10 Best Things to Do Near the Eiffel Tower

10 Best Things to Do Near the Eiffel Tower

Sure, the Eiffel Tower is nice. It might even be one of the main reasons you came to Paris. But beyond the lines, the security checks, and the elevator rides, the neighborhood itself is packed with ways to experience Paris at its best. Food, fun, culture, chill — that's how we do things here at Les Canards de Paris. And trust us, we know this district like the back of our hand (or webbed feet 🦆).

So... what to do near the Eiffel Tower? Here's our playful pick of the 10 best things to do around the Iron Lady, to make the most of every Parisian minute.

1. Start your day on Rue Cler

It may not be the most obvious stop — but food matters. We’re French, after all, and we care deeply about what our visitors eat in France! Just a few cobblestones away from the Eiffel Tower, Rue Cler is one of those postcard-perfect Parisian streets where locals (real ones!) actually shop. Bakers, butchers, cheesemongers, florists — it’s a symphony of smells, colors, and cheerful "bonjours!"

It’s also giving Emily in Paris vibes (though we’re not sure the show ever made it here). All the better: fewer crowds, more authenticity.

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2. Picnic with a view at the Champ de Mars

Armed with your Rue Cler goodies — a crusty baguette, creamy camembert, macarons or whatever cliché we still love — head for the Champ de Mars.

There are parks. And then there’s the Champ de Mars. With the Eiffel Tower casually towering in the background, it’s legendary.

Lay down your blanket, pop open your bottle, and enjoy a Parisian moment worthy of cinema.

Champ de Mars

3. The Canards de Paris ride (yes, that’s us!)

White and blue, slightly noisy, and proudly amphibious — that’s Marcel, our beloved duck bus. You might spot him waddling by. But let’s be clear: it’s a bus (or is it a boat? maybe both?). Either way, he leaves right from the Champ de Mars and offers a joyride through the city — part land tour, part Seine cruise, all fun.

Expect silly songs, memorable splash, and guides who blur the line between historian, comedian, and actor. Still not quite sure what they are exactly — but come along and tell us what you think! You'll be back at the Eiffel Tower area in about 1h45, with an ear-to-ear smile and great memories.

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4. Cross the cinematic Pont de Bir-Hakeim

Iéna Bridge is nice. But head slightly southwest along the Seine and you’ll reach the next one: Pont de Bir-Hakeim. Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, your eyes have probably seen it before. Especially if you've watched Inception — remember that dreamy sequence with the bridge and shifting streets? That’s the one.

Bir-Hakeim is like an open-air film set, wrapped in steel and Parisian drama. It’s got bold industrial vibes, two levels (one for the metro gliding overhead, another for cars and pedestrians), and those iconic archways that seem made for photoshoots.

And the view? Oh là là. One of the best Eiffel Tower perspectives in town — perfectly framed, slightly off-center, effortlessly photogenic. Cameras out, friends. This one’s a keeper.

Pont Bir-Hakeim

5. Venture into the Paris sewers

Let’s get weird. But, you know, in a totally official (and perfectly legal) way. We’re not sneaking you into forbidden tunnels here — this is a proper museum, and a fascinating one at that.

Just a 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, the Paris Sewer Museum is bizarrely brilliant. Sure, it’s about sewage. But it’s also about engineering marvels, unsung heroes, clever city planning, and the often-forgotten backstage of Paris.

You’ll walk through real (but safe and dry) underground galleries, past massive pipes and centuries of urban ingenuity. A little steamy, maybe. But not too smelly, we swear. And definitely one of the craziest things to do in Paris.

Musée égouts de Paris

6. Capture the iconic Trocadéro photo

Sometimes the classic shots are classic for a reason. The Trocadéro esplanade delivers the Eiffel Tower view: fountains, big skies, and that iconic Iron Lady standing proud.

You can join in with your own camera (golden hour is magic) or book a quick photo stop with a pro . A little touristy? Sure. But it’s up to you to make it your own — and it just might become one of your favorite memories.

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7. Meet the jellyfish at the Paris Aquarium

Let’s stay in Trocadéro, but head underground. After your Eiffel Tower high, it’s time to dive deep into the Paris Aquarium, home to 13,000 sea creatures — sleek sharks, diva carps, glowing jellyfish, and the largest jellyfish collection in Europe.

Add to that a real-life mermaid show (yes, really), and you’ve got a magical mix of wonder and calm. Great for kids, delightful for grown-ups too.

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8. Wander through world cultures at the Musée du Quai Branly

Just 4 minutes walking from the Eiffel Tower, the Musée du Quai Branly  – Jacques Chirac takes you around the world in one building. Far from what you can see in more classical museums. Feathered headdresses from the Amazon, sculpted masks from Africa, ceremonial textiles from Asia, towering totems from Oceania — it’s visual, immersive, and full of unexpected stories.

The architecture itself invites curiosity: walkways that float above gardens, peek-through panels, and a huge living green wall.

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9. Peek inside UNESCO’s headquarters

Unexpected access is our favorite kind. (Remember — we drive a bus into the Seine.) The UNESCO headquarters, quietly sitting behind the Champs de Mars,  is one of those rare spots. Normally reserved for diplomats and staff, but occasionally open for curious visitors.

On a guided tour, you’ll stroll through mid-century corridors, grand conference halls, peaceful Japanese gardens, and a world-class art collection featuring Miró, Calder, and Giacometti. Obviously, it’s not a museum, so availability is limited — booking ahead is highly recommended.

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10. End on a high note at Frame Bar (Pullman Rooftop)

Whether you climbed the Eiffel Tower stairs by foot or explored the whole neighborhood, you deserve a reward. Head to the Frame Bar at the Pullman Hotel for a rooftop drink with front-row views of the Tower.

Cocktail, mocktail, café crème — doesn’t matter. It all tastes better with the Eiffel sparkling in the background. Santé!

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And voilà.
Ten things to do 15 minutes max walking from the Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars. The area around the Tower is packed with visitors (oops… yes), but not only! Take a side street and suddenly, it’s all charm, surprise, and real Parisian magic.

Now you know what to do near the Eiffel Tower — and it’s much more than just look up.