If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, follow these simple Paris travel tips to help plan your trip like a pro. This post includes what you need to know before going to Paris, where to book your hotel, where to eat, the best things to do, and how to save money on the city’s top attractions.
When visiting Paris for the first time, most tourists either think – Wow! This is the most beautiful city in the world where I can eat fresh croissants every day and watch the Eiffel Tower light up in the evening.
Or they think – Yikes! This is the most over-rated city ever! It smells like cigarette smoke everywhere, the streets are dirty, and the locals are rude.
Well, it’s possible to think both viewpoints.
When I first arrived in Paris, it wasn’t the charming city that I romanticized about from movies. But after a few days of exploring, I realized that I making a lot of silly mistakes.
Today I’m sharing 20 things I wish I knew before going to Pairs. These tips can help you plan your trip like a pro and fall in love with the City of Lights.
While Paris is known to be one of the world’s most expensive cities, there are plenty of ways to have an amazing trip without breaking the bank.
Table of Contents
Where to stay in Paris for the first time?
When visiting Paris for the first time, the best neighborhoods to book your hotel accommodations are:
- The 7th Arrondissement – Near the Eiffel Tower and the BEST neighorhood for first-timers.
- Montmartre (The 18th Arrondissement) – A quiet and romantic area of Paris.
- South Pigalle (The 9th Arrondissement) – Great for travellers on a budget.
- Le Marais (The 3rd & 4th Arrondissement) – Central location and one of the hippest districts in Paris.
- Saint Germain (The 6th Arrondissement) – A classic Parisian neighorhood.
- The Latin Quarter (The 5th Arrondissement) – Popular with tourists and students.
- Champs-Élysées (The 8th Arrondissement) – Lots of excellent restuarants and shops near here.
If you’re traveling on a budget, these are the best affordable hotels in Paris:
- Hotel Marignan – Located in the Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)
- The Helussi Hotel – Located in the 9th Arrondissement
- Hotel Eiffel Turenne – Close to the Eiffel Tower
If you have some more wiggle room in your budget, these are the best mid-range hotels in Paris:
- Hotel Lorette – Astotel – Located in the 10th Arrondissement
- Hôtel Le Relais Saint Charles – Located in the 7th Arrondissement
- Hôtel Duquesne Eiffel – Located in the 7th Arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower
If you want to splurge on a nice place, these are the best luxury hotels in Paris:
- Hôtel Plaza Athénée – Beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower from the hotel
- The Peninsula Paris – Just steps away from the Arc de Triomphe
- Le Bristol Paris – A short walk from the city’s most popular shops and attractions in the 8th Arrondissement
To make your holiday more enjoyable, here are some do’s and don’ts when visiting Paris. These Paris travel tips will come in handy if you’re traveling solo or with a group.
Related Posts:
- The ultimate guide to visiting Paris on a budget
- Paris Pass review – is it worth it?
- 6 day Paris itinerary for first time visitors
1. Avoid taking a taxi to get around the city
Taking taxis to get around the city is expensive. Plus, you’ll waste your vacation time sitting in traffic. The Paris public transportation system is easy to use and it’s a quick way to get to all the top destinations in the city.
Make sure to keep hold of your ticket until you have completed your journey, as you may be asked to show it if tickets are being inspected.
If you are planning to use the public transportation system a lot, consider getting Paris Visite travel pass.
This is a card that gives you unlimited travel on all of the public transport networks: the metro, tramway, bus, RER and SNCF Transilien networks. It’s valid for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days.
PRO TIP:
The RATP app can be helpful when using the Paris public transportation system. It includes all the network’s maps, live updates, route planners, and lots of other great tools to help you plan your trip.
More great ways to get around Paris:
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, this bus tour is highly recommended.
Explore Paris at your own pace with a 24 or 48-hours ticket on this sightseeing bus. Includes engaging commentary as you drive past the city’s most famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.

If you’re using the Paris Pass, your pass includes a free 1-day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.
Paris Seine River Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise – Discover Paris from the river with a 24 or 48-hours ticket to the Batobus riverboat shuttle service. If you’re using the Paris Pass, your pass includes a free Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise.

Paris Charming Nooks and Crannies Bike Tour – Follow your guide along the literary Saint Germain des Prés, past the antic Latin Quarter and through the medieval Marais.
Paris City Highlights Bike Tour – Cycle past iconic attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysee, and River Seine, for an unforgettable introduction to the sights and sounds of Paris.
