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29 Hidden Gems in Paris to Feel Like a Local in 2024 (with MAP)

ByNancy H.
Travels On Point Affiliate Disclosure Statement

Are you ready to discover Paris off the beaten path? I will show you many hidden gems of all kinds throughout the city. You can easily fit many of them into a short or longer Paris itinerary.

This list includes  hidden parks, unusual landmarks, local hangouts, small museums, restaurants, magical streets and more. It is in order mostly by neighborhood to make things easy to find.

I’ve been to Paris many times in the past 30 years and am still exploring, and soaking it in.  When I first went to Paris (alone, age 22), I walked everywhere. I met locals and discovered hidden treasures just by wandering.

29 Hidden Gems in Paris

To help you in your quest for hidden gems in Paris, I want to encourage you to take some time to wander.  

👉 Culture Tip: Did you know there is a French word for someone who strolls for pleasure? It’s ‘flaneur’. 

I wish this for you:  to become a flaneur in Paris. for an hour, a day, or as much time as you wish so you find your own hidden gems and unique Parisian experiences – the special ones you never forget!  

And now to the list: below are 29 things to see and do that are non-touristy and give you a more local and interesting take on Paris. Enjoy!

Hidden Gems in Paris – Saint Germain des Pres

1. Luxembourg Gardens – Hidden gems for a local experience

Medici Fountain in the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, a beautiful and somewhat hidden fountain with a long rectangular pool and statue at one end with greenery reflected in the water.
The Medici Fountain in the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris. It was built in about 1630 by Marie de Medici.

The peaceful Jardin de Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens) is often overlooked by tourists, but it is a hidden gem and the most important park on the left bank.

Relaxing in the many parisian parks is part of the local culture: Parisians come here for sun, relaxation, boules (petanque), chess, and walking.

👉 Personal Example: I met a Parisian woman while sitting in the sun here last October.  We spoke English, French, and a little Russian. She invited me to her home for lunch! Parks are excellent places to strike up conversations and meet people while traveling.

Things off the beaten track to experience in the Jardin de Luxembourg:

2. Saint Germain Covered Market 

In the heart of the St. Germain des Pres district is one of Paris’ best kept secrets:  an authentic covered food market, the Marche Alimentaire Saint-Germain. I was delighted to discover it while wandering outside my hotel.

Here you find high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, artisanal cheese and chocolate, fishmongers, and stalls selling roast meat and international foods (Iberian, Italian, Greek, etc.)

👉 LOCAL TIP:  Get food here for a picnic at the Luxembourg Gardens since it is only a short walk away.

👉 Short personal story:  Lunch invitation at the fish market: I was excited to discover a huge fresh seafood stall inside this market!.  At the end of an impossibly long row of fish, I saw a beautifully dressed French woman eating strange shellfish I did not recognize. I was staring at her food (not so politely) and she asked me to join her for lunch.😊

  • Location: 4-6 rue Lobineau 75006  Metro:  Odeon/Mabillon
  • Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8am-8pm; Sunday, 8am-1.30pm
  • 📍 Google Maps Pin

3. Place St. Sulpice 

Place St. Sulpice with the cathedral and fountain and blue sky in background. One of the off-the-beaten-path square in Paris.

The Church of St. Sulpice and the square are often overlooked in this busy area. I found it by chance and returned often for the peaceful vibe and gorgeous fountain.

Place St. Sulpice is dominated by the Church of St. Sulpice, which is the second largest in Paris.  

It has a unique design, with two distinctive, mismatched towers. Inside are frescoes by Delacroix and a grand pipe organ of 6,600 pipes.

👉 Local TIP:  There are several cafes facing the square where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the church and fountain.

From Saint Germain des Pres toward Isle de la Cite

4. The Seine Booksellers – Les Bouquanistes

The green stalls of the booksellers of Paris along the Seine River. A man is stting in a chair next to the stalls which are filled with books, posters and other paper goods.

The green-stalled booksellers (Les Bouquanistes) have been selling books in the same location for hundreds of years! 

Wandering along the bookseller’s row is one of my favorite things to do in Paris.

The booksellers line both sides of the Seine around the Isle de la Cite.  You will find vintage maps, art, postcards, and rare books and more in these stalls.

