Before I was using backpackers, but by dint of finding myself in places with that French and even the backpacker hands I've had enough (that is practical but I say no level change of scenery there better!) now I take my City Notebook, prepare my itinerary thanks to removable layers and hop, adventure, I discovered my restaurant, my stores and other places of interest and I notes on dedicated pages, more I use it less often as backpackers because I'm looking at the plan before so I take most of my visits, for me it's the perfect companion!
City Notebook These are a wonderful way to discover a city with much more freedom than a Backpacker (no address given to you to find them) in addition it allows you to have less like a tourist , just perfect!