The best things to do near Notre Dame in Paris

Step off the busy Boulevard du Palais, walk past the gothic arches, and suddenly you’re inside one of the most dazzling chapels in Europe. Sainte-Chapelle feels more like a jewel box than a church. Built in the 13th Century for King Louis IX, it was designed to hold holy relics—including Christ’s crown of thorns. But you’re here for those windows; 15 panels soar from floor to ceiling, made up of over a thousand individual pieces of colored glass. If you catch it on a sunny morning or late afternoon, the sunlight pours in and transforms the space into a sea of blues, reds and purples. It feels like being inside a kaleidoscope.

Sainte-Chapelle is regularly included on lists of must-see Paris sights, but we think it’s the sheer tranquility that sets it apart from busier neighbors like Notre Dame. The sound here carries softly, and everyone seems to speak in whispers. The lower chapel, with low vaulted ceilings, feels intimate, while the main upper chapel is open, soaring and celebratory. If you're lucky enough to visit during a classical music concert, the notes ripple through the space like something from another era. The experience is equal parts historic and hypnotic. Photos barely do justice to what you’ll feel when you tilt your head back and see all that glass light up. In a city filled with architectural treasures, Sainte-Chapelle manages to stand out—delivering art, history and pure wow factor in under an hour.

If you want to slow down after the bustle of Notre Dame, Île Saint-Louis is your haven. Cross the river and this calm, residential island reveals itself as quintessential old-school Paris. You’ll find shady streets lined with 17th-century mansions, cheerful florists with buckets of fresh blooms, and outdoor cafes that beg you to linger.

Let yourself drift from one end to the other, taking in picturesque boulevards with river views at every turn. Pop into boutique chocolate shops for a quick treat or browse artisan stores filled with handmade crafts. Book lovers should duck into the tiny Librairie Ulysses, while sweet tooths can hunt down the original Berthillon ice cream shop. Their salted butter caramel is the house favorite—just ask the locals queuing outside.

Île Saint-Louis has an understated joy to it. Musicians play next to the bridges at sunset, couples picnic on the quays and, from nearly every vantage point, there’s that prizewinning view of Notre Dame across the water. There’s no rush: grab an outdoor table, order a glass of chilled white wine and just watch Paris go by.

The Latin Quarter (or Quartier Latin) is that slice of Paris where history meets hustle. It’s a place packed with student energy, jazz bars, indie cinemas and some of the city’s best back stories. The best way to get to know it? Join a guided walking tour. 

Playful guides lead you through winding lanes, where you’ll spot the 1st-century Roman arena (Arènes de Lutèce), sneak past medieval churches and peer up at gothic architecture that’s older than the United States. Along the way, there’s always a new tale: Dumas’ favorite café, the corner where Picasso reportedly paid his rent in paintings, or the jazz club where Miles Davis jammed through the night. Don’t be surprised if there are spontaneous cheese tastings in street markets or impromptu poetry readings in front of the Sorbonne. 

The Latin Quarter’s energy is contagious, and your guide will make sure you’re laughing and learning in equal measure. Finish the tour with recommendations for budget-friendly eats and the best bakery for Paris’s signature pain au chocolat. Whether you’re obsessed with history or simply want to see Paris through fresh eyes, a Latin Quarter walking tour always delivers.

If you want to feel the pulse of modern Paris while wandering centuries-old lanes, set your sights on the Marais. Just a scenic 15-minute stroll from Notre Dame, this lively neighborhood blends offbeat galleries, hip boutiques, bustling markets and some of the city’s prettiest architecture. It’s a feast for the senses—and your camera roll.

The Marais is rich in contrasts. Get lost among medieval streets lined with elegant hôtels particuliers—these stately mansions once housed aristocrats and now contain everything from fashion boutiques to charming museums. Musée Carnavalet tells the story of Paris with quirky historical treasures, while the Picasso Museum houses a world-class collection in an impossibly chic old manor.

