Paris, the City of Lights, is the European capital many Americans dream about one day visiting. Imagine taking strolls along the River Seine, visiting world-famous landmarks and museums and eating buttery croissants at an outdoor cafe. Having lived in France for almost 4 years, we’ve learned a few things about French culture and its citizens. Before you set out on your fantasy trip, take a look at our tips for things to know before visiting Paris.
Learn Basic French
Learning basic French will go a long way to making your trip successful. When visiting a new country, it’s important to learn at least a few basic words and phrases in the local language. Yes, many people in the touristy areas speak English, but you shouldn’t arrive without being able to greet someone in their native tongue.
Should Know:
Good Day = Bonjour /bon zor/
Good Evening = Bonsoir /bon swah/
Good Bye = Au Revoir /oh-ruh-vwah/
Please = S’il vous plaît /see voo play/
Thank you = Merci /mer-sea/
Excuse me & sorry = pardon /pahr-doah/
You’re Welcome = De rien /duh-rhee-uh/
Ma’am = Madame /mah-dahm/
Sir = Monsieur /mis-eeyuh/
Yes = Oui /we/
No = Non /no/
Good to know:
Take away (as in your food to go) = á importer /ah ahm-por-tay/
Do You Speak English? = Parlez-vous anglais? /par-lay voo an-glay/
I don’t understand. = Je ne comprends pas. /juh nuh com-pren pah/
Where Is the Bathroom? = Où sont les toilettes? /ehw ay lay twah-let/
When entering an establishment such as a shop or restaurant, it is always polite to say “Bonjour” in greeting. It is also polite to say “Au revoir” when leaving. Of course, the use of “S’il vous plaît” and “Merci” are important just as in the U.S. and other countries.
Learning the numbers 1 – 10 will also be beneficial.
Tipping
Unlike in the States, tipping is not required in restaurants, although it is appreciated. If you experience good service, consider leaving 5 – 10% of the bill. Some of my French friends say they don’t leave a specific percentage, just a bit of what they have. IF the service was good. If the service wasn’t good, they don’t give a second thought to not leaving a tip.
You may see 15% service compris or tip included on your bill in Paris. However, in France it’s pretty much known that service is included. As French servers are paid a full wage, independent of tips, you should tip based on the level of service. This does take some getting used to for Americans where always tipping 15 – 20% is the norm.
For example – If having a café (coffee), I might leave 0.50€ if the service was good. But, many of my friends only leave 0.20€ – 0.30€ or nothing at all.
Note – Tip in cash as there isn’t an option to write in an amount on your credit card slip.
Tipping a couple euros or 10% of the fare for taxi rides is appreciated. However, we have found Uber to be easiest and the drivers are usually more friendly than Parisian taxi drivers.
Eating and Dining:
Be aware of restaurant opening times. Lunch is served from around noon – 2pm and dinner is served from around 7pm – 10:30pm. All day service restaurants are usually tourist traps. If you’re starving when restaurants are closed, pop into a boulangerie or bakery for a sandwich or treat.
If possible, make reservations. If you don’t have time to make a reservation, arrive when they open, around 7 – 7:30pm. You’ll have a greater chance of getting a table. You may also be told that they are full but you can be seated if you can be gone by a certain time. They might have that table reserved for 8:30, but know most Americans aren’t going to sit around after the meal.
Additionally, the servers will have more time to help you with the menu if you eat early.
Ask for tap water (carafe d’eau) at restaurants to avoid the added expense of bottled water. French water is perfectly safe to drink. I’d rather enjoy a cappuccino or dessert after my meal than pay for water.
Eating is an experience and is not to be rushed. Don’t be surprised or angry when it takes the server a long time to bring even a cup of coffee. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere. If you’re in a rush, order a café at the bar like a Parisian.
You’ll need to ask for the check once you’ve completed your meal. It won’t automatically be brought to the table. Simply say, l’addition s’il vous plaît /lah dee-see-onh see voo play/ and the bill will be brought to your table. If paying by credit card, the machine will be brought to the table as they don’t take your card to swipe at the register.
