Shop, Snack & Explore: Best Things to Do Near Galeries Lafayette

Step outside Galeries Lafayette and into the heart of Paris—cafés, culture, and surprises await.

Published: March 13, 2026
Galeries Lafayette Ceiling

Think Galeries Lafayette is just a shopping trip? Think again! Around these dazzling domes you’ll find classic Paris cafés, show-stopping landmarks, rooftop gardens, and museums that spark creativity—plus plenty of tasty spots to recharge. Whether you’ve got bags to drop, art to discover, or just a craving for the real Paris, the neighborhood serves up a memorable mix of old-school grandeur and modern excitement. Get ready to see, sip, sample, and snap your way through one of the city’s most vibrant quarters! 

Our favorite things to do near Galeries Lafayette include: 

  • Galeries Lafayette (naturally!) 
  • Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House) 
  • Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour 
  • Paradox Museum Paris 
  • Ô Chateau Wine Tasting 
  • Montmartre & Sacré Coeur – Walking Tour by Experience First 
  • Musée d'Orsay 
  • Printemps Rooftop Terrace 
  • Square Montholon 

Galeries Lafayette: Shop Under a Parisian Masterpiece 

You haven’t truly arrived in Paris until you’ve walked beneath Galeries Lafayette’s sparkling colored-glass dome. Sure, people flock here for fashion and beauty must-haves, but we think it’s the theatre of the place—elaborately decorated atriums, heavenly gourmet food hall, and high-energy window displays—that make it unforgettable. 

Don’t just shop—wander up to the top floor for their rooftop terrace! From up here the Paris skyline unfolds in all its glory, with straight-on views of the Opéra and Sacré Coeur peeking out above the rooftops. Seasonal fashion shows, pop-up stalls, and gourmet food tastings add a surprise around every corner. Even the food court feels more “upscale food market” than your average mall eatery, with fresh oysters, flaky croissants, and glossy pastries galore. Whether you’re window-shopping or on a spree, the buzz here is contagious—don’t miss a selfie with the stained glass flying high above! 

Palais Garnier: The Most Dramatic Venue in Paris 

It’s hard to believe that something so ornate could be just steps from your shopping bags, but the Palais Garnier (the famous Paris Opera House) offers up pure 19th-century elegance. This theatre is as lavish inside as it is out. Chandeliers drip from dramatically painted ceilings, and gold leaf seems to glitter at every angle.

Take a guided or self-guided tour to peek inside boxes where ballet fans still sit and admire the opulent foyers—trust us: the Grand Staircase alone will have you feeling like royalty. We especially love the Marc Chagall ceiling in the main auditorium for its colorful take on Paris performance history. Even better—try to snag tickets for a show! If time doesn’t allow, at least snap a pic on those exterior steps, which buzz with visitors, musicians, and the everyday theatre of Parisian life. 

Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: See the City, Skip the Stress

Big Bus Tour Bus

Hop on the Big Bus Paris Hop-on Hop-off Tour just outside Galeries Lafayette and you’re off—gliding past Notre Dame, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and more, all from the comfort of a classic open-top double-decker. This tour is the perfect way to soak up the city’s biggest landmarks without totally tiring your legs. 

With multiple routes and stops, you can tailor your own adventure—spend more time at the Arc de Triomphe or make a detour for a café au lait by the Seine. The audio guides dish up bite-sized stories and local fun facts, helping you see Paris through the eyes of its locals. You can hop off wherever you fancy, making window shopping, dining detours, and spontaneous art breaks a breeze. It’s sightseeing, but totally under your control—perfect for making the most of a short Paris stay! 

Paradox Museum Paris: Mind-Bending Fun for All Ages 

Ready to get your head spun in the most entertaining way possible? Paradox Museum is only a short stroll from Galeries Lafayette and promises a wild ride through optical illusions, tricks, and photo-ready exhibits that defy what you thought you knew. It’s not just for kids—adults get every bit as much fun scrambling through mind-bending rooms and snapping selfies in gravity-defying settings. 

