Visiting Paris for the First Time: 10 Things to Know!
Ahh, Paris. I visited for the first time in 2012 with my family and didn’t return for 10 years! Then in 2022, my husband and I spent 3 perfect days in Paris, and then we went back in 2025 because we loved it so much.
A lot of people say Paris is overrated, but I couldn’t disagree more! Paris is one of the most magical cities in the world, and I think everyone should visit at least once in their life.
However, there are definitely some things you should know before visiting Paris for the first time, especially if you are traveling from the USA. In this post, I’ve included my 10 top tips, as well as some bonus information like where I recommend staying, how to get from the airport to the city center, and more!
This beginner’s guide to visiting Paris will help you plan your trip with ease, so you don’t make a lot of the same mistakes I made on my first few trips to Paris!
Quick Mini Guide to Paris
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Paris to help plan your epic adventure!
Where to Stay:
– Hotel Louis II (moderate & clean)
– Hotel des Londres Eiffel (great location)
– Hotel Mayfair Paris (boutique hotel)
When to Visit:
– I recommend shoulder season (Early May or late September)
– Summer (June – August) is peak season
– Winter can be chilly and rainy!
Things to Do:
– Go on a Seine river dinner cruise
– Picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower
– Stroll through the many gardens
10 Top Tips for Visiting Paris for the First Time!
1. Book Tickets in Advance
If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, you will likely be visiting some notable sites like the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, or maybe even taking a day trip from Paris to Versailles.
All of these places have the option to buy tickets in advance, which you absolutely should do.
In addition, a lot of the popular attractions have timed-entry, which means when you purchase a ticket, you have to choose a specific time slot.
It is very common for attractions to sell out in the summer (peak) season, and the morning times are always the first to go.
For example, we purchased our tickets to the Louvre and Versailles about a week in advance when visiting at the end of May, and the morning time slots were already gone.
Plus, most of these places have two different lines: one for people who pre-purchased tickets and one for people who still need tickets. The line for purchasing tickets was always INSANE!
When we arrived at the Arc de Triomphe, there was a line with probably 300 people in it. Luckily I walked to the front and confirmed it was the line for people who didn’t have tickets.
When I showed my pre-purchased ticket, I was able to skip the entire line.. So moral of the story, buy your tickets in advance!
Here’s a quick summary of the common tourist attractions in Paris, and when I recommend booking your tickets for them:
🖼️ The Louvre tickets (Timed-entry, book as soon as schedule is set)
🗼 Eiffel Tower tickets (Timed-entry and multiple ticket types, book 2-3 months out)
🏛️ Arc de Triomphe tickets (Skip the line, book as soon as schedule is set)
🚤 Seine Dinner Cruise (Book at least 1 month out, especially in summer)
🏰 Versailles tickets (Timed-entry, book 2-3 months or book with a guide!)
👠 Crazy Horse Cabaret (Very popular! Book 2-3 months out)
💀 Catacombs (Timed-entry, tickets open 1 week in advance)
2. Look into the Paris Pass
Speaking of visiting the famous sites, make sure to look into the Paris Pass before your trip!
The Paris Pass is a combination pass that you can purchase for a flat fee, and it gets you entrance into over 80 tourist attractions in Paris, including places like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, etc.
There are different passes depending on the duration of your trip, the shortest being 2 days, and what you want to see.
The Paris Pass also allows you to skip the normal line at most attractions, and/or get early entry. But make sure to do your research and confirm if it’s worth purchasing! You’ll need to know what attractions you want to visit first.
We didn’t end up purchasing the pass because a 2-day pass was about $140 per day per adult, and the total for the sites we wanted to visit was much less than that!
However, if you are visiting Paris for 4 days or more, it might be worth it!
3. Watch Your Belongings
In general, Paris is a pretty safe city for tourists. Overall, crime rates are low, but you do need to watch out for pickpocketing.
Paris is full of pickpockets who target tourist areas and can steal things from you without you even noticing.
If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, I highly recommend buying a fanny pack or small cross-body bag that you can wear in front of you.
However, if you are set on wearing a backpack, do not put ANY valuables in the front pockets. In addition, when in crowded or touristy areas (like on the Metro, around the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, etc.), I would wear it on your front just to be safe.
Even with a front-facing bag, pay extra attention in these types of areas, as this is where pickpockets frequent in Paris.
When you’re in large crowds, hold your bag in front of you, don’t leave your phone in a loose pocket, and make sure to stay aware of your surroundings.
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4. Be Aware of Scammers
Similar to the above, scammers are popular in the touristy parts of Paris, and there are several common scams to be aware of.
