50+ Paris Travel Tips from a Local Couple

These Paris travel tips will give you all the information you need to plan the Paris trip of your dreams! Avoid tourist traps, eat in the best restaurants, try the most amazing cafes, see the best views of the city and know exactly what to pack for your trip thanks to our tips as a local couple. If you are passionate about eating good food in Paris like we are, make sure to download our free Paris Food Guide.

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Paris travel tips to help you get the most out of your trip

#1 Consider purchasing the Paris Pass (one the best Paris travel tips)

To make the most of your trip, we recommend getting a Paris Pass. It gives you free access to over 60 museums & attractions. It also includes free and unlimited metro rides and even shopping discounts in certain locations. It is an incredible value!

FREE ADMISSION to over 60 museums & attractions! Buy your Paris Pass for your trip

Related : Paris Hotels with Views of the Eiffel Tower

#2 Visit in the Spring to see the cherry blossoms

Paris is magical any time of the year but if you visit Paris in the Spring you are in for an absolute treat. For about two weeks in the Spring, Paris comes to life with gorgeous pink and white cherry blossoms. You can see them in several different places in Paris, but for the most breathtaking display of cherry blossom goodness, head to the Parc de Sceaux.

#3 Learn some French before you come

You can get by speaking English in Paris in most hotels, restaurants and shops, but you will get more out of your trip if you learn a few sentences in French before hand. Say “bonjour” when you step into a boutique, order “un espresso s’il vous plaît” and say “merci!” to thank those around you.

#4 Bring your student ID

If you are a student who is under 26 years old, particularly if you are a student in the EU, you will be eligible for discounts for many different activities and museums.

#5 Plan to eat a lot

The food in Paris is incredible. You will want to indulge a bit during your trip. Definitely make sure you add this list of foods in Paris to your list to try. You will definitely want to make sure you find room for a croissant, a pain au chocolat, a few coffees each day, a crêpe, perhaps a Boeuf Bourguignon and a glass (or two) of wine. Try the best traditional French food during this amazing food tour!

#6 Plan out the coffee shops you want to visit in advance

Do you have a list of coffee shops in Paris you want to visit during your trip?

• Boot Cafe – one of Paris’ most Instagrammable coffee shops, this adorable little cafe is probably Paris’ smallest cafe as well.
• Partisan Coffee – this cafe in the Marais has delicious coffee as well as a variety of homebred treats (including vegan and raw options).
• Back in Black – this is one of the newer cafes to join the Parisian coffee scene. The owners also created the very popular cafe, KB.

Related : Don’t Miss these Coffee Shops in Paris!

#7 Bring a great pair of cute and comfy shoes (one of the most important Paris travel tips!)

The best way to explore Paris is on foot, so make sure you bring some comfy shoes. I suggest making sure these shoes are also cute if you will be going into some of the cuter cafes and restaurants and hotels in Paris.

#8 Bring a travel adaptor

Paris (and France in general) uses plug types, types C and E. As such, if you’re travelling from the UK, USA, Canada, and many other destinations, you’ll need to buy an adaptor. I recommend buying a universal travel adaptor that you can use for multiple destinations (rather than buying a new adaptor for each place you visit).

#9 Dress like a Parisian

The easiest way to dress in a comfortable and chic way when visiting Paris, is to dress monochromatically. I tend to wear a lot of black (I am from NYC after all!) and black works perfectly here in Paris too. You could throw a bit of oatmeal and heather grey in there too and maybe a white and black scarf and you’re all set. Bring a handbag that goes with everything and is a medium size and maybe a smaller purse for nights out (or an early morning croissant run!) and you’re all set.

• A scarf – I typically travel with a larger cashmere scarf/shawl in a cozy, neutral color. Some of my favorites are black, oatmeal and heather grey.
• A raincoat – you can’t go wrong with a classic trench coat raincoat in Paris. You will look chic and keep dry in the rain. If you are visiting Paris in Winter, make sure you bring a warmer coat.
• Rainboots – it rains a lot in Paris so having a pretty and comfortable pair of rainboots on hand will make you more comfortable in the rain!
• A chic bag – your choice of bag is important for your trip. It needs to be just big enough to carry the essentials + any special treats and souvenirs you pick up along the way but not so big that it starts to hurt your back or shoulder.

#10 Try something unique in Paris

You’ve probably heard about all of the classic things to do in Paris. Don’t get me wrong, you absolutely need to visit the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, but there are also a lot of off the beaten track, but there are so many fantastic non touristy things to do in Paris as well.

