This is probably pretty obvious, but I love Paris! I first visited Paris as a teenager back in 2013, and in the past three years alone, I have been lucky enough to return to the City of Light four times. Paris is a city that I never get tired of, and I always feel like there is more to see than time allows. However, I will be honest: without a little advance planning, Paris can feel overwhelming, especially to the first-time visitor. That is why I put together these tried-and-true, essential travel tips for Paris, based on my own experiences exploring the city over the years.
From booking museum tickets in advance to making dinner reservations at popular spots, learning the Metro system, picking up a few essential French phrases, choosing a centrally located hotel, and more, these travel tips for Paris will help you make the most of your time in the City of Light! I truly believe Paris is magical, and I do not say that to sound cliché, because the reality is, there is no other city like Paris in the world! With a little preparation and my go-to travel tips for Paris, you can enjoy an unforgettable trip to Paris and develop a deep affection for the city just as I have over the years.
There are so many travel tips for Paris that I could share, but these are the ones that I consider the most essential, especially if it is your first time in Paris (or if you are returning after a number of years away from the City of Light). My intention with my travel tips for Paris is to help you avoid common mistakes and make the most of your time in Paris. For even more Paris travel inspiration, including restaurant recommendations, day trips from Paris, Paris hidden gems, and more, be sure to check out Jetset Seeker's Paris Travel Guide.
One of the best travel tips for Paris—whether it is your first trip or your tenth—is to book a centrally located hotel. Paris is a city best explored on foot, and staying in the heart of it all makes a huge difference. Being able to walk to major attractions, world-class museums, charming cafés, and incredible restaurants not only saves time, but also allows you to soak up the city’s atmosphere in a way that just is not possible from the outskirts.
Personally, I love staying in the 9th Arrondissement, near the Palais Garnier. I find that this neighborhood is a bit more affordable than the 1st Arrondissement, but just as well-located. You are within a short walk to the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, and some of the best shopping in the city at the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores. Plus, public transportation from the 9th Arrondissement is fantastic. The RoissyBus, the direct public bus to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, departs right from outside the Palais Garnier, and multiple Metro lines in the area make it easy to get just about anywhere in the city. (I will cover navigating public transit in the next tip!)
Some of my favorite hotels in Paris are listed below, half of which are in the 9th Arrondissement. If you book a hotel stay with one of our Expedia Group affiliate links, we may earn a small commission.
While Paris is best seen on foot, there are times when walking is just not practical, especially when you are covering long distances across the city. That is where public transportation comes into play. One of my top travel tips for Paris is to learn and embrace the Metro and other forms of public transportation within Paris. The Paris Metro is fast, affordable, and far more efficient than trying to navigate the city’s often congested streets by taxi. Traffic in Paris can be intense, and rideshare or taxi fares can add up quickly without saving you much time.
The best way to get around Paris is with a Navigo Easy Card, which you can purchase and top up at any Metro station. The ticket sales machines have clear instructions in English, making it easy for tourists to purchase. The Navigo Easy Card is a rechargeable transit card that works on buses, trams, Metro lines, and even the RER within central Paris. Unlike cities like London or New York, Paris does not yet have widespread tap-to-pay technology, so having a physical Navigo Easy Card loaded with rides is the easiest and most efficient option to get around Paris. The Navigo Easy Card itself costs €2. Tickets loaded on to a Navigo Easy Card do not have an expiration date. You will save both money and time with a Navigo Easy Card versus using old-school paper tickets, not to mention, it is kind of fun to feel like a local as you zip through the city underground.
Navigating the Metro itself is easy. Some of Paris’s most popular attractions share the same name as their nearest Metro stops, like Tuileries, Musée d'Orsay, Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre, and Madeleine, which makes getting where you want to go even easier. There are 308 Metro stations within Paris and using apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and/or Citymapper can help guide you through transfers, walking directions, and travel times with ease.
The Paris Metro runs daily, including holidays, beginning at 5:30 AM. On Friday and Saturday nights, as well as the nights before holidays, the Paris Metro runs until 2:30 AM. Otherwise, on weekdays, the Paris Metro runs until approximately 1:15 AM. Meanwhile, RER trains run daily from 6:00 AM to 12:45 AM. Children, under the age of four, can ride the Paris Metro, buses, trams, and RER trains for free, assuming they do not occupy a seat. Children, ages four to nine, are eligible for a 50% discount on all fares on the Paris Metro, buses, trams, and RER trains. If you are looking for additional information regarding the Paris Metro, including timetables, route closures, and fare information, please visit the RATP website.
