Science and Surprises: 10 Awesome Spots Near Paris Science Museum

The fun doesn’t end at the Science Museum—explore these top picks nearby!

Hand Touching Plasma Ball

Step outside the Paris Science Museum and you’ll find yourself in La Villette—a lively Parisian neighborhood where every street, park, and gallery offers something new to discover. Whether you’re a science buff, a chocolate lover, or someone who just wants to soak up the local vibe, there’s something here to fill every moment of your Paris adventure. We’ve got exhilarating museums, unbeatable city views, waterfront strolls, and more—all within reach. Ready to see what’s next after your science fix? Let’s go! 

Our favorite things to do near the Paris Science Museum include: 

  • Paris Science Museum (Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie) 
  • Gourmet Chocolate Museum 
  • Centre Pompidou 
  • Parc de la Villette 
  • Canal de l’Ourcq Stroll 
  • Paradox Museum 
  • Gourmet Shopping at Galeries Lafayette 
  • Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise 
  • Les Caves du Louvre (Wine Experience) 
  • Tour Montparnasse 

Paris Science Museum: Hands-On Fun for Every Age 

You can easily lose hours at the Paris Science Museum, and it’s time well spent. This place takes interactive learning to new heights, with sprawling exhibit halls, real spacecraft, and mind-bending VR stations for adults and kids alike. The Cité des Enfants section is a standout for its playful, sensory-rich spaces designed specifically for kids aged 2-12—think water games, obstacle courses, and teamwork challenges. Meanwhile, science lovers can check out serious robotics, life-size planetarium shows, and everything from how cars are built to what life might look like in the future. Whether you’re exploring as a family or rediscovering your inner nerd, this museum packs in the wow factor—science made thrilling at every turn. 

Gourmet Chocolate Museum: Treats for Curious Tastebuds 

Chocolate cravings and curiosity absolutely belong together, which is why the Gourmet Chocolate Museum is such a hit. A short ride from La Villette, this delicious destination takes you on chocolate’s journey from South American jungles all the way to fancy Paris boutiques. You’ll see rare artifacts from the world of cocoa, meet expert chocolatiers decoding the science behind great ganache, and get hands-on during tasty demonstrations—there’s always something fresh being whipped up to sample! It’s a feast for the senses, with beautiful displays, warm smells, and plenty of guided tasting.

Kids love seeing ancient cocoa tools and the chocolate sculptures, while adults can master the art of pairing. Don’t miss the chance to stock up in the gift shop (truffles, bars, bonbons—they’ll wrap them all). For anyone who wants their Paris adventure with a generous dash of sweetness, this spot is a no-brainer. 

Centre Pompidou: Art That Pushes the Limits

Centre Pompidou's Coloured Tubes

Just a short Metro ride from the Science Museum, Centre Pompidou is where art breaks all the rules—inside a building that looks like it escaped from a sci-fi movie. Its colored tubes and exposed pipes are just the start; inside, you’re diving into modern and contemporary works from legends and up-and-comers alike. From thought-provoking paintings to wild installations and sound experiments, every room feels like a new adventure. 

The highly interactive exhibits keep everyone’s attention, and there are always temporary shows bringing something unexpected to the table. Don’t skip the escalator ride to the rooftop, where jaw-dropping panoramic views let you see Paris from a totally different angle. Outside, the bustling square hums with street performers and pop-up food trucks, adding to the festive feel. Whether you’re an art lover or just browsing, Centre Pompidou’s playful approach is a creative jolt to your Paris itinerary. 

Parc de la Villette: Green Escape on the Doorstep 

Parc de la Villette isn’t your average city park. Step outside the Science Museum and you’re in the heart of an urban wonderland filled with vast lawns, bold sculptures, and playgrounds (including that epic Dragon Slide). Kids can explore themed gardens, oversized climbing nets, and water play zones, while grownups can catch a live concert, stretch out with a book, or picnic by the canal. 

The park buzzes with festivals and outdoor movie nights in summer, and you’ll often catch locals playing frisbee or rehearsing dance routines by the fountain. Whether you’re winding down or ramping up your day, Villette’s creative energy and green space strike the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. 

Canal de l’Ourcq Stroll: Life by the Water 

For a relaxed Parisian moment, follow the path along the Canal de l’Ourcq, which winds right past the Science Museum. This scenic spot invites you to grab a pastry, rent a pedal boat, or just stroll while soaking up the sunshine and laid-back local flavor. The canal banks are lined with colorful murals and friendly bars on converted boats—stop off for a coffee, or settle in for a picnic by the water. 