 I like to think the essence of Les Bouquanistes hasn’t changed in 200 years.

5. Square du Vert Galant

The small hidden park in Paris, Square du Vert Gallant. A triangular green space with trees and walkways on each side.

The Square du Vert Galant is a cozy park at the western tip of Île de la Cité. This triangular park, flanked by the Seine on both sides, is one of the hidden romantic places in Paris.

You can sit along the Seine with views of Pont Neuf, Pont des Arts, and the Louvre museum. It is very popular with locals, so you may not have it to yourself except in winter.

👉 Culture Tip:  “Vert Galant” is a nickname of King Henri IV, which means the “green-gallant” or a lively older man with many mistresses. 

6. Place Dauphine

Place Dauphine in Paris. A quiet couryard with sanded ground and trees with benches. An off the beaten path area of Paris.

Just east of the Place du Vert Galant is another peaceful gem, the Place Dauphine. This and the Place des Vosges are the two royal squares in Paris

Place Dauphine is quiet, elegant, and usually alive with locals sitting under chestnut trees or playing pétanque (french game of boules). The ancient buildings protect this square from noise.

😎 You can learn to play Petanque in the elegant Place Dauphine with a glass of wine in hand! Get tickets and check times here:  Paris Pétanque and Wine Experience!

7. Attend a concert at Saint-Chapelle

Large blue and purple stained glass window with lights reflecting at St. Chapelle Church in Paris.

The stunning Saint-Chapelle church is near Place Dauphine on the Île de la Cité. It is well known, but did you know there are concerts here and in many of the churches in Paris?   

Saint-Chapelle offers hour-long classical music concerts in the evening, with the option of champagne and tapas. This is one of the special experiences in Paris I recommend.

8.  Berthillon – The Best Ice Cream in Paris

Woman sitting on a chair outside of Berthillon in Pairs. There isa pink exterior facade and people walking by the green chalkboard menu. Berthillon is a hidden gem for ice cream in Paris.

Berthillon is a Paris institution famous for elegant, house-made, all-natural ice cream on the Isle of St. Louis. It’s a bit off-the-beaten-path for regular tourists.

Wild strawberry (fraise des bois) is the house speciality, but you have many options, from classic vanilla to roasted pineapple with fresh basil and blood orange.

You need to walk to get to Isle St. Louis. From Isle de la Cite, cross the Pont St. Louis.  There are four other bridges connecting to it, two on each side of the Seine.  Be prepared to wait in line!

  • Location: 29-31 Rue Saint-Louis
  • Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10 am-8 pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday
  • 📍 Google Maps Pin

9.  Canal Saint-Martin

Canal Saint Martin in Paris. The green trees are refelcted in the water and a few people walking by on the sidewalks.

The tree-lined Canal St. Martin is a vibrant area with working Parisians and lovers strolling, and men playing pétanque (boules) in the sand along the canal. The canal itself is beautiful, with reflections from the trees and the classic architecture. 

There are two bridges and several locks, which the barges move through as it is an active waterway.  

It’s an easy, relaxing walk along the canal.

Some highlights of this area:

  • Marché Couvert Saint-Martin – wonderful covered market (31-33 Rue du Château d’Eau) 
  • Le Jardin Villemin – sweet tiny garden along the canal
  • Le Comptoir Général is a quirky bar with a notable Sunday brunch that attracts locals. Very interesting decor. Hidden in a courtyard. (84 Quai de Jemmapes)
  • Du Pain et Des Idées – Traditional bakery, often cited as one of the best in Paris. Excellent pastries, and rustic bread. (34 Rue Yves Toudic)
  • 📍 Google Maps Pin

10.  Toni Rossi Park – Tango  with Locals

People dancing ballroom style outside on a courtyard at the Tino Rossi Park in Paris, next to the Seine River. Tino Rossi park is an off the beaten track park not far from famous landmarks.

Another of the best hidden gems in Paris for a bit of relaxation and walk near the famous tourist area of Notre Dame is the Jardin Tino Rossi.  Thirty contemporary sculptures are situated along paths through flower gardens and weeping willows.

It is home to a free modern sculpture garden and locals often dance tango or ballroom on summer evenings.

