10 Hidden Gems in Paris With Teens: Family-Friendly Spots Beyond the Crowds
Paris has no shortage of famous sights. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame and Arc de Triomphe deserve a place on a first trip—but some of our favorite Paris memories with our teenage daughter and tween son happened away from the biggest attractions.
On our trips to Paris, I’ve found that adding a few less-obvious places can make a family itinerary feel much more relaxed. Instead of spending all of our time moving between major sights, we made time for mint tea and hot chocolate in a peaceful courtyard, wandered beautiful streets, neighborhood markets and places where we could simply slow down and enjoy Paris.
That’s what I mean by hidden gems in Paris. Some of these places aren’t truly secret, but they’re easy to overlook when you’re planning a first-time Paris itinerary.
I’ve included the spots I’d recommend most for families traveling with teens, along with why they’re worth your time, whether they’re free, and how I’d fit them into a Paris itinerary.
Planning a Paris trip with teens? Start with my 3-Day Paris Itinerary, Where to Stay in Paris with Teens, and Free Museums in Paris with Teens before building your itinerary.
Hidden Gems in Paris With Teens at a Glance
| Hidden gem | Best for | Cost | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Mosque of Paris | Architecture, tea & relaxing | €€ | 1–1.5 hours |
| Rue Crémieux | Photos | Free | 15–30 minutes |
| Canal Saint-Martin | Neighborhood atmosphere | Free | 1–2 hours |
| Coulée Verte René-Dumont | Walking & gardens | Free | 30–60 minutes |
| Shakespeare and Company | Book lovers | Free to browse | 30–60 minutes |
| Petit Palais | Art & architecture | Free permanent collection | 1–2 hours |
| Covered Passages | History & shopping | Free | 30–60 minutes |
| Parc des Buttes-Chaumont | Parks & views | Free | 1–2 hours |
| Marché des Enfants Rouges | Food | $$ | 1 hour |
| Seine at sunset | Views & relaxing | Free | 30–60 minutes |
My top pick: Grand Mosque of Paris
Best free options: Canal Saint-Martin, Coulée Verte, Petit Palais, Covered Passages, Buttes-Chaumont and a Seine walk.
1. Grand Mosque of Paris: A Peaceful Break From the Crowds
⭐ Steph’s Favorite Hidden Gem
One of the most peaceful places in Paris, the Grand Mosque feels like stepping into another world.
This is probably the hidden gem I’d recommend first for a family trip to Paris with teens.
A Parisian friend first took me to the Grand Mosque of Paris when I was in my 20s, and I’ve made a point of returning when I’m in Paris. It remains one of my favorite places to step away from the pace of sightseeing.
On our most recent visit, we’d already had several busy sightseeing days. Walking into the peaceful courtyard, ordering mint tea, hot chocolate and pastries, and simply sitting together for a while was exactly the break we needed.
The architecture and courtyard are beautiful, but for me, the biggest appeal is that this doesn’t feel like another attraction you have to rush through. It’s a place to slow down.
Why teens might like it
- Beautiful architecture and colorful tilework
- A peaceful change of pace from major attractions
- Mint tea and pastries
- Great photo opportunities
- Easy to combine with other Latin Quarter sights
Practical tip
The mosque is open to visitors 9 a.m.–6 p.m. every day except Friday and Muslim holidays, and admission is currently €5 for adults and €3 for children/students. Check the official site before visiting because schedules and access can change.
If you’re staying in the Latin Quarter, see my guide to where to stay in Paris with teens. The mosque also works well as part of a day that includes the Panthéon or Luxembourg Gardens.
Budget tip: This is a particularly good addition to a Paris itinerary when you want an experience that feels special without adding another expensive attraction.
Official visitor information: Grand Mosque of Paris visitor information
2. Rue Crémieux: Paris’s Colorful Photo Street
If your teen loves photography, Rue Crémieux is a quick stop worth knowing about.
The short residential street in the 12th arrondissement is famous for its colorful façades and has become popular on social media. That popularity means it’s especially important to remember that this is a residential street, not a tourist attraction.
Why teens might like it
- Colorful houses make fun photo backgrounds
- Quick stop rather than a major sightseeing commitment
- Easy to combine with the Bastille area
Be respectful
Keep voices down, don’t block entrances, and don’t photograph residents without permission. I would treat Rue Crémieux as a quick look rather than a destination in itself.
Best for: Families already exploring the area who want a colorful photo stop.
