Planning your first trip to Paris? We have all the essential Paris travel tips and more to know to help ensure your vacation is everything you dreamed of when you visit. Paris is one of Europe’s most visited cities – enjoy!
Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world in the most visited country in the world. An estimated 85 million people head to France every year with a large number of those heading for Paris.
Paris has so much to thrill any visitor. The Eiffel Tower is an instantly recognisable symbol of the French capital and is just one of many Paris attractions.
The galleries, museums, history, food and more are enough to ensure it will continue to attract millions every year. But if you are visiting Paris France for the first time will it be everything you expect?
If you are visiting the beautiful European city of Paris for the first time expect to see things you will love but please be aware of the things that could make your trip less than perfect too. Also check out my tips for things NOT to do when visiting Paris for the first time!
Holidaying in London but want to include Paris in your itinerary? Discover how to visit Paris from London in our complete guide which includes all options plus the best day tours.
TOP TIPS WHEN VISITING PARIS FOR THE FIRST TIME
Tip 1 – Consider purchasing a City Pass to save time and money
TIP 2 – Plan to see all the beautiful sights of Paris
TIP 3 – Visit the museums
TIP 4 – Book tours well in advance
TIP 5 – Enjoy the food
TIP 6 – Read up about the history
TIP 7 – Take the Metro
TIP 8 – Be aware of scams and pickpockets
TIP 9 – Learn a few words of French
TIP 10 – Prepare for driving in Paris & beyond with Tripiamo
⭐️ Do you have limited time? Why not book a Paris in a day small group tour? This one day tour of Paris ensures you will see the main attractions and highlights and is perfect for those who want to see as much as possible in a few hours. Including a skip-the-line Louvre tour, the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and a Seine River Cruise this is the best of Paris in 1 day. Click here for more information
- TOP TIPS WHEN VISITING PARIS FOR THE FIRST TIME
- TIP 1 – Consider purchasing a City Pass to save time and money
- TIP 2 – Plan to see the beautiful sights and tourist attractions of Paris
- TIP 3 – Visit the museums
- TIP 4 – Book your tours well in advance!
- TIP 5 – Enjoy the food (and take a food tour)
- TIP 6 – Read up on the history of Paris
- TIP 7 – Use the Paris Metro to get around
- TIP 8 – Be aware of the common scams when visiting Paris France for the first time
- Tip 9 – Don't speak French? Try to learn a few words before you visit.
- Tip 10 – Prepare for driving in Paris & beyond with Tripiamo
- Plan your visit to Paris
TIP 1 – Consider purchasing a City Pass to save time and money
There are a number of city passes available for Paris. Choosing the right card for your itinerary can save you time and money.
The available city cards include:
Paris Museum Pass (2, 4, or 6 Days)
Enjoy free admission to over 60 museums and monuments in and around Paris including the Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, and Centre Pompidou.
Paris Pass Platinum, Gold or Silver
- Platinum – Includes a 2-day Paris Museum Pass and a 1 day Big Bus ticket, a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower, and a cruise on the Seine. Click for more information about the Platinum Paris Pass.
- Gold – Includes a 2 day Big Bus ticket, a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower and a cruise on the Seine. Click for more information about the Gold Paris Pass.
Silver – Includes a guided tour for the Eiffel Tower with access to the top of the Tower, a ticket for a cruise on the Seine and a Big Bus 1 day ticket. Click for more information about the Silver Paris Pass.
Paris Passlib: Official City Pass – Museums, Cruises, & More
Choose 3 activities from a list of guided tours, bike rentals, museum entry tickets, attractions, cruises, and more with the Paris Passlib. Note that this card is non refundable.
Exploration Games and Tours City Card
With more twists and turns than the Seine, these exploration games will help you discover 35+ locations and their stories which will reveal every intriguing facet of the city.
TIP 2 – Plan to see the beautiful sights and tourist attractions of Paris
It is often quite fashionable these days for people to describe themselves as travellers and (not gasp horror) tourists. It’s as if wanting to see (or admitting it anyway) some of the most famous sights in the world makes you somehow inferior.
But there are reasons these places are what everyone wants to see – they are famous, iconic and really shouldn’t be missed. Otherwise, why go? And in Paris, these are unmissable sights and tourist attractions.
The Eiffel Tower
Whether you are planning to spend 24 hours in Paris or one week in Paris it is inevitable that the Eiffel Tower will be somewhere near the top of your bucket list.
Construction started in 1887 on one of the most instantly recognisable structures around the world. Designed by the same bloke behind the Statue of Liberty (Gustav Eiffel) the Eiffel Tower in Paris pretty much dominates the landscape. It opened in 1889 as a celebration of the centenary of the French Revolution.
