Explore Paris Like a Local with Hidden Gems and Unique Experiences
Paris is widely known for attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the many big, bustling streets, however, the city has many other features which are often overlooked such as small, quiet, and traditional places that hold a lot of value to the locals.In this guide, you will be able to find places and other experiences that will help you understand and appreciate the authentic culture Paris has to offer, beyond the traditional tourist attractions.
Begin with the local Paris mindset
In order to understand the authentic Parisian culture and mindset, you will need to walk and experience the city as the locals do.For example, walking monument to monument will not help you experience the culture, rather, sitting in a cafe for extended periods of time and walking along the Seine River will be more beneficial to you as a Parisian, rather than a tourist.Appreciate the small things such as doors that may lead to a courtyard, small shops, or an exceptional piece of art.Doing this will help you experience Paris, while not being a tourist.
Explore the less traveled quiet neighborhoods
Canal Saint Martin is a perfect place to enjoy coffee by the water and watch the boats pass.The iron footbridges and quaint locks are lovely for a summer picnic, and the cafes are a great spot to grab a snack.Further up, Belleville is a nice escape from the tourist attractions.Among other things, there is great street art, multicultural cuisine, and a stunning view of the city.In the evenings, the Oberkampf district is a great spot.There are lots of venues featuring hidden live music, a plenty of bars, and even a bakery that the locals like to visit.
Hidden gems of Paris
Île aux Cygnes is a great spot to take a riverside walk.The narrow island is lesser known, and there is even a mini Statue of Liberty to see.It is a nice break from the busyness of the city and is a lovely place to walk and enjoy the sunset.Rue Crémieux is one of the most picturesque residential streets in all of Paris.It is perfect for a dreamy walk to watch the sunset or in the morning before the day gets busy.
Local activities at sunset and at night
Rather than taking a packed river cruise, buy a baguette and a bottle of wine and sit along the Seine as the Parisians do.For true nightlife, visit Oberkampf and Canal Saint Martin to jazz clubs and little bars.These are not tourist attractions, but the experiences are enthralling, and they provide a different perspective on Paris that will help you hold onto the city longer.
Coffee, cafes, and restaurants to explore
Local Parisians take their cafés seriously.Instead of the big tourist cafés near major monuments, seek out neighborhood coffee houses and small bistros.Enjoy classic French dishes like coq au vin or steak frites in hidden neighborhood brasseries.Find fresh croissants, éclairs, and artisan breads in lesser known boulangeries.For a true Parisian experience, grab cheese, bread, wine, and fruit from a market and picnic along the Seine.
Uncover tranquil green areas & secret gardens
While exploring the streets of Paris, you will discover many wonderful and hidden gardens that provide the perfect spots to relax away from encumbering streets and buildings.One of these places is the Jardin Saint Gilles Grand Veneur, a secluded area where many locals come to relax and read, picnic, and enjoy the company of friends.Another example of one of these treasures is the Tea Garden of the Grand Mosque of Paris, where visitors may enjoy sipping and breathing the feeling of the lush green, fragrant garden’s coolness.For more hidden treasures, you may visit Le Terrasse at l’Hôtel Particulier Montmartre to enjoy a perfect afternoon escape.Places Montmartre is a perfect afternoon escape.This is a perfect escape from busy city life and a slice of Parisian life.
Experience Paris the local way — Activities beyond sightseeing
If you want to truly experience Paris like a local, consider participating in a cooking class.Whether it’s baking bread with a local baker or learning cheese pairings with a Parisian expert, cooking classes are a hands on way to taste culture.Local guides can take you through hidden passages, historic alleys, and neighborhood secrets that even many visitors never see.If you prefer a more relaxing experience, enjoy a leisurely picnic in beautiful parks like Jardin du Luxembourg or Parc des Buttes Chaumont, perfect for an afternoon with a book and a basket of fresh food.
Hidden cultural experiences Parisians love
Instead of huge crowds at major museums, explore hidden gems like the Musée Jacquemart André, Victor Hugo’s house, or the former Marie Curie lab turned museum.Paris also offers underground and unusual attractions, from catacombs with mysterious histories to abandoned urban relics and quirky local sites.Paris’s literary history is alive in its bookshops local favorites that aren’t on typical tourist routes perfect for book lovers and curious wanderers.
Covered passages and market streets
The Galerie Vivienne and the Passage des Panoramas are historical examples of Paris’ pedestrian passages.These arcades feature independent retailers, tea rooms, and other unique attractions, all underneath a glass roof.In addition to offering a wide selection of authentic local foods and fresh fruits, market streets, such as the Marché des Enfants Rouges, the most ancient food market in Paris, are excellent places to discover hidden gems.These venues are the best places to explore the Paris of the Parisians.
Parisians' mindful pace
One of the characteristics of Parisians is that they do not rush.They are never in a hurry.They enjoy their meals and l take long, unhurried walks.Parisians tend to pay attention to details other travelers ignore.When visitors embrace this in their travels, they provide a more complete experience to Paris, as it slowly reveals itself to them.It’s a matter of living, small personal connections, and soft smiles.
Conclusion
The appreciation and admiration of Paris and everything it offers is limitless, and rightfully so.However, in order to gain a deeper appreciation for its beauty and splendor, it is necessary to gain a local perspective, reference the guide to uncover the lesser known intimate and special experiences that unfold the true beauty of Paris, beyond the remarkably enticing postcard views.Beauty in the form of quaint coffee shops and street corners is just as deserving of appreciation as as the Eiffel Tower, in order to gain a fully developed appreciation for Paris as it’s original and cultural beauty and the beauty of the experience hinges on more than the Eiffel Tower.