Planning a trip to The City of Lights?
Let me be the first to welcome you to the magnificent French capital. I've had the privilege of living in Paris for the past four years, but the city still finds ways to amaze me. From world-famous landmarks and museums to mouth-watering pastries, it's no wonder Paris is at the top of most travelers' lists.
Fortunately, Paris is pretty tourist-friendly, but it's not uncommon for travelers (especially those visiting Paris for the first time) to run into some hiccups along the way. That's where I come in! I'm sharing my best Paris travel tips so you can avoid common travel mistakes and have a more enjoyable experience.
Say "bonjour"
To be completely honest, when I first moved to France I did think some French people were a little rude. But I know now that I just didn't fully understand French manners.
Being polite is extremely important in France. For example, if you need to ask for directions in the US, you would probably say something like, “Excuse me, do you know where (blah blah) is?” This would be considered rude in France! When approaching someone, you first have to say, "bonjour", or "hello". So instead, try, “Bonjour. Do you happen to know where (blah blah) is?”
Sounds silly, but I’ve had people look at me like I had a third eye when I didn’t say “bonjour” first, and some people won’t help you until you say it. Remembering to say hello is one of the easiest ways to not offend the French on your trip, and get the help you need. And of course, there's always going to be the occasional rude person, but you'll find that anywhere.
Similarly, it's wise to be conscious of the volume of your voice when you're out and about, especially in the metro. I've had many European friends tell me they can hear an American before they see one! That doesn't mean you can't have a good time, but let's not perpetuate that stereotype, shall we? (Your expat friends thank you for your service!)
Carry both cash and card
Sometimes it's easier to pay cash if you order something small, or if your credit card has foreign transaction fees.
It's best to have some euros on hand as well as a credit or debit card when you're visiting Paris. Most places take card, but some restaurants will have a card minimum, so you'd have to pay in cash.
Cash
If you're a AAA member in the states, take advantage of their competitive exchange rates and order euros in advance so you have them before you leave. Otherwise, you can pull out euros at an ATM once you’re in Paris. To avoid extra processing fees, check in advance to make sure you’re withdrawing from an “in-network” bank. You’ll still probably pay a small fee though, so I'd suggest taking out a bigger chunk of cash to avoid paying these fees regularly.
Card
Be sure to tell your credit card company that you’ll be in France before you leave for your trip. This will hopefully prevent your card from not going through. I'd also recommend checking to see if your credit card has foreign transaction fees. If it does, you may prefer to opt for a cash-only experience where you can, or use a different card.
Last note about credit cards, you'll probably want to leave your AMEX card at home. For whatever reason almost nowhere in France takes American Express. A few big touristy places and restaurants accept it, but that's it. If you're hoping to use it, ask in advance when you get to your location.
Take the metro
The metro is fast, reliable, and easy to use.
Taking the metro in Paris is easier than it might seem. It is incredibly well connected and it's one of the cheapest ways to get around. I use the Citymapper app to figure out which metro line(s) to take. It tells you which direction to take the train, when the next few trains are arriving, where the best place on the train to sit is, where you need to transfer, and what exit to get out at when you arrive at your destination. SO helpful. They also list any issues with train lines like delays or skipping stations due to construction (or, often enough, protests).
Try to remember the name of the direction you need to go on your train when you're in the station because sometimes the station will split the signage for each direction on the same train line well before you get to the platform. However, most stations will lead you all the way to your line first and break off directionally at the very end. In this case, check the boards to make sure the station you need is listed in the direction you're planning on going. It's easy to get turned around, but you'll get the hang of it quickly.
One last tip: KEEP YOUR METRO TICKETS until you're all the way out of the metro! Don't just throw them out once you get into the station. Sometimes you'll need to scan them again to get out at your new station (this is more common if you're taking the RER). There are also RATP ticket control people you might run into that will fine you if you can't present your ticket.
You don't have to tip
Tipping is not an obligation in France.
