How to enjoy Paris a little more Parisian

For First-Timers and Returning Visitors

Paris. The City of Light. A place of romance, art, croissants, and cobbled streets that has captured imaginations for centuries. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another dose of Parisian magic, the city has a way of revealing something new every time.

This isn’t just a checklist of landmarks, it’s your personal guide to soaking in the Parisian lifestyle, one baguette, boulevard, and breath-taking view at a time.

Embrace the Art of Wandering (“Flâner”)

Parisians have a word for aimless yet mindful wandering: flâner. It’s about strolling without purpose, soaking in the charm of the city. Unlike many destinations where sightseeing means ticking off attractions, Paris rewards those who slow down.

Start in Le Marais. With its narrow medieval streets, independent boutiques, quirky galleries, and tucked-away cafes, it’s perfect for getting lost.

Stroll along the Seine. Walk the quays between Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower, browsing the green bouquiniste stalls selling vintage books and posters.

Wander Montmartre. The hilly, artistic neighbuorhood offers winding lanes, secret staircases, and unexpected panoramas.

The best discoveries in Paris are often accidental: a quiet square, an enchanting patisserie, or a violinist performing under an arched bridge.

Must-See Icons (the smarter way)

No Paris trip is complete without visiting its iconic landmarks, but there are ways to enjoy them without the stress.

Eiffel Tower

Tip: Book tickets online in advance, especially if you want to go to the summit.

Secret: For a beautiful Eiffel view without the crowds, head to Rue de l’Université or the gardens of Place du Trocadéro.

Louvre Museum

Tip: Visit Wednesday or Friday evenings when it's open late and less crowded.

Don’t Miss: Besides the Mona Lisa, explore the less-busy sections like the Islamic Art wing or the vast Greek antiquities hall.

Notre-Dame & Île de la Cité

Though the cathedral is under restoration, the area around it is atmospheric.

Walk to nearby Sainte-Chapelle, famous for its stained glass windows.

Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre

Climb the dome for one of the best panoramic views of Paris.

Visit early morning to avoid crowds, then wander to Place du Tertre, where artists display their work.

Eat Like a Local

Cafés and Bakeries

Breakfast: A simple café crème with a warm croissant at a sidewalk café is quintessentially Parisian.

Bakery tip: Look for signs like Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF), this indicates an award-winning baker. Try Du Pain et des Idées for legendary pastries.

Lunch

Opt for a prix fixe lunch menu at a bistro. It’s more affordable than dinner and often includes three courses.

Must-Try Foods

Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame (with an egg)

Steak Frites

Duck Confit

Escargot - if you like garlic and forget what they are, you will likely enjoy them

Ratatouille (especially in summer)

Crêpes - try savoury ones (galettes) made with buckwheat flour in Brittany-style crêperies.

Food Markets

Marché Bastille (Thursday & Sunday) for fresh produce, cheese, and flowers.

Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market, offers international street food alongside French classics.

Discover Hidden Gems

While the Louvre and Eiffel Tower draw millions, Paris is packed with under-the-radar attractions that are equally enchanting.

Musée de l’Orangerie. Home to Monet’s massive Water Lilies murals, a serene, uncrowded experience compared to larger museums.

Promenade Plantée (Coulée Verte). A beautiful elevated park on an old railway line, predating New York’s High Line.

Canal Saint-Martin. Trendy yet laid-back, lined with indie boutiques, street art, and waterside cafés. Great for a sunset picnic.

Musée Jacquemart-André. A grand mansion turned art museum that feels like stepping into a Parisian aristocrat’s home.

Experience Paris After Dark

When the sun sets, Paris transforms.

Evening River Cruise. Float past illuminated landmarks on a Seine cruise. Aim for smaller, quieter boats like Vedettes du Pont Neuf over the big tour companies.

Nightlife in Le Marais or Bastille. Find a wine bar, jazz club, or late-night café. Paris isn’t about wild clubs; it’s about conversation over a good glass of Bordeaux.

Eiffel Tower Sparkle. Every hour on the hour after sunset, the Eiffel Tower twinkles for five magical minutes. Watch from Pont Alexandre III or Champ de Mars.

Shop the Parisian Way

Fashion & Boutiques

Forget chain stores, Paris is about independent boutiques. Head to Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Passage des Panoramas, one of the city’s gorgeous 19th-century covered arcades.

Flea Markets

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, one of the largest in the world, is a treasure trove of antiques, vintage clothes, and quirky finds.

Bookstores

Shakespeare and Company, the legendary English-language bookstore, is a must-visit for literary lovers.

Day Trips Beyond the City

If you have extra time, Paris offers fantastic day trips.

Versailles. The palace and its gardens are vast and opulent. Rent a bike to explore beyond the main tourist paths.

Giverny. Visit Monet’s house and gardens, spring and summer are best for seeing the famous water lilies.

Reims or Épernay. Champagne country! Tour the cellars and sample the world’s best bubbly.

Practical Tips for an Effortless Trip

Getting Around

Metro: Fast, cheap, and reliable. Buy a carnet (10-ticket pack) or consider the Navigo Easy pass.

Walking: Paris is wonderfully walkable. Bring comfortable shoes!

Bikes: Rent via the Vélib’ bike-sharing system.

Language Basics

Parisians appreciate polite greetings. Always start interactions with “Bonjour” (Hello) or “Bonsoir” (Good evening).Learn simple phrases like Merci (Thank you), S’il vous plaît (Please), and Parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English?).

Safety

Paris is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets, especially around tourist hotspots and Metro lines.

Timing

Many shops and restaurants close in August for holidays. Sundays and Mondays often see closures, especially for museums and small businesses.

The Parisian Mindset: Savour, Don’t Rush

Perhaps the most Parisian thing you can do is... slow down. Sit at a café, people-watch, and sip a coffee for an hour. Enjoy a two-hour lunch. Meander through a garden without checking your phone.

Paris isn’t just about what you see, it’s how you feel when you’re there. The elegance, the beauty, the sense that everyday life can be an art form.

3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Icons & Seine Strolls

Louvre

Notre-Dame

Sainte-Chapelle

Walk along the Seine

Sunset at Eiffel Tower

Day 2: Montmartre & Hidden Paris

Morning in Montmartre

Sacré-Cœur

Musée de l’Orangerie

Evening at Canal Saint-Martin

Day 3: Markets, Museums & Magic

Breakfast at Marché des Enfants Rouges

Musée Jacquemart-André

Shopping in Le Marais

Seine river cruise by night

Fall in Love with Paris, Again and Again

Paris doesn’t just live up to the hype, it surpasses it. It’s a city where beauty exists not only in grand monuments but also in tiny moments: the flaky bite of a perfect croissant, the golden shimmer of sunset on Haussmann buildings, or the sound of footsteps on cobbled lanes.

Whether you come for art, food, romance, or simple curiosity, Paris promises that you’ll leave a little different, a little more inspired.

Bon voyage, and bienvenue à Paris!