30 Practical Paris Travel Tips For First-Timers

Paris is a city that never fails to enchant, but it can also be overwhelming for first-time visitors.

After countless trips to the City of Light (yes, the patisseries keep me coming back), I’ve learned a thing or two about navigating its cobblestone streets, mastering the metro, and avoiding tourist traps.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fifth, these Paris travel tips will help you experience the city like a local—croissant in hand, of course.

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Need help planning your itinerary for Paris? Check out our fun-filled 4-day Paris itinerary or our 5-day Parisian adventure that includes Disneyland Paris!

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Paris Travel Tips: General Tips

Stay in a central location.

During your trip to Paris, you’re going to want to stay in a neighborhood where you’ll be close to the attractions you want to visit. Staying in centrally located neighborhoods might cost a bit more, but you’ll save a lot of time from having to commute to get to landmarks/attractions.

Whenever I’m asked where to stay in Paris, I always recommend Le Marais—it’s my absolute favorite. This historic district is a perfect blend of old-world charm and trendiness, with cobblestone streets, bougie indie boutiques, and some of the best food in the city (L’As du Fallafel, duh).

But if Le Marais is booked up or out of your budget, Paris has plenty of other centrally located gems. Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement) is ideal for literary lovers and café hoppers, while the 1st arrondissement puts you right near the Louvre and Tuileries Garden.

For a more local feel, I like the Canal Saint-Martin area in the 10th—it’s hip, laid-back, and full of great bars and bakeries.

Also when it comes to Paris, accommodation is going to be a huge portion of your travel budget–if not the largest!

Plan on taking a million photos.

Paris is one of the most visually stunning cities in the world and there’s just so much to see. I’m from North America, and it’s a complete 180 from what I’m used to seeing in our metropolitan cities. To this day, I’m still baffled by how a city can be so, so beautiful.

Make sure you have a nice camera ready for the trip if you don’t like the photos that your phone takes. And don’t forget to bring extra rolls of film and/or a camera battery charger!

3-4 days is not enough.

I’m just going to say that outright. You’ll barely be scraping the surface of what the city has to offer, so just be okay with that. Prioritize your must-see’s and must-do’s, not what other guidebooks and itineraries tell you are the top attractions.

Personally, I still have not been to the Louvre or the Notre Dame, because there were other things I wanted to do/see more.

If you can swing it, extend your trip to Paris by a few days more (even then, there’s still too much to do to fit it all into one trip). Give yourself time to slow down and fall in love with the city. Shift your mindset from knocking attractions off an itinerary and just roam around freely.

Paris is one of the best places to do this.

Try to communicate in French first.

Really! The French are very proud of their nationality and language— “when in France, people should be speaking French” kind of thing. So make an effort to learn a few simple phrases in French. Greet the locals you encounter (shop owners, staff, waiters, etc.) with bonjour (good day)! Say merci, au revoir (thank you, goodbye) when you exit a shop or restaurant.

If you’re up for it, try to learn even more phrases and dish them out throughout the day. The locals will really appreciate the effort.

If you have absolutely no idea how to do this, then ask if they speak English: “parlez vous Anglais?”

Chances are, they do know English so don’t be afraid of there being a language barrier. Just show them that you’ve tried, it really goes a long way and people are nicer to you for this. Trying to adapt to their language/culture will really enhance your experience.

Paris is slightly dead in August.

Avoid going to Paris in August if you want a mix of local and tourist experiences. Parisians usually leave the city this month to head off to their vacation destinations. As a result, the majority of non-touristy businesses close in August.

Tourist attractions are obviously open and still very full of people given that it’s summertime, but many local boulangeries, boutiques, and restaurants may be closed.

Stay connected with an eSIM.

Don’t rely on pricey international data plans or spotty Wi-Fi.

Ever since T-Mobile’s free international data stopped being good (the speeds that I get with my plan are essentially unusable for me now), I’ve moved over to Airalo as my international eSIM—it’s affordable, easy to set up, and has worked flawlessly for me everywhere from France to Portugal to Thailand (and even China!).

Just download it before your trip, and you’ll have data as soon as you land.

If you are just doing France, get their France-specific eSIM. If you’re traveling all over Europe, get the regional Eurolink option instead.