For example, when we were exiting the Louvre up to the Tuileries Garden, there were men standing on the stairs trying to stop people and asking for “tickets”. This made absolutely no sense as we were exiting the Louvre into a public garden…
Most people just walked right past them, so I got the hint pretty quickly. But if you are a trusting or gullible person, it’s important to be aware of scammers and question whenever people stop you.
Another story: my first time visiting Paris in 2012 with my family, we were walking along the Seine and an older women stopped my sister. She handed her a ring and said my sister had dropped it (she didn’t).
When my dad came over to see what was going on, the lady said she couldn’t keep the ring because it was bad luck and he needed to give her money for it… huh?!
I learned later thanks to the internet that is a common scam in Paris.
Another one we saw recently was in front of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre. Men were stopping groups of tourists, either for magic tricks or for free bracelets. After they are done with whatever they are doing, they will ask you for money, sometimes aggressively insisting if you say no.
Overall, the best way to avoid scams in Paris is to ignore random people who approach you, especially around major tourist attractions. Just say no, merci and move on.
📋 If this is your first international trip, my Passport to Confidence guide is exactly what you need. It’s a $7, 45-page planning roadmap covering flights, travel insurance, money abroad, phone plans, visas, and packing, so you walk into Paris completely prepared.
5. Pack Comfortable Shoes
This is SO important for visiting most European cities, but especially Paris! If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, you will probably walk a TON to see as many sites as possible.
On our last trip, we averaged about 30,000 steps (15 miles!) a day – that’s crazy!!
If you want to be able to enjoy Paris to the fullest, you absolutely need comfortable shoes. I distinctly remember being 16 years old in the Louvre in a terrible mood because my feet hurt so bad.
Don’t let this be you!! Invest in good walking shoes, and break them in beforehand.
I didn’t want to be stuck wearing sneakers the whole trip, so I bought these Reef sandals before we left for Europe, and they were freaking amazing!!
I also walked 10 miles in them on a day trip from Nice to Monaco and had zero pain. They are super supportive and don’t rub. I highly recommend them!
However, I did find that not a lot of people wear sandals in Paris, even in the summer. I swear I saw multiple people looking at my feet.. lol.
So, I also recommend a solid pair of sneakers or boots, depending on the time of year. For me, my go-to are these platform high-top Converse that pair with everything and are soo squishy on your feet!
Here are some other must-have items to add to your Paris packing list!
- Portable Charger (You will most likely be out and about, away from your hotel for most of the day while in Paris. I highly recommend packing a portable charger so your phone doesn’t die!)
- A Wide Brimmed Hat (Not only does it dress up any outfit, but a cute hat like this one will provide some relief from the sun!)
- A Plug Adapter (If you’re visiting from the USA, you will need a plug adapter for France, as they use Type E and/or C. Remember if you are bringing something like a hair dryer or steamer, you will need an adapter with a voltage converter. Don’t fry your electronics like I did!)
Shop all of my Europe Travel Essentials here!
6. Skip the Seine River Cruise
Okay, I don’t mean totally skip it! There are tons of different Seine river cruises in Paris.. The one I am talking about skipping is the standard 1-hour ones.
We saw tons of these during the day, and they were PACKED with people. It did not look enjoyable at all. Everyone was squeezed into benches on the top deck.. Post-covid me has no interest in doing that!
Instead, I highly recommend a nighttime dinner cruise in Paris, which are much less crowded and so much more romantic.
We’ve personally done this 4-course dinner cruise with Bateaux Mouches twice and had a fantastic experience both times!
While it is pricey, it includes a 4-course meal, a glass of champagne, as well as a bottle of wine. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy your dinner as you cruise along the Seine, accompanied by live jazz music. It’s SO romantic!
We personally paid for the more expensive option to have a seat towards the front of the boat next to the window, which is 100% worth it in my opinion.
Depending on the time of year, the cruise will leave around sunset, giving you plenty of time to admire the sites along the Seine like the Louvre, the Notre Dame, and more.
Then, once dusk hits, the boat is perfectly timed to be pulling up to the Eiffel Tower right as it sparkles for the first time – pure magic!
We love watching the sparkles from the top deck of the boat, which is open-air and very romantic.
So, I highly recommend booking a Seine dinner cruise if you’re visiting Paris for the first time. It’s one of the best things to do in Paris at night!
7. Take Advantage of Public Transportation
Paris has a wonderful public transportation system that is SO easy to use, even for tourists who are visiting Paris for the first time!
Don’t be intimated by it, even if you can’t speak French. If you rely solely on taxis or Uber when visiting Paris, you will end up spending a ton of money and wasting time, so take advantage of the public transportation!
RATP is the name of the public transportation system, which includes trains, the Paris Metro, trams, and buses.