While the Paris Metro does not run directly to either of the city’s airports, it connects to major train stations like Gare du Nord (via Gare de l'Est) and Gare de Lyon. If you are heading to Charles de Gaulle, you can catch the RER B train from Châtelet les Halles or Gare du Nord, or hop on the RoissyBus, which conveniently departs from outside the Palais Garnier in the 9th Arrondissement. (The RoissyBus is my favorite way to get to/from Charles de Gaulle and is another reason that I love staying in the 9th Arrondissement.) For Orly Airport, you can take the RER B with Orlyval transfer to reach the airport using public transportation. As of March 2025, the OrlyBus has been discontinued.
If you are traveling with young children and/or heavy luggage and would rather take a taxi between the Paris airport and your hotel instead of using the train or bus, that is absolutely an option. Paris offers flat-rate taxi fares to locations in both the Right Bank (Rive Droite) and Left Bank (Rive Gauche) from Charles de Gaulle Airport. At the time of this blog's publishing, taxi fares for locations in the Right Bank are €56, while locations in the Left Bank are €65. Official taxi stands can be found outside of baggage claim at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Avoid anyone who may walk up to you inside of the airport claiming to be a taxi driver. Only officially licensed taxis are permitted to pick up from the taxis stands at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Getting into a taxi outside of the official pickup points may put you at risk of getting scammed. Official, licensed taxi drivers will not approach you inside of the airport. If you are planning on taking a taxi, whether from the airport or elsewhere within Paris, make sure you have sufficient cash with you, as not all taxi drivers in Paris accept credit cards.
Paris is incredibly well-connected by train to destinations across France and Europe, and traveling by rail is often faster and more relaxing than flying.
If you are planning to visit Reims for champagne tasting, head south to Nice on the Riviera, or explore other French cities like Lyon, Strasbourg, or Bordeaux. The high-speed TGV trains depart from various stations in Paris and can get you there in just a few hours. Paris's Gare du Nord Station is also a major international rail hub, with direct trains to cities like London, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
For international routes serviced by the Eurostar, I recommend booking directly through Eurostar for trains between Paris and London, Brussels, or Amsterdam. Eurostar tickets go on sale 120 days in advance and tickets are the cheapest at the point the tickets are released for booking. For domestic train travel within France, I always use the SNCF Connect website or app. Domestic train tickets do not need to be purchased as far in advance as the Eurostar, but I still recommend booking around a month out to ensure you get the train times you need for your travel itinerary. Both platforms, Eurostar and SNCF Connect, are reliable, user-friendly, and allow you to book e-tickets in advance, without unnecessary booking fees, which is essential for getting the best fares and ensuring a smooth journey.
One of the most essential travel tips for Paris, especially if you are visiting in the summer months or in December before Christmas, is to book your tickets in advance. Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, and its most famous attractions can book up weeks ahead of time during busy seasons.
Some sites, like the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle, often sell out completely. Others, like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Palace of Versailles, Centre Pompidou, and the Eiffel Tower, may not always sell out, but if you do not purchase tickets ahead of time, you will likely face very long lines just to get in. In some cases, you are looking at wait times of an hour or more (without the guarantee that you will get in), which is the last thing you want when you have limited time in Paris.
Tickets for the Louvre go on sale 60 days in advance and if you are looking to book the first admission time slot (for the smallest crowds), you should aim to book your tickets shortly after they are released on sale. Tickets for Versailles are available three months in advance and while they do not necessarily need to be booked that far in advance, I do recommend that you book them at least a couple of weeks in advance of your visit. Tickets for the Eiffel Tower, on the other hand, go on sale 60 days in advance. For the Eiffel Tower, in particular, the hour leading up to sunset is the most popular time slot and can book up almost immediately. In the event that you cannot secure tickets for sunset, consider booking the premium, "Top Floor By Lifts + Glass of Champagne" ticket. This ticket is often still available closer to the date, and while it comes at a higher price point, I think it is absolutely worth it to skip the long lines and head straight in. For other popular museums and sites within Paris, including Sainte-Chapelle, I recommend booking your tickets at least 10 days in advance of your visit.
