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Planning a first-time trip to Paris can be both an exciting and daunting experience. That was the case for me.
Paris’s beauty and charm make it impossible to say no.
Situated on Europe’s historic Seine River, this glamorous and loved city is a work of art in every way.
From the lovely cafes on the streets that are always busy to the amazing Eiffel Tower.
To relax, and people watch while having a pain au chocolat in a charming boulangerie (café).
A trip to Paris is both wonderful and exciting, especially when you see the art at the Louvre.
However, you should know some firsthand tips about the City of Love before you go, especially if it’s your first time there.
As you plan your first trip to Paris, remember that the city has many wonderful and bad stories.
For background, I went to Paris for the first time with my husband, who has been there a few times.
In addition, as a teenager, I recall that my father described Paris as the most beautiful city he had ever seen when he visited on a work trip. I agree!
My father’s Paris getaway stories and photos inspired me to visit eventually. This Paris impression came mainly from his talking about it.
First-Time Guide To Paris
Before my first trip to Paris, I remember reading and seeing bad things about Paris on social media, so I didn’t know what to expect.
This is normal because everyone may have different travel experiences.
So, I advise you not to believe every popular myth while you prepare for your first visit to Paris.
Instead, carefully research and read up on things, and plan to have the best experience.
Now that I’ve been, I can say with certainty that Paris is one of those places everyone should see at least once.
Read on for my own thoughts, suggestions, and 10 tips to maximise your first visit to this great city.
Recommended: Lonely Planets Travel Guide to Paris for First-timers
Things You Should Know for your Paris First Time Visit
Okay, so for your first trip to Paris, there are certainly a lot of things to know and plan for.
A lot of people love to travel to Paris because it is so charming, pretty, and full of history. But forget to consider many factors.
Things like when you’re going, how long you’ll be there, why you’re going, your budget, and who you’ll be travelling with.
So, to help you prepare for your first trip to Paris, here are my tips.
Tip #1: Prepare for your Paris First Time visit Well
It’s always essential to plan any trip ahead of time, and Paris is no different.
No matter how long your trip is—one day or four, like we did—take some time to learn about the must-see spots in Paris.
You should know exactly what you want to do and see on your first trip to Paris.
I know this may sound like simple, obvious travel advice.
But you won’t want to see all of the city’s sights and do all of its unique activities in just one trip.
Paris is a huge city filled with so much to do and see. Plus, this will make your first time in Paris a lot more enjoyable and unique.
Also, when planning your first trip to Paris, it’s also important to remember that the city isn’t cheap in general.
This makes sense since Paris is home to some of the most expensive fashion brands in the world—hello, Louis Vuitton!
Furthermore, don’t be shocked if you see a commotion because of a popular person or fashion icon in the city.
Unfortunately, we didn’t encounter any famous people while there, but I’ve heard that other travellers did.
That being said, most places to stay will be pricey (I’ll talk more about this below), especially those close to the centre.
Find & Book accommodations in advance for your first time in Paris
Depending on when and how you get to Paris for the first time, you might not know your way around the city, which could be a good or bad thing.
Even though Paris is beautiful, keep in mind that it has problems, just like any other big city.
You don’t want to be one of those first-time visitors who can’t decide where to stay.
Therefore, I would highly advise you to plan while looking for and making reservations for accommodation in Paris.
This will also save you money and time.
If you’re flying into Paris for the first time, you should know that there are three airports in total, but only the two main airports (Charles de Gaulle and Orly) are well connected to the city centre.
However, if you booked a hotel in the heart of the city, both airports are easily reachable by transportation options such as buses, trains, and taxis.
Another option if you don’t want to deal with the city’s public transport when you get there is to book an airport ride through KiwiTaxi ahead of time.
It is a service that lets you book transfers between foreign airports.
You can choose a car and route, book the transfer, and pay online or at the airport.
After you make the reservation, the driver will pick you up at the airport with your nameplate and take you to your hotel.
I would suggest their service to anyone needing an affordable and reliable way to get to or from the airport.
They also come in a range of price points, from cheap to business to large. Their service is good for all kinds of travel.
Book an Airport Transfer here!
Layout of Paris: Where to Stay in Paris Your First Time
Some things may be different when you get to Paris by train for the first time.
We did this for our trip and found it much easier and faster to get to our hotel and get settled before going out to see the city.
