So you’re finally taking your big trip to Paris!
Paris is certainly an experience – for several generations, it has been a dream destination for many people around the world! However traveling to a new country can be a bit scary – here are some things that might help you as you plan your trip!
Resources for Booking a Hotel
I use booking.com almost exclusively when I travel. There is a ton of information about the hotels listed along with reviews. Many hotels feature free cancellation up to 24 hours before check-in so you can grab one and then keep looking to see if you find something better.
TripAdvisor.com is another great resource for finding reviewed hotels as well as various pricing on hotels in Paris.
If you are more adventurous and want a truly unique experience, check out airbnb.com to stay in an actual Parisian apartment. (This is a great option if you are bringing lots of people or want a kitchen to cook in. Make sure you read all the details!)
Getting Around
The public transportation in Paris is awesome but can be daunting for a tourist. This page will tell you a ton. If you google “Paris Metro” you will find helpful blogs, but here are a few tips to get you going:
You need to buy tickets. (Which tickets do I need?) If you will be traveling in Paris for days in a row you might consider getting a Paris Visite Pass for unrestricted travel in Paris and outlying zones. You can choose how many days and which zones, which will affect your cost. You can see prices and purchase your ticket here.
Rules to live by:
- Parisians are not on vacation.
- Don’t take up more space than your body size.
- Personal space is less important than people getting where they need to go. (You might get smushed.)
- If you are sitting in a fold-down seat, get up if it gets crowded.
A few more tips for the metro:
1. Prepare for lots of stairs. Some stations have escalators, most do not. Elevators are quite rare in stations.
2. If you need to take a moment to consult your map, stand against a wall, not in the middle of the stairway or the platform. (See Rule #1)
3. Maps are free at the info desks.
4. On the escalators, stand to the right. People who are in a hurry will run/walk on the left side. If you want to walk up, use the left side. (See rule #1)
5. When waiting to enter the train, stand to the side when the doors open and let people exit first. When everyone has exited, go ahead and enter. (Watch what others do for the most part.)
6. Sometimes the train will be VERY crowded. That’s normal. Squeeze in and make sure your bag is closed and keep an eye on it.
7. Come up with a plan in case your group is separated. For example, if all of you but one makes it onto the train, decide ahead of time that the group will get off at the next stop and wait for the left behind person to catch up. Try not to loudly panic about it.
8. If you are able to get a seat, only take up one seat. (Don’t put your bags on the seat next to you unless the train is empty, and even then be prepared to move them.) If you sit in one of the fold-down chairs you will need to stand when the train gets crowded. (Again watch what others do.) If you have luggage, stand with it – don’t let it impede someone else’s ability to sit.
9. If you get lost or can’t figure out what to do, it’s okay to ask questions. Be polite. It works to approach someone and say, “Excusez-moi, do you speak English?” And proceed from there. (Remember that if someone is rude to you it’s not because they’re French, it’s probably because they’re in a hurry or have had a bad day.)
10. Don’t give money to panhandlers. You will see people doing musical performances. If you enjoy it you can certainly show your appreciation with a few euros.
11. If you are a lady traveling alone, it may happen that someone will flirt with you. There’s no other way to say it – don’t be nice. If a man says “bonjour” to you out of the blue or “American?” just ignore them. (Trust me.)Â If someone touches you inappropriately, (loud) public shaming is the way to go.
12. If you are standing, make sure you hold on to something or you will wind up in someone’s lap. (Again…trust me.) đ
What to See and Do
TripAdvisor is another great resource here. Users of the site review and rate different attractions and offer helpful hints.
Eiffel Tower
If you want to go up in the Eiffel Tower, you can buy your tickets online ahead of time to avoid wasting hours waiting in line.
Paris Museum Pass
If you are crazy about museums and plan to visit several on your trip, you may consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass. The pass can be valid for 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days and gives you free unlimited visits to participating museums without waiting in line. You can find pricing here and participating museums here. (Order yours here – note shipping time and how to obtain pass.)