If you just want a drink in a café, do not sit at a table that’s set for a meal. Just before lunch, you’ll notice some tables being set with placemats, silverware and glasses. If you want to eat a meal, sit here. If you’re just grabbing a drink, pick the table without the setting.
Get out of your comfort zone and eat new foods. A few ideas include quiche lorraine (a typical quiche with cheese and ham). Believe it or not, my kiddos highly recommend escargots (snails in the shell cooked in garlic and butter). Another popular dish is steak tartare (raw beef patty mixed with spices). Foie gras (liver of a duck or goose fattened by force-feeding corn). While I refuse to eat it on principal, this is a popular dish. Also don’t miss baguettes, croissants, pain ou chocolate and of course, macarons.
Have a picnic during your visit. Stop by the market to get a baguette, cheese, fruit and a bottle of wine, then head to the park for a picnic. Sitting on a bench along the Seine is also a great way to enjoy a meal.
When is it open?
Most grocery stores, pharmacies and shops are closed on Sunday. If a grocery store is open on Sunday, it will be only in the morning – usually until around 12:30pm. Plan to do your shopping on Saturday or you’ll be stuck eating out all day.
On Sundays, or after hours, signs will be posted on pharmacy windows announcing which locations are open – and at what time. You’ll notice select pharmacies are either open in the morning or afternoon – not both. The pharmacy is the only place to get your over-the-counter or non-prescription medication. You won’t find headache medicine at the grocery store.
While it may seem strange to Americans for even restaurants to close on the weekend, it’s perfectly normal to the French. When I’ve questioned this practice in Nice, I was looked at like I was crazy and told that weekends are a time for family.
You’ll notice many shops closed during lunch and at what appears to be random closing and opening times. You just need to remember this is normal in France. If you see a shop you want to visit, go in and don’t assume they will still be open later.
Attractions:
It’s also common for many attractions to be closed on Monday or Tuesday. Even when planning visits to tourist attractions, always check opening days. For instance, the Musée d’Orsay is closed on Mondays and The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.
- Free entry to 90+ Paris attractions & tours
- Free Paris Bus Tour
- Includes Paris Museum Pass
**Some attractions require reservations.
Purchase attraction tickets in advance to save time. Some of the most popular attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay offer this option. Please be aware that times for the Eiffel Tower do sell out well in advance, so book early.
Take in the view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe for sweeping views over Paris.
Don’t go to The Louvre just to see the Mona Lisa. There is so much more to the museum than the Mona Lisa and you should plan time to see those other works of art. While it would take days to tour the museum properly, plan to spend time admiring the masterpieces within.
Getting Around:
Take advantage of public transport. In Paris and throughout most of France, the public transport system is great. When you need a break from walking, jump on the metro. The metro system is vast and will take you to most of the city hotspots.
When getting on the metro, unless someone is getting off, the doors don’t automatically open. You’ll need to push the button to open the doors. Don’t stand around waiting for something to magically happen.
Don’t throw away your ticket! Make sure to keep your metro ticket until after you have exited the station. Occasionally, you will be asked to show your ticket to the inspectors at the exit. If you don’t have it – there is an on-the-spot fee.
Save money by purchasing a carnet or book of 10 tickets instead of single journey tickets saving.
As of June 2024, you can also download an app for easy travel during the Paris 2024 Olympics with the ability to purchase tickets in the app.
Consider the Navigo Day Pass which is valid for a full day on public transport lines within 2 zones.
Transport is FREE for children under 4 and discounts for children between 4 – 10 years old.
Be mindful of grèves or strikes. A train strike can put a serious damper on your travel plans. Try to go with the flow as much as possible. Look for alternative modes of transport or attempt to rearrange your schedule for the day.
Pack comfortable shoes. While this is a typical recommendation when traveling, you’ll walk A LOT in Paris. Don’t bring those cute new shoes you just purchased and not expect blisters by the end of the day.
Are they walking straight toward me on purpose? When walking along the sidewalks in France, it seems that people make a beeline to walk right in front of you. And they actually kind of do. The French don’t require as much personal space as Americans and when passing on the sidewalk, you both just move your shoulders a bit to avoid a collision.