  • Location:  2 Quai St.-Bernard. It starts at Pont du Sully and runs along the Seine to Pont d’Austerlitz at Jardin des Plantes.
  • 📍 Google Maps Pin

Le Marais

11 . Rue Crémieux

Orange and pink and blue facades of buildings along a cobblestone street in Paris, the Rue Cremieux, on of the hidden gems in Paris.

Rue Crémieux is off the beaten pathand a standout of pastel-coloured homes in Paris on a short, cobblestone street.  The owners are proud of their homes and their unique appearance and it shows in the artistic details.    

It’s in the 12th arrondissement, near Place de la Bastille, so if you are in this area, it is worth a look.

12. Place des Vosges

Place des Vosges in Paris. A large grassy area with a round fountains in the middle surrounded by elegant buidlings. One of the hidden gem squares in Paris.

One of the oldest squares in Paris, Place des Vosges is considered the jewel of the Marais district.  An oasis away from the busyness of Paris, locals come here to relax on the grass or near the fountain. 

I distinctly remember the feel of this square when I was in Paris for the first time;  it was a standout in terms of peace and elegant beauty. 

It is worth walking along the arches to admire the beautiful red brick facade.  The arcades house gourmet restaurants and boutique shops, and Moonshiner, a hidden Paris speakeasy.

  • Metro stations:  Saint-Gilles – Chemin Vert; Bastille; Bréguet-Sabin
  • Address:  Place des Vosges, 75004
  • 📍 Google Maps Pin

The Latin Quarter

13.  Rue Mouffetard 

A busy narrow cobblestone street with cafes and shops along the sides. Rue Mouffetard in Paris, known by locals and off the beaten track.

Wander down the ancient, cobbled Rue Mouffetard for a lively local shopping experience in the Latin quarter. 

This is an ancient Roman road and a very old market street, called Le Mouffe by locals. 

At the north end are delis and food stands catering to students;  toward the southern end are shops, excellent Parisian restaurants and bistros, high-end chocolates, fresh fruit, cheese, etc. 

Most stores are closed Sunday afternoon and Mondays and weekends are the most vibrant with locals out doing the weekly shopping.

  • 👉 TIP:  LOCAL EXPERIENCE:  On Sunday about 11:00 Parisians come to sing old French songs with accordion music in front of the St. Medard church at the southern end of rue Mouffetard! 
  • 📍 Google Maps Pin

14. The Cluny Museum (National Museum of the Middle Ages)

The Musée de Cluny is quite amazing and was off my radar until recently. I wish I had discovered it years ago! Why?

  • It houses one of the world’s best collections of French medieval art (inc.
  • It is partially housed in an ancient Roman Bath.
  • The lovely medieval garden; is partly designed to correspond to the unicorn tapestries.

You could easily spend a couple of hours here.

Elsewhere in Paris

15. Rodin Museum and Garden

Th famous statue,, "The THinker", outside the Rodin Museum in its gardens in Paris. Surrounded by large conical shrubs and rose bushes. This is a small hidden gem museum in Paris.

Oh, the Rodin Museum is a quiet and marvellous joy! It’s one of Paris’ best small museums.

It is easily overlooked by first-timers to Paris, but I think this is a mistake.

For an hour’s visit you will see Rodin’s wonderful sculptures housed in a small, yet magnificent mansion and the garden is a museum experience in its own right. 

 It’s best to visit when it is not raining.

  • Location: 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007  Metro: Varenne
  • Hours: 10 am-6:30 pm. Closed. Mondays
  • Cost: 13 Euro
  • Note: large bags/backpacks not allowed inside
  • 📍 Google Maps Pin

16.  Rue de Rome – The “Tin Pan Alley” of Paris

Five cellos standing updright in wooden boxes as seen throught the glass of a window in a shop in Paris on rue de Rome, an off the beaten track street in Paris.
Cellos inside a workshop on the rue de Rome in Paris.

If you are a musician or lover of fine craftsmanship, the rue de Rome is a treat!  It is one of the true hidden gems of Paris for musci lovers. I found the rue de Rome by chance when I was looking for a cello to rent. 

Music shops filled with sheet music and luthiers’ workshops are packed along this street. If you are here outside the lunch hour (12-2) you may catch a glimpse of violin or guitar craftsmen at work. 

