17 Practical Tips For Visiting Paris For The First Time
Are you planning to visit Paris, France, for the first time? Then you can stick around here. In this post, you will read how to approach and communicate with Parisians, what to expect at the cafes and restaurants, how to plan museum visits, and other practical tips for visiting Paris for the first time.
Based on our one-week in-pairs experience and what others have recommended, I have put together 15 practical tips for visiting Paris.
Please note that this post may contain affiliate links, and I will earn a small commission for any sales made through such links – at no extra cost to you.
15 Practical Tips For Visiting Paris
1. Learn Basic French Phrases
English is not a widely spoken language in Paris, although the French do appreciate tourists’ efforts to speak some French.
You do not have to stress learning a lot, but learning a few basic and common French phrases will make a big difference. Googling some of those will get you started, but I highly recommend grabbing a beginner’s French phrasebook if you want better results.
2. Stay in the Central Location
If you visit Paris for the first time, stay in the central location. Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts), such as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. As the number of arrondissements increases, they become more residential.
The central location is between the 1st and 7th arrondissements, where you will find the most attractions, shops, and restaurants.
3. Start a Conversation With a “Bonjour”
Whether getting a croissant from a cafe, grocery shopping or asking someone for directions, always start your conversation with an introductory greeting: ” Bonjour Madame” or “Bonjour Monsieur.”
While this may seem one of the most straightforward tips for visiting France, consider its power. A simple “Bonjour” is the least you can do to avoid leaving an unpleasant impression as a tourist.
4. Dress Nice
Try to pack chic and elegant clothes for Paris, but do not be afraid to be simple. To fit the French code, you must not wear suits or high heels.
Your chic Parisian look can be simple and comfortable clothes with flat shoes. To simplify, you can not go wrong with perfectly tailored black blazers, denim, sundresses, stylish sweaters, and booties.
Want to know more about how to dress like Parisian? In “How Do French People Dress in Paris,” Camille Chevalier-Karfis summarizes the perfect packing list for teenagers, men, and women visiting Paris.
5. French Have a Different Schedule
France has a much different work-life balance than you are probably used to if you are traveling from the United States.
Most shops and restaurants close during lunchtime, typically between 12:00 and 2:30 PM, and some may have slightly different hours. Remember this tip when visiting Paris, and schedule your lunch breaks accordingly.
6. Schedule Your Museum Visits
When planning your Paris itinerary, please remember that most museums, monuments, and sightseeing will be closed once a week.
For example, the Louvre Museum is closed on Tuesdays, and Versailles, Musée d’Orsay, Musée Carnavalet, and Musée Rodin are closed on Mondays.
7. Sunday is a Rest Day For France
Sunday is the traditional day of rest in France. Most French restaurants, banks, and shops, including Paris, are closed nationwide. However, the famous shopping district Champs Elysées remains open seven days a week. But there, you will find many overpriced cafes and international shops that will feel less French.
8. French Dine Late
French people eat both lunch and dinner late. Dinner is considered the most extended meal of the day. Thus, Most French cafes and restaurants will be closed before seven or even eight o’clock in the evening.
French restaurants give long gaps between each course. If you are not up for long dinner experiences (a must-have!), reserve something a little earlier in more touristy spots.
9. Tipping In France is Up To You
You may or may not know that tipping in French restaurants, cafes, or bars is entirely up to you and rarely expected. The service charge of 15% will be automatically included in your bill (by French law). However, this does not mean you should not tip more if you find the service and food outstanding. Leaving a small tip on top of the service charge is considered very generous.
10. Do Not Speak Loudly in Public
French respect other people’s noise levels, especially when at restaurants. You will notice that most French speak quietly at the cafes and restaurants, but most tourists are loud. Try to be aware of your surroundings, and do not be surprised if you are even asked politely to speak a little quieter not to disturb others.
11. RiMetrotro
Riding the Metro in Paris is one of the cleanest, fastest, and most comfortable ways to get around the city other than walking. For this reason, it has been voted one of the best public transportation systems globally.
Using the Paris metro may seem unclear initially, but getting a handle on it is effortless once you look at the map and ride a few times. Metros will take you anywhere in Paris within a few minutes. Skip Taxis and traffic on the streets.
12. Skip Takeout Coffee
When visiting Paris, skip takeout coffee and have hot drinks at the bakery or cafes. You may also find that most establishments do not make coffee in paper cups unless you visit Starbucks or its competitors. Even Starbucks has relatively more sitting areas in Paris because the French enjoy their drinks sitting down.
13. Wear Comfortable Shoes
As mentioned above, tMetrotro is a very convenient way to get around Paris, but you can get there alone if you want to feel the city. It is the best way to discover cute streets and hidden cafes. Also, many attractions are within walking distance of each other, so wear comfortable shoes when exploring Paris.
14. Familiarize With Menu
While the French food is delicious, the menu could be confusing as some dishes are challenging to translate. Looking at the menu before arriving at the restaurant will make the experience more enjoyable.
15. Ask For Water on Your Table if you want it
Servers in French restaurants may not automatically bring water to your table unless you ask for it. If you ask, be specific about tap vs. bottled water; otherwise, you may be surprised with extra euros added to your bill for a fancy water bottle.
16. Ask For Bill
Like water, a check is not automatically brought to your table after your meal because it could mean rude service. Simply ask for your bill after your meal l’addition s’il vous plait. Remember, in Paris, you are expected to take your time eating out, and servers will not try to rush you by providing the unrequested bill.
17. French Go On a Vacation in August
August is the sunniest month in Paris, and most businesses go on vacation. Many shops and restaurants are closed with a note on their doors: “Be back in September, which certainly causes a longer waiting time to get into attractions, shops, or other eating places.
On a brighter note, August is the best month to visit Paris for outdoor picnics, beach days, movies, and strolling around. Whether you want to see Paris in August depends on what you want to do there.
Tips For Visiting Paris Summary
Here are a few efficient tips for your trip to Paris. But remember, everyone’s experience is individual. I would love to hear about your exciting and unexpected cultural experiences. Leave a comment if you also think of other tips for first-time visitors.