#11 Plan to visit the Louvre but know that you won’t see everything

The Louvre is gigantic! It contains more than 380,000 objects and displays 35,000 works of art. To get the most out of your trip, plan what you want to see before you get there.

Book your skip the line ticket to the Louvre in advance

Purchase your Paris Pass and get unlimited access to 60 Parisian museums & attractions (INCLUDING the Louvre) & unlimited metro rides!

Make sure you see these works of art in the Louvre

• The Mona Lisa
• The Winged Victory of Samothrace
• The Venus de Milo
• Hammurabi’s Code
• Grande Odalisque
• Liberty Leading the People
• Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss

#12 The Mona Lisa is smaller than you expect it to be!

Of course you want to see the Mona Lisa… but don’t be surprised when you discover how small the painting actually is. Just because it’s smaller than expected, doesn’t mean that it’s not amazing though. It really is incredible.

#13 Visit the main sites in Paris

I definitely recommend booking main tourist sites in advance. 30+ million visitors visit Paris each year. There are certain places like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower that pretty much everyone has on their list of things to do while visiting Paris. Waiting on lines will be frustrating and a waste of precious time that could otherwise be spent sipping extra lattes and munching on additional macarons. Don’t do it!

Even worse, if you don’t plan ahead, you could get there and miss out on the experience entirely if you are unable to get a ticket. Make your trip to Paris even more magical by planning the most important sites you want to to experience in advance and arriving, skip-the-line tickets in hand!

These are the main sites you’ll want to book in advance

• The Eiffel Tower
• The Louvre
• Musée d’Orsay
• Versailles (if you plan to do a day trip!)

#13 Visit the smaller museums

There are so many beautiful small museums in Paris that are worth a visit if you want to learn more about the history of Paris, learn more about the Impressionists or take a peek into modern art, depending on the museum you choose.

Book your tickets in advance to avoid lines

• The Picasso Museum
• The Rodin Museum
• L’Orangerie (to see Monet’s famous water lilies!)

#14 Plan a day trip

There is so much to do and see in Paris, but if you have a little extra time, or you’re coming to Paris for an extended stay, plan to go on a Paris day trip or two.

Take a day trip from Paris to Champagne

#15 Take all the time you need

Paris is a magical place and you owe it to Paris to take your time as you explore this beautiful city. Don’t rush. If you have extra vacation days, and can plan a slightly longer trip to Paris, do it. Plan the museums, restaurants and cafes you want to go to but also leave time to discover at your own, slower pace.

#16 Try some stinky cheese

There are so many wonderful and varied cheeses to try in France. Head to the March d’Aligre and their magnificent cheese stand. Make sure you try the cheese below.

• Neufchâtel – this heart shaped cheese is a medium strength cheese from Normandy.
• Chèvre cendrée – this delicious goat cheese is rolled in ashes which protects it from insects and adds a delicious flavor. This is one of my personal favorite cheeses!
• Camembert – a classic French cheese that you should definitely try while you are in Paris!
• Brie truffé – if you love truffles, you will love this cheese.
• Lativa – this is actually a Swiss cheese but you can find it at the March d’Aligre and it is sublime. We buy it on the regular!

Stock up on some cheese at the market, or a fromagerie close to your hotel, and set up a cheeseboard with a glass of wine in your hotel room. Enjoy the cheese with a crunchy baguette and/or crackers.

Alternatively you could book a Parisian food tour where they will walk you through trying a selection of French cheeses.

#17 Take a card from your hotel

No matter how well you know the place you are heading to, you can get a bit turned around and end up a bit lost. Make sure you have a card with the address and phone number of your hotel on it, so that you can hop in an Uber and get back to your hotel easily at the end of a long day of exploring.

#18 Skip your hotel’s breakfast and go to a local boulangerie instead

Hotel breakfasts can be pricey and with the exception of luxury hotels, I find them to often be quite disappointing. For 1/15th of the price, skip the added hotel breakfast and find a cute Parisian cafe where you can order a coffee and croissant and breakfasts like the Parisians do!

#19 Not all croissants are created equally!

It’s hard to find a horrible croissant in Paris but there are definitely boulangeries that serve more delicious croissants than others. Our personal favorite croissant in Paris is at Gérard Mulot in the 6th arrondissement, near Saint Germain des Près. Make sure you stop by for a croissant during your time in Paris!

