First Time In Paris: 20 Important Things To Know

I still remember my first time in Paris. It was a mix of excitement and anxiety at once.

I have since visited Paris many times and now know the city well. Let me answer some of the questions that might be whirling around in your head about traveling to Paris for the first time. 

In this Paris for the first time guide, I will give you tips for getting around Paris, where to stay in Paris, and what to do before you travel. 

I’ll include all the travel tips for Paris I wish someone had told me. 

I’m going to make visiting Paris simple. So grab a drink and let’s plan a trip to Paris.

First Time In Paris: 20 Important Things You Need To Know

Check On Your Country’s French Visa Entry/Exit Requirements

One of my biggest fears is getting turned away at an airport because I don’t have the correct visa information to travel. Luckily it has never happened to me, but it does happen to those unprepared. 

When you travel to Paris France from the United States, you do not need to obtain a French visa. A valid passport allows you up to 90 days in the country without a visa. 

If you are visiting from another country, please check to see what the visa regulations are. 

Pre-Book Seine River Panoramic Views Dinner Cruise.

Check Your Passport Before Traveling To France

You will need a current and valid passport to enter France. This passport must be valid for three months after departure. 

Your passport will need one full blank page for the French authorities to stamp.

Book Macaron Class at Galeries Lafayette.

Planning is a must-do Paris activity. There is so much to do in Paris and it’s so busy you want to make sure your Paris plan includes all the places you want to visit.

 Purchase A French SIM Card For Your Phone

Using your mobile phone abroad can be expensive if you don’t plan. I was caught once with a huge phone bill after returning home from a European trip.

Some mobile providers will have plans that allow you to use your phone in other countries.

I feel it’s always better to get a sim card or an e-sim card of the country you are going to. That’s one of my travel tips in Paris.

When you use a local Sim card, you have improved cell service and WIFI. 

It will change your phone number but you can keep in contact via Facebook Messenger or other messaging apps. 

The last time I visited Paris with my family, I purchased my SIM card at a visitor center in the heart of Paris. You have to ask around, but SIM cards are available mostly everywhere. Even at the airports.

Book Hidden Gems of Montmartre with Local Guide.

 Cash Or Credit Cards? Which Is Best To Have?

The simple answer is, for your first time in Paris, both are best! Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the city. However, if you are using cash, only the euro is widely accepted.

Cards like Revolut are a good option as they allow you to exchange within the app. 

Some people will exchange money before they go. I always tend to withdraw a larger amount at an ”in-network” bank ATM in the country I am visiting.  

If you use your regular card on a transaction you are likely to be charged more. It is also worth mentioning to inform your bank where you will be so they don’t think any transactions are fraudulent. 

When you are planning a Paris vacation make sure to think about how you want to spend money while there.

Book Behind the Scenes Bakery Tour with Breakfast.

 Riding The Metro Is Easier Than You Think

The Paris metro is surprisingly easy to use I’m often very apprehensive to use metro services in other countries as they can be confusing but I found the Paris one fairly easy. 

I even traveled from the airport to the center of Paris with no problem.  You can buy single tickets, booklets of tickets, travel cards, or a Navigo Easy pass which allows for contactless payment. 

What I will say though is the stations are not very accessible.

Please check the stations beforehand if you have accessibility issues. Also, the services scales back at night, so check before you travel. 

Riding the metro is one of best things to do in Paris.

Book Uncover the Dark Side of Paris on a City Walking Tour.

Stay In A District That Interests You

Understanding the Paris districts or arrondissements can be a challenge. There are 20 of them each with their unique flair and character.

When I travel to Paris with my family, we stay in the 7th district. It is close to the Eiffel Tower and other Parisian attractions..

It’s a great place to stay for 2 Days in Paris.

I  also love the 18th district, Montmartre, it has a very artsy feel and located near the Moulin Rouge. 

It’s important you to research which district will work best for your needs. 

Book Wine Museum Guided Tour with Wine Tasting.

 Ways To Get Around Paris Will Surprise You

There are so many ways to get around Paris that it is down to preference. My preference is to walk as much as I can or ride the metro. 

Taxis and Ubers are also options and Paris has electric scooters to rent, as most cities in Europe seem to now. 

It’s one of the fun things to do in Paris with Kids.

You download the app, enter your credit card details and away you go. When you are finished you leave the scoter where you are and sign out of the app.

My daughter Victoria of Follow Me Away loved them, but I prefer walking. There are bike lanes for them but often you are on the roads with other cars. 

It was fun but you need to feel confident on them. This is one of the more unusual things to do in Paris.

Book Skip-the-Line Catacombs Tour with Restricted Areas.

Biking Is Also A Great Way To See What Paris Has To Offer

If riding around on an electric scooter does not appeal to you, perhaps renting a bicycle sounds better!

There are many bike rental stations around.

You will need to download the bike company’s app onto your phone. And unlike the e-scooters, bikes must be returned to a bike station and locked into a bike stall.

We were too scooter-obsessed to try the bikes and I think everyone else was as there appeared to be so many about. 

If you are wondering what to do in Paris, hire a bike and just go exploring.

Especially if you will be spending 4 days in Paris.

Book Charming Nooks and Crannies Bike Tour.

Walking During Your First Time In Paris Is Wonderful

Wherever I go walking is my favorite way to get around. You see so much more and best all of it is free. 

Everyone walks about in Paris. You can meander the neighborhoods, look at the cafes, or people-watch as you enjoy your first time in Paris.

Walking around Paris is one of my favorite things to do.

If you are planning a trip to Paris make sure you pack comfortable shoes.

Book Walking Food Tour with Cheese, Wine and Delicacies.

