When it rains in Paris, it’s not so bad. There are plenty of fun things to do indoors in the French capital from cosy coffee shops, beautiful world-class museums and some of the best patisseries in France. So stay dry, enjoy your trip and don’t let the bad weather get you down. Use our guide for some inspiration on what to do in Paris on a rainy day. Just don't forget your umbrella.
GET YOUR CHILLS AT THE PARIS CATACOMBS
Want to do something a little different in the city? Head underground and discover the spooky secrets that lie beneath the streets at the Paris Catacombs. The underground tunnels that lie beneath Paris are home to 6 million skeletons of Parisians from the past. A rather chilling experience but definitely worth checking out, especially if you want to keep out of the rain. We recommend buying a skip the queue ticket because it gets pretty busy! Plus, it’s a little dose of history where you can learn how and why the skeletons are there.
FIND SHELTER IN AN INDEPENDENT CINEMA
What’s better than making yourself comfy in a local cinema eating popcorn on a rainy day? Paris is home to some beautiful independent cinemas (the ever so glamorous ones that you see in movies) so have a look at what’s on and get your film fix from the comfort of brilliant Parisian movie theatres. Here are some of the coolest and most beautiful independent cinemas in Paris:
Le Champo is an arthouse cinema where you can catch some fantastic French movies
De Pantheon is an movie theatre that’s been running for over 100 years
Studio 28 is another arty cinema that specialises in foreign movies (rather than just French films)
RELAX IN ONE OF THE CITY’S BEST COFFEE SHOPS
Parisians love coffee which is reflected by the abundance of coffee shops in the city. Every street corner you turn, it’s likely there will be a coffee shop so if the heavens do decide to open, find sanctuary in a cosy Paris cafe and enjoy a cup of warm caffeine and a croissant. If you’re a massive coffee fan, why not try out some of our favourite coffee shops in the city?
HEAD TO A WORLD-CLASS MUSEUM FOR YOUR CULTURE FIX
Lose an afternoon or two in one of Paris’ world-class museums when it’s pouring with rain outside. Become acquainted with some renowned sculptures, artworks, architecture and history created by some of the world’s most famous artists. The French capital is filled with magnificent museums where culture vultures will be in their element. Paris is afterall, a city immersed with rich history, culture, music and arts. Get yourself a Paris Museum Pass to gain free entry and queue jumping to over 50 different museums in the city. There are our favourite museum spots:
Le Louvre: the home of the famous Mona Lisa
See Monet’s water lilies in the Musée de l'Orangerie.
Admire the works of Picasso and his own personal art collections at the Picasso museum
View the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world at Musee D’Orsay
Check out the
GET THE DRINKS IN AT BELUSHI’S
When it’s rainy outside, there’s only one thing to do: get the drinks in. There’s always something fun going on in Belushi’s and with an amazing cocktail range, cheap beers, a hell of a long happy hour and an epic playlist to match, why wouldn’t you want to chill out here? It’s the home of backpackers, international sports, plus it’s right downstairs under the hostel so you don’t have to even step out into the miserable rain. You can literally spend the whole day in Belushi’s from lunch (where you can enjoy kickass burgers) right through to the evening where the party really gets started; the perfect place to meet new people. There are two Belushi’s bars in Paris; one in Gare du Nord and the other in Rue de Crimée overlooking Canal Saint Martin.
Want to go clubbing?
EAT ALL THE PASTRIES
You have to indulge in classic French patisseries when you visit Paris. Tasty crispy, flakey pastries filled with delicious things; there’s no better comfort food on a rainy day in the city. There are plenty of amazing patisseries in Paris, but we know the best of the best to really wow your tastebuds with a moreish sweet (or savoury) treat. Éclairs, macarons, croissants, mille feuille and more!
SIP ON HOT CHOCOLATE IN ANGELINA
Hot chocolate, known as chocolat chaud is France, is the perfect winter warmer to lift your spirits a rainy afternoon. The best, most luxurious hot chocolate in the city has to be at the beautiful Angelina cafe, an upmarket spot that Audrey Hepburn used to love just for the amazing hot chocolate. Make sure you book a table first. This decadent African hot chocolate is rich, creamy and thick and will set your bank balance back €8.20. Kinda expensive for a hot chocolate but so worth it, especially as you get to spend your time in beautiful surroundings to pass time until the rain stops!
HAVE A SHOP IN THE GALERIES LAFAYETTE
Paris is famous for its fashion so why not do a spot of shopping (or window shopping) at the Galeries Lafayette, an upmarket French department store that’s worth a look around just for the curiosity of it all. Treat yourself to something nice in the food court or spend some extra euros on a new fashion piece. If you’re in Paris over the festive season, this department store puts up the best and most extravagant Christmas tree in the whole of the city.
EXPLORE THE NOTRE DAME
The Notre Dame Cathedral needs a spot on your itinerary whether it’s rain or shine. However, even in the rain it still looks incredible, plus you can dry off from your journey there by wandering around the inside for free. The inside of the Notre Dame is magnificent. Colours from the incredible stained glass window create a soft yet vibrant glow and the ceilings are decorated blue with tiny golden speks looking like stars and making the interior look all the more beautiful.