10 Things to Know Before Going to Paris

When you live in Paris, you learn how to live like a Parisian. There are certain things you learn to do and things you learn not to do. But all of these ‘rules’ apply not only to locals but to visitors as well. So the next time you visit Paris, keep these 10 things in mind:

1. Don’t gamble or buy anything on the streets

I often see people gambling on certain tourist streets, especially the little cups game. This is a scam to steal money from you. I know it seems like fun and harmless enough but there are actually a few people working together to make you believe it is safe. Avoid playing these games; you will just lose your money!

2. Don’t butt out on the street

If you are a smoker, don’t throw your cigarette on the streets. A new law passed recently to prevent people from throwing their cigarette butts on the streets. Throw them in the trash. Otherwise, if a cop sees you, you will have to pay a fine of 68€. That’s a very expensive cigarette!

3. Avoid restaurants in very touristy spots

Restaurants in really touristy places aren’t usually the best. Trust travel guides to lead you to great restaurants that are off the beaten track. Restaurants around the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe or Notre-Dame may seem like typical French restaurants but you’ll spend a lot of money for a mediocre meal.

4. Don’t buy croissants or bread in big chain stores

You know us French people and our bread! Trust us, though. We don’t buy our bread in big chain stores or supermarkets. We buy our baguettes and croissants in local patisseries and boulangeries. And here’s a trick to help you determine if what you’re buying is really made right inside the bakery: If it says ‘artisan boulanger’ on the front window, the goods are made fresh inside, not frozen!

5. Stand right

We Parisians tend to be a bit impatient and many of us want to walk fast, so we have this rule to stand on your right when you’re on escalators to allow people to climb them quickly on your left.

6. Avoid expensive rooftops

If you’re looking for a killer view of Paris, avoid expensive rooftops and instead, try to find hidden gems, like the Printemps Terrace where you have a 360 view for free or the George Pompidou Terrace. Look for less expensive but better views such as at the top of the Arc de Triomphe, but avoid climbing up the Eiffel Tower. It’s very touristy and somewhat disappointing as we all want to see the Eiffel Tower in a skyline view of Paris!

7. Avoid fancy cafés

Avoid fancy cafés where you pay way too much for your cup of coffee. Instead, search out little cafés in less touristy neighborhoods. You’ll pay way less and the coffee might even be better! And in lots of cafés, if you sit by the counter, you can pay just 1€ for your coffee!

8. Learn a few words in French

Parisians are not rude. At least not all of them. They just appreciate when you make an effort to say just a few words in French. Just like when we go to the United States, we are expected to speak English. A simple ‘bonjour’ or ‘merci’ shows that you’re trying. And we really appreciate it!

9. Know what to expect in August

If you visit Paris in August, know that all Parisians are gone on vacation so the city has a great vibe because you feel like you have it for to yourself. But be aware that lots of shops and restaurants are closed then. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It pushes you to walk off the beaten track to find a restaurant that is open and actually good.

10. Walk, walk, walk

Opt for walking instead of taking the subway when you can. You might be surprised by the little streets, cute shops and amazing architecture you’d miss if you were simply taking the metro.

11 Practical Paris Travel Tips Every First Timer Should Know

Visiting Paris for the first time? We’ve got you covered with these practical tips!

Paris is a dream destination for many, and for good reason. It’s the home of avant-garde fashion and art, gastronomic cuisine, and architecture packed with history and glamour. Now that France is open for tourism, you can now visit the City of Lights this year!

But there’s more to Paris than romance, good wine, and artistic pursuits. And for first-timers, navigating the European metropolis might be a tall order, especially with the language barrier. So we listed down the best tips when traveling to Paris – from the best times to visit, to avoiding scams. Happy reading!

1. Paris is more than just a romantic city

Most first-time visitors have an idealized version of Paris – romantic candlelit dinners in an art nouveau cafe, the sun setting behind the Eiffel Tower , and French people waxing poetry about life and love. That’s not to say that these aren’t true of Paris! But if you’re a foodie, focus your itinerary on Michelin-starred restaurants and beloved local cafes, or if you're a history buff then our Klook guide on historical places in Paris  will definitely satisfy your curiosity. So whatever you may be into, trust that you'll find exciting things to do in Paris on Klook.

