How to Vacation in Paris Like a Local

This article originally appeared on Plum Guide and is syndicated by Cheapism.com.

Paris is one of the world’s most idealized cities: Oscar Wilde once wrote that 'when good Americans die, they go to Paris.' But luckily, the French capital has all the culture, food, and history to back up the hype. Paris is the perfect place to spend a long weekend. Sure, the French have been known in the past to poke fun at Americans (if you’re reading this it’s probably not you: blame those who refer to Europe as one big country). But what they don’t tell you is that the French love themselves some American culture, too. Young Parisians listen to U.S. music (especially hip-hop), Brooklyn-inspired pizza bars are all over Paris, and they’ll queue around the block for the opening of a Burger King (yes, really). But a little cultural assimilation never hurt anyone, so follow our tips for Americans traveling to Paris, covering everything from how to order coffee like a local to the best ways to escape the tourist spots. Plum Guide leaves no stone unturned in the search for the perfect holiday, so heed this advice and have a trip to remember.

The Moulin Rouge may be the most famous cabaret joint, but you can (can — sorry-not-sorry) do better. If the presence of a gift shop is likely to put you off a cultural nightlife experience (us, too) then swerve the red windmill for one of the alternatives. Try Au Lapin Agile, where you’ll find classic French folk tunes, chanson, and artistic cabaret in its true form, in a wonky pink Montmartre building next to a little city vineyard.

You will go to the Louvre and you will see the Mona Lisa, but be warned. For such a famous painting, it is rather small, and there will be many bobbing heads in front of you, obscuring your view. But the Louvre’s joys also lie in its incredible Egyptian section and all the other wonderful paintings in the building — from La liberté guidant le peuple by Eugène Delacroix, which depicts the July Revolution in Paris 1830, to the fruity Les 4 Saisons by Giuseppe Arcimboldo.

So you’ve appreciated the romance of the Seine (and tolerated the tourists), now do as the locals do and walk along the gentrified Canal St Martin for laidback cafés, restaurants, and bars with outdoor seating that’s perfect for people-watching, without the cheap souvenirs at every turn. There are plenty of the city’s famous free sparkling water drinking fountains along the way, helping to reduce plastic-consumption in a very classy, Parisian way. (Apparently people said they’d drink tap water more often if it was carbonated).

This wouldn't be a valuable collection of tips for Americans traveling to Paris if it didn't mention the food. The French take mealtimes seriously, which is something to bear in mind. Unlike in many other major cities, a lot of the best restaurants in Paris will close in between lunch and dinner service. So if you’d like to be sitting in the little neighbourhood restaurant, glass of chilled Sancerre in hand, eating what the locals eat, rather than eating a tepid omelette and frites in a tourist trap, then plan your visit accordingly. Generally restaurants will serve food between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. and around 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., which is also worth knowing if you're visiting Europe with kids.

While the international and Italian names for coffee will mostly be understood, if you feel like upping your game and doing it the French way, here are the correct terms: ask for un café and you’ll get a short, strong coffee. Un café au lait is closer to a latte, while un café crème isn’t cream in a coffee, but more like a cappuccino. The noisette is an espresso with a little extra milk. And to avoid being judged, ask for un café allongé if you want an Americano. Another faux pas is ordering a latte after a big meal: the only time you’ll see a Parisian enjoying a filling, milky coffee is in the morning, because why on earth would anyone want all that heavy dairy after a blowout dinner? And the French rarely take their cafés to go – they’ll sit down and sip, or at the very least stand at the bar.

You may want to skip the most obvious – and busiest – views from the top of the Eiffel Tower and opt for a different, more laidback choice. For another perspective, try walking up to the Sacré Coeur in Montmartre. And while the Champs-Élysées itself is overrated and filled with chains, the tree-lined boulevard looks rather more impressive from the top of the Arc de Triomphe.

Speaking of the Champs-Élysées, any Americans traveling to Paris would do best to avoid it if looking to shop like a local. Instead try the Triangle d’Or for labels such as Celine and Saint Laurent. Or head to Le Marais for French fashion boutiques such as Kitsuné and concept design stores like Merci, in a 19th century former fabric factory.

When it comes to when to travel, our tips for Americans traveling to Paris are simple. Avoid August. This particular month means holiday time for Parisians, so as the locals ship out and many of the city’s small, unique businesses will shut up shop, the tourists ship in. A visit in spring or early summer can be just as lovely weather-wise as Paris in August (and a lot less sticky and hot), and you’ll see more of the local character, too.

One of the best ways to truly get a feel for any destination is to live like a local. Instead of staying at a hotel, consider renting an apartment in the heart of Paris. Sip your café and eat the obligatory croissant while gazing out on Eiffel Tower views, or immerse yourself in the unique bustle of other popular arrondissements. Not only are you likely to save on accommodation costs, but having the option of cooking your own food (sourced fresh from Paris' many fabulous markets) can help you stay on budget...or leave you with more to splurge.