Unique and Unusual Things to Do in Paris: 10 One-of-a-Kind Activities

Looking for fun things to do in Paris? You’ve already ticked off the classics of Parisian tourism: the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, the Panthéon, Notre-Dame… Here are some unusual activities to try during your stay in the City of Light, whether you live here or are just visiting for the weekend.

1 / How to explore Paris in a unique way?

Paris in a 2CV : Night tour

Take a ride through Montmartre on an exceptional Paris by Night tour in a vintage Citroën 2CV, with or without a driver.

Limousine ride

Touring Paris in a luxury car might feel over the top, but it’s a perfect way to celebrate a bachelorette or bachelor party, for example.

Discover Paris in a Tuk Tuk

Hop on a 100% electric Tuk Tuk – an eco-friendly way to enjoy a ride with family or friends and explore the capital’s landmarks. This little-known means of transport makes the journey just as fun as the destination.

Boat Ride

Book a bateau-mouche cruise to discover Paris from the Seine and admire its monuments from the water.

Sidecar Adventure

See Paris with passionate local bikers on a Retro Tour sidecar. Expect quirky anecdotes and a fresh perspective on the capital! A one-of-a-kind way to explore Paris.

Hot-air Balloon Experience

Head to Parc André Citroën in the 15th arrondissement, right on the Seine, where the world’s largest tethered balloon awaits to give you a breathtaking view of Paris from above.

2 / Surprising places to discover for free in Paris

If you’re looking for free things to do in Paris, whether as a couple, with family, or friends, there are plenty!

Here are some unusual spots to check out if you want to see Paris’s lesser-known side:

• Rue du Chat qui Pêche, the narrowest street in the city at just 1.80 meters wide (5th arrondissement).
• Rue des Degrés (the city’s shortest street), Place du Calvaire (the tiniest square), and even the smallest house in Paris in the 10th.
• The Catacombs of Paris at 36 rue Rémy Dumoncel – also called the “Parisian ossuary.”

3 / Explore the quirkiest museums in Île-de-France

While the Louvre is a must, Paris is full of offbeat museums. A secret, unusual side of the city we all dream of! A few examples:

• The Absinthe Museum in Auvers-sur-Oise.
• The Museum of Illusions – great fun with kids.
• Maison Deyrolle, the last cabinet of curiosities in the city.
• The Museum of Magic, a fun and educational experience in the Marais.

4 / Surprising nature things to do around Paris

Dog-sledding in Fontainebleau Forest Yes, it’s possible! If you’ve ever dreamed of dog-sledding, try out the wheeled sled version in the green lungs of the region, the Fontainebleau forest.

Other nature escapes near Paris

• Tree-top adventure at Sherwood Park, with zip lines for kids and adults.
• A hidden haven in the 11th arrondissement: Cité du Figuier, a little oasis of greenery.
• The Witch’s Rock in Montmartre: in the 18th arrondissement you’ll find the Passage de la Sorcière, a leafy and mysterious spot with an unusual story.

5 / Original things to do in Paris: the best immersive experiences

Batman Escape - Escape Rooms

Among the top escape games in Paris, Batman Escape is a must-visit! Three missions await you: face the Joker, the Riddler, or step directly into the Batcave. Dive into France’s largest escape game complex and enjoy 70 minutes of total immersion in the world of our favorite DC hero: Batman.

Bonus: Relax afterward with friends in the immersive lounge bar, fully decorated in Gotham style. Batman Escape is also a fantastic idea for team building in Paris.

Bureau des Légendes 

Another standout: the Bureau des Légendes escape game. Like Batman Escape, it features professional actors for an even deeper immersion.

Step behind the scenes of the French secret service and become an undercover agent for two hours of thrilling gameplay. An unusual Paris activity that turns you into a spy!

6 / Test your knowledge in unexpected ways in Paris

Quiz Room

Ever dreamed of being on a TV quiz show? Or maybe you just love Trivial Pursuit? Quiz Room is the thing to do for you. Buzz in and test your knowledge in this Paris game room.

Looking for something more musical? Quiz Room also offers blind tests – musical quizzes that are a fun alternative to karaoke.

7 / 5 unique restaurants for a tasty experience

Paris and region are known as the capital of French gastronomy. But beyond traditional cuisine, the city has plenty of original dining spots for a truly unusual foodie break. A fun thing to do in Paris for couples or friends!

Here are 5 restaurants worth a stop for both your taste buds and your eyes:

• Long & Tee: quirky tea room serving trompe-l'œil desserts shaped like famous characters.
• Harry’s New York Bar: an authentic institution, open since 1911 and still styled like the early 20th century.
• FAT: a street art-inspired venue promoting French Art Touch values, with drinks and artists’ work on display.
• Amazonas Bar: an exotic spot with décor straight out of the Amazon rainforest.
• 2D Atelier: a comic book café with décor that appears like it leapt right off the page.

8 / Stress-busting things to do with friends

Fury Room

Ever heard of a “rage room”? Smash anything you like in a dedicated space to let off steam. Goodbye stress, hello pure fun!

Axe throwing

Test your aim and release some pressure with this unusual activity, perfect with friends or as a team building event.

Indoor skydiving at iFly

Looking for thrills? Head to iFly, with its 14-meter-high glass wind tunnel for safe but exhilarating free-fall sensations.

Indoor mini golf

For a more laid-back vibe, Mad Golf offers a crazy-decor mini golf course indoors – ideal for rainy days in Paris.

9 / Unique couple things to do in the city of love

Floatation therapy A romantic and relaxing outing: floatation sessions. An unusual couple’s activity in Paris or Île-de-France that helps you recharge together.

Beer Spa Why not combine spa relaxation with craft beer? At the Beer Spa you’ll enjoy hot tubs, beer-based cosmetics, and of course, beer tastings (alcoholic or not). Who said bubbles were only in the glass?

10 / Endless original things to do in Paris

As you can see, Paris is full of unique activities to try. Whether fun or educational, immersive or cultural, the city offers countless options to discover its more unusual side.