Experience Paris like a Parisian

Meet at Angelina’s for tea (Paris)
Or, best of all, skip the tea and go straight for the hot chocolate. This iconic tea-house is an institution and one of the best places to mingle with Parisians of all ages. All in all, Angelina’s is absolute delight for all but the hips.
WorldGuide: Paris

Make friends with the owner of your local "boulangerie" (Paris)
Getting to know the staff at your local bakery can open you up to a whole new world of gastronomic experiences. The most important thing is never to forget your manners – always say hello when you enter the shop and ask them how their day has been.
WorldGuide: Paris

Try out the creperies in the Latin Quarter (Paris)
With décor ranging from old fashioned to kitsch, you’re sure to find a crepery that suits you. You may have to venture down some narrow alleyways to find these hidden delights but your tastebuds will thank you.
WorldGuide: Paris

Take the stairs to the Sacre Coeur Basilica (Paris)
Looking up, this looks like an impossible feat. You can always take the Furniculair with the tourists, but act like a local and sweat it out. The view from the top will make it all worth while. Just beware of the gypsies…
WorldGuide: Paris

Drive around the Arc de Triomphe roundabout
The lack of lanes makes this a truly difficult feat to accomplish. Keep your hand close to your horn and stay on the outside. Just make sure you watch out for the tourists who don’t realise there’s an underpass and throw themselves onto the road.

Catch the Metro during a strike (Paris)
Stay in Paris long enough and this is inevitable. Strikes are the first step in industrial relations disputes in France and you haven’t experienced the true Paris until you’ve caught the Metro home with your face pushed into a sweaty armpit.
WorldGuide: Paris

Stroll through the Tulleries Gardens at twilight
All but the cynics will feel truly Parisian as you meander through these gorgeous gardens located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Wander past artists, poets and lovers while you admit that you really do love Paris in the springtime.