The Eiffel Tower is 300 meters tall and constructed of wrought iron. Appearing in many films (who can forget the famous James Bond scene) it is the most visited tourist attraction in Paris with over 7 million ascending the tower every year.
The tower consists of 3 platforms. Each platform can be reached by stairs (a total of 1710 to the top) but visitors can only climb to the first and second platforms. There are 2 elevators which take visitors to the various platforms where there are shops and restaurants to enjoy. There is even a Michelin-starred restaurant on the second platform.
At the very top 276 meters above the city of Paris enjoy spectacular views of the city during the day and at night.
Things to know to make the most of your visit
- Visit the first platform and walk on the new glass floor 57 meters from the ground!
- Be extremely careful with your belongings around the Eiffel Tower as pickpockets are rife in this area.
- Look out for the panoramic maps on the third platform which point the way to famous cities around the world.
- It is always windy on the third floor so wrap up well in the cooler months!
- Why not book a hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower from this selection? Alternatively, if you are on a budget why not consider one of these affordable hostels in Paris?
- Official website – Eiffel Tower.
Notre-Dame de Paris
Due to the fire at Notre Dame please check for recent information regarding the progress of the restoration.
Notre Dame is the most famous of the Gothic cathedrals in Paris and attracts over 13 million visitors a year. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries it is famous for its use of flying buttresses and of course as the home of Victor Hugo’s hunchbacked bell ringer.
The cathedral is located on Ile de Cite which is in the city centre of Paris. It is neither on the Left Bank nor the Right Bank of the Seine. If you stand with your back to the front of the cathedral the Left Bank is on your left and the Right Bank on your right!
Tips to make the most of your visit
- Entrance is free and the cathedral is open between 10 am and 6.30 pm daily.
- Do not miss the beautiful rose window inside the cathedral.
- If you want to climb the 422 steps to the top of the cathedral be there by 9.30 am or expect long queues!
- Check out the famous gargoyles that adorn the cathedral and enjoy the stunning views over the city.
Note – since the terrible fire in 2019 Notre Dame is now closed for the foreseeable future.
Champs Elysees and the Arc De Triomphe
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement is 1.9 km long. Lined with trees, cafes, shops and theatres the avenue runs from the Place de la Concorde to the Place Charles de Gaulle. Walk the avenue and stop along the way for a coffee and a cake. I would advise not to shop on the avenue though as it is rather pricy.
When you arrive at the Place Charles de Gaulle you will be facing another of Paris’s most iconic structures – the Arc de Triomphe. Built between 1806 and 1836 to commemorate those who fought in the Napoleonic Wars. For fabulous views of Paris and the avenue climb the 40 stairs to the top.
Tips to make the most of your visit
- If you wish to climb to the top of the monument DO NOT cross the traffic circle to do so! Take the underground tunnel on the Avenue de la Grande Armee side of the circle. Access the tunnel from the Wagram Metro exit.
- Opening hours are 10 am – 11 pm (April until 1 Sept) and 10 am – 10.30 pm (1 October – March)
- Visit the Arc on Bastille Day (July 14) when the French celebrate the anniversary of the French Revolution. There is a parade along the length of the avenue and a party atmosphere.
- Adult entry is $8 each
Jardin des Tuileries
This beautiful public park and garden is located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. It was created by Catherine de Medici in 1564 it was only opened to the public after the French Revolution. The garden takes its name from the tile factories which originally stood on the site.
There are a number of famous sculptures in the park including 4 by Rodin.
Tips when visiting the Jardin des Tuileries
- Visit the Louvre in the morning then exit via the pyramid and enjoy a stroll through the park and onto the Place de la Concorde.
- Lovers of candy floss and fairground rides should visit from June to August to enjoy the Fête des Tuileries!
- Official website – Jadin des Tuileries
Place de la Concorde
This is one place you would probably not have wanted to have been in 1789 and the subsequent years following the French Revolution.
The Place de la Concorde is the largest public square in Paris and also the site of many executions (by guillotine) during the revolution. King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and Robespierre were all executed here.
In the centre of the square is a giant Egyptian obelisk dating back to the reign of Ramesses II. It was given to the French government by Egypt in the 19th century.
Tips when visiting the Place de la Concorde
- With the Champs Elysee to the west and the Jardin des Tuileries to the east the Place de la Concorde is perfect to include in an itinerary for those who enjoy walking.
- Start at the Louvre, stroll through the gardens into the square and then up the Champs Elysee to the Arc de Triomphe.