DEAL ALERT: For a limited time, use the above link + the promo code AIRALOESIM10 for an additional 10% off your Airalo eSIM purchase. This code is valid for any Airalo service in ANY country!

Beware of the common scams in town.

While Paris is generally a safe city, it’s always good to stay aware of your surroundings and be mindful of common scams that target tourists. Here are three scams that you might encounter in Paris:

The Petition Scam: You’ll be approached by someone (often a group) holding a clipboard and asking you to sign a petition for a “good cause.” While you’re distracted, an accomplice may pickpocket you or pressure you for a donation. Politely but firmly say “Non, merci” and keep walking. Avoid engaging or making eye contact.

The Gold Ring Scam: A stranger will “find” a gold ring on the ground near you, claim it’s yours, and try to sell it to you or distract you while an accomplice steals your belongings. If someone tries to hand you a ring or any item, refuse immediately and walk away. Don’t let them draw you into conversation.

The Friendship Bracelet Scam: Common in Montmartre near Sacré-Cœur, someone will approach you, often claiming to be an artist, and start tying a bracelet around your wrist. Once it’s on, they’ll demand payment. Keep your hands to yourself and say “Non, merci” firmly. If they persist, walk away quickly.

Scammers are always innovating, so while these are known scams, I’m sure there are new schemes popping up on the daily. Just be vigilant and you’ll be fine!

Pickpocketing is a thing in Paris. Use an anti-theft travel bag.

Always keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas like the metro, tourist hotspots, and popular neighborhoods like Montmartre.

I recommend you use a crossbody bag or sling bag with a zipper-close (not just a magnet) and keep it in front of you.

Also, be cautious of distractions—scammers often work in teams to create chaos or draw your attention away from your valuables!

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Paris Travel Tips: Getting Around

Find your bearings.

Sign up for a free walking tour (Sandemans or Walkative) or take a guided bike tour of Paris’ hidden gems to learn about the city on a geographical, historical, and cultural level. Do something like this on your first day to set you up for the rest of your stay.

You’ll have a more immersive experience if you attempt to get to know the city on a deeper level past the pretty sights. Paris has too much history to ignore.

Wear comfortable shoes and be ready to walk.

Walking is really the best way to see the city (and my preferred method of transportation!). More often than not, the streets you pass will be lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as fountains, statues, and other structures that will keep you entertained as you walk.

Not to mention the fact that I’m sure you’ll be gorging on all the French pastries, so why not get a bit of physical activity going so you can offset the calories you intake?

A pair of comfortable walking shoes that can handle uneven ground and chunky cobblestoned roads is best for Europe.

Take the metro.

If walking is not your thing, don’t be afraid to take the Metro. It is easy to navigate, safe, and a very affordable option. Just follow the instructions on Google Maps or download an app like City Mapper to help you with the trains.

Paying for single metro tickets adds up quickly, though. Save time and money by getting a Navigo Easy card or a carnet of 10 tickets (the pack of 10 is what I usually get).

If you’re planning to use public transport a lot, consider a multi-day pass for unlimited rides.

Uber is also a decent option, but it includes wait times and dealing with traffic on busy streets. I found it significantly faster and easier to metro around.

Another option, rent a bike!

Try Vélib’ Metropole, a city bike rental system that you can easily sign up for from your smartphone. There are electric bikes for rent at ~60 locations in the Greater Paris area.

On the electric Vélib’ you no longer do the work: as soon as you begin to pedal, the Vélib’ takes you further and faster as you tackle the steepest streets of the capital and wider area.

Read More: 50 Brilliant Ways To Travel Europe on a Budget

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Paris Travel Tips: Things To Do

Prioritize your must-dos.

Make a list of your top three attractions and really focus on prioritizing those first thing on your mornings. Really, don’t underestimate how crowded Paris can get. Go to your top attractions and museums as early as they allow to beat the lines.

You’ll save yourself so many hours, hours that could be spent on exploring other things rather than waiting in line!

Here’s what my top three looked like on my first trip:

• Palace of Versailles
• Catacombs of Paris
• Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Yours might include the Musée d’Orsay, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and/or the Louvre Museum. These spots get busy so getting them out of the way in the morning is ideal.

