These Paris travel tips will give you everything you need to plan the Paris trip of your dreams. Avoid tourist traps, eat in the best restaurants, discover amazing cafés, enjoy the city’s best views, and know exactly what to pack thanks to tips from a local couple. If you love great food in Paris, download our free Paris Food Guide.
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Table of Contents
Paris travel tips to help you get the most out of your trip
#1 Consider purchasing the Paris Pass
A Paris Pass can be a great value if you plan to visit multiple museums and attractions. It often includes entry to many sites, unlimited metro travel for the pass duration, and occasional discounts at participating shops.
FREE ADMISSION to over 60 museums & attractions! Buy your Paris Pass for your trip
Related : Paris Hotels with Views of the Eiffel Tower
#2 Visit in spring for cherry blossoms
Paris is beautiful year-round, but spring brings cherry blossoms that transform parks and streets. For a spectacular display, consider a visit to Parc de Sceaux during bloom season.
#3 Learn a little French
You can get by with English in many places, but knowing a few phrases will improve interactions. Simple words like “bonjour,” “s’il vous plaît” and “merci” are appreciated.
#4 Bring your student ID
If you’re a student under 26, bring your student ID—many museums and attractions offer discounts, especially for EU students.
#5 Plan to eat well
Paris is a paradise for food lovers. Make room for croissants, pain au chocolat, crêpes, hearty dishes like boeuf bourguignon, and plenty of coffee. Consider sampling both classic and modern French cuisine during your stay.
#6 Map out coffee shops in advance
Paris has countless cafés. If you enjoy specialty coffee, pick a few favorites to visit. A few notable spots include Boot Café, Partisan Coffee, and Back in Black.
Related : Don’t Miss these Coffee Shops in Paris!
#7 Bring comfortable and stylish shoes
Paris is best explored on foot, so pack comfortable shoes that still look good for cafés and restaurants.
#8 Pack a travel adapter
France uses Type C and E plugs. Bring a universal travel adapter if you’re coming from a country with different outlets.
#9 Dress like a Parisian
Parisians favor simple, chic outfits. Monochrome pieces, neutral scarves, a medium-sized handbag and a lighter trench or a warmer coat for winter will keep you comfortable and stylish.
- A scarf – a larger neutral cashmere or wool scarf is versatile and cozy.
- A raincoat – a classic trench keeps you dry and chic. For winter visits, pack a warmer coat.
- Rainboots – handy during wetter months.
- A chic bag – not too large, but roomy enough for essentials and small souvenirs.
#10 Try something unique
In addition to the classics, explore lesser-known neighborhoods and experiences. Paris rewards curiosity with charming streets, markets, and independent museums.
#11 Visit the Louvre with a plan
The Louvre is vast. Decide which sections and masterpieces you want to see ahead of time to make the most of your visit.
Book your skip the line ticket to the Louvre in advance
Must-see works at the Louvre
- The Mona Lisa
- The Winged Victory of Samothrace
- The Venus de Milo
- Hammurabi’s Code
- Grande Odalisque
- Liberty Leading the People
- Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss
#12 Expect the Mona Lisa to be small
The Mona Lisa is much smaller than many visitors expect, but it’s still worth seeing for its historical and artistic significance.
#13 Book major attractions ahead
Popular sites like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre attract long lines. Book tickets in advance or reserve skip-the-line access to avoid wasting time queuing.
Top attractions to book in advance
- The Eiffel Tower
- The Louvre
- Musée d’Orsay
- Versailles (for a day trip)
#14 Explore smaller museums
Paris has many intimate museums worth visiting, such as the Picasso Museum, the Rodin Museum, and L’Orangerie. Booking ahead can help you avoid lines.
#15 Plan a day trip
If you have extra time, take a day trip from Paris—popular options include Versailles and Champagne country for tastings.
#16 Take your time
Don’t rush. Allow time to wander, sit at cafés, and soak in Parisian life. A relaxed pace makes the city more enjoyable.
#17 Sample French cheeses
Visit a market or fromagerie to try cheeses like Neufchâtel, chèvre cendré, Camembert, and Brie truffé. Build a simple cheeseboard with a baguette and wine for a classic Parisian treat.
#18 Keep a hotel card with you
Carry a card with your hotel’s name, address and phone number so you can easily get back if you become lost.
#19 Skip hotel breakfast for a boulangerie
Hotel breakfasts can be expensive. Enjoy a coffee and fresh pastry at a local boulangerie for a more authentic and affordable start to the day.
#20 Not all croissants are identical
Croissants vary by bakery. Seek out renowned boulangeries—our favorite is Gérard Mulot in Saint-Germain-des-Prés—for outstanding pastries.
Other viennoiseries to try
- Pain au chocolat – a flaky pastry filled with dark chocolate.
- Pain aux raisins – a raisin-studded spiral pastry glazed with syrup.
- Croissant aux amandes – a croissant topped with almonds and sugar.
- Pain au chocolat aux amandes – a chocolate-filled almond pastry.
If you love good food in Paris, download our free Paris Food Guide!
#21 Dine late
Parisians often eat dinner later than in some countries. For a lively, authentic atmosphere, plan to dine around 8:30–9:30pm or later.
#22 The currency is the euro
Paris uses the euro. You can withdraw cash at ATMs, exchange money before you travel, or use cards widely across the city.