You’ll catch locals cycling, skaters weaving past, and sometimes even pop-up street markets dotting the walkways. It’s an effortless way to shift gears after an action-packed morning—no rush, just good vibes and gentle conversation. The pace is easygoing by design, and the people-watching is as satisfying as any museum exhibit. 

Paradox Museum: Reality with a Twist 

Nothing is quite as it seems at the Paradox Museum, and that’s exactly the point! Just a few stops from La Villette, this attraction is dedicated to tricking your senses and sparking curiosity. You’ll wander through rooms that mess with gravity, tackle mind-bending puzzles, and find yourself walking on walls or shrinking in a corner (at least in a picture). Every space is immersive, interactive, and engineered to leave you wondering: “Wait—how does that even work?”.

Staff are always on hand to help you snap the perfect trick shot or explain the science behind illusions. The atmosphere here is all about laughter and wonder, making it a huge hit for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to add a little playful weirdness to their Parisian day. Get ready for a gallery you won’t soon forget—and some of the best selfies you’ll take all trip. 

Galeries Lafayette: Parisian Splendor Meets Shopping

Girl on Observation Balcony at Galeries Lafayette

A trip to Galeries Lafayette isn’t just about shopping—it’s an experience wrapped in Parisian style. Step inside and you’re immediately struck by the stunning, Belle Époque glass dome that sends light cascading over a maze of luxury brands and gourmet food stands. Browsing here is as thrilling for the décor as it is for the designer labels and French culinary treats. Even if you’re not a shopaholic, you can sample everything from delicate macarons to cheese plates and fine chocolates at the gourmet hall. 

Don’t miss the rooftop terrace! It’s free to access and offers one of Paris’s best panoramic views, perfect for a coffee break and a photo session. Energetic, glamorous, and friendly, Galeries Lafayette lives up to its reputation and gives you a grand taste of local “art de vivre.” 

Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise: Paris from a New Angle 

Sometimes, the best way to see Paris is by drifting along the Seine, and the Bateaux Parisiens Cruises make it easy. Board near Villette or in central Paris, sit back, and let the city’s world-famous sights unfold—the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, dazzling bridges, and lively riverbanks. Live commentary (often with a dose of Parisian humor) brings the scenery to life, sharing tidbits you won’t find in your guidebook.

Choose an open-top seat for sun and fresh air, or head indoors for comfort and wide windows. Evening cruises are especially magical as the city lights up—there’s a reason Parisians call it the City of Light! It’s a gentle, relaxing way to wrap up your day and get a real sense of the city’s rhythm from the water. 

Les Caves du Louvre: Sip, Swirl, Discover 

Oenophiles, take note: Les Caves du Louvre brings France’s wine heritage deliciously to life. Set in historic cellars near the Louvre, this interactive wine experience guides you through scent workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, and tastings led by expert sommeliers. The vibe is welcoming whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious to learn your Bordeaux from your Burgundy. You’ll get hands-on with wine aromas and textures (great for budding gourmets) and discover how terroir, tradition, and time shape every glass.

Sampling is encouraged! The journey finishes in a candlelit tasting room, where you’ll toast to your Paris adventure with newfound knowledge and maybe a souvenir bottle (or two). It’s elegant, genuinely fun, and a treat for the senses. 

Tour Montparnasse: Skyline Paris the Easy Way 

End your day on a high at Tour Montparnasse—literally! This sleek skyscraper is home to one of Paris’s fastest elevators, zooming you to the 56th floor for panoramic, heart-thumping city views. On a clear day, you can spot every big-name monument and trace the Seine as it winds through the city.  

The atmosphere above the city is noticeably peaceful and offers a fresh perspective on Paris, far from the usual crowds. For bonus points, time your visit for golden hour and watch the skyline shift into twinkling lights. From here, you’re reminded just how much there is to explore—and how easily you can hop between Parisian wonders, from science and chocolate to sweeping, unforgettable views. 

 

Now you know—just steps from the Paris Science Museum, a world of discovery unfolds. With interactive museums, sweet stops, shopping hot spots, tranquil parks, and river adventures all at your fingertips, planning the perfect day out in Paris is a breeze. Why pick just one vibe when you can enjoy them all, one delightful stop at a time? 

