Paris is known for its iconic landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum, but there’s so much more to this city if you know where to look. Locals have their own favorite haunts—places filled with character, history, and charm that most visitors miss.
Whether it’s a secret garden, a quirky café, or a serene park, these hidden gems give you a glimpse of the real Paris. Ready to skip the crowds and uncover the city’s best-kept secrets? Let’s dive into 30 places in Paris that only locals know about.
1. La Petite Ceinture
Once a busy railway line, La Petite Ceinture is now a lush, overgrown sanctuary loved by Parisians who want a break from city life. The 32-kilometer stretch has been transformed into walking trails, where you can spot street art and wildflowers thriving side by side.
Though it stopped carrying passengers in 1934, parts of the railway have been repurposed into nature trails and community spaces.
2. Rue Crémieux
Hidden in the 12th arrondissement, Rue Crémieux is a colorful street with houses painted in soft pastels. It’s a local favorite for its laid-back vibe and offers a quieter, more charming alternative to busier areas of Paris. Perfect for capturing a slice of Parisian life.
It’s a popular spot for Parisian influencers and photographers, but you’ll rarely find tourists here.
3. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
With its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and hidden grottoes, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont feels like an escape to another world. Traversing 61 acres, locals love it for picnics, leisurely walks, and panoramic views of the city.
The park’s suspension bridge was designed by Gustave Eiffel, adding an iconic touch to this hidden treasure.
4. Le Marché des Enfants Rouges
Founded in 1615, Le Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest covered market in Paris. Locals flock here for its diverse food stalls, offering everything from Moroccan tagines to fresh French oysters. It’s the perfect place to enjoy lunch and a glass of wine while soaking in the atmosphere.
The market’s name comes from an orphanage where children wore red uniforms, giving this historic spot its unique name.
5. The Coulée Verte
A green paradise running through the 12th arrondissement, The Coulée Verte is an elevated garden built along an old railway line. This 4.7-kilometer stretch is filled with flowers, trees, and peaceful pathways—a perfect spot for locals to unwind and take a quiet stroll.
Often compared to New York’s High Line, it offers a unique blend of nature and urban scenery.
6. La Pagode
This stunning cinema was originally built as a gift from a husband to his wife. Now, La Pagode hosts indie films in an unforgettable setting. Its ornate, pagoda-style architecture and garden make it more than just a place to catch a movie.
While it was once a ballroom, this cinema has been a local favorite for decades, thanks to its blend of culture and history.
7. Canal Saint-Martin
Forget the Seine! Locals prefer the laid-back vibe of Canal Saint-Martin, where you can picnic by the water, stroll along the charming canal, or sip a coffee at one of the quirky cafés lining its banks. It’s the perfect place for people-watching and relaxing.
Built in 1825, the canal is 4.5 kilometers long and was originally created to supply Paris with fresh water.
8. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
One of the quirkiest museums in Paris, this space mixes hunting artifacts with modern art. Locals are drawn to the strange yet fascinating displays, from taxidermy animals to Renaissance paintings.
It’s a museum where you’ll find a stuffed polar bear beside modern sculptures. It’s both strange and captivating.
9. Square René Viviani
Just a stone’s throw from Notre-Dame, Square René Viviani offers a peaceful escape with beautiful river views. Locals love this small park for its quiet charm, ancient trees, and hidden history.
Home to the oldest tree in Paris, a black locust planted in 1601, the park has survived wars, fires, and even bombings.
10. Passage Brady
For an authentic taste of Indian and Pakistani culture in Paris, locals head to Passage Brady. Lined with colorful shops and fragrant restaurants, this passageway is a hidden gem filled with rich flavors and vibrant textiles.
The covered arcade, built in 1828, is a hub of activity and offers some of the best South Asian food in Paris.
11. Île de la Cité Flower Market
Since 1808, this charming flower market has been selling blooms to Parisians. Locals love it for its fresh-cut flowers and rare plants, making it a peaceful spot for a stroll or some floral inspiration.
On Sundays, the market transforms into a bird market, where locals come to browse rare species.
12. Comme à La Campagne
Nestled in the 20th arrondissement, Comme à La Campagne feels like a hidden countryside village in the heart of Paris. With its cobblestone streets and ivy-covered houses, it offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
This charming neighborhood was developed in the early 1900s to provide affordable housing for working-class Parisians, and it still maintains its quaint, village-like atmosphere today.
13. Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil
Located behind the Bois de Boulogne, these 19th-century greenhouses are home to thousands of exotic plants. Locals come here to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature.
The gardens cover 7,000 square meters and are part of the larger Jardin Botanique network, which also includes Jardin des Plantes.
14. Parc de Belleville
Offering one of the best panoramic views in Paris, Parc de Belleville is a local favorite. Far less crowded than Montmartre, this park is perfect for a picnic with a view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
The park sits on the city’s highest hill, providing incredible views across Paris.
15. La Recyclerie
Housed in a converted train station, La Recyclerie is an eco-conscious café-bar that promotes sustainability. Locals gather here for brunch, DIY workshops, and a laid-back atmosphere.
