Discovering the Alternative Delights of Paris

Everyone loves a city break, and if you are into independent travel and want to find somewhere to stay that is informal, friendly and budget friendly, consider your chosen destination’s hostels.

Paris is a prime example of a city that attracts people from all demographics for short or longer city breaks; it's also a city that offers a fabulous range of accommodation - from top class hotels to affordable and comfortable hostels. Paris, famous for its monuments, incredible museums and a vibrant culture is a city that also stands out from the rest in terms of its accommodation.

When you visit, naturally, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Picasso Museum and the Arc de Triomphe should all be on your list of ‘must-sees’, but there is another side to this fabulous city that is also well worth exploring.

An Alternative Itinerary

If you love to party and enjoy dancing, head out to the quay along the left bank of Port St Bernard. Here, in the summer months, the quay opens up to form a huge outdoor dance floor. Tourists and locals stroll along the quayside while others relax with a picnic watching the free ballroom dancing spectacle. In the Jardin Tino Rossi people gather to practice their moves, whether they are fans of salsa, tango, the waltz or even swing.

Because the city is so famous for its relatively recent monuments (which certainly deserve the recognition they get), many people overlook exploring the ruins of the more distant past. Roman ruins are everywhere and the city has a rich and storied Roman past. Keep your eyes peeled and you'll be able to see, baths, remains of walls, pillars, a coliseum and other notable features scattered around the city. There is even an archeological crypt near Notre Dame that designates the centre of the old Roman city, Lutetia. Most of these ruins are within easy reach of any of the central hostels.

Paris has many iconic museums but there are plenty less mainstream options also deserving of a visit. The Museum of Comparative Anatomy and Paleontology offers an astounding insight into the world of 19th century science, while the Jardin des Plantes (in which the museum is housed) boasts its own botanical garden, zoo and a collection of other interesting museums that focus on natural history.

This city is definitely one of thriving culture, and its eclectic vibe is evident everywhere you go. The best place to embark on a real "urban safari", where you can enjoy a touch of graffiti spotting, for example, is the Canal St Martin. This up and coming part of the city offers fantastic offbeat restaurants, boutique shops, art studios and lots of awe-inspiring graffiti – it's a great place for a lazy afternoon stroll.

There is so much to see in this amazing city and it really doesn’t matter in which part you stay. But if you choose to stay in one of the welcoming and budget friendly hostels, Paris throws opens its doors and invites you to get out and explore – without costing the Earth.

Looking for your dream travel experience? Jason H. Cunningham works for Hostelling International, a company with more than 4,000 hostels worldwide in fantastic locations. For the best hostels, Paris or anywhere else, join our global community and say hi to the world. From quality, affordable accommodation and backpacker tips, to meaningful volunteer opportunities and enriching our eco footprint, we are the world’s local hostelling hub.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.