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
Gourmet Chocolate Museum: Discover the Sweet Side of Paris
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
Marché des Enfants Rouges: Market Day Eats
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
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