More delicious viennoisseries to try in Paris

While you’re at it, why not try some other (perhaps lesser known) pastries in Paris?

• Pain au chocolat – similar to a croissant, a pain au chocolat is a buttery and flaky pastry. Unlike a croissant, it is filled with one or two bars of dark chocolate.
• Pain aux raisins – shaped like a snail, a pain au raisins is also made with a buttery and flakey pastry, this time covered with a sugary syrup and raisins.
• Croissant aux amandes – imagine a croissant topped with sugar and shaved almonds, and you have a croissant aux amandes!
• Pain au chocolat aux amandes – like a pain au chocolat but with added sugar.

If you are passionate about eating good food in Paris like we are, make sure to download our free Paris Food Guide!

#20 Have a late dinner

We tend to eat late in Paris. If you are used to eating at 6pm, you may be shocked to discover that we regularly start eating dinner past 9pm! Some restaurants serve food earlier now, or all day, but to get the best ambiance and the most authentic Parisian dinner experience, I recommend that you plan for a late dinner too.

#21 The currency in Paris is the euro

The currency in Paris is the euro. You can change money when you get here, withdraw euros from an ATM, change money before you come

#22 24 hour pharmacy

If you need to stop into a pharmacy during your time in Paris, it’s important to note that most pharmacies close in the evenings and are closed on Sundays. There are a few 24 hour pharmacies that are also open on Sundays.

These pharmacies are open every day (including Sunday) and 24 hours a day :

• Pharmacie de la Place de la République – 5 Place de la République, 75003 Paris
• Pharmacie de la Porte Maillot – 68 Avenue de la Grande Armée, 75017 Paris
• Pharmacie Bastille – 6 Richard-Lenoir, 75011 Paris

#23 Medical emergency? Call 112

If you have a medical emergency while you are in Paris, the first thing you should do is call the universal European emergency number which is 112. You will be put in contact with someone who speaks English and be able to explain your emergency. If you need to go to the emergency room, they will send an ambulance to pick you up to take you to the emergency room. If not, they may tell you to call SOS Médecins, a service that sends a doctor directly to your home to check on you and possible prescribe medicine.

Otherwise, a doctor can answer your questions and give advice directly when you call 112 and access if you need to be seen my a doctor in person.

#24 Plan to kiss people you’ve never met (les bises)

If you will be spending time with French people while you are here, you will mostly be confronted by les bises at some point. This is the way the French greet one another – with one kiss on each cheek, or two kisses on each cheek, or sometimes even just three kisses total, depending on where you happen to be in France. In Paris, we kiss each other twice – once on each cheek when we say “hello!”, when we say “goodbye!” and if you receive a present that calls for extra kisses too!

#25 Go to Montmartre for one of the best views of Paris

There are several places to enjoy panoramic view of Paris. Our favorite is in front of the Same Coeur up on Montmartre Hill.

These spots are fabulous too :

• Arc de Triomphe – climb up to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for an amazing view down the Champs Elysées and an overall stunning panoramic view of Paris.
• Tour Montparnasse – you can get a gorgeous 360° panoramic view of Paris from the observation deck of the Tour Montparnasse.
• Parc de Belleville – this relaxing and beautiful area of Paris offers a lovely view over the city as well.

#26 Plan the restaurants you want to eat in

Wondering where to eat in Paris? Paris has no shortage of amazing restaurants. We live here and go out to eat pretty frequently and always have a new place we want to try, or an old favorite we can’t wait to go back to.

#27 Make reservations if you can

Restaurants can get really busy in Paris, so it’s best to reserve ahead if you can, although a lot of places don’t offer reservations at all. Call ahead or check out the restaurant’s site to see if you can book directly on the site.

#28 Have a fine dining experience

You can have fantastic dining experiences in different kinds of restaurants in Paris, from a simple cafe, a bistro, an authentic brasserie or a Michelin starred restaurant.

#29 Leave room (and time) pour flâner

Flâner : (v.) the art of wandering without time restrictions or a particular place to go

Hugo and I love making time to just walk around the city, explore, discover, stop for coffee and spend time together. Paris may be the best place in the world to do just that. Try it for yourself and let us know!

#30 Choose a hotel that is centrally located

I personally think that the quality of the hotel that you choose during your trip is really important. I definitely recommend staying in Paris and not choosing a hotel outside of the city, but more than that, I would definitely recommend choosing the nicest and most comfortable, centrally located hotel that you can afford in the heart of Paris.

