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10 Common Travel Mistakes to Avoid in Paris, According to a Local

One Paris local shares some common mistakes travelers make in the city — and how to avoid them.

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

First things first: Even the French — meaning non-Parisians — don't always get it right when visiting the country's capital. Why? Because in southwest France, pain au chocolat is called chocolatine , and in Alsace, they start their bisous (double-kiss greeting) on the left cheek, not the right. That means you likely won't be alone in making a faux pas when visiting. You're a tourist, after all. We know, we know — you want to avoid being pegged as one.

I'd say to leave the fanny pack and sneakers at home, but both are back in style these days, and Paris is known for its trendsetting ways. I learned this the hard way when moving here from New York in 2014. Since Parisians don't prance around in their gym clothes like Americans, I wore jeans to the yoga studio, only to arrive and realize I left my leggings back at chez moi. Thankfully, this always-be-dressed-to-impress rule has lightened up a bit due to the pandemic, although a few other steadfast rules remain.

Here are 10 travel mistakes to avoid on your next trip to Paris.

7 Must-Try Breads and Pastries for Your Next Trip to France

Not saying "bonjour" upon entry or "s'il vous plait" and "merci" enough.

It's one of the first things we're taught in grade school: Mind your Ps and Qs. In Paris, it's also imperative to say "hello" ( bonjour if it's daytime, bonsoir if it's nighttime) upon entering a store or restaurant. Eye contact is encouraged, too. Acknowledge your fellow humans. It took me a while to get used to this one, and I'll never forget the time I walked up to someone at a store and launched directly into a question before saying bonjour . Madame, understandably, was not happy. When in doubt, simply start with bonjour .

Waiting for Water and the Bill at Restaurants

Let's start with dining out, as eating and drinking in Paris is a favorite pastime and one to be taken seriously — so seriously, in fact, that you won't be rushed out the door upon finishing your meal. Eating is a time to savor both the flavors of the food and the company you keep. This is why the bill won't arrive as soon as your plates have been cleared and you've had your last sip of water. (Speaking of, you'll likely have to ask for water — une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plait , if you just want tap — unless you're at a super-fancy restaurant). The bill will only be dropped on the table when you ask for it ( l'addition, s'il vous plait ).

Forgetting to Book Ahead at Restaurants

Most reputable restaurants require bookings. For some, that means the night before; for others, it means a week or a month ahead. Either way, it's important to put your name on the list. Dining rooms are significantly smaller in Paris, and unlike American cities such as Los Angeles or New York, they're not as interested in turning tables and increasing head count as they are in making something delicious during their set kitchen hours. Generally, this time frame falls between noon and 2:15 p.m. for lunch and 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. for dinner, though there are all-day restaurants and cafés (look for signs that say service continu ).

Not everyone travels to eat, but if you do, plan ahead and make a reservation. Many restaurants have online systems so you don't have to worry whether to use tu or vous when addressing the person on a phone call. (To be safe, always go with vous .)

Visiting in August or December

Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

If you're traveling to eat at a specific Michelin-starred spot or the new pop-up from a chef you follow on Instagram, avoid visiting in August or December when many restaurants close for vacation. If you're a first-timer or don't care much for croissants and think all baguettes are created equal (see next section), monuments, museums, and parks will all still be open. But, in general, the city does have a quiet, closed-up vibe during these two months. Some love it, while others, like me, thrive on the buzz.

Of course, thanks to the 2024 Olympics, this August will be busier than usual, though things should calm down toward the end of the month.

Getting a Coffee at a Corner Café

If you haven't already noticed, in France, food is la vie . It may be your dream to visit Paris, sit on one of those wicker chairs facing the street, and order a café crème . It was mine, too. And yes, there is nothing quite like people-watching or reading the likes of Hemingway or Sartre from one of these corner cafés. But if I may, let me remind you of two things: Smoking is still permitted on terraces, so expect whatever you order to come with a side of secondhand smoke. And the coffee at such places is arguably not good. You're better off ordering wine or a beer if all you want to do is imbibe and take in the scene. Quality bean lovers should seek out any number of the newer craft coffee shops that now proliferate Paris for a true filtre (long, black drip coffee) or a crème where the foam isn't the equivalent of overly soapy bath bubbles.

Buying a Baguette Instead of a Tradition

At the bakery, meanwhile, ask for a tradition ( tradi if you really want to seem like a local) rather than a baguette. The latter is white inside, can be made with any ingredients, and is often mass-produced, so it's not quite as delicious. A tradi can only contain flour, salt, water, and yeast and is usually made by hand on the premises; therefore, it's much tastier. If you're lucky to get one straight out of the oven, I dare you not to devour the entire thing on the way to your destination.

Eating or Drinking on the Go

Gao Jing / Xinhua via Getty Images

Speaking of eating or drinking on the go, Parisians don't really do it. Again, food and beverages are meant to be enjoyed and ingested slowly — not in a rush, over your computer, or on the metro. The only thing I've ever seen people eating on the street while walking is a sandwich or baguette (likely because it's hot — and yes you can still call it a baguette colloquially even if you order a tradition ). Coffee is rarely ordered to-go or had en route; even eating apples or bananas on the street may cause people to scoff. And while there are certain dos and don'ts at the table, too — like proper ways to cut cheese or pour wine — Parisians are ultimately an international bunch, so if you want to eat a hamburger or slice of pizza with your hands while they cut theirs with a fork and knife, go ahead.

Touching Anything Without Asking

When it comes to getting handsy, just don't. Or, as the French say, ne touchez pas ! At food markets, it's best to ask before you grab something. The same rule applies at any of the weekend brocantes (flea markets) dotting neighborhood streets. Many of the items for sale are valuable and fragile, so it's better to catch the seller's attention and point rather than caressing the porcelain salt and pepper set like it's already yours.

Buying a Weeklong Pass and Throwing Away Metro Tickets

There's a range of metro ticket options available, including single-journey paper tickets and extended-use passes that you can reload.

If you plan on sticking with the paper tickets, it's important to keep your used ticket until you exit the station at your destination. You may be tempted to throw it away immediately, but the metro is highly monitored and you will get fined if you don't have a ticket to show that you paid for your ride. That said, many popular Parisian sites are so close together that you may want to walk and enjoy the attractions along the way. Unless you're here for an extended stay or will be commuting to and from a specific place regularly, don't bother buying a weeklong pass.

