Paris is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, and there’s no doubt that you’ll want to take advantage of every opportunity to see it.
However, if you’re not careful, you can stand out like a sore thumb and look like a tourist. This can put you at risk of being scammed or taken advantage of, and can also ruin your experience of the city.
But with a little bit of effort and these tips on how to blend in while in Paris, you can easily blend in and enjoy the city like a local!
Ready? C’est parti!
Tip #1: Dress like the locals do
Parisians have a very specific style that can be difficult to emulate if you’re not familiar with it. However, one of the easiest ways to blend in is to simply dress like the locals do.
Avoid wearing brightly colored clothes or anything that screams “tourist!” and instead opt for muted colors and simple designs. Jeans and a t-shirt are always a safe bet, and if you’re not sure what to wear, take a look at what the other people in the area are wearing.
If you still have no clue what the locals are wearing, head into a local clothing store to get an idea of the types of clothes that are popular there. Stores like Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo are always good bets.
Parisians also don’t tend to wear clothing with big logos or branding, so try to avoid anything that’s too flashy.
And, believe it or not, most Parisians don’t actually wear berets. While they may be a classic French accessory, they’re more often seen on tourists than locals.
⚡ Related read: Check out my complete guide on What to Wear in Paris for the dos (& don’ts!) of Paris fashion, with outfit recommendations.
Tip #2: Avoid carrying big cameras
Carrying around a big camera and wearing clothes that identify you as a tourist is the quickest way to stick out in Paris.
Not only does this immediately mark you as a tourist, but this can put you at risk of being targeted by thieves and scammers – especially while riding the Paris metro.
Try to keep your camera hidden until you’re ready to take a picture, and if you really don’t want to leave it at home, try to at least tone down the markings so it doesn’t look as obvious.
If you’re not comfortable leaving your camera at home, try to at least keep it hidden away and out of sight as much as possible.
And if you really want to take pictures, try to use your phone instead – it’s a lot less conspicuous than carrying around a big camera.
Tip #3: Don’t stand out with your luggage
Another way to stand out like a tourist in Paris is by carrying around a big, clunky suitcase.
Avoid carrying around big bags or anything that screams “tourist!” – Parisians tend to carry small backpacks or messenger bags, so try to emulate that style.
Instead, try to pack light and only bring what you need. This will make it easier to maneuver through the city streets and will also help you blend in.
If you do need to bring a suitcase, try to find one that’s stylish and not too obvious. There are a lot of great options on the market these days that won’t make you look like a tourist.
Tip #4: Speak the language (or at least try to)
One of the quickest ways to give yourself away as a tourist is by speaking English. Although English is widely spoken in Paris, it’s not the native language of the locals.
If you can, try to learn some basic French phrases before you go. This will help you communicate with the locals and will also make you look more like a local.
⚡ P.S. Check out my guide on how I learned French fast for some practical tips!
If you’re not comfortable with speaking French, you can always try to use body language to get your point across.
Of course, when in doubt, you can speak English. But try to use it sparingly and only when necessary.
Tip #5: Hang out in local spots
One of the best ways to blend in while in Paris is to hang out in local spots.
Avoid the tourist traps and head to neighborhoods that are frequented by locals. This is a great way to experience the real Paris and to meet some of the locals.
You’ll also find that the prices are a lot more reasonable in these areas, so you can save some money while you’re at it!
Some of my favorite local spots in Paris are:
- Belleville
- Buttes Chaumont
- Montmarte
- Bastille
⚡ Read more: Where to Stay in Paris: The 10 Best Areas & Hotels
Tip #6: Be aware of your surroundings
It’s important to be aware of your surroundings when you’re in a new city, and this is especially true in Paris.
Pay attention to where you’re walking, don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk, and be aware of anyone who seems to be following you. If you’re not familiar with an area, take the time to do some research before you go so that you have an idea of where you’re going.
There are a lot of scams and petty thieves in Paris, so it’s important to be vigilant and not let your guard down.
Be aware of anyone who tries to touch you or who seems too friendly, and always keep your belongings close to you. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and walk away.
Because there are so many scams in Paris, locals living here are rarely seen talking to or interacting with strangers. So if you attempt to talk to people you don’t know or appear to be “too friendly”, people will likely know that you’re a tourist.
⚡ Related read: 7 Things I Hate About Living in Paris
Tip #7: Take public transportation to blend in with locals
Public transportation is a great way to get around Paris and it’s also a great way to blend in.
Parisians rely on the metro and buses to get around, so by using public transportation, you’ll look like a local.
Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than taking taxis!
The Paris metro is very affordable and fairly easy to navigate, even as a tourist. The app Citymapper is also a great resource and can help you get around the city with ease. It can be downloaded on iOS or Google play store.
Tip #8: Download local apps
In addition to Citymapper, there are a number of other local apps that can be helpful when you’re traveling in Paris.
Some of my favorites include:
- Yelp: This app is great for finding restaurants, bars, and attractions in Paris. It has a lot of user reviews and ratings, so you can easily find the best places to eat and drink.
- Google Translate: This app is essential for translating menus and signs in French. It also has a built-in camera feature that can translate text in real-time.
- RATP: This app is the official app for the Paris metro and bus system. It’s helpful for finding routes, schedules, and real-time information on delays.
Tip #9: Eat like a local
One of the best ways to blend in while in Paris is to eat like a local. Avoid eating at the big, touristy restaurants and head to the smaller, Mom-and-pop type places.
Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get to try some of the best food that Paris has to offer!
Some of my favorite local restaurants in Paris are:
- L’As du Fallafel: This is a small, hole-in-the-wall falafel restaurant in the Marais. The line is usually out the door, but it’s well worth the wait.
- Frenchie to Go: This is a casual cafe located in the 2nd arrondissement. The food is delicious and it’s a great place to people watch.
- Aux Deux Amis: This is a small, family-owned bistro in the 9th arrondissement. The food is simple but delicious, and the atmosphere is cozy and intimate.
⚡ Read more: The 15 Best Cheap Restaurants in Paris for Eating on a Budget
Tip #10: Avoid tourist traps
One of the quickest ways to identify a tourist in Paris is by how they’re spending their time.
Tourist traps include places like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral – attractions that are always bustling with people and tend to be quite expensive.
While there’s nothing wrong with visiting the big tourist attractions in Paris, they’re not the best places to blend in. These places are often crowded and noisy, which can make it difficult to take in the local culture.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and save some money, it’s best to avoid these places. Instead, try to explore some of the smaller museums and galleries or wander through the different neighborhoods.
This is a great way to see Paris like a local and to experience the city’s culture first-hand. You’ll be able to take in the city’s culture much better this way and you’ll also save some money!
Paris can be a difficult city to navigate as a tourist, and it’s impossible to blend in completely. But by following these tips, you’ll be much closer to looking like a local and having an authentic Parisian experience.
This 10-page Paris travel guide includes:
- Practical tips for visiting Paris
- The best foods to eat in Paris
- The best restaurants in Paris (my top picks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- The top things to do and see in Paris (including day trips, scenic tours, museums, attractions, and more)
- The best (and worst) places to stay in Paris, including my top picks for hotels in each area
All links in this PDF are clickable so you can book your tours and hotels directly!