By planning and securing tickets online, you will save time, reduce stress, and make the most of every moment in the city. Many attractions even allow you to choose a timed entry, which helps avoid overcrowding and keeps your itinerary running smoothly. You can purchase advance tickets for all major Paris attractions directly through their official websites. I do not recommend purchasing tickets through third-party providers or resellers for the museums and attractions in Paris.
One of the most practical travel tips for Paris is to plan around museum closures, especially on Mondays. Many of the city’s top museums, including the Musée d'Orsay, Musée Rodin, and even the Palace of Versailles, are closed on Mondays. However, there are a few major exceptions: the Louvre, Musée de l'Orangerie, Centre Pompidou, and La Galerie Dior are open on Mondays, but closed on Tuesdays instead. It is one of those small details that can make or break your itinerary, so double-check hours before you go. Also, keep in mind that Monday is the busiest day to visit the Louvre since most of the other museums in the city are closed.
Another important travel tip for Paris: be aware of public holidays, as many attractions and museums may be closed or operating on limited hours. The three major holidays that see widespread closures in Paris, including at the Louvre, are January 1st (New Year’s Day), May 1st (Labor Day), and December 25th (Christmas Day). While Bastille Day (July 14th) is also a national holiday and may affect opening hours of stores and museums in Paris, it is not one of the days when the Louvre and other top attractions close.
Always check ahead if your visit overlaps with a holiday, as it could impact everything from museum visits to restaurant availability. If you do find yourself in Paris on a major holiday, there are still plenty of things to do, but it will require some creative planning.
Understanding a bit of French etiquette and knowing a few key phrases can go a long way in making your experience in Paris more pleasant—and helping you avoid coming off as a “rude tourist” (a reputation Americans, in particular, are sometimes unfairly stuck with). Here is what you should know:
A little effort with the French language and etiquette goes a long way in Paris. Even if your pronunciation is not perfect, Parisians will almost always appreciate the attempt and respond more warmly. It is one of the easiest and most respectful travel tips for Paris.
Looking to learn a few French phrases for your upcoming trip to Paris? Check out this short list of essential phrases, with pronunciations, from Duolingo.
One common question I often receive is whether Paris is safe. The answer is a resounding, yes! However, like all major cities, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings—petty theft and pickpocketing do happen in Paris, especially in crowded, tourist-heavy areas and on public transportation. If you are carrying a backpack or purse, keep it securely closed and within sight at all times. On the Paris Metro, it is a good idea to rest a hand on your bag and avoid placing valuables in easily accessible pockets (like back pockets and outer coat pockets). If I happen to have a backpack or a large purse, I usually turn it to my front or place it in my lap on public transportation. Otherwise, I make sure nothing of value is in my pockets and that my purse is zipped shut. Additionally, I recommend that you exercise caution when using your cell phone on public transportation in Paris, especially if you are near the doors. While relatively uncommon, there are instances where thieves target phones on public transportation.
As far as my travel tips for Paris go, I recommend never leaving your bags unattended or in places where they can be easily grabbed. On my first trip to Paris in 2013, a girl in my tour group had her purse stolen at a café after leaving it draped over the back of her chair. While that may be something you can do back in the United States without having to worry, you do need to take extra precautions in a large city like Paris. That said, Paris is a safe city for travelers overall. Just be mindful, stay alert in busy areas, and trust your instincts!
Another one of my essential travel tips for Paris: book restaurant reservations ahead of time, especially if you are planning to dine out on Friday or Saturday nights. Paris is a global culinary capital, and the most popular spots, both neighborhood favorites and fine dining establishments, can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends and during peak travel seasons.
Personally, I like to have a few key dinner reservations locked in before I even arrive, especially at places I have been excited to try. For others, I will make reservations once I am in the city, depending on how my schedule unfolds. Many restaurants allow online booking through TheFork or directly through their websites, which makes planning much easier.
If you are dreaming of dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant, such as lunch at Le Jules Verne inside the Eiffel Tower, or afternoon tea at the timeless Ritz Paris, you will need to make your reservations several weeks in advance. These iconic spots are in high demand and have limited seatings, so early planning is key if you want to experience some of Paris's most celebrated restaurants.
For those who are less enthusiastic about making dining reservations in advance, there are also restaurants in Paris that accept walk-ins and serve delicious meals without the need for a reservation (i.e., Bouillon Chartier), but you may have to wait awhile for a table to become available. Instead of wasting time waiting, I recommend checking TheFork shortly before the time you are looking to eat to see if any places nearby have openings. I really like using TheFork since the app can be used in English and restaurant reviews are available with a couple of clicks.