Hailing a Taxi in the Middle of the Street

If you're not up for walking or taking the metro, car services are everywhere — and that includes old-school taxis. (Official taxis say "Taxi Parisien" or "G7" on the vehicle.) There are designated taxi stands from which you can hop in and go. That said, Uber is widely used, so you can also order one from wherever you are. Fares range depending on the destination, but rates from the airport are always the same: From Charles de Gaulle, it's €56 for a Taxi Parisien to the Right Bank and €65 to the Left Bank; from Orly, it's €36 to the Left Bank and €44 to the Right Bank.

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Home > Paris Travel Tips > Best Tips for Visiting Paris for the First Time (by a Local!)

Best Tips for Visiting Paris for the First Time (by a Local!)

Paris travel tips for your first time in paris.

One of the greatest cities in the world, Paris is a vibrant and cultural city, with famous sites at every turn and never enough time to see them all. Paris is also regarded as the world’s most romantic city and a heaven for foodies and fashion lovers. 

We still have to meet someone who is not willing to visit Paris soon or to come back and discover more!

Everyone visiting Paris for the first time wants to have a memorable trip, and there’s nothing like Paris tips from a local to get the best out of the French capital .

In this article, we are sharing our best Paris insider tips for your first time in Paris: must-see Paris travel tips, as well as all-time favorites and off-the-beaten-path things. Read this article as a complement to our Paris Travel Planner , and you are set for a unique trip to Paris!

Visiting Paris for First Timers – Top Insider Tips

1. look for the best time to visit paris for you.

The first of our tips for Paris is about the best time to visit Paris. ‘Paris is always a good idea ,’ and there is never a bad time to visit Paris. The city has great parks and beautiful avenues and streets, but it also has some of the world’s best museums and other interesting indoor options.

There are, however, a few things you might want to take into account when planning your first trip to Paris.

Generally speaking, the shoulder seasons – Spring and Fall – are good because it’s often less crowded and the temperature is pleasant.

If you want to beat the crowds and pay less for things like transportation and accommodation in Paris, you should consider visiting Paris in November , early December , and January .

If you are interested in shopping, consider visiting Paris in January or July, during the sales, when it is possible to find fantastic bargains.

To get the full picture, check out our in-depth articles about the best time to visit Paris and the seasons in Paris .

Check out our suggested itineraries for your first time in Paris:

• One day in Paris
• Two days in Paris
• Three days in Paris
• Four days in Paris
• Five days in Paris
• Six days in Paris
• One week in Paris

2. Don’t Leave without Travel Insurance for your First Trip to Paris

It’s important not to skimp on Travel Insurance when you plan your first trip to Paris. Unfortunately, bad things happen when you least expect it, so the best thing you can do for yourself is to be insured.

While a basic consultation in France is affordable (around 25€), hospitalizations or emergency evacuations can easily run into hundreds or thousands of US dollars, which you’ll be expected to pay before you leave. Having a travel insurance policy can give you peace of mind for your first time in Paris and is something most travel experts recommend.

SafetyWing is our preferred choice, starting from a minimum of 5 days. HeyMondo also offers excellent coverage and you can get 5% discount if you use this link .

3. Get the Most of Your Time, Book in Advance, and Skip the Lines!

Unless you visit Paris off-season, you’ll experience frustrating long lines at all Paris’ main tourist attractions.

Waiting in line will not only make you waste precious time; the chances are that you’ll be exhausted even before starting your visit! That’s why the second of our tips for traveling to Paris for the first time is about booking your tickets for the main attractions in advance.

Below we list the Paris main attractions you will need advance tickets for and have added links to our favorite trusty providers for your convenience.

• The Eiffel Tower
• The Louvre Museum
• Versailles Palace
• Orsay Museum
• The Catacombs of Paris

We also have detailed articles on how to skip the line in Versailles and how to skip the line in the Louvre , the two attractions that see the longest lines and crowds.

Finally, have a look at our Skip the Line in Paris article , with the best days and time slots to avoid the biggest crowds in the main tourist attractions.

4. At the Airport, Only Use Regular Taxis (or Verified Private Airport Transfers)

Taking a ride with a regular, official taxi is what we would consider a matter of common sense, but you’d be surprised at how many tourists still get lured!

At the Paris airports, you’re likely to be approached by someone offering a private taxi service. It might be tempting because it seems easy (no need to search for the taxi stand) and faster (not waiting in line). NEVER accept this kind of “offers.”

If you’re lucky, you’ll end up spending much more (those nonofficial cars don’t have a meter), and you can’t exclude that such a ride could lead to more unpleasant surprises or dangerous situations.

If you don’t want to take public transport and you prefer to know from the beginning how much your ride will cost, we recommend booking a private airport transfer from the Parisian Airports to the city. 

We like  Welcome’s transfer services , with good cars and the best English-speaking drivers in Paris, but other booking platforms like Get Your Guide offer similar services.

5. Save Money on Public Transport 

France has good high-speed trains (named TGVs), with very regular connections between Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg, and more. It is very easy to plan weekend trips from Paris by train or longer trips to the rest of France as it takes a little as three hours from Paris to Marseille or from Paris to Strasbourg.

High-speed trains can be costly, though, especially if you buy your train tickets at the last minute. But the good news is that there are ways to find cheaper options if you plan your trip months in advance.

Find here more information and book your train tickets  

For getting around Paris, the Parisian Metro is the best option. The metro in Paris takes you everywhere in the city, with opening times starting from 5.30 am to 2.15 am on weekends.

Apart from the single metro tickets, valid also for bus and tram rides, the Parisian Metro has different passes well worth the investment, especially if you take the metro more than 3 times a day. Check out our quick guide to the metro of Paris for all the Paris metro tickets and passes and our best tips.

6. Buy a Prepaid SIM Card for your Trip to Paris

Most of the hotels and hostels in Paris offer free Wi-Fi for their guests. You can also get a  prepaid SIM card  for your trip, which will allow you to communicate with other numbers in France and keep you connected to the internet all the time.  Here are the best prepaid SIM cards for France  (and how to get them). Bonus points if you can buy one online before starting your trip!