Money:
Bring a credit card with a 0% foreign transaction fee. You don’t want to waste money every time your swipe your card. Read more tips in our ultimate guide to managing money in Europe. We’ve included tips for using foreign currency & saving money in France.
Keep change for the bathrooms. When you find a public toilet, you’ll likely need to pay 0.50€ to enter. Every time we stop to eat or drink or visit a tourist attraction, we always make sure to use the bathroom there before we leave. Why waste money on a toilet later? I carry a small change purse just for this reason.
Shop for less during the soldes. Bargains can be found during the sales in January and July each year. Sales are government regulated so these are the 2 times per year when huge sales can be found all over France.
Where to Stay:
Hotel rooms in Paris and most of Europe tend to be on the smaller side. It can also be difficult to find rooms that will accommodate a family. Consider booking an apartment through Airbnb. You’ll not only get more room, but save money as well.
European floor numbers and U.S. floors aren’t the same. In the U.S., we start on the 1st floor while in Europe it’s the ground floor or floor 0. When you rent a 3rd floor walkup, you are really going up to the 4th level.
Paris is a collection of numbered neighborhoods called arrondissements. The 1er (1st) arrondissement is the center of the city and the neighborhoods. The 7th arrondissement is home to the Eiffel Tower and the 8th arrondissement is home to the Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde as well as shopping.
Stay central even if traveling on a budget. Consider staying near the attractions you want to visit instead of booking accommodation outside of the city. You may save a bit of money by staying outside of the center, but you’ll spend a lot of time and money commuting every day.
A Few More Things:
Watch where you step! Beware of what dogs leave behind on the streets. While supposedly the streets are cleaner than they used to be, it is common for people not to pick up after their dogs .
Avoid visiting in August, if possible. Most Parisians will be on holiday, so you’ll notice a lot of closures. Additionally, it’s HOT in August. However, since many tourist visit this time of year, you will still find plenty of places open. I just recommend avoiding the sweltering heat of August, if you can.
Beware of pickpockets, but don’t stress too much. Yes, throngs of tourists are prime pickings for a thief. Just be smart and don’t spend your time worried about what might happen. Don’t put your purse on the back of the chair, don’t leave your bags unattended on the ground and men should keep their wallets in their front pocket. Wherever you travel, these are a few things that should become habit.
Don’t forget your adaptor. With all those things that we need to charge daily from cellphones to iPads to computers to camera batteries, don’t forget to bring an adapter on your trip. Yes, they can be purchased once you arrive, but it will be more expensive. We travel with a universal adaptor which is a block or we bring a world travel adaptor and only pack the outlet changes we need. Another great one if not visiting the UK as well is this European travel adaptor. If you need a converter (if want to being your hair straighter) get a converter travel adaptor. This is important so you don’t fry anything!
You don’t have to dress like a supermodel, but pack clothes that are on the nice side. Keep your shorts, tattered jeans, yoga pants and scuffed up shoes at home. Think chic, not sport.
Don’t try to cram in too much. Paris is a huge city with countless museums to visit, history to discover and streets to wander. You won’t see everything in just one trip – and that’s okay! Select a few must-see attractions, and save time to stroll through gardens and people watch while drinking a glass of wine at an outdoor cafe.
Finally, explore more than just Paris! There is so much more to France than its capital. Yes, Paris is a gorgeous city full of history, amazing food and architecture. However, getting outside of the city is also just as important.
We’ve put together 5 ideas for day trips from Paris to provide some suggestions. Another great idea is to head South and explore the French Riviera. Possibly basing yourself out of Nice.
The National railway, SNCF, makes getting around the country convenient and fairly inexpensive. You can also catch inexpensive flights from airlines such as Easy Jet.
Looking for more tips? You might like the Lonely Planet Pocket Paris for more hidden discoveries in the city.
Paris, a global center for fashion, gastronomy and culture, is a must see when visiting Europe. As you prepare to cross France’s capital city off your bucket list, keep in mind some of these things to know about Paris before you go. They will help you save money and allow you to visit Paris with more knowledge and confidence.
What other ideas can you share for first timers in Paris?
Bon voyage!
Hi, I am from Chicago, IL USA and haven’t been to Europe. I am planning to go to Paris in November and this article was GREAT, thank you.
