Paris is famous for its sidewalk cafés (dubbed terrasses by the locals), locations inextricably linked with its history.

From Procope, Paris’ first café, which hosted the founding fathers of both the French and the American Revolutions, to Flore, which Existentialist writer Jean-Paul Sartre considered a second home, to Brasserie Lipp, where Hemingway used to sit and scribble (and yes, sip a beer or two), it’s no wonder that sitting in a true Parisian café is on the minds of many visitors to the city.

For these writers and revolutionaries, Paris’ cafés became a sort of outdoor living room: a place they could meet to discuss writing, politics, and more. (Find out even more about this on our Left Bank tour!)

You may have noticed the repercussions of this tradition on the modern Parisian café. Here are just three ways Paris’ cafés retain this Old World culture.

1. You don’t need to pay rent.

Cafés have long been considered meeting places, in large part due to the fact that young thinkers and writers didn’t have the space to welcome their cohorts into their homes. They would linger over one drink for hours, and the same is still accepted – and even expected – in Paris today.

When you visit a Parisian café, you’re free to order just one drink and sit and talk, read, or – in some cases – even work on your computer, for as long as you like.

That said, don’t push this cultural norm too far! If you notice that the café is filling up (or that waiters are setting up for lunch!) either buy something new or move on.

2. Your waiter isn’t rude – despite what it may seem!

Waiters are far from attentive in Paris, but don’t misconstrue their intentions! Parisian waiters are purposefully aloof to keep you from feeling like you’re being chased away. Once you’ve ordered, they won’t bother you – which means you might have to work to hail them and pay your check!

Sometimes, if your waiter is going off shift, he may ask you to settle your bill, but you can still linger without a problem.

3. People-watching is a sport.

You may notice that if you grab a table outdoors, you won’t be facing your dining companion. Most café tables in Paris are set with both chairs facing the street, both freeing up sidewalk space for those who need to walk past and providing café-goers ample opportunity to watch the passers-by! So sit back, relax, and soak up this all-too-Parisian past time.