- Don’t miss the 2 stunning fountains. Built during the reign of Louis Philippe I they are dedicated to rivers and the sea.
Montmartre
Once the home of artists such as Dali and Picasso the Montmartre district gives visitors spectacular views over Paris. The dome of the Sacré-Cœur basilica dominates the hilltop. A short rest on its steps, to enjoy the view, and recover from the (many) steps needed to climb to reach this point is a must!
Don’t miss the Place du Tertre where you will find artist stalls and great restaurants and cafes.
Another famous Parisian icon found in Montmartre is the Moulin Rouge. The birthplace of the can-can there are shows daily
Tips when visiting Montmartre
- I would highly recommend just wandering the cobbled streets of Montmartre (start at Metro Blanche – Moulin Rouge or Metro Abesses) and slowly making your way to the top of the hill. There are lots of steep streets and hundreds of steps so its a great place to work off all that French food you have been eating.
- Again beware of the scammers and pickpockets this area is notorious for.
- For those with children or mobility issues there is a small white mini-train to take you up the hill which departs from Place Blanche.
TIP 3 – Visit the museums
The Louvre
The Louvre is THE most visited museum in the world with an estimated 10 million visitors a year and for first time visitors to Paris an absolute must-visit destination. There is far too many treasures housed in this old palace to see in a day so I would advise planning what you DO want to see and mapping out your route.
If you are in Paris on the first Saturday of the month admission is free and the museum is open until 9.45 pm.
Pompidou Centre
If modern art is more your thing head to the Pompidou Centre which houses some of the best art works of the last century. Rothko, Pollock, Warhol can all be seen in the art museum which was opened in 1977 and named after the President of France from 1969-74 Georges Pompidou.
Visit early in the day to avoid the queues and don’t forget to head to the rooftop for great views of Paris.
Musee D’Orsay
The Musee D’Orsay is where you will find some of the greatest European art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Artworks by Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas, Manet, Monet and Cézanne are on display in this museum.
Originally a railway station the museum was opened in 1986 and houses 2000+ paintings and 600 sculptures.
If you are visiting the Musee D’Orsay for the first time I would recommend a guided tour to get an overview of the artists.
TIP 4 – Book your tours well in advance!
A selection of some of the best tours are available when you visit Paris from Get Your Guide.
The Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower Tickets: Summit or Second Floor Priority Access
Skip the queues and head straight to the top (or the second floor if you prefer) No hanging around for hours waiting for your turn. I always book priority access as I don’t want to waste my holiday in lines! When visiting Paris for the first time this will no doubt be high on your wish list so ensure you book tickets in advance.
Paris Catacombs
Paris Catacombs Skip-the-Line Ticket
Skip the line to the Paris Catacombs and discover a darker side to the “City of Lights.”
Moulin Rouge
Paris: Moulin Rouge Show with Champagne
Revel in the sumptuous settings of the Moulin Rouge, the world-renowned cabaret in Paris, with a ticket to the spectacular show “Féerie”. Sip on sparkling Champagne as you savour international performances filled to the brim with feathers and rhinestones.
Musee D’Orsay
Paris: Musée d’Orsay Highlights Skip the Line Tour
Get an expert introduction to one of the most celebrated museums in Paris on a 2.5-hour private tour of the Musée d’Orsay. Skip the long lines for an attentive and individualized tour of masterpieces by artists such as Monet, Van Gogh and more.
TIP 5 – Enjoy the food (and take a food tour)
What is not to love about French food? When I moved to France in 1989 from South Africa I literally had my mind blown by the food…the love and care taken to prepare meals…the variety.. the beautiful presentation.
The world has moved on a long way since those days and tastes are more cosmopolitan generally but I still love French food.
If you are heading to Paris I have picked out 2 places that I would highly recommend and these are also included in my guide to French food and where to find it in Paris.
The first is Sacree Fleur which is in Montmartre.
If you want to eat at this restaurant you MUST book… at least 20 people were turned away trying to get a table when we ate there. The food was beautiful. This is not a restaurant for vegetarians by the way as their steaks are spectacular. Book via their website….and then ensure you reconfirm 24 hours before! They are seriously popular.
The second is a fabulous Moroccan food stall in the Marais district of Paris. The stall can be found in the Marche couvert les Enfants Rouges in Marais.
Do not be put off by the queues – this is a popular eating place for locals and once you have tasted the food you will know why! Highly recommended and if you have not tried Moroccan food before I would suggest the cous cous royale!
Visiting Paris with children – read all about things to do in Paris with kids.