One of my favorite travel tips for Paris—or anywhere, really—is to visit during the off-season. I prefer traveling when the crowds are smaller, hotels are cheaper, and you can find some great deals on airfare. Paris is no exception! The slow season for tourism in Paris is generally November through March, with an exception for December when the City of Light is abuzz with Christmas lights and holiday festivities. While January and February are the quietest (and coldest) months in Paris, they are also when you will find some of the best prices and thinnest crowds—perfect if you are more focused on spending your time exploring museums, shopping (hello soldes!), and enjoying hearty warm meals in cozy brasseries. I actually highly recommend traveling to Paris in January! It is my favorite month to visit the city. (If you are looking to learn more, check out my blog: Six Reasons You Should Absolutely Visit Paris in January.)
Meanwhile, the busiest time to visit Paris is June through August. While summers bring the best weather and longer daylight hours, it also brings heavy crowds of tourists and higher prices. If you are planning a trip to Paris during the summer months, my travel tips for Paris to book everything well in advance (including hotels) are even more pertinent. Advance planning is always helpful, but it is absolutely essential during the busy summer season when the city is at its most crowded.
No matter when you visit, being strategic about the timing of your trip is one of the simplest, yet most impactful travel tips for Paris. A little flexibility in your travel dates can completely change your experience in the City of Light.
I have no idea why London always gets the reputation for having dreary, gloomy weather, because Paris can be just as moody. In fact, Paris actually gets more rain per year than London! Out of my last four trips to Paris, I have had rainy days on three of them. It is rarely a heavy downpour that lasts all day, but light rain showers and gray skies are pretty common in Paris. So, as one of my many travel tips for Paris, I recommend that you pack an umbrella, and depending on the forecast, you might want to bring a rain jacket too. The rain will not ruin your sightseeing plans (in fact, Paris can feel even more romantic in the rain), but it is always better to be prepared.
Paris does not really have a dry season; it rains pretty consistently year-round. However, with that being said, October through January are some of the wettest months, while July through September are drier. While Paris can get snow in winter, it is infrequent and typically light, so that is not something you really need to be concerned about if you are planning to visit Paris during the winter months.
Paris is best enjoyed slowly. Instead of racing through every "must-see" site, build time into your Paris itinerary for some time to relax at a café, people-watch, picnic by the Eiffel Tower, walk along the Seine, and shop. Less is often more in Paris.
One of my personal travel tips for Paris is to plan just one major activity each day, whether it is a morning visit to a museum or an afternoon exploring Montmartre and leave the rest of the day open. For example, if I book tickets to the Louvre for a Thursday morning, I will give myself permission to spend hours wandering the museum without rushing off to the next thing. Paris has so much to offer that I always want to leave room for spontaneity, whether that means stopping at a charming shop, enjoying a long lunch at a cute café, or strolling through one of the many parks and gardens that dot the city. Building in plenty of free time not only makes the trip feel more relaxed, but it also allows me to fully experience the magic of the city without feeling over-scheduled.
You will not be able to fit in every amazing attraction that Paris has to offer into one trip, no matter if you are in the city for three days or three weeks. Therefore, prioritizing the top attractions that interest you, while leaving some free time in your schedule, is the best way to enjoy Paris. Plus, not checking everything off your must-see Paris list leaves you an excuse to return to the City of Light again in the future.
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a little planning can go a long way toward making your trip smooth and memorable. To recap: book a centrally located hotel (I love staying in the 9th Arrondissement), use public transportation to get around efficiently, and be sure to book museum tickets and restaurant reservations in advance, especially during the busy summer months. Keep in mind that many museums are closed on Mondays, learn a few basic French phrases to help with etiquette, and pack for unpredictable weather (i.e., rain). If you can, consider visiting during the quieter winter months, and always be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, where petty theft and pickpocketing can occur.
Most importantly, do not overpack your Paris itinerary. Paris is meant to be savored, not rushed. Leave room for long walks, café stops, a little shopping, and spontaneous moments. That is, in my opinion, when Paris is truly at its best.
I hope these travel tips for Paris leave you feeling ready and enthusiastic about your upcoming trip. If there is anything else you would like to know before exploring France's capital, feel free to share your questions in the comments below. Happy travels!