Paris, Paris, Paris. A city that changed my life and will undoubtedly change yours. If it’s your first time in Paris, you’re in for a real treat. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the charming cobbled streets of Montmartre, this city is nothing short of a dream.

I lived in Paris for a few months and they were among the best of my life. The city is just conducive to living life at the fullest- there’s no other way to put it.

But it’s true that Paris can be overwhelming for first-timers. With all there is to do- and maybe not so much time to do it- how do you fit in the best spots without missing out?

In this guide, I’ll try to cover everything you need to know before stepping foot in the City of Lights. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, feel free to shoot right to it using the table of contents below.

1. Getting Ready for Paris: Essential Travel Tips

When is the best time to visit Paris?

For me, the best time to visit Paris is undoubtedly the fall. Of course, there may be some personal bias involved here- I lived in Paris for about five months, the majority of which happened to be in the fall. But I have visited Paris during all four seasons, and can easily say fall is best. It’s the perfect combination of weather, atmosphere and vibe. Not too hot, not too cold, and most importantly not swarmed with tourists limiting your access to the activities you want to do! The only issue in the fall is that rain can occur more frequently. (Similar things can be said for Spring- I just have my personal bias 😉 )

Summer in Paris is a whole different vibe. The main issue in the summer is the sheer amount of tourists. This is an issue in all of Europe during the summer months, and can lead to long lines, raised prices for accommodations, and just a general shift in vibe from what Paris should be. The other issue is that Paris can get hot. Nothing is worse than a packed Parisian metro on a sweltering summer day, take it from me. All this being said, if summer is the only time of year you have, don’t let these issues deter you from taking your trip to Paris. I assure you the trip will still be incredible.

Winter in Paris is charming and beautiful. It was a pleasure for me to walk through the streets of Paris every day, watching the city slowly light up with holiday season decorations and markets. Exploring the markets, walking around the lit and festive streets at night, and huddling up in a café with a hot drink is what the winter season in Paris is all about! I just wish it would snow more.

Paris packing guide: What to wear for different seasons

Paris varies a lot in temperature throughout the year. Summers can get swelteringly hot. Make sure to bring lots of light, breathable clothing for the summer months, specifically in July and August. For the fall and spring, temperatures can vary but are usually moderate. Check the forecast before you go, but you’ll probably want to bring lighter layers that you can stack if the weather necessitates it. Also bring a raincoat, specifically for these fall and spring months. In the winter, you’ll definitely want to bring layers. Don’t ruin your trip by not bringing enough defense against the cold!

If you’re into fashion, this is the place to break out the most fashionable items in your wardrobe, no matter the season! Paris is one of the world capitals of fashion, so dress to impress. Or don’t, if you don’t much care 😉 .

How to get around: Public transport, bike rentals, walking

The best way to get around Paris is with your two feet. That’s the advice I give for most cities, to be honest. It’s how you come to better understand a city, by walking through each part and seeing how they connect, the similarities, the differences. When you have a set destination and that only in mind, you miss out on everything in between. I can’t tell you how many hidden gems you’ll find in Paris, and how much you will learn by just walking around with your eyes open.

The same goes for biking, if that’s what you prefer. Paris has e-bikes scattered all over the city, so you’re never too far from one. There are also designated biking paths on almost all main roads, as Paris tries to emphasize this method of transportation. Read here for more information about renting bikes in Paris.

Now, Paris does also happen to have a fantastic metro and bus system, which can be useful if you don’t have too much time in Paris and have places you want to visit all across the city. There are apps for the Paris transit system, but just use Apple or Google maps. They’ll give you all the information you need to get around.

Paris recently installed touch-to-pay systems, eliminating the need for the metro cards you used to require. A single trip costs €2.10. Depending on the length of your stay, consider buying a weekly pass for €30.75 or a monthly pass for €86.40.

Language tips: Basic French phrases for tourists

Paris is a city where it honestly doesn’t matter how much French you know in most areas. Being the hub of tourism that it is, most Parisians speak English relatively well as it helps their business.