I love all the tips! I appreciate it! I do have a quick question though regarding airbnb. I can’t seem to access the 40% off discount code. Can you help me?
Discounts codes can change. You will get a referral credit for using my link if you’re a new user.
Hi,
Going to paris for the first time on 8th of march with my 3years old girl for 4days…via groupon deal for disneyland. Seems 2days of 4 might be useless as they closed mon/tue.
What do you suggest and how far is Disneyland to effiel tower please?
Hi there! There is a train that goes directly to Disneyland, however it is about an hour long ride.
What hotels should I go to when I visit
Merci! Très informative! Bien.
Merci!
What times should I avoid certain Metro stops? Is there any certain interesting Metro stops I should visit?
The busiest times are around 7 – 10 am and 5- 7 pm. The metro system is well lit and safe so you don’t really need to avoid any. The Gare du Nord, Chatelet Les Halles and Gare Montparnasse are large stations so changing train may be a bit more difficult but no necessarily places to avoid. Think lots of stairs which is definitely not great with a suitcase.
Hi Dana,
Thank you for the tips, it was very useful! I’m leaving to Paris on Thursday, I’m trying to find good places to shop. Where would you recommend?
I plan to get the passes for public transportation, is commute hard to understand or very easy to take?
Thank you!
Sorry I missed you before your departure! The public transport is easy to use.
What other attractions and foods do you recommend I try when in Paris? I was also wondering, if I go to Paris in the winter season around Christmas, is there any holiday places/attractions to see?
What are you interested in? There is so much to see in Paris. If visiting around Christmas, don’t miss the Christmas markets. You could also go ice skating outdoors
I’m interested in all of Paris, I’d love to see as much as possible. I’d love to visit Christmas markets and go ice skating. Thank you for the recommendations!
I plan to travel to Paris in December 6 to 12, I 019, is this there holiday season any suggestions on what to see. How is the weather in December.
The weather will be cold – around 30’s-40’s F. Layer s are good because it can feel a bit warmer out in the sun. It can also be rainy in December, so pack an umbrella. You don’t want to miss the Christmas Markets. Not all of them will be open during you’re visit, but you’ll be able to visit some.
I am curious about why a lot of attractions are closed on Monday or Tuesday? Is it a religious thing, off day, or special day?
Day off to my knowledge. It’s not uncommon to find restaurants closed those days.
What kind of places there do you recommend? What are the best paces to eat?
There are so many things to do. If it’s you’re first time, hit the tourist spots. We also recommend just wandering the streets, stopping for a cafe and shopping at the markets.
De rien* 🙂
Ugh, spell check. Thanks!
Hi, I am planning a trip next May to Barcelona. Your article was great and informative.
Paris could be one of the best places to visit with family in December as to see the fireworks, hoping to visit this year in December and thanks for the article as I’m visiting for the first time.
I do think Paris would be a great place to go in the fall when the temperatures are a bit cooler and the crowds are gone! Wish I could be there now! the article is nicely written and has a good point to jot down I must agree with you whatever you said above in the article thanks for the information tho.
My plan is to visit Paris next month and I have already learned many things like “how are you”, “what’s up”, and a lot of things I think I’m traveling alone so it would be the toughest job to manage my self in an unknown place thanks for the list I really appreciate your ideas.thanks.
Hello, we are planning a trip next may to Paris then Barcelona. Your article was great and informative. We will be traveling with our son, his wife and our 10 month old grandson. Is a stroller recommended or should we carry him. We are all big time foodies, how should we approach dining out. Also safety is a big concern, any do’s and dont’s?
Thank you
I usually avoided a stroller if possible as they can get cumbersome. Getting a carrier is a good idea, but I know kids start to get heavy during a long day of exploring. And then diaper bags can add to the weight. If you want a stroller, I’d suggest picking up something compact and lightweight. It will be easier to maneuverer around and get on and off public transport.
More and more places are becoming child friendly but you may not always find highchairs, booster seats or changing tables. Most grocery stores should have similar toddler snacks but if you need something particular it’s a good idea to pack it. The smaller groceries inside the heart of the city, don’t always have a huge variety.