Just so you know, all of this comes from our own experience. So, keep in mind that this may not be the case for everyone!
Having said that, you should familiarise yourself with Paris’ layout before making a first-time hotel reservation.
The Seine River splits Paris in half, creating the North Bank and the South Bank. It is then split into twenty administrative areas called arrondissements.
These areas are arranged in a clockwise spiral from the 1st arrondissement, which is in the centre of the city.
The arrondissements are abbreviated as “ARR.” You will see this even on your accommodation address.
To help you get a better sense of Paris on your first visit, let’s break down its layout:
Central Paris: The 1st to 4th arrondissements make up the centre of Paris.
Famous places like the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the lively Marais area can be found here.
While planning your first trip to Paris, you should know that the Eiffel Tower is not actually in the city’s centre. I’ll talk more about this later.
Explore The Right and Left Banks on your first Paris visit
The Right Bank (Rive Droite): This refers to the riverbank on the north side! It has parts of the 11th, 12th, and 20th arrondissements and the 1st through 10th arrondissements.
Many well-known sights are on the Right Bank, such as the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, and the busy districts of Montmartre and Le Marais.
You can also find the main train stop in Paris, Gare du Nord, here.
Trains come from the UK and other parts of Europe. For our trip to Paris, we boarded the Eurostar from London Pancras to this station.
💡Quick Tip:
If you want to travel around Europe by rail or train, book and compare prices with Rail Europe, Trainline, and Trip.com. I personally like these the most.
The Left Bank, also known as the River Gauche:
The southern bank of the Seine is referred to as the Left Bank.
It includes sections of the 13th, 14th, and 15th arrondissements and,the 5th through 7th.
Places like the Latin Quarter, the Sorbonne University, and the Musée d’Orsay on the Left Bank are known for their educational and artistic history.
This is the side of the area where we stayed.
If you would like to book accommodation at the same hotel as us, I suggest Hotel Campanile Paris.
The hotel is considered a cheap hotel in Paris.
It is situated in Montparnasse, close to the Mouton Duvernet and Alésia Metro Station, in the 14th arrondissement of Paris.
It was easy for us to get to this hotel because it was in the centre of everything.
There are also lots of restaurants and coffee shops nearby.
Even though our hotel room was pretty small (most hotel rooms in Paris are small and expensive), it’s a great place to stay for your first trip to Paris.
Outlying Arrondissements: Outside of the central core, the arrondissements are mostly residential areas. All have their own special attractions and charms, though.
So, if this is your first time in Paris, you might want to choose a place to stay in or near the central arrondissements (1st through 10th) to be close to the city’s most popular spots.
Less crowded places farther from the centre can provide a more authentic Parisian experience and usually have lower hotel costs.
There is also good public transport in Paris, with the Metro, buses, and RER (suburban trains).
It’s easy to get around the city from almost anywhere.
It’s easy to get to all the main sights, even if your hotel isn’t right in the centre of the city.
Learn about Paris’ layout and top attractions before visiting for the first time to make wise decisions about where to stay and what to do.
PRO TIP:
Please keep in mind that if you want to visit Paris this year (2024), the summer holiday will be occupied by the Paris Olympics. For regular visitors, this may mean fewer places to stay.
Tip #2: Learn some basic French phrases to navigate the city
Learning the common phrases in the language of the place you are going is always a good idea.
Connecting with locals this way is always the best and most welcomed way to do it.
Although a lot of people in Paris may speak English, most of them would like it if you tried to learn French.
Installing the Google Translate or the Duolingo app on your phone will be useful.
And the best thing about the Google Translate app is that it’s quick and easy to use.
It also has almost every language in the world! In addition, you can specify what you want to translate as well as from which language to what.
Lastly, if you don’t want to type or speak out the translation, you can use the camera feature to take a picture of the item you want to translate—for example, a menu item or a road sign.
My pro tip for using the Google Translate app is to make sure your phone is always charged and safe, since you can use it even when you’re not online.
You can find out more about how to use the application without an internet connection here.
Tip #3: Dress like a Parisian
You don’t have to, but if this is your first time in Paris, I think you should try to dress nicely.
People in Paris are known for having great style, so make sure you bring some simple but stylish clothes with you.
In London and the UK in general, no one cares if you dress like a hobo or a chic.
As someone who doesn’t care much about fashion, at least this is one of the things I love about living in the UK.
However, in Paris, you may notice a slight difference in overall style.