Montmartre Paris Walking Tour – Discover bohemian Paris with a guided tour of Montmartre. This is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Paris!
Dark City Secrets Walking Tour of Paris – You’ll discover the historical murders, crimes, and fantastic legends that have shaped the story of this city.
Electric Bike Tour of Paris’ Hidden Gems – Discover Paris’s ancient secrets and hidden gems on a guided tour by electric bike.
Paris City Highlights Segway Tour – Learn about the city’s history, interesting facts, and local tips from your guide along the way.
2. Save on attractions with the Paris Pass
Paris is a big city and there’s lots of fun things to do and see. It can be challenging to plan an itinerary and determine which attractions to spend your money on.
The best way to save money sightseeing in Paris
Use the Paris Pass. Getting the most bang for your buck is my #1 priority when planning a vacation and the Paris Pass was rated the #1 Paris tourism pass by TripAdvisor.
They’re also recommended by Expedia and the Paris Pass currently has a rating of 4/5 on TripAdvisor.
Buy now before prices rise in March! Save up to 10% off the Paris Pass. You have 2 years to activate the pass.
With the Paris Pass, you can save time, money, and enjoy stress-free sightseeing. But don’t just take my word for it. Check out these reviews.
PRO TIP: Buy the pass online to save extra money off the retail price. To buy the Paris Pass, click here to go to the official website.
What is the Paris Pass?
The Paris Pass can be a great option for anyone who wants to visit the most popular attractions and save money.
The Paris Pass is a pre-paid tourism card that includes free entry to over 35 popular attractions and tours in Paris. You can choose a 2, 3, 4 or 6-day pass duration for your trip.
If you choose the 4 or 6-day pass, you’ll also receive the Paris Museum Pass, which includes free entry to over 50 museums and monuments in Paris, including the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou.
Plus, you can use the Paris Pass to get free Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and entry to 75+ other attractions, museums, and tours in the city (if you choose the 4 or 6-day pass).
How to get your Paris Pass:
STEP 1: Choose which pass duration you want to buy (2, 3, 4 or 6 day). You can click here to purchase your Paris Pass from the official website.
If you want to visit the museums, such as the Louvre, choose a 4-day or 6-day Paris Pass.
- 4-day Paris Pass and receive a 4-day Paris Museum Pass.
- 6-day Paris Pass and receive a 6-day Paris Museum Pass.
Why you should consider buying the pass online:
- When you buy the pass online, you can take advantage of online discounts.
- They offer a 365-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund just in case your plans change.
- You can activate your pass anytime within two years from the date of purchase.
STEP 2: Download your mobile pass instantly using the Paris Pass App.
If you prefer a physical pass, simply print your pass and guidebook at home. Links and easy-to-follow instructions for both options will be in your confirmation email.
STEP 3: You now have FREE access to any of the 75+ top Paris attractions included for the duration of your pass.
How to activate the pass: It will activate once you visit your first attraction and can then be used on consecutive calendar days for the number of days purchased.
You’ll also receive a free guidebook, which is included with your purchase. Use this book to help you easily plan your itinerary.
Other ways to save money on Paris attractions:
Paris Museum Pass – If you’re just interested in visiting museums and monuments, you may want to consider getting the Paris Museum Pass instead. Valid for 2, 4 or 6 days.
NOTE: The Paris Pass include BOTH the Paris Attraction Pass and the Paris Museum Pass.
Paris Explorer Pass – If you’re just interested in visiting the Eiffel Tower and doing tours in Paris, then you may want to consider getting the Paris Explorer Pass instead.
Don’t make the mistake of paying full price for attractions when you can save money with one of these city passes. Choose the one the works best for your trip and itinerary.
Can you visit Paris museums for free?
For some museums in Paris, admission is free for the following visitors:
– Under 18 year old. You must present an official ID.
– Under 26-year-old residents of the European Economic Area (EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein). You must present certificate of residence or valid piece of ID.
3. Some tourist attractions require reservations
If you’re planning to visit some of the popular attractions in Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower, make sure to book your tickets in advance.
Even if you’re using the Paris Pass, Paris Museum Pass, or Paris Explorer Pass, you’ll need to book some attractions in advance.
When you purchase the Paris Pass, you can make reservations and book the time slot you wish through their website.
In the past, you could visit the Louvre anytime during it’s operating hours. However now, you MUST book a time slot. Even if you are eligable for free admission, you must book a time slot.
