New York City and Paris are two of the world’s most iconic cities – but they are incredibly different to live in.
Elena Taber moved from New York City to Paris a year ago – and has been documenting the differences between the two cities since.
In a recent TikTok, the 28-year-old opened up about some of the most shocking adjustments she had to make when she relocated from the US to the French capital.
She started off her video by dishing on the differences in fashion, while declaring that she was committing a Parisian ‘fashion felony.’
‘I’m committing a crime right now,’ the content creator said, showing off her simple outfit of black biker shorts, a zip-up weather resistant jacket, and her running shoes.
‘People do not wear athleticwear here, at all,’ Elena, who is dating Stranger Things actor Jamie Campbell Bower, shared. ‘Don’t do what I’m doing right now.’
She explained that in the 10 minutes walking home from the gym, she felt embarrassed about her less-than-chic ensemble.
‘This feels illegal,’ she declared. ‘Straight to jail.’
YouTube star Elena Taber moved from New York City to Paris a year ago – and has been documenting the difference between the two cities. She’s seen in 2024
Elena, who also has a popular YouTube channel, often talks about life as an American in Paris.
In a YouTube video speaking about what it’s really like to reside in the French city, she admitted that despite going to classes to learn the language, she has struggled to make friends.
‘French women are not particularly warm, most of them,’ she admitted.
‘Some are,’ she added. ‘But it’s just a bit challenging.’
Elena noted that the social scene was a big difference between New York and Paris.
The YouTuber said that in France, a lot of people tend to stick with the friends they made in high school or college, and are not overly interested in making new ones.
‘It’s something I’ve noticed is a little more French then it is in the cities in the US,’ she explained.
‘In a big metropolitan area like New York I feel like people for the most part are very inclusive and want to make new friends, but for a big metropolitan area like Paris, people are quite closed, unless they’re expats,’ she mused.
Elena noted that making friends was a lot harder in France
Elena, who is dating actor Jamie Campbell Bower, also revealed that ‘people do not wear athleticwear here, at all’
Making friends in a new city can certainly be difficult. But according to Lee Thompson, co-founder of travel company Flash Pack, there are ways to best connect with others when flying solo.
While previously speaking with the Daily Mail, Lee stressed the importance of saying yes to things.
‘The trick is to be open and curious to new opportunities as they arise and say “yes” to invitations – even if you feel a bit shy about doing so,’ he encouraged
‘Equally, I’ve struck up friendships with the guy busking in the park, or by saying yes to an impromptu game of Pickleball,’ he added.
Lee also recommended signing up to events, such as supper clubs, open mic nights, or weekly park runs, while travelling or moving to a new city alone.
‘A dash of online research will open up a world of events wherever you happen to be travelling,’ he shared.
‘All you need to do is look them up and choose ones that speak to your personal interests and values.
‘This is a really effective way of meeting people in a non-pressurized environment.’