Having visited Paris virtually 40 instances, I’ve gathered many sensible Paris journey suggestions to assist make every journey smoother, extra pleasing, and fewer anxious. Alongside the way in which, I’ve realized what works, what doesn’t, and easy methods to keep away from frequent 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 enable you navigate the town with confidence and ease.
Tip #1: Carry Extra Than One Credit score Card
Carry two bank cards (Visa + Mastercard) since some locations settle for just one—I as soon as wanted a Mastercard for a Roissybus ticket.
Hold 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: Carry Simply A Little Money (Euros)
(a) How A lot Money To Carry To Paris?
Paris is card-friendly, however carry some money (for café suggestions and public bathrooms). For five nights, I’d deliver ~125€.
Key Suggestions:
- Stick to twenty€ payments—keep away from 50€ and 100€.
- Skip airport ATMs—greater charges, massive 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 go away 1-2€ in cash.
- Ignore waiter stress—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 count on international transaction charges. I now favor La Poste ATMs after being double-charged at BNP Paribas. Others have had comparable points—test the feedback in my publish about my battle to get my a reimbursement: Encountering Credit score and Debit Card Issues In France.
(c) The place To Change Funds In Paris
I am going to Sure Change (often known as “Change and Assortment”) situated off rue du Louvre to vary cash into Euro. I discovered their charges to be not unhealthy.
Deal with: 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 cost info.
Try this publish in regards to the correct etiquette in France and the way NOT to embarrass your self with the flawed phrases or actions:
Tip #4: Use A Crossbody Bag
In Paris, like many massive cities, there may be decide pocketing, so it’s good to hold your valuables secured and hidden. I hold an additional bank card and essential notes in a cash belt and/or in a safe crossbody bag which is RFID protected.
Additional Suggestions:
- 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 personal RFID cowl through the use of a bit of foil glued to paper. Wrap it round your bank card. Remember to try this publish on protecting your valuables and tech protected: Suggestions To Defend 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 because of dynamic pricing—-this is the place the worth 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).
Additional Suggestions:
-Keep away from utilizing a taxi throughout rush hour. You’ll be in site 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 typically not reputable and can rip you off. -Taxis between Paris and the airport have flat charges. Try this publish to seek out out extra about your choices: Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris: Cheaper isn’t at all times higher.
Tip #6: Navigate the Paris Metro Like a Professional
The Paris metro is so nicely laid out that it’s a breeze to make use of. While you arrive, get a Navigo Simple Card. You’ll simply add cash to it and your journeys will likely be deducted out of your complete. Try this publish 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 fingers when the doorways open and the thief runs out with it.
Tip #7: Carry Two+ Pairs Of Footwear
Carry snug footwear—-at least 2 pairs and put together your self by getting in form now and strolling quite a bit. You’re going to stroll A LOT in Paris. Swap footwear every day.
One 12 months I wore trendy footwear with NO help besides my orthotics inside. From all that strolling in crappy footwear (and doing a 20km race), I obtained a stress fracture in my foot quickly after returning dwelling!
Tip #8: Examine Out The Pharmacies For Skincare Merchandise
The pharmacies in France are not like any you’ll discover in North America. Searching for skincare and sweetness merchandise? Head to a pharmacy, however not simply any pharmacy. You’ll discover an ENORMOUS number of well-known merchandise equivalent to Vichy, Clarins, Avène, Caudalie, Bioderma, and Nuxe at these three shops listed beneath. I wish 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 places very handy.
(a) Citypharma
Fashionable and infrequently packed, with nice costs and useful employees—although objects promote out quick.
Deal with: 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. Situated in Les Halles’ underground purchasing space.
Deal with: Stage -2, 1 Rue Pierre Lescot (1st arrondissement)
(c) Pharmacie des Archives
Nice choice, typically with merchandise not discovered elsewhere. I at all times test for promotions right here. Conveniently close to Hôtel de Ville and BHV.
Deal with: 2 Rue des Archives (4th arrondissement)
Tip #9: Think about These Museums For Trend Lovers
When my fashion-loving nieces and sister go to Paris, these museums are price trying out:
(a) La Galerie Dior-New exhibition begins after Could 4. Notes about my go to: Journey #36
(b) Musée Yves Saint Laurent—New exhibition additionally after Could 4. My journey report: YSL Museum
(c) Palais Galliera-Musée de la Mode de Paris-House to 100,000+ style items. Free everlasting assortment. Present exhibit (Trend on the Transfer) explores style adapting to motion and runs till October. I noticed the “Les Années 50” exhibit right here years in the past, showcasing Fifties style and it was glorious however no images was allowed.
(d) Petit Palais: Home of Value exhibition (Could 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 on your keep in Paris? Try these posts:
Distinctive Experiences In Paris
Exploring Paris
Tip #10: Determine If Visiting the Prime 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; nonetheless, 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 truly 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 obtainable in your telephone.
- Stairs entry: traces are typically shorter if you happen to climb.
- Skip-the-line excursions: handy however expensive.
(b) Essential To Be aware
- Count on crowds and a rushed expertise.
- On the high, you’ll get metropolis views, not Eiffel Tower images. Think about saving the summit for one more journey. -In case you’re searching for panoramic views of Paris, think about these spots as an alternative—they provide gorgeous views day and night time. Extra particulars in my publish: Greatest Views Of Paris At Evening:
- Tour Montparnasse
- Galeries Lafayette
- Printemps (my favorite!)
- Arc de Triomphe
For First-timers And Repeat Guests To Paris
Listed here are another posts that could 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 realized easy methods to navigate and benefit from the metropolis. I hope my sensible suggestions have been useful and want my sister and her daughters a wonderful journey to Paris in Could!
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