If you are planning a trip for your first time in Paris, let this be your guide to the basics. It will help you decide the best time to go, give you packing tips, teach you some introductory French words you should know and share best practices on tipping at restaurants in Paris. I'll also go over the best places to stay and safety tips as well as navigating Paris on public transport. I’ve spent time in Paris, taking a train from Munich, Germany, to Gare de l’Est station in Paris. Upon arrival, I hopped on the Metro to my hotel on Caulaincourt in the Montmartre neighborhood situated outside of central Paris. I’ve taken the Metro into and around Paris during my time in the city.
Paris is a beautiful destination and has earned its popularity with wonderful museums, picturesque streets and delicious cuisine. With a little help from this guide, you'll learn what you need to know before visiting Paris.
The Best Time for Visiting Paris
- Peak season: June through August
These summer months see the biggest crowds and warmest temperatures. The weather in Paris is pretty temperate with average summer temperatures with daily highs in the 70s and lows ranging from high 50s to low 60s in degrees Fahrenheit, though Paris does experience heat waves with temperatures occasionally climbing into the high 80s. Because of Paris's popularity during these months, room rates are the most expensive.
- Shoulder season: April through May and September through November.
In spring, Parisians enjoy average highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. Flowers start to bloom adding a natural beauty to the city. Both fall and spring see average temperatures in the 60s, sometimes the low 70s, and lows in the mid-40s from September through October. It gets chillier in November with average highs in the low 50s.
During these periods, room rates in Paris are reduced and crowds decrease. There will still be lines at attractions, so continue to plan ahead and book tickets in advance to minimize wait times in lines.
- Offseason: December through February
Average winter temperatures in Paris range from highs in the low 50s to lows in the high 30s. December is the warmest winter month while February is the coldest. It doesn't snow often in Paris, but on the occasion it does, it typically occurs in January or February. These are the lowest traveled months. Room rates are the cheapest, and you are most likely to snag a deal on a flight during this time — one reason why I traveled to Europe in December.
Outdoor activities in winter will be minimal, so you may not want to grab a sandwich from a boulangerie and picnic in the park like so many do in summer. However, you will see the smallest crowds. This means you can get away with not booking tickets well in advance, but it's still a good idea to purchase tickets for attractions ahead of time. Many Paris attractions have security lines, so even during this period, a timed ticket will help get you through this process and into attractions more quickly. The smaller crowds mean an easier time at some of the museums, too. When I went to the Louvre in December, I saw the Mona Lisa with a wait time of only a few minutes versus the hour it can take in the summer.
What to Pack on Your Trip to Paris
Most of my advice for packing for a Paris trip is the same as my advice for packing essentials for any trip to Europe. Opt for versatile clothing that you can style into multiple outfits, and if traveling for two or more weeks, consider doing laundry to minimize the amount of luggage packed. After all, if you are over the airline's minimum weight, you'll be charged extra. Some of my more specialized or important-to-remember advice can be found below.
Shoes: It rains fairly evenly throughout the year in Paris. Storms are typically short-lived, but just in case you happen to find yourself in inclement weather, I suggest wearing a pair of water-resistant sneakers on days you plan to do a lot of walking and sightseeing. There is nothing like having wet feet all day to remind you how comfortable and important having dry feet is.
Outside of that, you'll want to pack a pair of dress shoes if you plan to do anything that requires fancier attire like a nice dinner in Paris.
Electronics and travel adapters: I like traveling with a portable charger or power bank. This way, I'm never at risk of my phone dying. I use map apps and translator apps to help navigate unfamiliar places and understand different languages, so it's important to me to always have a working phone.
Also, pack a travel adapter for your electronic devices. France uses a differently shaped plug than those in the U.S. I have a round one that has a few outlets and a hand-wound extension cord. It fits into my luggage nicely and is super convenient in hotel rooms. The extension cord and multiple plugs mean I can set it on the side table for maximum convenience, and my travel partner can use it too.
Purses and backpacks: Unfortunately, in the busiest parts of Paris, you may unknowingly encounter pickpockets, so if you travel with a purse, have a crossbody bag that fits close to your body and has zipper closures. If you prefer to carry a backpack, carry one with zipper closures or one that otherwise cannot be easily opened by a pickpocket. Whether carrying a purse or backpack, keep valuables like money, credit cards and ID's in the most interior pockets — ideally in a zipper pocket — and ensure your bag is securely closed. This minimizes the chances of being a victim of theft should a pickpocket target you.
Consider the size of your bag. Many Paris attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Saint-Chapelle and others require visitors to go through security. This process is quicker if you are carrying only necessary items in a small bag. Local attractions also typically have a maximum size for bags as well, even if they offer cloakrooms. The maximum size of bags for many attractions is 22 x 13 x 7 inches, though exact measurements vary by attraction. Avoid difficulty with entering attractions by checking bag policies at the attractions you plan to visit and complying with their rules.
