Best Tips for Visiting Paris for the First Time
A trip to Paris is a dream for many people and if you get the chance to go, it may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That is why you should do your homework before you go. There are things that people visiting Paris for the first time should know to have the most magical trip possible.
Ready to start planning your first trip to Paris? Paris is more than just the capital of France.
This iconic city is known for fashion, art, pastries and so much more!
A trip to Paris is on just about everyone’s bucket list and it is easy to see why.
If you are considering making the trip to the City of Lights, there is plenty to learn.
Parisians for very proud people and predominantly speak French. However, if you don’t speak French, you can ask if they speak English. Not all do.
“Parlez-vous Anglais?” is the proper way to ask.
The currency in Paris is the Euro.
Euros are issued in €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and tiny 1c coins. Banknotes are issued in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500 domination.
While much of Paris accepts Credit Cards and Apple Pay, you will find that you need Euros for smaller stands and for public bathrooms.
Tips for Visiting Paris for the First Time
Once you are prepared for travel, then you can make sure you purchase two items that I think are essential for your first trip to Paris.
Get The Paris Pass + Paris Museum Pass
The Paris Pass + Paris Museum Pass will get you free entrance to the top sites in Paris. It will save you not only money but time because you won’t have to wait in so many lines.
Top 10 Paris Attractions on The Paris Pass + Paris Museum Pass
- Louvre Museum
- Palace of Versailles
- Arc De Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- The Orsay Museum
- Picasso Museum
- River Cruise
- Big Bus Tour
- Sainte Chapelle
- Orangerie Museum
As you can see, there are many attractions and museums you will be able to see for free (and without having to stand in lines) with the Paris Pass.
Purchase Rick Steves Paris Guide Book
This book is a great read and will come in handy when you are trying to decide which sites to see and how to maneuver through the streets of Paris.
- Steves, Rick (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 248 Pages – 07/11/2023 (Publication Date) – Rick Steves (Publisher)
Rick Steves Paris Guide book contains:
- The best places to eat, sleep, and relax
- Self-guided walking tours
- Detailed maps
- Useful resources: a packing list & French phrasebook
Consider a Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour
A great way to get to know Paris is by taking a bus tour.
These tours are relatively inexpensive (they even come with the Paris Pass) and help you get a feel for where all the major landmarks are located.
Eiffel Tower Tip
Many people traveling to Paris for the first time want to see the Eiffel Tower but don’t fully understand how it works.
You can see the Eiffel Tower for free and even walk very close to it.
If you want to go to the Eiffel Tower, it is ticketed and you will want to book your Eiffel Tower ticket in advance, otherwise you could stand in a really long line.
There are three viewing levels and each one is a different price. As you can imagine, the top level is the most expensive.
Be aware that if you book top-level tickets and the weather is too windy for it to be open, you will NOT get a refund.
The second level gives you a pretty spectacular view of Paris for a lot less time and money!
If you don’t care about actually going on the Eiffel Tower, you can get a beautiful view of it for free.
You will find a green space just behind the Eiffel Tower where many tourists hang out.
People sell champagne and wine by the bottle. Bring a blanket & a baguette and enjoy a picnic lunch with a view for free.
If you want a great view of the Eiffel Tower from afar (and a great view of Paris) head to the top of the Arc de Triomphe!
Notre Dame Tip
While Notre Dame is free and you don’t have to book an entrance time, I suggest that you book your time in advance in order to skip the line.
You should also download the app in advance and bring earphones so that you can understand the significance of the structures, artwork and statues that you will be seeing.
Visit Sainte Chapelle
It always surprises me how many people go to Paris & only see Notre Dame.
Sainte Chapelle is one of the most beautiful churches in the world and is worth making the time to see.
This chapel was intended to house the Christian relics brought by Saint Louis (that were eventually moved to Notre Dame).
The stained glass panes inside depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments that tell the history of the world til the arrival of the relics in Paris.
The stained glass is remarkable and it is one of Paris’ must-see attractions.
The Louvre Museum Tip
Everyone who comes to Paris wants to visit the Louvre.
It is easy to see why as it has one of the largest collections of masterpieces in the world, including the Mona Lisa.
If you don’t have all day to dedicate going to the Louvre, consider taking a guided tour that allows you to skip the line and takes you to see all the major works of art.
Keep in mind that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays and often much less crowded in the afternoon than in the morning.
Paris Transportation Tips
One thing that you will appreciate in Paris is that the city is easy to navigate. The signage will show you where to go to find the most popular sites.
While much of Paris is walkable, there will be times when you will probably need to use the Paris Metro.
You can purchase single or multi-day tickets which allow you to use the trains as often as you would like.
You will find kiosks and ticket machines located in the train station.
If you find that the Paris trains are on strike (which they will do without notice), Uber is also a great option.
Do not take a rickshaw or similar type of transportation service or you will pay!
While it might seem like a fun way to travel, the price is ridiculous and you won’t see any more than if you took an Uber.
Paris Dining Tips
When dining in Paris there are a few things you should be aware of. First, if you choose to sit at a table to eat, you will pay more than if you take it to go.
If you are grabbing a table, you will be encouraged to purchase water. Instead, request a “carafe d’eau“ for free.
Another thing to know about water in Europe is that is comes in both sparkling and flat (or natural). Know the difference when purchasing a bottle or you may be disappointed.
Tipping is included in your bill (up to 15%). However, if you find your service was exemplary, you can always leave a small tip (a Euro or less).
Instead of paying fees just to eat at a table, grab a baguette or crepe at a stand and enjoy eating it at a local park or as you walk along the Seine.
Public Bathrooms in Paris
Those traveling to Paris for the first time from the United States might find public bathrooms confusing.
First of all, they are not free. You will need to make sure that you have a few Euros on you when you go to the bathroom because there will either be a bathroom attendant collecting fees or a turn-style machine where you must pay to enter.
While you will find these public bathrooms clean (for the most part) and sectioned between males & females, don’t be surprised to find a man in the women’s bathroom.
There are also no toilet seats like in the US and may or may not have paper towels to dry your hands after you wash them.
If you are willing to pay a few Euros for a toilet, then consider just going into a cafe for a coffee or treat. Buy something and you will be seen as a paying customer and allowed to use their toilet for no charge!
Where to Stay In Paris
There is no shortage of hotels in Paris. You will find everything from traditional brands to boutiques and also condos.
Prices vary depending on location, amenities and view.
Those wanting a view of the Eiffel Tower should consider:
Those Wanting to be near Disneyland Paris Should Consider:
These are two of my favorite budget places to stay in Paris:
Going to Paris for the first time can certainly be overwhelming! With so much to see and do in this magical city, you may find yourself focusing so much on the sites that you forget about the cultural differences.
We hope these tips for traveling to Paris for the first time helpful!
Have you been to Paris? Do you have any tips for those going to Paris for the first time?
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