There is no obligation to tip in France. It wouldn't be considered rude to do so, but servers make a living wage with benefits, and it is not expected. A 15% service fee is already included in the price of each item on the menu. Of course, if you have wonderful service, a tip would always be appreciated. But there are no standard tipping percentages, so it's all up to your discretion. While not a particularly common practice, if you are looking to offer a tip I'd say anywhere from 5-10% is sufficient.
Personally, I would only leave a tip if I received out-of-this-world service or was at a very fancy restaurant where you could leave a generous 15% tip.
Beyond dining, it's still customary to tip service workers like tour guides, parking valets, and luggage handlers. How much is up to you.
Water is extra
This isn't quite as glamorous as when the restaurant tells you "guac is extra" and you're all, "I know (hair flip)". When you order water at a restaurant in Paris, they will serve you bottled mineral water. Sometimes it is already at the table when you sit down. It is not free!!
Instead of being charged extra for bottled water, ask for "une carafe d'eau". This means "water pitcher", but NO ONE says "l'eau du robinet", which means "tap water". The phrase "une carafe d'eau" implies tap water, and it will be free. I've heard some people think it's rude to ask for this, but the French themselves do it all the time, so don't worry! If for whatever reason the staff refuses to offer tap water (super unlikely), I'd honestly walk out. They're probably taking advantage of the fact that you're a tourist.
Get a little lost
Make time to take it easy and experience the Parisian way of life.
I'm definitely the kind of person that wants to see and do it all in a new city. There are so many attractions in Paris that your first trip can be an absolute whirlwind of museums, famous landmarks, and churches.
But one of the best Paris travel tips I can give you is actually to schedule some time to do nothing. Embrace the authentic Parisian culture by having a picnic on the banks of the Seine or spending hours milking a coffee at a corner cafe. Or just wander around the narrow cobblestone streets and enjoy the architecture.
Download offline Google Maps
If you won't have service while you're in Paris (or are trying to limit your usage), I'd suggest downloading the city map of Paris from Google Maps. Simply search for "Paris", and scroll over to the far right icon that reads "Download". From there you can adjust the boundaries of the map (you'll want to include the airport you're flying into) and tap "Download". That way when you're without internet, you'll still be able to see your live location and all the places you've pinned. You'll also be able to search for places, but you won't be able to use their Directions feature.
Purchase a French SIM card
As helpful as offline Google Maps is, you should still buy a French SIM card for your phone while you're in Paris. Everything is SO much easier when you have data, from checking how to get from one place to another, to fishing through your email for the E-ticket you forgot to take a screenshot of.
Prepaid French SIM cards are available at the Paris international airports, so I'd suggest picking one up before you head out. Note that some of the prepaid SIM cards advertised for tourists are overpriced and stuffed with call and texting amounts you don't need. What you need is data.
I'd recommend the SFR La Carte Connect à €14.99 with 15 GO (15 Gb) of data, which should be plenty. It also covers €5 worth of phone calls, which is enough for quick calls if you needed to call your hotel, for example. The credit package is good for 30 days, and can be topped up if needed.
Book tickets in advance for major attractions
Buying online tickets in advance will save you so much time and stress. Purchasing an E-ticket for an attraction will include a designated time slot that will allow you to skip crazy lines and hours of waiting.
Most websites for big attractions are tourist-friendly and have a version of their site in English. If not, use Google Chrome which will translate each page as you go. Some sites will have a small added fee to book online, but it's well worth it!
Get The Paris Pass
The Paris Pass is a city pass that includes over 80 attractions, full unlimited access to the city's transportation system (metro, RER, buses), access to the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Day Tour, a tour of the Eiffel Tower, and a Seine boat cruise!
It includes all the major museums, churches, cultural sites, several walking tours, access to Versailles, a perfume workshop (so cool!?), and more. It's all included in the price of the pass.
They have 2-6 day options for the pass. The price may seem a little steep, but for all that's included it's a steal!
Don't bring a lot of skincare products
Don't bring a lot in the way of beauty and hygiene products with you. French pharmacies are the holy grail for all things skincare, sunscreens, body lotions, and hair care. Odds are you'll be bringing a lot back with you. The pharmacies have some of the country's best skin care products, some of which have cult followings. I, too, now swear by some of this stuff. Go to an English-speaking pharmacy and they'll be happy to recommend some products.