7. Aside from the Landmarks, Discover Life in Paris

When visiting some of the most famous landmarks in Paris , you’re likely to see more tourists than locals.

But there’s so much to a town or city like Paris than its landmarks and main streets. There are many hidden gems in Paris , and letting yourself get lost where locals live and hang is the surest way to feel like a local.

To get a little more of your first time visiting Paris, you must venture where the locals are. So choose one of the lesser-known districts of Paris , put away your map, and just wander.

There are several other ways to get a taste of daily life in Paris.

• Take public transport
• Go to local markets
• Have a stroll near a university
• Drop-in a supermarket
• Go where people work
• Take a walk in residential areas

For long stays, you can also book a furnished apartment in Paris instead of a hotel, like one of these apartments in Paris with Eiffel Tower view .

8. Discover Popular Food in Paris

We all like sushi and pizza, but hey, you are visiting Paris in France, the cradle of one of the best cuisines in the world!

Few countries in the world offer such a variety of dishes as France. From north to south, region after region, you’ll discover different specialties based on local, typical ingredients and products. The good news is that in the French capital you can savor the best of all the French regions .

Ask locals for their favorite restaurants , market stalls, and Paris food , and then be sure to check them out. Join a cooking course and learn how to prepare your favorite French dish. Enjoy French traditional food in any of the Parisian bistros . Stop for a coffee and some people-watching in a cute Parisian café. And be sure don’t miss Paris’ best cakes !

TIP: This Paris Gourmet Tour is an excellent introduction to local food in Paris .

9. Safety Paris Tips

Despite what you might have heard in the media, France is a safe and welcoming country, and we never felt unsafe in Paris. Still, by the main tourist attractions, watch out your belongings.

France is a safe and welcoming country. However, like everywhere in the world, in big cities and by the most sought-after attractions you might incur in petty crime and foul play.

In public transport, always keep your handbag or backpack in front of you to avoid possible pickpockets. Never keep your camera hanging around your neck or your wallet in your trousers back pocket. Instead, store them in your bag, possibly in a zipped pocket not within easy reach.

Be cautious when approached at train stations or by famous landmarks by people offering to help. While most of them will be genuinely generous, some might be trying to rob or scam you.

On long-distance trains, keep your bag always on the racks above your seat. Don’t trust the racks between the seats and the train doors (lessons learned here).

Don’t leave your belongings unattended in public spaces, and better keep your bag on your lap or between your feet. We recommend using an anti-theft travel bag or a theft-proof backpack for safe travel.

In addition to these Paris tips for first-timers, check out our dedicated post about safety in Paris .

10. Avoid the Tourist Traps When Visiting Paris

It is no secret that the most visited places are also potential tourist traps, and Paris makes no exception. Avoiding the tourist traps in Paris is often a matter of common sense. However, there are a few rules that are likely to keep you off the tourist traps.

– Avoid changing money in airports, at La Défense, and near touristy sites. Same for money withdrawal with a foreigner card

– Skip cafés and restaurants close to the main landmarks and all the places attracting hordes of visitors. Prices can be 2 or 3 times the price than in other neighborhoods of Paris.

– Beware of restaurants displaying photos of the dishes and menus in several languages. They are obviously for foreigners.

– Beware of additional charges in many cafés when sitting at a table. Most of the times, Parisian cafés have a price for having something standing at the counter or sitting at a table

– Don’t rely too much on websites like Tripadvisor, and learn how to read behind the lines. Search for advice and reviews from locals.

11. Take a Day Trip from Paris to Explore its Surroundings

With so many interesting sites around Paris, we won’t blame you if you want to block one day or two of your Paris Itinerary to get out of town and explore what the Parisian region has to offer.

From Château de Versailles to other fairy tale castles near Paris ; from Provins medieval town to picturesque towns like Giverny , there are great day trips from Paris  or fantastic weekend getaways by train or guided tour.

12. Just Say NO

The last of these tips about Paris for first-timers is to learn to say “NO.” It is ok to have a plan full of interesting things to see & do for your first trip to Paris, but should you rush through it just for the sake of moving on to the next thing on your list?

This is definitely one of the biggest travel regrets among international travelers. They come to Paris, they see many extraordinary things, but in the end, the general feeling is that if they had just chosen half the things, they would have discovered much more about the city, especially about local life.

So for your Paris first time, much better to allow yourself to go with the flow and see where it takes you. Most of our greatest travel memories have come from us saying “YES” to not doing what we’d planned.

So there you have it, the best Paris tips for visiting Paris for the first time, from where to go, what to do, and what to avoid. All these Paris travel tips will ensure a smooth first time in Paris.

Click here to read more Paris Tips

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About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorer with a preference for lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about me ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

The Best Travel Guide to Paris, France

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The 48 Best Things to Do in Paris

On any visit to the City of Lights, the question isn't what to do in Paris, but rather how to decide. With more than 100 museums, countless historic landmarks, and 20 arrondissements brimming with restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, it’s almost impossible to fit everything into your itinerary. Perhaps this is why the French capital is among the world’s most-visited cities. With the 2024 Summer Olympics pushing the city to clean and put on special exhibitions at many of its top monuments and sights, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Grand Palais, now is a perfect time to see the icons in a new light. Whether it’s your first time or fifth, we’ve got you covered with some of the best things to do in Paris, including new highlights and locally loved favorites that will make you feel like a true Parisian in the making. Pack your most comfortable shoes and brush up on your bonjour and merci . These are the best things to do in Paris on your next visit.

Read our complete Paris travel guide here .

Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Jardin du Luxembourg Arrow

Located in the heart of the Sixth Arrondissement, the famous Jardin du Luxembourg is an inviting green oasis for Parisians and visitors alike. Come for people watching, romantic strolls, picnics, or just to admire the mash-up of English, Italian, and French landscaping influences. If you're feeling athletic, join the early-morning joggers or stake out one of the tennis and pétanque courts.