Below are some of the city’s tourist attractions that you’ll need to book in advance:
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Palace of Versailles
- Aquarium de Paris
- Orangerie Museum
- Sainte-Chapelle
- La Conciergerie
4. Avoid booking a hotel outside of Paris
I know those affordable hotels near Disneyland Paris sound tempting. But unless you’re spending every day exploring the Disney park, it’s not a good idea.
If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, I highly recommend choosing a central location that provides easy access to your must-see attractions.
Many tourists make the mistake of staying outside of Paris in order to save money. But commuting into the city every day is expensive. Plus, it wastes a lot of your precious sightseeing time.
To save money, you may want to consider booking your accommodations through Booking.com. This is my go-to site for finding deals on hotels. Below you can check prices on local hotels in Paris.
Booking.com5. Don’t think that everything in Paris is expensive
Paris is home to some of the world’s best luxury hotels, restaurants, and attractions. But there are plenty of ways to have fun in Paris even if you’re traveling on a tight budget.
Below are some Paris travel tips to enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.
How to save money on Paris hotels
I recommend using Booking.com to save money. Compare prices to find the best deal.
I know that booking your hotel early might seem kind of rushed, but many hotels on Booking.com offer free cancellations up to a certain point. This can give you peace of mind when planning your trip to Paris.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
If you’re looking to beat the crowds and get the best price on accommodations, visiting Paris between October and April works best.
Avoid peak season, which is during June, July and August. This is when the city can get extremely busy, the weather is hot, and the prices are high.
Also, August is the month where many locals take their vacation. The city is swarming with tourists and some places are randomly closed.
The hotel start rating system is different in Europe – The hotel star rating system is slightly different in Europe than it is in North America. The star rating corresponds to a checklist of amenities and requirements.
So you can find some really nice and affordable 2-Star hotels in Paris that are smaller and don’t have amenities like a pool, while also finding poorly run 5-Star hotels that only receive that rating because they have a fitness center and a spa.
How to save money dining at restaurants in Paris
Avoid restaurants in tourist areas because they are expensive and mediocre (at best).
Take advantage of prix fixe menus at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Eat at street vendors or coffee shops for lunch so you can afford to go out for dinner. I love snacking on Nutella crepes or falafel wraps while walking around Paris!
Don’t pay the extra fee for breakfast at your hotel. Instead, save money by grabbing a fresh croissant and espresso at a local cafe or corner store.
Ordering a pitcher / carafe of house wine at a restaurant is usually cheaper than ordering a bottle of wine.
Order a carafe of tap water instead of paying for bottled water at restaurants.
How to save money sightseeing in Paris
I recommend using a tourism pass to save money on sightseeing. My favorite is the Paris Pass, however the Paris Museum Pass, or the Paris Explorer Pass can be great options too.
You can also save money by visiting museums for free on the first Sunday of each month. Just keep in mind that free museum days are ALWAYS busy. Try to visit in the last couple of hours before closing time to beat the crowds.
How to save money on public bathrooms in Paris
You’ll need to pay up to 1€ to use a public bathroom in Paris. To save money, I recommend using the free public bathrooms whenever you stop to eat, drink or visit a tourist attraction.
Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Paris on a Budget
Prep for your Paris trip
7. Pack voltage converters or adapter plugs for your electronics
Most people know the voltage in France is 220-240, but still many visitors forget.
If you don’t already have an adapter, I recommend buying this great all-in-one travel adapter and charger before your trip.
If you do forget one, don’t worry. I saw a couple of tourist shops that had voltage converters and adapter plugs for sale.
8. The Paris Catacombs is a long wait, but worth visiting
Many people think that the Paris Catacombs is one of those off-the-beaten path attractions. However, it is extremely popular and there will almost ALWAYS be a long wait time to get inside.
I went during the week, mid-morning in February and waited nearly 90 minutes to get inside the Catacombs. This is a Paris travel tip that many people don’t mention.

Below are some helpful tips for visiting the Paris Catacombs:
- Get Skip-the-line tickets to save time and money – To avoid waiting in a long line, you’ll need to buy your tickets online and reserve your preferred time slot. I recommend buying your tickets from GetYourGuide. If your plans change, ou can cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
- I recommend booking time slots in the morning or evening as this is when it’s less crowded.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing – Since you’ll be walking in an underground tunnel, there will be some dirt and wet spots from time to time. You don’t want to ruin your expensive shoes. It’s also chilly in the Catacombs, so I recommend wearing layers or bringing a light jacket or sweater.