The venue also features urban farming projects, with chickens and vegetable patches right on-site.
16. Rue des Thermopyles
Cobblestone streets lined with ivy-covered homes make Rue des Thermopyles one of the most picturesque streets in Paris. It’s a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle, with a village-like charm.
A hidden gem in the 14th arrondissement, locals treasure this peaceful street for its beauty and tranquility.
17. Musée de Montmartre
Telling the story of Montmartre’s rich artistic history, Musée de Montmartre offers a look into the lives of artists like Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec. The museum’s gardens, once frequented by Renoir himself, are perfect for an afternoon escape.
Montmartre has been home to many artists, including Picasso, Van Gogh, and Dali.
18. Le Comptoir Général
This quirky cultural space is part bar, part art gallery, and part museum. Locals flock to Le Comptoir Général for its laid-back atmosphere, live performances, and unique decor.
It’s an eclectic mix of art, culture, and nightlife, housed in a space decorated with African artifacts and vintage pieces.
19. Les Arènes de Lutèce
One of the few remaining Roman ruins in Paris, this ancient amphitheater is hidden in the Latin Quarter. Locals use the space for picnics, pétanque, and quiet afternoons away from the tourist crowds.
Built in the 1st century, the arena could once hold up to 15,000 spectators and was used for gladiator games.
20. Passerelle Simone-de-Beauvoir
This sleek, modern pedestrian bridge spans the Seine and offers breathtaking views of the river. Locals love to walk or cycle across it to escape the city’s noise and enjoy a peaceful moment by the water.
Named after the famous French feminist philosopher, the bridge connects two of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods—the 12th and 13th arrondissements.
21. Cité Florale
Hidden in the 13th arrondissement, Cité Florale is a peaceful, flower-filled neighborhood with charming houses and quiet streets. It feels like a secret garden right in the heart of Paris.
Fun Fact: Each street in the neighborhood is named after a different flower, adding to its serene, garden-like atmosphere.
22. L’Entrepôt
A go-to spot for artsy Parisians, L’Entrepôt offers a unique mix of indie cinema, live music, and art exhibits. Locals come here for its intimate atmosphere and eclectic cultural programming. It’s not just a cinema—it’s a hub for all things creative, with over 150 events hosted each year.
23. Rue des Rosiers
Rue des Rosiers is the best place for authentic Jewish cuisine in the heart of the Marais. Locals know it for its bustling delis and bakeries, offering everything from falafel to traditional pastries.
Best known for the famous falafel shop, L’As du Fallafel, which has long been hailed as the best in Paris.
24. Parc de la Villette
This futuristic park is far from your typical Parisian garden. With contemporary art installations, concert venues, and a science museum, Parc de la Villette is a favorite spot for creative locals.
Fun Fact: It’s one of the largest parks in Paris, covering 55 hectares, and it hosts major events like the open-air Cinema en Plein Air festival every summer.
25. La Gare Robert Doisneau
Located just outside Paris in Gentilly, this small museum is dedicated to the work of French photographer Robert Doisneau. Locals come here to explore Paris through his lens and appreciate his iconic street photography.
It’s best known for Doisneau’s famous photograph, “The Kiss by the Hôtel de Ville,” which captured Paris’s romantic spirit and is celebrated worldwide.
26. La Gare Jazz Club
This jazz club, housed in a former train station, is a hidden gem for live music lovers. Locals flock to La Gare for nightly jazz performances in a unique, intimate setting.
It’s best known as one of the coolest spots to catch live jazz in the city, blending history with a modern music scene.
27. Les Grands Voisins
Once a hospital, Les Grands Voisins has been transformed into a vibrant space for artists, makers, and community events. Locals love its mix of art studios, pop-up shops, and urban gardens.
Fun Fact: This space also includes temporary housing for artists and community projects, making it one of the city’s most dynamic creative hubs.
28. Pavillon des Canaux
A quirky café along the Canal de l’Ourcq, Pavillon des Canaux is a colorful, offbeat spot where you can sip coffee in a bathtub or work from a cozy living room. Locals love its playful, laid-back vibe.
It’s best known for the café’s unique decor, where each room feels like part of a whimsical home.
29. Marché d’Aligre
This lively market in the 12th arrondissement is a favorite among locals for its fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and affordable antiques. It’s one of the most vibrant places to experience Parisian life on a budget.
The market has been around since the early 18th century and is known for its diverse offerings, from organic veggies to vintage treasures.
30. Square des Peupliers
Tucked away in the 13th arrondissement, Square des Peupliers feels like a small village within the city. Its tree-lined streets and charming homes provide a peaceful retreat for locals seeking calm amidst the city buzz.
The name “Peupliers” comes from the poplar trees that line the square, adding to its quiet, leafy atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’re in on these local secrets, it’s time to see Paris through a different lens. Skip the crowds and explore these hidden spots that reveal the true soul of the city. Whether you’re strolling down a quiet street or enjoying a jazz show in a converted train station, these places will make you feel like a true Parisian. Save this list for your next trip, and dive deep into the magic of Paris beyond the landmarks.
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