Paris is full of habits and traditions that make it unique, and Parisians are masters of doing things their own way. Here are the things you’ll never catch a true Parisian doing—some might surprise you!
1. Buy Single Metro Tickets
Single Metro tickets are not a favorite among Parisians—or savvy tourists.
Locals rely on Navigo passes or Navigo Easy cards, which are not only cheaper but also more convenient for frequent trips.
Tourists can benefit from these options too.
The Navigo Découverte card offers unlimited travel across the city for a week at a flat rate, while the Navigo Easy card allows for discounted multi-ride packs without the hassle of fumbling with paper tickets.
Single-use tickets are expensive and easy to lose, making them a last resort for those unfamiliar with the system.
2. Buy Bottled Water at Restaurants
In Paris, tap water is perfectly drinkable, and most locals ask for a “carafe d’eau” at restaurants.
It’s free and just as good as bottled water.
Buying bottled water at a restaurant, especially for €5 or more, is seen as unnecessary.
Parisians would rather save their money for a good glass of wine or dessert.
3. Wait at a Metro Station for a Train Longer Than 3 Minutes
Patience is not a virtue when it comes to public transport in Paris.
Metro trains run so frequently—often every 2-3 minutes during peak hours—that waiting longer is almost unheard of.
If there’s a delay, Parisians will quickly switch to another metro line, buses, bikes, or even walking.
The fast-paced city life demands efficiency, and lingering on a platform doesn’t fit the Parisian rhythm.
4. Own Cars if They Live in Central Paris
In central Paris, owning a car is more hassle than it’s worth.
Parking is expensive, traffic is frustrating, and the city is designed for pedestrians and public transit.
Most Parisians rely on the Metro, buses, or shared bikes to get around.
When they need a car, they opt for rental services or car shares.
For locals, the convenience of walking and the charm of Parisian streets far outweighs the stress of car ownership.
5. Drink Coffee in To-Go Cups While Walking
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The idea of rushing through a coffee while walking to your next destination is foreign to Parisians.
Coffee is a ritual, best enjoyed while sitting on a café terrace and people-watching.
Holding a paper cup on the street screams “tourist.”
In Paris, life slows down for coffee—it’s not something to gulp on the go.
Even at their busiest, Parisians take a moment to savor the experience, whether it’s morning espresso or an afternoon break.
6. Eat While Strolling Down the Street
Similarly, walking around with food in hand is rare in Paris.
Parisians believe meals deserve full attention, whether it’s a croissant or a sandwich.
Even with street food like crêpes, locals find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy it without rushing.
Eating while walking is seen as chaotic and unrefined.
This reflects their broader philosophy about food: savoring each bite rather than multitasking.
7. Dine Before 7:30 PM
Parisians treat dinner as a sacred evening ritual, and it doesn’t start early.
Most restaurants won’t even open their dinner service before 7 PM, and locals tend to eat closer to 8 or 9 PM.
Dining earlier often means you’re stuck at tourist-focused spots with bland, overpriced food.
8. Drink Café au Lait After Breakfast
Café au lait is reserved for breakfast and is traditionally paired with a pastry like a pain au chocolat.
After that, Parisians shift to simpler, bolder drinks like espresso or café noir.
Drinking milk-heavy coffee later in the day is viewed as odd, even indulgent.
This habit reflects their culinary philosophy: balancing lightness and richness at appropriate times.
9. Eat Cheese Before the Main Course
Cheese is an essential part of French dining, but it’s always served after the main course and before dessert.
It’s a chance to cleanse the palate and enjoy a final savory note.
Starting with cheese, as some might do elsewhere, would feel out of place in Paris.
This custom underscores their respect for culinary traditions and the order of courses that elevate the meal into a refined experience.
10. Put Ketchup on Anything
Parisians generally avoid ketchup, seeing it as overly sweet and unsophisticated.
They prefer mustard, aioli, or even nothing at all to preserve the natural flavors of their food.
For fries, sandwiches, or grilled meats, ketchup is considered a last resort, not a default.
This small detail highlights the Parisian dedication to preserving authentic tastes over masking them with condiments.
11. Use Uber for Short Trips
Parisians are practical about getting around.
For short trips, they rely on the Metro, buses, or even walking.
Taking an Uber for just a few blocks would feel wasteful and inefficient.
Public transit is not only quicker but also more affordable and environmentally friendly.
Ubers and taxis are generally reserved for late-night trips or situations where other options aren’t available.
12. Buy Croissants from Supermarkets
Parisians have high standards for their croissants, and they know that supermarkets can’t compete with the local boulangerie.
Every neighborhood has its own favorite bakery, where croissants are flaky, buttery, and freshly baked each morning.
Supermarket croissants are often seen as bland and lifeless in comparison.
13. Order “French” Dishes Like Escargot Everywhere
While escargot (snails) is iconic to French cuisine, it’s not something Parisians eat regularly.
Escargot is more of a specialty dish, often enjoyed during festive occasions or at traditional brasseries.
Most locals stick to simpler, seasonal meals like steak-frites or a hearty boeuf bourguignon.
14. Ask for Butter with Bread at Dinner
In Paris, bread plays a key role in meals, but not in the way many visitors might expect.
It’s not served with butter at dinner; instead, Parisians use bread to accompany their dish or to “sauce the plate” (mop up delicious sauces).
Bread is meant to complement the flavors of the meal, not as a standalone starter.
Asking for butter during dinner might seem out of place to locals who see bread as a functional part of the dining experience.
15. Overestimate Parisian Chicness
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Not every Parisian walks around dressed like a fashion icon from a movie.
Many favor practical outfits like jeans, sneakers, and comfortable coats—though often with a touch of understated elegance.
The real “Parisian chic” lies in simplicity and confidence, not in extravagant or overly formal looks.
Expecting everyone to look like they stepped out of a fashion magazine overlooks the reality of daily life in a bustling city.
Instead, notice the effortless style in their small details, like a perfectly tied scarf or a well-chosen accessory.
16. Order Wine Without Checking the List
Parisians take their wine seriously, and blindly ordering “a glass of red” might result in an unimpressive, generic option.
Locals often study the wine list and ask the waiter for recommendations to pair with their meal.
It’s not about showing off—it’s about respecting the culture and ensuring the wine enhances the dining experience.
17. Expect Every Waiter to Be Chatty
In Paris, waiters are polite but professional, and their job is to serve, not entertain.
Unlike in some cultures, where waitstaff might strike up friendly conversations, Parisian waiters keep it efficient.
If you need something, just ask directly—they’re more than happy to assist when approached.
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
