Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, but beyond the famous landmarks and tourist hotspots, there's a whole different side to the city—the local Parisian way of life.
.
.
If you want to experience Paris like a true local, skip the crowded attractions (or at least balance them with off-the-beaten-path spots) and dive into the city’s authentic charm.
.
.
Here’s how to see Paris through the eyes of a Parisian:
1. Start Your Day with a Classic Parisian Breakfast
Parisians don’t typically eat a heavy breakfast. Instead, they enjoy something simple yet delicious at their local café.
To start your day like a local, head to a small neighborhood café and order:
🥐 A buttery croissant or pain au chocolat
🥖 A fresh baguette with butter and jam
☕ An espresso or café crème
🍊 Freshly squeezed orange juice
.
.
.
📍 Where to go:
- Café de Flore (Saint-Germain-des-Prés) – A classic literary café
- La Fontaine de Belleville – A charming, lesser-known café
- A local boulangerie in your neighborhood
📝 Tip: Stand at the bar instead of sitting at a table if you want the real Parisian café experience (it’s also cheaper!).
2. Explore Neighborhood Markets Instead of Supermarkets
One of the best ways to experience local life in Paris is by visiting a fresh food market. This is where Parisians shop for seasonal produce, cheeses, meats, and flowers. Even if you don’t plan to cook, walking through a market is a sensory experience you shouldn’t miss.
.
.
.
📍 Best local markets:
- Marché des Enfants Rouges (Le Marais) – The oldest covered market in Paris with amazing street food
- Marché d’Aligre (12th arrondissement) – A lively and affordable market
- Marché Bastille (Thursdays & Sundays) – A classic French outdoor market
📝 Tip: Bring a reusable tote bag and a few euros in cash—many vendors don’t accept cards.
3. Wander Through Hidden Streets & Passages
Paris is full of charming little streets and secret passageways that most tourists never see. These historic covered passages were the city’s first shopping malls and are now filled with bookstores, antique shops, and cafés.
📍 Must-visit hidden spots:
- Passage des Panoramas – The oldest covered passage, full of vintage charm
- Passage Jouffroy – Home to cute boutiques and a historic toy store
- Rue Crémieux – A colorful, hidden street perfect for photos
.
.
📝 Tip: Walk without a plan! Some of the best streets in Paris are the ones you stumble upon unexpectedly.
4. Have an Apéro Like a Parisian
"Apéro" is short for "apéritif" and is a beloved French tradition. It’s the time between work and dinner when locals gather at a café, wine bar, or their own balconies for a drink and small bites.
.
.
.
📍 Where to enjoy a great apéro:
- Le Baron Rouge – A classic wine bar near Bastille
- Chez Janou – A cozy spot with a fantastic pastis selection
- Rosa Bonheur (Buttes-Chaumont Park) – A relaxed outdoor bar with great vibes
🥂 What to order:
- A glass of French wine or a Spritz
- A cheese and charcuterie board
- Olives and nuts
📝 Tip: Avoid touristy terraces near major landmarks and opt for small neighborhood cafés instead.
5. Dine at a Local Bistrot (Not a Tourist Restaurant!)
Instead of eating at restaurants with English menus near tourist attractions, venture into smaller, family-run bistros where locals dine. Look for places with a "menu du jour" (daily menu), as this usually means fresh, seasonal dishes.
.
.
.
📍 Great local bistros:
- Bistrot Paul Bert – A true Parisian classic
- Le Comptoir du Relais – A tiny, beloved bistro in Saint-Germain
- Le Petit Cambodge – A favorite for delicious, casual Cambodian food
📝 Tip: Dinner in Paris starts late—locals usually eat around 8 or 9 PM.
6. Relax in a Park (But Not Just Any Park!)
Instead of the crowded areas of Jardin des Tuileries, find a peaceful spot where locals go to read, picnic, and enjoy the sun.
.
.
.
📍 Best local parks:
- Jardin du Luxembourg – A favorite for sitting in the famous green chairs
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – A scenic, hilly park with waterfalls and a temple
- Square du Vert-Galant – A small riverside park with beautiful sunset views
📝 Tip: Bring a baguette, cheese, and a bottle of wine for the perfect Parisian picnic.
7. Skip the Eiffel Tower at Night—Go to a Rooftop Bar Instead
While watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle is magical, many locals prefer enjoying a drink with a view rather than standing in a crowd.
.
.
📍 Best rooftop bars in Paris:
- Le Perchoir – A relaxed rooftop with great cocktails
- Terrass’’ Hotel – A panoramic view of Paris from Montmartre
- Sequoia at Hôtel Kimpton St Honoré – A chic rooftop with Eiffel Tower views
📝 Tip: Arrive early, as most rooftops don’t take reservations.
8. Take the Metro Like a Local
Parisians rely on the metro to get around—it’s fast, efficient, and much cheaper than taxis.
.
.
.
🚇 How to ride the metro like a local:
- Get a Navigo Easy Pass instead of buying single tickets
- Avoid rush hour (8-10 AM & 5-7 PM)
- Stand on the right side of escalators, walk on the left
- Hold onto your ticket—random checks happen!
📝 Tip: Metro Line 6 offers one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower as it crosses the Seine.
.
.
9. Explore a Lesser-Known Neighborhood
Skip the crowds of the Champs-Élysées and Montmartre and explore areas where locals actually live and hang out.
.
.
.
📍 Underrated neighborhoods to visit:
- Canal Saint-Martin – Trendy cafés, street art, and cool boutiques
- Batignolles – A peaceful residential area with cute parks and bakeries
- Belleville – Paris’s artsy, multicultural neighborhood with amazing food
📝 Tip: Walk along Canal Saint-Martin on a Sunday, when the streets are closed to cars and become a pedestrian paradise.
10. End the Night Like a Local: A Late-Night Stroll
Parisians love taking a leisurely walk after dinner. The city is stunning at night, and there’s nothing more magical than strolling along the Seine with the glow of streetlights reflecting in the water.
.
.
.
.
📍 Best night stroll routes:
- From Notre-Dame to Pont des Arts
- Along the Seine from Louvre to Pont Alexandre III
- Through the quiet streets of Le Marais
📝 Tip: Most bars stay open late, so if you’re up for it, finish the night with a glass of wine or a classic French digestif.
.
KK destinations
.
Paris isn’t just about seeing the sights—it’s about experiencing the rhythm of the city like a true Parisian. From quiet café mornings to wine-filled evenings, the best way to enjoy Paris is to slow down and embrace the local lifestyle.
.
.
Want more hidden gems and Paris travel tips?
Check out my full Paris guide!
.
.