The Louvre
Make sure you decide what you want to see before going to The Louvre. If you are a huge art fan, you might want to spend an entire day there, but for the average tourists there are probably just a few things you want to see. You can see the floor plan of the museum here, and The Louvre’s website also has a lot of information about current exhibits.
Sacre Coeur
The Sacre Coeur is not a place that most tourists think of immediately to see, but it has one of the most spectacular views of Paris. Prepare to climb a ton of steps to get to it, or you can take the metro to Anvers and around the left side of the stairs you will find the “funiculaire”, or a tram to take you up to the top. (This takes one t+ ticket.) Make sure you go inside the church but be aware that they are very strict on no talking and no taking photos. (Please be a good tourist and respect their rules – just enjoy the moment for yourself and don’t worry about capturing it.)
From David Lebovitz – Ten Things to Do with Kids in Paris
Where/What to Eat
Paris is a city known for food, and for good reason. The variety is endless and some of the food is the best stuff you’ve ever tasted.
Start here – blogger David Lebovitz’s list of “Ten Insanely Delicious Things You Shouldn’t Miss in Paris.”
David Lebovitz has a lot of great posts about where to eat in Paris. Also, check out Paris by Mouth for exceptional restaurant recommendations.
Check out Paris by Mouth’s full restaurant guide, organized by arrondissement/attraction. I’ve not tried even a fraction of these, but their guide is pretty great!
If you want crepes, the street ones are okay, but if you want really delicious crepes, my favorite place is called Little Breizh. They have a nice menu of “salĂ©” crepes (salty, dinner crepes) as well as “sucrĂ© crepes (sweet, dessert crepes). The wait staff is great and can help you understand the menu. When you exit the restaurant turn left and you will find several gelato places.
My rule of thumb for dining in Paris is that the closer a restaurant is to a tourist attraction, the more overpriced and mediocre the food will be. Your best bet is, again, TripAdvisor for lots of information like price range and reviews, or yelp.fr.
Most restaurants have a menu outside the front door so you can look at their selection as well as their prices. Don’t always go fancy – I love baguette sandwiches from bakeries just as much as fine dining! (Try the sandwich mixte!)
Some other favorites:
Maison Marie
If you’re looking for a classic and beautiful French restaurant, check this one out. Try the escargot to start, and then the incredibly delicate cheese ravioli. Finish your meal off with the chocolate mousse. (Make sure to share the chocolate mousse – it’s massive!)
KB Café
Check out this Australian-owned cafĂ© near the Sacre Coeur. This is a perfect little cove to people-watch when it’s nice outside. If it’s cold, get ready to get cozy squeezing into a table with others!
Higuma
Part of the joy of cuisine in this international city is all of the incredible authentic dining from around the world. Higuma is a fantastic place to get kimchi, dumplings, and delicious noodles!
Pink Flamingo Pizza
In the summer, pick up a pizza here and take it down to the Canal St Martin and spend your evening eating and people-watching. (10th arrondissement)
Le Scheffer
Another great true French restaurant. Get the duck confit for a seriously delicious experience, and wrap your meal up with the Grand Marnier soufflé.
(Note: I did not receive any compensation for any of the sites or businesses listed here. It’s just what I use.)
Great Paris Blogs/Sites
(Note: I do not endorse all the content of these sites but they are fantastic resources for finding adventures and information about Paris.)
Paris by Mouth
David Lebovitz
Secrets of Paris
Girls Guide to Paris
Messy Nessy
The Paris Blog
“16 Ways to Avoid being the ClichĂ© Tourist in Paris”
(I disagree with several of these points such as 1 and 4 but the rest are really good.)
Coming Home
Please prepare yourself for customs and border protection coming back to the US. Packaged foods are usually okay, but meat, cheese, and any agricultural products must be declared and may be confiscated. Check out this list from CBP.
Also if you are flying with Air France or Delta, please be aware that your carry-on(s) might be weighed in the passport control line. If your (combined) carry-ons are over the weight listed on their website (12 kg), they will ask you to go back to the baggage counter and check a bag. (There is no getting around this – I’ve had to do it a couple times.) There will be many signs at baggage drop-off warning you to weigh your carry-on. Plan ahead!
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