One Scenic Bus Line Is The Best Non-Touristy Thing To Do In Paris, Per A Local's TikTok

Planning an itinerary that hits all of the most iconic, postcard-worthy destinations in Paris could mean like you'll be surrounded by tourists the entire time. This sounds like what not to do, as city visitors should always try to sprinkle in a few activities that give some off-the-beaten-path authenticity. However, there is a way to do both in Paris so that you can get a local feel while also checking out some must-see parts of town.

TikToker @sagevanalstine asked Paris-based content creators to share their favorite non-touristy things to do in the City of Light. TikToker @madame.tartempion replied that she likes to take the Line 40 bus. "It goes all over Montmartre and you don't have to walk up and down the hills. [It's] super cute and it's mostly locals who take it." What makes this an even better idea is the fact that one of the best ways to get around Paris is by bus. Line 40 in particular can show off the fact that Montmartre is a perfect French cliché, and why that doesn't have to be a bad thing.

A bus ride through Montmartre on Line 40 can get you close to the massive Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, peaceful parks, stately buildings, and museums. As this area of Paris was once a popular meeting place for jazz musicians, painters, filmmakers, and more, seeing some of Montmartre's performance venues is also a must. Line 40 stops near the Théâtre Saint-Georges built in 1929, which is perhaps unremarkable from the outside, but decked out in lively red velvet on the inside. The world-famous Moulin Rouge is in Montmartre as well. If you're crunched for time, even seeing this icon of 20th century cabaret from the outside can make you feel like you're on a movie set.

The benefit of traversing Paris by bus instead of through the subway's underground tubes is that in between destinations, you'll get to see all the little urban details that make the city so memorable. This is definitely true in Montmartre. Line 40 runs along notable streets like Rue de Abbesses and Rue des Martyrs, which both feature quintessential Parisian restaurants, boutiques, and bakeries (boulangeries). It is easy to see why these streets are so popular for locals and travelers alike.