I would recommend bringing at least one trench coat, tights, flat shoes, and a French beret if you go in February, like we did.
Overall, for your trip to Paris, bring a neutral capsule outfit. Some ideas I have are listed below.
Paris Neutral Packing List: What to Bring for Your First Trip
To put it simply, a neutral capsule wardrobe is a set of classic, flexible pieces that can be worn together in different ways. Plain colours like black, white, grey, and blue can help you look classic and stylish while you’re in Paris.
- Outer layer: Pack pieces such as a trench coat, blazer or lightweight waterproof jacket, especially if you visit in Winter.
- 2 T-shirts (one black and white)
- 1 high-waisted pants or jeans
- 2 dresses, 1 little black and the other beige or white
- 1 little skirt and 2 pairs of tights
- 2 shirts (one white button-down and the other light blue button-up)
- 1 black umbrella, applicable if you visit during the winter months
- 2 scarves (one light and the other thick)
- 3 pairs of shoes ( sneakers, boots long/ankle, flat formal shoes)
- 1 cross bag
- 2 light sweaters ( one jumper and one cardigan)
TIP: Please remember that this Paris packing list is only for women’s clothes and isn’t full. But anyone can use it as a guide to figure out what to bring to Paris and make it fit your own style.
This is just to give you some ideas for how to combine these pieces to make different outfits that are easy to pack. Don’t forget to bring layers for the nights when it gets cooler and shoes that are good for walking around the city. This list of things to pack should help in some way!
Tip #4: Get Around Paris Like a Local
Getting around Paris like a local is one of the best ways to avoid looking like a first-time visitor.
In contrast to me, my European husband always travels and would know how to get around almost any city in Europe, even if he had never been there.
Sadly, this might not be true for someone who has never been to Paris or Europe.
So, here are some tips to help you get around Paris like a local on your first trip there.
Use public transportation efficiently
You can easily get around Paris with the Metro because it works well and is simple to use.
The metro card is also easy to buy, even for first-time visitors.
The Navigo Easy Card is the card you need to get.
You can get the card at any metro station or tourist information office in the city.
There are a lot of similarities between the public transport systems in Paris and London.
So, the Navigo card is a lot like the London Oyster card.
To be fair, London’s contactless payment systems for public transport make it easy for visitors to get around without having to buy an Oyster card.
Navigo cards can be loaded with Paris train tickets that you buy.
It’s not necessary to show your face to get one of these cards, and they can only be given to one person at a time.
Unfortunately, more than one person can’t use the same Navigo Easy card at the same time.
So, if you’re not going to Paris for the first time alone, make sure you get the card separately.
Also, if you want to know, “how much is the Navigo card?” Don’t worry, it’s cheap.
You only have to pay €2 up front, and then you can add single tickets, packs of tickets, or a pass!
The card costs different amounts based on how many days or months it is good for.
For instance, you can get a Navigo Card for one day, three days, a week (Monday through Sunday), two weeks, one, two, or three months.
In addition, the price will change depending on the type of passenger and how often they buy tickets.
Tips to Getting around Paris
If you’re going to use the metro a lot, I suggest buying a packet of tickets because they’re cheaper that way.
Another option is to buy a Paris discount city pass if you plan to take the train a lot or just don’t want to think about how often you will use it.
While many of these tourist passes let you travel the Paris metro as much as you want, others give you savings on museum admission.
While I would personally suggest that you get this on your first visit, there are likely to be too many sites to choose from, which can be overwhelming.
Paris’ public transport system is similar to London’s. Zones 1 through 3 are in the centre of Paris and have the most popular attractions. Versaille Palace and Disney World are in Zones 4–5.
Again, making a Paris itinerary ahead of time will help you because you’ll know what to see and what not to see on your first trip there.
For instance, we didn’t plan to see the Palace of Versailles or Disney World, but we still had a great time in Paris.
Getting around on foot or by bike in certain areas
There is a lot to see in Paris. Walking or riding a bike is sometimes the best way to see the city.
On top of that, if you like finding hidden gems and going off the beaten path, you should plan to walk around Paris on your first visit.
One place I think you should take some time to walk around is the Montmartre neighbourhood.
Just make sure your shoes are comfortable and you don’t bring big things with you, because this area is very hilly but absolutely beautiful!
Alternatively, you can take a walking or biking tour to see the beauty of Paris.
For instance, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, we took a walking tour.
