Visiting Paris for the first time? Bienvenue to the City of Light! The French capital has so much to offer, but there are some things you should know to make your first visit a recipe for success.
Divided by the Seine river into Rive Gauche (Left Bank) and Rive Droit (Right Bank), Paris is organized into 20 arrondissements spiraling out in a snail shell from Île de la Cité at its center.
Most of the city’s main museums and attractions are near the center, though if you’re planning a long trip, don’t be afraid to explore the city’s hidden gems.
Essential tips for visiting Paris
Where to stay in Paris
First time visitors to Paris are advised to stay near the center for easy navigation. While prices might be elevated compared to the suburbs or fringes of the city, you’ll be happy you opted for a central choice.
- The Marais is a great option for first time visitors due to its hip atmosphere and central location, and bevy of specialty shops and restaurants. Visitors and locals alike love hanging out in the Marais, making it an excellent neighborhood to bridge the gap between local life and the fairytale Paris you’ve been dreaming of visiting.
- Families with children, however, may prefer the quieter, family-friendly Rive Gauche. Opting for accommodation near the Luxembourg Gardens ensures safety and plenty of sights to see!
- For the die-hard live-like-a-local travelers, checking out the hip 11th arrondissement or Canal St. Martin may be for you. While these areas are less architecturally stunning, you’ll be surrounded by some of the city’s coolest bars and restaurants for a taste of Parisian ambiance.
Things to do in Paris
First time visitors to Paris are spoiled for choice—there is so much to see! We recommend signing up for a Paris in a Day Tour with Louvre, City Walk, Eiffel Tower & River Cruise on one of your first few days to help you get your bearings as you acclimate. Timed entry tickets have become the norm for most attractions, so we advise visitors to Paris to book in advance. It might make it harder to go with the flow in the moment, but you’ll be glad you didn’t miss out on some of Paris’s must-see museums and monuments.
_______________________
To avoid museum fatigue, try narrowing it down to one museum a day and pairing this cultural outing with a neighborhood exploration. Here are a few of things to do in Paris, whether you’re clocking in for 36 hours or 2 weeks:
- Visit the exterior of Notré Dame and learn about its restoration
- Revel in the Impressionists at Musée d’Orsay
- Say hi to the Old Masters at Musée du Louvre
- Climb to the top the Eiffel Tower (or just have a picnic on the Champ de Mars)
- Explore Paris’s manicured gardens like Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin du Palais Royal, and the Tuileries
- Visit Versailles and get a glimpse of the famous Hall of Mirrors
- Sift through antiques at Marché aux Puces des Saint-Ouen
- Stroll along Montmartre’s cobblestone lanes and check out the view from Sacré Coeur
- Sample a mélange of cuisines at Marché couvert des Enfants Rouge
- Marvel at the jewel-box stained glass at Sainte-Chapelle
Getting around Paris
Despite its role as a vibrant cultural capital (and the capital of France to boot), Paris is relatively compact. This dense city is highly walkable, in addition to new bike paths and rental bikes (vélibs), and a well-connected métro system.
Tips when it comes to getting around the city:
- Citymapper is a helpful navigational tool, collating various modes of transport to find the most efficient way to zip from A to B.
- If you’re traveling for a short distance, opting for a stroll is a great way to orient yourself within each neighborhood and experience the Haussmannian architecture Paris is known for today. For longer distances, the métro is your best friend—just don’t forget to keep your tickets until you’ve exited the métro.
- RATP officers do random spot checks to ensure ticket compliance and the only way to prove you didn’t hop the barrier is to have your ticket at hand. The French are used to smaller personal space bubbles than other countries and the métro can be crowded during rush hour, so make sure you keep an eye on your belongings and be conscious of your personal space. If you’re looking to cut through a crowd, a polite but firm pardon! will help you navigate the crowds.
Paris etiquette
French might be tricky, but a little goes a long way! Some idea tips when it comes to etiquette:
- Acknowledging shopkeepers is an important part of French etiquette. Greet vendors and hospitality workers with a bonjour or bonsoir when entering an establishment, and don’t forget to say merci, au revoir! when you’re on your way out. While the official language is French, many people do speak a little English and are willing to accommodate you if you’re polite in your approach!
- Keeping an eye on your belongings is important, as pickpocketing can be a risk on the métro or even in restaurants. Maintain contact with your bags, rather than keeping them slung over the back of your chair.
- Avoid obvious scams like women traveling in packs with clipboards, the bracelet guys around Sacré Coeur, and strangers offering you lost property or wandering around tourist areas with suitcases claiming to need help. Use discretion—if something seems fishy, it probably is worth avoiding.
Guide to the best food and drink in Paris
One of the most fun things to do in Paris is sample French fare.
Whether you’re a wine lover or a pastry addict, there’s something delicious for you to try. The French tend to prefer a sweet pastry for breakfast (or an espresso standing up at the comptoir), so large savory breakfasts may be harder to come by.
Insider’s Tip: If it’s your first time in the city, then don’t skip the list of most famous foods in Paris (& the best places to try each one). Also, if you’re wondering about the best restaurants near the Eiffel Tower, we’ve done the research so you don’t wind up at a tourist trap!
Options for lunch and dinner in France are bountiful, but avoid disappointment by paying attention to whether an establishment offers service continu (ongoing service throughout the day) or if they close between lunch and dinner.
The French tend to eat dinner around 7 p.m. in order to make time for convivial apéro drinks and snacks with friends and colleagues after work.
Local’s Tip: The pandemic has altered the way many cafés consider apple pay and payments by card. You may still encounter some establishments that insist on cash payments (especially for bills under 10 euros), but generally speaking you will be able to pay by card.
Take a food tour in Paris
Food tours provide an excellent opportunity to gain understanding of a country, city, and its culture.
Here at Devour we have a wide range of fantastic food tours for whatever you’re in the mood for:
- A deep dive into Parisian cuisine on our Ultimate Paris Food Tour.
- Trying some of the best chocolate and pastries on the Paris Pastry and Chocolate Tour.
- Enjoying apéritif in Paris (cheese, wine, & the works) as the sun goes down on our Paris at Sunset: Aperitif, Food & Wine Tour.