Safety Precautions to Have a Fun Time in Paris
Like many big cities that are popular travel destinations, Paris attracts pickpockets and other dishonest people who try to take advantage of tourists. With a few commonsense measures, you can minimize your chances of having your things stolen, which can ruin an otherwise great vacation.
First off, scammers and pickpockets are most likely to frequent the busiest places, like around the Eiffel Tower. Whether carrying a purse or backpack, minimize the valuables that you carry during the day, and only carry the cash you need for the day and no more. Your bag should be securely closed with valuables like cash and IDs tucked away in an inside pocket, preferably one that zips closed. That way if a pickpocket does target you, they'll be much less likely to succeed in accessing your things. If you carry cash, only have on you what you need for the day.
You also might see folks around the busiest landmarks and attractions with clipboards asking you or fellow tourists to sign petitions or claiming to work for a charity. The Paris tourism office advises that these are frequently tactics to distract you from pickpockets. It's best to not engage and move on if anyone like this approaches you.
Also be wary of folks selling souvenirs from blankets or walking around selling trinkets. They can often get verbally aggressive, demanding you purchase items that you've shown interest in, especially if you've picked up an item. Avoid these folks, and shop for souvenirs at any of the many kiosks and gift shops that are all over Paris.
I haven't encountered anything like this, but I have read stories of people handing flowers to someone catching them unaware, then demanding payment. If it seems like someone is handing you an item as gift, don't accept. Either refuse or ask how much.
French Words and Phrases You Should Know
Even if you've never studied the French language, that's okay. You can memorize a few key phrases and words that will help you respectfully navigate the city. Most Parisians will be able to communicate with you in English, but start conversations in French. By displaying a little effort with the language and attempting to comply with local etiquette, you will typically engender a more pleasant interaction than walking up to someone, immediately speaking English and expecting them to answer in English.
Know these phrases:
- Bonjour - Hello
- Bonne soirée - Good evening
- Madame and monsieur - Ma'am and sir
- S'il vous plaît - Literally translates to "if you please," but in practical use, it is the same as saying "please"
- Parlet-vous anglais? - Do you speak English?
- Merci and merci beaucoup - Thank you and thank you very much
- Au revoir - Goodbye
When you enter an establishment, say, "Bonjour, madame," if speaking to a woman or, "Bonjour, monsieur," if speaking to a man. A simple, "bonjour" is also acceptable. It is an expected greeting when entering places.
If a Parisian corrects your manners or pronunciation, take it in stride. While it might feel rude or cause embarrassment in the U.S., it's usually meant to be helpful and not judgmental. French people tend to be blunter and not dance around these kinds of topics.
Also, if you have a phone plan that allows you to use data in other countries, download a translation app. It is a helpful tool for understanding menus as well as signage in grocery stores and shops. It can also facilitate communication should you encounter someone who does not speak English.
Where to Stay During Your First Time in Paris
Whether staying in the city for a week or longer or simply a short Paris vacation, there are many beautiful areas to stay in on your first visit to Paris. It might be hard to choose, but where you choose to stay depends on the vibe you are looking for and your budget. Also consider amenities; like much of Europe, hotel rooms in Paris tend to be smaller than in the U.S. Air conditioning is also not as common, so if it's important to you, ensure that the hotel has it before booking.
Another key factor in choosing a hotel is location. The public transportation system in Paris is convenient, so if you plan to travel to areas outside of walking distance, check to see that a metro station is near your hotel.
Also consider the part of Paris you wish to stay in. Paris is divided into 20 districts called arrondissements that are numbered 1-20. For example, Central Paris along the River Seine is where many of the top things to do in Paris that tourists wish to visit, but it can get pricey like in the 1st arrondissement. There are other neighborhoods, too, that tend to appeal to young travelers or those who want to visit central Paris but would rather stay in a quieter part of the city. Below are my recommendations on where to stay on your first trip to Paris.
Arrondissement 1: The 1st arrondissement is a desirable spot for people who want maximum convenience and don't mind being in a more touristy area. It's next to the River Seine and within the district is the Louvre, the Palais Royal, Les Halles, and it's across the river from the Musee d'Orsay. The hotels in this area tend to be luxury hotels and charge a premium for their location.
Recommendations on where to stay:
Latin Quarter: The Latin Quarter, with its storied academic and literary reputation, is an excellent option for young people and student travelers. In this section of Paris, you'll find the Sorbonne University and cheap eats. Sure, you'll find some touristy shopping areas, but there is also Place Saint-Michel, Panthéon and Jardin du Luxembourg. Like most places in Paris, it's easy to hop on the Metro and head to other top spots in the city.