I highly recommend downloading Google Maps for your trip, which has all the public transportation schedules built in. Just enter your location and where you need to go, and it’ll show you the different options for getting there, including the easiest (least amount of stops) or the fastest option.
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In terms of tickets for the public transportation, you can purchase a book of single tickets in any metro station when you arrive, which is what we did on our first trip.
Nowadays, however, you don’t need to purchase paper tickets! Instead, you can add the Navigo transit card directly to your Apple or Google wallet on your phone. With this virtual card, you can choose to purchase individual bus or metro tickets, or a 10-pack (what we did).
There’s also options for multi-day passes, but I’ve found these aren’t worth the money unless you are riding the Metro A LOT.
Either way, downloading a transit card in your phone’s e-wallet allows you to simply tap your phone at the entrance to the Metro or bus – so convenient!
8. Learn Some French Language and Customs
I am sure you have heard of this classic Paris stereotype – that the locals are rude and unwelcoming, especially to Americans.
However, on my last two trips to Paris as an adult, I can honestly say that we did not have one bad experience with a Parisian!
Of course, everyone’s experience is different, and not every person you interact with is going to be a ray of sunshine, but I think 2 things make a huge difference: #1. Being polite (obviously) and 2. Knowing some French!
A simple “Bonjour!” and “Merci!” goes a long way to the French people.
Here are some French phrases you should absolutely know before visiting Paris for the firs time:
- Hello! | Bonjour!
- Excuse Me | Excusez-moi or Pardon
- Do you speak English? | Parlez-vous Anglais?
- Thank you (very much)! | Merci (beaucoup)!
- Je voudrais… | I would like…
- The bill, please | L’addition, s’il vous plait
- Goodbye! | Au revoir!
Using these phrases in restaurants and cafes will get you a lot further than automatically speaking English, which is quite rude!
Another tip I can give is to set your expectations and understand French culture a bit before visiting Paris.
For example, servers in a restaurant will almost never bring you the bill without you asking for it.
In America, this is common. In France, this is rude. They don’t want you to feel rushed. So if you want the bill, you need to ask for it.
It’s simple things like this that help change your mindset and will make a huge difference when visiting Paris for the first time!
💡 Lana’s Tip: Before our last trip to Paris, I downloaded the language learning app Mango, which was free with my local library card! This app is way better than others I’ve tried (like Duolingo or Babbel) because it weaves in French culture into the language lessons! Highly recommend checking it out before your trip to Paris.
9. Get Cell Phone Service and Download Google Maps
If you’re traveling from the USA, you may be stressed out about having cell phone service in Paris. When I was a budget traveler, I swore by using only public WiFi and getting around without cell service.
Nowadays, I like to make my life easier, even if that means shelling out some extra money. So, when I travel abroad, I use my phone company’s international plan.
With AT&T, this is called the International Day Pass. For $12/day, you can use your phone like you do at home with no limitations on texts, calls, or data. So easy!
However, for longer trips, a lot of people opt for an e-sim. E-sims are significantly cheaper than adding an international plan to your cell phone. However, they do require more set up, and often mean you’ll have a different number while abroad, which can be inconvenient.
Some popular e-sims to choose from are Airalo or Holafly!
And whether or not you have service, I also recommend downloading the map of Paris offline through Google Maps.
Google Maps allows you to download the entire map of specific places while on WiFi, and then you can use it when you’re offline (like on Airplane mode).
To access this feature, just search the area you want to download, like “Paris”. Scroll over in list to “Download”. The amount of storage you need will depend on the area you want to download.
Once downloaded, you can access the entire map, zooming in to specific streets, even on airplane mode. It’s a wonderful option for traveling to Europe!!
10. Spend Time Doing Nothing!
If you only have a few days in Paris, you are probably trying to maximize your time as much as possible, which often means running around like a crazy person hitting all the highlights!
Now, while I have done this in Paris, I highly recommend giving yourself at least an afternoon to just wander.
Paris is such a magical city and one of the best parts of visiting for the first time is just exploring the gorgeous streets, sitting in cafes, or relaxing in the parks. This is why I recommend spending at least 4 days in Paris, so you don’t have to jam-pack your schedule!
On our first trip, we spent one evening having a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower. We stopped by a local market, picked up some fresh fruit, cheese, bread, and wine, and headed to the Champs de Mars at sunset.
Just sitting in front of the Eiffel Tower with nothing to do but hang out and enjoy the view was absolutely wonderful.
Similarly, we spent quite a few afternoons on our last trip to Paris enjoying the beautiful weather in the Luxembourg Gardens or grabbing a cappuccino at a street-side cafe.
I highly recommend not planning out every single hour of your time in Paris, and give yourself time to do nothing but relax!
Where to Stay in Paris for First Timers
Choosing where to stay in Paris can feel like a full-time job, especially when it’s your first time and you’ve got over 1,000 hotels staring back at you.