La Galerie Dior Arrow

Spanning over 100,000 square feet, Dior’s flagship at 30 Avenue Montaigne is an extravagant celebration of the legendary fashion house’s past, present, and future. The storied address, where Christian Dior set up shop in 1946, underwent a massive revamp in 2022, ushering in a new, immersive way for design lovers to interact with the brand. Even if you’re not in the market for spendy saddle bags and floral-printed porcelain, you’ll still find plenty of value in visiting La Galerie Dior, a multi-level museum tucked within the maison’s labyrinth of buildings. The exhibit rooms are designed to encourage a natural flow throughout the space. So once you’re in, you won’t have to deal with any lines or bottleneck moments.

Grand Palais Arrow

As associated with years of Chanel runway shows being held in the nave of this stately Beaux-Arts space as it is with the art exhibitions it houses, the Grand Palais is an emblem of French grandeur and architectural process. The grand dame of buildings, originally built for the World’s Fair of 1900, has been closed for refurbishments since 2021 and will reopen partially for the 2024 Summer Olympics before its grand reopening later this year. The Grand Palais Ephémère, a 100,000-square-foot temporary space on the Champ de Mars, hosts the artistic, cultural, fashion, and art events that would typically be held in the Grand Palais. The Grand Palais will host the fencing and taekwondo competitions at the Paris Summer Olympics before officially reopening to the public in October 2024.

Bibliothèque Nationale de France - Richelieu Arrow

The historic home of France’s national library, this 18th-century heritage site in the heart of the Louvre-Opéra district dazzles architecture lovers with its grand reading rooms, mosaics, and 22 million documents. After more than a decade of restoration work, the library reopened to the public in 2022, allowing bibliophiles free access to its striking Salle Ovale (Oval Room), garden, terrace, Rose Bakery café, and bookshop. Upstairs, a museum houses the Baroque-era Mazarin Gallery. The Richelieu Library is a perfect stop for travelers with limited time and/or budget. There’s so much history in this Oval Room alone, which is free to enter, but you can also see a good portion of the site in less than an hour.

Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre Arrow

Sacré-Coeur is a Catholic basilica that sits on the highest hill in Paris, in the Montmartre neighborhood. Its height is topped only by the Eiffel Tower. The basilica's distinct white travertine façade gives the Romano-Byzantine structure a unique look among Parisian monuments. The church is open all day to anyone who wishes to visit, though big crowds mean you may have to wait to go inside.

Musée du Louvre Arrow

The Louvre hardly needs an introduction—it is still the most-visited museum in the world, welcoming 8.9 million visitors in 2023. The former royal palace is now the magnificent home of some of the world's most iconic artworks (ever heard of the Mona Lisa?). Don't freak out, but walking through the halls where Louis XIV once strolled (he lived here before moving to Versailles), surrounded by the most famous art on earth can be an overwhelming experience. What’s more, there are some 35,000 artworks and artifacts from prehistory to the 21st century housed within its walls. As a result, it could take a lifetime to see and experience it all so don’t try.

Palais Garnier Arrow

The pinnacle of Napoleon III architecture, the resplendent Le Palais Garnier opera house is opulent from every angle. The facade is covered with ornamentation and busts, as well as l'Harmonie and La Poésie, the two gilded copper statues flanking the entrance from on high. Inside, make sure to channel your best "Phantom of the Opera" moment on the iconic lobby's Grand Staircase, a triumph of decadent Parisian design. Admission costs about 14 euros, but it's well worth it—walking through these public spaces is like walking into the Paris of the past.

Centre Pompidou Arrow

When the Centre Pompidou, known by locals as  Beaubourg ,  opened in 1977, it was a radical (and controversial) design for a museum—all industrial pipes and open glass views of Paris. Forty-plus years later it's the undisputed grande dame of Paris's contemporary art world. Within the massive 100,000-piece collection that stretches back to 1905, you’ll find everything from Picassos to video installations. It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance for a specific time slot and note that if you’re in town on the first Sunday of the month, admission to the permanent collection and children’s gallery is free. 

Merci Arrow

Merci is an independent concept boutique, spread out over three loft-like floors in the Marais. The well-curated selection of clothes, accessories, home goods, and just about anything else you might want, draws savvy shoppers from around the globe. Keep an eye out for up-and-coming designers and labels especially in the central space that houses themed pop-ups, or go for Merci’s own affordable in-house brand. Either way, you'll be hard-pressed to walk out empty-handed.

Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris Arrow

Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris is housed in a private mansion that served as the legendary fashion designer’s headquarters from 1974 to 2002. The museum opened in 2017 alongside its Moroccan counterpart, Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, and hosts retrospectives and temporary exhibits. With a focus on Saint Laurent’s creative process rather than the brand’s history, the small museum is a treasure trove of iconic haute couture designs, as well as illustrations, photographs, sketches, and films. Spread out over 4,800 square feet, the museum was designed to recreate the intimate feel of the original couture house. Highlights include the reception rooms where the designer met with clients, as well as the studio, where all of the collections were designed.

Hôtel de la Marine Arrow

This recent addition to the capital’s cultural offering is unlike any other in the city, largely by dint of its heritage and size. Perched over the Place de la Concorde, the museum occupies the former royal Garde Meuble—the depository for the King’s furniture collections, crown jewels, tapestries, and decorative arts—and what later became the country’s naval headquarters for 200 years. Given that it only opened to the public in 2021, it remains moderately trafficked but the word is out. Open to the public for the first time in 250 years, its new incarnation as an immersive museum experience allows visitors to explore the 18th century apartments of the Garde-Meuble intendants, recreated and restored to their original layout and design, as well as the structure’s grand reception halls filled with period furnishings, paintings, and objets d’art. Key to the visit is the audio guide, which leans theatrical. You could speed through the audio guide in an hour, get a view of the Place de la Concorde from the covered balcony, and take in the jaw-dropping Cabinet des Glaces, a mirror-walled boudoir not unlike the hall of mirrors in Versailles, covered in paintings.

Le Bon Marché Arrow

Dating back to the 1850s, Le Bon Marché is the oldest department store in Paris, and certainly the most iconic. The elegant Left Bank institution is as celebrated for its airy layout as for its top selection of the world’s best designers. If it’s luxe, you can probably buy it here. Before your shopping spree is done, peek in at La Grande Épicerie, Le Bon Marché’s fine-foods emporium in an adjoining building.