Bring Along A Travel Adapter When Traveling To France

Paris travel will require a travel adapter, I always have one when traveling to Paris. Don’t expect where you are staying to have one. 

If you have multiple devices, bring more than one adapter.

Book Moulin Rouge Dinner Show with Champagne and Transport.

Should You Tip When In Paris?

Parisians do not have a tip culture as in other parts of the world.

There is no set amount expected. A good rule of thumb is to “round up” your tab.

5% is fine, and up to 10% if you have experienced exceptional service. These are the rules I go by.

Book 4-Course Dinner Cruise on Seine River with Live Music.

 Save Time And Money By Purchasing Your Attraction Tickets Online

I would always suggest you plan ahead and book your tickets online. Often they are cheaper and will save you time. The queues can be so long at Paris attractions. 

It’s my biggest tip for your first time in Paris. Here are some other places for great views in Paris.

Book tickets here: Skip-the-Line Eiffel Tower Ticket and 2nd Level Tour

Check This: Eiffel Tower: Skip-the-Line Summit Tour

Here I am inside of the Eiffel Tower. Do not miss this opportunity!

Save Money During Your First Time In Paris By Getting Food And Snacks At A Local Grocery Store

Like most European cities food can be expensive if you are always eating out. I always try and get as much as I can at local grocery stores 

I love the Fran Prix grocery stores. There seems to be one on every corner! Stock up on drinks, fresh fruit, snacks, pastries, or French bread.

These items are budget-friendly and can serve as a quick breakfast or lunch.  I also suggest you purchase a reusable grocery bag as you will pay for grocery bags in Europe. 

On your itinerary for Paris France make sure you have time for grocery stores or market visits.

Book Highlights 3-Hour Bike Tour.

Be Aware Pickpocketing Is Real During Your First Time In Paris

On a recent trip to Paris, 3 out of the 4 of us traveling together were victims of Parisian pickpocketers. Unfortunately, pickpocketing is all too real in Paris. 

You need to be extra vigilant in this city. Wear cross-over bags and keep your hand on the clasp. Avoid standing around and watching exhibitions or games. And never leave anything unattended. 

If anyone tries to distract you in any way however genuine they may seem don’t stop and walk away. Distraction scams are used all the time in Paris.  

This is one of my top tips for Paris for visitors.

Book Illuminations River Cruise with Audio Commentary.

Enjoy Eating Out Even If You Have Dietary Restrictions

I have found that Paris is one of the most dietary-friendly places I have been. In our group of 5, there were 2 vegetarians, 1 vegan, and 2 omnivores.

We were able to eat dinner at any Paris restaurant with no problems.

When in Paris don’t be afraid to ask for a menu in English and tell the waiter/staff about your dietary requirements. I was pleasantly surprised.  

For additional information read Eating Vegan In Paris Is Easy

Book Skip-the-Line Louvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour.

I am having a vegan meal at McDonalds in Paris!

Do Not Worry About The Language Barrier

As much as I wish I were fluent in French I am not, yet I didn’t have any difficulty communicating.  

The French in Paris are used to speaking English and do so well, if not there are always translation apps.

Book Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off Discovery Bus Tour

Notify Your Credit Card Company Before Your First Time In Paris  

Call your credit card company to notify them of your travel dates that you will be out of your country.

Check to see if your credit cards charge foreign transaction fees and if they do, consider applying for one that doesn’t.

It’s easy to get caught by hidden fees. Make sure this doesn’t happen to you.

Book Panthéon Admission Ticket and Self-Guided Tour.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

I know it’s Paris and we want to look chic but believe me just put on your comfy shoes. You can walk miles without realizing it so make sure your shoes can stand the pace. 

I always make sure I have tested the shoes with me and know I can walk in all day with no problems.

The last thing you want is problems with your feet. Here are some parks and gardens in Paris that you will love walking around.

Book 2-Hour Perfume Creation Workshop.

Crossing Roads Can Be Complicated For Your First Time In Paris

While the French drive on the same side as the USA, the intersections can be super complicated sometimes so take extra care. 

Most roads are shared by cars, taxis, delivery trucks, bikes, scooters, motorbikes, skaters, pedestrians, and not everyone is traveling the direction you would think. 

Bicycles and scooters can sometimes use dedicated lanes that run counter to the traffic and often merge with pedestrian walkways. So be extra careful and look both ways.

Book The Père Lachaise Cemetery: Guided 2-Hour Small-Group Tour.

Packing Tips For Your First Time In Paris

Read my article on How To Pack Lightly Using Only Carry-On Luggage for the best packing tips!

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves would be handy in preventing identity theft..

This world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips. It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is easy to use.

 These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel. I cannot believe how much more organized I am now!

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

The replaceable carbon filters ensure fresh water whenever you want it.

You will want to bring a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc… This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.

This antitheft backpack has a charging port, is water-resistant, and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop.

These waterproof all-season shoes are extremely affordable and yet fashionable. 

These Air Run high fashion sneakers come in lots of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.

I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.

I also sometimes bring along my Vionic Tides flip-flops. The toe post is so comfortable which makes wearing these super comfortable.

This cotton unisex lightweight scarf offers SPF protection!

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in lots of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable.

If you are fond of aviator-style sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.

This expandable soft side spinner luggage is affordable and comes in lots of colors.

If you like hard-sided better, you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better.

Both sets come with TSA-approved zipper locks and 8 wheels per piece. Either will be great for the plane or train or even your car depending on how you plan to travel to Italy.

If you will be spending an extended time in Paris read my tips on the best day trips from Paris. Don’t forget those further away places.

One of my favorite places is the wonderful city of Nice there is so much to do.