A few days in Paris – local areas and things to do beyond main sights?

Forgot to add - I plan to arrive Friday mid-day and leave Sunday evening. So, 2 full days.

I suggest the 13. Take the metro to d’Italie station. The 13 is loaded with fabulousness away from the tourist trail.

Here is a blog I found. https://parisjetaime.com/eng/article/explore-paris-s-13th-arrondissement-paris-a835

But if you google 13 arrondissement by D’Italie station, you can find ideas of interest to you. This area is loaded with street art. There is a wonderful book store across from the station. They can give you a map of well known street art sights that take you into places tourists don't think of venturing to. My favorite art place was under a freeway ramp near the university.

The Butte aux cailles is a short walk from the station but far from the usual Parisian scene.

If you need anything, like groceries, Starbucks, and more, there is a mall at the station that has everything right there.

We stay in the 13th 6 weeks every spring. In addition to the Butte Aux Caille (find a walking tour in one of the many Paris walks books to be sure to find the little interesting nooks like the villas) the area below Tolbiac just south of the Butte aux Cailles is full of interesting architecture quite different from central Paris. A lot of Alsatian influence. Again, when you want to explore areas like this finding walking maps on line or in books will enhance the experience. The Cite Florale didn't quite live up to its billing for us, but in wisteria season has some truly magnificent examples. There is nothing of 'tourist interest' in this area which makes it a real pleasure to stay in.

for coffee or a drink and a very fine planche, Cafe Melecasse on Rue Butte aux Cailles is a nice spot. Drinks and planche are excellent and you can sit outside, in the open window wall inside or deeper inside. They also have cafe food which is fine and often some interesting desserts.

For a great evening experience, look into the lightshow inside Ste. Eustache cathedral near Les Halles. The French do image mapped projections with accompanying music on buildings and churches better than anybody. This one is great. The one at Chartres is even better.

https://luminiscence.com/paris/en/

Reservations/pre-purchase tickets required

Enjoy

What area are you staying in? That might help people give you specifics.

For coffee...do you watch Jay Swanson's Youtube channel? He's always stopping for coffee and has his favorite recommendations. You might find something of interest there. I'm not one to stop for a coffee during the day unless I am flagging and just can't do the sit for a long time and sip thing so have not tried any of his favorites.

https://www.youtube.com/@JaySwanson

He's also got an arrondissement by arrondissement series so you might find something off piste in his suggestions near where you are staying.

Wow, that show at Saint-Eustache looks so cool.
Unfortunately for me the only opportunity during my May visit starts at 2140 the night before my flight home at 0800.
Maybe next time.
We've seen the show at the the magnificent cathedral in Rouen a couple of times.

I second the suggestion of visiting the 13th plus the 20th, both unique, diverse, an insight into the way the locals live going about their daily lives. Ride one the bus lines that covers two digit districts, even more of an eye-opener into life in Paris.