16 Secrets to Experiencing Paris Like a Local

Here is the best Paris travel guide to help you make your Paris trip unforgettable. I’m sharing a few general travel hacks that will explore the beautiful city like a local.

After dreaming of visiting Paris for years, my husband and I finally made it happen in 2024! As a book lover, bookstores were at the top of my list, but I also wanted to explore some famous museums. Since we’re based in Belgium, we chose Eurostar. To be honest, I’m not the one who plans most of our trips. My husband does the planning. I’d say 80% of these tips are from him (thank you, hubby!) So, if you’re from Europe or planning your trip from anywhere else, I really hope these Paris tips and hacks help you plan the best Paris trip for 2025.

16 Best Paris Travel Hacks

1. Book Your Train Early

Train travel to Paris is super easy, but make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid last-minute stress or higher prices. We chose the Eurostar, which can get expensive quickly. Check prices a month or two in advance if possible. Pro tip: Travel midweek or early in the morning to save a few euros. Checkout this Paris Guide on Eurostar to get more tips.

2. Pick a Central Airbnb

Your location matters a lot in Paris. We stayed in Daria’s Airbnb and it made trip so much easier. The place was within walking distance of cool cafés, shops, and even the Seine. Look for Airbnbs near metro stations, and make sure the host has excellent reviews (check for mentions of cleanliness and responsiveness). Pro tip: Check for hidden fees in the description and avoid Airbnbs that require a guarantee fee.

3. Pack Light but Smart

Paris is beautiful, but cobblestone streets and metro stairs can be tough if you overpack. Stick to a carry-on. Choose practical shoes over fashion. You’ll walk miles without realizing it. So in my opinion, comfort is key. For safety, I recommend not dressing too flashy. Keep it simple and try to blend in. Pro tip: I highly recommend these shoes if you’re planning to walk a lot. They’re supportive, comfortable, and perfect for exploring without feeling worn out.

4. Luggage Storage

If you arrive at your hotel or Airbnb too early to check in and drop off your luggage, dragging it around while exploring the city isn’t ideal. We found an app called Bounce which has a network of shops and locations that act as luggage storage points. While reviews are mixed, we used one with only 5-star ratings at Hotel Victoire & Germain and had no issues. It was a lifesaver since we arrived more than four hours early. This service is also helpful if your checkout is early, but you plan to explore the city before leaving.

5. Learn a Few French Phrases

You don’t need to learn French, but a little respect goes a long way. It is customary to greet someone in their native language when you enter a restaurant or want to ask someone a question. Even if your French isn’t perfect,( mine is terrible) trying phrases like “Merci beaucoup” (thank you very much) or “Pardon” (sorry) shows respect. When my husband asked, “Parlez-vous anglais?” (Do you speak English?), most people were happy to switch. 

6. Skip the Lines with Guided Tours and skip the line Tickets

There’s nothing worse than spending hours in line when you could be exploring. Popular spots like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Musée d’Orsay have massive queues, but you can skip them by booking tickets online. The two platforms you can look into are TakeWalks or GetYourGuide

7. Download a Paris Metro App

The Paris Metro can be overwhelming at first, but a good app makes it easy to navigate. We used Bonjour RATP App, and it was really helpful. It plans routes, shows you which train to take, and even tells you how many stops to expect. It works offline too, which is a lifesaver in stations with no signal. Pro tip: Avoid the metro during rush hour (8–10 a.m. and 5–7 p.m.) unless you enjoy being squished.

8. Explore using the Paris Batobus Water Taxi

While Paris has a great metro system, it can sometimes feel complicated or overcrowded, especially during peak seasons or rush hours. That’s why I highly recommend the BATOBUS water taxi. We absolutely loved it and even enjoyed an evening ride. It loops all day and stops at all major attractions. We found it extremely convenient. Pro tip: Use the Paris Batobus water taxi pass to save money and make the most of your experience. It stops at major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre.

