How to avoid crowds in Paris: 11 hush-hush city tips

Whether savoring fresh pastries at sunrise, strolling beside the Seine, or admiring masterpieces at the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay, there are plenty of reasons why Paris enchants year-round.

But with around 50 million tourists visiting each year, avoiding the crowds in Paris can be as tricky as baking the perfect croissant. See the City of Light in a new light without the hustle and bustle with this round-up of tips and tricks to escape the lines.

From off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, like Belleville, to the best times for visiting top attractions, here’s how to beat the crowds in Paris.

1. See the Eiffel Tower from Parc de Belleville

For unbeatable views of the Eiffel Tower, take a detour to Parc de Belleville — one of the quieter places to visit in Paris where you’ll just be among locals. The park is nestled in the creative 20th arrondissement and is often overlooked by tourists. Belleville’s street art also turns the neighborhood into an outdoor gallery of murals and dazzling installations.

Insider tip

Head to the upper terrace just outside the park for an unobstructed view over the city to the Eiffel Tower. From dusk, the tower sparkles on the hour, every hour until 11:00 PM.

Address

47 Rue des Couronnes, 75020 Paris

Opening hours

9:00 AM–5:45 PM every day
Opening hours vary by day and season, with longer opening hours on weekdays and in summer (7:00 AM–9:30 PM).

2. Wake up to Versailles at sunrise

While the Palace of Versailles is a must-see, it’s also known for its overwhelming number of visitors. To avoid the masses, take a 45-minute train to Versailles mid-week or arrive bright and early at 8:00 AM to explore the peaceful Gardens of Versailles first before the palace opens. Afterward, head to the extravagant palace in the afternoon when the crowds thin out, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon — quieter spots in the gardens. As for the palace, booking a VIP tour will take you to the private apartments of Kings Louis XV and XVI, and offer exclusive access to the famed Hall of Mirrors.

Address

Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles

Opening hours

Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–6:30 PM
Closed Monday

3. Stroll along the hip Canal Saint-Martin

To know the Canal Saint-Martin is to know Paris — at least its hip, less touristy side. While the Seine River dazzles with some of Paris’ finest monuments and Instagrammable views, the canal invites you to discover a different Paris neighborhood, lined with trendy cafés, quirky boutiques, and charming iron bridges. Skip the crowded river cruises and stroll along this picturesque waterway.

Insider tip

The Canal Saint-Martin is home to some of Paris’ best coffee. Make a beeline for Ten Belles café, grab a flat white and a sandwich to go, and enjoy your coffee beside the water with the locals.

4. Climb the Eiffel Tower on foot

Skip the long lines for the elevator and climb the stairs up to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Although it’s an impressive 674 steps, the climb offers stunning views of Paris along the way, with fewer people. Plus, it’s cheaper than taking the elevator. Once you reach the second floor, enjoy a spacious viewing platform with arguably better views than from the summit.

Insider tip

After your climb, stop by a local boulangerie to grab supplies for a peaceful — or romantic, depending on who you’re with — picnic in Champ de Mars, the park below the Eiffel Tower. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the view without the crowds.

Address

Av. Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris

Opening hours

9:30 AM–11:00 PM every day

5. Unlock the Louvre after dark

The Louvre is iconic, but the world’s most visited museum is naturally packed with tourists. A great way to enjoy its art while beating the crowds is to visit on Wednesdays and Fridays, when the museum stays open until 9:45 PM. This allows you to avoid the midday rush and have a better chance of some one-on-one time with the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

Insider tip

To explore this Paris museum with fewer visitors, head straight to quieter sections like the Islamic Art wing and Egyptian Antiquities. Booking special tours in advance, like timed entry or after hours, is also a great way to skip the crowds and avoid long queues.

Address

Louvre Museum, 75001 Paris

Opening hours

Saturday–Monday and Thursday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Wednesday and Friday, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Closed Tuesday

6. Step back in time at the Passage des Panoramas

For a vintage shopping experience away from the crowded tourist spots, stroll through Passage des Panoramas, one of Paris’ oldest covered arcades. Located near the Grands Boulevards neighborhood, this charming passage is peppered with antique shops, independent boutiques, and quaint cafés. It offers a slice of Parisian history without the overwhelming crowds that large department stores like Galeries Lafayette or Le Bon Marché attract.

