Top Reader Tips About Paris
Bonjour! This week we asked for tips on Paris . Here are some highlights from the 148 responses. If you learn anything, let the Parisians love to say hello.
Every Monday onHack Your City, we ask readers for the best tips about the city: driving tips, restaurant tips, entertainment, and any other tips for visitors and locals alike. Then, on Thursday, we present the best comments. We work in the USA and around the world.
Say hi
If you think Parisians are rude, you might just not say hello. “It is considered the height of rudeness not to greet anyone, even when you get on the bus,” says Klee . “Every time you walk into a store, you will be greeted and you have to greet the seller again,” says Scout’s Honor . “I noticed that even when I was walking down the alley and another person was crossing my path, he was saying ‘Bonsoir’,” says the sedotkaidoot . Add Au revoir, bonne journee when you leave, says jseb .
And start a conversation in French, even if you know the other person speaks English. All readers agreed that simply speaking English to Parisians was rude. “The best phrase I know in French is Je suis désolé, je ne parle pas français ,” says JobiWan . “I’ve seen tourists (mostly Americans) being treated like annoying tourists because they’re annoying and demanding, and yet when I walk up to the same vendors and tell them I don’t speak French (French ), they are much more polite and polite. kind. Even those who don’t speak English are very nice and try to work with you. “
You can move on, says TheMonkeyKing : “We immediately became popular at the little neighborhood cafes, where we severely crippled the local French, but appreciated our efforts in their laughter. One place poured us extra wine and another provided free desserts for our dinner. If you can sneak in malaprope, you will become their favorite. “
Go if you can
While the metro is top notch, Paris is best seen above ground. Sinisterblogger clarifies:
Walk everywhere and don’t be afraid to get lost. If you get lost, take the metro (there will be a station nearby). It’s very, very simple. But try to get lost. Just wander. Find a cafe off the beaten path, away from tourists, sit, drink wine, people watch.
Aimawayfromface3 agrees:
Plan less and wander more. Paris is filled with small neighborhoods and interesting streets. Make sure to set aside at least one day to just wander around without any real plans or directions. I came across an old raised train line (Promenade Plantee) that they turned into a park. (Looks like High Line Park in Manhattan)
Dad Van Twi learned this the hard way after his tour bus broke down. “The next day we missed the bus and just walked. It was much more fun that way. You cannot get to know a city until you walk through it, and Paris is a beautiful city worth getting to know. “
Avoid scams
“Ignore those who come up to you with a tablet and ask if you speak English or anyone with a poorly made friendship bracelet in hand,” says Kevin Lee Drum .
“I don’t think the city as a whole is unsafe, but watch your values, there are a lot of pickpockets,” says Fredery .