Travel Tips for Paris: Plan, Eat, and Explore With Confidence

Paris might feel familiar from films and Instagram, but in reality, this city is full of unwritten rules. Below you’ll find essential travel tips for Paris, organized into themed sections so you can jump straight to the part you need. Bookmark the page, make some mental notes, and, when in doubt, do as the Parisians do.

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Paris Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors

So, what should you know before visiting Paris for the first time? Here’s some quick, practical advice on planning, packing, eating, and exploring like you belong here.

Not ready to book a tour? See if Paris tours are worth it.

Pre‑Departure Planning for Paris

Don’t get on the plane until you’ve done ALL of the following:

1. Map Out the Must‑Sees Before You Hit “Book”

Paris squeezes world‑class art, architecture, and food into a footprint smaller than New York City, but that doesn’t mean everything is around the corner. Decide early which sights top your list and pin them on Google or Apple Maps.

Then, group activities by location and secure your tickets in advance.

👉 Want help with the planning? Check out these Paris itineraries: 1-Day • 2-Day • 3-Day • 4-Day 

2. Choose a Neighborhood That Matches Your Pace

Do not choose your hotel based on your favorite landmark. Rather, think about what you want to be close to in the morning and evening, and the type of vibe you’re after. Here’s a cheat sheet:

• Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arr.): Chic, central, and foodie-friendly.
  
  
• Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arr.): Trendy, LGBTQ+, full of boutiques.
  
  
• Latin Quarter (5th Arr.): Budget, student energy, historic charm.
  
  
• Montmartre (18th Arr.): Artsy, romantic, best for longer stays.

👉 Browse the best hotels in Paris, hand-picked by locals.

3. Get Tickets & Tours in Advance

You can wing a few things in Paris, but not the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Versailles. Timed-entry tickets and guided tours can sell out weeks in advance, especially in high season (May through September). You might get lucky booking closer to your date, but the best time slots (like sunset views or early entry) go first.

4. Travel Off‑Peak for Cheaper Rooms and Shorter Lines

April to May and mid‑September through early November bring mild weather, cheaper hotel rates, and manageable crowds. July and early August are the busiest and priciest, and while December is magical for holiday lights, shorter daylight hours can put a damper on your plans. 

5. Set Realistic Expectations

Paris isn’t perfect. Grey skies, transit strikes, and a bit of chaos are part of the package. Remember, this is a real city filled with locals going about their day.

Top Paris Tours

Packing Tips For Paris

Wondering what to pack for your trip to Paris? We recommend bringing layers, weather-proof essentials, and shoes chic enough for a café yet comfy enough for 20,000 steps.

6. Pack Layers No Matter the Forecast

The weather in Paris is unpredictable, and the evenings and mornings often feel chilly compared to the afternoons. Pack a few extra warm layers, a raincoat, and an umbrella if you’re traveling in the spring, summer, or fall. And if you’re visiting in winter, you’ll need a decent winter coat.

7. Stylish and Comfortable Shoes Are Non‑Negotiable

The average tourist clocks 15,000 to 20,000 steps a day in Paris, and nothing ruins a trip faster than sore feet. But throw on neon running shoes and you’ll stick out instantly. The fix? Opt for leather sneakers or low-profile boots that are as comfy as trainers but stylish enough for a café terrace.

8. Buy Robust Travel Insurance, Not Just Cancellation Coverage

Now more than ever, travel insurance is something you should look into. Just be aware of what your travel insurance policy covers. Does it cover cancellation for any reason? Does it cover a pandemic? Transit strikes?

We recommend AIG / Travel Guard as we’ve never heard any negative feedback from our customers who have purchased their policy.

Find Your Perfect Parisian Hotel

Tips For Getting Around Paris

Navigate Paris like a local by mastering the metro, planning airport rides in advance, and leaving room to roam.

9. Master the Metro

The Metro is hands down the fastest and most affordable way to get around Paris. That said, it’s not always as intuitive as other European systems. Give yourself extra time to figure out the ticket machine and locate the right platform.

👉 For more details, check out our guide to the Best Ways to Get Around Paris.

