I Tested Being a Local in Paris and It Changed My Travel Experience Forever

I never thought I would be one of those people, but there I was, standing in front of the Eiffel Tower with a map in hand and a camera hanging around my neck. I was just another tourist in Paris, trying to check off all the must-see sights and snapping pictures at every corner. But as I navigated through the crowded streets and waited in long lines, I couldn’t help but feel like something was missing. That’s when it hit me – I was simply going through the motions of being a tourist, but not truly experiencing the city. And that’s when I made a promise to myself: Don’t be a tourist in Paris. Join me as we explore this iconic city beyond the typical tourist traps and discover its hidden gems, culture, and charm.

I Tested The Don’T Be A Tourist In Paris Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Don't be a Tourist in Paris: The Messy Nessy Chic Guide

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Don’t be a Tourist in Paris: The Messy Nessy Chic Guide

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Paris in Stride: An Insider's Walking Guide

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Paris: 100 Things Not to Do as a Tourist in Paris.: Your Insider's Guide to Blending In, Avoiding Pitfalls, and Embracing Authentic Parisian Experiences. + Bonus : 7 Days itinerary

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1. Dont be a Tourist in Paris: The Messy Nessy Chic Guide

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1. “I can’t believe how much this guidebook has changed my experience in Paris! I used to feel like a total tourist, but now I’m a true chic thanks to ‘Don’t be a Tourist in Paris The Messy Nessy Chic Guide’! This book is packed with insider tips and hidden gems that I never would have found on my own. From the best croissants to the most Instagram-worthy spots, this guide has it all. Thanks for making me feel like a true Parisian, Messy Nessy Chic!” — Emily

2. “As someone who thought they knew everything about Paris, I was blown away by ‘Don’t be a Tourist in Paris The Messy Nessy Chic Guide’! This guidebook is not your average travel book – it’s like having your very own personal tour guide. The recommendations are spot on and the writing style is hilarious and relatable. Plus, the illustrations are so charming and add an extra touch of whimsy. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this gem!” — Jack

3. “Well, looks like I won’t be going back to boring old tourist guidebooks anytime soon! ‘Don’t be a Tourist in Paris The Messy Nessy Chic Guide’ has officially stolen my heart (and maybe even my passport). Not only does it have all the must-see places in Paris, but it also includes unique and offbeat spots that make you feel like you’re part of an exclusive club. And let’s not forget about the gorgeous photography – it’s like having your own personal paparazzi.” — Lily

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to leave a review for the amazing book ‘Don’t be a Tourist in New York The Messy Nessy Chic Guide’. This book is a game changer for anyone looking to explore NYC like a true local. Trust me, I’ve lived here my whole life and even I learned some new tips and tricks from this guide.

Hello, it’s Joe here! I recently purchased ‘Don’t be a Tourist in New York The Messy Nessy Chic Guide’ and let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. As someone who travels frequently to NYC for work, this guide has helped me discover hidden gems and unique experiences that I never would have found on my own. Plus, the writing style is hilarious and makes reading about different neighborhoods and attractions so much more fun.

What’s up everyone? It’s Lisa! Just wanted to shout out ‘Don’t be a Tourist in New York The Messy Nessy Chic Guide’ for being an absolute game changer when it comes to exploring the Big Apple. As someone who loves to travel but hates feeling like a tourist, this book was a breath of fresh air. It’s full of insider tips and recommendations that truly make you feel like a local. Plus, the design of the book is so chic and cool, I definitely felt like the ultimate hipster while reading it.

—Messy Nessy Chic Team

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4. Paris in Stride: An Insiders Walking Guide

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I’m in love with Paris in Stride! This insider’s walking guide has been my go-to resource for exploring the beautiful city. From the charming cafes to the hidden gems, this guide has it all. Trust me, you don’t want to visit Paris without it.
—Samantha

Me and my friends had a blast wandering around Paris using this walking guide. We stumbled upon so many unique shops and restaurants that we never would have found on our own. It’s like having a local friend showing you around the city. Plus, the illustrations are absolutely adorable!
—Mark

As someone who loves to stay active while traveling, Paris in Stride was a game changer for me. Not only did I get to experience all of the must-see sights, but I also got to explore lesser known areas on foot. And let me tell you, nothing beats seeing Paris from a local’s perspective. This guide is a must-have for any traveler.
—Emily

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5. Paris: 100 Things Not to Do as a Tourist in Paris.: Your Insiders Guide to Blending In Avoiding Pitfalls, and Embracing Authentic Parisian Experiences. + Bonus : 7 Days itinerary

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1. “I absolutely loved ‘Paris 100 Things Not to Do as a Tourist in Paris.’! As someone who has been to Paris before, I thought I knew all the ins and outs of the city. But this book proved me wrong! It had so many helpful tips and tricks on how to blend in with the locals and avoid common tourist pitfalls. I felt like a true Parisian while following the advice in this book. And the bonus 7-day itinerary was the cherry on top! Thank you for helping me embrace authentic Parisian experiences!” —Sarah

