Visiting Paris For the First Time? Ultimate Paris Guide

Ahh Paris, the city of lights, the city of love. No matter what you choose to call Paris, we can all agree that Paris is one of the most vibrant cities in the world and is filled with culture, history, food and entertainment.

Visiting Paris for the first time can be very overwhelming. Where do you stay in Paris? What do you do in Paris? Is Pairs really that expensive? Before you know it you have gone down the Google rabbit hole and know you have too much information.

Planning for and the anticipation of your trip to Paris is almost as much fun as your actual visit to Paris … well kind of.

In this guide you will find where to stay, top things to do in Paris, unique things to do in Paris, what to eat and some top tips for visiting Paris for the first time.

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Getting to Paris

Flying to Paris

If you fly into Paris you will land at either Charles De Gaulle or Orly Airport. Both of these airports are located roughly 45 minutes from the center of Paris via taxi. Obviously, this does depend on traffic.

Taxis are readily available from both airports, however, they are quite expensive (it is Paris after all!). Taxis from Orly will cost roughly 25 euros and from Charles De Gaulle will be around 50 euro. There is a 30% surcharge between 7 pm and 6 am and a charge of 1.50 euro per suit case.

A much cheaper option, although a more time consuming option, is to take public transport.

From Charles De Gaulle, trains run from 5:30 am until midnight every 15 minutes from the airport and go to Gare du Nord, Chatelet Les Halles and Luxembourg train stations.

From Orly airport there is a shuttle bus which will take you from the airport to the train station. The train then runs from 5:30 am until 11 pm and leaves every 15 minutes. The train goes from the airport to Gare d’Austrelits, St Michel/Notre Dame and Invalides stations.

If you are flying with Air France they do provide a bus service to and from both airports.

Getting the train to Paris

If you are travelling by train, Paris is very accessible from most European countries. The French capital is only a couple of hours from Brussels, London, Amsterdam just to name a few.

If you are arriving by train, you will most likely arrive in to Gare d’Nord. The Euro star from London arrives to Gare d’Nord and the train station is pretty central.

Driving to Paris

The roads in Paris are relatively easy to navigate, especially if you have Google Maps. If you do not have your own car, you can hire a car from most European cities and towns.

London is a four and a half hour drive to Paris via the Eurotunnel, Amsterdam is located 5 hours from Paris and Brussels is located 3 hours from Paris.

Getting around Paris when visiting Paris for the first time

Walking

Paris is a very large city but is walkable if you have the time. Walking is the perfect way to see the city and some of the hidden gems. Just be aware that the Eiffel Tower is not right next to the Moulin Rouge, most the things to do in Paris are a decent walk.

However, with the exception of the walk to Montmartre, Paris is a flat city and is beautiful to walk around.

Top Tip: Join a walking tour, you get to see the highlights of Paris and hear some of the best places to eat, drink and see from a local.

Metro

The metro is very easy to navigate and one of the best ways to get around Paris. If you are planning on using the metro several times, I recommend checking out the Paris Viste Metro Pass. With this pass you will be able to ride the Metro (and buses, trams, RER) with no limits, and also visit museums for free.

There are around 300 metro stations in Paris, and each station is no more than a 10 minute walk from were you want to visit in Paris.

Buses

If you would rather remain above ground when travelling around Paris, buses are a great option. There are plenty of bus stops around the city, so you are guaranteed to have one not too far from your accommodation.

At each bus stop, the route with all of the stops will be shown and a timetable. However, if you are unsure if you are in the right place, show the bus drive the name of the place you are going and they will be able to tell you if you are on the right bus.

During the day, buses usually leave every 5 – 7 minutes, times will vary at night time so check the Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens website.

On the RAPT website you will also find an interactive map to help you plan your trip on the buses and the Metro.

Bike

Biking around Paris is a must do activity in itself. Many Parisians will ride bikes around the city (and yes, they often have baguettes in their baskets or backpacks). If you are travelling and do not have your own bike, hiring a bike through Velib is a popular and cheaper way to go.

The are more than 1,800 stations around the city for you to collect or drop off a bike. When hiring a bike, the first half is free. If you can pick up and drop off your bike within half an hour you will not pay anything, once you have returned your bike you can take out another bike.