10. Leave Space for Wandering

It’s easy to over-plan your Paris trip, but don’t. This is a city best enjoyed at a slower pace, with time to linger in parks or watch the world go by from a sidewalk café. Aim for two key sights or activities per day.

11. Book Airport Transfers in Advance

If you’re landing between midnight and 5 am, you’ll want to pre-book Amico Limo. During the day, the RER B train is the cheapest way from CDG into the city, but navigating stairs and crowds with luggage isn’t exactly a dream arrival.

Top Paris Tours

Money & Practicalities Tips For Paris

If you like saving money, read these tips.

12. Credit Cards Are King, But Carry Some Cash

Contactless cards work almost everywhere, from boulangeries to ticket machines. Occasionally, a bakery or market stall enforces a €10 minimum, so having a bit of cash on hand is smart.

Also, keep in mind that swipe‑and‑sign cards may fail at unmanned kiosks. If you don’t have one already, ask your bank about a debit card with a chip.

13. Use ATMs Inside Banks

This goes for anywhere in Europe. Find an ATM with a no-fee agreement with your bank and take the maximum out possible to reduce the fees you need to pay. 99 out of 100 times it’s cheaper than exchange counters that lure with “no commission” signs.

14. Learn a Few Basic French Words

French is incredibly difficult, and locals don’t expect you to have it mastered. But they will expect you to say bonjour (hello) when you enter a cafe or shop, and bonne journée (have a good day) when you leave. Add s’il vous plaît (please) and merci (thank you), and you’ll find Parisians aren’t so rude after all.

Step up your French game with this article: Helpful French Phrases to Learn Before You Go to Paris

Find Your Perfect Parisian Hotel

Eating & Drinking Tips for Paris

Dine in Paris the right way by reserving tables, eating late, and trusting seasonal suggestions from your server.

15. Make Reservations for Dinner

Parisians see reservations as a basic courtesy, not just a way to avoid disappointment. Meals are cooked fresh, and giving advance notice is part of how the system works. In some restaurants, walk-ins aren’t even an option.

Want some recommendations? Browse our Restaurant Guide to Paris!

16. Eat When Parisians Eat (Dinner After 7 PM)

Dinner service typically begins after 7 pm, with most locals sitting down around 8 or 8:30. To hold yourself over, head to one of these best bars in Paris to enjoy a small snack and a glass of wine around 4 pm.

17. Trust Your Server & Order What’s Seasonal

The secret to eating well in Paris is mastering the phrase “Que recommandez-vous?” (What do you recommend?) Parisians are too prideful to lead you astray.

If you’re a foodie looking to explore French cuisine, join our Paris food tour for a fun night with delicious food.

18. Make Lunch About the View

Lunch is the perfect opportunity to sit outside and enjoy the scenery. We recommend checking out Passage des Panoramas in Montmartre or the best restaurants in the Le Marais neighborhood for great people-watching and delicious food.

19. Skip the Hotel Breakfast—Hit a Boulangerie Instead

€4 buys a flaky croissant au beurre and café crème at local bakeries like Du Pain et des Idées. Cheaper, fresher, and way more Parisian than anything you’ll get at a breakfast buffet.

Top Paris Food Tours

Sights, Safety & Easy Day Trips

Beat the crowds, stay safe, and see more with these tips.

20. Book Skip-the-Line Tickets—Always

Visiting the Catacombs, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre without skip-the-line tickets can leave you in a two-hour queue. Reserve timed entry or join a guided group for quick entry.

21. Plan at Least One Day Trip

Paris is beautiful, but so are its surroundings. Versailles’ gardens, Monet’s ponds at Giverny, or Champagne cellars in Reims are great options to consider.

Top Day Trips From Paris

Final Thoughts: Travel Tips for Paris

Paris rewards curiosity and preparation in equal measure. Say bonjour with confidence, keep your evenings free for late dinners and riverbank strolls, and leave extra time for the unplanned moments. With these tried‑and‑true travel tips, your first trip to Paris will feel less like a checklist and more like a return trip to your favorite destination.