This can be both a blessing and a curse. If you’re like me and know a fair bit of French, it can be frustrating to walk into a store all eager, say a simple “Bonjour” and immediately be given a thickly accented “Yes, hello, what do you want” in return. It honestly doesn’t even matter if your French is better than their English. If they can tell that you’re a foreigner, they ain’t letting you speak their language. I’m obviously generalizing- this isn’t always the case- but it sure happens a lot.

Don’t let this deter you from getting your French practice in, though. There was a period while I was living in Paris where I would simply refuse to speak in English with a Parisian. So much to the displeasure of those behind me in line at the boulangerie, a rather comical dialogue would then ensue with the American speaking in French to a Frenchman responding in English. Occasionally they would even give up, very much inflating my ego.

Now, if you don’t speak French, good for you! It’s really unnecessary almost everywhere in Paris. Now, on the off chance that you run into someone who doesn’t speak English, there a a few words and basic phrases you should know for your first-time in Paris.

• Bonjour– Hello. If it’s the evening or night, opt for Bonsoir instead
• Au Revoir- Goodbye
• S’il vous plaît– Please
• Merci- Thank you
• Bon Nuit– Good night

Currency and tipping culture in Paris

France is part of the European Union, and therefore uses the Euro (€) as its currency. The Euro is similar in value to the American Dollar, with €1.00 being equivalent to $1.08 as of the writing of this post.

Tipping is not expected in France (or most of Europe) the same way it is in the US. If you’re feeling particularly generous, I’m sure no one will complain, but the gratuity is generally already factored into the cost of the menu items.

2. Must-See Attractions in Paris for First-Time Visitors

Eiffel Tower: The iconic symbol of Paris

The Eiffel Tower is not overhyped. There are few moments when I’m left speechless by something man-made. The white peaks of the Swiss Alps, the color of the water in the Caribbean, sure. I’m a sucker for nature. But the Eiffel Tower isn’t nature, and it still has that effect. I’m not even sure why, to be honest. After all, it’s just a pretty simple tower of iron. It’s not even that old, being completed in 1889 for the World Fair. At that time, the residents of Paris hated the thing. But now, it has become the unequivocal symbol of Paris, and it will undoubtedly be a high of your first-time in Paris.

The best time to visit the Eiffel Tower is at night. Of course, it’s beautiful during the day and you should do both if possible, but seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up in its trademark golden hue and lighting up the Parisian sky is a sight to behold. It also sparkles on the hour every hour after sunset for five minutes, and you don’t want to miss that!

You should see the Arc de Triomphe on the same day. Why? Because there’s a certain way you should approach the Eiffel Tower. Starting from the Arc de Triomphe, walk down Avenue Kleber. By going this route, you won’t see the Eiffel Tower until it’s practically right in front of you, which will make for the most jaw-dropping moment possible. In addition, you’ll also first see it from Trocadero, a spot well-known by Parisians as being the best viewpoint of the tower. Spend a good amount of time here soaking it all in.

From Trocadero, you’ll be able to walk down through the gardens, then across the Seine on the newly pedestrian only Pont d’Alma. Before you know it, you’ll be directly under the tower

From here, walk around the tower onto the Champs de Mars. You’ll find green lawns sprinkled with tourists having picnics when the weather is nice, taking in the beautiful view.

Finally, climb up the Eiffel Tower. There are three levels. The first two you can reach by lift or stairs, the top only by lift. I recommend the stairs if you’re opting only for the lower floors. It’s a good time to walk these at night. See here for admission prices for every level.

Louvre Museum: How to skip the lines and see the Mona Lisa

Ok, so there’s no real way to skip the lines. But you should by all means book your time slot in advance. This will cut your time on line significantly.

There are also different entrances to the Louvre, which you can use to your advantage if the line by the pyramid is super long. Read about them and some other tips here. You’ll notice I’m keeping this short as I wouldn’t describe myself as the biggest art enthusiast.