Enjoyed this? Check out Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Paris Passes or Things to Do Near the Gourmet Chocolate Museum 

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Eiffel Tower and Surrounding Neighborhood
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Beyond the Tower: Free Finds in Eiffel’s Neighborhood

Budget-friendly never looked so glamorous! Discover a free Paris near the Eiffel Tower.
Paris
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Neighborhoods in Paris

Paris is a dense patchwork of 20 distinct neighborhoods, or arrondissements, all within the périphérique (ring road). Each arrondissement has its own identity and dedicated postcode (75001 for the 1st arrondissement, 75002 for the 2nd, and so on), to make it easier to discover at a glance where the hotel, attraction or other address you’re looking for is located. Hop aboard for our whistle-stop tour of all 20... 1st Arrondissement Right in the heart of the action, the premier is home to a number of Paris’s big-ticket attractions, chief among these being the Louvre. Stroll through the delightful Jardin des Tuileries with its tree-lined avenues, riverside views and graceful Rodin statues, and drop by the Musée de l’Orangerie in its southwest corner to admire the fine collection of Impressionist art, including several of Monet’s famous Water Lilies murals. 2nd Arrondissement Treasure hunters rejoice! Here’s where you’ll find many of Paris’s historic covered passages, including Passages des Panoramas, the city’s oldest. Shop under beautiful glass canopies in these atmospheric 19th-century arcades, where you’ll discover all manner of antiques tucked away behind old-fashioned wooden storefronts, plus chic boutiques, cute cafés, well-stocked wine cellars and more. The sticky signature rum babas at Stohrer, Paris’s oldest pâtisserie, on the nearby Rue Montorgueil are also not to be missed. 3rd Arrondissement The Haut Marais district’s quaint cobbled streets are lined with independent boutiques and several top museums, including the Musée des Arts et Métiers and stunning Musée Picasso, where you can view over 700 paintings and surreal sculptures by the Cubist master, including his Self-Portrait and La Celestina. Pause at the gift shop before strolling to the Marché des Enfants Rouges for some of the best street food in town. 4th Arrondissement Overlooking Notre-Dame Cathedral from the Seine’s Right Bank, the Marais neighborhood’s maze of narrow streets is nothing short of enchanting. Take a picnic to the formal gardens in Place des Vosges and people-watch from beneath the linden trees, then wander the arcades that line this charming 16th-century square. Don’t miss the extraordinary modern art collection in the Centre Pompidou, or the equally exceptional ice cream at Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis, a tiny island in the middle of the Seine. 5th Arrondissement Within the winding lanes of the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank, you’ll find a dazzling array of late-night bars and restaurants, sultry jazz clubs and Art Deco cinemas. Pay your respects to Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie and the dozens of other French luminaries who are interred or commemorated in the magnificent Panthéon, buy a book at the semi-legendary English-language bookstore Shakespeare and Company, and meet cute red pandas at the Ménagerie in the verdant Jardin des Plantes 6th Arrondissement Walk in the footsteps of the hundreds of artists and intellectuals who have called boho Saint-Germain-des-Prés home across the years, including Sartre, Picasso, Camus and Brecht. The 6th is also home to one of Paris’s finest parks: the Jardin du Luxembourg. Rent antique toy boats and sail them on the lake in front of the Palais de Luxembourg, smell the roses in the exquisite Italianate gardens or simply pull up a chair and watch the locals compete at the ancient game of pétanque. 7th Arrondissement Tick off some of the city’s biggest hitters in the 7th, where you can – deep breath – climb the Eiffel Tower (or picnic beneath it on the lawns of the Champ de Mars), view the biggest collection of Impressionist art on the planet at the Musée d’Orsay, stroll the Musée Rodin’s perfectly sculpted gardens and admire hundreds of years of indigineous art behind the foliage-covered facade of the Musée du Quai Branly. 8th Arrondissement Just across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower is a luxury shopper’s paradise. The Champs Élysees is home to the largest Louis Vuitton store in the world, plus branches of Cartier, Chanel, Dior and more. Treat yourself to a colorful box of macarons from pastry master Pierre Hermé or the opulent Ladurée store, then use the subsequent sugar rush to power you up the 284 steps to the Arc de Triomphe’s viewing platform. 