But the Marais isn’t just about history—it’s one of Paris’s trendiest quarters. Window-shop your way along Rue des Francs-Bourgeois and Rue Vieille du Temple for one-of-a-kind jewelry, indie French labels, or homewares you’ll want to squeeze into your carry-on. The area buzzes with art openings, pop-up bookstores and flower-filled patios.

When you’re ready to refuel, Le Marais is famous for food. The Jewish quarter on Rue des Rosiers teems with delis serving Paris’s most beloved falafel—L’As du Fallafel is the go-to, with crispy chickpea patties stacked in pillowy pita, loaded with crunchy salad and creamy sauce. Grab your order “à emporter” and nibble as you stroll towards Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest—and perhaps loveliest—square. The arcades house cozy bistros (try Café Hugo for people-watching), and the manicured lawn at its center is perfect for a picnic.

You’ll find the docks for the city’s famous Seine river cruises just a short way from Notre Dame. These gentle boat rides let you drift under bridges, past centuries-old riverside façades, and all the way to the Eiffel Tower—no traffic stress, just beautiful views. Most cruises offer open-air decks in warm weather and cozy glass cabins during chillier months, so you’re always comfy.

Why do we love this route? Well, it’s the sense of perspective you get: the grandeur of Paris’ architecture, the life buzzing along the quays, and even the locals waving as you drift past. On a sunset cruise, the city glows gold; after dark, all those monuments sparkle under floodlights. Many boats offer live commentary (in multiple languages) that packs in the quirky tales, secrets and scandals of Parisian history.

Paris is famous for its pastries, but if you’re near Notre Dame and crave something small, sweet and utterly satisfying, look no further than Odette. Just a couple of minutes’ walk from the cathedral, this pint-sized bakery on Rue Galande is every cream-puff lover’s dream.

Odette specializes in choux à la crème—light, airy puff pastries filled with velvety-smooth creams in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, coffee and pistachio. In fact, the whole shop feels like stepping into a Willy Wonka-esque Paris fantasy. Upstairs, there’s a tiny salon with mismatched chairs and big windows that offer a picture-perfect view of Notre Dame’s towers. It’s the perfect spot for a quick afternoon pick-me-up or a cozy escape on a rainy day.

Craving fresh produce, mouthwatering cheeses and the intoxicating aroma of just-baked baguettes? Head to Marché Maubert on Boulevard Saint-Germain, one of Paris’s oldest open-air markets, less than 10 minutes’ walk from Notre Dame. This is where locals shop, gossip, and start their day.

The market bursts into color on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. Vendors set up stalls draped with early strawberries in spring, golden apricots in summer, and gorgeous mushrooms and chestnuts in the colder months. Cheese lovers must try the Comté and brie, while the fishmonger’s glistening shellfish platters are more than tempting. There are honey and jams in beautiful jars, perfect if you’re after edible souvenirs.

Marché Maubert isn’t just for shopping. The bustling atmosphere, friendly stallholders and homely aromas from the rotisserie cart make it a multi-sensory Paris experience. Buy a warm baguette, some cheese and a handful of cherries, then wander to Place Maubert or the riverbank for a picnic. You’ll feel instantly at home among the regulars.

By evening, the Left Bank comes alive with music—and nowhere more so than the legendary Le Caveau de la Huchette. Just a five-minute amble from Notre Dame, this jazz club is a local institution and an atmospheric spot that even inspired scenes in the film ‘La La Land’.

Descend into the 16th-century vaulted cellar, and you’re greeted by swinging jazz, a vintage bar and crowds that just love to dance. The club hosts live music nightly, from big band to bebop, and the energy is infectious. Regulars fill the dance floor, while visitors can snag a spot at one of the tables for drinks and a close-up view. 

Even if you just pop in for a set or two, the spirit here gets under your skin. Whether you’re a jazz fan, a dancer, or just in need of a unique night out, Le Caveau de la Huchette is a must.