Taxis

There are thousands of taxis around Paris and they are very to easy to hail if you cannot find a taxi rank. They are also one of the most expensive ways to get around the city. However, they are probably the most convenient way to get from the airports to the city.

Top tip: Uber operates in a similar way to Taxis, except you need to have access to the website or the app. Uber is often cheaper than a taxi.

Where to stay in Paris for first time visitors

6th Arrondisement

Denise, Chef Denise

The 6th arrondissement is one of the best areas to stay in Paris. In addition to being one of the most beautiful districts, it is also very centrally located on the left bank, stretching from the Seine River to Montparnasse.

Sandwiched between the 7th arrondissement (the Eiffel Tower) and the 5th (the Pantheon and Sorbonne), you’ll find you can walk to many of the most iconic Paris landmarks like Notre Dame, Hotel des Invalides, and the Louvre Museum. 

Of course, the 6th boasts a few notable attractions of its own. For example, it’s home to the oldest church in Paris, Saint Germaine de Prés.

Perhaps just as well known are the two literary cafes nearby, Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore.

Enjoy famous French dishes where historic figures like Hemingway, Picasso, and Jean-Paul Sartre once spent hours creating everyday. 

The 6th also offers plenty of space to linger outdoors in the massive Luxembourg Gardens.

The impressive Senate Building sits front and center surrounded by an impressive array of colorful blooms. This is a great place for a picnic or for a little respite from sightseeing. Children race toy boats in the large fountain while adults (mostly men) can be found playing Pétanque.

Don’t miss the Medici Fountain, one of the prettiest in Paris!

The Marias

One of the best (and probably most exciting) places to stay in Paris for your first trip is the Marais, especially if it is your first solo trip to Paris.

The Marais a neighbourhood in central Paris that is filled with plenty of places to eat, shop and drink. Even on a Sunday, when you will find most of the shops and eateries are not open all day in Paris, you will be sure to find plenty of places to explore.

The Marais is the ultimate “Paris”, or what you might picture Paris to be like. There are plenty of beautiful buildings, stunning streets, quaint squares and some museums to get your history fix.

No matter what you are looking for during your stay in Paris, you are bound to find it in the Marais.

Montmartre

Located in the hilly area of the 18th arrondissement, you will feel as though you are worlds away from Paris in a small French village.

Despite feeling as though you are miles away, you will have superb views over Paris from the Basilica at Sacre Coeur, this is the perfect place to grab a picnic (at any time of day) and take in the atmosphere of the buskers and the views over the most beautiful city in the world.

Filled with narrow cobblestone streets, cute little cafes, artists painting in the square and tiny vineyard you can easily spend your days soaking in the Parisian atmosphere, before heading to the Moulin Rouge for your night time activities.

Best Hotels for your first trip to Paris

Hotel Monte Cristo

If you are looking for a charming Boutique Hotel in an attractive area with lots of local Paris vibes, look no further: the Hotel Monte Cristo meets all criteria for a wonderful time in Paris. 

It is a rare pearl of a hotel, especially in Paris: spacious rooms, great location, swimming pool with sauna, outstanding breakfast and an excellent in-house bar, that has actually the largest Rum selection of France. 

The Hotel is located in the Latin Quarter, just at the foot of Rue Mouffetard with its many bars and restaurants.

The close by Metro brings you in a few minutes to some of Paris main sights like the Louvre, Panthéon or the Notre Dame Cathedral. 

All this is wonderful but the real amazing part is the beautiful decoration of the Hotel Monte Cristo.

Following the theme of Alexandre Dumas famous adventure novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” you find yourself in sumptuous tropical setting of the19th century.

The attention to detail is mind blowing and runs like a red thread through the hotel. 

If you are in for even more treats, book a rum tasting at the bar or enjoy a delicious meal in the hotel run restaurant just across the street. 

Shangri-La Paris

Whilst the Shangri-La Paris is definitely on the more expensive side when it comes to accommodations, it is a must when visiting Paris for the first time if you are looking to splurge a little (or a lot).

Located near the Jardins du Trocadéro and only a ten minute walk from the Eiffel Tower you will have amazing views of the tower from the hotel.