Don’t just do the big attractions. Throw in some cultural experiences too.

It doesn’t always have to be about the big sites and attractions. Guided walks that take you to smaller neighborhoods, cooking classes, and food-tasting tours are equally as fun and enriching.

You can find chocolate and pastry classes, hidden Paris bike tours, Taste of Montmartre food tours, ghost and legends night walks, cheese and wine tasting, and so many more unique activities in Paris.

When I get the chance, I’m going to do all of the above!

Check out Palais Garnier.

Go see a ballet at the Palais Garnier, an incredibly opulent theater. If catching an actual show here is out of your budget range, taking a tour of the palace is an attraction in itself.

It’s one of the most beautiful opera houses to have existed!

Plan your Versailles day right.

If the Palace of Versailles is a must for you, show up early and bypass the hoards of crowds by planning to explore the gardens first in the morning (the gardens open at 8am). Trust me, there’s a lot to see, and you’ll be busy here for hours.

By the afternoon, the lines to get into the palace would have dwindled significantly. There will be fewer tour groups crowding the place, which frees up a lot of space inside the palace.

If you aren’t going to be there right when they open, then opting for the skip-the-line tickets is a must. A skip-the-line ticket (or arriving early to explore the gardens first) will help you dodge the crowds and streamline your experience here.

Also, if you want to see the fountains in action, go on a weekend (when the fountains are on). This may mean more crowds, but just plan to arrive earlier.

Getting there: You don’t need to go with a tour guide if you’re looking to save money. Just hop on the train, and in less than 1 hour, you’re there. If you’re confused, ask some people on the train and they’ll help you out. It’s really not a daunting experience. Anyone can do it, granted you do a little bit of planning/research beforehand.

To have the optimal experience of no wait times, you’ll need to wake up early (6-7am or so, and then travel to Versailles) or else deal with the lines. Again, depending on whether or not you can wake up in time, a skip-the-line ticket can be worth it.

This is the ticket option you’ll want if you plan on being an earlybird👇🏼

The Catacombs are going to be crowded.

This is a popular attraction, so it’s not as “off the beaten path” as some guidebooks suggest. Often, the wait to get in is way over an hour. To avoid the long line–you guessed it–purchase your skip-the-line tickets ahead of time.

If you want to wait in line instead to save a couple of bucks, try to get there way before 9am!

I’ve read of people getting in line at 9am, and didn’t actually enter the stairway to the Catabombs until 90 minutes later. The long wait time is due to the 200-person restriction in the catacombs. Inconvenient, but very much needed.

This top-rated guided tour allows you to skip the line and get special access to restricted areas.

The Eiffel Tower Experience

Go online to reserve a time to visit the Eiffel Tower. Weather is a risk, but instead of having to wait in that crazy line upon arrival, just walk up at your designated time. Times open up three months in advance online.

Want the best view of the Eiffel without the crowds? Just walk on the left bank of the Seine, or head to the Trocadero by metro.

If you can afford it, eat lunch or dinner at one of the Eiffel Tower restaurants! It’s an experience of a lifetime. I’ve been recommended this so many times, but have never had the chance to. It’s definitely on my list, though!

Allocate enough time to the big attractions.

If you’re a big museums/attractions person, then you’ll want to plan for The Louvre, Palace of Versailles, or The Orsay to take up nearly an entire day–each.

Don’t assume you’ll spend half a day there and plan for other activities in the day. If you end up with extra time at the end of the day, amazing–you can find a cute neighborhood to explore. If you don’t, you’ll avoid the FOMO of missing out on the second activity you had planned.

Also, don’t forget to factor in wait times! If you don’t show up early, you may easily find yourself waiting for hours in long entrance lines.

Skip the Louvre (if you’re short on time)

If you’re only in Paris for a couple of days, I’d recommend skipping the Louvre. It’s massive, crowded, and can easily eat up half your trip. Getting in can even be a headache and a time-suck.

Instead, opt for smaller museums like the Musée d’Orsay (Impressionist masterpieces) or the Musée de l’Orangerie (home to Monet’s Water Lilies). They’re still packed with incredible art but are much more manageable for a morning or afternoon.