You’ll find most places open later for dinner, so plan accordingly. Especially in Barcelona. You’ll find touristy restaurants open earlier, however. Depending on your accommodation, eating lunch out with the baby then eating in for dinner may be best. Unless he’s good at sleeping anywhere.
Follow general safety practices for visiting a large city. Be aware of your surroundings, don’t put your bags on the ground or leave them unattended. Be mindful of your pockets and bags on crowded transport.
This is a great list – thanks. I will be staying at the Westin from 12/26/18 to the 30th and am looking for suggestions for that time of year, including great “dive” bars or pubs.
Sorry, I can’t really help with the bar scene.
Paris will be magical that time of year. You should be able to ice skate at the Eiffel Tower, and visit the Christmas Markets. This website has some good Christmas Market info as not all markets will remain open after the 25th.
https://www.parisdiscoveryguide.com/paris-christmas-markets.html
What are your recommendations for a visit at the beginning of October? We are spending one day in London, and then have maybe four days in Paris. I know White Night is happening during our stay!
Now cool you will be there during White Night! That will be an awesome experience to hang with the locals. The weather should be gorgeous so I’d plan for wandering parks and picnics. Have you done all the touristy things in Paris? If you like art, a day trip to Monet’s house would be neat. I hear it’s pretty in the Fall. With the cooler weather, I’d plan for more walking and less metro and just wandering the Parisian streets.
Excellent suggestions, thank you! We are beyond excited! This will be our first time, but only have a few must do items on our list thus far.
Really appreciate the great tips for traveling to Paris esp the opening and closing time of shops! I would be travelling with my family including a 4.5 and 2.5 years old kids in mid Sept so would like to see if there is any places recommended for kids of such young ages. Disneyland would be in the list but want to see if there is any place(s) which can let them enjoy much.
Disneyland will, of course, be a recommendation. Just hanging out at the parks will be fun for their ages. Kids can run around with the Eiffel Tower in the backdrop or head to Luxembourg gardens. Another good one is Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
Versailles is great and your kids may enjoy seeing the palace though they may enjoy the gardens more. Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, Notre Dame, and a boat cruise on the Seine are other fun options for young visitors.
Some daytrip ideas are: https://www.thetalkingsuitcase.com/day-trips-from-paris-france/
Do you have a suggestion for a credit card with no transaction fee?
My favorite general travel credit cards:
Chase Sapphire Preferred (Visa) offers a nice 50,000 point bonus and earns 2X points on dining and travel. There is a 0% foreign exchange fee. Point redemption is through the Ultimate Rewards program (best deal) or can be redeemed for cash.
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Chase Sapphire Reserve (Visa) is my new favorite travel card. It offers a 50,000 point bonus plus the potential for another 50,000 point bonus. There is a 0% foreign exchange fee. You’ll earn 3X points on dining and travel! Point redemption is through the Ultimate Rewards program (best deal) or can be redeemed for cash. The hefty annual fee will get you a $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access, awesome travel benefits & discounts and more.
https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19/KVQZUT8LI7
Since upgrading to the Reserve, I use that over the preferred.
:: BankAmericard Travel Rewards can be used as a chip and pin card – plus doesn’t have an annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
:: Other good credit cards for travel are the Platinum Card by American Express and CitiThank You Premier Card. Additionally, you may find it beneficial to get an airline (such as United) or hotel (such as SPG) specific card to earn points and get benefits. It all depends on where you’re traveling and the type of points you want to accumulate.
I also have a Capital On 360 checking account just for travel since they don’t charge fees. https://captl1.co/2GMJ1eT
*A couple of these are referral links
Bonjour to you all.
My husband and I just got back from a 3 week stay in Paris. This was our second time there in 10 years.
I have to say, this list is spot on.
We rented an apartment on the 6th floor in the 4th arrondissement (matter of preference) and made sure it had a functional elevator. Not many Hausmann type buildings there do, so if walking up flights of stairs can be an issue, you might want to prioritize that in your search. One of favorite museums (this time around) aside from other more popular ones, was the Musee de Cluny. I highly recommend taking the tour as well. Our last trip, we seldom took tour guides and though we enjoyed our visites, having a tour guide makes the discovery a whole new experience filled with knowledge and tidbits of information we otherwise wouldn’t have had. I also recommend the Saint Denis Chapel where the kings/queens are buried.
