So you’ve decided to visit le gai Paris, well you’ve made the right choice! Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s filled with history, culture, romance, and FOOD! However it can be a bit overwhelming for first time visitors because there is an overwhelming amount of things to see and do. Just like all cultures, French culture has it’s own little nuances…what’s widely acceptable, what’s considered “bad form.” After all you are the visitor here and Parisians put up with foreign tourists daily so let’s all be considerate and do our best to be respectful of their cultures, traditions, and city.

Hopefully these helpful tips and guides (coming soon) will make your experience everything you hoped it would be. Ahhh I’m jealous, can you take me with you?! :)

Paris is a Collection of Numbered Neighborhoodscalled Arrondissements.

Twenty to be exact. The 1st arrondissement is the historic center of Paris and the subsequent “districts” are numbers in a spiral out from the center. Each arrondissement is comprised on several neighborhoods, each often with its own district character. Chances are you’ll be spending the most time in the following arrondissements:

1st Arrondissement: Louvre, Tuileries Garden, and west half of the Île de la Cité
4th Arrondissement: Cathedral of Notre-Dame and east half of and west half of the Île de la Cité
5th Arrondissement: The Latin Quarter - the Pantheon, the Sorbonne University, the Jardin des Plantes
7th Arrondissement: Eiffel Tower, Orsay Museum, Place de la Concorde, and Invalides
8th Arrondissement: Champs-Elysees and Arc de Triomphe

Take Time Of Year into Consideration.

Peak tourist season in Paris is June through mid-September when the majority of people travel during summer holidays and then mid-December is also very popular.

We’ve always heard not to visit Paris specifically in August as that’s when many local workers vacation, meaning there will be more closures than normal. However we have never visited in August so I can’t speak to this 100% but if that’s when you’re planning your trip maybe call around and make sure the things you’re most interested in will still be operating. Apparently it is also the hottest month so something else to take into consideration.

But let’s be honest, there’s never a wrong time to visit Paris!

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When in France, Learn a Little Français

Especially in Paris pretty much everyone speaks some English, but it’s always nice to make an effort and at least greet people in their local tongue.

Here are some easy words you can add to conversation during your visit:

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Book as Much Ahead of Time as Possible.

Paris is a big city and there’s lots of things to see and do and I know many of you may enjoy “winging” it a bit more when you travel, but if there is something you really want to see I HIGHLY recommend booking a tour ahead of time. Otherwise you’re not guaranteed entry or will have to waste time waiting in queues.

For many you’ll have to select a specific day and specific time, which I know isn’t ideal for those who prefer wandering, but at the very least I would book ahead to see The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. Both sell out well in advance so book early!

For the Eiffel Tower:

You can obviously see the Eiffel Tower for free from many places around Paris and walk fairly close to it, but you will need a ticket to go up to the viewing platforms. There are very limited first-come, first-serve tickets available daily so booking in advance is recommended.
There are actually three viewing levels, each of which is a different price. The top level is the most expensive.
I would recommend at least visiting the second level as you’ll get an amazing view for less money.
Elevator (lift) vs. Stairs - This many sound like an easy decision, but if you are like us and were finding that our pants were fitting a bit snugger after a few days of baguettes and croissants, the stairs is a fantastic way to spend more time at the Eiffel Tower. It’s just a different experience because you get to climb your way through one of the most iconic structures in the world. How cool is that? You can opt to take the lift the entire way or opt to take the 674 stairs to the 2nd level and then the lift to the top. We loved our experience!
Note: Once you’re checked in you will have to wait in another queue for the lift (which can take a bit) whereas if you opt for the stairs there’s typically no entry queue.

For the Louvre Museum:

One of the world’s largest museums is no joke—The Louvre is home to 35,000+ priceless worlds of art. You could spend a week simply exploring the Louvre and still not see everything.
Before your trip check out which galleries or specific works you’d like to see and make a game plan, otherwise you’ll be seemingly shuffling endlessly through the halls. To truly enjoy the collections and your visit you’ll have to be selective and know going in there’s no way you’re seeing everything.
There are options for two day passes if you wish to spend more time.
The Mona Lisa is overrated. It was cool to say we’ve seen it, but you couldn’t get anywhere close to it. There was a heard of 50 people in front of it trying to get photos at all time.

A couple more notes about other top attractions:

For the Arc de Triomphe:

Do NOT under any circumstance try and cross the roundabout to get to the Arc de Triomphe. There is an underground passageway that will get you to the base safely.
Walking around the base is free and I would highly recommend it.
There is no lift. You’ll have to climb 280 stairs to enjoy the views from the top.
There is a small museum about the construction and design of the Arc de Triomphe near the top.
I’d HIGHLY recommend going in the evening or at night to see the Eiffel Tower sparkling form the top of the Arc. It’s truly magical.