TIP 6 – Read up on the history of Paris
I always try to learn a little about places I am planning to visit. As a history teacher (in a past life) I actually taught the French Revolution to my pupils. I would suggest reading up if this is your first visit to Paris and you don’t know much about the history of France as it will make your visit perhaps a little more meaningful.
Visiting places like the Place de la Concorde (a scene of many executions during the French Revolution) will mean more if you know about its bloody past. There are some great books to read about Paris before your visit in my recommended French book post.
Read more in this great selection of books about Paris compiled by Lucy from The Literary Edit.
TIP 7 – Use the Paris Metro to get around
Don’t avoid catching the Paris metro it is a great experience! Just be prepared for lots of steps. The Paris Metro consists of 300 stations on 16 lines.
There are a wide variety of Paris Metro tickets available including single-ride tickets, books of 10 or 20, single day passes, multi-day passes, Monday to Sunday week passes, monthly passes and year passes. (see the Paris Metro website for all the details)
Why don’t you add on an excursion to Strasbourg. This beautiful European city is only 2 hours by train from Paris and is famous for being the seat of the European Parliament.
TIP 8 – Be aware of the common scams when visiting Paris France for the first time
The sights, the museums, the food, the ambiance all wonderful things to enjoy in Paris. But there are experiences you really DO NOT want to have. If you are visiting Paris for the first time be aware and please learn from my experiences.
Beware of pickpockets
We were constantly warned either verbally or on posters about the problem of pickpockets in Paris.
Do not ignore these warnings as it is a genuine problem. I had invested in an anti-pickpocket bag a few weeks before our trip and I am so glad I used it in Paris. Tourist areas are obviously key sites to be REALLY careful with your belongings – the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Montmartre etc.
We actually witnessed a pickpocket being apprehended by a couple of guys who were selling souvenirs. Once they caught the boy they emptied dozens and dozens of wallets and purses out of his pockets and bag. We saw no police anywhere and clearly he had been very busy that morning.
The Metro is also a key area to be extra vigilant.
We had a bad experience on a train from Abesses when I was crowded by a gang who then attempted to steal from my backpack. I wasn’t able to move and it was only when the people got off at the next station that we realised that my backpack had been opened.
Luckily everything of value was in my cross-body anti-pickpocket bag (it has locks and is anti-slash) and my backpack held purely clothes, my deodorant and toothbrush! However not a pleasant experience – and we were being careful!!
Other scams to be aware of
There are a number of other scams to be aware of if you are visiting Paris (whether this is your first trip to Paris or your twenty-first it is important to have your wits about you).
The first is a scam involving string/wool. You will be approached by a man or woman saying they will make you a friendship bracelet or ring whilst attempting to tie string or wool around your finger or hand. DO NOT LET THEM!
We have actually witnessed this happen to a couple. The man or woman will wrap and wrap the string or wool over and over your hand or finger until it is tight.
At this point an accomplice will come and stand beside him. He will then refuse to undo the string now tightly bound around your wrist or finger unless you pay.
Apparently this is one of the top scams in Paris and is very common in Montmartre though we also saw it at the Eiffel Tower.
Another scam is the fake petition scam. You will be approached by someone smiling happily, holding a clipboard and trying to engage you in conversation. They will ask if you speak English – SAY NO!
If you say yes they will attempt to get you to fill in a form which they will then say is your agreement to give them a donation.
Although these are may be viewed as petty crimes they are unpleasant. Please be very vigilant and while our experiences didn’t spoil our weekend they did underline the need to be aware of pickpockets and petty criminals at all times.
Forewarned is forearmed.
I would highly recommend taking precautions against the pickpocket and the best way to do this is to make it harder for them to rob you. With this in mind check out my buying guide to the best anti-pickpocket bags on the market. I would not travel without mine now.
Check out these great quotes all about the wonderful city of Paris for more inspiration before your trip. Why not see more of France and take some of these day trips from Paris?
Tip 9 – Don’t speak French? Try to learn a few words before you visit.
I am lucky in that I have lived in France so speak French fairly well. I find that being able to speak the language does help but do not be put off if you don’t speak French. Perhaps try to learn a few of the more common phrases prior to your arrival – a simple Bonjour or Merci can go a long way.
Although you will find that many French people will respond to you in English I think there is an appreciation that you have learnt some phrases.
Tip 10 – Prepare for driving in Paris & beyond with Tripiamo
Navigate Paris and beyond with a tutorial guide created by French driving schools and designed for tourists to drive across Paris and the rest of France.
Make sure you know the rules of the road before you go!
Plan your visit to Paris
Read more about Paris and France!