3. Canal Saint-Martin: See a More Local Side of Paris
Canal Saint-Martin is one of my favorite places to add when I want a break from the major Paris attractions.
The canal stretches for about 4.5 km, with locks, footbridges, trees and cafés along the water. It’s free to visit and easy to explore at your own pace.
Why teens might like it
- Cafés and bakeries
- Street art and colorful neighborhoods
- A more relaxed atmosphere
- Good spot for a pastry or picnic
- Plenty of opportunities for photos
My tip: Don’t plan an entire day around Canal Saint-Martin. I’d pair it with another nearby neighborhood or attraction and use it as a slower part of your itinerary.
Looking for another perspective on Paris? A Seine River cruise is a fun splurge to contrast with this more relaxed, local-feeling experience.
4. Coulée Verte René-Dumont: Paris’s Original Elevated Garden Walk
If your family enjoyed New York’s High Line, the Coulée Verte René-Dumont is a fun way to see a different side of Paris.
Created on a former railway line, this elevated green walkway begins near the Bastille Opera House and continues through gardens, tunnels and landscaped sections toward the Bois de Vincennes. The route stretches about 4.5 km and offers a completely different perspective of the 12th arrondissement. (Paris je t’aime – Paris Tourist Office)
Why teens might like it
- 🌿 Gardens and greenery
- 📸 Interesting photo opportunities
- 🚶 A break from traditional sightseeing
- 🏙️ Different views of Paris
- 💰 Free
Best for: Families who want some outdoor time and a break from museums and monuments.
My tip: You don’t need to walk the entire 4.5 km route. Pick a section that fits naturally into your itinerary, especially if you’re already exploring the Bastille or 12th arrondissement.
Good to know: The Coulée Verte is free to visit. The official Paris Tourist Office currently lists opening hours from 8 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends, with seasonal closing times, so check the official site before you go.
👉 See the official Coulée Verte René-Dumont information from the Paris Tourist Office
5. Shakespeare and Company: A Must-Stop for Teen Book Lovers
If your teen loves books, Shakespeare and Company is worth adding to your Paris itinerary—even though it isn’t exactly a secret.
This independent English-language bookstore has been a Paris institution since 1951.
The winding shelves and tiny spaces make it feel much more memorable than a typical bookstore, and it’s an easy stop to combine with Notre-Dame, the Seine or the Latin Quarter.
Good to know: The shop can get crowded, and the bookstore limits the number of people inside during busy periods.
Best for: Teen readers, English-language book lovers and families looking for a short cultural stop.
6. Petit Palais: A Beautiful Free Museum in Paris
The Petit Palais is one of my favorite recommendations for families who want to add culture to a Paris itinerary without adding another major expense.
The permanent collection is free, and no reservation is required for the permanent collection.
Even if your teen isn’t excited about spending hours in an art museum, the building itself is worth seeing, and you can keep your visit relatively short.
Why teens might like it
- Beautiful architecture
- Free permanent collection
- Easy to combine with the Champs-Élysées area
- A good rainy-day option
- Doesn’t require committing to a huge museum visit
My tip: Don’t try to see everything. Give your teen permission to choose a few rooms or works that catch their attention.
Related: See my full guide to Free Museums in Paris With Teens.
7. Paris’s Covered Passages: A Rainy-Day Hidden Gem
The historic covered passages are one of my favorite ways to see a different side of Paris.
These glass-roofed pedestrian galleries are filled with shops, cafés, restaurants, bookstores and small businesses. Paris’s tourism office lists more than 20 covered passages throughout the city, particularly around the Grands Boulevards and Palais Royal.
Two good ones to know:
- Galerie Vivienne
- Passage des Panoramas
Passage des Panoramas dates to 1799 and is considered the first covered passage in Paris. It’s free to enter.
Why teens might like it
- Interesting architecture
- Vintage shops and food stops
- Good photo opportunities
- Free
- Excellent rainy-day activity
Best for: Families who want something different from the major museums and monuments.
8. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: A Dramatic Paris Park
For families who want some outdoor time, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a fun change from museums and monuments.
The park is known for its dramatic landscape, lake, bridges, waterfalls and steep paths.
Why teens might like it
- More adventurous than a formal Paris garden
- Scenic views
- Good place to walk and take photos
- Free
Important: Check current conditions before you go. The City of Paris currently has portions of the park closed during renovation, including the central area around the Temple de la Sibylle and some paths near the lake.