It was the best way to see Palma in a unique without any tourists.
Although I can’t ride a bike, I would love to go touring by bike. It’s something I strongly recommend you do.
Check out this highly rated Paris Charming Nooks and Crannies on a Bike Tour
Tip #5: Visit iconic landmarks
Being in Paris for the first time, you would want to see some well-known sights, of course.
To have the best first-time experience, I would suggest not trying to see them all. Instead, pick just a few.
Here are some of the well-known places we visited and some useful tips on how to get the most out of each one.
1. Eiffel Tower
Considering that the Eiffel Tower is the most photographed monument in Paris, it makes sense to take photos of it from several viewpoints!
But it can be hard to get a picture of it or yourself without a lot of people in the way, especially if it’s your first time there.
Nevertheless, there are lots of spots to take shots of the Eiffel Tower.
Luckily, I can help you if you want to take pictures of it but don’t know where to go!
Here are my five favourite places that aren’t crowded with tourists where you can get great pictures of the Eiffel Tower.
- Below the Pont d’Lena Bridge on the right: It’s empty during the day, so it’s a great place to take photos without crowds. We had the view all to ourselves!
- Pont Alexandre III Bridge: The Pont Alexandre III Bridge is widely regarded as the most picturesque bridge in all of Paris. Along it, you can get from the Champs-Élysées area to the Invalides and Eiffel Tower areas.
You can use it to take pictures all day without crowds. Also, don’t forget to walk down the bridge to see it from different ends.
- Passerelle Debilly: It’s not too busy, great for sunsets, & watch it sparkle at night.
- Avenue de New York: You can easily take pictures during the day, but not at night when the Eiffel Tower sparkles. Its only a 5-minute walk from the Debilly, so I would advice visiting both spots at the same time.
- Tip: To avoid people at night and see the Eiffel Tower sparkle, have a drink at the New York cafe, which is just across the Avenue de New York.
OTHER HIDDEN SPOTS WITH EIFFEL TOWER VIEW: We did not have enough time to visit them, but you can add them to your list when you visit because they’re also hidden spots.
📍 Port Debilly (hidden gem)
📍 Rue de Monttessuy (Not too busy)
📍 Below Pont d’ Lena bridge on the left side
2. Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is another famous monument in Paris that you should see on your first visit. A well-known sight in Paris.
This amazing landmark is in the middle of a traffic circle that forms a star shape with 12 streets.
You can’t understand how big the arch is until you see it for yourself.
From the Arc de Triomphe, you can see the whole city of Paris, so you should go there.
TIP: This is where you should go instead of the Eiffel Tower if you want to see the full panorama views of Paris. You can see the Eiffel Tower from this spot as well.
The Arc de Triomphe is also at the end of the famous Champs-Élysées street in Paris.
This street is known for its high-end shops, bars, and theatres. The view of the Champs-Élysées from the top of Arc de Triomphe is amazing!
Top 5 travel tips & guides to the Arc de Triomphe
- Getting to the Arc de Triomphe: The Arc de Triomphe is in the middle of a very busy roundabout, so you can’t just walk over there. There is no pedestrian crossing to walk over to the Arc above ground. You have to use the underground entrance to get to the Arc.
- Buy tickets online in advance: Buying tickets online will save you a lot of time and make your life easier. If you don’t buy your ticket ahead of time, you’ll have to wait in a separate line at a ticket booth.
- What a “Skip the Line” Ticket Actually Means: When you buy a ticket online, it’s called a “skip the line” ticket. This allows you to skip the ticket booth line but wait in the security line before climbing the Arc de Triomphe. In other words, you don’t have a magic pass that lets you jump the line and go straight to security (disappointing, I know).
- Be careful on Stairs: The climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe consists of 284 stairs. You can’t take an elevator to the top (spoiler alert: there are no lifts at the time of our visit), so keep that in mind. But it’s worth it!
- When to Visit: Morning or Evening: The view from the Arc de Triomphe is great at any time of day, but I recommend going when it opens (to avoid lines) or in the evening to see the sunset. If you like taking pictures, both the morning and evening is a great time.
3. The Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is one of the world’s largest and most visited art museums.
Some of the best-known paintings and sculptures in the world are in the Louvre.
The Venus of Milo, and the Mona Lisa, to name a few,
Even though it’s very popular, some travellers might not want to go.