- Use the bathroom before coming here. Just in case you are waiting in a long line to get inside, please know that the only restrooms are at the exit.

Interesting facts about the Paris Catacombs:
- The Paris Catacombs house the remains of over 6 million Parisians from the 18th century.
- The Paris Catacombs were used during World War II. Those in the French Resistance were using the underground tunnels as a hide out during the war. It also concealed the resistance members from German spies.
- It’s estimated that there are over 200 miles (320 kilometers) of underground tunnels. Not all of them have been mapped.
9. The best view of Paris is NOT from the Eiffel Tower

I loved going to the sommet of the Eiffel Tower, but it certainly wasn’t the best view of Paris. That’s because you’ll miss the view of the Eiffel Tower in your photos.
For example, when you go up the Empire State building in NYC, you’ll see everything except the Empire State Building. Right?
A couple of my favorite places to enjoy a beautiful view of Paris is from the top of the Arc de Triomphe and the Towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral. You can visit these two attractions for FREE when using the Paris Pass.

PRO TIP:
A view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe is both beautiful during the day and at sunset. The Paris Pass allows you to visit the Arc de Triomphe as many times as you wish.
I used the Paris Pass to go to Notre-Dame Cathedral and Arc de Triomphe twice during my trip – just because I could! I felt like a VIP with my pass! This is a must-see if you’re visiting Paris for the first time.
For more tips on how to save money and make the most of your trip to Paris, please check out this post: The ultimate guide on how to visit Paris on a budget
10. Buy your ticket in advance if you want to go up the Eiffel Tower

Even though the best view of Paris is from the Arch de Triomphe, I can appreciate that you may still want to go up the Eiffel Tower. After all, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris (and the world).
Due to this, I highly recommend reserving your tickets in advance so you can skip the long ticket lines.

Everyone still has to go through security and you may have to wait for the elevators, but buying your ticket in advance will save you a TON of time. This is a must during the high season.
11. Skip the long line at the Louvre

The Louvre Museum is iconic and a must-visit attraction if you’re visiting Paris for the first time.
It’s home to some of the world’s most famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa. Plus, the museum used to be a palace!
But it’s also one of the busiest museums in the city, especially if you’re visiting during peak season (June through August).
Below are some Paris travel tips to follow when visiting the Louvre:
Purchase your tickets in advance – I recommend using the Paris Pass, Paris Explorer Pass, or the Paris Museum Pass to save money. If you’re not using an attraction pass, you can purchase your tickets here.
Visit the Louvre on Wednesday – Both Wednesday and Fridays, the museum stays open in the evening. Choose to visit around 3:00pm on regular days and around 5:00pm on Wednesday and Fridays to avoid crowds.
Choose the right entrance – There are 4 entrances to the Louvre Museum: the Pyramid entrance, Carrousel du Louvre, Richelieu Passage and Porte des Lions Entrance. I find the Richelieu Passage and Carrousel du Louvre are usually the least crowded.
Get a map of the museum – It’s hard to see everything the Louvre has to offer in just one day. Using a map can help you nagivate through the museum to find your “must-see” works of art.
Have limited time? If you’re short on time, the best things to see at the Louvre Museum are:
- Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci
- Les Noces de Cana by Véronèse
- Vénus de Milo
- Victoire de Samothrace
- Le Sacre de l’Empereur Napoléon Ier by Jacques-Louis David
- La Liberté Guidant le Peuple
- Psyché Ranimée par le Baiser de l’Amour by Antonio Canova
- Louis XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud
- La Dentellière by Jan Vermeer
- Chevaux de Marly
12. Beware of taxi scams at the airport
If you plan to take a taxi from the Paris airport to your accommodations, it’s important to ONLY take regular official taxis or verified airport transfers.
You’ll find regular taxis located in the official taxi queque. Follow the signs posted in the airport arrivals to the taxi queques.
Make sure to only get inside a taxi with an illuminated rooftop sign and a meter. The sign will read “TAXI Parisien“. If you get in the taxi and notice there isn’t a meter, get out and find another taxi.
Another good Paris travel tip is to take a private transfer between Paris and CDG Airport. or Orly Airport.
Pari is actually one of the few cities in the world where I highly recommend booking an airport transfer.
