Beyond the Brochures: Experiencing Authentic Paris Like a Local

Aerial view of the city of Paris with the Eiffel tower standing tall

Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, and for good reason. It has a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a stunning architecture. But if you want to go beyond the typical tourist attractions and experience the real Paris, you need to do some research and planning. Here are some tips on how to enjoy Paris like a local.

A living room in a rental apartment with a couch, a television and a yellow chair

Skip the hotel and rent an apartment. 

Hotels can be expensive and impersonal, and they often isolate you from the local life. Instead, look for an apartment rental service that lets you stay in a cozy and authentic Parisian home. You’ll have more space, more privacy, and more flexibility. Plus, you’ll get to live like a local and explore the neighborhood.

C'est la view written on a piece of white paper in cursive

Learn some basic French phrases. 

While many Parisians speak English, they will appreciate it if you make an effort to communicate in their language. You don’t need to be fluent, but learning some basic phrases can go a long way. For example, you can say “bonjour” (hello), “merci” (thank you), “s’il vous plaît” (please), “excusez-moi” (excuse me), and “parlez-vous anglais?” (do you speak English?). You’ll find that people will be more friendly and helpful if you show some respect for their culture.

The Louvre museum in Paris with very few people walking around the outside.

Avoid the peak season and the crowds. 

Paris is beautiful all year round, but it can get very crowded and expensive during the peak season, which is from June to August. If you can, try to visit in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the city is less busy. You’ll also save money on flights and accommodation, and you’ll have more chances to mingle with the locals.

A train going past a station at sunset.

Use public transportation or walk. 

Paris has an excellent public transportation system that includes buses, trains, metros, and trams. You can buy a single ticket or a pass that lets you use any of these options for a certain period of time. Public transportation is convenient, cheap, and eco-friendly. It also gives you a chance to see more of the city and observe the daily life of the Parisians. Alternatively, you can walk or rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace. You’ll discover hidden gems and charming streets that you might miss otherwise.

Eat like a local. 

Paris is famous for its cuisine, but you don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy restaurants to enjoy it. Instead, look for local bistros, cafés, bakeries, and markets that offer fresh and delicious food at reasonable prices. You can also buy groceries and cook your own meals in your apartment. Some of the typical dishes that you should try are croissants, baguettes, cheese, wine, crepes, quiche, ratatouille, boeuf bourguignon, and macarons.

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The beauty of Paris is astonishing. Don’t always get caught up in the main stream and follow what everyone else is doing. There is always fun out there enjoying the authentic Paris like a local.