Thursdays in Paris: Where to Go, Eat and Explore

From secret gardens to riverside jazz, Thursdays in Paris promise pure Parisian joy.

Published: March 25, 2026
Woman by Eiffel Tower

Thursday in Paris? Lucky you! The crowds haven’t yet hit their weekend peak, galleries open their doors, and patios overflow with friends kicking off the weekend early. Whether you’re an art lover, keen foodie, or just want to unlock fresh Parisian corners, Thursday is your ticket to a dream day in the City of Light. We’ll take you from sunny alfresco breakfasts to late-night jazz—plus a few surprises in between—so you can say “oui” to every irresistible experience Paris offers on a Thursday. 

Our favorite things to do in Paris on a Thursday include: 

  • Musée d’Orsay 
  • Sainte-Chapelle 
  • Montmartre & Sacré Coeur Walking Tour 
  • Gourmet Chocolate Museum 
  • Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise 
  • Galeries Lafayette 
  • Le Marais Neighborhood Stroll 
  • Marché des Enfants Rouges 
  • Paris Science Museum (Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie) 
  • Live Jazz at Sunset  

Musée d’Orsay: Impressionist Wonders in a Dreamy Setting 

Kick off your Thursday with a dose of artistic genius at the Musée d’Orsay. This former railway station-turned-art haven isn’t just a collection of paintings—it’s a living timeline of creativity. Home to Monet’s shimmering water lilies, Van Gogh’s magnetic self-portraits, and Degas’ dreamy dancers, every room pops with color and movement.  

Thursdays are especially rewarding here, as crowds tend to be lighter, giving you plenty of breathing space to lose yourself in impressionist magic. And the giant clocks on the upper-level offer sweeping views of Paris—don’t forget your camera!  

Sainte-Chapelle: The City’s Most Dazzling Stained Glass 

Tucked away on the Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle feels like Paris’s best-kept secret. Step inside and be wowed by a kaleidoscope of stained-glass windows—fifteen massive panels telling centuries of stories in vibrant color.  

It’s quieter midweek, so you’ll find a pause for reflection among all the beauty. Visiting Sainte-Chapelle feels less like a tourist stop and more like an invitation to time travel—moments here feel precious and strangely soothing, right in the city’s historic core. 

Montmartre & Sacré Coeur Walking Tour: Bohemian Paris Up Close 

If you crave winding streets, legendary cafés, and a little romance, head up to Montmartre and join a walking tour. Guides whisk you through secret shortcuts, past the famous Place du Tertre, and up the steps to Sacré Coeur’s sparkling white basilica.  

Thursday afternoons have their own special energy, with artists sketching in the squares and cozy brasseries tempting you for post-tour treats. You’ll hear mischievous tales of Picasso, discover hidden vineyards, and maybe catch a jazz tune drifting from an open window. Montmartre is pure Parisian spirit on a Thursday—playful, inspiring, and unmistakably French. 

Gourmet Chocolate Museum: Discover the Sweet Side of Paris

Exhibit at Gourmet Chocolate Museum

Chocolate fans, make Thursday your day to indulge! The Gourmet Chocolate Museum (Musée Gourmand du Chocolat) in the 10th arrondissement is a delightful celebration of all things cocoa. Interactive exhibits share the long, fascinating journey of chocolate from Mayan times to Parisian chocolatiers, with plenty of samples along the way.  

There are live demonstrations daily—yes, you can taste the results—and workshops where you create your own sweet masterpiece. The museum nails that perfect blend of educational and fun, making you leave with a new appreciation (and maybe a full bag) of the city’s favorite treat. 

Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise: Glide Into Golden Hour 

Hop aboard a Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise for a unique spin on sightseeing. These boats slice gently beneath the bridges, past world-renowned landmarks, and offer a moving panorama of Paris you won’t get on foot. The views of the Eiffel Tower at sunset—glimmering as the sky changes color—are tough to beat.  

Thursday evenings are brilliant on the water, as many Parisians drift toward the quays to unwind after work. Cruises glide past iconic sights, often with engaging audio guides, playful trivia, and glass-enclosed decks that keep you cozy year-round. It’s that magical mix of relaxation and pure “wow, I’m in Paris!” delight. 

Galeries Lafayette: Glitz, Glam, and Rooftop Views 

Thursdays bring extra sparkle to Paris’ grandest department store. Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann is retail therapy on a grand scale—stained-glass dome, Art Nouveau flourishes, and row upon row of designer labels. But even if shopping isn’t top of your list, you’ll want to ride the escalators to the rooftop terrace.  

The free panoramic city view is one of the best in town, perfect for a selfie with the Opera Garnier or evening cocktails from the terrace bar. Thursday often features pop-up art installations and live DJ sets, making it feel more like a pre-weekend party than just a shopping trip. 

Le Marais Neighborhood Stroll: Old Paris, Up Close 

For a dose of eclectic history and style, set course for the Le Marais district. This neighborhood jams together medieval alleys, chic boutiques, trendy galleries, and friendly falafel joints. Come Thursday, the terraces are lively with locals soaking up the sun and artists selling their latest on leafy Place des Vosges.  

Duck into hip independent shops, discover the serene gardens at the Picasso Museum, or settle on a café terrace for people-watching with the best hot chocolate in Paris (try Carette). Le Marais is perfect for discovering the essence of Paris every Thursday: traditional and contemporary, laid-back and effortlessly cool. 

Marché des Enfants Rouges: Market Day Eats

French Market Stall

If Thursdays are your foodie day, the Marché des Enfants Rouges is unmissable. The city’s oldest covered market (founded 1615!) brings together every Parisian flavor—from fresh cheeses and fragrant flowers to colorful couscous and legendary buckwheat galettes.  

Lunchtime is especially vibrant; on sunny days, the picnic tables overflow with friends chowing down on Japanese bento, Lebanese wraps, or French oysters with a glass of crisp Sancerre. The market pulses with local energy on Thursdays, making it the best day to taste your way through Paris without ever leaving one tiny bustling square. 

Paris Science Museum: Fun, Hands-On, and Fascinating 

Looking to sprinkle a little science on your Thursday? Head north to the Paris Science Museum (Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie). This hands-on wonderland is filled with interactive exhibits, immersive IMAX films, and creative fun for all ages. There’s a planetarium, exhibitions on space travel, aviation, and even virtual reality experiences that transport you from Mars to the deep sea! 

Thursdays tend to be quieter—ideal for exploring the science garden or testing robots without elbowing the weekend crowds. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just feeding your inner geek, you’ll leave amazed by what you’ve discovered. 

Live Jazz at Sunset Sunside: Thursday Nights With Groove 

When day turns to evening, make your Thursday count with live music at Sunset Sunside, one of Paris’s coziest jazz bars on Rue des Lombards. Known for their top-notch acoustics and intimate vibe, this club welcomes leading French and international artists.  

Thursday gigs draw a lively, local crowd, and the basement brick vaults set a sultry mood. Grab a table near the stage, order a perfectly mixed cocktail, and soak in the city’s deep connection to jazz. There’s no better way to celebrate Paris after dark than letting the smooth rhythms carry you right into Friday. 

 

Ready to unlock your most memorable Thursday in Paris? Pack your sense of adventure—everything else awaits on the boulevards, gardens, and riverbanks of this city that never runs out of magic. 

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

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®  

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  
 
See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!  

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Continue reading

Blog

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
Blog

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
Blog

Paris Secrets: Free Things to See Near the Louvre

From hidden gardens to street beats, here’s Paris near the Louvre—free of charge.

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.