Notre-Dame Cathedral: A look at its history and current status post-renovation

The Notre Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and is super old, being built between 1163 and 1345. The cathedral has seen nearly a millennia of Parisian history, enduring many wars, revolutions, and victories.

Unfortunately, the cathedral was damaged severely by a fire in 2019. It has since been restored back to its original state, a massive project undertaken over the last five years. Attempting to mimic engineering and architecture from 1,000 years ago is a crazy feat. Fortunately, the Notre Dame should be reopening this December (2024), so you won’t have to wait much longer!

Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur: A charming area atop the city

Montmartre is one of my favorite areas in all of Paris. It’s perched on the highest hill in Paris and therefore gives sweeping views of the city. I recommend walking up instead of taking the metro. It’ll feel much more rewarding.

Narrow, winding, cobbled streets make up this charming neighborhood full of corner cafés, gourmet shops, and street artists. Yes, it’s become a little touristy, but the beauty is still undeniable.

Towering above it all is the Sacré-Cœur, a cathedral marking the highest point in Paris. The cathedral itself is a sight to behold both inside and out, but it’s the view from the top that does it for me. For €7 you can climb the spiral staircases to the top of the cathedral and be rewarded with a 360 degree, panoramic view of the entire city.

Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe

The Champs-Élysées is arguably the most famous street in the world. The wide, 2km boulevard sports headquarters of the most notable names in fashion, luxury hotels, and views of the incredible Arc de Triomphe. Read more here about things to do on the avenue.

The arc itself is a sight to behold, sitting in the middle of a massive roundabout with 12 Parisian boulevards spurting from it. To access it, you’ll have to go under the road, with the entrance to the underground tunnel on the right hand side of the Champs-Élysées. Don’t try and run across the roundabout, as I’ve seen some confused tourists do a few times. It’s always very funny when they do and end up in a game of dodge-the-cars.

You can also climb to the top of the arc, where you have another one of my favorite views in Paris. I love this view because similar to that of the Pantheon, you’re just above rooftop level and can see everything but not from so high up. It’s especially cool to see the line that connects the Louvre, the obelisk, and the business district of La Defense on the opposite side.

3. Off-the-Beaten-Path: Hidden Gems in Paris

Le Marais: Trendy neighborhoods with boutique shops and cafés

The Marais district, located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, is one of the city’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods. Known for its narrow medieval streets, the area is filled with charming boutiques, art galleries, and cafés, along with the beautiful Place des Vosges and a myriad of museums, including the Musée Picasso.

The Marais is also rich in culture, being the historic center of the Parisian Jewish community. One of my favorite streets in the Marais is Rue de Rosiers, which contains many Jewish establishments, most notably L’as du Falafel, a middle-eastern restaurant serving up the best falafel sandwich you’ll ever try. It also happens to be one of the best cheap eats in the city.

Canal Saint-Martin: A peaceful area perfect for strolling

I only really discovered the Canal in the later stages of my stay in Paris but it instantly became one of my favorite areas. Walking along the canal, crossing over bridges and entering shops and restaurants truly makes you feel like you’re in Amsterdam.

While you’re here, make sure to check out Miznon, another middle-eastern joint that rivals L’as de Falafel for the best in Paris. And if you’re around in the summer time, walk all the way up the canal where it will eventually cross into the 19th district. Here you’ll be able to continue your stroll down the Bassin de la Vilette, which is always popping when the weather is nice (you can swim here too!)

Paris’ secret gardens: Luxembourg Gardens, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Well, the Luxembourg Gardens may not be so secret, but they’re certainly still worth a visit. Paris’ answer to Central Park is a massive expanse full of perfectly manicured greenery, fountains, statues, and even a palace that now functions as the home to the French Senate.

There are many other lesser-known parks scattered all over the city. One of my favorites is Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a picturesque park in the 19th district known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and a temple-topped hill that offers stunning city views. Another is Parc Monceau, an English-style garden in the 8th district popular for picnics, jogging, and leisurely strolls.

