You’ve just admired centuries of style and craftsmanship at the Museum of Decorative Arts—so now what? Luckily, you’re right in the heart of Paris, surrounded by culture, couture, cafés, and some of the city's prettiest green spaces. Whether you’re chasing more art, need a sugar hit, or just want to bask in the beauty of your surroundings, this stylish slice of the 1st arrondissement delivers. From iconic gardens and luxury shops to peaceful corners and architectural wonders, there’s plenty to see and do once you step back outside. Here's where to go next.
Wander through Jardin des Tuileries
📍 Place de la Concorde, 75001 Paris
🚶 2-minute walk from the Museum of Decorative Arts
💸 Free
This isn’t just a garden—it’s Paris’s front lawn. Jardin des Tuileries stretches between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde and offers fountains, statues, tree-lined promenades and chairs begging you to lounge. After absorbing all that ornate design inside the museum, it’s refreshing to stroll through open air and let the surroundings breathe. Kids sail boats on the water, locals sip espresso on green chairs, and you might even catch a pop-up art exhibition in the gardens. Bring a macaron, take a seat, and just be Parisian for a while.
Shop for stationery at Papier Tigre
📍 5 Rue des Filles du Calvaire, 75003 Paris
🚶 20-minute walk or 10 minutes by metro
💸 Not included with Paris Pass
Papier Tigre is a modern Parisian stationery shop with serious design flair. Expect bold prints, customisable notebooks, graphic planners, and accessories so stylish they could double as desk art. The interior is a masterclass in minimalist chic, and the whole place feels like a playground for paper nerds. Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or want to journal your trip in something worthy, it’s worth the small detour. They also host creative workshops, so check their calendar if you’re staying longer.
Grab a treat at Angelina Paris
📍 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
🚶 2-minute walk from the Museum of Decorative Arts
💸 Not included with Paris Pass
Angelina Paris is famous for two things: hot chocolate so thick it’s practically a dessert, and its Mont Blanc pastry, which combines chestnut purée, whipped cream, and meringue in a way that feels impossibly indulgent. This historic tearoom oozes Belle Époque charm, from the chandeliers to the mirrored walls. It’s busy, yes—but that’s part of the atmosphere. Come for a quick takeaway from the boutique or settle in for the full afternoon tea experience. Either way, it’s a sweet slice of Parisian history right next to the museum.
Visit the Louvre Museum
📍 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
🚶 3-minute walk from the Museum of Decorative Arts
💸 Included with Paris Pass
Just next door is the Louvre Museum—arguably the world’s most famous museum and a must-visit if you haven’t yet ticked it off. From the Mona Lisa’s smile to the vast Egyptian and Islamic collections, the Louvre is sprawling, jaw-dropping, and worth getting lost in. Even if you’ve been before, you’ll find new corners to explore—and it’s fascinating to pair the high design of the Decorative Arts with the masterworks housed here. Pro tip: visit late on Wednesdays or Fridays to dodge the heaviest crowds.
Admire Palais Royal’s hidden courtyard
📍 8 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris
🚶 6-minute walk from the Museum of Decorative Arts
💸 Free
Palais Royal is one of Paris’s most photogenic secrets—though not that secret anymore. The black-and-white striped columns of the Cour d’Honneur are Instagram-famous, but the arcades, gardens, and boutiques tucked behind the main façade are equally delightful. It’s peaceful, elegant, and full of architectural flourishes you might have missed while walking by. Grab an espresso at Café Kitsuné, do some quiet window shopping, and soak in a side of Paris that feels almost cinematic. Bonus points if you come in the golden hour light.
See fashion in motion at Palais Galliera
See fashion in motion at Palais Galliera
📍 10 Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75116 Paris
🚶 25-minute walk or 15 minutes by metro
💸 Included with Paris Pass
Fashion fans, this one’s for you. The Palais Galliera is Paris’s dedicated fashion museum, showcasing everything from 18th-century gowns to runway pieces by today’s biggest designers. Exhibitions change regularly and focus on specific eras, designers, or trends—always beautifully curated and deeply stylish. The building itself is a stunner, with marble corridors and manicured gardens that make it feel as refined as its contents. If the Decorative Arts Museum sparked your interest in couture, this is your next stop. You’ll leave feeling inspired and possibly planning your wardrobe reboot.
