

This palace is located about an hour by train from Paris. It is the only chateau that can claim to be a continuous residence of French Royalty from the 12th to the 19th centuries. It is also much more impressive inside than Versailles as it wasn’t ransacked during the revolution.

The Sacre-Coeur (sacred heart) basilica is located in the 18th arrondissement, often referred to as Montmartre. After a morning of strolling the picturesque neighborhood, take in this impressive site and enjoy views all over Paris. It’s also a fantastic sunset location.

You know that giant arch you see a bunch of cars driving around all over Instagram? That’s the Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris’ most iconic sites. To reach the Arc, stroll the Champs-Élysées and enjoy one of the best shopping streets in Paris.

The Marais is one of the city's most beautiful and historic parts to stroll. Definitely reserve an entire afternoon to wander this picturesque neighborhood with winding streets and shops waiting to be explored. 

We couldn’t make this list and leave out Versailles, one of the most popular day trips from the city! The palace is worth the trip in itself, but so are the ornate gardens and expansive park that borders the estate. You’ll find many picnic-goers and strolling couples around the lake every weekend.

“Moulin Rouge” translates to red mill, for the windmill that adorns this famous cabaret in the 18th arrondissement. Located in the 18th arrondissement, it’s the perfect place for an evening out. Even better, combine it with the rest of the area and head over after enjoying sunset at the Sacre-Coeur.

The French love a good bookshop, especially Parisians! Shakespeare and Company is an English-language bookstore popular among visitors and residents alike. It’s been called one of the most famous bookstores in the world and has housed literary geniuses such as Zadie Smith and Anaïs Nin. Arrive early as people start lining up way before opening.

Also known as the Opéra Garnier, you can buy tickets to watch a performance or visit on another day and take in the decor. The real gold trim and centuries-old murals are sure to delight the eyes!

Translated to “Dog Cemetery," this gravesite along the Seine in the Parisien suburbs is considered the first animal graveyard in modern history. 

Located in the 10th arrondissement of the city, the canal (and surrounding area) is popular with residents. It is much less touristy than other areas but home to many superb restaurants and bars, many located along the canal.

Paris isn’t all metro rides and city streets. If you walk far enough, on the outskirts of the metropolis, you’ll find a large forest and park. It actually bleeds into another city of the same name, Vincennes. And it’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a bit of greenspace or an urban respite.

These gardens can be found all over Instagram because they’re located just outside the Louvre. However, they’re not actually located in the museum, so we can include them in this list. It’s a great location to enjoy a sunny day in Paris or have a quick drink at one of the many outdoor brasseries.

In French, if you see “chantilly” on a menu, that usually means a drink or dessert comes with whipped cream. And the town of the same name, where this favorite accompaniment comes from, is an easy day trip from Paris. Stroll the charming streets, try chantilly in its birthplace, or go horseback riding!

This three-mile elevated walkway was the first of its kind in the world. You can walk above the Paris streets from the Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes. It’s an idyllic place to take a walk and breathe in some slightly less polluted air.

This Chinese-style pagoda stands out in the French capital. It was once a private residence built by a Chinese man who was a bit homesick. It is now a museum open for visitors and a representation of cultural exchange between the two countries.

It's one of the more niche museums in the city, but it's fun if you have time. The Museum of Hunting and Nature is located in the 3rd, not far from the National Archives. If this is a topic that even slightly interests you, it’s definitely worth a visit.

The well-adorned passageways and covered shopping centers are some of the best places to wander in Paris. Referred to as “galeries” in French, the Galerie Vivienne is one of the most beautiful in the city.

This gothic-style royal chapel is a site to be seen but nowhere near as crowded as Notre Dame (when you could visit.) It’s ideally located on the same small island in the city as the more famous cathedral.