Musée Picasso Paris Arrow

The Hôtel Salé alone is reason to visit, but of course the real draw is Picasso's oeuvre, more popular than ever following a much-hyped 2014 reopening. And since the museum is centrally located in the bustling Marais, it's easy to work the Musée Picasso into a day out shopping and dining. While there are other single-artist museums in Paris, the combination of Picasso's fame and the beauty of the setting make this one of the very best. Reserve tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf by DFS Arrow

Did Paris need another department store? Certainly not. But this one has a legacy that laid dormant for 16 years: The 19th century landmark reopened in 2021 after a $900 million restoration by LVMH, and swapped the utilitarian focus for one decidedly more upscale. Locals used to shop here for everything from light bulbs and garden supplies to dresses, but now it's a gallery of sorts for designer clothes, beauty brands, and a handful of food and Champagne concept spaces throughout the shop. It's also an Art Deco and Art Nouveau wonder, which is the primary reason to visit. Approximately 215,000 square feet are devoted to retail space in this complex, which includes the Cheval Blanc hotel, office space, and housing, making it the smallest of the city’s department stores (the others are Le Bon Marché, Printemps, and Galeries Lafayette). The spaces it does occupy covers the usual terrain: streetwear and luxury ready-to-wear which includes pieces exclusive to La Samaritaine, clean beauty and classic perfumers, handbags and fine jewelry, and several rooms used for rotating thematic installations.

Arc de Triomphe Arrow

The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. Climb the nearly 300 steps or take the elevator to the top for some of the best views of Paris, with clear vistas straight down the Champs-Élysées all the way to the Louvre. You'll need a ticket purchased online or at the entrance to go inside and up to the viewing platform, but anyone can come to admire the ornate façade for free.

Palais-Royal Arrow

The Palais-Royal complex is in some ways Paris in a nutshell: shops, cafés, art, history, architecture, bureaucracy, and spectacular gardens for people watching. And since it's all right across the street from the Louvre, you likely won't need to make a special trip. Don’t miss the Insta-famous Colonnes de Buren art installation in the inner courtyard.

Panthéon Arrow

There are a few major reasons to visit the Panthéon, starting with the gorgeous neoclassical architecture; designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot in 1757, it began as a replacement to the original Church of Sainte-Geneviève. People also come to visit the final resting places of some of France's most famous sons and daughters, from Victor Hugo to Marie Curie. And then there are those who come to marvel at Foucault's Pendulum, tracing the path of the Earth. The vibe in the crowd is a mix of awe, reverence, and curiosity. Timed tickets can be purchased online.

Musée Rodin Arrow

Auguste Rodin lived in the Hôtel Biron in the later stage of his life, where the gardens inspired some of his work. The former home opened as a museum to the public in 1919, almost 200 years after it was built for a wealthy financier. The high ceilings of the intimate rooms allow visitors to see Rodin's sculptures and drawings up close, while the large gardens showcase his most famous bronze sculptures, like "The Gates of Hell" and "The Thinker."

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Arrow

Historic department store Galeries Lafayette Haussmann isn’t just one of Paris's first “luxury bazaars” but also an emblem of Art Nouveau architecture. The French chain's flagship location in the 9th arrondissement features a striking domed roof with stained glass windows by master glassmaker Jacques Gruber. And with over 750,000 square feet of retail space, beautifully designed window displays, and special events, it's easily one of the best places to shop in Paris . You’ll find almost every major luxury brand under Galeries Lafayette Haussmann’s roof but the department store also makes a point of spotlighting emerging designers. Some labels, like Ester Manas (a sustainable and size-inclusive fashion brand) offer exclusive pieces you won’t find anywhere else. On the fourth floor, one of the broadest shoe selections in the world boasts over 200 brands ranging from Veja Shoemakers to Maison Margiela. Beyond the luxury goods, a highlight is the rooftop terrace, which offers a spectacular view of the city. 

Palais de Tokyo Arrow

The Palais de Tokyo is the largest center for contemporary art in Europe. Opened in 2002, its mission is to celebrate living artists across multiple disciplines. As part of the renovation of the building, the 1937 structure was stripped back to the original concrete, giving it a raw and unfinished feeling that is distinctly different from the typical white-room museum layout. Visitors should start their exploration in the subterranean levels, where art such as large-scale graffiti works are on display, and end with a drink or dinner either at Monsieur Bleu or Bambini, the more festive spot from the Paris Society Group.

Eiffel Tower Arrow

Gustave Eiffel's controversial wrought-iron lattice tower has been polarizing Parisians since it was built for the 1889 World's Fair, but today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most beloved and instantly recognizable landmarks in the city—and the world. The structure anchors one end of the expansive Champ de Mars and provides an orientation point for the city. Jules Verne, the second-floor restaurant, is a Michelin-starred (and pricey) institution, as is the tiny Champagne bar at the tippity-top.

Père Lachaise Cemetery Arrow

If visiting a cemetery sounds morbid and dreary, rest assured: It is, but in the best possible way. Death is an inescapable part of French life, and the layers on layers of Parisian history on display at Père Lachaise Cemetery are a fascinating peek into how the city has evolved over time. Visitors flock to the A-list graves here, with Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison among the most-visited. But one of the great delights is to walk away from the crowds and get lost wandering among the lesser-known, less-visited ones, which are all in various states of repair. Some have been completely worn down with obscurity over time; others appear to be washed and adorned with fresh flowers on a weekly basis. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might find some other noteworthy names buried here, from composer Frédéric Chopin to writer Marcel Proust and painter Eugène Delacroix.

Café de Flore Arrow

Stepping into Café de Flore is like stepping into a time capsule, into an era when the Left Bank was a bohemian enclave for the likes of Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway. The interior—red booths, mahogany, polished brass railings—has changed little since the Art Deco period, but anyone who is anyone knows that the best seats in the house are actually out on the sidewalk (and thankfully the famous terrasse is open at full capacity again), where the people watching can't be beat and the city's café iconic culture is at its finest. Although afternoons are best for perching on a table outside and enjoying the pulse of Boulevard Saint-Germain, there's also a vibrant after-dark scene. In other words, there's no wrong time to visit.