9th Arrondissement Noted for its beautiful Haussmannian architecture, the lively 9th arrondissement continues the shopping theme with Galeries Lafayette – worth a visit for its incredible stained-glass cupola and terrace views alone. Check out Musée Grévin, a 150-year-old wax museum inside the historic Passage Jouffroy arcade and take in a show at the flamboyant Opéra Garnier, an absolute must-visit for Phantom of the Opera fans. 10th Arrondissement Stroll the scenic Canal Saint-Martin, with its picturesque Venetian bridges, tree-lined cobblestone walkways, shaded quays and colorful street art. The 10th is also home to the busy Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Ést train stations, gateways to the likes of Parc Astérix and the Palace of Versailles. 11th Arrondissement Place de la Bastille and its weekly markets make the largely residential 11th arrondissement worthy of your time. Head for the arts and crafts market on Saturdays, and visit the Marché Bastille on Thursdays and Sundays, where local producers showcase the finest foods the region has to offer. 12th Arrondissement Also mostly residential, the 12th is notable primarily for the magnificent Opéra Bastille, as well as its proximity to the expansive Bois de Vincennes. Paris’s biggest public park, it boasts a chateau, a boating lake, a forest, an arboretum and a zoo among other things. 13th Arrondissement Street art fans will find much to enjoy in the residential 13th arrondissement. Here, local artists use huge concrete high rises as their canvas, resulting in some spectacular and often huuuuge murals. 14th Arrondissement Twenty meters beneath the streets of the 14th, you can visit one of the city’s most macabre attractions. The Paris Catacombs contains a labyrinth of tunnels, with a bone-chilling ossuary that contains the mortal remains of some six million Parisians. A must-see, but most definitely not for the faint of heart. 15th Arrondissement At the westernmost point of the Left Bank, the 15th offers some of the Paris’s finest views. Board the Ballon de Paris Generali in Parc André Citroën to rise 150 meters above the city, or whiz up to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower for uninterrupted views of its far more beautiful counterpart, the Eiffel Tower. 16th Arrondissement There are enough specialty museums here to while away a day or more, the Palais de Tokyo with its excellent avant-garde art collection and the anthropological Musée de l'Homme to name but two. The 16th also adjoins the massive Bois de Boulogne park, where you can go boating, stroll through the woods to the Parc de Bagatelle botanical garden, explore the grotto and much more. 17th Arrondissement Many consider this residential area to be the real Paris. Head to its charming Batignolles neighborhood for quirky bistros, boutiques and street markets, and pause to feed the ducks and play pétanque with the locals in leafy Batignolles Square. 18th Arrondissement Take the funicular up to the Sacré Cœur Basilica atop Montmartre and soak up the atmosphere in cobbled streets and squares that have inspired artists from Modigliani to Picasso. It’s here you’ll find the Moulin Rouge cabaret with its iconic neon-red windmill, and the Place du Tertre, where local portrait painters ply their trade. Get yours done, then grab an ice cream and take in one of the city’s best views from the basilica steps. 19th Arrondissement Green space abounds out in the 19th, where hilly Parc des Buttes-Chaumont offers some of Paris’s best views, as well as an Eiffel-designed suspension bridge, secret grotto and artificial waterfall. Nearby Parc de la Villette is a cultural mecca, home to the biggest science museum in Europe, an IMAX cinema, plus several music venues and theaters. Visit in summer for its open-air cinema and the temporary artificial beach at nearby Bassin de la Villette. 20th Arrondissement Last but by no means least, the 20th arrondissement boasts cool street art, independent boutiques and the second-biggest Chinatown in Paris. It’s also here that you’ll find the vast Père Lachaise Cemetery. You could spend many hours wandering the cemetery’s wide avenues and visiting the ornate tombs and monuments where great artistic figures including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Sarah Bernhardt, Chopin and Édith Piaf are interred. Save on things to do in Paris Save on admission to Paris attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
The boating lake in Bois du Boulogne park in Paris
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Things to do in Paris During The Day

