Paris is a city known to be the home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. With this blog, Trips & More More will help you discover a more authentic side of the city that locals know and love, tucked away from tour groups and postcard stands.
Rue Cremieux is a colorful, charming, pedestrianized street in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, popularly known for its picturesque, pastel-colored houses, and floral displays. Though it has gained a lot of Insta fame, it still is a quiet and relaxing spot. To click photos peacefully, it is recommended to come early in the morning and get the soft glow of sunrise on the facades.
A vacation to Paris is incomplete if you haven't spent an evening in a cozy wine bar in the 11th district, where conversations flow as freely as Bordeaux. The overpriced cafes cannot beat the vibe of spots like The Little Wine Shop (La Buvette), a small, candlelit space where locals sip natural wines and nibble on cured meats and cheese. It's a place where times feel slowed down and strangers become friends by the second glass.
If you are someone who's bored of souvenir shops, and local attractions in Paristhen you should definitely visit the Saint-Ouen Flea Market, a sprawling maze of vintage treasures, quirky antiques, and Parisian oddities just outside the city center. You'll find everything here, from a 19th-century lamp, an old French poster, or the perfect leather jacket. This market is a gold mine for many unique finds.
While you'll see most of the tourists pack into Luxembourg Gardens, locals head to Buttes-Chaumont Park, it's a large green space that gives you a breath of oxygen away from the noise of the city. Think of magnificent city views, suspension bridges, and waterfalls with a bohemian, relaxed atmosphere. It's a perfect spot to escape the crowds, stretch out on the grass, and enjoy your picnic with the locals.
Rainy day? No worries, head to the enchanting covered arcades of central Paris, these are a network of sheltered walkways, often with glass roofs that were famous in the 19th century for shopping and strolling. These walkways offer you a unique shopping experience.
Belleville is the sketchpad - gritted, expressive, and vibrant – if Montmartre is the postcard. With murals exploding on building walls and secret studios located beside Vietnamese noodle shops, this cosmopolitan neighborhood is known as the street art hub of Paris. Take a guided tour or go for a walk either way, you'll discover a bold, raw, and creative side of Paris.
There’s nothing quite like a sunset apéro (pre-dinner drink) on Saint Martin Canal. As the golden hour approaches, Parisians gather around the water's edge with bottles of wine, baguettes, olives, and music. It has a laid-back, romantic, and very local vibe. To enjoy it like a local, grab a bottle of wine from the closest wine shop, bring a blanket, and join the festivities.
With Vélib', the city's bike-sharing program, you can explore Paris at your own speed and avoid the cabs. It's affordable, user-friendly, and allows you to freely explore less-traveled neighborhoods. Take a Seine cruise, walk through peaceful side streets, or head to the huge green areas of Boulogne Woods or Vincennes Forest. Stick to the many bike lanes (Paris has over 1,000 km of them!) and always keep an eye out for scooters.
Surely, Paris dazzles with its iconic landmarks, but its hidden gems, quiet corners, and hidden wine corners make it truly unforgettable. Be it sipping natural wine on a canal, shopping for vintage records in a flea market, or pedaling down a sun-dappled street, there’s something uniquely magical about living in Paris rather than just visiting it. Ready to write your own Paris story? Start with these secret spots in Paris, and let the adventure unfold.
Provide Yours Details to Know Best Vacation Deals