I did this when traveling with my sister so we didn’t have to worry about fumbling with our luggage on the Paris Metro.
The Paris metro is the cheapest way to get from Charles de Gulle airport the the center of Paris, but it’s not good for those who are carrying a lot of bags and luggage.
Money Saving Tip:
The Bus or RER is the cheapest way to get to and from Charles de Gaulle Airpot. The airport has 2 train stations on the B line of the RER.
13. Keep your metro ticket after entering the metro
A good Paris travel tip is to keep your ticket after entering the metro station because you may be required to present it upon exiting (or have to pay a fine if you don’t have it).
A metro officer checked my ticket when I took the RER train to Versailles and when I exited the metro near the Eiffel Tower. Luckily, I read this tip before my trip to Paris so I made sure to keep my ticket.
If you’re using a Paris Visite travel card, make sure to write down your Given name and Surname as well as the ticket date of use on the ticket as indicated. This is what you’ll show the metro officer if they ask to see your ticket.
14. Learn a few key words in French
If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, I recommend buying a French phrasebook for a quick fix to learn common phrases. This will be especially valuable when reading restaurant menus (if an English one is not available).
While it does help to be fluent in French, it’s not necessary for enjoying your trip to Paris. Most people in the service and tourism industry (hotels, restaurants, museums) speak basic English. Some even speak fluent English.
We found that we received good service by using French first, especially when we said, “Bonjour / Bonsoir” when entering a restaurant or shop. I always recommend saying “Bonjour” when entering a store in France.
However that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go to Paris without knowing a few key phrases in French. This is one of the best tips for traveling to France. Below are the most important words to know:
Bonjour / Bonsoir – Hello / Good evening
Parisians like to be greeted with “bonjour” (or bonsoir depending on the time of day). When you walk into a store, a restaurant or your hotel, it’s polite to say “bonjour”.
If it’s after 5:00 PM, switch to “bonsoir”. Saying bonjour / bonsoir goes a long way and can create a good first impression.
Au revoir – Goodbye
Oui – Yes
Non – No
S’il vous plait – Please
Merci – Thank you
Saying “merci” is also polite. Locals will appreciate you trying to speak French!
Pardon – Excuse me
If you’re looking to pass someone when going up the stairs or you want to get off the metro and someone is standing in front of the door, you’ll hear Parisians say “pardon” instead of “excuse-moi”.
Say this and you’ll sound like a Parisian instead of standing out as a tourist.
15. Don’t fall for these popular tourist scams
If you’ve been to other cities in Europe (or major tourist cities around the world), you’ll probably recognize a scam when you see one. These scammers take advantage of unsuspecting tourists.
If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, here are a couple of popular scams you should be aware of:
The string/ bracelet scam
People may ask if you’d like a “friendship bracelet or ring”. They will tie it so tight that you can’t remove it and then demand money from you. Keep an eye out for these people (usually males) near popular museums and the Montmartre area.
Petition scams
This is usually around popular monuments, such as the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. Mainly run by young girls, they are often holding a clipboard (or a piece of paper) and ask you “Do you speak English?”
From my experience, these girls can be extremely aggressive and they are not afraid to grab your arm to get your attention. Firmly reject any petition and continue on your way.
PRO TIP: Keep an eye on your belongings
It’s important to keep an eye on your belongings at ALL times (especially when visiting museums, riding the metro, or in crowded areas).
Pick pockets are highly prevalent in Paris. There are signs around the city to warn tourists. Be smart and don’t let your purse or belongings out of your sight.
16. Avoid common tourist traps when visiting Paris
Most tourist traps are easy to spot, just like in any other major European city. But here’s a few rules to avoid common tourist traps:
- Skip going to restaurants and cafes near popular attractions and landmarks. Prices are often high for average quality food and drinks. Instead, walk a few blocks away to find better restaurants and cafes.
- Restaurants that display photos of the dishes and menus in several different languages are catered towards tourists. Keep in mind that these places are often expensive and the food is mediocre.
- Beware of additional charges in restaurants and cafes. Most places include a service charge (around 15%), which is automatically added to your bill. Check the bottom for “servis compris”. If service was good, you may want to leave a little extra (around 10%).
- Avoid eating at the restaurants in Versailles. Instead, bring a snack with you or eat near the Versailles Château Rive Gauche station.
17. Be mindful of tipping in Paris
When dining in a restaurant, tax and tip is already included in the menu price, and it will be shown on your bill. This service charge is usually 10%-15%. Even though it’s appreciated, you’re not expected to tip on top of this.