La Flute de Pan is a large shop carrying sheet music, books and other accessories for musicians at 49 rue de Rome.

17. Palais Garnier (Paris Opera)

Lavish red velvent and gold interior of the Paris Opera, the Palais Garnier. One of the beautiful hidden gems in Paris.

The Palais Garnier is a must-see, in my opinion. It is often overlooked even though it is one of the most famous opera houses in Europe.   

Also known as the Opéra Garnier, it was constructed in the mid-1800s as a home for the Paris Opera.  

Inside is a lavish and ornate interior that reminded me a bit of Versailles; if you have only a couple of days in Paris, seeing the Palais Garnier is worth it instead of taking the time to visit Versailles.

You can take a self-guided or guided tour. A few things of interest:  It is the setting of The Phantom of the Opera, there is a hidden lake underneath (!) and a secret library.  All of this is best learned about with the after-hours guided tour.

  • Location: Pl. de l’Opéra, 75009
  • Hours: 10 am-5 pm daily.
  • Cost: Self-guided tour: 15 Euro.  After-hours guided tour: 20.50 Euro
  • 📍 Google Maps Pin

18. Passage des Panoramas

Inside the Passage des Panormas shopping area in Paris. A woman is standing under the glass roof and looking ahead at the shoprs on each side.

This covered passage is the oldest and one of the finest in Paris and an exceptional place to immerse yourself in what feels like old Paris.

Built-in 1799, Passages des Panoramas retains an old-fashioned and original merchant feeling with craftsmen, wrought iron signs, and a beautiful glass roof.

Some shops are still owned by the same families for five generations and some original architecture remains; the Chocolatier Marquis and Stern Printing House and the Théâtre des Variétés. 

Wonderful for a rainy day and also not far from Montmartre attractions.

  • There are several entryways:  11 Boulevard Montmartre (Metro Grands Boulevards), 158 rue Montmartre, 10 Rue Saint-Marc, and 38 Rue Vivienne.
  • 📍 Google Maps Pin

19.  Gustave Moreau Museum

Interior of the Gustave Moreau Museum in Paris. The floor is wood and exposed beams on the ceiling and the wooden and intricate spiral staircase in the to the back of the room. One of the off the beaten path museums in Paris.

A unique and fascinating museum, really an experience of the art and the artist’s life in his own home. It is one of the smaller museums in Paris.

This is a museum within a museum.

Three floors here, the upper two were his studio and you see not only finished works but those in process. Matisse was his student and Manet and Degas were friends.

His art is mythical and atypical, including surreal fairies, scary beasts, biblical angels. The spiral staircase is a work of art in itself!

20. House of Nicolas Flamel

For those interested in alchemy, old tales and/or Harry Potter , the house of Nicolas Flamel is worth stopping by to see the plaque and the oldest stone house (1407) in Paris.

It has long been told that Flamel was an alchemist who discovered the elixir of life, the philosopher’s stone. And of course, Harry Potter fans will be interested! 

There is no museum, but you can see the house and there is an excellent gourmet restaurant, Auberge de Nicholas Flamel, which is a one-star Michelin gem of its own.

  • Location:  Le Marais:  49 Rue de Montmorency, 75003  Metro: Rambuteau
  • 📍 Google Maps Pin

21. Auberge de Nicolas Flamel

Auberge de Nicolas Flamel is Michelin-starred and located in the house of Nicolas Flamel.  It is one of the hidden gem restaurants in Paris and a real find for both foodies and Harry Potter fans!

The service here is exceptional, and the classic French cuisine is outstanding.  Vegetarian and vegan options and the hosts, waiters and sommeliers speak English. It is one of the best value Michelin restaurants in Paris.

  • Location:  51 Rue de Montmorency, 75003
  • Hours:  Monday to Friday: 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. – 9:00 p.m
  • 📍 Google Maps Pin

22. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

View of a grecian style temple on top of a hill with sharp favien and many trees in the Parc des Buttes Chaumont in Paris...one of the lesser known large nature parks in Paris.

A surprise of natural beauty is found in the off-the-beaten-path gem in Paris, Parc des Buttes Chaumont. This park is 61 acres in size and is one of the original green spaces in Paris.  