Musée Histoire de Paris Carnavalet (The Carnavalet-History of Paris Museum)

The oldest museum dedicated to the history of Paris itself originally opened in a historic mansion in the Marais in 1880, but a recent renovation completed in 2021 has thoroughly brought the space into the modern era. The layout of the building has been redesigned, highlighting the beauty of the mid-16th century mansions as much as helping you to discover the paleolithic origins of the city through the present with 3,800 works now on display. Additionally, the museum is even easier to navigate now for everyone, with a new approach to accessibility including elevators and ramps. Don’t miss the newly added restaurant on the gardens as well for a post-visit refreshment.

Philharmonie de Paris Arrow

The Philharmonie de Paris is a striking contemporary building, designed by Jean Nouvel (not without controversy) and opened in 2015. Located within the Cité de la Musique complex in the Parc de la Villette, in the underexplored 19th arrondissement, the building breaks with all the design conventions of traditional symphony halls, instead favoring pod-like boxes inside the theater, a stage in the round, and a complex, undulating metal façade.

Musée d'Orsay Arrow

A vast collection of Impressionist art is the focus at the Musée d’Orsay, the second-most-visited museum in Paris (after the Louvre, of course). At every turn, you'll be delighted to recognize yet another piece from pop culture or that art history class you took. There is no room not worth exploring here, so let yourself just wander among masterworks by names like Degas, Cézanne, Manet, Renoir, and Monet. Pre-booking online is recommended for priority access within 30 minutes of the reserved time.  

Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac Arrow

The Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac is perhaps best known for its unusual design by Jean Nouvel. The exterior of the building almost seems alive with plant walls and wild gardens, while the interiors are dark, winding, and dramatically lit. The modern structure stands in sharp contrast with the treasures housed inside: ancient art and artifacts and relics of bygone civilizations (with a specific focus on non-European cultures). Be sure to check out the museum's continuous calendar of special exhibitions, including shows centered around a specific culture.

Deyrolle Arrow

Deyrolle is a cabinet of curiosities. The Left Bank institution has specialized in taxidermy and entomology since 1831, but in 2008 a fire destroyed nearly 90 percent of the collection, creating the need for a radical restoration project. Today you can hardly tell that the shop is, in fact, a replica of its former 17th-century iteration, right down to the wood cabinetry, parquet floors, and painted walls.

Les Bouquinistes Arrow

Walking along the banks of the Seine is an activity as beloved and ancient as the city itself. Along both sides of the river, roughly from Île Saint Louis to the Louvre, are the city's Bouquinistes, independent sellers of used and antiquarian books, old maps, postcards, and all sorts of mementos. It's an activity that rewards patience—you just might find a vintage movie poster or first-edition book to bring home.

Jardin des Tuileries Arrow

This sprawling, spectacular park is the beating heart of Paris' public spaces. Standing proudly between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, and along much of the Seine's Right Bank in the 1st Arrondissement, Tuileries Garden ("Jardin des Tuileries") has a history as long and distinguished as it is impressive, from its inception as an aristocratic playground in the 16th century, to becoming a public space in the 17th century, to serving as the site of numerous French Revolution skirmishes in the 18th century. With more than 55 acres, the park offers plenty of room to stroll and lots of photo ops. Keep an eye out for Auguste Rodin's iconic "Le Baiser" ("The Kiss") on the West Terrace. If you have anywhere to go in this part of Paris, skip the taxi or the metro and walk there on foot through the Tuileries. You'll see something different every time.

Fondation Louis Vuitton Arrow

As one of few privately owned and funded art spaces in Paris (owned by LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault), the Fondation Louis Vuitton arrived with a bang when it opened to the public in 2014. Star Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry designed the building, which looks like a magical sailboat afloat on a man-made lake in the Bois de Boulogne. Thanks to the spectacular architecture and blockbuster exhibitions, the museum is bustling at all times, despite its location in the far reaches of the 16th Arrondissement.

Shakespeare and Company Arrow

Nestled on a prime slice of real estate across the Seine from Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Company is part indie bookshop, part piece of history. The roster of authors who have lingered among the shelves here reads like canon of 20th-century literature, including Ezra Pound, Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and contemporaries like Zadie Smith. Every inch of the space oozes history, from the leaning antique bookshelves to the resident cat to the well-worn piano, which is tucked away upstairs. The café is a great place for people watching—and maybe eavesdropping on a conversation or two while you sip on a café au lait. It still serves original proprietor George Whitman's famous lemon pie, as well.

Le Train Bleu Arrow

It's hard to believe one of Paris' most serene, picturesque and dignified restaurants is also located within one of its busiest train stations, but Le Train Bleu, an icon of Parisian dining, is a far cry from the Gare de Lyon's hustle and bustle. Every inch of this place drips with Parisian opulence in the best possible way. It won't be your cheapest meal in Paris, but it might be your most memorable—or at least your most photographed.

National Museum of Natural History Arrow

Part curio cabinet, part institution of higher learning—it's part of the Sorbonne—the National Museum of Natural History is filled with exhibitions that inspire awe in visitors of all ages. The museum consists of 14 locations across France, but the Grande Galerie d'Evolution on the Left Bank is the showstopper all its own, with interiors that pay homage to Art Nouveau Paris through elegant wrought iron railings and soaring glass windows. It's a stark contrast to the main gallery's menagerie of articulated skeletons, taxidermies, and lifelike replications. The main attraction—especially for kids—is the permanent display of life-size elephants and giraffes, but the temporary exhibitions are also good.

Coulée Verte René-Dumont Arrow

Originally known as the Promenade Plantée, the Coulée Verte René-Dumont is an elevated park built atop a revitalized railway structure. Opened in the late 1980s, the lush garden path stretches for three miles, with landscapes ranging from modern and manicured to wild and natural. This greenway, which for many will recall New York City's High Line, provides an unusual panoramic view over the 12th arrondissement—and since this crosses through less-touristy neighborhoods, you'll get a sense of the real quotidian Paris.

Marché des Enfants Rouges Arrow

The Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest food market in Paris (it first opened in 1615), and is now a buzzing Marais hub for food sellers of all types. Stroll through the dense maze of stalls selling everything from North African grains to Italian deli specialties. For those who want a break from the formality of the traditional French dining experience, this market offers a relaxed and (mostly outdoors) convivial atmosphere (and a great place to stock up on snacks for your hotel room or Airbnb).