These are some of our favorites :

• Hotel Parister – this luxury boutique hotel is perfect for couples looking for a romantic hotel with a pool!
• Paris Boutik – book this hotel if you would like to rent your own luxury apartment in Paris.
• Paris Hotels with Views of the Eiffel Tower

#31 Paris is composed of 20 arrondissements

Paris is shaped like a snail and composed of 20 arrondissements. Starting with the first arrondissement in the center of the city and swirling around like a snail, each arrondissement has fabulous architecture, cafes, stores, gardens and more to offer visitors and locals alike. I’ve been living in Paris for 17 years and keep discovering more about the city!

#32 You can comfortably travel with dogs in Paris

Paris is a great city to visit, and spend time in, with your dog! If you are renting an apartment long-term with a French rental contract there are no restrictions on having a dog living with you, although I have heard that some expat real estate agencies say you can’t rent with a dog. Some parks and gardens where you can bring your dog are the Palais Royal Gardens, certain parts of the Tuileries and the Buttes Chaumont. You can bring your dog with you to most restaurants and some hotels (always check before booking your room).

We have two dogs, our miniature yorkies, Violette and Chou Chou, and we take them with us pretty much everywhere!

#33 A lot of places are closed in August

If you are planning to visit Paris in August, you need to know that a lot of places are closed in August.

August is a great time to visit Paris because the city is quite calm, but if there is a specific store or restaurant you absolutely want to visit during your trip, I would definitely recommend you call or email ahead, or check their website or Instagram, to make sure they will be open during your visit.

#34 Paris now has some great vegan options for vegan travelers

If you are vegan and traveling to Paris, you will be able to find vegan options in Paris now. Up until recently, vegan food options have been quite limited, and honestly, when I arrived in Paris 17 years ago, were non-existent.

Some recommendations :

• Le Potager de Charlotte – gourmet plant based cuisine.
• Cloud Cakes – vegan coffee shop offering brunch.

#35 Gluten free options now exist in Paris for gluten-free travelers

If you are a traveler looking for gluten-free options in Paris, there are many more options available for you now than in the past.

Some recommendations :

• Helmut Newcake – serving 100% gluten free sweet and savory treats.
• Biosphere Cafe – come here for delicious gluten free crêpes.
• Little Nonna – this is the place to go for ahhhmazing gluten free pizza in Paris.

Read this fun guide to gluten free Paris for more tips & ideas!

#36 Visit during les soldes for the best shopping deals

Twice a year Paris roars with the excitement of the bi-annual soldes! Overnight, the prices on pretty much everything decreases by half overnight. It’s pretty wonderful.

#37 If this is a shopping trip, consider taking a day trip to La Vallée Village

No matter what time of year you are visiting, if shopping is a priority for you during your trip, I recommend taking a trip to La Vallée Village to get some great deals on designer clothing and accessories. They also offer bi-annual sales, although sometimes their sales start a little but early, so you may get lucky and get an even better deal on their designer merchandise.

#38 Choose different restaurants for l’apéro, dinner and coffee

Although in most places you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink (apéro), dinner and coffee, why not go to a different restaurant for each experience? It will give you a chance to try more cool restaurants and cafes during your trip and you will have so much fun!

If you are passionate about eating good food in Paris like we are, make sure to download our free Paris Food Guide!

#39 If you speak French, go to the Comédie Française

Hugo and I love to go out to the theatre, the opera and the ballet. We definitely recommend going out for a night on the town while you are here. If you speak French, you could go out to the Comédie Française.

#40 Don’t get scammed

Paris is a big city and unfortunately, some people to set out to scam others on the street and especially in the metro. Keep an eye on your possessions, keep your phone in your purse when you’re in the metro. Scams include asking you to sign petitions while an accomplice steals from you and general pickpocketing. That being said, Paris is a safe city and I always feel comfortable going out here.

#41 Walk as much as you can while you’re here!

Our number one favorite activity in Paris (ok maybe it’s tied with eating croissants!) is to walk everywhere.

#42 Always save room for dessert

There are so many delicious pastries to try while you are in Paris. Some of our favorites include :

• Tarte Tatin – traditionally made with apple, this is a caramelized upside down tart.

Related : Classic Taste Tatin Recipe

• Paris Brest – this quintessential French pastry is filled with praline cream.
• Tartelette au citron meringuée – there are few things more delicious in this World than a freshly baked lemon meringue tart.
• Madeleines – perfect, shell-shaped, little sponge cakes that come in a variety of flavors.
• Something chestnut – chestnut is a favorite ingredient and we definitely recommend you try a chestnut filled pastry during your time in Paris! (Below, is a chestnut pastry puff from famous French pastry chef, Philippe Conticini.)

Related : Chocolate Dipped Madeleines

Related : Pumpkin Madeleines

#43 Take home some special, Parisian souvenirs

I’m not going lie, you will want to buy things everywhere you turn in Paris.

• Lavender sachets – I love these! We used sachets filled with lavender from Provence all over our home, including in closets and cabinets. They smell amazing, keep away insects (and scorpions apparently if that’s problem where you live!) and they will make you think of France every time you see them.
• Chocolates – there are so many wonderful places to buy chocolate in Paris. A few places that come to mind are Patrick Roger, Jean-Paul Hévin and A La Mère de Famille.
• Hand soap – my favorite soups are from Fragonard, there are several locations in Paris, including on rue Faubourg Saint Honoré and in the Marais.
• Caramels – you can find the absolute best classic caramels, as well as fruit flavored caramels, at Henri Leroux.
• Herbes de Provence – as the name suggests, herbes de Provence are a collection of dried and mixed herbs from Provence, France. Use them when cooking eggs, fish, meats and pasta. They are a staple in our Parisian kitchen!

#44 Explore American expat culture in Paris

Americans have had a love affair with Paris for a long time, and you can follow in the footsteps of some very famous Americans in Paris, including Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, Josephine Baker and Anais Nin.

• Cafe Lipp – one of the best spots to have a burger or a steak in town.
• Hemingway Bar in the Ritz Hotel – this classically chic bar serves some of the best cocktails in Paris.
• Café de Flore – come here with a great magazine and sip on hot chocolate.
• Les Deux Magots – the perfect spot to have an espresso or a delicious French omelette.

#45 Visit any time of the year

I know I sold you on visiting Paris in the Spring, and it is a wonderful time to visit, but Paris is beautiful any time of the year. If you have the chance to come in February or November, don’t let the potential for cold weather and lots of rain keep you away. Paris is beautiful in the Winter too! The romantic nature of Paris in the rain is one of its best kept secrets.

#46 Visit with the one you love

Any one and everyone should visit Paris. However, if you are searching for a place to visit with the one you love, Paris is the best option, period. Paris is such a romantic city filled with beautiful restaurants, lovely wine bars and luxurious hotels. Why not spend Valentine’s Day in Paris if you are planning an extra special trip?

#47 If it’s raining, visit the covered passages of Paris

If it does happen to rain while you are in Paris, take advantage of the wet weather to explore the covered passages of Paris.

Book a Covered Passages of Paris Scavenger Hunt Tour

#48 If you plan to take the metro, get a day pass (or use your Paris Pass for unlimited metro rides during your trip)

If you think you will hopping on and off the metro all day it makes sense to buy a day pass rather than using individual tickets. The ratp offers different metro travel passes ranging from 1 to 5 days of unlimited travel. The price ranges from 11,65€ for one day to 63,90€ for 5 days. If you purchase metro tickets separately, they cost 1,90€ per ticket (one way).

Remember, you can purchase a Paris Pass which includes unlimited metro rides, access to 60+ Parisian museums & attractions here!

#49 Free public bathrooms are rare in Paris

While you are out and about, the best way to plan for using the restroom is to stop periodically for a coffee and use the bathroom as well. This is what we tend to do when we are out and exploring. Public restrooms are not typically free, so it is also a good idea to keep some change on hand in case you need to stop to use a paid public restroom. Prices range from 50 cents to 1,50€.

Below is a list of some of the paid public restrooms in Paris

• Near the Concorde entrance of the Tuileries Gardens
• At the foot of the escalators and to the left in the Carrousel du Louvre
• There are a few on the Champs Elysées

#50 Paris is an amazing place to enjoy afternoon tea

There are some fantastic places you can go to enjoy an afternoon tea experience in Paris. This is our favorite high tea in Paris!

50+ Paris Travel Tips

These Paris travel tips will help you make the most out of your trip to Paris!

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First published February 2, 2020. Last updated May 8, 2023 with more information, additional tips, and better readability.