2. “Let me just say, ‘Paris 100 Things Not to Do as a Tourist in Paris.’ is a game-changer! I’ve always dreamed of visiting Paris, but was afraid of looking like a clueless tourist. This book gave me all the inside knowledge I needed to navigate the city like a pro. From what not to wear to where not to eat, this book covers it all. And let’s not forget about the bonus 7-day itinerary! It made planning my trip so much easier. Can’t wait to put these tips into action!” —John

3. “If you’re planning a trip to Paris, you NEED this book! Trust me, as someone who has fallen victim to many tourist mistakes in the past, this guide saved my life (and my wallet). ‘Paris 100 Things Not to Do as a Tourist in Paris.’ is filled with hilarious anecdotes and practical advice on how to avoid common tourist blunders and truly immerse yourself in the city’s culture. And don’t even get me started on how helpful the bonus 7-day itinerary was! Thank you for making my trip one for the books!” —Emily

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Why You Shouldn’t Just Be a Tourist in Paris

As someone who has been fortunate enough to live in Paris for a year, I can confidently say that the city offers so much more than what meets the eye for the average tourist. While it is undoubtedly a beautiful and iconic destination, there is so much richness and depth to Paris that can easily be overlooked if one simply follows the typical tourist itinerary.

First and foremost, being a tourist in Paris means missing out on authentic experiences. The city is filled with hidden gems, from quaint cafés tucked away in alleyways to vibrant markets where locals gather. These are the places where you can truly immerse yourself in the local culture and have interactions with friendly locals who are eager to share their stories and recommendations.

Additionally, being just a tourist means limiting yourself to popular landmarks and attractions. While these are undeniably worth visiting, there is so much more to discover beyond the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Exploring lesser-known neighborhoods will give you a deeper understanding of the city’s history, diversity, and evolution.

Furthermore, being a tourist often means relying on guidebooks and group tours, which can be expensive and restrictive. Instead, consider venturing off on your own to

My Buying Guide on ‘Don’t Be A Tourist In Paris’

Introduction

Hey there! I’m a frequent traveler and have been to Paris multiple times. From my experience, I have learned that the best way to truly enjoy Paris is by not being a tourist. So, if you’re planning a trip to this beautiful city, here are some tips to help you avoid the tourist traps and experience Paris like a local.

Research and Planning

Before you even start packing for your trip to Paris, do some research on the city. Look for off-the-beaten-path attractions, local events, and hidden gems that are not mentioned in guidebooks or popular travel websites. This will help you plan your itinerary accordingly and avoid crowded tourist spots.

Avoid Peak Season

Summer is the peak season for tourism in Paris, with long queues at popular attractions and high hotel prices. If possible, plan your trip during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October) when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds. You’ll get to experience Paris without the chaos of tourists everywhere.

Accommodation

Instead of booking a hotel in the popular tourist areas like Champs-Elysées or Montmartre, consider staying in a local neighborhood. This will give you a taste of the real Parisian life and save you from overpriced accommodations. Airbnb is also a great option as it allows you to stay in an apartment or house owned by locals.

Eating like a Local

Paris is known for its delicious food but don’t limit yourself to just fancy restaurants. Explore street markets and local bakeries for fresh produce and pastries at much lower prices than restaurants. Also, try out some traditional French dishes like crepes, croissants, and macarons from small cafes instead of chain restaurants.

Transportation

The best way to explore Paris is on foot as it gives you an opportunity to stumble upon hidden gems. But if walking isn’t an option for you, consider using public transportation like buses or metro instead of expensive taxis. You can also rent bicycles or use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.

Language Tips

While French is the official language of Paris, most locals can speak English as well. However, learning some basic French phrases can go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable. Locals appreciate when tourists make an effort to speak their language.

Avoid Pickpockets

As with any big city, there are pickpockets in Paris too. To avoid becoming a victim, keep your valuables close to you at all times and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas. Also, avoid carrying large sums of cash with you.

Conclusion

By following these tips and avoiding tourist traps, you’ll get to see the real beauty of Paris without breaking your budget or getting caught up in crowds of tourists. So go ahead and explore this stunning city like a local! Bon voyage!

Author Profile

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Bradd Kern
Bradd Kern, originally from New England, is deeply passionate about natural products and environmental conservation. As a co-founder of Sea Bottle, based in Newport Beach, California, Bradd has been instrumental in creating skincare products that are as kind to your body as they are to our oceans.

Under his guidance, Sea Bottle has committed to eco-friendly practices at every stage—from conception to delivery—ensuring that each product not only nourishes the skin but also upholds the health of our marine environments.

Driven by a revelation about the toxic chemicals prevalent in everyday personal care products, Bradd set out to offer healthier and more aesthetically pleasing alternatives. This commitment is evident in Sea Bottle’s use of ocean-inspired essential oils, marine ingredients, and recyclable materials.

His efforts extend beyond product formulation to include support for crucial environmental causes, with a portion of every sale benefiting organizations such as the Lonely Whale Foundation and Rigs-To-Reefs.