Looking for the best Paris travel tips to make the most of your trip to the City of Light? Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, drawing over 30 million tourists each year to its charming streets, iconic landmarks, and cultural treasures.

Known as the birthplace of haute couture and home to over 1,800 bakeries, Paris has a history as rich as its cuisine.

From the awe-inspiring architecture of Notre Dame to the modern art housed in the Pompidou Center, this city effortlessly blends the past and present.

*This post contains affiliate links*

Paris wasn’t always the sprawling metropolis we know today—it started as a small settlement on Île de la Cité over 2,000 years ago.

Fast forward to the 19th century, and the Eiffel Tower became its defining symbol during the 1889 World’s Fair, despite initial criticism from locals.

Whether it’s your first time visiting or your tenth, these Paris travel tips will help you navigate this magical city like a seasoned traveler. From cultural nuances to practical advice, let’s dive into everything you need to know before packing your bags!

Traveling To Paris Tips

Ice Isn’t Common: Don’t expect ice in your drinks; most are served at room temperature or slightly chilled.

No Free Refills: Sodas and other drinks typically come in small portions and are not refillable.

Customer Service Is Different: It’s less about fast service and more about enjoying your time. Be patient and polite.

Public Transportation is Easy: The metro and buses are efficient, affordable, and simple to navigate.

Avoid Rush Hours: The metro is jam-packed during morning and evening commutes. Plan your trips accordingly.

Sneakers Are Rare: Parisian women often opt for stylish flats or loafers instead of athletic sneakers.

Museums Are Free on the First Sunday: Many major museums, like the Louvre, offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month.

Visit the Tabac: Local tabacs are great for coffee, people-watching, and soaking up authentic Parisian culture.

RER from the Airport: The RER B train is an affordable and convenient way to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris.

Tips For Paris Travel

Croissants from Bakeries: Skip restaurant croissants and head to a bakery for the freshest and most affordable options.

Eiffel Tower Tickets: Buy tickets in advance to avoid disappointment or long lines at the Eiffel Tower. Get your tickets here

Dine at the Eiffel Tower: The fancy restaurant at the top offers stunning views but comes with a high price tag.

George Restaurant: Located at the top of the Pompidou Center, George offers amazing views and an unforgettable dining experience.

Learn a few French Words: Simple phrases like “Bonjour” (hello) and “Merci” (thank you) go a long way.

Wi-Fi is plentiful: You won’t have a hard time staying connecting, as Wi-Fi is everywhere. NOTE: It’s pronounced wee-fee in Paris.

Carry a Scarf: A scarf is both a fashion statement and a practical accessory in Paris.

Watch for Pickpockets: Be extra cautious in crowded areas like the metro and tourist attractions.

Eat Like a Local: Dine in small restaurants that do not have English translations on the menu.

Skip Breakfast at Hotels: Local bakeries often have better and cheaper options for pastries and coffee.

Walk Everywhere: Paris is a walkable city, and you’ll see more of its charm on foot.

Plan Museum Visits: Many museums are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays—check schedules ahead of time.

Parisian Dinner Times: Most locals eat dinner around 8 PM, so plan your dining accordingly.

Avoid Tourist Traps: Restaurants near major landmarks often charge more for less authentic food.

Keep Your Metro Ticket: Hold on to your metro ticket until the end of your journey as you may need it to exit and there are often random checks by the police.

Visit Parks and Gardens: Spend time in Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg, or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Be sure to have a crepe at Parc Monceau.

Planning a trip to Paris? Discover 50 essential Paris travel tips to make your visit unforgettable.
Hanging out in Parc Manceau

Carry Cash: Small shops and cafes might not accept cards or have a minimum purchase requirement.

See Eiffel Shine: The top of the Eiffel Tower sparkles for ten minutes at night at the top of the hour.

Try the Markets: Visit local markets like Marché Bastille for fresh produce and unique finds.

Use Velib Bikes: Rent bikes through the city’s Velib system for a fun way to explore.

See Paris by Night: The city is beautifully illuminated after dark—don’t miss the Eiffel Tower’s hourly sparkle.

Explore Beyond Central Paris: Neighborhoods like Montmartre, Belleville, and the Marais are full of charm and history.

Enjoy a Seine River Cruise: It’s a romantic and relaxing way to see the city. Get your tickets here.

Pack Layers: Paris weather can change quickly, so dress in layers.

Skip the Champs-Élysées: It’s crowded and overpriced—opt for smaller streets for shopping. Rue du Rennes is a lovely option.

Visit Local Cafés: Order a “café crème” (latte) or an “espresso” and enjoy it slowly, like a local.

Paris Travel Tips

Understand Tipping: Service is included in your bill, but rounding up a few euros is appreciated.

Visit a Rooftop Bar: For amazing views, check out rooftop spots like Le Perchoir.

Take a Day Trip: Explore nearby gems like Versailles or Giverny.

Beware of Scams: Ignore people offering friendship bracelets or asking for signatures.

Explore Smaller Museums: Don’t miss the Musée de l’Orangerie or the Rodin Museum. Get your Rodin tickets here

Visit a Flea Market: Check out Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen for unique vintage finds.

Take a Cooking Class: Learn how to make French pastries or classic dishes to bring a piece of Paris home. Click here for a wonderful cooking class option in Paris.

Try a Macaron: Stop by Ladurée or Pierre Hermé for this iconic Parisian treat.

Don’t Rush Meals: Dining is an experience in Paris, so take your time to savor it.

Use Contactless Cards: Many metro machines and shops accept tap-to-pay for convenience.

Explore the Catacombs: For a unique and slightly eerie experience, visit the underground ossuaries.

Take Advantage of Train Travel: High-speed trains make it easy to visit other French cities from Paris. NOTE: Trains depart on time, do not be late.

Visit Shakespeare & Co.: This iconic English-language bookstore is a must-see for book lovers.

Enjoy Parisian Pastries: Don’t miss éclairs, tarte tatin, or pain au chocolat.

Climb the Arc de Triomphe: The view from the top is worth the effort, just don’t cross the street, use the underground tunnel. Click this link to reserve your tickets.

Embrace the Culture: Slow down, people-watch, and enjoy the Parisian way of life—it’s all part of the charm!

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll navigate Paris like a pro and enjoy every moment of your adventure!

NEXT STEPS: Want more information on traveling to Paris? Check out my 2 day itinerary post which gives you tons of info about what you can do in Paris for 2 days.

Then check out my post on the best hotels to stay in with Eiffel Tower views. And before you can pick a hotel, it’s nice to know a little something about the area, wouldn’t you agree? Check out my post which breaks down each neighborhood in Paris.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *