Paris Travel Guide for First-Timers: Ultimate Tips and Must-See Attractions
Hello, welcome to your ultimate Paris travel guide! My name is Luis, and I recently went on a trip to Paris. Today, I am writing this article because I want to give you some tips from my experience and things that I learned while I stayed there, to make your first trip to Paris as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
How Paris is Organized and How to Navigate the City
Now, let’s talk about how Paris is organized and how to get around the city.
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements or districts, and they are arranged towards the city center. Each of them has its own unique charms and attractions, and you can get around in many different ways. These are some of the options you have and tips for visiting Paris:
Using Public Transportation
One of them is using public transportation. The Paris metro is the most efficient way to traverse the city. It is extensive, with 16 lines and over 300 stations. Here are some tips:
- Get a Navigo Pass for unlimited travel on the Metro, buses, trams, and RER trains.
- Use apps like Citymapper or Google Maps for real-time navigation and schedule information.
Riding Bicycles
Riding bicycles is also very easy in Paris. There are thousands of bicycles available and docking stations for them, making it convenient to pick up or drop off your bicycle anytime you want, using the Velib’ system.
Walking
Walking around the city is another great option since many of Paris’ most famous sights are within walking distance, mainly in the center. It is very healthy and gives you a chance to enjoy the city’s ambiance and the sights you will find along the way.
Basic French Phrases to Know
Many Parisians speak English, but it is always appreciated and very nice of you to know some French words to help you get around the city. When you speak some French words to them, you will see that they will be even nicer to you. Here are some basic phrases that you can use:
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Bonjour | Hello |
| Au revoir | Goodbye |
| S’il vous plaît | Please |
| Merci | Thank you |
| Pardon | Excuse me |
| Combien? | How much? |
| Où est…? | Where is…? |
| Parlez-vous anglais? | Do you speak English? |
| Je ne comprends pas | I don’t understand |
| Je ne parle pas français | I don’t speak French |
| Oui | Yes |
| Non | No |
Paris Travel Guide: Cash or Card?
Even though you can use credit cards in Paris and they are widely accepted, it is always advisable to carry some cash with you just in case a store doesn’t accept your card. You will find plenty of ATMs around the city, so withdrawing money from them is straightforward. Just keep in mind conversion rates or taxes that might be added. You can always consult with your bank about this topic.
Top Places to Visit
What are the top places to visit in Paris?
There are many places and iconic landmarks that you will see around the city, and you can find many beautiful spots to enjoy. These are my Paris the best places to visit:
- The Eiffel Tower – Of course, you cannot go to Paris and not visit the Eiffel Tower, so you definitely have to check it out.
- The Louvre – Is another must-visit. If you love art, this is the best place to go. You will need a long time to visit, probably half a day because it has a lot to see and it is very big and busy.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral – Is another masterpiece, and you will surely enjoy the view of this place. Even post-fire it still looks amazing.
- Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre – A basilica that offers stunning views all around Paris and the surrounding area. It is magnificent. Is full of charming streets and artists.
- Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe – Are also a must-do. You can stroll down this famous avenue to reach the monumental arch.
To enjoy your time there, I would say you should stay for at least 4-5 days if you can. I stayed for 2 weeks, so I had a lot of time to do the famous stuff and also find some hidden gems. If you want to know about these hidden gems, you can check out this article. You will find some nice hidden gems and a lot of information there.
Revealing the Hidden Gems in Paris: An In-Depth Exploration
Where to Stay
In Paris, you have a lot of options for every budget. Here I list the best hotels in Paris for first time visitors, in each category: luxury, mid-range, and budget, at least in my opinion.
Luxury Hotels
- Ritz Paris – Located in Place Vendôme, offering opulent rooms and exceptional service.
- Le Meurice – An elegant hotel with views of the Tuileries Garden.
Mid-Range Hotels
- Hotel des Grands Boulevards – Stylish and well-located near the Grands Boulevards.
- Hôtel Eiffel Blomet – A modern hotel within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower.
Budget Options
- Generator Paris – A trendy hostel with private and shared rooms.
- ibis Budget Paris La Villette – Affordable and clean, located in the 19th arrondissement.
Where to Eat
Paris is a culinary paradise. From pastries to restaurants and cafes, you can find anything you want in this city. Here are my top picks:
Boulangeries and Pâtisseries
- Du Pain et des Idées – Famous for its delicious bread and pastries.
- La Pâtisserie des Rêves – Renowned for exquisite pastries.
Restaurants
- Le Comptoir du Relais – A classic French bistro with a fantastic menu.
- Septime – A Michelin-starred restaurant with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Cafés
- Café de Flore – One of the oldest and most famous cafés in Paris.
- Les Deux Magots – Another historic café, perfect for people-watching.
Paris Weather and How to Prepare: Paris travel guide
Paris has four distinct seasons. Here is a brief overview of what to expect in each season and how to prepare for it:
- Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures with blooming flowers. Pack a light jacket and an umbrella.
- Summer (June to August): Warm and often hot, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 30°C (86°F). Pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. Be prepared for crowds as this is peak tourist season.
- Autumn (September to November): Cool and crisp, with beautiful fall foliage. Layers are essential, as well as a good jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
- Winter (December to February): Cold and sometimes snowy, with temperatures averaging around 5°C (41°F). A warm coat, gloves, and scarves are necessary. Paris during Christmas is especially magical with all the decorations and markets.
How Safe is Paris?
Even though Paris is generally a safe city, like any big city, you need to take care of yourself and stay vigilant. Here are some general tips to ensure your safety:
- Keep your belongings close, especially in crowded areas like the Metro and tourist attractions.
- Avoid flashing valuable items such as expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash.
- Be aware of common scams, which are very common in Paris; such as people asking you to sign petitions or offering unsolicited help.
- Stick to well-lit and busy streets at night, and always have your hotel address handy.
If you want to know about how to stay safe in Paris you can check this video, it is the one I watched when I was preparing for my trip: Is Paris Safe to Visit? Safety Advice for Paris
Additional Tips and Observations: Paris Travel Guide for First-Timers
- Take into consideration that most shops and attractions are closed on Sundays, so plan for it.
- Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated, especially in restaurants where people work hard. Rounding up the bill or leaving a 5-10% tip is usually enough.
- Take advantage of free museum entry on the first Sunday of each month for many museums and monuments.
- Invest in a Paris Museum Pass to save money and skip the lines at major attractions.
These are all the tips I have for you. I hope you find them useful. If you go to Paris, just read this Paris Travel guide and get ready to go. Let me know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit Paris is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the tourist crowds are smaller.
For a first-time visit, plan to spend at least 4-5 days to cover the main attractions without feeling rushed. If you have more time, a week would allow for a more relaxed experience.
While many Parisians speak English, learning a few basic French phrases can enhance your experience and is appreciated by the locals. Refer to our handy table of essential phrases above.
Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Paris. However, it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and tips.
The Metro is the most efficient way to get around Paris. Other options include buses, bicycles (Velib’), and walking for shorter distances.
Paris offers a range of accommodation options. Luxury seekers can stay at hotels like Ritz Paris, mid-range travelers can opt for Hotel des Grands Boulevards, and budget travelers can consider hostels like Generator Paris or budget hotels like ibis Budget Paris La Villette.