My tip: Don’t make a special cross-city trip without checking access first. If you’re already spending time in northeastern Paris, it can be a worthwhile outdoor addition.
9. Marché des Enfants Rouges: A Fun Food Stop in Le Marais
Food markets are some of my favorite places to visit with teenagers because everyone doesn’t have to agree on the same meal.
At Marché des Enfants Rouges, your family can browse different food stalls and choose what sounds good. The market dates to 1615 and is the oldest covered food market in Paris.
Why teens might like it
- Lots of food choices
- Casual atmosphere
- Easy lunch stop
- Located in the Marais
- A chance to try something new without committing to a full restaurant meal
My tip: This is an especially easy stop to combine with shopping and exploring in Le Marais.
If you want to turn your food exploring into a guided experience, you can also browse Paris food tours here.
And if you’re looking for a convenient place to stay near the Marais, see hotels and apartments in the area here.
10. Sunset Along the Seine: The Best Free “Attraction” in Paris
Skip expensive attractions and simply walk along the Seine at sunset.
Some of our favorite memories cost absolutely nothing.
Grab pastries or gelato, find a spot along the Seine, and simply watch the boats go by.
Some of the best travel moments aren’t attractions at all.
Are These Hidden Gems in Paris Worth Adding to a Teen Itinerary?
Absolutely—but I wouldn’t replace Paris’s famous sights with them.
I’d use these places to balance your itinerary.
See the Eiffel Tower. Walk through the Louvre. Visit Notre-Dame. But then leave yourself an afternoon for mint tea at the Grand Mosque, a walk along Canal Saint-Martin, a food stop in Le Marais or simply watching boats along the Seine.
That’s what has worked best for me when traveling in Paris with my teenage daughter: a mix of famous sights, teen-approved experiences and enough unscheduled time that the trip doesn’t feel like one long checklist.
If you’re planning your own Paris trip, I’d build your itinerary around these three guides:
Frequently Asked Questions About Hidden Gems in Paris With Teens
What are the best hidden gems in Paris with teens?
Some of my favorite less-obvious places to add to a Paris itinerary with teens are the Grand Mosque of Paris, Canal Saint-Martin, Petit Palais, the covered passages, Marché des Enfants Rouges and the Seine at sunset.
What are some free hidden gems in Paris?
Several of these experiences are free, including Canal Saint-Martin, the Coulée Verte, the covered passages, the permanent collection at Petit Palais and walking along the Seine. The Grand Mosque and food markets are inexpensive alternatives to some of Paris’s more expensive attractions.
What are some unusual things to do in Paris with teenagers?
Try exploring the covered passages, walking along Canal Saint-Martin, visiting the colorful Rue Crémieux, browsing Shakespeare and Company or stopping for mint tea at the Grand Mosque of Paris.
What neighborhood is best for exploring hidden gems in Paris?
The Latin Quarter and Le Marais are particularly convenient bases for families because they put you near many attractions, restaurants and neighborhood experiences. However, some of the places on this list are spread across Paris, so I recommend grouping stops by neighborhood rather than trying to visit all 10 in one day.
How many hidden gems should I add to a Paris itinerary?
I’d choose two or three rather than trying to check every one off the list. The goal is to add variety and breathing room to your Paris itinerary—not create another sightseeing checklist.
How We Made Our Paris Trip More Affordable With Points
People often ask how we afford trips like this without spending a fortune. The answer isn’t that we travel for free. We use points strategically for the expenses that would otherwise take up the biggest part of our budget.
On this trip we (our actual strategy)
- Booked our Paris hotel using Hyatt points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
- We also used Capital One miles for our Eurostar transportation. See the Capital One card I use →
- Paid cash for food, museums, bakeries, and experiences
Read next:
Guide to Booking Eurostar from London to Paris Using Credit Card Points
How to Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points to Hyatt
How We Used Points and Southwest Companion Pass to Make Our NYC Trip More Affordable
But for our family, that’s the whole goal of using points—not to travel for free, but to make room in the budget for the experiences we’ll remember long after we get home.
Hi, I’m Steph—a teacher, mom, and the real person behind these affordable family adventures.
I share realistic, memorable travel ideas for families with teens and tweens, including teen-friendly itineraries, points and miles strategies, and tips for making family travel easier, more affordable, and less stressful.
Planning your own family adventure? Explore my travel itineraries, points guides, and favorite travel resources to help you create unforgettable trips—without breaking the budget.
Learn more about me and why I started sharing affordable family travel ideas →
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