It is built on a quarry and somewhat hilly with stunning views of Montmartre and Sacré Coeur.  Its a great place to expeirienc nature while still in Paris.  You will find a suspension bridge, waterfall, and caves and can wander the winding tree-lined paths. 

The cafe/bar Rosa Bonheur looks like a huge house surrounded by trees and is a popular spot for refreshments after a walk in the park.

  • Location:  1-7 rue Botzaris 75019  Metro:  Buttes-Chaumont
  • 📍 Google Maps Pin

Montmartre

23. Sacré Coeur – Vintage Double Decker Carousel

Double decker carouself with the Sacre Coeur Baslica in the background in Paris.

This delightful double-decker carousel of Italian design is one of the oldest in Paris, with scenes from Venice and an intricate, beautiful design.  It sits on the tiny Place St. Pierre below Sacré Coeur.  

24. Rue de l’Abreuvoir

The charming cobblestoned street, rue de l"aubrevoir in Paris. One of the hidden gem streets in Montmartre.

This is one of the most picturesque streets in Paris;  an ancient winding cobblestoned street with vine-covered architectural gems and views of a Sacré Coeur.

The famous cafe La Maison Rose is at one end. You can easily visit Sacre Coeur, the hidden Montmartre Vineyards and the Montmartre Museum from here.

25. Hidden Vineyard of Montmartre 

The Hidden Vineyard of Montmartre, also known as Le Clos Montmartre, is a small vineyard tucked away along rue des Saules. 

This vineyard has an interesting past, dating back to 1933 when it was established to prevent property developers from purchasing the land for construction. 

Usually, Le Clos Montmartre is not open to the public, and there are only a few tours each year that offer access to the vineyard.

However, you can visit the area and try to discover this charming hidden gem and see the vines from the outside.

  • Location:  18 Rue des Saules, 75018  Metro:  Lamarck – Caulaincourt, Abbesses
  • 📍 Google Maps Pin

26. Montmartre Museum and Renoir’s gardens

The outside of the Montmartre Museum in Paris, with greenery and cafe tables and chairs.

Near Sacre Coeur but away from crowds is the Montmartre Museum and its peaceful gardens It is one of the smaller museums in Paris. Beautiful paintings, posters and drawings by Toulouse Lautrec, Modigliani and many others are on display, and you also learn the fascinating history of Montmartre.  

The museum was once a house and studio for Renoir and other famous impressionists. The gardens have been designed with inspiration from works he created on site and it is also one of the museums in Paris with information on impressionist artists.

You can get refreshments at the small cafe and sit in the beautiful garden.

  • Location: 12 Rue Cortot  75018
  • Hours: Daily 10 am-6 pm
  • Cost: 15 Euro
  • 📍 Google Maps Pin

20th Arrondissement

27. Gambetta/Pere Lachaise

Typical window in Parisian apartment open to the streeet with fresh food on the counter.
The kitchen window of my Airbnb apartment in the 20th arrondissement.

For a taste of authentic life in Paris I recommend the rue Gambetta neighbourhood in the 20th arrondissement. TThis area is truly off the beatn path and great for travelers wanting to see how locals live, and it is not far from the tourist attractions.

I stayed a week at an Airbnb in a typical Parisian apartment, shared with the owner; it was the highlight of my trip! 

Cafes are alive with people chatting, eating and drinking, families come out on weekends and after school to the small local parks. 

You could easily stroll through this neighbourhood, stop at a bistro or patisserie, and visit Pere Lachaise.  The interesting neo-gothic church, Notre Dame-de-la-Croix de Menilmontant is also nearby and worth a visit, which is next on our list.

28. Eglise Notre-Dame de la Croix de Ménilmontant

Corridor interior of the Notre Dame-de-la-Croix de Menilmontant in the 20th arrondissement in Paris. Large white columns, gothic ceilings nad brown and white tile floors. A hidden gem church in Paris.

Hidden away in a residential area  is the third largest church in Paris. It sits on a steep hill with many steps which creates places for people to sit and read, relax and visit. 

The architecture is a mix of neogothic and other styles; you can see impressive organ and 19th-century paintings. 

I found it fascinating to see this stupendous structure in a residential area and see how it is integrated into the local life. It is possibly my favorite hidden gem because it is so grand but unassuming. 

