I grew up in Paris. Here's how tourists can experience the city like a local when they visit.

• I grew up in Paris and have tips for tourists trying to feel like locals in cafés, shops, and more.
• Don't expect oat milk at most cafés, and don't keep valuables in open pockets.

I grew up in Paris, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

It can be difficult to fit into any new place while traveling, but there are a few things I think you should know if you're trying to pass for a Paris local or simply want to have a smooth trip.

A key to feeling like a Paris local at the boulangerie is knowing how to order

The boulangerie is where the French get world-famous baguettes. It's also a spot to buy tarts to share with friends, grab a quick croissant before work, and eat a snack after school.

• Instead of asking for a simple baguette, order "une tradition," which is usually slightly higher quality. You can ask for it "bien cuite" (well done) or "pas trop cuite" (less cooked and therefore more doughy).
• If you want to try a warm baguette or croissants fresh out of the oven, ask the bakers when the best time is to stop by.
• A common phrase that will come up is, "Avec ceci?" (Would you like something else?). When you're done ordering, say, "Ce sera tout, merci" (That will be all, thank you).
• If you are traveling with a child, ask for a "pain au lait" (a type of long brioche bread) and add a chocolate bar inside. This is a classic that French school children enjoy after class and often dip into milk.
• When visiting a boulangerie during a busy period, such as lunch, know what you're ordering ahead of time. You'll avoid potentially unpleasant interactions with other customers and the bakers.

Cafés are a key part of Parisian culture

Cafés are where early risers have breakfast, where friends gossip and people watch, where colleagues meet during their lunch break, and where some Parisians go on a casual first date.

• If you order a simple "café," you can expect to be served an espresso. If you want a dash of milk, ask for a "café noisette." If you want more foam (closer to a latte), order a "café crème."
• Contrary to popular belief, most Parisians never order a café au lait.
• If you're in the mood for something sweet or simply aren't the biggest fan of caffeine, try a "chocolat chaud" (hot chocolate). Ask for "un chocolat viennois" if you want whipped cream on top.
• Remember that traditional French cafés only serve cow's milk. You can find alternative kinds of milk, as well as matcha, chai, and other beloved beverages, at chains such as Starbucks.
• For breakfast, most locations will serve a baguette split in half with butter, strawberry jam, and a choice of a warm beverage (tea, coffee, or hot chocolate) and a cold drink (usually orange or grapefruit juice).
• For lunch and dinner, most cafés serve traditional French dishes such as beef tartare, croque monsieur, and croque madame. Cafés also tend to be go-to locations for happy hour.

It's easy to feel like a Paris local if you know where and when to shop

There's a wide variety of shops and markets to explore while visiting the capital of France, whether you're looking for a rare vintage find at a thrift store or want to grocery shop like a local.

Open-air markets are an especially popular tradition all over France, and Paris is no exception.

• Puces de Saint Ouen and Marché d'Aligre are known destinations for antiques, including furniture, old mirrors, and vintage postcards.
• Open-air grocery markets are a great spot to shop for fruit, vegetables, and cheese. Locals often go on Sunday morning, when most sellers set up shop.
• Each open-air market operates on its own schedule, but most are traditionally open on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
• Head to the Marché des Enfants Rouges for fresh produce and a culinary experience.
• Although debit cards are commonly accepted in Paris, bring cash with you to markets as most sellers are independent and may not have card readers.
• When ordering fruit, vegetables, or meat, you'll have to ask for grams instead of pounds. For reference, 1 pound is equivalent to about 450 grams.
• If you're looking to add to your wardrobe, head to the Marais neighborhood for deals on designer items or general thrift-store finds. Noir Kennedy, Episode, and Guérisol are some popular stores.

Feeling like a Paris local on public transportation comes down to a few basics

The Paris Metro is one of the fastest ways to get around the city, and it's one of the oldest metro systems in the world.

• Be sure to check operating hours as some trains don't run all day, and stops can sometimes be under construction.
• As you would in any big city, beware of pickpockets. Keep your bag close to you, and never put valuables in pockets that don't close.
• Always stand on the right side of an escalator and make sure you move along the metro platform to allow people to gather before the train arrives.
• Know your stop ahead of time since the metro doors can close very fast.
• Don't be afraid to say "pardon" (excuse me) loudly and repeat it if people aren't moving to let you out of the train.
• Apps such as Bonjour RATP, Citymapper, and Apple Maps are useful for navigating the city.
• If you are unsure about the direction you're going in, check the sign at the top or at the bottom of the stairs before heading onto the platform. It will indicate the direction, as well as the upcoming stops.
• Always keep your ticket with you as you may be required to scan it multiple times, and ticket checks are frequent.
• Don't put your ticket next to things like key fobs that may demagnetize it. If this happens, head to a service booth for a replacement. Keep in mind that not all metro stations have booths.

You definitely can't miss l'apéro while in Paris

The apéro is a distinctly French tradition. It refers to a time in the late afternoon or early evening when friends catch up with each other over drinks and snacks at home, at café terraces, or in the open air.

• When the weather is nice, you can sit alongside Parisians enjoying the apéro on the banks of the Seine River or at cafés around the Canal Saint Martin.
• People will often bring finger foods such as chips, peanuts, and mini pretzels to snack on. Charcuterie, baguettes, and cheese boards are always a mainstay.
• When invited to an apéro, you're often expected to bring drinks such as beer or wine. If you aren't familiar with France's extensive collection of wine, look for a bottle between $10 and $20 at your local supermarket. Never spend more than that unless you're trying to make an impression.
• If you're traveling with children and are sitting at a café during l'apéro, order a "diabolo grenadine" (soda and syrup) or "un lait fraise" (milk and strawberry syrup).