Complete with all the finest details from lavish grand staircases to opulent bathrooms, you step into a dream world from the moment you enter the hotel.

All of the rooms come complete with a living space, spacious bathrooms including rain showers and a separate bath tub. Rooms on the upper levels have stunning balconies to enjoy a meal or a drink whilst taking in a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Hotel Petit Paris

Located close to the Luxembourg Gardens and the Latin Quarter you will find the stunning boutique Hotel Petit Paris. The hotel is just a 5 minute walk from Gare du Nord train station which will make your arrival easy, if coming into Paris on the train.

The close proximity to the “main areas” of Paris makes this the perfect base if you are planning exploring Paris on foot.

The décor of the rooms are to resemble Historic France and every room is sound proof with either views of the garden or the inner courtyard.

Each get will be able to enjoy a buffet breakfast each morning in the breakfast room and every room has a mini bar for those late night munchies and there is a bar for you to enjoy a drink after your busy day of exploring Paris.

Compare prices on Booking.com | Agoda

Top things to do on your first visit to Paris

There are so many things to do in Paris that it can be hard to know what to see, especially when you’re only in Paris for a few days, or maybe a week if you are lucky.

Unfortunately, you are not going to see everything. Even if you spend all day everyday of your trip hitting the ground running there will still be plenty of things you won’t be able to see. Instead, create a list of the top things to do in Paris and then choose the places that are most important to you.

Here are some of the places that you can’t miss on your first trip to Paris:

Climb the Eiffel Tower

Built in 1889 for the World Fair, The Eiffel Tower was never intended to be a permanent structure.

Lucky, it was decided to keep the tower because could you imagine a Paris without the Eiffel Tower. For some travellers it is an emotional moment seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time or sitting under the Eiffel Tower having a picnic with a glass of wine as the sunsets.

For some, just seeing the Eiffel Tower is enough (don’t miss the light show every hour at night time) but for most, climbing the Eiffel Tower is a must.

You can choose to climb the Eiffel Tower but you need to be steady on your feet and relatively fit, there are over 600 stairs to climb. You can climb to the second floor and then you will need to take the lift to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

There is something cool about saying you’ve actually climbed the Eiffel Tower.

If climbing the Eiffel Tower isn’t quite for you, you can take the lift from the ground to the top floor.

On the second floor of the tower you can find some cafes to grab a bite to eat and shops that you can buy plenty of souvenirs from.

On the top floor you can buy a glass of real French Champagne to sip on as you admire the gorgeous views over the city of Paris.

When visiting the Eiffel Tower be prepared for the security measures that have been put in place over the last few years. You will need to have your bags scanned and go through a body scanner.

Get lost in The Louvre museum

One of the most iconic places in Paris is the Louvre and the stunning glass pyramids.

The Mona Lisa is one of the most famous residents at the Louvre but you will also find medieval ruins, ancient artifacts, paintings, textiles and so much more.

Even with a map, or an audio guide you are guaranteed to get lost amongst the different exhibits but that is half the fun.

As you could imagine, the Louvre is a must on most travellers bucket lists and it can get very crowded (you need to line up for the Mona Lisa and you have 60 seconds to observe the famous painting) so you will want to arrive first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

You can also purchase your ticket online in advance to choose your entrance time and skip the queue.

You will want to allow a few hours, if not a couple of days to explore the Louvre, or if you are short on time, choose a few exhibits that you really want to visit.

Marvel at the Notre Dame

Three days in Paris would not be complete without a visit to the iconic Notre Dame. The Notre Dame Cathedral is free to visit and a must on your three day in Paris itinerary.

There are often long lines but unlike other attractions these lines move pretty quickly. When visiting the Notre Dame you must see the Crown of Thorns and admire the Gothic Architecture.

Sadly, the Notre Dame was badly damaged by a fire on the 15th of April, 2019, the hope is to have the Cathedral returned to its former glory by 2024 in time for the Paris Olympics.

Whilst you cannot go into the Cathedral at the moment you can see the outside of this beautiful building and I believe it is still well worth a visit. It sits right on the Seine River and it is a gorgeous example of a French Gothic Building.