2. Visit during off-peak season

The best time to visit Paris is undoubtedly during the off-peak season in April and October. Lesser crowds, cheaper tourist rates, and a stunning display of nature in the city. Fans of spring will love the pink hues of cherry blossoms, while pumpkin spice latte lovers will enjoy walks along foliage-covered parks and streets. Both are perfect backdrops for professional photoshoots, like weddings, family portraits, and engagements.

3. Book a hotel near the center

There are 20 arrondissements, or districts, in Paris that you can choose a hotel from. These neighborhoods have their own set of museums and attractions that may help you decide. The 18th has Montmartre, the 3rd and 4th share Le Marais, while the 5th is considered the Latin Quarter of the city. Accommodations here may be on the pricier side, so plan accordingly!

4. Buy the Paris Pass

Now that you know when to visit and where to stay, the next step is to figure out what to do. Good thing the Paris Pass exists, a cost-efficient multipass perfect for the absolute first-timer. Visit more than 75 attractions and museums all over the city for up to 4 days, and enjoy skip-the-line access for the entire validity of your pass. You’ll also get a guidebook and a free metro pass to help you navigate Paris a little bit better.

But if you’re more interested in art and culture, then you should check out the Paris Museum Pass. Get access to the Versailles Palace, The Louvre Museum, Musee d'Orsay, Pompidou Center Museum, and many more renowned museums, galleries, and cultural centers. 

5. Wear comfortable shoes 

The cobblestone streets of Paris may be pretty to look at, but they’re certainly killer for first-time visitors. The city is best explored on foot, so ditch the heels and wear your most comfortable pair of sneakers or sandals for the time being. You also need to take into account the considerable distance of some attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower being on the opposite side of Notre Dame. Going back and forth between destinations is bound to give you body aches even days after the trip.

6. Use public transportation 

Besides walking, taking the metro and renting a Velib are also great ways to explore Paris. But how exactly does one use them? For the metro, all you need to do is buy either a Paris Pass or a Paris Metro Pass. Both passes give unlimited access to the Paris Metro network, helping Paris newbies check out every nook and cranny of the city. Meanwhile, the Velib is a public bike-sharing system with more than 1,800 stations all over the city. You can either rent an e-bike or a standard bike for a definite amount of time, then return it to a nearby station before your validity is over. You can also take the train so you can experience a hassle-free and comfortable way of going around France!

If you're planning to take the train or bus but you're not sure of the route, here's a train route in Europe that you can use as a guide and a bus route too that you can refer to!

7. Watch out for pickpockets and scams

Since you’ll be taking the metro, it’s important to stay vigilant for pickpockets and scammers. Tourists are walking targets, so make sure to leave large amounts of money and important documents like your passport at your hotel. You will also meet a lot of these people in tourist attractions, with some innocently asking people to sign environmental petitions or wear “friendship” bracelets with them. Try to avoid these situations as best as you can, and if you ever find yourself in one, leave right away.

8. Practice basic French phrases

French is a beautiful language – albeit very difficult to learn. It’s customary to greet service people and shop staff ‘Bonjour’ before ordering or buying, so you might as well learn a few more phrases while you’re at it. Here are some you might find useful: Merci (Thank you), Pardon (Sorry), Comment allez-vous? (What’s your name?), D’accord (Okay), Excusez-moi (Excuse me), and Où se trouve la station de métro la plus proche? (Where is the closest metro station?).

9. Don't forget to bring a travel adaptor

It may sound obvious, but not a lot of people know that power plugs in Paris look different from the rest of the world. European power plugs are two-pronged, while the sockets are circular and deep. Fancy hotels may have alternative power plugs in their rooms, but budget stays and bed-and-breakfasts probably won’t be able to offer this luxury. Add a travel adaptor to your travel shopping list now before you forget it again!

