9 Things to Do Around Rue de Rivoli
Rue de Rivoli cuts through central Paris, running past the Louvre, the Tuileries, and into the heart of the Marais. It’s busy and touristy, but also a great base for exploring layers of the city that many visitors miss. Here are 9 things actually worth doing nearby.
1. Walk Through the Inner Courtyards of the Louvre
Most people rush through the Louvre’s main square or stick to the glass pyramid. But the real atmosphere kicks in when you enter through the side arches and walk between the stone courtyards.
You don’t need a ticket, just wander. Early mornings or just before sunset are the best times.
From Rue de Rivoli, the passage through the Pavillon de l’Horloge is a quiet entrance few notice.
2. Sit Under the Trees in the Jardin des Tuileries
Instead of just walking through the garden, find one of the metal chairs by the ponds or under the rows of plane trees. These are free to move – locals drag them into the shade and sit for hours.
The café near the Jeu de Paume is rarely full and good for a quick espresso with a view of the ferris wheel in summer.
3. Visit the Courtyard and Arcades of Palais Royal
A 3-minute walk from Rue de Rivoli, tucked behind the Comédie-Française is the Palais Royal. The courtyard has the famous striped columns, but the arcades are the main draw, filled with rare bookstores, old-world shops, and antique toy sellers.
The garden inside is open to the public and rarely packed, even on weekends.
4. Explore BHV’s Rooftop and Hardware Floor
The BHV Marais department store sits across from Hôtel de Ville. The hardware and DIY section in the basement and lower floors is bizarrely interesting, with tools, knobs, and locks you won’t see anywhere else in Paris.
Up top, the rooftop bar, Le Perchoir Marais, has skyline views and usually a relaxed vibe outside peak season.
5. Watch the Street Shows at Place de l’Hôtel de Ville
This plaza regularly has street performances – some professional, others less so. It’s also used for open-air exhibitions, ice skating in winter, and public viewings during major events.
The square is free and always busy, but there are quieter steps near the Seine-facing side of the building if you want to sit and watch for a while.
6. Vintage and Indie Shops in the Northern Marais
Just north of Rue de Rivoli, the streets around Rue des Archives and Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie have some of the best small shopping in Paris.
Expect vintage shops with hand-picked French pieces, stationery boutiques, and independent fashion labels. It’s less curated than Saint-Honoré, and more affordable.
7. Cross to the Île de la Cité at Pont Notre-Dame
Skip the crowded Pont d’Arcole and take Pont Notre-Dame instead. It’s just a few minutes east of Hôtel de Ville and often quiet, with direct views of the towers of Notre-Dame ahead.
Once across, you can turn left toward Square Jean XXIII for a side view of the cathedral many miss.
8. Get Hot Chocolate at Angelina Without Waiting in Line
Most people queue at the front entrance on Rue de Rivoli. But if you go early morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays, you can usually walk in without waiting.
The Mont-Blanc dessert is heavy but classic. Don’t get takeaway, it’s not the same. Sitting inside gives you the full effect, with mirrors, moldings, and hushed conversation.
9. Slip Into Galerie Véro-Dodat
Right near Palais Royal, this covered passage is easy to miss. It’s short, with black-and-white tile floors, old gaslight-style lamps, and quiet luxury boutiques including one of the original Christian Louboutin stores.
There’s a wine bar at the end with only a few tables – locals use it as a calm pre-dinner stop.
Final Tip
Rue de Rivoli is dense, loud, and full of things trying to get your attention. But if you slow down and follow the smaller streets just off the main drag, you’ll find a side of central Paris that still feels lived-in.