Kyra Alessandrini on left, french breads on right
I grew up in Paris and was a regular at my local boulangerie.Kyra Alessandrini
  • Tourists miss out on my favorite parts of Paris when they visit.

  • The best places to visit in the French capital are the famous landmarks.

  • I would like tourists to try authentic French dishes in the cafés.

You can check the major tourist spots off of your bucket list.

Paris skyline
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most-visited landmarks in the world.Getty Images

Paris is a popular destination for tourists. People dream of walking down the Champs Elysées and taking photos of the Eiffel Tower.

Most first-timers' itineraries require these historic sites and cultural attractions to be included. If you're looking for an authentic glimpse of everyday Parisian life, I encourage you to visit the city beyond its most famous landmarks.

Take a stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin and you'll find art stores, restaurants, and local shops. During the day, the streets are peaceful. They are more active at night as locals drink and mingle.

Parisian cafés aren't like your local coffee shop, they're about more than a cup of coffee.

outside of paris café on left, bread with coffee and juice on right
In Paris, you can sit at a café and relax for hours.Kyra Alessandrini

There are few better places to romanticize your life than a cafe in Paris. When you are in the French capital, sit down at one of the outdoor terraces, sip on an espresso, and people-watch for as long as you want.

Breakfast in most cafés is usually a sliced baguette, warm tea, or coffee. Some go to bars at night.

Don't expect your coffee shop in Paris to be the same as your home one. Coffees to-go cups, non- dairy milk, and specialty drinks are rare here.

The waiter will give you an espresso if you order a coffee in Paris. Milk in your coffee can be requested if you don't drink black coffee.

Tourists can still get a cup of coffee at coffee chains that cater to international travelers.

There are stops at boulangeries and ptisseries in Paris.

Tourists should stop at local boulangeries and pâtisseries during their time in Paris.Kyra Alessandrini

boulangeries and ptisseries are French bakeries that are found in Paris.

Stop and think about it.

You will be able to taste authentic French bread and the pastries will make you want to come back every day.

It's ideal to have strawberries, mille-feuilles cakes, and croissants at any time of the day.

Holiday treats can be found at bakeries. Mother's Day cakes and Easter chocolates are sold at the store. "Galette de rois" is a traditional round cake and can be found in Paris.

Smaller galleries and cultural spaces can be found in the city as well.

People line up for entry at the Louvre Museum in Paris.Kiran Ridley/Stringer/Getty Images

The city's other world-famous museums include the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay.

There are many galleries and cultural spaces in Paris that you can add to your itinerary.

Some of my favorite art galleries can be found in the Marais neighborhood. I visit the Polka Galerie for photography exhibits.

If you want to learn about the history of French fashion, you can go to the Galerie Dior.

As you wander through different neighborhoods you will see art all over the streets.

Keep an eye out for unique art, like this large wall mural, in Paris' streets.Kyra Alessandrini

Street art is all over the city, from the giant murals around the Centre Pompidou to the graffiti on the buildings in Montmartre.

You never know where you'll find an amazing piece of art, so keep your head up as you walk around the different neighborhoods.

Some tourists only eat French food, but there are many great dishes to try.

Many tourists order escargots when they travel to Paris.Shutterstock

Some of the best-known French dishes are escargots, crpes, and onion soup.

The meals are great, but they aren't all that French cuisine has to offer. I like beef tartare, pté de campagne, and roasted duck.

At a traditional bistro or brasserie, the menu is written on a chalkboard and you can get out of your comfort zone. It's a great way to eat French food.

For most of the year, the weather is gray and rainy, so it's a good idea to have an umbrella.

In the City of Light, the weather is often gloomy and gray.Kyra Alessandrini

Paris is portrayed in many movies and TV shows as a warm and sunny place. That's not true.

The weather in the fall, winter, and spring can be overcast and humid, and I've seen a lot of tourists pack the wrong clothes for their trip.

If you're going to walk a lot, just carry an umbrella with you.

The best time to visit is in the summer.

The Métro is a great way to travel around the city.

I recommend taking the Paris Métro to get around the city.Kyra Alessandrini

Public transportation in an unfamiliar city can be frightening. The Paris Métro is reliable and efficient once you use it. You can get anywhere in the city in less than one hour.

Users can use the Bonjour RATP app to find the most optimal route to their destination.

Remember that you're in a big city when taking the Métro. Don't travel during rush hour and keep an eye on your possessions.

The locals are excited if you're in Paris for a soccer game.

Catch a soccer match in Paris at Parc des Princes.Shutterstock

Football, also known as soccer, is a big deal here.

Crowds gather in bars, restaurants, and other public places to watch the World Cup or the European Championship.

I recommend that you attend a game at the stadium. Most tourists don't see a different side of French culture.

If you get into a protest, have a plan in place.

If you run into a protest, head to the nearest Métro station.Kyra Alessandrini

Tourists should be aware of the political climate and local news when visiting Paris.

Law enforcement officials close subway stations along protest routes to keep people out.

Tourists may want to avoid visiting areas where demonstrations are happening due to the possibility of becoming violent.

Turn around, find the nearest subway station, and leave the area if you run into one you didn't expect.

In the summer, the Seine is one of the city's most vibrant gathering spots.

Locals hang out by the Seine during the summertime.Kyra Alessandrini

The Seine is the place to go if you want to have fun and meet people.

Parisians go to the riverbank to meet friends, listen to music, and enjoy food and drinks as the weather warms. You have to look for a place to sit when there are so many people.

People are practicing tango, salsa, and other types of dancing at the Quai Saint Bernard. If you go, you'll most likely end the night with some new friends because the atmosphere is laid back.

You should be able to walk through the parks before they close.

The Luxembourg Gardens are located in the sixth arrondissement.Shutterstock

Most tourists don't know that a lot of the world's most scenic public parks are closed before the sun sets.

You should arrive in the morning or early afternoon to maximize your time at the park.

If you want to see classic French architecture, go to the Luxembourg Gardens and sit on the grass or by the fountain. The Palais-Royal garden is close to the Louvre.

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