Insider tip

Take your time exploring the secondhand bookstores, where you can find rare books, and the unique collections in the quirky antique map shops. After, enjoy a relaxing lunch show at nearby Paris theaters Le Grand Rex or Folies Bergère.

Address

11 Bd Montmartre, 75002 Paris

Opening hours

6:00 AM–midnight every day

7. Discover the charming Château de Chantilly

If you’re looking for a peaceful alternative to Versailles while avoiding crowds in Paris, Château de Chantilly offers a stunning setting with much fewer tourists. Located in Chantilly, an hour’s train trip from Paris, this magnificent château is surrounded by vast gardens and a stunning lake. The art collection and the stables — home to one of the oldest French riding schools — are a true highlight.

Insider tip

Beyond the gardens, head to the château’s hidden forest paths, where you can wander through ancient woods, often missed by tourists. The forest leads to peaceful spots along the Grand Canal.

Address

Château de Chantilly, 60500 Chantilly

Opening hours

Wednesday–Monday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Closed Tuesday

8. Dive into Paris’ past at Notre-Dame’s crypt

While the stunning façade and interior of the newly reopened Notre-Dame draws in throngs of visitors, the Archeological Crypt beneath the cathedral is often overlooked. It’s less flashy, but just as intriguing. This quieter underground museum showcases 2,000 years of Paris’ history, including ancient city walls, Roman ruins, and early medieval artifacts.

Insider tip

After visiting the Crypt, head over to Île Saint-Louis, a serene part of Paris known for its quiet, photogenic streets and ice cream shops like Berthillon. With its quaint residential charm, you might even momentarily mistake this pocket of Paris for a local village in Provence.

Address

7 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris

Opening hours

Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Closed Monday

9. Get your souvenirs from Marché aux Puces

Instead of shopping in the chock-a-block Marais, head to Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, the largest and most famous flea market in Paris. Located just north of the city center, this sprawling market is a treasure trove of antiques, vintage clothing, and quirky collectibles. It’s the perfect place to hunt for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, far from the crowds.

Insider tip

Arrive right at opening time to beat the rush. On Saturdays and Sundays, you'll find the best selection, as most local vendors are open. After treasure hunting, head to the eco-friendly La Recyclerie cafe, just by the Porte de Clignancourt metro entrance, for live music and a drink in their garden.

Address

124 Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine

Opening hours

Saturday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM–noon
Monday, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Closed Tuesday–Thursday

10. Find quiet corners at the Musée d’Orsay

Home to masterpieces by Monet and Van Gogh, it’s no surprise every art lover wants to visit Musée d’Orsay. If you want to avoid the crowds, don’t forget about the upper floors, where you’ll find Art Nouveau and Post-Impressionist treasures, often left undisturbed. Midweek visits make it even easier to explore these quieter nooks.

Insider tip

Before exploring the museum’s iconic works, head straight upstairs to enjoy panoramic views of the Seine and Paris from one — or both — of Musée d'Orsay's famous glass clocks. Arrive early when the museum opens to get the perfect shot with fewer visitors.

Address

Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, 75007 Paris

Opening hours

Friday–Sunday and Tuesday-Wednesday, 9:30 AM–6:00 PM
Thursday, 9:30 AM–9:45 PM
Closed Monday

11. Dine at a historic local market

Avoid the tourist traps of busy brasseries and head to Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris’ oldest covered market. Savor everything from Moroccan tagines to fresh seafood, all while soaking in the lively atmosphere of a typical Paris market. For an elevated experience, try Les Enfants du Marché, a stand offering refined, locally inspired dishes.

Insider tip

To avoid peak times, visit on weekdays outside of the lunch rush (before 12:30 PM or after 2:30 PM). Alternatively, grab a Chez Alain sandwich on the go — a crusty baguette of fresh ingredients and tangy mustard — and wander the charming streets of the Haut-Marais, the Marais’ quieter sister neighborhood.

Address

39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris

Opening hours

Tuesday–Wednesday and Friday–Saturday, 8:30 AM–8:30 PM
Thursday, 8:30 AM–9:30 PM
Sunday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Closed Monday