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris Arrow

Albeit closed until late 2024 for its high-profile restoration following a fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral is the finest example of French Gothic architecture on earth. For 800 years its towers have dominated the Île de la Cité, an island in the heart of central Paris. Despite heavy crowds, you’ll feel awed in the soaring, cavernous nave, looking out through the famous stained glass. Even if you don’t have time to wait to go inside, stop by for a look at the iconic exteriors; the façade is especially beautiful in the evening, once it's all lit up. If you have the time (and energy), climb all those spiral steps to the top for gargoyle-framed panoramas of all Paris.

Institut du Monde Arabe Arrow

The Institut du Monde Arabe opened in 1987 but its iconic building, designed by Jean Nouvel, looks as fresh and contemporary as ever. The light dances in and around the building, thanks to the distinctive pattern of 240 mashrabiyas—half of which have photosensitive apertures that open up to 18 times a day. There are multiple dining options within the museum, from self-service to fine dining (both located on the ninth floor, with spectacular views out over the city). The museum sees a mix of visitors—those who are interested in the Arab world, obviously, from the merely curious to experts, and those who are visiting for the famous building design. The museum is so light-filled and airy that you rarely feel that the spaces are crowded, and the glimpses of the Seine and the Left Bank offer a beautiful counterpoint to the work within. Everyone should take the time to walk around the museum's exterior to fully appreciate the innovative and captivating façade.

Crazy Horse Paris Arrow

Classic cabaret meets avant-garde performance art at Crazy Horse, a contemporary burlesque show tucked inside a former wine cellar just steps away from the Champs-Elysées. Created in 1951 by artist Alain Bernardin, the tantalizing show has evolved throughout the decades, pulling inspiration from pop art, fashion, and current events. Celebrities including Dita von Teese, Pamela Anderson, K-Pop icon Lisa have graced its stage as guest stars, while fashion designer Christian Louboutin has directed a few of its meticulously crafted acts. Striking visual effects illuminate the dancers, making the show feel more artistic than salacious. And the intimate venue, dressed up with velvet carpet, plush couches, and cozy tables topped with bottles of Champagne, helps create a sophisticated atmosphere.

Le Bon Georges Arrow

A quintessential Parisian bistro, Le Bon Georges beckons diners with its chalkboard menus, extensive wine list, and unpretentious approach to classic French comfort food (read: steak frites). Despite opening In 2013, the restaurant has a lived-in, classic feel. This is the place to come for a long (and hearty) lunch starring seasonal ingredients from the top local producers, whether you nab a well-worn wooden table inside or a sidewalk spot under the blue awning for people-watching in the 9th arrondissement. Come for a leisurely lunch (even better if it’s a rainy day) so that you can savor the experience, from bread and butter to dessert. Tucked away and casual, it’s the perfect place to bring a friend for a tête-à-tête over wine, cheese, and charcuterie—or a more elaborate multi-course affair.

Au Lapin Agile Arrow

There are plenty of old things in Paris—some more original than others—but for over 160 years, Au Lapin Agile has managed to maintain its bohemian character. Nestled on a quiet street in Montmartre, this venue feels like a step back in time—and into a cabaret where the likes of Picasso and Modigliani used to haunt before they were, you know, Picasso and Modigliani. It's the perfect stop for an after-dinner drink with a side of entertainment.

Maison Victor Hugo

Since reopening in 2021 after a two-year renovation, Maison Victor Hugo has become a must-visit spot for fans of the 19th-century writer. You can discover the home he moved into the year following the publication of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” which is recreated to show the periods of his life pre-exile, in-exile at his home in Guernsey and post-exile along with special exhibitions of his works, including his drawings. A new feature of the renovation is the addition of a garden with a cafe at the exit of the tour.

La Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection

Launched in 2021, one of Paris’s newest spaces for contemporary art was commissioned by Francois Pinault to house part of his vast personal collection, amassed over 40 years. Designed by Tadao Ando, the revitalized commodities exchange building is located just blocks from the Louvre in the 1st Arrondissement. With 10,000 works from the Pinault Collection to be displayed across the 32,000 square feet space, you can expect to see works from the 1960s to the present with artists including Maurizio Cattelan, Urs Fischer, and Rudolf Stingel.

Fouquet's Arrow

Many come to Fouquet's to see and be seen, but the seasonal menu by three Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire makes it a worthy stop for more than just a cocktail. The atmosphere is chic and retro, without the pretentiousness you would expect from a celebrity-frequented haunt. It’s easy to spend a few hours soaking in the atmosphere of the warm and cozy dining room, which is usually filled with a mix of well-to-do Parisians, film industry veterans, and travelers with an appreciation of classic French gastronomy. Since opening in 1899, the classic brasserie has been a meeting place for those in the arts and culture industry, with past guests including Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf, Jackie Kennedy, and Liza Minnelli. It still hosts the gala dinner for the César Awards (the French equivalent of the Oscars) and has maintained a strong link to the film industry. The restaurant itself has been protected as a historical French monument since 1990 and the classic interiors—complete with warm mahogany wood paneling by Jean Royère—are beautifully preserved.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Arrow

Unlike most of the rest of the major parks in Paris, this is a natural space without any rigid formality. The 62-acre park, opened in 1867 as part of the Paris Universal Exposition, is built on a former quarry; there are rocky elevations to traipse up with amazing views of the city, including Sacre Couer in nearby Montmartre. And seeing as it's in the 19th arrondissement, you can expect an authentic Parisian experience, off the beaten tourist path—you'll likely need to take a quick metro or taxi ride to get there.

Galerie Vivienne Arrow

Galerie Vivienne is a covered shopping arcade, originally built in 1823 and designed by architect François-Jean Delannoy. It remains open to the public for shopping in a mix of high-end boutiques (Jean-Paul Gaultier opened his first flagship in the arcade in 1986, for example). The glass and steel roof lets in sunlight down to the mosaic floors, making this a uniquely beautiful way to shop and stroll on your way to the nearby Palais-Royal .

Musée de l'Orangerie Arrow

If you’ve strolled through the Tuileries gardens, you’ve seen L’Orangerie right on the edge, which is visible from the Place de la Concorde and set up in a former greenhouse. The more intimate scale belies the astonishing art housed within. Among the most well-known works are Monet’s "Nymphéas," the water lily paintings he donated to the state in 1918. Also on display: a strong selection of Post-Impressionist works, including Matisse, Modigliani, and Picasso.

