Apps for Paris: 27 of the Best FREE Options for Travelers

Planning a trip to Paris?

Before you start daydreaming about croissants and the Eiffel Tower, let’s talk about something less romantic but equally important: your phone.

I know, I know—you want to be present and soak in every moment of the City of Light. But trust me, having the right apps downloaded before you board that plane will make your Parisian adventure SO much smoother.

From navigating the metro system (which can be tricky if you’re not used to it) to discovering hidden gems on self-guided walking tours, these apps are absolute lifesavers. And the best part? They’re all free!

Whether you’re a first-timer trying to figure out how to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to your hotel, or you’re returning to Paris and want to navigate like a local, this list has you covered.

Here are the must-have apps for Paris that will make your trip easier, safer, and more enjoyable—without costing you a single euro.

Before You Travel to Paris

Iconic Arc de Triomphe monument in Paris, France showcasing historic architecture.

Contact your phone company about international plans before departing for Paris.

I’m on T-Mobile and love their service in Europe—they offer texting and data at no additional cost, though phone calls are 25 cents extra per minute.

However, you can turn on wifi calling. I ensure I don’t get charged for this by connecting to a wifi network, then turning my phone on airplane mode so that it can’t use the usual calling method.

No matter which carrier you’re with, contact ahead of time to ensure you have your phone on the right settings. You can also ask them about international plans, should you choose to get one, though I haven’t found this to be necessary for my needs.

If you’re planning to avoid using your phone data while abroad to steer clear of fees, it’s best to download these apps for Paris ahead of time or while connected to Wi-fi.

📲 Click here if you’re looking for even more apps to use in Europe!

The Best Apps for Paris Travel

Entry Requirements

1. ETIAS App

Traveler preparing for Europe with ETIAS app, suitcase, and travel essentials on plush carpet.

Europe is rolling out the ETIAS system, which is set to start operations in the last quarter of 2026.

Download the app and apply at least a month before your trip. The application takes about 5 minutes to complete, and approval is quick.

Planning and Organization

2. Google Docs or Google Sheets

Create your Paris itinerary in Google Docs or Sheets before you go, then download the corresponding app.

Or steal an itinerary from me!

You’ll have your entire trip plan at your fingertips, even offline.

3. Time Zone Converter

If you need to coordinate with people back home, an app like Time Buddy helps you avoid calling family at 4 am.

This is especially useful if you’re working remotely while in Paris.

Getting Around Paris

4. Bonjour RATP

This is the official app of the Paris metro system and an absolute must-have on this list of apps for Paris.

It provides real-time updates in your phone’s language, making it super easy to navigate the metro and RER (suburban train) even if you don’t speak French.

Metro lines in Paris sometimes run into problems because of a left bag or someone who got sick, so real-time updates are crucial.

5. Google Maps

eiffel tower google maps iphone screenshot

Build a custom map of Paris ahead of time or download one from a travel blogger, like me! You can find maps in my day-by-day itineraries.

This way, you won’t have to constantly search for your next destination—the pins will show you what’s nearby and how to get there.

I actually prefer Google lists over Maps, as I like the map and the list view that shows me what’s nearby (if sorted by distance) and open.

You can also make Google Maps available offline.

6. Citymapper

best apps for traveling in europe — Screenshots from my trip to Sweden, but you get the idea

citymapper transit directions — Screenshots from my trip to Sweden, but you get the idea

This is one of my favorite navigation apps!

Citymapper helps you get from point A to point B by walking, biking, e-scooter, bus, metro, and more.

What I love most is that it provides live information—if a train is delayed, you’ll know immediately.

It also notifies you when you’re approaching your stop, which is incredibly handy when you’re unfamiliar with the city or don’t speak the local language.

7. Maps.Me

Maps.me App, best apps for traveling in Europe

If you prefer not to use data while traveling, Maps.Me is a lifesaver.

Download the Paris map ahead of time, and you’re all set for offline navigation with walking and driving directions, as well as public transport (though the info isn’t live like Citymapper’s is).

8. Omio

Omio is a great app that offers tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries, as well as car rentals and airport transfers.

