One thing I've learned from having lived in Paris for years is that having a hobby goes a long way. Mine is collecting vintage toys, and I have a friend who loves watching anime. Not only are these hobbies fun and give us a sense of purpose and community, but they've also kept us sane in this crazy, crowded metropolis. Hence, if you plan to move to Paris, get a hobby as soon as possible. Some favorites in the city include collecting antiques, shopping for vintage fashion, raising plants, and watching French cinema. Do any of them interest you?
Do you know that there are many great hobbies to have in Paris? From collecting vintage records and antiques to trying photography or cafe-hopping, there's a lot to do to pass the time in the French capital.
Antique Collecting
Antique collecting is not only one of the best hobbies to have in Paris, but it's also one of the easiest. Since there are several antique shops and flea markets in Paris, you'll have no trouble growing your collection in no time. They're even some of the best, too. Though I collect vintage toys myself, I've gone to many specialty shops and flea markets where they also sell antiques. What I've noticed is that the French truly know how to preserve their things. From kitchen items to cool knick-knacks, practically all of them look as good as new. Some even still work after all these years!Vintage Shopping
In my experience, vintage toys are some of the more challenging things to collect. It may be because I'm fussy about my own collection, but what I know for sure is that there are other things also worth collecting that are easier to find. I've already mentioned antiques, so now I'll focus on vintage clothes. Surprised? You shouldn't be! It's only natural that the French fashion capital, home to some of the oldest brands in the world, loves vintage fashion. And it's not just that several vintage shops sell pristine haute couture and old trends either. Like antiques, even clothes sold at the flea market are still high quality!Collecting Records
Here's my last suggestion of what you could also collect as a hobby in Paris: vinyl records! As I've already mentioned, the French love anything vintage. Vintage fashion, vintage toys, vintage household items, and of course, vintage music. Why do you think there are so many record shops in Paris? Even in the age of online streaming, these stores are thriving better than ever! Some would say they're hipster havens—and I get that!—but I can't deny that playing your old records in a luxury home in Paris has a certain charm to it.Watching French Cinema
Okay! Enough with the collecting! I'm sure you're up for something different now, right? Well, how about embracing French cinema this time? I'm not a big cinephile myself, but even I know that the French truly know how to make exciting movies. From its classic features to the most erotic French films, my movie buff buddies all agree that French cinema truly is something else. Fortunately, Paris has a lot of theaters that screen just that! There are just as many places that feature the latest movies as there are that only focus on classic and new French films.Cafe-hopping
Cliche though it may be, I don't blame those who use cafe-hopping as a hobby. It's certainly the easiest hobby in Paris since the city is practically made up of cafes. From historic hotspots to some of the most Instagram-worthy cafes you'll ever see, it makes perfect sense to make a hobby out of dining in such establishments. I've even met people who outwardly told me that dining in cafes is their hobby and that they rarely dine in the same cafe twice. That's how many cafes in Paris there are that are worth checking out, whether it's your hobby or not!Running
Yes, you read that right. What might be a daily exercise for some could also be a hobby for others. I don't run as a hobby myself, but I do jog when I can. Part of it is that I can maintain fitness now that I'm in my 30s, while another is that Paris is one of the best cities for running. I can never stress just how beautiful Paris truly is. Beyond its iconic landmarks, the city is a treasure trove of romantic cobbled streets, tranquil gardens, and fascinating architecture. I'm pretty sure that I've seen many more postcard-worthy shots on my daily jogs than on social media!Learning French & Other Languages
I get that people need to learn French beyond the basics and essential French phrases, but I only recently realized that some of my friends learn different languages as a hobby. Some of them are French themselves and they're used to it since different languages are already taught when they're still in school. They just decided to continue or refresh their skills when they became adults. Others, my fellow foreigners, do it because it simply fascinates them. And I get it. I only know how to speak English and French, and I admit that I already feel a little bit superior towards my American friends and family back home since I know the latter.Photography
What may be a profession for some is a beloved hobby for others. This perfectly describes my friend group. I work in media, so I've met and become friends with many professional photographers. It almost feels like it's divine intervention because I just so happen to be acquainted with some people whose hobby is photography. I'm not really surprised, though! There's no better place to be a photographer than Paris. I already said earlier that the city is so beautiful that people can't help but take a shot. I'm even surprised that I've seen people shoot the same place, yet the results are totally different.Travel
Do you know why globetrotters love traveling to Paris? It's not just that it's one of the most famous cities in the world and, as I've stressed again and again here, that it's also an extremely beautiful destination. Paris also serves as a great starting point to travel to many of Europe's most enchanting places. You can easily drive to the grand Versailles or the scenic Giverny on a day trip from here. While big cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Amsterdam, and even London are only a train ride away. And when you get back, you're still in an exciting metropolis with a boatload of fabulous sights to see.Do you know that there are many great hobbies to have in Paris? From collecting vintage records and antiques to trying photography or cafe-hopping, there's a lot to do to pass the time in the French capital.