Every installation invites you to question perception: Is that a real reflection, or are you upside down? Is this tunnel moving or is it just you? There’s something irresistible about experiencing Paris’s quirkier, irreverent side and breaking up a day of more traditional museums and monuments. We leave laughing every time. And don’t forget to check your camera roll—these snaps beg to be shared! 

Ô Chateau Wine Tasting: French Wine, Parisian Style 

A leisurely walk from the boulevards, Ô Chateau brings the French wine fields right to the heart of Paris. Swirl, sniff, and sip your way through French favorites with a team of passionate (and very approachable) sommeliers who make the world of French wine feel fun, not intimidating. Tastings come with perfectly paired cheeses and charcuterie, and your hosts spin stories about the growers and traditions behind every glass. 

It’s friendly, unpretentious, and ideal whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just love a good glass of something after a shopping marathon. The bar itself oozes relaxed chic—wood, soft lighting, and a long, convivial table. You’ll leave with a few new favorites and a head brimming with new flavors and stories. 

Montmartre & Sacré Cœur – Walking Tour by Experience First: Village Vibes Above the City 

The bohemian heart of Paris is just up the hill—and the Montmartre & Sacré Cœur Walking Tour makes the stories, sights, and secrets come alive. Start close to Galeries Lafayette and wind uphill through cobbled lanes, hearing tales of Picasso, Renoir, and street artists who shaped this legendary neighborhood. 

Along the way, your guide points out secret studios, the legendary Moulin Rouge, and photogenic corners most travelers miss. Arriving at Sacré Coeur, you’ll take in those dreamy panoramic Paris views and see the white-domed beauty up close. The vibe is both playful and historic—and you’ll finish with plenty of tips for exploring Montmartre’s best pastry shops and cool local hangouts. Art lovers and romantics, this one’s for you. 

Musée d'Orsay: Masterpieces in a Grand Setting

Musée d'Orsay

Just a quick ride or scenic walk from the grand magasins, Musée d'Orsay should not be missed. Housed in a former Belle Époque train station, the museum offers a stunning backdrop for viewing impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces. Think Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Degas under soaring glass vaults and iconic station clocks. 

Beyond just paintings, you’ll find sculpture, decorative arts, and immersive spaces that make the museum warm, fascinating, and easy to navigate. The balcony offers a dreamy view over the Seine, while the museum café lets you snack and soak up an atmosphere that’s distinctly Parisian. Visiting here always makes us grateful Paris knows how to mix beauty with brilliance. 

Printemps Rooftop Terrace: Panoramic Sips and City Views 

For a sky-high break with wow factor, scoot over to the Printemps department store next to Galeries Lafayette. Zoom up to the 9th-floor terrace for panoramic views spanning the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and Opéra Garnier. Seating is plentiful—perfect for a golden-hour aperitif or pastry break between adventures. 

The terrace café serves great drinks, snacks, and light meals, but the real reward is the relaxed mood: think “Parisian garden party meets urban lookout.” Shoppers, photographers, and sunset seekers linger here—and you’ll see why in every snap you take. Insider tip: Winter brings festive charm and Paris lights that make the whole city sparkle. 

Square Montholon: Green Escape in the Heart of Haussmann’s Paris 

Need a breather after all that shopping and sightseeing? Square Montholon is your ticket to peace and authentic local vibes—no transit required. Just a short stroll from Galeries Lafayette, this lush pocket park delivers tall chestnut trees, playful statues, and winding paths lined with benches begging for a rest. Office workers, local families, and students alike flock here to chat over sandwiches or dive into their latest read. 

The vibe is tranquil, with enough space for kids to blow off steam at the small playground while grownups soak up a few rays or plan out their next stops. Keep an eye out for the charming old lampposts and ornate cast-iron fencing—classic Paris details that make relaxing here feel extra special. Bring a warm croissant or falafel from a nearby boulangerie or market, pick a shady bench, and watch the daily theater of Paris life unfold around you. For a quick escape from the city’s hustle, Square Montholon is as restorative as it gets. 

