Helpful Travel Tips for Paris: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip

Wondering how to prepare for a trip to Paris?

Between figuring out the best neighborhoods to stay in, navigating the metro system, and wondering if you actually need to speak French, there’s a lot to wrap your head around before you even step foot in the City of Light.

Plus, let’s be honest, Paris has a reputation for being expensive and intimidating, which can make planning feel more stressful than exciting.

This comprehensive Paris travel tips for first-timers guide covers everything from the best time to visit and how much money you’ll really need, to navigating tipping culture and getting from the airport without getting scammed.

Whether you’re a budget backpacker or looking to splurge on your dream vacation, I’ll walk you through exactly what you need to know to have an amazing (and stress-free) first trip to Paris.

What to Know About Paris Before Visiting

The Best Time to Visit Paris

The best time to visit Paris is during the shoulder season, which runs from April to May and September to November.

The reason shoulder season is the best is that it’ll help you avoid peak summer crowds. No one wants to spend time waiting in lines and battling massive groups of people at tourist attractions if they don’t have to.

If you can swing visiting during these times, you’ll likely be able to hit more attractions in a shorter time.

Accommodations are also typically less expensive in non-peak times, which will allow you to save some money as well!

It’s also worth mentioning that the holiday season is a busy time, especially the last two weeks, when visitors flock to Christmas markets, lights, and celebrations so that is best avoided as well if you’re a budget traveler.

Any Holidays Coming Up?

May 1st is a public holiday in some European countries, including France, and is called May Day or Labor Day.

Something to be aware of, as you don’t want to plan a short 1-day Parisian trip only to find one of those days you’re SOL due to closures!

Museums and monuments are likely to be closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th in Paris. But be sure to check beforehand.

French Public Holidays:

• January 1st: New Year’s Day
• Between March 22nd and April 25th: Easter Monday
• May 1st: Labour Day
• May 8th: Victory 1945
• May 20th: Ascension
• May 30th: Whit Monday
• July 14th: Bastille Day
• August 15th: Assumption Day
• November 1st: All Saints’ Day
• November 11th: Armistice 1918
• December 25th: Christmas Day

Weather What to Expect

Wondering what weather to expect depending on the time of year?

• Winter (December-February): Pretty chilly with highs around 46°F (8°C) and lows dipping to 35°F (2°C), plus you’ll get about 18 rainy days in January.
• Spring (March-May): When Paris really starts to shine, warming from 54°F (12°C) in March to a lovely 68°F (20°C) by May, though pack layers because those spring showers are real.
• Summer (June-August): Peak tourist season with temperatures hitting 75-78°F (24-25°C), but watch out for those occasional heat waves that can soar over 100°F (38°C).
• Fall (September-November): Paris starts warm at 70°F (21°C) in September and cools to 51°F (11°C) by November, with gorgeous autumn colors.

No matter when you go, always pack a light rain jacket because Paris showers love to surprise you! Check out my complete What to Wear in Paris guide for everything you’ll need in your suitcase.

Tipping Culture in France

The good news is that tipping isn’t required or expected like it is in the United States, as service fees are already included in your restaurant bill by law, and servers actually earn living wages with benefits (what a concept!)

However, if you’ve had exceptional service (like a waiter who explained the entire menu or made your night extra special), locals typically round up the bill or leave 5-10% as a small gesture.

Just remember to tip in cash since French credit card machines usually don’t have tip options.

And whatever you do, don’t leave a massive tip. It’s actually considered flashy and inappropriate in French culture.

For cafés, I usually just leave a few coins, and for taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is plenty.

There is one exception—tour guides do expect tips (around 5-10 euros per person for a good tour), especially those “free” walking tours that are actually tip-based.

How Much Money You’ll Need

Alright, let’s talk money because Paris can definitely be expensive if you’re not smart about it!

On average, you’ll pay around €100-200 per day per person, but this really depends on your travel style.

Budget travelers can get by on about $114 (€100) per day if they stay in hostels, eat cheap meals, and stick to free or cheap attractions, while mid-range travelers should add at least another €50-100.

For accommodation, you’re looking at between €40-80 per night for a hostel bed, €150 for a decent hotel room, or go crazy with a luxury suite that can cost €9,500+ per night.

Food is where you can really save or splurge! Grab a baguette sandwich from a bakery for €5-7, hit up student favorites like Chez Gladines for affordable meals, or budget around €60-100 per day if you want to eat out 100% of the time to experience some proper French dining.

Transportation is actually pretty reasonable with metro tickets at €2.15 or day passes starting at €12, so don’t stress too much about getting around.

One of my biggest Paris travel tips? Eat your fancy meals at lunch instead of dinner, as many restaurants offer the same amazing food for half the price during lunch service.

What to Do Before You Go to Paris

Check That Your Passport is Valid

Does it expire soon? If it does, you may need to renew it before traveling.

As part of the Schengen area, visiting France requires that passports have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave.

Make a Copy of Your Passport

I make a copy of my passport just in case I lose the original.

That way, if something happens, I’ll have a backup. I give a copy to my mom and email it to myself, too.