People-watch on Place Vendôme
📍 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris
🚶 10-minute walk from the Museum of Decorative Arts
💸 Free
Place Vendôme is pure Paris luxury. With its flawless façades, high-end boutiques, and polished charm, it’s no wonder this square is home to the Ritz and countless jewellers. Even if you’re not planning to buy diamonds today, it’s worth strolling through just to soak in the elegance. The column at the centre, modelled after Trajan’s Column in Rome, gives the space a sense of imperial grandeur. It’s a prime people-watching spot, too—you’ll see fashionistas, suited-up execs, and the occasional movie star slipping into a hotel. Très chic.
Snap a shot at the Colonnes de Buren
📍 Cour d’Honneur, Palais Royal, 75001 Paris
🚶 6-minute walk from the Museum of Decorative Arts
💸 Free
Also known as Les Deux Plateaux, the Colonnes de Buren are one of Paris’s most photographed installations—and it’s easy to see why. These black-and-white striped columns of varying heights turn the Palais Royal courtyard into a whimsical, playful space that invites jumping, posing, and impromptu photoshoots. It’s art you interact with, whether you're five years old or just feeling five again. Best part? It's right outside, in the open air. Don’t forget to look up too—the surrounding classical buildings provide a perfect visual contrast.
Catch a glimpse of fashion history at Musée des Arts de la Mode et du Textile
📍 107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
🚶 Located within the Museum of Decorative Arts
💸 Included with Paris Pass
Tucked inside the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Musée des Arts de la Mode et du Textile deserves its own mention. With a collection that spans centuries of fabric and fashion, this wing goes beyond haute couture. You’ll find everything from ceremonial robes and corsets to futuristic fashion experiments. It’s quieter than the main museum and often less crowded, making it the perfect place to take a slower stroll through history. If you missed it on your first round, go back—you’ll spot details you didn’t catch the first time.
Browse art books at Librairie Flammarion
📍 107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
🚶 Inside the Museum of Decorative Arts
💸 Free to browse
Need a break from walking, but still in a cultural mood? The Flammarion bookstore inside the museum has an irresistible mix of art books, design tomes, fashion zines, and quirky souvenirs. It’s the kind of place where 10 minutes easily turns into an hour. Whether you’re looking for a coffee table gem, a perfect postcard, or just a break from the weather, this shop delivers. The curation is excellent and leans heavily into French design and creative inspiration. It’s a great spot to take a breather and leave with something beautiful.
Walk across Pont des Arts
Walk across Pont des Arts
📍 Pont des Arts, 75006 Paris
🚶 10-minute walk from the Museum of Decorative Arts
💸 Free
The Pont des Arts is more than just a bridge—it’s a floating pedestrian promenade with unbeatable views of the Seine, the Louvre, and the Institut de France. Once known for its love locks (most have been removed, but a few linger), it’s now a peaceful, scenic spot to watch the boats drift by or snap a sunset photo. Street musicians often play here, adding a little soundtrack to your stroll. It’s the kind of place where you pause mid-walk just to take it all in. Simple, romantic, and pure Paris.
Take a spin on the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
📍 Starting point: 11 Avenue de l'Opéra, 75001 Paris
🚶 8-minute walk from the Museum of Decorative Arts
💸 Included with Paris Pass
Feeling museumed-out but still want to explore? Jump aboard the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and cruise the city in style. It’s a relaxed way to tick off multiple sights without wearing out your feet. The open-top bus gives you fresh-air views of all the big hitters—Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Notre Dame—and you can jump off anywhere that catches your eye. Audio guides add a layer of history and trivia, making it surprisingly informative for such an easy ride. Ideal for travellers who want to soak it all up without rushing.
Try macarons at Pierre Hermé
📍 4 Rue Cambon, 75001 Paris
🚶 8-minute walk from the Museum of Decorative Arts
💸 Not included with Paris Pass
Forget what you know about macarons, because Pierre Hermé takes them to a whole new level. This boutique offers flavour combos like rose-lychee-raspberry and passionfruit-chocolate that feel as refined as a perfume. The shop itself is sleek and minimal—letting the colours and textures of the sweets do the talking. It’s a perfect stop for a treat that feels like an event, whether you’re taking them to go or enjoying them with a side of people-watching nearby. Yes, Ladurée is the tourist classic—but locals often whisper that Hermé is the connoisseur’s choice.
Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle from Pont Alexandre III
📍 Pont Alexandre III, 75008 Paris
🚶 15-minute walk from the Museum of Decorative Arts
💸 Free
This bridge isn’t just one of Paris’s most extravagant—it's also one of its best photo ops. Gold statues, ornate lamp posts, and sweeping river views make it a favourite for film shoots and wedding photos alike. And come twilight? It’s one of the best places to watch the Eiffel Tower twinkle on the hour. It’s romantic, yes—but it’s also just an incredibly satisfying walk that makes you feel like you’re in the centre of it all. Bring a snack, grab a railing, and wait for that perfect sparkle.