4. The Best Food Experiences in Paris

Guide to Parisian Boulangeries

The simple Boulangerie (French for bakery) is maybe my favorite thing about Paris. The fact that you can seemingly find one on every street, with the intoxicating smells of fresh bread and butter drawing you in.

There are some boulangeries that unfortunately disappoint. If you’re around for a little while, you should do your research and try to hit up as many of the best boulangeries as you can. If your stay in Paris is brief, head to La Maison d’Isabelle. Nothing here will disappoint you. If what you’re most excited for is a buttery, crackling and flaky croissant, read here for my list of the best croissants in Paris!

Don’t skimp out on the boulangeries. Eating as much bread and pastry as you can is truly a necessity when traveling in this city. Your first-time in Paris would be incomplete without it.

Must-try Parisian dishes

I’m unfortunately not the best person to answer this question for you. I’m kosher, so my options are quite limited when it comes to French cuisine. However, I can certainly give you a list of the dishes Paris is most known for!

One absolute classic is Boeuf Bourguignon, a slow-cooked beef stew with red wine, mushrooms, and vegetables, epitomizing hearty French cooking. Coq au Vin is another hearty meal, a tender chicken dish simmered in wine with mushrooms and herbs. Escargots, or snails, are a classic, generally doused with a generous amount of butter, garlic and herbs.

The best dishes, however, might come in the simplest forms. The crépe is incredibly delicious and versatile, a thin pancake filled with anything from cheese to chocolate. In the next section I’ll tell you where to get the very best ones. Another simple snack is the croque-monsieur, a toasted ham and cheese sandwich with béchamel sauce.

Exploring Paris’ best food markets: Marché Bastille, Marché d’Aligre

Ah, the markets! One of my favorite parts about not only Paris, but Europe, are the open-air markets where you can truly feel like a local and get a flavor for wherever you are. These are a must for your first-time in Paris.

Marché Bastille is definitely the best market in Paris. Open on Sundays and Thursdays from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm, they offer fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, local delicacies, and even clothing and other essentials. It also happens to be home to the best crépes in town, as I mentioned above. If you walk down the market from the Place de la Bastille, you’ll find a Breton stand on the far right side. There will be two chefs there making crépes. Head to the short black-haired man on the right for a real treat!

Marché D’Aligre is a similar vibe, with an indoor section as well. It’s open on Tuesdays-Sundays from 7:00 am to 1:30 pm, and again from 4:00 to 7:30 pm. While you’re here, check out the nearby Blé Sucré, a boulangerie serving incredible croissants.

La Grande Épicerie de Paris is a whole different vibe. It isn’t an outdoor market, but instead a fancy indoor food mall serving an array of the most gourmet foods you’ll find. Keep an eye out for free samples, of which there are many.

Top recommendations for budget-friendly meals

L’as du Falafel definitely takes the top prize for me. This middle-eastern restaurant serves the best falafel pita of your life for €9 apiece. They also have a large number of meat options, including lamb and turkey shawarma, for a few euros more.

Atelier Poké Toké is another that became one of my favorites. Get a high quality, large customizable poke bowl here for only €13 euros. There are a few other poke places on this road, but this one is miles ahead.

If you’re looking for authentic French cuisine for a low prices, try out a bouillon. These are traditional eateries that serve classic meals in a casual setting, often evoking a nostalgic charm reminiscent of Parisian bistros from the early 20th century. Two of the best are Bouillon Chartier and Bouillon Julien.

5. Understanding Paris for a First-Time Visitor

Parisian neighborhoods: Arrondissements explained

Paris is a massive city, but you’ll probably be spending all your time in the 20 arrondissements. This is the French word for district, and these 20 comprise the inner city of Paris, which is essentially a circle:

The arrondissements are organized in a clockwise spiral, often aptly likened to a snail shell. The 1st arrondissement starts at the heart of the city, containing the Louvre, Tuilerie Gardens and Place de la Concorde. From there the districts spiral out. See here for a full description of each of the arrondissements.