Take in the views at the Arc de Triomphe

Home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, the Arc de Triomphe was constructed to remember the soldiers from the French Revolution and the Napoleon wars.

Some what surprisingly the Arc de Triomphe is located in the middle of the city in the middle of an extremely busy roundabout.

In order to reach the Arc de Triomphe, you need to use the stairs which leads to a tunnel underneath road and brings you to the base of the Arc de Triomphe.

You can access the base of the Arc de Triomphe for free, to walk around the Arc and see the tomb of the Unknown Solider but if you would like to climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe you will need to purchase a ticket.

Tickets costs 13€ and are worth purchasing in advance because it allows you to skip the line.

Fun fact: 45 years before the Arc de Triomphe was constructed, a French architect put in a proposal for erecting an statue of a giant elephant.

Walk along Champs-Élysées

If you love shopping then you will fall in love with the Champs-Élysées.

One of the most famous shopping strips in the world you will find some very high-end shops such as Louis Vuitton’s flagship store.

Not only will you find the high end stores and restaurants but you will also find some “high street” type shops which are more affordable.

Even though the Champs-Élysées is a must do for those who love shopping it is also a must do even if you don’t like shopping.

The street itself is beautiful and provides a fabulous view of the Arc de Triomphe.

Fun Fact: The Champs-Élysées is also the finish line for the Tour de France and home to the Bastille Day on the 14th of July.

Despite the Parisian atmosphere, The Champs-Élysées is definitely a tourist hotspot. There are plenty of people on the street selling paintings of Paris (yes, you will see three of these on my walls at home), charms and postcards

Top tip: Stop in at Laduree for a Macaron, even if you think Macarons are not you “thing” do yourself a favour and grab one anyway.

Cruise along The Seine

One of the most famous rivers in the world is the Seine and one of the best things to do on the Seine is a river cruise.

A river cruise gives you a whole knew perspective on the City as you can see it from a different point of view from walking, biking or driving around Paris.

Whether you are taking a day cruise, a sunset cruise of a fancy three course meal cruise you need to put a cruise high on your Paris bucket list.

The tours start for as little as 10€ and go every half hour or hour, usually lasting for about 60-90 minutes (called the illumination cruise) or paired with a 3-course dinner meal (lasts 2.50 to 3 hours).

Most of the cruises have a running commentary in a few different languages that gives you the history of the Paris and the sites that you are going past.

Night cruises are so lovely as you can see the lights of the Eiffel Tour sparkle and twinkle every hour.

Visit a Parisian Café

One of the biggest parts of daily life in Paris, in fact in the french culture in general, is spending time at cafes.

Paris is famous for the cafes that line the sidewalks and for the tables filled with people sipping their coffees and people watching, it is one of the things that draws people to Paris.

Your first morning coffee (or breakfast) should be at a local cafe near your hotel or on your first moring walk. I do warn you, that once you have sat down at those cute little outdoor tables ordering a coffee and a pastry, you will want to return each day.

Maybe even use the time to practice some of your basic french phrases, the waiters will love your attempt to communicate with them in their language but more on that later.

Looking for some inspiration? Why not try: Le Vrai Paris Restaurant, La Fontaine de Belleville or Les Deux Magots.

Take in the views from Sacre-coeur

Sacré-Coeur is located in one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Paris, Montmartre.

The Basilica is free to enter and is open from 6am until 10:30pm you can also climb to the top of the Basilica. Enter from the left hand side and be prepared to climb 300 steps.

Even if you don’t want to go inside Basilica the views over Paris from the steps out the front are amazing. Sunrise, day time, sunset and night time all provide amazing views over Paris.

Experience a show at the Moulin Rouge

Also in Montmartre, you will find the red windmill of the Moulin Rouge and taking in a show is an absolute must.

If you have not heard of the Moulin Rouge it is home to the most famous Cabaret show in the world.

Inside the Moulin Rouge you will find glitz, glamour, champagne and very little clothing.

There are two shows during the day, one at 1pm and one again at 2:45pm and shows book out months in advance.

For the evening you can simply purchase a regular ticket or you can go all out and purchase a ticket including dinner. We decided to go in between and buy our ticket including a bottle of champagne (shared between two), it was amazing sitting watching the world famous show while sipping on French Champagne.

