10 Hidden Gems in Paris Most Tourists Miss (Perfect for Families With Teens)
When planning a trip to Paris with teens, most people picture the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and long lines of tourists.
Those places are iconic—and absolutely worth seeing—but some of our favorite memories happened in places that rarely make the typical Paris itinerary.
We wandered colorful streets, drank mint tea in a peaceful courtyard, explored neighborhood markets, and discovered parks where it felt like we’d escaped the crowds completely.
If you’re planning a trip to Paris with teens, I’d absolutely include a few famous landmarks—but I’d also leave room for places like these.
If you’re still planning your trip, start with my 3-Day Paris Itinerary, Where to Stay in Paris with Teens, and Free Museums in Paris with Teens before adding these hidden gems.
Quick Snapshot
✨ Best for: Families with teens
🚶 Mostly walkable
💰 Budget: Mostly free
📍 Time needed: Add 2–5 stops over several days
❤️ Steph’s favorite: The Grand Mosque of Paris
The Grand Mosque of Paris ⭐ Steph’s Favorite
One of the most peaceful places in Paris, the Grand Mosque feels like stepping into another world.
This has been one of my favorite places in Paris for years. A Parisian friend first took me here in my 20s, and I’ve made a point of returning every time I visit. It still feels like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city.
After several busy sightseeing days, walking into the peaceful courtyard felt like entering another world. We ordered mint tea, hot chocolate and pastries, slowed down for an hour, and simply enjoyed being there.
Don’t miss
✔ Tea room
✔ Traditional pastries
✔ Beautiful courtyard
✔ Stunning architecture
If you’re staying in the Latin Quarter, this is an easy stop to include on the same day as the Panthéon or Luxembourg Gardens.
Related: Where to Stay in Paris
2. Rue Crémieux
Often called Paris’s most colorful street, Rue Crémieux is filled with pastel-colored homes and photo opportunities.
If your teen loves taking photos, this colorful little street is worth a quick detour.
Please be respectful—people actually live here.
3. Canal Saint-Martin
This trendy canal area offers a different side of Paris.
Why teens love it:
- Local vibe
- Cafés and bakeries
- Street art
- Less crowded than central Paris
- Locals picnicking
This felt like seeing Paris the way locals experience it. It’s the perfect place to slow down with a pastry or picnic instead of rushing to the next attraction.
Looking for another way to see Paris? A Seine River cruise offers a completely different perspective of the city.
4. Coulée Verte René-Dumont
Known as Paris’s original elevated park, this hidden walkway inspired New York City’s High Line.
Families can enjoy:
- Quiet walks
- City views
- Beautiful gardens
5. Shakespeare and Company
This iconic English-language bookstore feels magical.
Teens who love books can spend hours exploring its winding shelves.
6. Petit Palais
Many visitors walk right past this free museum.
Inside you’ll find:
- Beautiful architecture
- Art collections
- A hidden courtyard café
Related: More Paris Free Museums
7. Covered Passages of Paris
The historic covered passages offer a glimpse into old Paris.
Favorites include:
- Galerie Vivienne
- Passage des Panoramas
This is a great rainy day option.
8. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
One of Paris’s most beautiful parks is also one of its least visited by tourists.
Highlights:
- Waterfalls
- Bridges
- Scenic viewpoints
This is worth the metro ride.
9. Marché des Enfants Rouges
Paris’s oldest covered market is a fantastic lunch stop. Food halls are one of my favorite places to visit with teenagers because everyone can find something they’re genuinely excited to eat.
Your family can sample:
- French food
- Moroccan dishes
- Pastries
- Fresh produce
Food tours are also a great way to experience a city.
Because many of these hidden gems are located near Le Marais, it’s a convenient neighborhood for families. You can see hotels and apartments in the area here.
10. Sunset Along the Seine
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 Hidden Gems Worth Adding to Your Paris Itinerary?
Looking back, these hidden gems are some of the places we remember most.
Yes, we loved seeing the Eiffel Tower.
But slowing down over mint tea, wandering neighborhood streets, and finding beautiful corners of Paris that weren’t crowded ended up being just as memorable.
If you’re visiting Paris with teens, I’d leave room for both.
For the best trip, combine these hidden gems with the free cultural attractions in Paris with Teens: Free Museums, a centrally located hotel from Where to Stay in Paris with Teens, and a flexible itinerary that leaves room for unexpected discoveries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hidden gems in Paris with teens?
The Grand Mosque of Paris, Canal Saint-Martin, Marché des Enfants Rouges, Petit Palais, and sunset walks along the Seine were some of our family’s favorites.
Are these hidden gems mostly free?
Yes. Most of the places on this list are free to visit or cost very little, making them perfect for families visiting Paris on a budget.
What neighborhood is best for visiting these hidden gems?
The Latin Quarter and Le Marais make excellent bases because many of these spots are within walking distance or a short Metro ride.
How We Made This Trip More Affordable
People often ask how we afford trips like this without spending a fortune.
We don’t use points for everything. Instead, we use them for the biggest expenses—transportation and hotels—so we can spend more on food, museums, cafés, and experiences.
On this trip we (our actual strategy)
- Booked Eurostar using Capital One miles
- Booked our Paris hotel using Hyatt points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards
- We transferred points from our Chase Sapphire card to Hyatt, which covered one of the biggest expenses of the trip.
- Paid cash for food, museums, bakeries, and experiences
Read next:
How We Booked 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
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, family travel planner, teacher and mom.
I share practical ways to help families travel more for less, with a focus on trips that create lasting memories with teens
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