Wear comfortable but stylish shoes
You're going to be doing a lot of walking in Paris. It's a city built for people, not cars. My favorite! It's super walkable, and you'll see a lot on the way as you're getting from one place to another. Therefore, you're going to need a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
However! I am not referring to your athletic running shoes. Wearing athletic shoes out and about is super American and will scream “I’m a tourist!”
Instead, consider opting for a pair of white leather sneakers. They’re very common in Paris, and you’ll blend in better.
How to avoid pickpocketing and scams
Pickpocketing
Amazingly, I have never been pickpocketed in Paris (I'm knocking on wood right now). But almost all of my friends have. Unfortunately, it's really common here, especially in touristy areas and on the metro. The best way to avoid it is to look as much like a local as possible (see my previous tip). But beyond that, here are a few words of practical advice.
First, make sure you're putting your bags in between your feet or holding them in front of you when you're on the metro. This allows for more people to cram into the train if need be, but it also means you'll have eyes on your possessions. An anti-theft backpack is ideal, just try to go for something small and sleek (so as to not draw unwanted attention to yourself).
In addition, be mindful of where your phone is, again, especially on the trains and in popular tourist spots. When I'm in a busy place and not using my phone, I like to have it zipped into my bag or tucked away in an inside pocket. This is also not the time for a hot pink glitter phone case (sorry), seeing as it's not exactly inconspicuous.
One time, one of my friends was inside the metro using their phone by the open doors when a guy grabbed the phone right out of my friend's hands as the metro doors were closing! I really doubt this will happen to any of you, but pleaseee just be careful!
Scams
There are also a few common scams to be aware of in Paris. If you ever see a woman (or a group of women) on the street asking people to sign a petition, definitely don't engage with them. If you sign they'll be very aggressive about asking you for money. Of course, there are some legitimate organizations that go around with petitions, but they wear brightly colored t-shirts and are usually in a group. Don't try to discern the difference, as a precaution just avoid these people altogether.
The other really common scam is when people try to hand out free bracelets. Surprise! They're not free, and they'll ask you for money. I regularly see men at the base of the Sacré-Coeur steps that do this. Some of them will even follow you a little to try to forcefully put the bracelet on your wrist! They won't hurt you, that would really ruin their whole business model... just give them a hard no (or better yet, don't even acknowledge them) and walk away.
Packing essentials
This isn't just a Paris travel tip, but a general international travel tip: make sure you pack an adapter so you can actually charge your devices! I'd recommend a Universal Travel Power Adapter so it works all over the world (and you only have to buy one, once!).
You'll also want to bring an external battery for your phone, so you can keep it charged during your long days out exploring the city.
Lastly, if you're not already using them, you may want to invest in some packing cubes! They're super lightweight, hold a ton, and keep your stuff organized and exactly where you packed them.
Stay in a neighborhood that works with your travel plan
You'll want to stay near the attractions you plan on visiting.
Paris is broken up into 20 districts, or “arrondissements”. Within each arrondissement, there are several neighborhoods. For example, the 3rd arrondissement is home to “the Marais” neighborhood, an LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood with noodle restaurants to die for.
In any case, if you’re looking to see the major attractions that run along the Seine like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, and Notre Dame, it would make sense to stay in an area that’s near these attractions.
Also, consider staying in the northern 18th district if you’re looking to see more of Montmartre. Fair warning, it feels like regardless of what direction you’re walking in it’s somehow always uphill in this neighborhood. For anyone with mobility concerns, I wouldn’t recommend staying here.
Hopefully, this list of Paris travel tips doesn't make the city sound scary or overwhelming! Paris is really safe for tourists, and you should have a pretty easy time finding your way. That said, it's better to be prepared, and you'll be happy you took the time to plan and do a little research before you left.
If you have more travel tips for Paris be sure to leave them in the comments, so we can help each other!