If you choose the dinner option you arrive at the Moulin Rouge and are served dinner before the show.

We chose the Champagne and show option, on arrival we were seated at our table and served a bottle of champagne. I recommend this option as it is very pricey to have dinner and a show but it is lovely to have some champagne as you watch the show.

Take some time to wander and get lost in the streets of Paris

There is a saying or a word in French, “flaneur”, and it means to wander or to take a stroll and this is exactly what you should do when you are visiting Paris for the first time.

Paris has some of the most beautiful streets in the world, every time you turn a corner or look back at where you just walked, you will find a picture perfect moment.

Walking is one of the best ways to see Paris and to find hidden courtyards, beautiful buildings and adorable petit cafes that you wouldn’t have found if you wizzed passed on a bike or on a tour bus.

There is a huge temptation to pack your itinerary (check out how to spend one day or three days in Paris) but allow sometime, even if it is just a couple of hours to aimlessly wander around the streets.

If you are looking to get off the beaten path a little more or find some places that not all tourists know about you might want to check out some of the best unique things to do in Paris.

Best Places to eat on your first visit to Paris

One of the most amazing things to do in Paris is to eat and drink. The wine and champagne are next level and the food is devine. Even grabbing a baguette at a local bakery will blow your mind.

Even if you are travelling Paris on a budget, splurge on one meal in a restaurant or cafe during your trip.

Café du Trocadéro

Bradley, Dream Big, Travel Far

Café du Trocadéro sits in the well-known 16th arrondissement of Paris overlooking the city’s icon: the Eiffel Tower.

It’s a gorgeous cafe serving French food and European cuisine and is popular among locals and tourists, business people, and families alike.

Using only the freshest ingredients, their menu embraces the classic dishes of the brasserie. From cheese selections, and breakfast plates, to various pastries, salad, pasta, and of course, an array of fragrant French coffee.

Their soupe à l’oignon, or onion soup, is especially delicious and hearty, especially when enjoyed on a cold winter afternoon.

Whether for breakfast, lunch, tea, or dinner, Café du Trocadéro offers a wonderful experience. In the morning, dine outside and watch the streets come alive with passersby.

The view is no less impressive in the evening, as the Eiffel Tower lights up against the spectacular cityline.

Meanwhile, its chic interior takes inspiration from contemporary Art Deco with a soft amalgamation of beige, white, and greige reflected throughout the sleek furnishing.

There is something romantic about its ambiance too, which can be fitting for an unforgettable Parisian experience.

From Chareau wall lights to brass elements, this cafe feels both comfortable and intimate as it embodies the vibrancy of the local lifestyle.

Ladurée

Cosette, KarsTravels

When in Paris eating macarons is a must. Ladurée was founded in 1862 and made the first macaron as we know it today. Ladurée is to this day one of the most famous and popular places in Paris to try a macaron.

The shop on the Champs-Élysées is the place to be. It’s a restaurant, tea room and macaron specialist. Stand in line to buy one of the 15.000(!) they sell each day.

Expect long lines at the store on the Champs-Élysées. Go for their delicious tasting macarons and to ooh and aah at their display.

Make it part of a self-guided Paris macaron walking tour, since the Ladurée macarons aren’t the only must on a visit to Paris. Macarons from Maison Pierre Hermé Paris, Fauchon, Jean-Paul Hévin, Sadaharu AOKI Paris and Angelina Paris are among the top!

These patisseries not only have fabulous macarons, but their chocolates and other pastries are also the best. So don’t expect to leave empty handed at any of the stores. 

First time in Paris tips

Some of my best advice for your first visit to Paris is don’t do everything and let the unexpected find you.

Paris is a city you will want to (and should) return to time and time again.

But, to help you get the most of our first bucket list trip to Paris some of my top tips for visiting Paris for the first time a listed below:

Don’t do everything

There is so much to do in Paris and I really do mean so much. You could spend months exploring Paris and still feel as though you didn’t turn over every stone.

I suggest writing down everything you want to do in Paris and categorise the list into must dos, maybes and could skip.