For those wondering how to get from the airport to their rental, you can use the train, a cab but we also discovered a shuttle bus called ‘Bus Direct’ that takes you from the airport to specific bus stops along the way throught out Paris, one of which was Gare de Lyon. This was an very inexpensive option and you can reserve/pay/print your ticket online.
We loved Paris and will definitely go back. So much to discover and soak up but above all what I most love about Paris is their ‘joie de vivre’.
Enjoy your vacation everyone !!😉
There is definitely so much in Paris to experience. Thanks for the recommendation to visit Musee de Cluny. We’ll add that to our list for our next visit. We usually take the train so the option to take Bus Direct is great. Thanks for sharing your additional tips!
I’m glad you had such an amazing time in Paris!
What are the must see attractions you recommend? Planning a trip with my 14 yr old
There is so much to do with a 14 year old!
Eiffel Tower, of course. We went all the way up with our older kids
Luxembourg Gardens
Palace of Versailles
Notre Dame Cathedral
Louvre, my kids enjoyed it for about 1.5 hours then were done
Catacombes
Visit the market and let your teen pick out foods to try
Context Travel offers kid friendly tours to help them learn history and culture.
I want to take my kids to the Paris Police Museum next time we visit. If visiting with a girl the Musee de la mode (Fashion Museum) could be cool
Leaving tonight for 8 days in Paris (first time), staying in 7th arrondisement. Excellent suggestions, especially about store closings. Fortunately I remembered all the recommended words & can count to 10 from my 4 years high school French. A bit concerned about “rude” attitudes toward Americans & the refugees. Was in Amsterdam in May 2017 & found refugees to be the only problem. Looking to have a fabulous time, enjoying the sites & history.
I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous trip! I wouldn’t worry about attitudes toward Americans. We don’t find most of the French to be rude. Typically, as long as you are polite and try a few french words, you should be fine. In terms of refugees, the camps are outside the tourist center.
My best friend and I are heading to Paris September 16th. It’s a first time trip for both of us. We are staying in an airbnb and are super excited. I’m mostly worried about money and incurring unnecessary fees. Thanks for you blog. Looks of good information.
You’ll be visiting at a great time of year. Nice weather and kids have just started back at school. Staying in an Airbnb will be great for your budget. Eat breakfast in or grab a croissant. If you want to eat out, do it at lunch then cook in the rental for dinner. Or lunch meat and cheese from the store for sandwiches on a baguette.
Walk if you can and take the metro when you can’t. That will also save money. Attractions can add up, so get the Paris Pass or pick a few things you want to see and do only free stuff after that.
Have a wonderful trip!
I plan to visit in May 2018,so of course being the meticulous planner/organiser I will start from now.Thank you for all those great tips.I am particularly interested in the day trips.
We already reserved a an apartment l in Paris for August 6-9, 2018, which is Monday – Thursday. Now that I have read your information, should be change? Mondays and Tuesdays are not good days to see attractions?
You will be fine and still have an amazing trip. Don’t worry!
Just plan your visits to attractions in advance. Or at least do a quick search for the attractions you want to see and note the closing days.
Since the Musée d’Orsay is closed on Mondays, visit on Tuesday. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays so visit on Monday or Wednesday. Just don’t show up expecting places to be open. There are SO many things to see in Paris that you won’t be lacking for places to visit on Monday and Tuesdays.
I’d love to hear about your trip when you get back. Feel free to let us know your favorite place to visit.
Thank you. I am visiting Paris for the first time next month. I only have 4 days so, I appreciate the advice.
June will be a good time to visit as French children are still in school. You will get to see a lot of the city in those 4 days. Pick a few must see attractions and then see how things go.
Have an amazing trip!
This is such a great list! I had no idea most shops close early or are closed completely on Sunday. The tipping info is totally useful too. Great blog post!
Thank you! Yes, you have to watch closing times closely in France. We’ve been stuck many times wishing we could pop into the grocery store on a Sunday evening.