#23 Pharmacies and 24-hour options
Many pharmacies close in the evening and on Sundays, though a handful operate 24/7. Keep this in mind if you need medication or basic supplies.
Examples of 24-hour pharmacies
- Pharmacie de la Place de la République – 5 Place de la République, 75003 Paris
- Pharmacie de la Porte Maillot – 68 Avenue de la Grande Armée, 75017 Paris
- Pharmacie Bastille – 6 Richard-Lenoir, 75011 Paris
#24 In a medical emergency call 112
Dial 112 for emergencies. Operators can connect you with English-speaking services, dispatch ambulances, or advise on next steps like contacting SOS Médecins for a home visit.
#25 Expect cheek kisses (les bises)
French greetings often include one to three cheek kisses, depending on region. In Paris, two light kisses—one on each cheek—is common for friends and acquaintances.
#26 Montmartre offers great views
For panoramic city views, visit the steps in front of Sacré-Cœur on Montmartre hill. Other excellent viewpoints include the Arc de Triomphe, Tour Montparnasse, and Parc de Belleville.
#27 Reserve restaurants when possible
Many popular restaurants get busy—book ahead when you can. For smaller bistros that don’t take reservations, try arriving early or during off-peak hours.
#28 Experience fine dining
Paris offers a range of dining—from casual bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants. Treat yourself to at least one special meal while in the city.
#29 Leave time to flâner
Flâner: the art of wandering without a schedule
Allow unplanned time to wander, discover hidden streets, stop at cafés, and enjoy slow moments—this is part of Paris’s charm.
#30 Stay centrally
Choose a centrally located hotel in the city when possible. A comfortable, well-situated base saves travel time and makes exploring easier.
Recommended hotel types
- Hotel Parister – a luxury boutique option with romantic touches and a pool.
- Paris Boutik – ideal for renting a luxury apartment-style stay.
- Hotels with Eiffel Tower views – ideal if you want iconic vistas from your room.
#31 Paris has 20 arrondissements
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements that spiral out from the center. Each neighborhood offers distinct architecture, cafés, shops and parks to explore.
#32 Paris is dog-friendly
Many Parisians own dogs and you can bring well-behaved pets to parks, some cafés and many outdoor areas. Always check hotel and restaurant pet policies before booking.
#33 Many places close in August
August can be quieter because some shops and restaurants close for summer holidays. If you plan to visit a specific place, check opening hours in advance.
#34 Vegan options are increasingly available
Paris now offers many vegan restaurants and cafés. Look for plant-based bistros and vegan bakeries across the city.
#35 Gluten-free options exist
Gluten-free choices are increasingly common, from dedicated bakeries to cafés offering GF dishes. Research or ask staff for recommendations.
#36 Visit during les soldes for big discounts
Twice a year the city holds major sales (les soldes), when stores offer substantial discounts—great for bargain hunters.
#37 For outlet shopping try La Vallée Village
If designer bargains appeal to you, consider a day trip to La Vallée Village for outlet shopping and discounted luxury brands.
#38 Separate venues for apéritif, dinner and coffee
Try an apéritif at one place, dinner at another, and dessert or coffee somewhere else—that way you’ll sample more of Paris’s vibrant restaurant scene.
If you love food in Paris, download our free Paris Food Guide!
#39 See a performance at Comédie Française if you speak French
For those comfortable with French, a night at the Comédie Française is a rich cultural experience. Paris also offers opera, ballet, and theatre in multiple languages on occasion.
#40 Beware of street scams and pickpockets
Paris is generally safe, but take precautions against pickpockets and common scams—keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
#41 Walk as much as you can
Walking is one of the best ways to experience Paris. Stroll neighborhoods, discover hidden corners, and enjoy the city at a human pace.
#42 Always save room for dessert
Pastries and desserts are highlights of a Paris visit. Try classics like tarte Tatin, Paris-Brest, lemon meringue tartlets, madeleines, and chestnut confections.
#43 Buy Parisian souvenirs
Bring home items that recall France: lavender sachets from Provence, fine chocolates, quality hand soap, caramels, and Herbes de Provence for the kitchen.
#44 Explore American expat history
Follow the footsteps of famous American expatriates by visiting spots like Café Lipp, the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz, Café de Flore, and Les Deux Magots.
#45 Visit any season
Paris is lovely year-round. Each season has a different atmosphere—spring blossoms, summer terraces, autumn light, and cozy winter cafes.
#46 Visit with someone you love
Paris is a famously romantic destination—perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion or simply savoring a shared getaway.
#47 On rainy days explore the covered passages
Covered passages are charming, sheltered arcades filled with shops and cafés—ideal for rainy weather exploration.
#48 If you’ll use the metro a lot, get a travel pass
If you plan many metro trips in a day, a day or multi-day pass can be more convenient and economical than single tickets.
#49 Free public restrooms are uncommon
Public restrooms often require a small fee. Plan restroom stops at cafés or carry some change for paid facilities.
#50 Enjoy afternoon tea
Paris offers elegant afternoon tea experiences in several hotels and salons—perfect for a leisurely, indulgent afternoon.
50+ Paris Travel Tips
These tips should help you make the most of your time in Paris—plan ahead for major sights, leave room to wander, and savor the food, culture and neighborhoods that make the city so special.
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First published February 2, 2020. Last updated May 8, 2023 with additional tips and improved readability.