Escape the Tourist Traps: Insider Tips for Exploring Paris Like a Local
Paris. Sometimes, just the name of this magnificent place is a synonym for so many things, such as beautiful sights, fashionable people, passionate loves, charm you will not see anywhere else in the world, and a place where food has a different dimension. This capital is ranked #5 as the most visited place in Europe. Can we say for no reason? Of course not. It would be a major understatement and show disrespect for this amazing place. There are so many things to be seen and felt. However, Paris is not a place where you can spend your days on a scant budget. The most common mistake tourists make when in Paris is making an assumption that it is the place where you get to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and visit Disneyland. But Paris is much more than that. For you to see Paris’s true colors, you need to spend your days there living like a local. Therefore, we have prepared a couple of tips on how to explore this magnificent place like a local.
The Dreamiest: Pizza and Beer on the Canal St Martin
Do you remember the scene when Amelie skimmed stones by the Canal St. Martin? Right near that place is the place where you should join young French men and women having beer and just hanging by the water during hot summer days with their feet swinging over the green canal water. This is one of the best places where you can order pizza from Pink Flamingo and see that happiness is truly hidden in small things. This small pizza place has a beautiful tradition. Whenever you place an order, they hand you a bright pink balloon. As soon as your pizza is out of the oven, crispy and thin, they bring it to you wherever you are sitting along the canal.
Paris Is a Place for Walking
Once you come to Paris, you will understand why people claim it is best explored on foot. So, you would like to think smart here and leave your stiletto heels at home for the night out and opt for some comfortable shoes for your daily stroll. When in Paris, it is understandable that you want to experience new romantic moments with your partner while walking down the Seine or stop at a couple of spots to get some supplies, read: cheese and wine. No matter what your goal is, it is important to organize yourself and get to walk around this beautiful city on your own two feet. However, you should be smart and buy your landmark ticket in advance. Tickets for some landmarks, such as the Arc de Triomphe tickets, can be reserved and bought in advance. Instead of wasting your time, you should take advantage of offers like this one.
Spend Your Lazy Sunday in the Parc des Buttes Chaumont in Belleville
Parisians really know how to enjoy their weekends. Have you heard of their rules? Rule number 1: Never talk about business on the weekends. This is the golden rule of all French, and it is the reason why they come up with so many different, lazy activities during hot summer days. One of them is spending lazy Sundays in the Parc des Buttes Chaumont in Belleville. Even though it is nothing attractive or impressive, you will actually be mesmerized by the number of young people hanging around while soaking in the summer sun and enjoying their day out. If you really want to feel a spark of Parisian hedonism, this is one of the things on your Paris bucket list.
In Paris, Getting Lost Is Not a Bad Idea
While you are strolling around Paris and soaking in every scenery, which is why you made your itinerary, you should make sure to “get a little lost” by the way. You should turn down an unknown street and have a peek around the corner. The best part about the City of Light is that you are never really sure what you will stumble upon next. A village frozen in time? Abandoned mansion or church? Street concert? Take some time and give yourself some freedom; you might be surprised.
Experience the Offbeat Side of Paris
After you have seen all of the monuments Paris has to offer, it is time to make a small switch to the offbeat side of the city. Well, there are secrets and charm in the places that are less touristic, yet they are more accessible than you might think. Leafy vineyards in places you will never expect them. Truth be told, Parisians do not waste their time seated in front of the Eiffel Tower, so if you really want to experience Paris like the locals, then you should get a little lost.
Paris is probably one of the most famous places in the world, and it is most definitely the dreamiest destination for those looking for serenity and romance. For you to fully experience the wonders of this beautiful city, you should give yourself a bit of freedom.