With over 1,000 museums, around 400 parks and more boutique shops and cute pavement cafés than you can shake a very large stick at, there are dozens of things to do in Paris during the day. Here’s our pick of the crop. See the Sights Paris’s relatively compact center is easy to explore on foot but if you really want to max out your daytime sightseeing, there’s an abundance of other great ways to see the city. For sheer convenience, you’ll find Paris’s near-ubiquitous electric scooters tough to beat. Known as trottinettes to locals, these zippy little machines can be picked up and dropped off at hundreds of locations around the city, making them a super-easy way to get from A to B with minimal effort. Note that for safety reasons the speed limit for trottinettes is restricted to 10km/h in most parts of Paris. Join a guided Segway tour to tick off some of the city’s big attractions in, um, style. A self-deprecating sense of humor and a decent ability to stay upright are all you need to participate. Pass the mandatory training session and in no time you’ll be whizzing to big-hitting Paris landmarks including Les Invalides, the Arc de Triomphe and the soaring Pont Alexandre III with its photogenic Art Deco lanterns. Alternatively, plan your own tour itinerary and rent a Vélib bicycle – also available for pick-up and drop-off pretty much everywhere in central Paris. Meander riverside and through the city’s stunning parks, pausing to admire the fabulous architecture and smell the roses, and, of course, to pick up some still-warm pains au chocolat from a boulangerie along the way. Seine sightseeing cruises depart from the Eiffel Tower throughout the day and are particularly enchanting at sunset, while hop-on hop-off bus tours are another fine way to see the city, especially from the top deck on a sunny afternoon. Have a Picnic in the Park Picnicking in the park should be considered mandatory on any trip to Paris. Open-air markets and street food abound in the city, so putting a gut-busting lunch together is pas de probleme. Rue Montorgueil is brimming with fab boulangeries, fromageries and street stalls that runneth over with juicy, fresh fruits. Pick up some just-baked bread, aromatic cheeses, plump grapes and artisan wine then hit the oldest pâtisserie in town for a decadent dessert of creamy rum babas and éclairs. Or head to Marché des Enfants Rouges in the Marais for gut-busting fried sandwiches, galettes that fairly ooze cheese, and some of the best Moroccan street food this side of Marrakech at Le Traiteur Marocain. Now fully equipped for your al fresco feast, the question is which park? Decisions, decisions... In the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars is a picture-perfect location for whiling away a few hours. Its sprawling manicured lawns and ringside views of the tower makes it an inspired location for your picnic – and a dozen or so selfies. One of Paris’s biggest parks, Bois de Boulogne contains – among other attractions – a château, a botanical garden and several lakes. Hire a boat to row across the largest of these (you’ll work up an appetite for sure), then walk off your picnic with a wander to the beautiful Parc de Bagatelle botanical garden, with its bountiful rose gardens and heavenly scents. The exquisite Luxembourg Gardens promise some low-octane pursuits including giant chess and the ancient French sport of pétanque. Head to Parc de la Villette for its fascinating series of architectural follies – there are 26 to find across the 137 acres of this huge green space, plus open-air music and cinema in the warmer months. Also in summer, take your picnic down to the banks of the Seine for the annual Paris Plages, where golden sands, deckchairs and ice creams are the order of the day. See Some Great Art Paris is a paradise for art lovers – and artists. Matisse, Modigliani, Manet, Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec are just some of the painters who went on to become household names after being inspired by this great city. No surprise, then, that you’re rarely more than a stone’s throw from an amazing museum or gallery. Of course, you can’t come to Paris and not visit the Louvre, home of the world’s most famous painting. Once you’ve ticked off the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo it’s time to experience what is hands-down the finest work of art in the museum. That would be the Mont Blanc, a decadent, gravity defying French fancy comprised of whipped Chantilly cream, meringue, chocolate shavings and chestnut vermicelli. You can view – and demolish – this bona fide masterpiece in Café Angelina on the first floor of the Richelieu wing. If you find the Louvre just a tad overcrowded for your liking, nearby Musée d’Orsay provides a less hectic alternative within the picturesque surroundings of the old Gare d’Orsay train station. The museum boasts one of the biggest collections of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art on the planet, with many pieces from Toulouse-Lautrec’s Moulin Rouge series and a number of Monet masterpieces, including one from his Water Lilies series. Other smaller but equally unmissable galleries include Musée de l'Orangerie in the Jardin des Tuileries, the Rodin Museum with its extraordinary seven-acre sculpture garden, and Renoir’s pretty garden at the Musée de Montmartre. Spend a Day in the Marais Picking a favorite district in Paris is like being asked to choose a favorite French fromage. There are just so many good ones to choose from! Set on the Seine’s Right Bank in view of Notre-Dame, the Marais is an entrancing maze of narrow, winding streets and alleyways that are chock-full of tiny independent boutiques, tempting pâtisseries and adorable pavement cafés. Grab a spot beneath the linden trees and watch the world go by in the Place des Vosges. This formal garden sits in the oldest planned square in Paris, hemmed in by atmospheric arcades and immaculate 17th-century townhouses with steeply pitched slate roofs. One of these – the former home of Les Misérables author Victor Hugo – is now a museum exhibiting furniture and works of art that belonged to (or were created by) the man himself. Indeed, for such a diminutive district, the Marais packs in a fairly impressive number of museums and galleries. Make for the Maison Européene de la Photographie for the best in contemporary photographic art, and don’t miss the Musée National Picasso-Paris, a stellar collection of over 700 paintings and sculptures by the father of Cubism. The legacy of Paris’s former Jewish quarter lives on in the Marais, primarily via its selection of kosher restaurants and bakeries. Make sure to treat yourself to a falafel wrap or pastrami sandwich at one of the excellent takeaway joints on the Rue des Écouffes or Rue des Rosiers – just follow your nose to discover true manna from heaven. Save on things to do in Paris during the day Save on admission to Paris attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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