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The real magic of Paris isn’t just in its famous monuments. It’s in the little moments: the feeling of walking along the Seine at sunset, the taste of a warm croissant from a local bakery, the sound of an accordionist in Montmartre, and the simple joy of sitting at a café, watching the world go by.
Paris is always a good idea. But let’s be honest, a little insider knowledge can turn a good trip into a truly great one. It can help you skip the long lines, eat better food, and navigate the city with the confidence of a local. This guide is filled with practical, on-the-ground tips to help you make your Parisian adventure as smooth and memorable as possible.
Before You Go: A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
A few simple steps before you leave can save you time, money, and a lot of hassle.
Learn a few French phrases
You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing a few key phrases goes a long way. The most important word is Bonjour (hello). Always say it when you enter a shop, café, or restaurant. It’s a simple sign of respect and will be met with much warmer service. A Merci (thank you), S’il vous plaît (please), and Au revoir (goodbye) are also essential.
Book popular attractions in advance
For iconic sights like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Musée d’Orsay, booking your ticket online in advance is a game-changer. You’ll get to choose your time slot and walk right in, saving yourself hours of waiting in line.
Pack comfortable shoes
This isn’t a suggestion; it’s a non-negotiable rule for Paris. You will walk more than you ever thought possible, on cobblestones, up hills, and through endless museum halls. Stylish flats, comfortable sneakers, or supportive boots are your best friends. Your feet will thank you.
Check for closures
Many museums in Paris are closed on either Monday or Tuesday. It’s a small detail, but it can throw a wrench in your plans if you don’t check ahead. Always look up the opening times online for any museum or monument you have your heart set on visiting.
How to Get Around Paris Like a Local
Paris is a big city, but it’s surprisingly easy to navigate once you get the hang of it.
Master the Metro
The Paris Metro is the lifeblood of the city’s transport system. It’s efficient, extensive, and will get you almost anywhere you need to go. Don’t be intimidated by the map. For a short trip, you can buy a carnet (a pack of 10 single tickets) to save money. For a longer stay (a week or more), a Navigo Découverte pass is an excellent value.
Walk as much as you can
While the Metro is fantastic, the best way to truly discover Paris is on foot. This is where you’ll stumble upon that charming little bookstore, a hidden courtyard, or the perfect local café. Some of the best memories are made when you put the map away and just wander.
Tips for Eating and Drinking in Paris
The food is one of the best parts of any trip to Paris. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Eat away from the main tourist sights
This is a golden rule for travel anywhere, but especially in Paris. The restaurants right next to the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame often have inflated prices and mediocre food. Walk just a few blocks away into a neighborhood, and you’ll find better food at much better prices.
Know the tipping customs
This is a big one for many travelers. In France, the service charge (service compris) is already included in your bill. Tipping is not expected in the same way it is in the US. However, if you had great service, leaving a euro or two on the table is a nice gesture that is always appreciated.
Enjoy a picnic by the Seine
One of the most magical and affordable Parisian experiences is having a picnic. Head to a local boulangerie for a fresh baguette, a fromagerie for some cheese, and grab a bottle of wine from a grocery store. Find a spot along the Seine or in a park like the Jardin du Luxembourg and enjoy.
Drink the tap water
The tap water in Paris is perfectly safe to drink and is of high quality. When you sit down at a restaurant, you can save money by asking for une carafe d’eau (a pitcher of tap water) instead of buying bottled water.
Staying Safe and Smart in a Big City
Paris is a safe city, but like any major tourist destination, it’s important to be smart and aware of your surroundings.
Be aware of pickpockets
Pickpocketing can be an issue in crowded areas, especially on the Metro and around major monuments like the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur. Keep your valuables secure in a zipped bag that you keep in front of you, and don’t keep your phone or wallet in your back pocket. Just be mindful, and you’ll be fine.
Carry a form of ID
It is a legal requirement in France to carry a form of identification with you at all times. For international visitors, it’s a good idea to have a copy of your passport with you, either on your phone or a physical photocopy.
A Few More Tips for a Better Trip
Here are a few more tips to help you make the most of your Paris trip.
Don’t try to see everything
Paris isn’t a checklist. If you try to cram too many sights into one trip, you’ll end up exhausted and overwhelmed. Choose a few key things you really want to see, and then leave room for spontaneous discovery. Some of the best days in Paris are the ones with no plans at all.
Understand that service is different
French service is often more professional and efficient than overly friendly. Don’t mistake this for rudeness. Your server isn’t likely to check on you every five minutes, but they will be there when you need them. A simple “excusez-moi” will get their attention.
Find the public toilets
This is a very practical tip! Public toilets aren’t as common as in some other countries. Look for the grey, self-cleaning pods on the street called Sanisettes (they usually cost a small fee). Your best bet is often to use the facilities in museums, department stores (like Galeries Lafayette), or large cafes when you have the chance.
Staying Healthy While Exploring Paris
With all the walking and rich food, it’s important to take care of yourself.
Dealing with “Paris Foot”
After a few days of walking miles on hard pavement and cobblestones, many visitors come down with a classic case of “Paris foot”: sore feet and painful blisters. The best defense is a good offense. Bring pre-emptive blister plasters (like Compeed) and use them the moment you feel a hot spot.
Finding a Pharmacy
You can find a pharmacy in every neighborhood, marked by a bright green cross. They are a great first stop for minor issues. Pharmacists in Paris are highly trained and can offer excellent advice and over-the-counter remedies for everything from a cold to an allergic reaction.
What to Do If You Need a Doctor
A combination of travel fatigue, a stomach bug from that rich cheese, or a twisted ankle on the cobblestones can happen. If you need to see a doctor, the process can feel stressful. Air Doctor helps you connect with a trusted, English-speaking doctor for a video or in-person consultation. It takes the stress out of the situation, so you can get medical advice quickly and get back to your trip.
In Short
- Paris is a walking city. Pack your most comfortable shoes.
- Book tickets for major museums and the Eiffel Tower in advance to skip the lines.
- Master the Metro for efficient travel, but walk as much as possible to discover the city.
- Service is included in your bill, but a small extra tip for great service is a nice gesture.
- Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets.
- Don’t overschedule your trip. Leave time for spontaneous wandering.
About Air Doctor
With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical care and receive expert medical guidance anywhere you travel.
Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- A global network of multi-lingual doctors and specialists
- Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
- 24/7 multi-lingual support
- Transparent pricing and reviews
- Most common medical specialties, including cardiologists
FAQs
Yes, Paris is generally a very safe city for tourists. The most common issue is petty theft, like pickpocketing. By being aware of your belongings in crowded areas, you can greatly reduce your risk.
Absolutely. The tap water in Paris is perfectly safe to drink and is of high quality. Asking for a carafe d’eau in restaurants is a great way to save money.
Tipping is not obligatory as a service charge is already included in your bill. However, for good service at a restaurant, leaving an extra 5% or a few euros is a common and appreciated gesture.
A combination of the Metro and walking is the best way to see the city. The Metro is incredibly efficient for covering longer distances, while walking is the best way to explore the charming neighborhoods and discover hidden gems.