I don’t think it would work to get back home, but it’ll be proof to help get a new one, from what I’ve heard.

Sign up for ETIAS

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt travelers visiting the 30 European countries that are part of the Schengen area.

As France is part of that area, it will be mandatory for nationals of visa-exempt countries, including the UK and US, to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Europe for short-term stays.

This is supposed to go into effect in the last quarter of 2026, but do check before your trip.

Create an Itinerary

If you’ve been using my simple travel itinerary planner, you probably have a Google Doc itinerary by now.

I used to print them out before trips to have a physical copy, but I’ve since switched to their apps. These apps also make it easy to share with family members.

You can also make your Google Docs, Google Maps, or Google Sheets available offline, which is essential if you don’t plan on using Wi-Fi or data.

For suggestions on 2, 3, and 4 day itineraries, check out my guides:

• 2-day Paris itinerary
• 3-day Paris itinerary
• 4-day Paris itinerary

Brush Up on French

Paris is one of the very few places I’ve visited that really required me to know some of the language.

Most countries in Europe, at least the tourism staff, will be pretty fluent in English, but in Paris, it can be hit or miss, so it’s best to brush up on some phrases before you go.

Basic French Phrases That Matter:

• Bonjour: Hello (used till around 5 pm)
• Bonsoir: Good evening
• Au revoir: Goodbye
• S’il vous plaît: Please
• Merci: Thank you
• Excusez-moi: Excuse me

To learn some basic French phrases, I highly recommend the Mango Languages app; it’s typically free with a library card.

As a visual learner, you might want to take a look at Lingopie, which uses streaming platforms like Netflix to teach languages.

Not great at picking up languages but still want to get into the Parisian vibe? Check out these TV shows and films set in the City of Light.

Get a Tourist Pass

One of my top Paris travel tips is to get a tourist pass!

There is the Paris Pass, which focuses more on experiences and activities.

Then there is the Paris Museum Pass, which is more geared towards museums, churches, and castles.

To decide which one best suits your travel style, check out my Paris Pass vs. Paris Museum Pass comparative guide!

Get Tickets for Attractions and Excursions

Book any attractions or excursions you can ahead of time! I know not everyone likes to plan ahead, but if there’s something you absolutely want to see, it’s best to book it in advance.

I ran into this issue in Florence. Since seeing David is such a hot ticket, I was nearly unable to see him. I ultimately booked a GetYourGuide tour to gain entry.

Get Your Guide is great because it offers a huge range of options, so you can book everything in one place. Not only do they have fantastic tours, but if anything comes up, it’s super easy to cancel and get a refund.

Contact Your Phone Company

I was an AT&T subscriber for several years and always used their data when traveling.

First, contact your phone company to make sure your phone is set up correctly. You might also want to ask about international plans in case you decide to get one; they’re often more affordable than you think.

Now that I’m on T-Mobile, I’ve been enjoying their service in Europe and Asia. They include texting and data in my plan at no extra cost. However, phone calls come with an additional charge per minute, but I don’t make many calls anyway, so this isn’t an issue for me.

Download Apps Ahead

If you don’t plan on using your phone data while traveling abroad to avoid fees, it’s best to do the downloading beforehand.

While there are several free travel apps I recommend, please be aware that some budget airlines, like Ryanair, charge you to print your boarding pass at the airport. Downloading their app ahead of time and checking in on it will save you money!

Also, having a hotel app with your bookings listed is a great idea. I’ve run into problems with taxis not understanding where I want to go, so being able to show them the address usually clears things up.

My Favorite Apps for Paris:

• Maps.me / Google Maps: downloadable offline maps
• Citymapper: for up-to-the-minute transportation info and navigation
• Uber: ride-sharing services
• Splitwise: for splitting costs easily between a group
• Google Translate: download French ahead of time so even without data it’ll be useful
• Rick Steves Audio Europe: for his free Paris audioguided walking tours

If you’re looking for additional tips on things to do before traveling, I highly recommend my guide, which includes reminders to put your mail on hold, get a credit card with no trans fees, etc.

What to Pack for Paris

This is a quick guide to what to pack in Paris, as I have a whole post that goes in depth, especially for female travelers!

But, please, oh please, don’t forget to check the weather before you visit Paris!

I know it sounds basic, but I’ve made this mistake myself and seen others do it too. They end up packing the wrong stuff, and I’ve had to buy extra layers.

It wasn’t a disaster, but it wasn’t the best use of my travel budget either.

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Clothes that you can layer
• Anti-theft crossbody bag
• Waterproof coat/trench coat
• Compact umbrella
• International travel adapter
• Portable phone charger

Where to Stay in Paris

Staying at centrally located hotels or hostels might seem like a no-brainer to some, but it’s worth emphasizing in this Paris travel tips guide, as those’ll be the best arrondissements for first-timers.

A trick I usually use when I’m unfamiliar with an area is to create a Google Doc of everything I want to see and then pin it all on a Google Map.

This allows me to visualize where most of the attractions I’m interested in are located and thus decide the best area to stay in Paris.

