5 things you should NOT do if you want to come across as a local in Paris

You all know by now that Paris is my favorite city in Europe. After living there for a little over half a year, I know the do's and don'ts of the French capital. Paris is the kind of city where you can tell within five minutes who is visiting for the first time and who has been here before. Not that you necessarily have to go for a true Parisian look, but if you want to blend in a bit, there are a few things you might want to avoid.

Because let's be honest: some things scream tourist a bit too loudly. And I can certainly help with that.

Not: wearing a beret just because you're in Paris

Yes, I know. The most basic answer, which is why this one is confidently at the top. And yes, a beret might feel very French. But if you walk through Paris with a beret, red lips, and a baguette under your arm, you're making it very easy for the French.

Then rather do: just keep it simple. A good (long!) trench coat, jeans, ballet flats or loafers, a nice bag, and a thick pair of sunglasses. That looks a lot less like you deliberately put together a French outfit for Paris and more like you just happen to live here. And if you really like that beret: wear it. After all, you're on vacation.

Not: going outside in your sweatpants

Okay, you should take this one with a grain of salt. Of course, you can wear sweatpants in Paris. But let's be honest: everyone there looks so fashionable that after five minutes, you almost wonder if you've accidentally stumbled into a street style shoot. I experienced that too, and I was really bummed that I hadn't put in a bit more effort for my outfit.

Because let's be honest: looking good is just a very important part of my lifestyle. Always come prepared, I always say. You think to yourself: I'm just going to grab a coffee, while someone walks by you in a perfectly put-together model-off-duty look.

Then rather do: wear comfortable pants that look like you did put in some effort. A wide pair of trousers, good jeans, or a nice knit with loafers or heels. Still comfortable, but just a bit more Parisian.

Not: heading straight to Bouillon because TikTok says you should eat there

Bouillons are of course a must in Paris and definitely fun to check out once. But if you're going for that cozy, local café vibe (which is also super cheap), I would approach it a bit differently.

You'd be much better off going to Le Mansart. Really one of those hidden gem places in Paris where you can enjoy being among the locals. This spot near Montmartre has just the right French café vibe where you can hang out for a while. During the day you can have lunch there, and in the evening the place turns more into a cozy bar.

So instead of ticking off yet another place you've seen a hundred times on TikTok, where you might end up waiting in line for a long time, just choose a smaller, cozier spot. And here you won't have to wait long for a cute French table.

Not: starting in English right away

This might be my most important tip. Start in French. Always. And no, you really don't have to suddenly speak fluent French. Just start with a simple bonjour. Then for example: ‘Bonjour, vous avez une table pour deux ?’, if you want to claim a table for you and your plus one. And if you get completely stuck afterwards, you can always switch to English.

But at least start in French. The French really notice that you're trying, even if your accent is terrible. This hopefully prevents you from being looked at with that expression that makes you a little less happy.

In France, it's really appreciated if you greet nicely upon entering. Even if your French sounds like you started with Duolingo three weeks ago, this will really help you be received a bit more kindly. Bonjour, merci, s'il vous plaît. Know the basics, sometimes that's all you really need.

Not: sitting down in a restaurant at 6 PM

You should also take this one with a grain of salt, but if you really want to come across as a local: don't sit down for dinner at 6 PM. You're in Paris, so take your time like a true French person. Then rather do this: start with an aperitif. Find a nice terrace, order a drink, and then go out to eat around 8 PM.

Much cozier too. You suddenly have a whole evening ahead of you and don't have to rush back to your hotel right after dinner. And also: in Paris, such a late evening on a terrace feels just a bit more like a vacation. Because in the end, it's not about convincing everyone that you live in Paris. It's just much more fun to go along with the vibe of the city.

So wear something nice, practice your bonjour, leave those sweatpants in your hotel, and most importantly: enjoy. After all, you're in the most beautiful city in Europe.