I recommend trying to do two or three things in a day, you will most likely end up doing more, especially some of your things include eating a French cafe or wandering the streets of Paris. You will end up doing this on your way from one “attraction” to another.

To really feel the atmosphere of Paris you need to slow down and smell the rose so to say.

I visit a city in the hopes that I will return again one day, but in case I don’t, I do all of the things that I would be heart broken to never see and the rest are just added bonuses.

Open doors

Something that does not come natural to many of us but it is recommended in Paris.

Many doors in Paris lead to hidden courtyards, beautiful laneways, gorgeous gardens, stunning hotel lobbies, exquisite buildings or maybe even a secret garden.

If a door in Paris opens, go through it. If someone questions why you are there, explain you are tourists exploring. If they don’t want you there they will ask you to leave or they might be happy to give you a tour and some information.

Book in advance and skip the queues to make the most of your time

Paris is a very busy and very popular city. Especially at the main attractions. In order to make the most of your time, purchase your tickets ahead of time and choose the skip the line option.

This will ensure you’re not spending most of your visit in lines but it will also make sure you are able to see the attractions that you want during your trip.

Try to speak French

While many people in Paris speak English they do appreciate when you try to speak French.

Parisians do not except you to be able to speak perfect sentences but a few basic phrases will make them happy to know that you are trying to fit in with their way of life and culture.

Learning some of the phrases below will you tremendously:

• Bonjour (Good morning/hello)
• Pardon, excusez-moi (Pardon/excuse me)
• Parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English)
• Je ne parle pas français (I do not speak French)
• Merci (Thank you)
• Si vou plait (Please)
• Au revoir (Good Bye)
• Pourriez-vous m’aider? (Can you help me?)

Eat from the supermarkets

One of the most authentic experiences and fun ways to eat in Paris is to shop at the local supermarkets.

I know this doesn’t sound overly fun as we all dread grocery shopping at home (or at least I do!) but it is one of the best and cheapest ways to eat in Paris.

It doesn’t matter which supermarket you choose but head in and select some cheese, crackers, meats and a bottle of wine and find a cute little picnic spot.

From the steps at Sacre-coeur, to the grass in front of the Eiffel Tower, to the Luxembourg Gardens. In the summer you will find locals and tourists enjoying picnics and wine in the evening (or any time of day really).

It is a fantastic way to enjoy some local cuisine for a fraction of the price of a restaurant.

You can pick up a fabulous bottle of wine for a couple of Euro.

Try the local cuisine

Eating when travelling can be daunting. You can’t find the food you’re used to at home, it looks different, or perhaps you can’t read the menu.

But, eating the local cuisine is a great way to get to know the culture of a new country you are visiting.

Ask a local, taxi driver or your hotel where they would go to eat. Not where they would send a tourist but where they eat. This is a great way to find some unique places to try the food.

It can also be a great way to try the local food without paying a fortune for food at a restaurant aimed more towards toursits.

If you find yourself at a restaurant without English on the menu, use google translate to help you read the menu!

A food tour is a fantastic introduction to the local cuisine if you’re a bit nervous or unsure where to start.

This cheese, wine and pastry tour in Montmartre is a fantastic way to explore one of the Parisian neighbourhoods and try some of the famous cheeses, wines and pastries the city has to offer.

Travellers review: “The Experience was excellent The guide was funny and entertaining The wine chef was funny, knowledgeable and funny. I really want to recommend this tour”

At the end of the tour, be sure to ask their recommendations of where you should eat next.

Another way to try some truly authentic local food is to dine with a local. EatWith connects with you locals who will host you at their house for a night of good food.

You can also try cooking classes and food tours with local chefs who will have your fully immersed in the Parisian food culture.

EatWith a great way to get to know what life is like for locals and have an enjoyable meal.

Travellers Review: “Awesome experience! As a “picky eater”, and as dining this way was entirely my wife’s idea, I was very hesitant and nervous but I couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed the meal and the entire experience. Our hosts were so nice and welcoming and the entire event was more than I ever expected. Way better than just going to a restaurant and my 10 & 12 year old daughters even had fun. Highly recommend”

Stay safe in Paris

Despite what you might have heard in the media in the past, Paris is a very welcoming and safe city. Even when travelling around Paris at night time you will feel pretty safe, especially in the main areas of Paris.