If the Louvre is a must for you, book a guided museum experience to avoid getting lost and overwhelmed—the amount of info you get and time you save is worth it!

Take a day trip out of the city.

The entire country of France is wonderful, and it’s important to realize that Paris is just one city out of many! If you’re open to exploring a bit more outside of Paris, the great news is that it’s quite easy–thanks to the efficient train system in France.

If you’re looking for some inspiration on where to visit, here is a round-up of some of my favorite day trips from Paris by train.

Looking for something shopping-related?

The neighborhood of Le Marais is loaded with very hip and fashionable boutiques, yet the neighborhood is a million times more down-to-earth than the Champs-Elysées.

Get an olfactory diagnosis at a perfumery. Buy French tea towels at an indie boutique. Pick up epicurean goods at a gourmet grocery store.

Rue Montorgueil (2nd Arrondissement) is a favorite among locals. It’s lined with bakeries, cheese shops, wine stores, and small boutiques worth getting lost in. While it’s not a traditional shopping district, it’s perfect for picking up gourmet treats, stylish accessories, and gifts with a Parisian flair!

Rue des Martyrs (9th/18th Arrondissements) is another cute shopping area. This lively street in Montmartre is a mix of old-school charm and modern boutiques. It’s less touristy than the area around Sacré-Cœur but still full of character.

Canal Saint-Martin (10th Arrondissement) is another hip haven for indie boutiques and vintage shops. Look for vintage clothing at Episode or Bobby, handmade accessories at Antoine & Lili, and design-forward home goods at Fleux.

Get the Go City Paris attraction pass.

If you want to visit a lot of attractions while in Paris but have started to realize that all the attraction fees are really adding up, I have a solution for you!

Get Go City’s Paris attraction pass. This is a digital pass where you’ll pay one price for many, many attractions, and have the ability to skip many of the long lines to get into the attractions!

Here are some included attractions to give you a taste of what this pass offers:

• Eiffel Tower Elevator Guided Tour
• 1-Day Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
• Bateaux Parisiens – Seine River Cruise
• The Louvre Museum
• Montmartre & Sacré Coeur – Walking Tour
• … and much more!

While I haven’t personally used Go City in Paris, I have used them in Chicago, Cancun, and Oahu and each time has been an amazing experience where I’ve gotten to see everything I want to see with very little effort!

I highly recommend checkout out the Go City attraction pass if you want to knock off a lot of attractions in a short amount of time.

If museums are more of your thing, get the Paris Museum Pass.

If you’re a museum lover, the Paris Museum Pass is a no-brainer.

It gives you skip-the-line access to over 60 museums and monuments, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Versailles. It comes in 2, 4, or 6-day options, so you can pick what works best for your trip.

Go off the beaten path.

Looking for something different to do? There’s no shame in wanting to skip museums to sit around and drink coffee instead! Heck, I spent most of my time just roaming the streets and eating bread.

Here are a few more unique things to do in Paris other than the highly popularized attractions.

Read More: Guide To Paris: For People Who Are Over Art Museums And Churches

Get a different perspective of the city.

Go for a morning jog outdoors and enjoy early mornings in Paris among locals hustling to get to work. Head to a no-frills cafe at 7-8am, grab a coffee, munch on a croissant, and chat with people who actually live there. It’s a great experience.

Bring your student ID with you for discounts.

If you happen to be a student, be sure to bring along your student ID to take advantage of discounts! Some establishments across the city (including hostels, movie theaters, museums, wine bars, restaurants, etc) offer student discounts, so be sure to bring your student ID along with you if you have one.

On top of that, many attractions, historical landmarks, and museums allow free entry to visitors under 25 or 26 who are residents of the EU.

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Paris Travel Tips: Eating

Understand the different types of eateries.

Understanding the difference between a café, brasserie, and restaurant can make dining in Paris a lot smoother—and help you pick the right spot for the vibe you’re after. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Café: A casual spot for coffee, drinks, and light bites. Cafés are perfect for people-watching, grabbing a quick espresso, or enjoying a croissant.

• What to expect: Outdoor seating (often facing the street), a simple menu with sandwiches, salads, and pastries, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• When to go: Anytime! Cafés are great for breakfast, a midday break, or an evening apéritif.

