Paris Traveling tips you have to know before visiting
Paris is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. It’s no wonder that it’s a popular destination for tourists! However, if you’re planning to visit Paris, there are a few things you need to know in order to make your trip as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. In this article, we will discuss some of the best Paris traveling tips, including how to avoid common mistakes made by tourists. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or have been to Paris before, read on for some helpful advice!
Is this your First time in Paris?
If you’ve never been to Paris before, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. Trust us, it’s worth the hype! Paris is truly a city like no other, with its stunning architecture, world-famous museums, and delicious food. However, because it is such a popular tourist destination, it can also be quite crowded and overwhelming. That’s why we recommend doing some research before your trip so that you know what to expect and can make the most of your time in this amazing city.
Before going further into the details, I would like to share with you some useful Paris traveling tips:
- Use the metro
The metro in Paris is a cheap and easy way to get around the city. It also happens be one of those things that you will either love or hate, but there’s no denying its efficiency.
- Visit cities and monument around Paris
You have to be able to leave the city of Paris to see the surroundings a few km away, such as the Palace of Versailles, Fontainebleau, Senlis, Chantilly…
So what are our best Paris Traveling Tips
So without further ado, here are 20 of the best Paris traveling tips to help you make the most of your trip!
The best time to visit is August and some weeks before Christmas
I lived and worked in Paris for several years before moving away. And I can definitely say that the perfect time to visit Paris is during August and first days of December.
During August, most of Parisians leave the city for holidays. As you may know Paris, like New York or other big cities, is also known for its traffic jams everywhere. So August will be perfect for every person traveling for the first time as well as the ones used to travel to Paris. You will have more time, space and you will queue less in the metro and buses.
At the beginning of December, and in preparation for Christmas, Paris becomes a real city of lights, decorated with sets of lights in the shape of Christmas trees, snowflakes… it’s very pretty to see. And with a bit of luck, it might snow, which makes things more romantic. At the same time, it is the period before the holidays, so there are fewer people.
Purchase a metro pass
Probably one of our best Paris traveling type. If you’re planning on using the metro during your stay, we recommend purchasing a metro pass in advance.
This will save you time and money in the long run. and You will avoid endless waits in front of the ticket machines You can purchase passes at any metro station or from kiosks located around the city.
Paris Metros and Subways Network is divided into 5 big zones,Price can change depending on your destination. So be careful before buying your tickets. You can ask an RATP agent (RATP is the company operating buses/Metro) or visit the official website. You can also download their app from App Store or Google Store.
Avoid tourist traps
Paris is unfortunately full of tourist traps, so it’s important to do your research and know which attractions are worth your time (and money). For example, the Eiffel Tower is a must-see, but you can save time (and money) by avoiding long lines by purchasing tickets in advance.
Dress appropriately
It’s important to dress appropriately when visiting religious sites in Paris, such as Notre Dame Cathedral. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Otherwise, you may be forced to rent a cover-up at the entrance.
Bring a comfortable pair of shoes
Paris is a walking city, so you’ll want to make sure you pack a comfortable pair of shoes. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck lugging around a heavy suitcase all over the city. Try to stick to the essentials and only bring what you need
Be prepared to bad weather
The weather in Paris can be unpredictable, so it’s always best to be prepared. pack an umbrella and a light jacket, even if the forecast looks good.
Take a cruise on the Seine
A cruise on the Seine is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You’ll get to admire the architecture and landscapes as you float down the river. There are a variety of cruises to choose from, so be sure to do some research in advance.
Keep your belongings safe
In addition to being aware of pickpockets, it’s also important to keep your belongings safe in general. This means not leaving your bags unattended, even for a moment. If possible, try to avoid carrying valuables with you when sightseeing.
Plan ahead and avoid waiting times
One of the best ways to make the most of your trip and avoid long queues is to plan ahead. This means booking tickets for attractions in advance and making reservations for restaurants. It’s also a good idea to have an idea of what you want to see and do before you arrive in Paris.
Be aware of pickpockets
Unfortunately, pickpocketing is quite common in Paris (as it is in most major cities). So it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings safe. We recommend carrying a money belt or keeping your valuables in a secure place.