But if you’re like me—someone who likes to do both touristy and non-touristy things—you should put the Louvre on your list of places to see in Paris.
Top 5 Tips for Visiting the Louvre Museum
- You can’t go to Paris without going to the Louvre. It is one of the most popular places for tourists to visit. (unless you really don’t like museums!)
- Best Time to Visit the Louvre Museum: The Louvre is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Tuesdays. I would recommend going in the morning when it just opens. Avoid going on weekends. For more information on opening times, read here.
- Book in advance: When you buy tickets online, you choose a specific date and time slot. This makes it easy to get into the museum in less than 30 minutes. (I would recommend the Get Your Guide app for buying your ticket).
- Wear comfortable shoes: The museum is very big (3 wings), it’s impossible to see it all and it can take a few hours to see everything. Lastly, visitors should know that backpacks and large bags are not allowed in the museum because they pose a security risk.
- Getting to the Louvre: You can easily take public transportation to get to the Louvre. Palais Royal—Musée du Louvre on Line 1 and Les Halles on Line 4 are the nearest metro stations.
PRO TIP: I would recommend spending no more than two hours here, unless you enjoy art and want to explore everything. Also, if you have time, go to the Cafe Mollien inside the Louvre for a coffee. The prices are fair. But if you don’t mind spending a little money and fancy some authentic French food, you can have lunch at Café Marly with a view of the Louvre pyramids after exploring the museum.
4. Notre Dame Cathedral
This was the first famous building we saw in Paris. We got to the city mid-morning and had a lot of time to explore.
It is an old Catholic cathedral and one of France’s most famous and well-known landmarks.
It is renowned for its beautiful design, gothic style, and long history.
The church is in the centre of the city, between the 4th and 6th arrondissements, on the banks of the Seine.
It wasn’t at the top of our list of things to do on my first trip to the city, though.
So, we just glanced at it from the outside and thought it was pretty cool.
The Louvre Museum is only a 20-minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral.
If you can, I recommend seeing these two famous sites on the same day.
Check the most up-to-date information on opening hours before you plan to visit the church. The Notre Dame church was closed to the public at one point because of the fire in April 2019.
5. Take a walk on the Champs-Elysees.
Spend some time walking along the Champs-Elysees on your first trip to Paris.
This is one of the most popular shopping streets in Paris, as I briefly said above.
The street leads to the Arc de Triomphe monument.
From the Arc de Triomphe, my advice is to take a walk and look at the beautiful high-end stores.
That’s exactly what we did, because we couldn’t afford to shop on that street.
To be honest, we’re not luxury travellers. However, Champs-Elysees is a good place to buy a Louis Vuitton souvenir from Paris.
There are more shops like Zara out there too. You can look around the street and enjoy the atmosphere.
If you like to watch people, you should go to Le Ponthieu Cafe and get a traditional French coffee or your favourite coffee.
Le Ponthieu Cafe is 5 minutes from Place de la Concorde, a park at the end of Champs-Elysees.
Tip #6: Explore different neighbourhoods
In Paris, each neighbourhood has its own style and charm, so make sure you see more than just the tourist attractions.
There are many quiet places in Paris, but if this is your first time there, I think you should choose at least one.
And the most beautiful neighbourhood I can think of is Montmartre.
A place where artists, builders, and people who like to try new things can live out their dreams is what Montmartre is known for.
It has lots of cute and unique things that you can only find in Paris, like cobblestone streets, old buildings, and artist workshops.
The famous pink café called La Maison Rose and the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur with its white dome can both be found here.
Quick Tips to Exploring Montmartre.
- Getting Around Montmartre: It’s really easy to walk around Montmartre. Since the area is so easy to get around on foot, it’s probably not worth your time to go to the metro to skip a few stops.
PRO TIP: Wear comfortable shoes and don’t carry heavy items when visiting the area; it’s very hilly.So, if you happen to be in the area, here are some things you must see and do:
✔️Take a guided walking tour
✔️Take in the views from the Basilica (Find details on opening times here)
✔️ Take a look at the Sinking House
✔️ Learn about the many artists who lived in Montmartre
✔️ View the Moulin Rouge
✔️ Enjoy coffee at Le Refuge Café or at Le Consulat
✔️ Hang out in Place du Tertre ( This is where you find alots of artists at work)
Tip #7: Take a river cruise
When you look at Paris from the Seine River, you can see its sites and buildings from a different angle.
