Paris wears the title “City of Love” for a reason. And when you think of it, you might start thinking of rose petals and candlelit dinners, right?
However, you should know that all romantic experiences here are not just about these things. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected moments and lesser-known experiences that stay with you the longest.
It is the place where you can plan your first romantic getaway or celebrate something special. Having said that, in this article, there are ten surprisingly romantic things to do in Paris that go beyond the cliches. These are, for sure, going to make you fall in love all over again.
So, without further ado, dive into the article!
1. Sail on the Seine
A stroll along the Seine is lovely. But did you think of floating on it? By the way, that’s a whole different kind of magic. Just imagine drifting past the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and historic bridges while sipping champagne or sharing a candlelit dinner aboard a glass-covered boat. This is mesmerizing, right?
So, in short, one of the most effortlessly romantic things to do is book one of the official Seine river cruises there. They come in many styles, like daytime sightseeing, gourmet lunch, or elegant evening dinners with live music.
Some reputable providers even offer the option of a private cruise if you’re planning something ultra special. Ultimately, by booking with them, you can skip the street crowds and get a front-row seat to the most iconic views in Paris.
2. Watch the Eiffel Tower Sparkle
This tower would be on everyone’s list, regardless of who is visiting Paris. But what makes this moment romantic is how you do it.
Instead of standing elbow-to-elbow with the crowd in Trocadéro Square, you should focus on finding a quieter spot. You can bring some eatables or a bottle of wine, and wait for the top of the hour. When the lights begin to twinkle, it’s a shared moment that feels like it’s just yours.
3. Wander Together in Montmartre
Montmartre feels like a movie set. If you wander off the main tourist path, you’ll find narrow alleys, ivy-covered buildings, and secret staircases that feel made for two.
If you really want to make it memorable for your partner, so skip the crowded souvenir shops. Instead, explore spots like Rue de l’Abreuvoir or the hidden vineyards near the Musée de Montmartre.
You can add more charm to it by topping it off with a quiet coffee at a local café or a spontaneous sketch from a street artist in Place du Tertre.
4. Visit the Covered Passages
These 19th-century covered arcades—like Passage des Panoramas or Galerie Vivienne—are some of Paris’s most underrated spots. These are lined with antique bookstores, tea shops, and glowing shopfronts. They’re perfect for slow wandering on a rainy afternoon.
They feel private, cozy, and oddly timeless. In short, they are a great escape from the busy streets outside.
5. Bookstores Browsing
For literary couples, the legendary English-language bookstores near Notre Dame offer more than books. There’s something romantic about leafing through poetry together in a place that’s hosted writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald.
So, grab a book. Sit by the riverbank nearby and read. That’s it. That’s the perfect moment for you and your partner to enjoy each other’s company.
6. Sip Wine on a Rooftop Terrace
Rooftop views don’t have to be exclusive to fancy hotels. Paris has several spots where you can sip wine with a skyline view. They are spread from rooftop bars to more laid-back spaces.
You should plan to go at golden hour for the full effect. This would be a bonus point if you bring a baguette and cheese and turn it into an impromptu sunset picnic.
7. Explore the City by Night
Paris truly earns its “City of Lights” name after dark. The bridges glow, monuments shine, and streets take on a quiet, cinematic feel. Take a nighttime walk through Île de la Cité or follow the softly lit pathways along the Seine.
For something a bit more structured, the Seine River cruises also offer evening and night cruises with stunning views. It’s an easy way to experience the romance of the city without the noise of the day.
8. Lock a Memory at Square du Vert-Galant
Forget the overstuffed Pont des Arts. If you’re looking for a peaceful moment to share, head to Square du Vert-Galant, a small garden at the tip of Île de la Cité. It feels tucked away from the city, even though you’re right in the middle of it.
There’s space to sit and watch the boats go by, feed the birds, or simply enjoy the sound of the water. All in all, it is quiet, overlooked, and kind of perfect.
9. Plan a “No-Plan” Day
This might be the most romantic thing you do in Paris. Pick a neighborhood, let’s say Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and just wander there.
Don’t use Google Maps or any sort of schedule. Let yourselves get immersed in the magic of the present. You have to follow just a simple trick: stop when something looks interesting. Buy flowers from a street vendor. Try pastries you’ve never heard of.
Long story short, the best memories often come from the moments you didn’t plan. And, for sure, Paris is the kind of city that rewards spontaneity.
10. Quiet Moments at the Rodin Museum Gardens
When you think of romance and art in Paris, the Louvre often steals the spotlight. But tucked away in the 7th arrondissement is a lesser-known treasure—the Musée Rodin. While the museum inside is filled with powerful sculptures, it’s the peaceful gardens outside that feel truly intimate.
You can stroll past rose bushes, trickling fountains, and open-air displays of Auguste Rodin’s most famous works, including The Thinker and The Kiss. It’s less crowded than other spots and gives you space to talk, wander slowly, or just sit together on a bench surrounded by art and nature.
Final Thoughts
Paris doesn’t need help being romantic. But stepping outside the typical tourist bubble can make your trip feel personal and unforgettable.
Whether you’re gliding down the Seine on a quiet cruise, sipping wine under glowing rooftops, or simply walking hand-in-hand down a cobbled alley, these moments create the kind of connection that lingers long after the plane ride home.