18. Don’t go to a non-service continu restaurant for food between the regular meal hours
You’ll notice that some restaurants in Paris have a sign that says “service continu”. This means that the restaurant serves food between regular meal hours (2:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
Restaurants that are not “service continu” either close or only offer drinks during these off hours. This is a Paris travel tip that I wish I knew before visiting.
If you’re looking to eat a late lunch (or an early dinner) make sure to look for a restaurant that says “service continu“.
If you plan on eating at a popular restaurant, I strongly recommend making reservations in advance. For some places, this could mean the night before. For others, it could mean weeks or months in advance.
PRO TIP:
Most all-day service restaurants are usually for tourists, which means their food might be mediocre.
If you’re hungry inbetween meal times (when restaurants are closed), visit a boulangerie or bakery instead for a sandwich or quick snack.
French people tend to eat late (after 8:00PM) and many restaurants don’t open until at least 7:00PM or 7:30PM. If you’re looking to enjoy a traditional French meal, do keep this in mind.
19. Tap water is safe and free at restaurants
Ask for a carafe of tap water instead of paying high prices for bottled water. It’s perfectly safe to drink the water and you’ll save money.
Here’s how to ask for tap water in a restaurant: “Une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plait“. Pronounce it as… “Oon carafe (rhymes with giraffe) doh”.
It’s important to remember that service in Paris restaurants is slightly different than in North America. You’ll likely have to ask for water and for your bill when you’re ready to pay and leave.
20. You don’t need to dress up in fancy clothes while visiting Paris
I’ve seen many articles that recommend dressing up in fancy clothes if you want to blend in with the locals in Paris.
Yes, blending in can certainly help you feel more comfortable in a new environment. It can also help you avoid being the target of popular tourist scams, but that doesn’t mean you need to wear a suit (for men) or fancy dresses (for woman) to have a good trip to Paris.
Here’s a few tips on what to wear in Paris:
- Wear simple fitted clothing in neutral colors (black, gray, white, beige). Try to avoid bright colors or loud patterns.
- Crossbody bag so you can keep an eye on your belongs. Try to avoid wearing large backpacks.
- Falts, sneakers, or boots. There’s no need to wear high heels unless you want to.
21. Don’t spend all your time in Paris

While you could easily spend a week exploring Paris and never run out of things to do, it’s worth setting aside some time to explore France beyond Paris.
If you’re using the Paris Pass, there are several attractions outside of Paris you may want to consider checking out. Below are some popular day trips from Paris to get you inspired:
Palace of Versailles – About 12 miles west of Paris, the Palace of Versailles was built in 1642 and was the former French royal residence outside of Paris. Here you can walk in the footsteps of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette and check out the famous Hall of Mirrors, which is the most famous room in the palace.

Villa Savoye – Situated at Poissy, the Villa Savoye is a modernist villa and gatelodge designed by Swiss architects. Here you can learn about the Five Points of Architecture.
Abbaye royale de Chaalis – Surrounded by lush woodland, Abbaye Royale De Chaalis was a French Cistercian abbey north of Paris and built in 1219. Here you can explore the ruins and check out over 6,000 objects of art in the museum.
Château de Compiègne – This was a royal residence built for Louis XV and restored by Napoleon.
Château de Fontainebleau – Located 55 kilometers southeast of the center of Paris, this is one of the largest French royal châteaux. It was the residence of 34 kings and two emperors and was the only château that was lived in by every French monarch for nearly eight centuries.
Château de Champs-sur-Marne – Just 18 km east of Paris, this is neoclassical château in Champs-sur-Marne, France.
Château de Chantilly – Located in the town of Chantilly, Oise, about 50 km north of Paris, this beautiful castle is also home to Musée Condé which has a huge collection of priceless artworks.
Mont Saint Michel – This is a tidal island and mainland commune in Normandy, France. It’s less than four hours from Paris and many people combine a visit to Mont Saint Michel with Normandy.
Loire Valley – This is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. It’s best known for its dry white wines and known as the Garden of France. The Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fairy-like castles and charming towns.

Paris travel tips FAQs
What do I need to know before traveling to Paris?
- Learn a few words in French.
- Avoid visiting in August. This is when locals take vacation which means a lot of shops may be closed.
- Avoid eating at restaurants near tourist attractions.
- The best way to get around Paris is on foot or riding the metro.