There are many cruises and boat tours to choose from, and they are all different based on how you like to travel.
To be honest, most of them are pricey. But if you want a cheaper boat tour, the Paris, 1-Hour River Seine Cruise with Audio Commentary tour might be a good choice.
We had a good time on this tour, too.
After you book, you’ll get information about the tour, like where it starts, what it covers, how long it lasts, and what it doesn’t cover.
Other Cruises & boat tours to try your first time in Paris
Tip #8: Try local cuisine on Your First Visit to Paris
It’s a common aspect of travelling to try the food in a new place.
In addition to allowing us to experience a place’s real culture, food also gives us a chance to connect with the locals and learn about their way of life.
French food is generally thought to be some of the best in the world.
And what better place to try it than in Paris?
Nevertheless, you should remember that the city has a lot of different kinds of food.
As you plan your trip to Paris, don’t be surprised if a lot of restaurants that aren’t French come up as you look for places to eat.
Based on your plans, I think you should start by trying real Parisian foods like croissants or croque monsieur.
You can pick from many cafes in Paris. I wouldn’t recommend going to only touristy place unless you have a lot of time and are ready to go out of your way for it.
Instead, I would suggest finding some good options that fit with your travel plans.
As an example, we enjoyed a coffee at Cafe Le Recrutement after walking along the Champs-Élysées and admiring the Pont Alexandre III Bridge.
We usually do this. We plan our days roughly, figure out where we’ll be for lunch or dinner, and then use Google Maps to find some nice restaurants close by.
There are times when that helps you find great places in your area.
In any case, even a little research can help you stay away from tourist traps.
Oh, and Cafe Le Recrutement is a tourist spot because it has a view of the Eiffel Tower.
It’s not too expensive, though, if you’re just there for coffee.
Dining and Drinking Tips in Paris
Going on a food tour is another great way to try Parisian food.
It’s a quick and easy way to try a lot of different French foods.
We didn’t have time to try this, which is too bad.
But it’s okay if you don’t do everything on your first trip to Paris.
Don’t forget that you can come back. Plus, Paris is always a good idea!
FOOD & DRINKS TOURS TO TRY IN PARIS
Another option is to try food from other places. We didn’t just eat French food during our visit, for example.
Another place we liked was Pink Mamma, which serves fresh Italian food like pizza, pasta, and tiramisu that is great for sharing.
The inside is very pretty. Reservations are required for this Paris restaurant because it’s so popular.
When I was looking for places to eat, I remember seeing Pink Mamma pop up.
Because I thought it would be one of those tourist traps with bad food, I wasn’t sure if I should make a reservation.
But the food reviews are what drew us there, and yes, we were glad we did!
Top Tips for Dinning in Paris
- Reservations: To avoid long waits, it’s best to make reservations ahead of time, especially for popular places like Pink Mamma. Even though you booked ahead of time, you’ll still have to wait to get in. It’s worth the wait, though!
- Dining Behaviour: Keep your hands on the table, use cutlery properly (this is only in upscale restaurants though), and ask for the check instead of expecting it. As budget travellers, we didn’t eat at any extreme fancy restaurants in Paris. But to be honest, I think you shouldn’t worry too much about this, just eat normally.
- Cafe Culture: People-watching and drinking coffee or wine on a terrace outside is the perfect way to experience the classic Parisian cafe culture. This was one of my best things to do in Paris! It’s the most chill and peaceful thing to do. Also, you don’t feel rushed, so take your time.
CHECK OUT OTHER LOCAL PARIS FOOD TO TRY
Tip #9: Stay Safe in Paris
Seeing new places, eating delicious food, and having moments you’ll never forget are some of the best things about travelling.
Yes, travel is enjoyable, broadens perspectives, and opens minds.
However, when you go somewhere or do something new, something bad can always happen.
This can happen in any new place you visit, not just Paris. Here are my Paris safety advice.
1. Avoid tourist scams and pickpockets
Pickpockets and tourist scams are regular problems all over the world.
Yes, this includes well-known places like Pairs! Thus, don’t be naive and assume that Paris is what you would anticipate.
While I didn’t feel in any danger on our trip, I can’t say for sure that everyone would feel the same way.
Still, I don’t travel by myself very often, so that could be why I felt safe.
Overall, I think you should try not to stay too long in places where a lot of tourists go, like the Eiffel Tower’s centre or the Paris Gare du Nord station.
