How to Visit Paris Like a Local
Congratulations for making it to the last day!
Today is the easiest. You are simply going to add a ‘local touch’ to your Paris trip.
Traveling like a tourist and living like a local need not be mutually exclusive. It is possible to pack your holiday full with once-in-a-lifetime, authentic, local experiences while still ensuring you see those sights you’ve traveled so far to see. Here’s how:
THINK SMALL
» Traveling with a big group tour may have its advantages, but individualized, authentic experiences aren’t one of them. However, gaining access to people and places on your own isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t speak the language. Travel independently and book-specific private tours for immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
JUST SAY NO
» It is ok to have a plan full of interesting things to see & do but should you rush through it just for the sake of moving on to the next thing on your list? So much better to allow yourself to go with the flow and see where it takes you. Most of our greatest travel memories have come from us saying ‘yes’ to not doing what we’d planned.
BE AIMLESS
» There’s so more to a town or city than its standard landmarks and main streets, and letting yourself get lost where locals live and hang is the surest way to feel like a local. So choose a District of Paris to visit, put away your map and just wander.
DITCH THE LONELY PLANET (OR RICK STEES, OR YOUR FAVORITE GUIDEBOOK)
» Please put it down because you will end up where everyone else is. Instead, ask the locals! They will tell you about their favorite restaurants, parks, and clubs without filters.
LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES OR SIGHTS
» What about walking on railroad tracks following the ancient Little Belt of Paris? Do you know that it is possible to navigate Paris’s canals by sailing your own electric boat? A quirky, self-guided Treasure Hunt in the heart of Paris, why not?
Think out of the box; all these activities are as interesting as the main sights but with a more local flavor (plus they come without the crowds!)
TRY THE FOOD
» We all like sushi and pizza, but you are traveling to Paris, France, the cradle of one of the best cuisines in the world!
Ask locals for their favorite restaurants, market stalls, and local dishes, and then be sure to check them out. Join a cooking course and learn how to prepare your favorite French dish. Enjoy French traditional food in the quintessential Parisian bistros. Stop for a coffee and some people-watching in a cute Parisian cafe. And be sure don’t miss the city’s best desserts!
Today’s Task
» Review your Paris Bucket List and add a local touch to it. It can be anything like joining a food tour, a picnic in the park, or visiting a lesser-known arrondissement in Paris.
That’s all!
We hope that you found this Paris Planning Challenge useful and entertaining. For more travel inspiration and tips, you can find us in our Facebook group France Bucket List.
Bon Voyage, we wish you a great time in the City of Lights!
À bientôt,
World in Paris