4 Places in Paris Locals Love (That Tourists Don’t Know About)
Paris has its world-famous spots. But ask a local, and they’ll tell you about places most tourists never check out. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and see a different side of the city, here are four hidden gems the above video says they’re worth checking out.
1. Square des Batignolles – A Green Haven With a Lively Dining Scene
Tucked in the 17th arrondissement, Square des Batignolles is an English-style park with winding paths, a small lake, waterfalls, and even a grotto. Ducks glide across the water. Tall trees provide shade. It’s a quiet escape in the middle of the city.
But just outside the park? A completely different scene. The Batignolles neighborhood is lively and buzzing, especially on weekends. Young Parisians gather for apéritifs on terraces, filling the air with laughter and clinking glasses.
The area around Eglise des Batignolles has turned into a hotspot for stylish restaurants and bars, with Italian, Thai, Argentine, and modern French cuisine taking center stage.
Every spot is hip, beautifully designed, and perfect for a long evening out. When the weather is nice, terraces are packed, and the energy is contagious.
And if you want more greenery? Parc Martin Luther King is just next door, seamlessly connected to Batignolles. It’s a bigger, modern park with wide-open spaces, jogging paths, and even a skatepark. The whole area has transformed in recent years, becoming one of the trendiest parts of Paris.
2. La Felicità: The Biggest Italian Restaurant in Europe
This isn’t just any Italian restaurant—it’s the largest in Europe. Run by Big Mamma Group, La Felicità is a 4,500-square-meter Italian food hall inside Station F, the world’s biggest startup campus.
Station F is a former railway depot turned global tech hub, covering 34,000 square meters in the 13th arrondissement. It’s home to over 1,000 startups, plus big names like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. Entrepreneurs, coders, and investors work here by day. At night, the space transforms – networking events, conferences, and social meetups bring it to life.
Hidden inside all this? A full-blown Italian food playground. Multiple food stations serve fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, antipasti, and desserts. There’s a beer garden, cocktail bars, and live DJs on weekends. Designed like a giant Italian piazza, it’s always buzzing.
Tech minds by day, party vibes by night.
3. Laho Rooftop – One of Paris’s Best Skyline Views
Most tourists go to Montmartre or the Arc de Triomphe for city views. Locals know a better spot: Laho Rooftop.
Perched 60 meters high near Gare de Lyon, this open-air terrace offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Paris. The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Montmartre – it’s all in sight. Sunsets here? Incredible.
The vibe is relaxed but stylish. The space is surrounded by greenery, with sleek wooden decking and lounge seating. The bar serves signature cocktails, wine, and light bites, making it a great place to unwind. On weekends, DJs keep the energy up, turning it into one of the city’s best rooftop hangouts.
It’s reservation-only, so book ahead. Come early for golden hour, grab a drink, and watch the city light up from above.
4. Rue Édouard VII – A Hidden Pedestrian Street Near Opéra
Located near Opéra Garnier, Rue Édouard VII feels like a secret passage most tourists never notice. Step in, and the noise of the city fades. No traffic. Just a quiet, elegant street lined with cafés, bars, and a historic theater.
This hidden spot is home to Théâtre Édouard VII, a legendary Parisian venue that has hosted French and international performances for over a century.
Around it, you’ll find charming cafés with outdoor seating, perfect for a pre-show drink or a relaxed coffee break. The atmosphere? Refined, peaceful, and distinctly Parisian – but without the usual crowds.
It’s the kind of place where locals linger over wine, actors discuss scripts, and time slows down. A rare pocket of calm in the heart of Paris.