Recommendations on where to stay:
Marias: The neighborhood of Marais straddles the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. The hotels here can be more budget-friendly than hotels in the 1st arrondissements, but you'll still be close to landmarks and museums that first-time visitors to Paris typically don't want to miss. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to keep you entertained in the evenings. Marais is also an LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhood with gay and lesbian bars.
Recommendations on where to stay:
Montmartre: The neighborhood of Montmartre is in the 18th arrondissement. It's known for its hills and has more of a neighborhood feel than many other popular spots, but it's still easy to access the center of Paris with the most popular landmarks and attractions with a short ride on the Metro. It's also the neighborhood where the Moulin Rouge is located. Montmartre is a wonderful choice for people who like more of a local feel or want to be outside of the busiest parts of Paris.
Recommendations on where to stay:
Navigating the Paris Metro
Paris is pretty easy to get around by walking and by using public transportation. The city offers an extensive subway system called the Metropolitan, aka the Metro, as well as buses, trams and the RER trains. If you aren't used to navigating public transportation, it might feel intimidating, but you'll feel like a pro after a few trips, especially with the help of a maps app on your phone. I found that my maps app was all I needed to navigate around Paris, so if your phone plan allows you to use data abroad, simply enter in your destination into your maps app for directions. Your maps app of choice should be able to give you directions to the nearest metro station or bus stop and tell you how many stops you'll have to be on the train or bus as well as transfers.
Before you get on public transportation, you need to decide what kind of tickets to purchase. You can opt to buy a single-ride ticket called "t+ tickets." If you purchase t+ tickets, buying 10 at a time will get you a discount, but unused tickets cannot be refunded. T+ tickets can be used on all metro, tram and bus lines. You can also use the RER trains as long as you stay within Paris, so you cannot travel to Disneyland Paris, the Palace of Versailles or the airports with this ticket. You can transfer up to 90 minutes with a single ticket.
You also can opt for the Paris Visite pass that covers zones 1-3 (Paris) or zones 1-5 (greater Paris including Versailles, Disneyland Paris and the airports). This pass is available in 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-day increments. The Paris Visite pass is a little expensive but may be worth it if you plan to use public transportation frequently or enjoy the peace of mind of having a single ticket that covers your transportation for the duration of your stay. For your Paris Visite pass to be valid, you must write your first and last name on the ticket.
Tickets can be purchased in the airport at the train station, as well as train stations within Paris. There are vending machines in which you can make your selections or purchase tickets from a person at a service window in the station. Some ticket types can also be purchased on your phone via the Île-de-France Mobilités app. At the time of publication, t+ tickets can be purchased on the app, and you can use your phone as the ticket. The Paris Visite passes, however, are not available on the app. You also can use the app to refill your metro card or that of other members of your party since you may not share metro cards or tickets — even if they are loaded with multiple rides.
Etiquette for Dining: Greet, Pay and Tip at Paris Restaurants
When entering a café or restaurant, remember to greet the person at the door with "bonjour, madame" or "bonjour, monsieur."
At restaurants and cafes, don't expect service to be the same as in the U.S. Service in Paris is more minimal with the intent of giving people time to eat and linger if they wish. If you order water, you can specify that you want tap water or water in a carafe, unless you want bottled water, which will cost additional. You can also order a bottle of sparkling water.
When you are ready for the check, you'll have to get the server's attention and ask for it. You can do this by catching the eye of the server and if needed, give a quick raise of your hand. If the server is passing by in earshot of you and not engaged with other patrons, you can request their attention by saying, "S'il vous plaît."
When it comes to tipping, it can feel intimidating coming from the U.S. because it is expected in American establishments. In France, however, a service fee is automatically added to all restaurant bills, so tipping in Paris is not necessary. If you've ordered a meal and feel the service warrants a tip, you can leave a euro or two on the table, but there is no pressure to do so. If at a café and ordering a coffee, round up to the nearest dollar when paying in cash, leaving the change for the server. Tipping on credit cards is not common.
Plan Your First Time in Paris with AAA
Plan your vacation to Paris, one of the top cities in Europe with AAA. You can plan on your own by using Trip Canvas. If you'd rather not do it on your own, as a AAA member, you also can use a AAA Travel Agent, one of your many membership benefits, or book one of many AAA Vacations packages to Paris, preplanned trips that have both guided and independent travel options. You can even purchase travel insurance through AAA.
If you need a passport, head to your local AAA office for your passport photos. You can get passport photos for a discount or at no cost depending on your membership level. If you are running short on time, take advantage of your AAA member discount on expedited passports through Rush My Passport.