Having visited Paris virtually 40 instances, I’ve gathered many sensible Paris journey suggestions to assist make every journey smoother, extra pleasant, and fewer tense. Alongside the best way, I’ve discovered what works, what doesn’t, and tips on how to keep away from widespread pitfalls. Whether or not you’re a first-time customer, a returning traveler, and even my sister—who’s about to expertise Paris for the primary time—the following tips will assist you to navigate the town with confidence and ease.
Tip #1: Convey Extra Than One Credit score Card
Convey two bank cards (Visa + Mastercard) since some locations settle for just one—I as soon as wanted a Mastercard for a Roissybus ticket.
Maintain a backup card in a hidden cash belt or separate pockets in case the primary one doesn’t work, is stolen, or is compromised.. Additionally, carry a debit card for ATM withdrawals.
Tip #2: Convey Simply A Little Money (Euros)
(a) How A lot Money To Convey To Paris?
Paris is card-friendly, however carry some money (for café suggestions and public bathrooms). For five nights, I’d deliver ~125€.
Key Ideas:
- Stick to twenty€ payments—keep away from 50€ and 100€.
- Skip airport ATMs—greater charges, giant withdrawals.
- Want cash? Break a 20€ at a café.
- There’s no tipping in France—service is included (service compris). If service is phenomenal, spherical up your invoice or depart 1-2€ in cash.
- Ignore waiter strain—in the event that they declare service” n’est pas compris”, they’re mendacity!
(b) Getting Extra Money In Paris
Want money? Use an ATM, however anticipate overseas transaction charges. I now choose La Poste ATMs after being double-charged at BNP Paribas. Others have had comparable points—test the feedback in my submit about my combat to get my a reimbursement: Encountering Credit score and Debit Card Issues In France.
(c) The place To Alternate Funds In Paris
I’m going to Sure Alternate (often known as “Change and Assortment”) situated off rue du Louvre to vary cash into Euro. I discovered their charges to be not dangerous.
Handle: 1, rue Rouget de Lisle
Web site: https://www.yes-change.com/
Tip #3: Use Apple Pay Or Google Pay
Use your smartphone to pay for purchases and meals (and even at native farmer’s markets). Simply faucet utilizing Apple Pay or Google Pay. They’re safer and safer than utilizing a bodily credit score or debit card as your Face ID, Contact ID, or passcode is required to approve funds. Superior encryption protects your fee info.
Try this submit in regards to the correct etiquette in France and the way NOT to embarrass your self with the unsuitable phrases or actions:
Tip #4: Use A Crossbody Bag
In Paris, like many massive cities, there may be choose pocketing, so it’s essential to preserve your valuables secured and hidden. I preserve an additional bank card and vital notes in a cash belt and/or in a safe crossbody bag which is RFID protected.
Further Ideas:
- Think about using a carabiner in case your bag doesn’t have a safe clasp or lock. They make it only a bit more durable for somebody to unzip your bag.
- Create your individual RFID cowl by utilizing a bit of foil glued to paper. Wrap it round your bank card. Make sure to take a look at this submit on preserving your valuables and tech protected: Ideas To Shield Your Valuables And Tech Travelling.
Tip #5: Use Taxis (And Sometimes Uber)
I had a nasty expertise utilizing Uber going from Paris to the airport. The quantity that was to be charged modified resulting from dynamic pricing—-this is the place the value adjustments relying on the demand. I paid much more than if I had simply used a taxi.
Since then, I solely use the corporate, G7, to go to the airport (they’ve an app).
Further Ideas:
-Keep away from utilizing a taxi throughout rush hour. You’ll be in visitors too lengthy to make it worthwhile.
-Use the taxi line on the airport. Don’t go together with somebody who approaches you and says they’ve a taxi across the nook as they’re usually not professional and can rip you off. -Taxis between Paris and the airport have flat charges. Try this submit to search out out extra about your choices: Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris: Cheaper isn’t all the time higher.
Tip #6: Navigate the Paris Metro Like a Professional
The Paris metro is so properly laid out that it’s a breeze to make use of. If you arrive, get a Navigo Straightforward Card. You’ll simply add cash to it and your journeys might be deducted out of your whole. Try this submit for extra info: Utilizing The Paris Metro.
Security Tip: I keep away from taking my smartphone out when I’m on the Paris Metro and positively NEVER take it out if I’m sitting close to the door. I’ve heard tales of individuals having their telephones ripped out of their palms when the doorways open and the thief runs out with it.