There are a lot of scams, tricks, and pickpockets here. Also, don’t act like the typical tourist who stands out a lot.
You could be seen as a target for scams or pickpockets. We tried to act like locals and had a great time in famous spots by doing that.
How to Stay Safe in Paris Your First Time
Also, don’t ask random people for directions if you usually travel alone, especially if you’re a woman.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t just stand there staring at your phone like you don’t know what to do.
Finding a place to sit or do some research before leaving your hotel is better.
You can use Google Maps to mark areas to explore.
You could also go to one of the tourism booths or offices that are usually close to most tourist spots.
Know your emergency contact information
The best thing you can do for yourself in case of a trip emergency is to let your family or friends know about your plans and know their phone numbers.
The people who love you will look out for your safety more than anyone else.
If your family knows your plans, they can help you out from within your own country if you have a travel problem.
This is especially important for people travelling alone.
Please note that I am not talking about “solo travellers,” who usually go on trips with their partner, husband, and friends in the background here.
Usually, we tell either Alex’s parents or my parents that we’re going somewhere and give them the dates and month.
Set up emergency numbers on your iPhone as well. Watch the video below to learn how to set up your iPhone and add emergency contacts.
After you do this, when the phone asks for a password on the lock screen, it will show “Emergency” on the bottom left corner.
Anyone helping you or taking care of you can just press “Emergency,” which will bring up a dial pad if you can’t talk.
Then, next on the bottom left corner, tap Medical ID. Now, all of your emergency information is visible, and they can call your family members.
💡 Here are other Safety Tips to be best prepared
☑️ Get your medical needs sorted out
Prepare your medications before leaving, and bring anything you may need while away. Quick doctor visits before trips are great!
☑️ Get worldwide Travel Insurance ASAP
This is the most overlooked travel requirement, even by frequent travellers… PRO TIP: If you already have insurance, as we do, please read it and ask your provider about its coverage and workings. This is especially important if you live in the UK and primarily travel within Europe. Many things have changed since the UK left the EU.
☑️ Do your research beforehand
Know the weather, current events for example, Paris is hosting olympics this summer (2024), and safety warnings for each city you visit. Travel advice for one part of a country may differ from another.
Travel with caution during peak tourist seasons
We went to Paris for the first time in the middle of February, which is not the busiest time of year. In Europe, February is still part of winter.
Paris felt like spring when we went. The pleasant weather and less tourists made our trip even better.
In peak season, even when the weather is nice, most people are on holiday in popular European cities, and everything costs a lot. So, always keep this in mind when you plan your first time visit to Paris.
Lately, for most of our trips, especially in Europe. Our favourite time to travel is now, during the off-season, because it’s so different from the peak season and we enjoy it more.
Also Read: Mallorca Spain Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: All You Need to Know
Best Time to Visit Paris for First-Timers
In general, I believe that spring (March–May) or autumn (October–November) are the best times to visit Paris.
Depending on how you like to travel, though, any time is a good time to visit the City of Love because, for each season, you will have a different experience.
Furthermore, going to Paris outside of busy times will not only save you money but also improve your Paris experience. That’s how it was for me, anyway.
I haven’t been there in a different season yet.
So, I can’t comment much on it, but I’ve experienced other European destinations during the peak season, so I know what it’s like.
Tip #10: Don’t Try to See Everything
I know it’s exciting for most people outside of Europe to be in Paris for the first time.
But I think you should take your time and enjoy Paris at a leisurely pace.
Remember that the city is big and has a lot, like, seriously, ALOT, to offer.
If you’re not careful, you might make yourself too busy with activities and miss out on what makes Paris so great.
That being said, don’t plan too many things to do in the city unless you have at least two weeks or even a month to spend there.
You might not have had a good time at all, which would be disappointing.
In any case, even if you only have one or two days in Paris, make sure you plan ahead.
Making a plan is important, and Pinterest is a great place to start.
There you can find lots of travel tips and guides for Paris from bloggers like me… by the way don’t forget to save this post for later!
Final Thoughts About Visiting Paris for First Time
Don’t feel like you have to do everything. I still want to do and see a lot more in Paris, but that will have to wait until our next trip.
If this is your first time visiting, these tips will help you make the most of your time there.
You should also do some research and plan ahead to fully experience the city’s culture and beauty.
I hope this Paris first-time guide will help you plan your trip.
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