23 Things To Know If You Are Traveling To Paris For The First Time
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Ah, Paris. The iconic City of Light, City of Love, Fashion Capital of the World- the reputation of this magical place has preceded it for centuries, and lost none of its glamor to this day.
Photo credit: Maura Bielinski
For centuries, Paris has been France’s bustling capital and home of culture, history, and commerce, housing innumerable internationally-known attractions and sites, and placing itself at the top of any traveler’s bucket list. The city attracts more than 30 million visitors annually and is one of the world’s top-visited cities.
Rich with stunning architecture, ambience, art, cuisine, historical landmarks, fashion, and shopping, Paris is exploding with opportunities as a travel destination. When traveling to Paris for the first time, you may be overwhelmed by its sheer reputation—how to tackle such a destination?
If this is your first time in Paris, here are some Paris travel tips on how to best manage your time and experience in this magical city. We answer frequently asked questions for those seeing Paris for the first time below, and provide some basic know-how on how to optimize your time there!
What is the best time of year to visit Paris?
Paris is stunning at all times of the year. The most popular season for international travel to Paris is May through October, when the weather is a bit more predictable, warm, and sunny. Summer months are peak season in Paris, so everything will be open and flooded with people from all over the planet.
November through April will grant you a colder and more mellow experience. There will be fewer people jostling you in the streets, lower prices for hotels and flights, fewer lines and competition for landmarks and restaurants, and rainier weather. But Paris in the sunshine, under overcast clouds, in the rain, or in the snow (uncommon) is always beautiful and worthwhile.
Photo credit: Haley Mclaughlin
What to know about Paris before going for the first time
The inner city of Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, or administrative districts, methodically splitting up the city in the pattern of a clockwise spiral. At the heart of them, lies the famous Notre Dame and the Île de la Cité, the famous island in the Seine. Each of the 20 arrondissements treasure and house their own history, atmosphere, personality, and attractions. It is great, educational fun to get to know the individual and defining characteristics of each arrondissement, if you have the time and patience. If this is your first time in Paris, start at the very heart of it, and move outward.
Before you visit, be aware that this is a bustling, big, modern-day city. It cherishes an idyllic antiquated beauty and romantic aura, but Paris is also a major metropolis and powerhouse for many industries. There is tourism, but there is also the everyday hustle and bustle of Parisian life. Not every neighborhood and street in Paris will be the romantic daydream you may picture in your mind, so plan to stay in the tourist-friendly, historically-significant areas.
Another common mistake for first-time Paris visitors is overbooking and overloading your days. I know—I know—there are too many things to see and do, but taking the time to slow down, wander aimlessly, pop into unexpected places, and sit at cafes with a cappuccino in hand to watch the world go by, will be one of your favorite experiences in Paris.
Photo credit: Haley Mclaughlin
Do I need a visa to travel to France?
You do not need a visa to travel to Paris, just a valid passport, unless your stay in the EU is longer than 90 days.
What's the currency in Paris?
France, as part of the European Union, uses euros as their national currency. It is recommended that you take out euros before you leave for Paris at your local bank. Nearly everywhere in Paris (including the street vendors) accepts credit cards, but you should know that many banks charge a currency conversion fee, which could really rack up with each purchase.
Photo credit: Haley Mclaughlin
What should I pack for my trip?
Most importantly, wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking a lot.
Bring a travel plug adaptor, because French outlets are different from those in North America.
Use a secure purse, backpack, or even fanny pack for your valuables as you walk the streets—something that will stay close to your body and fastens securely—so that you don’t advertise yourself as an available victim for petty crime.
Paris is well known and celebrated to be the fashion capital of the world, and the street fashion here is fun to be a part of. Bring a few nice outfits, but at the same time, depending on the length of your stay, visitors probably overpack more often for a trip to Paris than underpack. If you are excited for the fashion and shopping aspect of Paris, most likely you will be bringing home new purchases—or wearing them there—so maybe leave a little room in your suitcase.
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Photo credit: Haley Mclaughlin
Is there anything I should know about French culture?
Don’t be overly noisy or loud about being an international tourist. I do love a paper map, but whipping that out in public will identify you on the spot as a tourist. You will get targeted for street scams and overpriced tourist excursions, be shown less respect and warmth by French people, and ideally it is more pleasant and culturally-rewarding if you attempt to blend in, rather than stick out like a sore thumb.
The French will respect you if you show respect for their city and culture; remember that you are a visitor, not privileged to be treated a certain way. It has been said that Parisians are impatient or rude, but that is not so if you first show your respect. Just remember that smiling is universal, and that you should always say “Bonjour.” Making an attempt to produce French—even if weak—will break the ice and warm locals up to you, as opposed to leading with unforgiving and loud English, without even an attempt to defer to French culture.
Restaurant bills do not require tipping as they do in the States, but tips are encouraged. Bills will also not be brought to your table until you ask—part of the French courtesy—so unless you indicate you want the check, you will be sitting there for hours waiting.
It is helpful to know a little of the French language’s basic vocabulary, just enough to order at restaurants, navigate public transport, read signs, make greetings, and so on, but you can count on being able to scrape by without knowing much French. English is a very universal language in Europe and many French people know it well, especially those that work in the tourism industry. However, I encourage you not to abuse that advantage.
Be aware of different opening hours. Many small shops, supermarkets, and buildings close midday for their employees to have a break and meal. Museums and other attractions are often closed Sundays and Monday. If you have a specific place in mind to visit, I would check their hours in advance.