- Avoid fancy cafes. Instead, look for smaller cafes in less touristy neighborhoods for cheaper coffee and pastries.
- Drinking in public is legal. Many people have a picnic in the park with a glass of wine.
- Don’t expect quick service in restaurants.
What is the best time to visit Paris?
The best time to visit Paris is in the Spring and Fall when the weather is mild and there are less crowds.
If you want to find deals on hotel accommodations, the best time of year to visit Paris is November, early December, January and Februrary. I like comparing rates on Booking.com.
The best time to visit Paris for shopping is during January and July when sales on happening to find good bargains.
PRO TIP: Try to avoid visiting Paris in August and December. While the museums and monuments will still be open, many popular restaurants and shops close for vacation. The city is usually the most quiet during these two months.
What is the best way to travel in Paris?
The Paris metro is the best way to get around Paris.
How many days is enough for Paris trip?
Aim to spend at least 4-5 days in Paris. This gives you enough time to see main highlights of the city. But if you don’t want to feel rushed and prefer to explore more of the 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods), then plan to spend 7 full days in Paris.
Is 1 enough for Paris?
One week is the perfect amount of time to spend in Paris, especially for first-timers. This will give you enough time to see the main landmarks and attractions, explore the different neighborhoods, and eat at amazing French restaurants.
My first trip to Paris was 7 days and I felt like we still didn’t have time to see everything that Paris has to offer. That’s why my second trip to Paris was 10 days. This allowed us to make day trips from the city.
What should I do on my first trip to Paris?
Below are the top things when visiting Paris for the first time:
- Musée du Louvre
- Eiffel Tower
- Musée d’Orsay
- Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles)
- Palais Garnier – Opera National de Paris
- Centre Pompidou
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Moulin Rouge
- Sacré-Coeur Basilica
- Arc de Triomphe
How do I not look like a tourist in Paris?
- When dining in a restaurant, don’t ask for a doggy bag if you didn’t finish eating your meal. This is considered rude.
- Use your indoor voice. French people tend to be quieter than Americans and most Europeans.
- Learn a few words in French as this can go a long ways.
- In France, tip is usually included in your bill.
- Always greet people in stores and restaurants with “Bonjour” first.
- Ignore people who approach you on the street speaking English.
- Avoid wearing sweatpants or active wear.
- You’re encouraged to sit down and slowly enjoy your meal in restaurants.
What is the best way to visit Paris?
- Book your hotel in the city center. This means staying in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th Arrondissements.
- Use Paris public transportation to get around the city.
- Use the Paris Pass to save money on the city’s top attractions and tours.
- Take advantage of restaurants lunch specials to save money.
- Have a picnic in the park.
How much should I budget for a trip to Paris?
Your daily budget should be around €184 per person for your vacation. Based on the expenses of other visitors, this is the average daily price. (Price are in Euros).
Average Daily Cost (Per Person) | One Week (Per Person) | One Week (Per Couple) |
€184 | €1,286 | €2,572 |
As you can see, a vacation to New York for one week will cost an average of €1,286 per person. (Source)
Can you do Paris on a budget?
Yes, you can have an amazing trip to Paris without breaking the bank. I travelled to Paris as a student on a limited budget and was able to stay in the city and see all the popular attractions. Below are some ways to saved money in Paris:
- Use the Paris Pass to save money and time at the city’s more popular attractions.
- Skip taxis and Uber and ride the Paris Metro. It’s easy to use, cheap and the fastest way to get around the city.
- Find cheap hotel deals on Booking.com. This is my go-to travel accommodation site.
- Have a picnic in the park. Grab bread, cheese and a bottle of wine. This is a popular activity during the warmer months.
- Make lunch your biggest meal of the day. Many restaurants offer pre-fix lunch menus. It’s affordable and then for dinner you can have a picnic in the park.
- Snack on crepes as an affordable breakfast option. There are many street vendors that sell fresh crepes. The nutella option is my favorite!
- Visit museums on the first Sunday of the month. Most museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month.
Read Next: The ultimate guide to visiting Paris on a budget
Is Paris still a good place to visit?
Yes, Paris is one of the best cities in the world and definitely worth visiting. The city is very walkable, filled with rich history, culture, beautiful sights, and serves as a source of inspiration for many writers and artists.
Is Paris open for tourism? Yes, Paris is now welcoming visitors. Most attractions are open. Check the official Paris tourism website for the most up-to-date information.