Paris is one of the cities in the world with the most attractions and points of interest to visit.
To help you make the most of your experience in the French capital, here are some practical tips that will make things easier and help you avoid a number of headaches.
Decide in advance how you will get from the airport to your hotel in Paris
The first thing to sort out if you arrive in Paris by planeis how to get from the airport to your hotel. There are multiple options. Here you can find out how to get to Paris from Orly, here how to get to Paris from Charles de Gaulle and here how to get to Paris from Beauvais Airport.
There may even be some taxistas sin licencia who will offer you their services at the airport. The best approach is to find the official stands at the arrivals exits and take an taxi con licencia or wait for the transfer you have arranged.
The public transport can be a good option (though the slowest) if you are not carrying heavy luggage, as it is easy to navigate (even if you don't speak French), fast, and affordable. The bus option is more commonly used by people arriving in the early hours of the morning who no longer have access to metro.
Getting around by bike is a great option. There are more than 1,000 km of bike lanes in Paris and plenty of facilities, both for renting a bike and for getting around Paris by Bike.
Paris Information
Paris with Kids
If you are going to Paris with kids or as a family, we recommend considering the option of staying in an apartment, given the convenience of having more space and a kitchen available to you around the clock. Though there are also hotels options with studio-style rooms and more attractive prices.
To find out the places you shouldn't miss, check out our Paris with Kids guide
Public Restrooms
Once you're out on the streets, it's good to keep a few details in mind that can turn out to be quite important. For example, the number of public restrooms in Paris is not plentiful, so you will often need to ask permission at a restaurant to use their restroom.
Some restrooms charge a fee, so it's a good idea to carry a few coins in your pocket, just in case. For example, if you're going to visit the Palace of Versailles, take advantage of restrooms when you spot them, as you may not come across another one for a while. And those small details can save you from feeling uncomfortable and not being able to fully enjoy yourself.
Parisians
When it comes to los parisinos, there are well-known myths that they won't help you if you get lost, and will certainly not speak English or Spanish. Keep in mind that these are nothing more than myths. There are friendly people. Of course! And while there's no guarantee you won't run into someone in a bad mood, it's always a good idea to say «bonjour» to start a conversation.
Pickpockets in Paris
While there's no need to go around frightened, it's wise to watch out for pickpockets. It's not that you need to be paranoid, but it is advisable to be careful in thethe metro, the the area around the Eiffel Tower or in areas like Montmartre, for instance, places where large crowds gather or where we tend to get distracted, and where someone could take something from you without you noticing.
Also be careful if someone approaches you asking you to sign a petition, or if someone bumps into you on the street. Sometimes take advantage of the distraction to rob you. Simply stay alert, just in case: with a little attention and care you can avoid a lot of trouble.
We share many more details and tips about safety in Paris.
Cash
Before you travel, it's a good idea to plan ahead and take a few precautions. First, check with your tarjeta de crédito provider whether using it abroad will incur high foreign transaction fees. If you can use it, you'll avoid having to carry large amounts of cash. The smartest move is to avoid making small withdrawals and save on fees.
Banks in France are generally open from 9am to 5pm. Some close for a few hours in the middle of the day.
At airports and most touristy areas of Paris you'll find places to exchange money, Bureau de change in French. Some of the most popular are Western Union, Multi Change, and Change & Collection.
Another option to avoid carrying too much cash and also save euros and waiting time in access lines is to purchase a tourist card that includes entry to the places you want to visit, such as the Paris Pass card.
Attention: we recommend always carrying some cash in case you need to buy transport tickets, as some machines do not accept cards.
Appropriate clothing
Another thing to keep in mind is clothing. First of all, it is conveniente que lleves a jacket even in summer, just in case, since the temperature can change abruptly. It is also important to bring comfortable shoes for walking, as the city invites you to explore it on foot, strolling and enjoying its streets.
You may be surprised by the number of places and monuments you can discover in an afternoon if you are truly inspired to walk: the Panthéon of Paris, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, the magnificent Eiffel Tower…
See what the weather by season in Paris so you know what to pack.
Eating
When you get hungry, follow the tips in our guide Eating in Paris so you don't miss a thing and know how to save on food in the French capital. For example, if you are on a tight budget, you can buy ready-made food at one of the parisian street markets and eat at your accommodation or in one of the beautiful parks and gardens in the city. Or check out this post about cheap places to eat in Paris.
Free admission days at Paris museums and monuments
Finally, you can take advantage of the days when Paris museums offer free admission. Even the Louvre offers that possibility!
Paris in a few hours
If you're only coming for a weekend or less, take a look at this itinerary idea we've put together on What to See in Paris in a Weekend.
We always recommend joining one of the free tours in Paris, it's a great way to get acquainted with the city and learn a lot without spending much.
A must-do is the Free Tour Paris: French Revolution and Napoleon, the best activity for "first-timers" who want to understand the historical soul of the city.
We also invite you to discover the benefits of the best tourist passes for Paris, a great way to save time and money.
Book ahead and find better deals
Having your accommodation booked in advance is more than just a tip. It's something we all do as a matter of course. Paris is a generally quite safe city and features accommodations in every district.
If you'd like to know more about this, visit our sections on where to stay in Paris or which are the most famous neighborhoods in Paris.
Once you've decided on the area, revisa nuestras recomendaciones of hotels, apartments and hostels.