I booked nearly all my train and bus tickets on it when I traveled Europe for 4.5 months.

However, they were all for longer journeys than just within a city; it was from city to city or to another country.

Typically, I’ll use the local app, Bonjour RATP, in this case, instead of Omio for local travel.

Rideshare and Taxis

9. Uber

Uber works well in Paris and offers the comfort of tracked rides.

I love that it shows what languages drivers speak, which can be helpful if you don’t speak French.

As a solo female traveler, I appreciate the safety features that rideshare apps provide in Paris.

10. G7 Taxi

This is the local Paris taxi app, and I’ve heard it’s pretty good; however, I have also heard there’s more availability with Uber.

You can enter your card to pay via the G7 Taxi app and order taxis and vans.

Money Matters

11. Apple Wallet / Google Wallet

These are game-changers in Paris.

Connect your credit cards and simply tap your device to pay at most locations throughout the city.

You can also store tickets, boarding passes, and more for easy access.

12. Currency Exchange Calculator

Download a currency converter like My Currency Converter to stay aware of how much you’re spending in euros.

Alternatively, iPhone users can now use the Calculator app for conversions.

This helps prevent overspending when you’re caught up eating too many macarons!

13. Splitwise

Traveling with friends or family?

Splitwise makes splitting expenses simple.

Create a group, add costs like metro tickets, restaurant bills, and museum entries, and it calculates who owes what to whom.

It handles multiple currencies, too, though you may need to upgrade to Pro for automatic conversion.

Communication

14. WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger?

Most Europeans use WhatsApp, but both apps require Wi-Fi or data to work.

If you already have Facebook Messenger, use it to communicate with family while abroad.

However, you may need WhatsApp to chat with local tour organizers and other touristy companies based in Paris.

15. Google Translate

google translate app interface — How to download French in advance on Google Translate

downloaded languages google translate app — How to download French in advance on Google Translate

Download French ahead of time for offline translations—it’s a must on this list of apps for Paris.

The Google Translate app is great for quick lookups and conversing with locals.

It also has a photo translation feature—point your camera at a French menu or sign and get an instant translation (though this feature requires Wi-Fi or data).

Accommodations

16. Hotels.com, Booking.com, or Expedia

Download whichever app you used to book your Paris hotel: Hotels.com, Booking.com, or Expedia.

You can easily access your hotel information, address in French (helpful for showing taxi drivers!), and sometimes score app-only discounts.

🏨 For tips on Parisian neighborhoods, check my Where to Stay in Paris guide!

17. Hostelworld

The Hostelworld app differs from hotel apps because it enables you to connect with fellow hostel travelers, a great way to meet people and discover what events are going on.

I found the messaging somewhat overwhelming by the end of my last stay, but since I was in London, a large city, it also linked me with several other hostels through their partnerships for events, which increased the volume of messages.

You can turn this off, but if you’re looking to make friends, it is fantastic!

Tourist Passes and Tours

18-20. GetYourGuide, Viator, and Tripadvisor

If you’ve booked Paris tours in advance (which I highly recommend), download the relevant app: GetYourGuide, Viator, and Tripadvisor.

You’ll have tour information, pick-up locations, tickets, and a list of what you may need to bring with you readily available.

Snag my Paris packing list for a preview of what you may need to put in your luggage!

21. Go City Paris Pass App

Explore a two-day Paris itinerary featuring iconic attractions like the Louvre Museum with GoCity.

If you purchase the Go City Paris Pass, the app version makes accessing it at museums and attractions much more convenient than carrying a physical card.

However, do check my comparative guide on the differences between the Paris Pass and the Paris Museum Pass (the latter of which I prefer), to make the right choice for you!

22. Rick Steves Audio Europe

paris guides rick steves audio europe app

This free app is wonderful for self-guided tours around Paris.

Rick Steves provides detailed audio guides for major sites and general walking tours of Parisian neighborhoods—especially helpful if you only have 24 hours in Paris and want to cram in a lot!

It’s like having a personal tour guide in your pocket, so I obviously had to add it to my list of apps for Paris!

All you need to do is download the walk you’d like to do in advance, and sometimes the map, and pop in your headphones!