Don’t overpack
Paris is a walking city, so you’ll want to pack light. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck lugging around a heavy suitcase all over the city. Try to stick to the essentials and only bring what you need.
Stick to small streets
The small streets (or “ruelles”) in Paris are where you’ll find the best shops, restaurants, and cafes. They’re also typically less crowded than the larger boulevards. So if you’re looking to avoid crowds and experience the true Parisian lifestyle, stick to the small streets.
Explore the arrondissements
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, or districts. Each district has its own unique character and attractions. So be sure to explore as many as possible during your stay.
Get a museum pass
If you’re planning on visiting a lot of museums during your trip, we recommend purchasing a museum pass. This will give you access to over 60 museums and monuments and can save you a lot of money.
Learn some basic French
While you don’t need to be fluent in French to visit Paris, it’s helpful to know some basic phrases. This will make your trip much more enjoyable and allow you to connect with locals. We recommend learning how to say hello, goodbye, please, and thank you.
Here are some basic french words:
Bonjour: Hello, Hi
Au revoir: Bye
A plus tard: See you later
J’ai faim: I am hungry
Je veux: I want
Un café: coffee
Un thé: Tea
La station de Bus: the bus station
La gare de train: Railway station
Je veux: I want
Sample the local cuisine
Paris is known for its food, so be sure to sample as much of the local cuisine as possible. From traditional French dishes like coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon to fresh baguettes and pastries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Our advice: the Opera and Fraisier pastry. You will thank me later, for me this is one of the best Paris traveling tips. Miam!
Enjoy the views from atop the Eiffel Tower
Last but not least, no trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. We recommend taking the stairs to the second level for stunning views of the city (and to avoid long lines for the elevator).
Discover France beyond Paris
You can con sider this as one of the best Paris traveling tips too.
While Paris is an amazing city, there’s so much more to see in France. If you have the time, we recommend exploring other parts of the country, such as Versailles, Chantilly, Fontainebleau…
- Versailles : The Palace of Versailles is a royal château in Versailles, in the Île-de-France region of France.
- Chantilly is a lovely little town located just outside of Paris. It’s home to a beautiful castle, as well as a large forest that’s perfect for hiking and picnicking.
- Senlis is a medieval city located just an hour from Paris and 5km from Chantilly. It’s known for its picturesque cobbled streets and Gothic architecture.
- Fontainebleau is another great option if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s home to a large palace and gardens, as well as plenty of restaurants and cafes
Bring your student ID
This is one of the greatest Paris traveling tips for student. So, be sure to bring your ID with you. You’ll get discounts on a lot of attractions, museums, and restaurants.
Always say ‘Bonjour’ when you enter a shop
In France, it’s customary to greet the shopkeeper when you enter a store. So be sure to say “bonjour” as you walk in.
Bring a travel adaptor
If you’re coming from a different country, specially outside Europe, be sure to bring a travel adaptor for your electronics.
I recommend buying a universal travel adaptor that you can use for multiple destinations (rather than buying a new adaptor for each place you visit).
The first floor is not at ground level
In Paris (and in many other European cities), the “first floor” is actually one level up from ground level. So don’t be confused when you see a sign for the “first floor” and then have to go up a flight of stairs.
There are plenty types of baguettes
When you think of a baguette, you probably think of the long, thin bread that’s become synonymous with France. But did you know that there are actually many different types of baguettes? from the classic pain de campagne to the flakier pain aux cereales, there’s sure to be a baguette that you’ll love.
Most museums are closed on Mondays
If you’re planning on doing a lot of museum-hopping, be aware that most museums are closed on Mondays. So you’ll want to plan your itinerary accordingly.
Conclusion
Paris is an amazing city with so much to see and do. But it’s important to be prepared before you go. I lived in Paris for a while, so all the Paris traveling tips above are really useful.
We hope these Paris traveling tips will help you have a smooth and enjoyable trip. You can read here some other cities/countries traveling tips if you want.
Bon voyage! and have fun.