  • Location: 3 place Ménilmontant 75020
  • Metro:  Menilmontant
  • 📍 Google Maps Pin

29. Père Lachaise Cemetery

A large cement structure next to cobblestone pathway with trees and fall leaves in the Pere lachaise cemetery in Paris.

Père Lachaise Cemetery is well known but often overlooked. This 110-acre necropolis is a mysterious, lovely and haunting place where you can get lost in the winding cobblestone paths lined with lush greenery.

A long list of famous people are buried here including Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf.

Pere Lachaise is also one of the best places to see cats in Paris! If you are a cat lover, watch for them here or pet them at one of the cat cafes in Paris.

Entry is free and there is a self-guided audio tour App. 

🥇 TOUR OPTION:  Secrets of Père Lachaise with historical actress!

  • Location: 16 rue de Repos  Metro: Gambetta or Pere Lachaise
  • Hours:  November 6 – March 15:  Mon-Sat 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
    Sun & Holidays 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. March 16 – November 5: Mon-Sat 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Sun & Holidays 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • 📍 Google Maps Pin

MAP of Paris Hidden Gems

Click on each destination on the map to learn more!

Where To Stay In Paris 

I have chosen the hotels below for you to offer style and substance over bling and corporate decor.  They are unique and authentic  but also quiet and with easy access to metro and walking destinations.

Budget Option 📍Hotel La Louisiane (St. Germain des Pres)  A hidden gem hotel: artsy, original, well located, quiet inner courtyard, sitting room with piano, great walking location.

Piano and bookshelf at the hidden gem hotel, La Lousiane, in Paris.
Library, comfy chair and piano in the sitting room at Hotel La Louisiane

Mid-Range Hotel Options 📍Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais (Le Marais) Great location, intimate, beautiful, themed around “Marriage of Figaro” 

Luxury Hotel Options  📍Hotel Recamier (St. Sulpice, St. Germain des Pres) former Bourgeois family home, elegant, unique views of St. Sulpice, discreetly nestled behind trees, award-winning .

👉 For more curated hotel choices: 21 Best Hotels in Paris for Character and Culture.

Paris Hidden Gems: FAQs

Below are frequently asked questions about Paris:

What is the most charming area in Paris? 

Montmarte gets my vote for the most charming area of Paris, but truly there are charming places in any of the major areas of the city.

Where do celebrities hang out in Paris? 

Common places celebrities are known to hang out are luxury hotels like The Westin, and George V; clubs such as Le Baron and Le VIP Room;  and at Fashion Week venues in fall and spring.

What are the no-go areas in Paris? 

Overall, Paris remains a safe. Below are areas to be aware of and/or avoid:

  • Stalingrad – An area in the north of Paris 
  • Pigalle – Pay attention during the day, best to avoid it at night.
  • Port de la Chapelle This area has a lot of drug dealers, and petty crime and best to avoid. Not a main tourist area.
  • Bois de Bologne is Fine during the day but avoid at night.

👉 Check here for a Paris safety guide with more info on avoiding pickpockets and scams.

Final Thoughts on the Hidden Gems of Paris

You could spend your life in Paris and still be discovering its secrets. For me the entire city is a vibrant, elaborate, living piece of art.  

Each arrondissement is like a community and within each are certain areas, streets, neighbourhoods with their own unique atmosphere, gardens, statues, cafes, and people.

Enjoy the hidden gems in Paris and the ‘movable feast’ that is the City of Love.

Related Reading:

27 Unique Experiences In Paris

21 Hidden Gem Restaurants In Paris: Authentic and Off-The-Beaten-Path

The 7 BEST Paris Speakeasies to Visit in 2024

13 Best Small Museums in Paris for Art, History and Culture in 2024

8 Best Cat Cafes in Paris for a Fluffy Visit in 2024

Parisian Culture Guide: 23 Things To Know Before You Go 2024

Nancy H.

Nancy is the owner and creator of Travels On Point blog. She has been slow-traveling like a local for 30 years and now is a semi-retired digital nomad. Nancy speaks French fluently, is learning Russian and has some Italian and Spanish. She loves history, architecture, learning about cultures and people, dancing and gardening.