For Notre-Dame Cathedral:

Entry is free when mass is not in session. You will have to wait in a queue out front to enter, but it moves quickly.
If you wish to climb up near the Bell Towers of Notre Dame, you’ll have to wait in the queue around the left side from the main entrance. When you get to the front of the queue you’ll purchase ticket and then climb the 400+ steps to the bell tower viewing platform. There is no lift. Personal experience—100% worth it! The views are amazing from the Île de la Cité, you’ll get close to some of the beautiful gargoyles, and even see the bells in the towers.
The staircase is very narrow and uneven as it spirals upwards so if you’re claustrophobic, this may not be for you.
If you want to climb and go inside, wait in the queue for the climb first!
Don’t forget to walk around the outside to the back and check out the cathedral’s iconic Flying Buttresses.

Another great options if you want to see a lot of the main tourist attractions is taking advantage of the Paris Pass, which includes “free entry” to more than 60 Paris attractions, skip the ticket lines at some sites, and unlimited use of public transport inside central Paris. Attractions include:

Louvre Museum
Centre Pompidou
Palace of Versailles
Picasso Museum
Arc de Triomphe
The Orsay Museum
Orangerie Museum
Sainte Chapelle
Tours from Big Bus and River Cruises
Walking tours

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Getting Around.

The Paris Metro is the easiest way to travel around the city though not always the fastest. With the Metro you can purchase single or multi-day tickets, each valid for as many trips you need per day. A couple notes for easier travel:

The doors DO NOT automatically open. Simply push the button to open the doors. :)
Keep your ticket until after you have exited the station. Inspectors may ask to see it and if you’re unable to present it, there is a penalty fee.

Alternatively taxi stands are fairly easy to find however there may not always be taxis readily available. If you need to depart/arrive at a specific time (like for a performance at the Grand Palais) book the taxi in advance.

Of course if you have time walking is the very best way to see Paris. If you enjoy wandering down laneways and through different neighborhoods walking through the city is definitely not underrated.

Eating Out.

Paris is home to many of the world’s best restaurants and chefs and therefore should definitely be a big part of your experience. There is no excuse to eat sub-par food while in Paris—DO NOT stop at the McDonalds. Spend your time eating and enjoying all the wonderful things you can’t find at home.

Dining in Paris is about the experience. It’s not uncommon for meals to take hours. After all there is nothing wrong with spending the evening enjoying fabulous food, drink, and company.

A couple notes about dining and restaurants:

Plan your meal times as many restaurants close during the afternoon. Typical meal times are: Lunch from noon - 2 pm and Dinner from 7 pm - 10:30 pm. If you need an afternoon pick-me-up head to a boulangerie (bakery) for a sandwich or pastry. Fun Note: During COVID-19 boulangeries were considered an essential service in France and remained open for business.
If possible make reservations in advance otherwise try and arrive when a restaurant opens to get a table more easily.
Unlike in the States, tipping is not required but appreciated. Workers are paid a livable wage. If the experience was good then consider leaving a 5-10% tip IN CASH. When we were there credit card slips didn’t have a write in option.
Ask for tap water. The tap water is completely safe to drink. If you don’t ask for tap water, you’ll be served bottled water which is just an added expense. Use the money you save to buy more macarons! :)
Servers will ask if you would like “sparkling or still” when you request water. Still is flat water. Sparkling is water will bubbles.
When you’re done, ask for the check. Servers will not automatically bring you it to the table. Like most European cities, the credit card machine will be brought to the table.
Some smaller establishments are Cash Only just FYI.

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Be Vigilant.

As with all the most popular tourist cities, there will be those who will try and take advantage of you—tourist traps and pickpockets. I never felt unsafe in Paris but as always just be aware that it’s not unheard of. “Constant vigilance” as Professor Moody would say (any HP fans out there?)

Just make smart decisions when you’re in a foreign place—don’t put your purse on the back on your chair, leave your bags unattended on the ground, keep your wallets in your front pocket, etc. Common sense people.

Keep Change for the Bathrooms.

Most public toilets cost 0.50€ to enter, but if you make sure to use the toilets at attractions or whenever you eat at the restaurant before you leave, you won’t have to pay to use one later.

The First Floor is Not the Entry Floor.

Like most European countries, the floors in France are labeled “Ground floor” or “Floor 0” as opposed to the ground floor being “floor 1”.” So that 4th floor walkup you rented, is actually on the 5th floor.