8. Wander Beyond the Big Landmarks

The Eiffel Tower and Louvre are must-sees for most, but some of my favorite memories came from exploring neighborhoods and wandering the streets. Paris has different neighborhoods called arrondissements. Le Marais has an artsy vibe, with vintage shops and the best falafel at L’As du Fallafel. We enjoyed the Latin Quarter for its architecture and many bookstores. These neighborhoods let you experience everyday Paris, away from the crowds.

9. Time Your Visit to Avoid Crowds

If I learned one thing about Paris after spending a few days, it’s that it’s always busy, and there are crowds at almost all popular tourist spots. If you’re planning to visit the Louvre or Notre Dame, make sure to go early in the morning right when they open. It’s a smart way to avoid the tourist crush. We went to the Louvre at 9 a.m. and got to enjoy the Mona Lisa without having to elbow through a crowd. Sometimes, evenings are another great option, especially for outdoor places like the Tuileries Garden or a riverside walk. The city lights up beautifully at night, and the atmosphere is calmer. Pro tip: Plan your visits either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Weekdays, especially midweek, are typically less busy than weekends.

10. Make Dinner Reservations

Paris is a food lover’s dream, which means restaurants can fill up quickly. We were lucky enough to get a few spots on some days for lunch without reservations. But if you plan to eat out most days, make sure to reserve in advance. Sometimes, even smaller bistros get busy. It’s easy to make reservations directly on the restaurant’s website.

11. Don’t Skip the Bakeries

Parisian bakeries are extraordinary. I love croissants or pain au chocolat straight from the oven. Many boulangeries also sell sandwiches and quiches. My Airbnb host recommended Poilâne, and it did not disappoint. If you see a bakery with a long line of locals, jump in.

12. Take a Seine River Cruise at Night

Seeing Paris from the Seine at night is pure magic. Most river cruises start near the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame. We chose a simple water taxi, it was more affordable and let me focus on the views. Passing under illuminated bridges and seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle is unforgettable. If you’re a couple and have more budget you can choose a Paris dinner cruise. It’s incredibly romantic and a serene and memorable way to experience the city. Pro tip: Take a Seine River cruise at night to see Paris illuminated in all its glory.

13. Use Grocery Stores for Snacks

You might not think about grocery stores on vacation, but in Paris, it’s a must. Monoprix, Franprix, or even small corner stores have amazing local products. Make sure to pick up fresh bread, creamy cheeses like brie or camembert, and maybe some macarons. This is perfect for a DIY picnic and is cheaper than dining out. We occasionally shopped at supermarkets, and since we were on a budget, we often cooked dinner at our Airbnb. Pro tip: Make a simple pasta dish with store-bought ingredients and watch Ratatouille. Trust me, it makes the evening so much more memorable and whimsical.

14. Always Check for Free Entry Days

Paris has a great thing going with its free entry days. Many museums, like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, are free on the first Sunday of the month. However, these days can be crowded. So get there early if you can. Some smaller museums and churches, like the Sainte-Chapelle. You can either get reduced prices for certain age groups or EU residents. It’s a really smart way to save money. Pro tip: Check their websites in advance to plan your visit and save money.

15. Stock Up on Skincare at French Pharmacies

One thing I always tell people visiting Paris is to check out the skincare products in French pharmacies. Since I live in Belgium, I can get these brands anytime, so I don’t usually stock up. But if you’re from the USA, where many of these brands are harder to find or more expensive, it’s the perfect chance! Here are a few brands I really love La Roche-Posay, Nuxe, and Bioderma. They’re great quality, and the prices are so much better in France.

16. Don’t Try to Do It All

Paris is huge, so if you try to schedule everything into one trip, you’ll burn out. I know it’s tempting to check off everything, but include some unplanned things to do. Things like wandering the streets or probably just exploring a cute bookstore around the corner. You can also spend cozy time in a cute café. Pro tip: Focus on a few must-sees and leave the rest for your next trip.

There you have it, the best hacks to experience Paris like a pro. Let me know if you have got any other tips to add.