Fun things to do in Paris

Visiting the capital, you are looking for leisure or fun things to do to get off the beaten track? You won’t be disappointed! The City of Light is full of things you can only do in Paris! Here is a selection of 14 cool things to do in Paris, alone, as a couple, with family or friends. Come and discover the Parisian nightlife or the hidden gems of Paris and live unforgettable experiences in the capital.

A balloon flight over Paris

Come and live an experience straight out of a Jules Verne novel! This balloon flight at 150 meters above the Parisian roofs will be a sensational adventure. Installed since 1999 in the Parc André Citroën, in the 15ᵉ arrondissement, the Generali balloon has become one of the most unusual attractions to do in Paris. A real flying laboratory, the Paris balloon measures the air quality of the capital. You can get on board every day from 9am, if the weather conditions are favorable. Tickets are 7 € for children and 14 € for adults.

A show to scare yourself : The Dark Dreams Paris

Do you like thrills and horror movies? Here is one of the craziest things to do in Paris: Dark Dreams offers an immersive haunted experience, in a 1,000 m² maze, entirely in the dark! Between show and Escape Game, come and solve challenges, enigmas and face evil creatures. Accessible from 9 years old, Dark Dreams offers games for all types of audiences. Don’t hesitate to consult their program and have a terrifying time with your family or friends.

A Stand Up evening in Paris

A night out at a comedy club is probably one of the coolest things to do in Paris. Many stand up clubs welcome the public almost every night of the week. Come and discover, alone or with friends, the new talents and the best comedians of the moment. You can choose between Djamel Debbouze’s Comedy Club next to the Grands Boulevards, or the Paname Art Café, or the Barbès Comedy Club. The program changes every night. Feel free to check the club websites for more information.

A helicopter flight from Paris to Versailles

Although a little more expensive, this experience will be unforgettable! Helipass offers helicopter flights to discover the City of Light from the sky. The activity lasts 1h30, with 30 minutes of flight. From the heliport, you will have an exceptional view over the west of Paris to the Palace of Versailles and its gardens. After a short stopover at the Saint-Cyr airfield, behind the castle, you take off again to enjoy a wonderful panorama of the Seine, the Trocadero and finish in beauty with the Eiffel Tower.

A night visit of the Aquarium of Paris

Every Saturday, the Aquarium de Paris offers night visits to enjoy its aquatic world in a more confidential atmosphere. Admire the multicolored jellyfish, tropical fish and sharks without visitors, or almost, a glass of champagne in hand! A privileged moment to live in love or in family (the aquarium also proposes softs to taste during your visit).

A crazy movie session: the Rocky Horror Picture Show

You won’t forget your evening at Studio Galande, in the Latin Quarter. Released in 1975, the musical Glam Rock The Rocky Horror Picture Show was an absolute hit! In spite of this, this film has nevertheless become a cult. Since 1978, the Studio Galande has been showing the film every week in its entirety during a session hosted by a troupe of actors. Sessions are held on Friday and Saturday nights at 9pm. The actors are on fire to give you a great night out, where you can sing, dance, throw water and rice, and shake your head to the film’s choreography.

A visit to the Museum of Illusion

The Museum of Illusion, near Châtelet, promises an entertaining and educational visit. It is an unusual museum, where visitors have fun, discover optical games and marvel, with family or friends. An alternative activity to do in Paris to fall back in childhood.

A boat trip on the bassin de la Villette

On the Bassin de la Villette, in the 19ᵉ arrondissement, Marin d’eau douce rents small boats without a license. Each boat is named after one of Captain Haddock’s famous insults from the Tintin comic strip. It is possible to rent these boats for an hour or two, and even for half a day. Come for a walk or have an aperitif with your family or friends while sailing on the Ourcq canal! It’s a very pleasant late afternoon outing during the nice days.

A playful visit to the museum of fairground arts

The Museum of Fairground Arts is a very fun experience and one of the hidden gems of Paris. It is not a museum like the others. You take a trip back in time to rediscover the joys of the fairs of the Belle Époque. You will discover one of the first bicycle rides, a superb carousel, horse racing and waiters’ games and extraordinary gardens. The place can only be visited by reservation. During the holiday season, the visit becomes magical for the Festival of Wonder.

A free fall jump at La Villette

If you’re tempted by an alternative thing to do in Paris, try indoor skydiving at La Villette. IFly offers sessions above a wind tunnel in a spectacular 14 m high glass tube. You will be accompanied by an instructor for your first flight. Feel free to check the rates on their website.

An evening of axe throwing like in Quebec

If you have a crazy urge to blow off steam, come to Les Cognées center in the 18ᵉ arrondissement. Here you will find a very unusual way to have fun: axe throwing. This activity comes from Canada and is starting to be all the rage in Paris.

A wrestling match at La Lucha Libre

Do you like the flashy operetta world of Mexican wrestling? At the bar La Lucha Libre, in the 5ᵉ arrondissement, you can enjoy Mexican cocktails, tapas, and… wrestling! The bar has a real ring in the basement! But, no risk of getting hurt: to fight, you put on a well-padded suit. Come and spend the evening with friends: laughter guaranteed!

A dinner in a double-decker bus

You prefer to enjoy a beautiful view while savoring a good dinner? Come aboard the Bustronome! This restaurant is one of the most unusual in Paris. You will have lunch or dinner on board a double-decker bus with a glass roof that goes around the city. The restaurant offers a gourmet menu to its passengers who discover the most beautiful views of the must-see monuments of Paris.

A themed guided tour to discover the secrets of Paris

To discover all the secrets and special places to visit in Paris, there is nothing better than a guided tour! Some guides offer different themes, such as walks to discover Street Art. One of the most popular is the Paris of Crime. This walk will take you to the heart of the great criminal cases that have marked the capital over the years. You will learn a multitude of anecdotes while walking the streets of Paris from a different angle.

With all these suggestions for fun things to do in Paris, you’re spoiled for choice. Which unusual experience in the capital will you choose?