 

So there you have it: from dazzling domes and brilliant museums to rooftop terraces and lively wine bars, the area around Galeries Lafayette is packed with experiences that showcase every side of Paris. Whether you’re spending an hour or a whole afternoon, there’s always something new—and impossibly stylish—waiting just a few steps away. 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near the Paradox Museum or Best Day Trips from Paris 

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An Alternative Guide to Paris Museums

Paris is one of those amazing European cities just brimming with art, culture, and history. In fact, some of the most famous museums in the entire world are found right here in the City of Lights. We’ve all heard of the Louvre, Musée D’Orsay, Versailles, and so on. But what about those of you who’ve already hit up the biggies and are looking to explore some more distinctive or unusual Paris museums? If you’re looking for alternatives to the major label museums in Paris, have we got the handy little guide for you. Check out our guide to the quirky, unique, and unexpected museums in Paris. The alternative museums we highlight in this post include: Musée des Plans-Reliefs Musée de Cluny Museum of Arts & Crafts Museum of Decorative Arts Château de Rambouillet Sèvres, City of Ceramics Museum of Music Discovery Palace Picasso Museum Musée des Plans-Reliefs The Musée des Plans-Reliefs would be Toby Shandy’s delight. Housed in the Hôtel des Invalides, this collection features a massive assortment of “plans-reliefs,” or scaled-down models of cities and other geographic features for military purposes. They were originally used to strategize during battle—something of an early precursor to our digital renderings. The collection includes pieces from the late seventeenth through the early nineteenth centuries. Musée de Cluny Although it’s a museum that tends to escape people’s radar when visiting Paris, the Cluny Museum is actually among the most significant cultural institutions in the city. Found in the Latin Quarter, this museum features one of the best collections of medieval art and artifacts anywhere in the world. For example, you’ll find a number of famous tapestries, crowns, engravings, sculptures, and other evidence of medieval artistry and craftsmanship from France and beyond. Museum of Arts & Crafts The Musée des Arts et Métiers is something of a misleading name for this fine collection of scientific and industrial materials. Here you’ll find tens of thousands of drawings and objects—among which are some of the most famous technical objects in history, such as an original Foucault pendulum, the original model for what would become the Statue of Liberty, and the first mechanical calculator. Visitors can also explore historic cars, planes, and other artifacts from the history of transportation. Museum of Decorative Arts Housed in a portion of the Louvre Palace (but distinct from the Louvre itself), the Musée des Arts Décoratifs brings together compelling exhibits from the history of graphic arts, advertising, and fashion. The overall focus is on design and decorative arts, with objects like furniture, wallpaper, ceramics, glassware, children’s toys, carpets, and much more comprising its extensive collections. Visitors will also want to take time to explore themed period rooms that showcase different moments in the history of material goods. Château de Rambouillet Castle of Rambouillet is located a fair distance southwest of Paris, but it’s worth the extra effort to see this remarkable museum. Formerly the summer home of the Presidents of the French Republic, it’s now a historic monument preserving the long history of the castle. It was originally built in the fourteenth century but is most famous as the place that Louis XIV transformed into an idealized version of a country dairy to please his queen, Marie-Antoinette. There were further additions and modifications made by later rulers as well. Sèvres, City of Ceramics A small community in the southwest suburbs of Paris, Sèvres is known for its unparalleled production of exquisite porcelain. The largest porcelain manufactory in Europe is still located in this neighborhood, as the eponymous Sèvres – Cité de la Céramique museum. A visit here is an opportunity to learn about the historic porcelain production in France, as well as a chance to see their fine collection of Asian and European ceramics, including many pieces by modern and contemporary artists. Museum of Music Located within the renowned performance space Cité de la Musique, the Musée de la Musique boasts a unique collection of rare and unusual instruments. Visitors can peruse over 1,000 instruments and musical artifacts ranging from a tortoise guitar to a crystal flute. The collections span the period from the seventeenth century through the modern era including non-European instruments and music. The accompanying audio guide allows visitors to listen to recordings, and free daily concerts provide live musical inspiration. Discovery Palace The Palais de la Découverte is an exciting modern science museum located in the 8th arrondissement in Paris. Permanent exhibitions here include a focus on topics like mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, geology, and astronomy. It’s particularly notable for its Zeiss planetarium. About a decade ago it merged with the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, sharing their collective dedication to spreading scientific knowledge and education with visitors of all ages. Picasso Museum An art gallery dedicated exclusively to the expansive productions of one of Europe’s most famous artists, the Musée Picasso is absolutely a must-visit for fans of the Spaniard’s life and works. You’ll find more than 5,000 works of art including paintings, notebooks, sculptures, ceramics, engravings, and drawings, as well as thousands of archival documents include Picasso’s personal correspondence, manuscripts, and photographs. This collection is located in the Marais district of Paris. Save on Admission to Paris Museums Visit these museums and plenty of other cultural institutions with the Go Paris pass. Pay only 95 Euro for the 48-hour Paris Museum Pass, which covers admission to more than 55 different museums and monuments in the broader Paris area. The Go Paris pass also includes admission to tours, cruises, and other fun attractions to help round out your weekend getaway. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal
Louvre Museum
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Guide to the Louvre Museum - Tips for Visiting