10. Make restaurant reservations in advance

Fine dining is a must-try experience wherever you go in France. But the situation in Paris may be a bit challenging since it’s home to many Michelin-starred restaurants. Once you figure out where you want to eat, make sure you book a reservation in advance if you don’t want to stand in line waiting for food. Some of our favorites that you can’t miss are the chef’s table at Marsan par Hélène Darroze, the Comté cheese soufflé at PavYllon, and ​​choux pastry Paris Brest at Le Servan.

11. Always check opening times

Just like most European cities, Parisians take their time and value their rest. There’s a service break during afternoons, dinner doesn’t start until 7:30pm, most shops and restaurants close on Sundays, and businesses take summer breaks in August. Opening times may also vary throughout the year, mainly because of the changes in season and daylight savings time. These schedule changes might not make sense to busybodies like you, but when in Paris do as the Parisians do. Make it a habit to check the opening times of the places at least 2 days in advance.

5 Best Things To Do in Paris

Paris: named ‘the city of love’ by the greatest poets, writers, actors, and musicians who found inspiration in the beauty of this mesmerizing city. Whitestone townhouses ooze luxury, the smell of freshly baked croissants drifts through the air, and flowers hang at the sides of cobbled streets. Take a trip to Paris, France, for 2-4 days, spending your days visiting attractions, trendy neighborhoods, and delicious restaurants. Use this Paris guide to plan your trip to one of Europe’s best cities.

1. Arc de Triomphe

Start by taking the subway (1.90 EUR) to station ‘Charles de Gaulle – Etoile’. From here, walk to the Arc de Triomphe, one of the most iconic sights on any trip to Paris. The huge square arch sits at the western end of the famous road, ‘Champs-Elysees’, a wide avenue that’s been featured in many famous movies.

Completed in 1836, the monument honors the armies of the revolution and the empire, with beautiful carvings on the stone. There is a small museum inside the structure walls, which tells you a bit about the history of the Arc de Triomphe, plus interesting historical photos. 

Best of all, you can climb to the top! Nearly 300 stairs later, you’ll find a viewing platform with spectacular views over the city. At sunset, you’ll get beautiful colors in the sky, and at night you can watch Paris live up to its name as ‘the city of lights’. You can even see the Eiffel Tower lights; it’s covered in 20,000 bulbs!

2. Laduree Macarons

Beautiful colored meringues, filled with a variety of flavorsome filling; macarons are synonymous with France! Laduree is one of the most beautiful and famous shops in Paris, with shops all around the city.

One of the most elegant is on the Champs Elysees, just a 10-minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe. Sit in and enjoy the neoclassical style interiors, as if you have gone back in time to dine on rainbow-colored macarons with Marie Antoinette.

Alternatively, you can choose your flavors and have them boxed up to take away. These make a delicious gift from your trip to Paris! See the location.

3. Pont Alexandre III

One of the most wonderful things about Paris is its two sides separated by the beautiful River Seine. And where there’s a river, you’ll always find some interesting bridges! Head towards the Seine (about 15 minutes from Laduree) to see one of the most beautiful bridges in all of Paris: Pont Alexandre III.

This is a very important bridge, known for its central location and amazing architecture. On the bridge, you’ll find numerous pillars topped with gold-winged horses. Plus, the bridge is lined with old-fashioned lamps, making it a particularly romantic place to walk at night as you cross the bridge looking onto the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais.

Tip: Want to explore more of the Seine? Spend a few hours walking along its banks or take a boat tour. Boat tours are a great way to learn about Paris and see it from a totally different perspective! If history tours aren’t really your thing, there are plenty of other options, such as food or wine cruises. 

4. Musee d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay is 10 minutes from the Pont Alexandre III. Cross the bridge and follow the arty boulevard to discover the memorable art museum.

The long building, which was once a station, is impressive on the outside. However, the interior is truly breathtaking! Discover a vast open space with an arched glass roof covering incredible collections of artwork. Whether you like traditional art or modern, you’ll find something to enjoy in the Musee d’Orsay.

5. Eiffel Tower – A must-do in Paris

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic monuments globally, up there with the likes of the Statue of Liberty, the Taj Mahal, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is an icon of Paris (and France!), towering above the city by day and lighting it up at night. 

No trip to Paris is complete without visiting this spectacular monument. You can find your way to the Eiffel Tower from the museum by following the skyline. As you go, grab a delicious lunch nearby or buy a baguette from the bakery and make your own picnic to eat under the tower. 