Brasserie: A lively, all-day eatery with a more extensive menu than a café. Brasseries often have a classic Parisian vibe, with polished brass decor and a high-energy atmosphere.

• What to expect: Traditional French dishes like steak frites, onion soup, and escargots, served in generous portions. Many brasseries are open late, making them a good option for dinner.
• When to go: Ideal for a hearty lunch or dinner, especially if you’re craving classic French comfort food!

Restaurant: A more formal dining experience, often with a specific cuisine or theme.

• What to expect: A set menu (often with multiple courses), attentive service, and a focus on quality ingredients and presentation.
• When to go: For a leisurely lunch or a special dinner.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure where to eat, look for places filled with locals—it’s usually a good sign! And don’t forget to check Google Reviews or ask your hotel for recommendations.

Make restaurant reservations in advance.

If there’s a restaurant that you’re dying to eat at because you read about it in some popular publication or saw it on Instagram/TikTok, chances are there are a lot of other people who want to eat there too.

The most popular restaurants tend to get booked up fast, especially on weekends. With that in mind, I highly recommend making a reservation well in advance so you can guarantee that you’ll be able to dine at that bucket list restaurant of yours!

We even made reservations for our lunch spots like Bouillon République–and so glad we did–the restaurants we chose had long walk-in waits too. With our reservations, we got seated right away.

For places that don’t take reservations (like the ultra-popular Le Relais de l’Entrecôte), get there at least 1 hour before they open. Chances are, you won’t even be the first one in line! Angelina is another spot that often has a massive line.

Eat all the carbs.

The patisseries and boulangeries are incredible, and it is truly a Parisian experience that is not to be missed. Try something at each one (heck, I even tried multiple items at the well-known ones) and worry about the calories later.

Once you’re back home, you’ll only be able to dream about Paris’ bakeries and pastry shops, so really take advantage of your opportunity to eat everything. They are so cheap compared to US pastries and taste a million times better.

Before I even leave home, I make a short list of must-visit spots based on recommendations and articles on the internet (Du Pain et des Idées, duh). But here’s the key: I always leave room for spontaneity.

As I wander the city, I keep an eye out for charming bakeries with lines of locals (a surefire sign it’s good!) or places that catch my eye with their beautiful displays. If I spot something promising, I quickly check Google Reviews to see if it’s worth a stop—and if it is, I pop in and treat myself.

Some of my best finds have come from these unplanned discoveries, like Yann Couvreur Rosiers, which we randomly popped into while waiting for L’As du Fallafel.

Eat outdoors.

If you’re traveling during warm weather periods, try eating dinner at restaurants with outdoor patios so you can people-watch. Paris’ outdoor ambiance during sunset is like no other city.

Try the local flavors.

Never heard of a snack or dish that’s being offered on the menu? Try it! I discovered my favorite jam in the world at a small cafe in Paris because I was given jam options to go along with my baguette/butter (mirabelle jam, it’s amazing).

Now that I’m back in the US where mirabelle plums are illegal to import, I order the jam online because it reminds me of Paris so much and brings back all the feels.

Expand your palate while in Paris, it’s a food capital for a reason!

Sample the cheeses.

Walk into a fromagerie and ask the staff for recommendations, or just grab a few chunks of whatever catches your eye.

Have a cheese-sampling picnic with a baguette and a bottle of wine by the river or the Eiffel Tower. I live for these moments.

Schedule dinner later.

Parisians, as well as a lot of other Europeans, tend to eat dinner later. Aim to head out to dinner around 8-9pm, as you’ll find many of the good restaurants won’t be open until 7:30pm.

Also, note that many restaurants close between lunchtime and dinnertime.

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Travel Inspiration: Paris, France

Get pumped for your trip! Check out these visually stunning movies set in Paris for some inspiration.

• Midnight In Paris
• Amelie
• 2 Days In Paris
• An American In Paris
• Marie Antoinette
• Hugo
• Moulin Rouge

Looking for more Paris travel tips?

16 Fantastic Day Trips from Paris by Train

10 Best Castles in France You Must See For Yourself

Guide To Paris: For People Who Are Over Art Museums And Churches

Photos That Will Inspire You To Visit Paris

The Ultimate Packing Checklist for Europe

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