Tip #7: Convey Two+ Pairs Of Footwear
Convey comfy sneakers—-at least 2 pairs and put together your self by getting in form now and strolling loads. You’re going to stroll A LOT in Paris. Swap sneakers every day.
One yr I wore trendy sneakers with NO assist besides my orthotics inside. From all that strolling in crappy sneakers (and doing a 20km race), I bought a stress fracture in my foot quickly after returning house!
Tip #8: Verify Out The Pharmacies For Skincare Merchandise
The pharmacies in France are in contrast to any you’ll discover in North America. In search of skincare and wonder merchandise? Head to a pharmacy, however not simply any pharmacy. You’ll discover an ENORMOUS choice of well-known merchandise corresponding to Vichy, Clarins, Avène, Caudalie, Bioderma, and Nuxe at these three shops listed under. I prefer to refill on La Roche-Posay for my sunscreen and saved virtually 50% in comparison with what I pay in Canada.
Whereas the primary pharmacy is essentially the most well-known, the second and third to be much less crowded and might have nice offers too, particularly when there are gross sales. I discover their areas very handy.
(a) Citypharma
Widespread and infrequently packed, with nice costs and useful employees—although gadgets promote out quick.
Handle: 26 Rue du 4 (sixth arrondissement)
(b) Pharmacie du Discussion board Des Halles
Spacious, well-stocked, and carries on a regular basis necessities like toothbrushes and lip balm. Positioned in Les Halles’ underground purchasing space.
Handle: Stage -2, 1 Rue Pierre Lescot (1st arrondissement)
(c) Pharmacie des Archives
Nice choice, generally with merchandise not discovered elsewhere. I all the time test for promotions right here. Conveniently close to Hôtel de Ville and BHV.
Handle: 2 Rue des Archives (4th arrondissement)
Tip #9: Think about These Museums For Vogue Lovers
When my fashion-loving nieces and sister go to Paris, these museums are value testing:
(a) La Galerie Dior-New exhibition begins after Might 4. Notes about my go to: Journey #36
(b) Musée Yves Saint Laurent—New exhibition additionally after Might 4. My journey report: YSL Museum
(c) Palais Galliera-Musée de la Mode de Paris-Residence to 100,000+ vogue items. Free everlasting assortment. Present exhibit (Vogue on the Transfer) explores vogue adapting to motion and runs till October. I noticed the “Les Années 50” exhibit right here years in the past, showcasing Fifties vogue and it was glorious however no images was allowed.
(d) Petit Palais: Home of Value exhibition (Might 7–Sept 7, 2025). Everlasting assortment is free; momentary displays require tickets.
(e) Musée des Arts Décoratifs-Greater than furnishings! Spring 2025 focuses on Nicolas Pineau (sculptor/architect) & Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann (decorator).
Need extra concepts to your keep in Paris? Try these posts:
Distinctive Experiences In Paris
Exploring Paris
Tip #10: Resolve If Visiting the High of the Eiffel Tower Is Value It
Do you have to go to the highest of the Eiffel Tower? I notice it’s a private alternative; nevertheless, I didn’t go to the highest till it was my sixth journey to Paris! It was August, sizzling and crowded, and in my journal I really wrote, “At 10pm walked to the Eiffel Tower and spent 2.5 hours in line, [and going] up and down. It was horrid!”
(a) How To Get Tickets For The Eiffel Tower
- On-line tickets for the summit open 60 days upfront and promote out quick—set an alarm for Paris time to affix the queue.
- Identical-day tickets could also be out there in your telephone.
- Stairs entry: strains are generally shorter should you climb.
- Skip-the-line excursions: handy however expensive.
(b) Necessary To Notice
- Anticipate crowds and a rushed expertise.
- On the prime, you’ll get metropolis views, not Eiffel Tower pictures. Think about saving the summit for one more journey. -If you happen to’re on the lookout for panoramic views of Paris, take into account these spots as an alternative—they provide beautiful views day and evening. Extra particulars in my submit: Greatest Views Of Paris At Night time:
- Tour Montparnasse
- Galeries Lafayette
- Printemps (my favorite!)
- Arc de Triomphe
For First-timers And Repeat Guests To Paris
Listed here are another posts that may be useful, whether or not you’re a first-timer or a repeat customer to Paris:
Every journey to Paris has taught me one thing new. I’ve made many errors however have additionally discovered tips on how to navigate and benefit from the metropolis. I hope my sensible suggestions have been useful and want my sister and her daughters a superb journey to Paris in Might!
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