Simply marveling at the Eiffel Tower from below is an experience itself. Wander around the structure, gaining a view from all angles, or head to the stairs in front of the Jardins du Trocadero to get some fantastic photos and unobstructed view onto the Eiffel Tower.

Tip: If you want to take photos of the Eiffel Tower, we recommend arriving at sunrise to get the best shot. After 9 AM, the area becomes very crowded with people. This is the most touristy area in all of Paris!

Climbing to the Top of the Eiffel Tower

Visiting the top of the tower is a little more expensive, but a great idea if you want to have a unique experience and get some excellent views on your trip to Paris.

You’ll find the beginning of these fantastic Parisian views on the first floor with the added exhilaration of a transparent glass-bottomed floor to look down from.

On the second floor, as you get higher and higher, you’ll have access to Michelin star restaurants, shops, and even a macaron counter to eat your treats from this remarkable location.

The very top is the most sensational of all, as you stand 276 meters up above Paris with only the tip of the tower and the sky above you. Grab a glass of champagne to toast the moment!

Tickets

The ticket price is dependent on what you want to see. Most tickets include the use of the glass-walled lift. For example, a lift ticket up to the second floor is 17.10 EUR, and a ticket to the top is 26.80 EUR. If you don’t mind taking the stairs, cheaper tickets are available.

It gets very busy, so we recommend buying tickets online.

Opening Times

Every day from 9.30 AM – 10.45 PM.

Note: Maintenance work is carried out every year on the top from Jan 3 to Feb 4 (during this time, you can only access the first and second floors with stairs).

Montmartre in Paris: A Visitors Guide

While you are on a Paris city trip, you definitely should visit Montmartre. A bit off the beaten path destination, nevertheless a very popular area to visit in Paris, France. Montmartre is most visited because of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica. Apart from the Sacre-Coeur, there is so much more to see in and around Montmartre.

Montmartre

Montmartre is a great place to walk around and best reachable via the subway. To reach the top, it’s a relatively easy walk by stairs, but you can also use the Montmartrobus.

Sacre-Coeur, Paris

Located on a hilltop is the beautiful Basilica Sacre-Coeur where you have a panoramic view of the whole city. Get at the basilica as early as possible to have a tourist-free experience.

The entrance to the Sacre-Coeur is free, and it’s open from 6 AM to 10.30 PM.

Montmartre town

While wandering around in Montmartre, you will notice all the art influences. Artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Picasso were attracted to the area and, so art is still in the heart of Montmartre.

There are also many shops, beautiful buildings, and cafes in the town where you can easily spend the whole morning. Every morning at Place du Tertre, artist gather to draw illustrations or portraits. It is a little square in the heart of Montmartre.

We’ve been told that the oldest vineyard of Paris is located in Montmartre as well.

La Maison Rose & the Sinking House

Located on the top, next to the Sacre-Coeur is a house that seems to be sinking into the ground. This is a visual trick but still fun to try and photograph!

Next up visit ‘La Maison Rose’ (the pink house), located in the most beautiful street in Paris: Rue de l’Abreuvoir. This gorgeous pink house, with green shutters is a famous cafe that used to be visited by many renowned writers, poets, and artists.

Pigalle basketball & Moulin Rouge

Our personal favorite and surprise during this Paris City Trip was Pigalle Basketball court. Together with Nike, the fashion brand Pigalle designed this a-ma-zing looking basketball court. We have to say that it is only allowed to take pictures here if you have permission from a local. Please always respect this. Update 2022: Unfortunately, this field has been redesign and lost its beautiful design.

Near the fields is one of the most famous cabaret shows in the world; The Moulin Rouge. If you have time available, plan to visit one of these shows.

How long to spend in Montmartre

If you are here for a 3-day city trip, you can take one day of that to see Montmartre. Paris has loads of great attractions, but Montmartre is a must-see. Use our Paris City Trip Guide to see most highlights of the city in just three days.

Hotels in Montmartre

Montmartre is getting more and more popular and so are the hotels. Expect to pay €110 a night.