• 1st-4th Arrondissements: Central but pricey
• 5th-7th Arrondissements: Great location, moderate prices (I stayed in the 5th)
• Montmartre (18th Arrondissement): Charming but hilly

Paris Travel Tips You’ll Need While There

Getting to and From the Airport

For Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), which is the main international entry point, you’ve got a few solid choices:

• A bus is your budget-friendly option, costing you between €6 and € 11.50. However, you will need to allow at least 80 minutes for the journey.
• The RER B train is also fairly affordable, but quicker, at €13 and takes about 25-35 minutes to central Paris.
• An Uber generally takes around 50-51 minutes and costs approximately €49, a great option if you’re traveling with a group or don’t want to lug your luggage around.
• Taxis have fixed rates of €56 to the Right Bank or €65 to the Left Bank, just make sure you use the official taxi stands to avoid getting scammed.

For Orly:

• You can take the Metro Line 14 directly to central Paris in just 25 minutes for €10.30. But you can’t use regular metro tickets, and no paper tickets are available, so you’ll need the app or a Navigo Easy card. Also, if you’ve got large luggage, you may get fined.
• You can also take the Orlyval shuttle to Antony, then RER B for €14.50.
• An Uber generally costs around €34 and takes about 36 minutes.
• Taxis are €36 for the Left Bank or €44 for the Right Bank.

Note: Depending on the time of day, Uber may be more expensive, so a taxi may be more affordable during peak times. But overall, public transport will be cheaper.

Best Ways to Get Around Paris

Public Transportation

• Metro: The most popular and efficient way to travel in Paris is the Metro. Stations are marked with ‘M’ or ‘Metropolitain’ and are usually within a 5-minute walk from city center locations. The network is extensive, with 16 lines covering the entire city.
• RER: Regional express trains link central Paris to suburbs, including direct routes to airports and the Palace of Versailles. They are faster than the metro and have fewer stops.
• Bus: Paris has more than 300 bus routes, providing a scenic way to get around. Although they’re slower, they let you take in the city’s sights at a more relaxed pace than the Metro or RER.
• Tram: Most trams run on the outskirts of Paris.

Should You Get a Transportation Pass?

If you plan to use public transport extensively, a transportation pass may be a good idea.

If you’re staying a whole week and your trip aligns with Monday through Sunday, the Navigo Découverte weekly pass, at €31.60, is absolutely your best bet. Just remember you need a passport photo, and there is a fee of €5 for the card.

For shorter stays of 1-2 days, the Paris Visite pass may be worth it at €29.90 since you can start using it any day you want, unlike the Navigo, which is strictly Monday-Sunday.

For stays under a week where you’re not using a lot of transport, I’d go with the Navigo Easy card (which costs €2) and load individual tickets at €2.50 each. You can use these tickets anywhere in all five zones.

Taxis and Ride-sharing

• Taxis: They’re available all over the city and can be hailed on the street or picked up at taxi stands. That being said, I only suggest using them in a pinch, since they can be much more costly than public transportation.
• Uber/Bolt: Ride-sharing apps work well in Paris, but they can be pricier than taxis, especially during peak hours.

River Transport

• Batobus: This hop-on, hop-off boat service on the Seine stops at major attractions. Getting a 1-day pass, which costs €23 for adults, can be an affordable alternative to a Seine River cruise if you’re craving a budget way to see Paris from the river.

Whatever you decide, I highly recommend downloading CityMapper. It’ll show you all the transportation options and their schedules. It’ll even track your location along the route and alert you when to get off, so you don’t miss your stop!

This is especially helpful if you’re not great at understanding French.

Know Travel Delays May Happen

France has transit strikes regularly, which can impede travel time.

So be prepared in case of delayed flights.

I got stuck in Madrid for a night on my way to Vienna because of strikes in France and lost my luggage for a few days, so this is a good reminder to put all your must-have items in your carry-on.

Looking for other timing considerations? Check out my guide on how many days to spend in Paris.

FAQs

Related Paris Travel Guides

• How to Build an Itinerary for 3 Days in Paris
• Is Versailles Worth Visiting? A Helpful Guide to the Answer
• Practical Paris Packing List For Female Travelers + Security Essentials
• The Ultimate 2 Days in Paris Itinerary for First-Timers
• Is The Paris Museum Pass Worth It? Helpful 2025 Guide To The Answer
• Is Paris Worth Visiting? 12 Reasons I’m Hesitant to Return
• Helpful Paris Travel Tips: Everything You Need To Know Before Your Trip
• How Many Days in Paris? A Simple Guide for First-Timers
• How to Be Safe in Paris: 11 Tips for Solo Female Travelers
• How to Spend 4 Days in Paris Affordably: First-Timers Guide
• Paris Pass vs Paris Museum Pass: Ultimate Comparative Guide
• 25 of the Best Things to Do in Paris That (Mostly) Won’t Break the Bank
• 27 Fantastic Movies and TV Shows Set in Paris You Need to Watch
• Where to Stay in Paris: The Best Neighborhoods for Travelers
• 27 of the Best Travel Apps for Paris That are FREE
• How to Spend a Day in Paris, France: An Affordable, Speedy Itinerary

Header Photo by Adrienn from Pexels

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