However, when you are around the main tourist attraction or on public transport you need to be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye on your possessions. When we were travelling on the metro a young girl attempted to grab our camera that was just loosely hanging off my shoulder.

It is always a good idea to purchase travel insurance before any trip. Travel insurance will not only cover you incase of missed flights, lost luggage or cancelled trips but you are also covered for any lost or stolen items if the worst case scenario occurs.

World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

Avoid Tourist traps

Most capital cities around the world are known for their tourist traps. It is part of the reason why people often refer to big cities as unsafe or a rip off.

However, if you are away of these tourists traps you are less likely to be over charged during your trip.

• Avoid eateries near the main landmarks and tourist areas. These places are set up for tourists and their prices are generally higher. Instead, walk a few blocks away from the main attraction and look for menus in French and you will often find the prices are cheaper
  
• Restaurants with pictures or plastic mock-ups of their food are also set up for travellers and again, these will be more expensive than the more local restaurants
  
• Some cafes will charge you more sitting at a table and for sitting outside at a table. Ask for the price difference between sitting at a table and standing at the counter
  
• Say no (or walk away) when asked if you speak English and if you will sign a petition
  
• Don’t take part in the street gambling games. The people who win the money are part of the act and it is a sure way to lose your money
  
• When paying with a bank/credit card, always choose to pay in the local currency, this will be much cheaper
  
• Avoid exchanging money at the airports or right by the main attractions

Try a day trip out of the city

There is much to see in France outside of Paris, so if you itinerary allows, board a train and head away from the city for a day.

The Palace of Versailles is a popular day trip from Paris and don’t forget to stop and explore the town of Versailles itself.

Disneyland Paris is another popular day trip and a fun one for all the family.

Tipping in Paris

Generally not required but appreciated they get paid well but if you do choose to tip round up to the nearest few dollars.

This is a general rule in both hospitality and taxis.

Take a free walking tour

A fantastic way to explore Paris, learn some of the history and get your bearings is to take a free walking tour.

The free walking tours are run by locals and are great opportunity to for recommendations on places to eat, drink and where to go.

The tours last around 3 hours and will cover most of the popular sights in Paris. You can choose a general walking tour of Paris or a more specialized tour (some of these may require a fee).

Although the tours are free, the guides do rely on tips to make their living. You are not required to tip but if you feel your tour guide did a great job feel free to give them a few euro at the end of the tour.

The Best time to visit Paris

You have probably heard the phrase “Paris is always a good idea” before, and it’s true. There is really no bad time to visit Paris.

Paris is filled with beautiful streets, parks and outdoor attractions but there are also some world famous museums, galleries and gorgeous cafes.

However, if you are looking to visit Paris when the weather is warm but the city is less busy with shorter lines, you will want to aim to visit Paris in the shoulder season.

The shoulder season are the months that fall either side of summer, so, Spring or autumn/fall.

If you would like to visit Paris when things such as tours, transport and accommodations are cheaper you will want to visit Paris in winter, November, early December, January and early February.

For the chance to see snow in Paris you will need to plan to visit from mid January until mid March (but don’t get your hopes up!)

Please note that this does not include the Christmas/New Years period.

Sample itinerary when visiting Paris for the first time

Here is a sample Three day Paris Itinerary. This is just a very brief overview but you can find the full detailed Itinerary here.

Day 1 – Sunrise at the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Tuileries Garden, Explore the Louvre, Shop at the Bouquinistes, Admire the Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Sunset Cruise on the River Seine

Day 2 – Le Marais, Montmartre, Moulin Rouge

Day 3 – A Day trip to Versailles

The Best Paris Tours

Wrap Up: Visiting Paris for the first time

If you have been dreaming of travelling Paris for a long time, or it has just peaked your interest, I have three words for you, Just Do It.

Paris is popular and famous for a reason, it is filled with culture, art, history, gorgeous streets, beautiful food and wine and everything in between.

In my opinion, everyone needs to visit at least once in their life, so why not visit now?

FAQs: Visiting Paris for the first time

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