What helped me the most was realizing it’s not about finding the perfect hotel – it’s about picking the right neighborhood.
Paris is made up of 20 arrondissements (basically, neighborhoods that spiral out like a snail shell from the city center).
For first-timers, I highly recommend staying in the 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th arrondissements. These are all in the heart of the city, super walkable, and packed with great restaurants, cute cafés, and must-see sights.
Here’s a quick breakdown of each one:
- 4th Arrondissement – Le Marais: Trendy, historic, and full of charm. You’ll find narrow cobblestone streets, hip boutiques, and delicious falafel in the Jewish Quarter. Plus, you’re right by Notre-Dame, the Seine, and Place des Vosges (aka picnic central).
- 🏨 Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Saint-Louis Marais
- 5th Arrondissement – Latin Quarter: This one’s got a younger, livelier feel thanks to the nearby Sorbonne. It’s perfect if you want that buzzy Paris vibe. It’s also home to the Pantheon, Rue Mouffetard’s market street, and tons of cozy cafés.
- 🏨 Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Monge
- 6th Arrondissement – Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Think chic cafés, high-end shops, and elegant side streets. This area feels exactly like the Paris in your daydreams. You’re near the Luxembourg Gardens, some amazing art galleries, and cafés made famous by Hemingway.
- 🏨 Hotel Recommendation: Hotel des Marronniers
- 7th Arrondissement – Eiffel Tower Area: If waking up to the Eiffel Tower is your dream, this is your spot. It’s quieter and more residential than the others, but still close to attractions like Musée d’Orsay and the Rodin Museum. It also feels super local, which I loved!
- 🏨 Hotel Recommendation: Hotel La Comtesse
Lana’s Tip: Stay near a Metro station!! You’ll be relying on the Metro a lot during your first trip to Paris, and having a quick walk from your hotel to the Metro makes a huge difference.
Want more hotel recommendations and tips? I’ve listed my favorite budget to luxury stays by neighborhood in my full guide on where to stay in Paris for the first time!
Getting to Paris from the Airport
One of the first things I research when planning an international trip is how I am going to get from the airport to the city center. This is definitely not something you want to leave to figure out when you arrive, jet lagged and overwhelmed!
Luckily for Paris, it’s relatively straightforward, and you have several transportation options depending on your budget and preferences!
The main international airport serving Paris is Charles de Gaulle (CDG), which is where most overseas flights arrive into. There is also Orly airport (ORY); however, most flights into Orly are from other European countries.
The fastest and most common way to get from CDG into the Paris city center is by taking the RER-B train to Gare du Nord station.
The journey takes only 25 minutes and costs around 13 euros. Tickets can be purchased directly at the airport station and do not require advanced purchase. Once you arrive at Gare du Nord, you can transfer to several different Metro lines to reach your hotel.
Similarly priced, there’s also the Roissybus, which provides direct transport between CDG airport (Terminal 1) and central Paris (Opéra station) for 13 euros.
Lastly, if money isn’t an issue and you want the most convenient option, you can take an Uber or private transfer from the airport to your hotel.
This is the option we chose on our last trip, as we didn’t want to deal with dragging our giant suitcases on public transportation. Uber rates vary depending on time of day, busyness, etc. However, you can book a transfer through Welcome Pickups for less than $100.
Final Thoughts
That sums up my list of 10 things you absolutely need to know before visiting Paris for the first time!
Paris is a magical city, but a lot of people end up hating it because they don’t know a lot of these things. Whether you’re going for a day or a week, these travel tips will help make your first trip to Paris more enjoyable.
Now that you have these must-knows in your back pocket, you can continue your planning!
Make sure to check out my 3 Day Paris Itinerary or my 4 Day Paris Itinerary to help you craft your perfect Paris vacation!
Or, check out my other Paris blog posts below! ⬇️ 🇫🇷
Visiting Paris For The First Time: 10 Things To Know!
Where To Stay In Paris For First Time Visitors: Detailed Guide
3 Days In Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary
Day Trip From Paris To Versailles: A Complete Guide
19 AMAZING Things To Do In Paris At Night!
5 BEST Dinner Cruises In Paris: Prices, Duration, & More
The 7 Best Day Trips From Paris By Train: A Complete Guide
How To Spend 4 Days In Paris: The Ultimate 4 Day Paris Itinerary
A Perfect Packing List For Paris For Every Season!
15 Hidden Gems In Paris You HAVE To Visit!
How To Have A PERFECT Picnic At The Eiffel Tower In Paris
London Vs Paris: Which European City Should YOU Visit?
The BEST 7 Day London And Paris Itinerary!
Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!
Great article! Great things to know before going to Paris!