On that note, much entertainment, such as a local cooking class or the Moulin Rouge, requires advance booking. Things fill up fast, even in Paris’ slow season, so if you know you will want to see or experience something, purchase tickets ahead of time.
Photo credit: Maura Bielinski
Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of when traveling to Paris?
Paris is a relatively safe large city. It has its fair share of crime and undesirable neighborhoods (as any massive metropolitan area does), but pickpocketing is really the worst you can expect here as a tourist. Common sense is the way to go. If you are alone on the street after dark, be aware. On public transport, keep a tight grip on your purse and phone; if you are wearing a backpack, put your back to the wall or flip it so that you are wearing it in front of you during the ride.
There are scams that float around the city, so I encourage you to do research before being convinced by a street vendor to make any pricey purchase, ticket, or day trip. They are always overpriced and don’t necessarily deliver quality.
Here is a briefing on areas to avoid at night, such as Gare du Nord, Gare de L’est, and the deserted banks of the Seine. They are not necessarily dangerous, but certainly not the most desirable areas to enjoy Paris by night and feel comfortable in.
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Photo credit: Maura Bielinski
Where should I stay in Paris?
Stay somewhere within the Paris ring road, or the Boulevard Périphérique. Staying outside of that takes you far enough away from the most attractive parts of Paris, could place you in undeveloped, unsafe neighborhoods, and adds unnecessary distance and transport time to your itinerary.
There is really no “best neighborhood” to stay in when in Paris, since it is large and its popular sites spread throughout the city, but the more central, the better. If you would like some examples of some of the most attractive and popular neighborhoods to stay in, the Latin Quarter, Montmartre, the Marais, or Saint-Germain are incredible.
Staying close to a metro station adds convenience. This also facilitates transportation to the airport for your flights, since the metro hooks up to the major train stations. Choose a hotel over an Airbnb, especially if going solo, in a small group, or for a short stay in Paris. There are a ton of quaint, lovable hotels that could add greatly to your travel experience. If going with a group or for an extended stay, then an Airbnb could be more cost-efficient and suitable.
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Photo credit: Haley Mclaughlin
How long should I plan to stay in Paris?
5-7 days is a perfect amount of time in Paris.
This amount of time allows you to see many of the most famous sites and attractions, while also giving you ample wiggle room to just wander the quiet and romantic side streets with no destination in mind. It is a big city, but many of the famous landmarks are within close proximity to one another, even by walking standards, and you will find it easy to navigate.
What is the best way to get around Paris?
By foot, by bus, and by the metro.
I highly encourage you to see Paris by foot. The sightseeing and people-watching, the hole-in-the-wall boulangeries and cafes, the hum of foreign tongues and crazy driving, the sudden appearance of a historically significant 500-year-old church, provides endless diversion, entertainment, and opportunity for adventure. I encourage you to be in the thick of it, slow down, and take in the culture on your own two feet. Walk to dinner, walk to different arrondissements, and you will find treasures you wouldn’t have otherwise!
““The sightseeing and people-watching, the hole-in-the-wall boulangeries and cafes, the hum of foreign tongues and crazy driving, the sudden appearance of a historically significant 500-year-old church, provides endless diversion, entertainment, and opportunity for adventure.””
Photo credit: Maura Bielinski
The metro is a highly convenient and well-run option of Paris public transportation, with metro stations popping up every few blocks. The system is easy to figure out and can get you anywhere you need to go in a jiffy.
You may prefer the bus system instead, which is another convenient option, and provides a scenic tour of the city while you get from A to B.
Do not rent a car, I repeat, do not rent a car. It will be one of your greatest regrets in life. If this is your first time in Paris, then I can already tell you that you are not ready to drive these streets. Also, avoid taking taxis and Ubers, as they are expensive and oftentimes far more time-consuming than a metro.
How much should I expect to spend in Paris?
Paris does not have to be a ridiculously expensive trip, despite there being every opportunity to make it so. You should budget for lodging, transportation, food/drink, admission fees to landmarks, and whatever pocket money you plan to spend on shopping and entertainment. What you will spend depends on your budget, expectations, preference for high-end choices, and prior research.
On average, 7 days in Paris will cost you about $1500 as a solo traveler, and $2600 as a couple.
Things that will add up: taxis and Ubers, the nicest hotels and Airbnbs, expensive meals and drinks, and shopping in the streets of fashion.
Photo credit: Haley Mclaughlin
Additional travel advice for Paris for the first time
If you are most excited for the art and history museums (there are over 140 museums in Paris!), then you could consider purchasing the Paris Museum Pass, which could save you time and money.
The Paris Pass is another product that offers access to many top Paris attractions; this pass is not really necessary, but for some tourists who prefer some structure and aid in building a travel itinerary, then it could be a good option. Here is a review of the Paris Pass.
Sign up for a walking tour. Paris is so jam-packed with important and famous sites and stories, layered like an onion, that there is no possible way to see it all. Going on a tour provides really valuable and interesting insight to the city. The tour guides are either locals or very informed residents that offer fascinating anecdotes, such as which cafes famous writers liked to frequent in their day. Deeper knowledge always increases appreciation for what you are experiencing. There are a ton of companies (and independent private guides) to choose from, but here is a tried-and-true list from a trusted source.
Embrace the culinary experience when in Paris for the first time: expect multiple-course, multiple-hour-long dinners; step outside of your comfort zone with escargot and frog legs. Even if you don’t consider yourself a foodie sort of traveler, make an exception for Paris and indulge in the world-famous culinary culture.
Do not zip around like a crazed tourist trying to check off every historically significant landmark. ~Get lost~ at least once.
Bon Voyage!