Common tourist scams and how to avoid them

As is the case in any touristy city, there are a significant number of tourists scams that you have to avoid. Certain areas in Paris are especially full of them, notably the Eiffel Tower and the Latin quarter. In the Latin quarter, and all around the city to a lesser extent, do not go to a restaurant if there is someone at the door calling out to you on the street to come and sit. Always a tourist trap. In fact, I would advise against eating anywhere close to major tourist attractions like these.

Don’t eat anywhere with menus in English. This is clearly saying that the restaurant is being catered tourists. You want to eat like a local.

One more thing I’ll add is not to stop for any street performers offering you money if you win some sort of game. They make it seem deceptively easy, sneaky in that they’ll have a friend of their’s pretend to be a tourist and win. Then a real tourist will try, and if you look closely they’ll always pull some shit to make sure you lose.

Safety tips for solo travelers or families

Paris does unfortunately present some safety concerns. But if you know where to go, where to stay away from and when to be careful, you won’t have any problems.

There’s a pretty wide consensus that the northern parts of the 18th and 19th, as well as parts of the 20th, are not the best places to hang around at night. There’s not really much to do in these areas at night, so it shouldn’t affect you too much. In general- especially if you’re on your own- try and stay away from narrow, empty streets. The same goes for anywhere you go, to be honest.

6. Where to Stay in Paris: The Best Areas for First-Time Visitors

Best neighborhoods and arrondissements to stay in

The best areas to stay in depend largely on your personal preferences. Do you want to be as close as possible to the popular landmarks and museums. Maybe in an area known for its nightlife?

For me (and there may be some personal bias involved here), the best place to stay is in the 2nd arrondissement. It ticks all my boxes. You’re right in the center of the city, steps from the Louvre, the Opera. And its an area chalk-full of delicious eateries, highlighted by Rue Montorgeuil, one of my favorite streets in all of Paris, that I happened to live right off of 😉 .

Other areas that I would recommend are Le Marais and Bastille. These two are right next to one another and offer very different vibes. The Marais is full of charming boutiques, art galleries and cafés, while Bastille is famous for its nightlife.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter too much where you stay. The walkability of Paris and the ease of its transportation system make it easy enough to get everywhere from anywhere.

Budget vs luxury: Accommodation options for every traveler

If you’re traveling on your own, all of the budget options come in the form of hostels. You can see a list of all the available hostels in Paris here.

For me, the best hostels in Paris are from St. Christophers and The People. When I first arrived in Paris for my half-year stay, I didn’t have an apartment. I figured I would find one quickly enough, and would stay at a hostel in the meantime. It didn’t end up being so easy to find. When it was all said and done, I had become the longest-ever client of The People Paris Marais, staying there for over two months 😁.

I therefore feel obligated to give them a good review. But it certainly deserves it, and you can press here to book. The People have three other locations in Paris, but the Marais location is by far the most central.

St. Christophers is another hostel chain that has two locations in Paris. They are not as well located, but offer a more social vibe than other hostels like The People, highlighted by their trademark Belushi’s Bar. Press here to book for St. Christophers.

Airbnbs are the best option if you’re with a group of friends and want to avoid the hostels. Press here to see available Paris airbnbs.

Of course, if you’ve got money to spend and want a luxury Parisian vacation, there are no shortage of options! See here for a list of the best ones.

Conclusion

Paris is the greatest city on Earth. In my opinion, there is really not much that it lacks. The food, the culture, the architecture, just the feel of the city is truly magical. It is a city that simultaneously manages to be massive and bustling but charming at the same time.

As a first-time visitor in Paris, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories. From the Eiffel Tower, to Montmartre, to simply walking along the Seine, you’ll have the time of your life, no matter how long you decide to stay.

With this guide in hand, you’re now prepared to navigate your first-time in Paris like a pro, and make the most of your trip without having to stress! Get ready to fall in love with Paris.