If you do one thing in Paris, it should be the Louvre. Pay a visit to the world’s largest art museum and spend an entire day marveling at their exhaustive collections of art and artifacts. It's consistently among the most-visited art museums and one of Paris’ most popular attractions. While their collections encompass some 380,000 objects, only a portion of these are on display at any given time. Items hail from all around the globe and throughout human history, including objects from prehistory all the way up to twenty-first-century works of art. The Louvre has particularly notable strengths in Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, Sculpture, and Painting, among others. The museum itself is a work of art—housed in the Louvre Palace (originally built in the late twelfth century as the Louvre Castle), it’s a veritable maze of art and artworks. Creative types will find a haven here, with something from just about every period and field to marvel at. Don’t forget about the signature I. M. Pei pyramid out the front which acts not only as a piece of art but a stunning entranceway to the museum! The Louvre Tickets Looking for discount tickets to the Louvre? Grab a pass from Go City. Spend less on admission to the Louvre and dozens of other museums, tours, cruises, and other great Paris attractions. Enjoy 2, 3, 4 or 6 days of unlimited sightseeing and save big on combined admission versus paying at the gate. See more on pricing for our passes. Louvre Tips for Visiting Be sure to download an interactive floor plan prior to your visit — it’s available in seven languages and will be invaluable in helping you plot out your course through the museum. Consult the museum calendar to see what special events, gallery talks, or tours are going on during the day of your visit. You may also wish to grab an audio guide for the Louvre. Available in seven languages, this is one of the coolest and more comprehensive audio guides around. The Louvre is big—like, really big. Wear comfortable shoes and plan to rest periodically. The Louvre is also difficult to navigate, but they’ve really simplified things by making their collections color-coded. Each of the eight curatorial departments is assigned a color, and then each room within the department is given a number. Follow your map and the signs on the wall and you’ll be good to go. Take your kids to the Touch Gallery. It’s the only place in the entire museum where visitors are encouraged to touch the sculptures (which are replicas of those found in the museum’s collections). Other important places like elevators, restrooms, and restaurants are identified via pictograms—so no worries if you don’t read French. For those visitors traveling with little ones, check out the Tuileries Gardens, which are filled with kid-friendly activities like a carousel, trampolines, and little boats. What is the Best Time to Go to the Louvre? You should plan to spend most of the day at the Louvre if you want to see a representative sample of the exhibits; it is also possible, however, to organize a “highlights” tour and accomplish it all in a few hours. We recommend visiting the museum first thing in the morning as soon as they open to maximize your time spent inside the institution. Crowds will be heavier mid-morning and late afternoon. If you're trying to attend a special docent tour, it’s wise to consult the museum’s schedule of events to see what’s available during the day of your visit. What to Bring to the Louvre Comfy walking shoes – the floors are hard and you’ll be traipsing around quite a bit. Money for souvenirs – their bookstore is one of the best places to shop for tourists in the entire city and it’s worth spending some time there. Layers – the museum is climate controlled, but this can differ depending upon the type of art. As a result, you may feel cool in some rooms but warmer in others. A camera—there are places in the Louvre where photography is limited or prohibited, but you’ll want it on hand for the opportunities that do arise. What to Do at the Louvre The museum collections are all sorted into one of eight curatorial departments: Egyptian Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Islamic Art; Paintings; Sculptures; Decorative Arts; and Prints and Drawings. We’ve listed a few of the highlights of each department below. Egyptian Antiquities One of the most famous collections within the Louvre’s vast holdings, the department of Egyptian Antiquities is filled with hundreds of items from Nile Valley civilizations. Items date as far back as the prehistoric period (about 4000 BCE) all the way to the early Christian period (around the fourth century CE). The objects in this department include everything from small pieces of jewelry, games, funeral urns, and amulets to large sarcophagi, engraved portions of tomb walls, and statuary. Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities Spanning the rich, diverse cultures of Greece, Italy, and the broader Mediterranean area, the objects and artifacts in this department range from the Neolithic era to the sixth century CE. Here is where fans of classical archaeology and mythology will find their inspiration. With art objects that cover everything from the iconic amphoras to intricate statues of the gods to the signature black and red Greek pottery, you’ll be amazed at the breadth and depth of these collections. Near East Antiquities One of the broadest categories of art and objects at the Louvre, the Near East Antiquities department spans an astonishing nine thousand-year period—from prehistory to the early Islamic period. Artifacts were discovered in a wide range of territory, from North Africa to Central Asia, and from the Black Sea to the Arabian Peninsula. Highlights of this department include tablets bearing some of the earliest forms of writing, ancient beaded jewelry, board games, and dozens of religious statues and figures. Islamic Art New galleries in this department opened in 2012, allowing for an expanded display of Islamic artwork for Louvre visitors. There are a few thousand objects on display here, ranging geographically from Southeast Asia to Spain, and temporally across nearly 1,300 years of human history. A few of the objects you might see in this department include dishware and pottery, sculptures, textiles and texts, and manuscript pages. Paintings With a couple hundred works currently on display, paintings are one of the larger curatorial focus points at the Louvre. This department is among the most famous as well, with particular strengths in Italian Renaissance art and Dutch Old Masters. The collection encompasses every major European school of painting as well, including works from the thirteenth through the nineteenth centuries. Some of the most famous works in this collection include Leonardi da Vinci’s world-renowned Mona Lisa, Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, and Johannes Vermeer’s The Astronomer. Sculptures The Department of Sculptures has had a long and varied history, currently encompassing Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern sculptures. Every work here dates prior to 1850, and only includes those that do not qualify for the Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Department. Some of the most stunning art objects in the entire Louvre are found here, ranging from statues of gods and goddesses to biblical characters to modern individuals of note. Decorative Arts One of the best departments for those who appreciate and/or study the history of material culture in a global context, this area of the Louvre boasts a simply stunning collection of objects from around the world. Objects were created between the early Middle Ages and the mid-nineteenth century. You’ll find everything from jewelry and ivory work to stained glass and furniture. Many of these objects inspire us to wonder what will happen to our own precious goods after we’re gone. Prints and Drawings This is one for the history of the book people. Here you’ll find a wide selection of printed material, including drawings, pastels, printed books, manuscripts, woodcuts, and lithographic stones. The unique thing about this department is its approach to displaying the collections—because of their innate fragility, most works are kept in careful storage and are circulated in and out of temporary displays. As a result, all exhibits here are temporary, so what you see during your visit will be totally unique! Save on Louvre Tickets with a Go Paris pass A Go City attraction pass for Paris provides admission to the Louvre and dozens of other Paris and area museums for one low price. You’ll also get admission to tours, cruises, and other top Parisian attractions to round out your weekend getaway.
Katie Sagal
The Louvre
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Beyond the Louvre: Must-See Spots for Your Paris Adventure

Dive into our favorite spots for food, fun, and charm just steps from the famed Louvre.

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