See Monet’s water lilies at Musée de l'Orangerie
📍 Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris
🚶 8-minute walk from the Museum of Decorative Arts
💸 Included with Paris Pass
Located at the far end of the Tuileries Garden, the Musée de l'Orangerie is a must for any fan of Impressionist art. The crown jewel? Monet’s massive “Water Lilies” panels, displayed in custom-built oval rooms bathed in natural light. But there’s more here too—works by Cézanne, Renoir, Matisse, and Modigliani make this compact museum feel like a jewel box of modern art. It’s intimate, calming, and a beautiful contrast to the bustle of central Paris. Plus, it's just a short and lovely walk from the Decorative Arts Museum.
Discover stories at the Museum of the Legion of Honour
Discover stories at the Museum of the Legion of Honour
📍 2 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris
🚶 10-minute walk from the Museum of Decorative Arts
💸 Not included with Paris Pass
The Museum of the Legion of Honour is often overlooked—but it’s quietly fascinating. Housed in a neoclassical mansion opposite the Musée d'Orsay, this museum tells the story of France’s most prestigious national orders and decorations. You’ll see medals, sashes, and ceremonial regalia from the Napoleonic era through to modern honours. It’s not flashy, but it’s deeply detailed, with stories of bravery, diplomacy, and design all wrapped into one. And if you’re into uniforms, historical fashion, or French state pageantry, you’ll find plenty to admire. Bonus: the museum is free, even without a pass.
Cruise the Seine with Bateaux Parisiens
📍 Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris
🚶 18-minute walk or 10 minutes by metro
💸 Included with Paris Pass
A Seine river cruise with Bateaux Parisiens is a Paris classic—and for good reason. Glide past Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower while an audio guide fills you in on the stories behind the scenery. The boats are sleek and glass-topped, offering great views in any weather, and the pace is just slow enough to relax without getting bored. It’s a perfect way to reset your legs after a day of museum-hopping, and seeing the city from the water always adds a fresh layer of perspective.
Visit the Guimet Museum of Asian Arts
📍 6 Place d’Iéna, 75116 Paris
🚶 20-minute walk or 12 minutes by metro
💸 Included with Paris Pass
For something a little different, the Guimet Museum offers a serene, beautifully curated dive into the art of Asia. From Tibetan thangkas and Japanese prints to Indian statues and Chinese ceramics, the collection is vast and deeply calming. The layout encourages quiet contemplation, and the rooftop terrace sometimes hosts contemporary exhibitions with city views. It’s a great palate cleanser if you’ve been deep in French art and design all day—and a lovely reminder of how Paris connects globally. Less busy than the bigger museums, it’s an ideal choice for a more peaceful cultural moment.
Experience La Madeleine’s grandeur
📍 Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris
🚶 15-minute walk from the Museum of Decorative Arts
💸 Free
La Madeleine looks more like a Roman temple than a Parisian church—but that’s part of the charm. The church of La Madeleine is grand, symmetrical, and unexpectedly warm inside. The interior is dimly lit and filled with gold accents and religious artwork, and the building often hosts concerts thanks to its acoustics. Outside, the steps are perfect for a mini break, especially if you’re on your way to explore the nearby gourmet food shops. Fauchon and Hédiard are just around the corner—ideal for edible souvenirs.
Enjoy a Saint-Honoré at Stohrer
📍 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris
🚶 15-minute walk or 10 minutes by metro
💸 Not included with Paris Pass
Founded in 1730, Stohrer is the oldest pâtisserie in Paris and still one of the best. Their version of the Saint-Honoré—a puff pastry cream bomb named after the patron saint of bakers—is decadent and delicious. The shop itself is all ornate mirrors, gilded mouldings, and the smell of freshly baked everything. It’s an excellent place to stock up on traditional French pastries like éclairs and baba au rhum, or just to marvel at the craftsmanship. Rue Montorgueil is a foodie street, so come hungry and take your time.
There’s no shortage of ways to extend your day after the Museum of Decorative Arts—whether you’re craving gardens, galleries, gourmet treats, or just a beautiful place to sit and take it all in. With so many iconic (and low-key) spots just a short walk away, this corner of Paris rewards curiosity at every turn. So don’t rush—soak it up, wander well, and let the design inspiration follow you long after you leave the museum doors.
Planning for the weekend? Check out our guide to the best things to do on Saturday.
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 The Paris Pass® - just choose a pass to get started
?_a=BAVAZGDY0)
