Paris Travel Tips

Paris Travel Tips

The following are some travel tips to help you make the most of your trip to the Paris – City of Lights:

Planning:

  • Consider the time of year: Paris is beautiful year-round, but the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer the best weather and fewer crowds. Avoid July and August if you can, as these are the peak tourist months.
  • Book accommodations and attractions in advance: Especially during peak season, popular hotels and attractions can sell out quickly. Consider purchasing a Paris Pass or Museum Pass, which can save you money on admission fees.
  • Brush up on your French: While you won’t necessarily need to be fluent in French to get by, learning a few basic phrases will go a long way. Parisians appreciate the effort, and it will help you navigate the city more easily. Here are a few helpful phrases to get you started:
    • Bonjour (hello)
    • Bonsoir (good evening)
    • Au revoir (goodbye)
    • Merci (thank you)
    • S’il vous plait (please)
    • Excusez-moi (excuse me)
    • Parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English?)
    • Je ne comprends pas (I don’t understand)

Getting Around:

  • The metro is the best way to get around the city: It’s efficient, affordable, and easy to navigate. Purchase a Navigo Easy card for unlimited travel on the metro, buses, and RER trains.
  • Walking is a great way to see the city: Paris is a pedestrian-friendly city, and many of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other.
  • Taxis can be expensive: If you do need to take a taxi, be sure to hail one from a taxi rank or call for one from your hotel.

Etiquette:

  • Greet shopkeepers and wait staff: It’s considered rude not to greet shopkeepers and wait staff with a “bonjour” or “bonsoir” when entering or leaving a shop or restaurant.
  • Be mindful of personal space: Parisians tend to value their personal space. Avoid standing too close to people in line or on public transportation.
  • Dress modestly: When visiting churches or other religious sites, it’s best to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees.

Other Paris Travel Tips:

  • Pack comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so be sure to pack comfortable shoes.
  • Bring a refillable water bottle: The tap water in Paris is safe to drink, so there’s no need to waste money on bottled water.
  • Try to blend in: Avoid wearing overly loud clothing or fanny packs, which will make you stand out as a tourist.
  • Learn a few basic French phrases: Even a few basic phrases will go a long way in helping you communicate with locals.
  • Be patient: Parisians can sometimes come across as rude, but don’t take it personally. They just tend to be more direct than people in other cultures.
  • Enjoy yourself! Paris is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. Relax, take in the sights, and savor the experience.

For more information, please read our Paris travel guide and recommended restaurants in Paris.

There are also some good websites you can read before going to Paris:

Thank you for reading our Paris travel tips and we hope it can help you!

Paris Travel Tips The following are some travel tips to help you make the most of your trip to the Paris – City of…