How to Live in Paris Like a Local with Blueground
We’re sharing our top tips & tricks to show up and start living in Paris – the Parisian way!
4 Min Read
4 Min ReadParis is one of those cities that never goes out of style. Winter or spring, summer or fall, Paris has a rhythm all its own every month and season, and each year, millions of people flock to Paris for its awe-inspiring sights, sounds, and flavors.
Experience Paris like the locals
The locals will tell you that there is far more to see in Paris than the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Champs-Elysées – and they’re right. Tourists see things, while travelers and locals experience the depth of a culture through the minutiae of the details. It’s about getting off the beaten path, seeking out those hidden gems, and finding the true flavors of Paris. Want to know how?
Find the freshest produce at the street markets
Paris offers some of the finest fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables, dairy, and wine, sourced locally, and there are fantastic street markets all throughout the city. Visit the Mes Lieux website, which lists them all by day and by arrondissement (or city district), so you can find one near your Blueground apartment.
Shop the flea markets, known for their fab finds
Yes, Paris plays host to some of the finest boutiques and shops in all of Europe, but the flea markets are second to none. Parisians love their flea markets, like the ever-popular Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen, which features more than 2,000 traders. You’ll find local treasures like vintage vases and daguerreotypes, furniture, and more. You’ll love adding little touches of your own to your Blueground apartment.
Take advantage of l’apéro
L’apéro, or cocktail hour, is a classically Parisian pastime where the locals flock with bottles of wine and petite snacks to end the day. Join the locals by the Seine as the weather warms in the spring, or visit a terraced bar by Le Canal St-Martin any time of year. It’s a great place to grab a spritz for apéro.
Ride the Paris metro
Paris is actually huge, and while Blueground apartments are centrally located in some of the finest arrondissements, getting from one district to another sometimes requires transit. Luckily, the Paris Metro is a fast and easy way to avoid the Parisian traffic. Our tips for the Paris metro are simple:
- Buy your rides in bulk on a metrocard
- During peak hours, stand to make room for others
- Silence is golden
Embrace smaller, more decadent meals
If you’re American, you’re used to large, hearty breakfasts. Paris, however, is less about the bacon and potatoes platter, and more about the simple pleasures. Head to one of the local food halls like Le Marché des Enfants Rouges, or pop into a local creperie or a decadent chocolate éclair or savory crepe and a small (but strong) coffee to jumpstart your day.
Get to know the neighborhoods
Blueground has apartments in 17 distinctly Parisian neighborhoods, and each has its own unique atmosphere and vibe. We liken each arrondissement to its own pocket of Paris, featuring its own boutique stores, cafes, and local sights. To truly live like a local in Paris, it’s important to know what each neighborhood has to offer. For example:
- Canal St-Martin – Once an industrial hub, this area is now one of the trendiest and most dynamic areas of Paris. From the creative restaurants to the vibrant bars and boutiques, it offers a relaxed and decidedly Parisian environment, complete with riverbank hangouts.
- Le Marais – The charm of Marais lies in its quaint cobblestone streets, historic sights, and eclectic boutiques. It’s also arguably the best places in Paris to go shopping. You’ll find all the major brands, as well as the finest vintage clothing shops in much of the city.
- Bastille – While its roots are deeply rooted in France’s political history, Bastille has something for everyone. Visit the Opera Bastille for a ballet, or experience conservation up close at the Parc Zoologique de Paris. From food markets to fine dining and exceptional history, Bastille has it all.
Paris is a major European hub of fashion and finance, as well as arts, culture, and cuisine, and Blueground gives guests the opportunity to root themselves in the local Parisian community – all from the comfort of your home away from home. With short term rentals in Paris starting at just 30 days and long term stays ranging upwards of a year or longer, our furnished apartments in Paris are the ideal way to live in Paris like a local on your terms.