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen Arrow

Flea market lore holds that Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is the largest antiques and second-hand marketplace in the world. Even if it weren't, the sheer surface area (seven hectares) and number of vendors (around 1,700) suggests it should have its own ZIP code. And it certainly helps explain the 5 million visitors who descend each year in search of rare treasures, everything from home goods to textiles—although bargains are harder and harder to come by.

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Tips For Doing Paris Like a Local: The Do’s And Don’ts Of Paris

Want to blend in like a local in Paris? Here are some must know tips for visiting Paris and navigating the city like a denizen.

The city is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. But it’s also a notoriously difficult place to not be scorned, if you violate one of the Paris’ unspoken rules or deep rooted traditions.

Paris has an idiosyncratic relationship with tourists, to say the least. It may be the worst city to be marked as a tourist.

Getting down with the Parisian locals is half the battle on a Parisian vacation. By far the best way is to travel with a local, a theory that I’ve been tested time and time again.

You can fall into Paris’ more relaxed lifestyle — local neighborhoods, local markets, local eateries — instead of just ticking off bucket list items.

You can also tour Paris without being dismissed and dissed. And it’s much easier to ferret out Paris’ secret hidden gems .

Not that I’d suggest not being yourself in Paris. But the best way to channel your inner Parisian cool is to compromise a bit.

Try to adapt to the city’s customs, without displaying any obvious disinterest or flagrant disregard for their rules.

Tips For Visiting Paris Like A Local

Here are ways to be an “invisible tourist” in Paris that I’ve learned from trial and error on many visits.

Follow these tips and you may can avoid faux pas and, perhaps, even be mistaken for a local.

1. Rules Of Chit Chat

✔ Do learn a little of the language. Never underestimate how far a few French words can go.

Download Duolingo and brush up on your French, at least the basics. When you arrive in Paris, try to speak French, until someone switches to English. It’s always appreciated, usually considered cute, and most importantly a sign of respect for the culture.

✔ Don’t insist on continuing to speak in French if it becomes apparent the person speaks English way better than you speak French.

✔ Don’t try to engage in small talk with the French. The French dislike mindless chit chat.

✔ Do exchange a light kiss on the cheek in social situations. One kiss on each cheek is plenty. Men should just shake hands.

✔ Do be pleasant. The Parisians are rather formal and exceedingly polite. In Paris, pleasantries such as “bonjour,” “merci,” or “au revoir” are mandatory. You should say these pleasantries anytime you walk in and out of a store, restaurant, or tourist attraction.

✔ Don’t shout. The French tend to mumble and dislike loud voices. Be discreet.

2. Rules For Eating

✔ Do respect sacred mealtime traditions. In Paris, meals are about sitting down and enjoying the ritual of eating, usually while having a lengthy conversation.

The verbs “déjeuner” (to lunch) and “dîner” (to dine) are fundamental parts of Parisian life. Take advantage of this pleasant but imposed time lapse.

✔ Don’t eat near popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame. These restaurants often serve overpriced and mediocre food.

✔ Don’t try to sit at any cafe, anywhere, with your laptop open. This is massively frowned upon, as tables are designated for people who are actually eating at their leisure. If you need to keep working, at least order something to ward off scary waiters with French eyebrows raised in disgust.

✔ Don’t check your cell phone constantly at a meal or even leave it on the table. It’s socially unacceptable in Paris and implies you don’t want to be there.

✔ Don’t expect speedy service at meal time. In France, leisure is a national pastime and part of their culture. Be prepared to wait between courses with as much nonchalance as you can muster. Taking your time is part of the French culture.

✔ Don’t ask for menu changes. In Paris, you can’t ask for “no onions” or to swap one ingredient for another. Parisians think a given dish is the perfect combination of ingredients.

✔ Don’t be rude to waiters. They expect to be treated with respect.

✔ Don’t wave wildly for a waiter’s attention. A slight raise of the hand is sufficient if you need your check.

✔ Don’t ask to take food or a “doggie bag” to go. This is not a custom in France. Don’t ask for coffee to go either, unless you’re at a Starbucks.

3. Rules For Dressing And Shopping

✔ Do shop like a Parisian. A few posh essentials from Merci, APC, and Le Bon Marché will create the perfect base. Then, fill in the gaps with the world’s greatest vintage shops in the Marais or South Pigalle neighborhoods.

✔ Do dress Parisian-chic. That will typically be a primarily black ensemble with a scarf and good shoes.

The color palette is neutral or monochromatic and accessories are simple. The key is to not look like you’re trying too hard. Appear effortless, not “too perfect.” I tend to wear black and call it a day.

✔ Do wear jeans. But don’t pair them with unattractive tennis shoes.

Pair jeans with heels. Or, wear some stylish ankle boots or ballet flats. Leave your baggy sweatshirts, sweatpants, fanny packs, and flip flops at home.

✔ Don’t wear shorts. They’re very uncommon in Paris and typically only make an appearance at the beach. Shorts will definitely mark you as a tourist.

✔ Don’t wear a beret in Paris. No local would ever do this. Berets are a total cliche. The offending head topper immediately identifies you as a foreigner, and most likely an American tourist.

✔ Don’t channel the TV show Emily in Paris . Kooky clothing combinations will be frowned upon and draw a raised eyebrow.

✔ Don’t knot your scarf wrong. Check out this video from Cosmpolitan France on how to knot your scarf corrrectly, so that it will fall artfully without being messy.

✔ Don’t get flustered if a stranger stares at you in the street, particularly woman to woman. The longer she stares you down the better, as this is almost definitely a sign that she’s into your look or covets your little black leather jacket. In Paris, fashion is serious and merits serious investigation.

✔ Do visit one of Paris’ cool concept stores — FrenchTrotters, Merci, or Assouline.

✔ Do visit the ultimate French pharmacy, CityPharma, in the Saint Germain neighborhood where Rue Bonaparte meets Rue du Four. There will be crowds all day long. But it’s worth the effort for the amazing selection of Avene, Klorane, La Roche-Posay at the best prices in Paris.

4. Rules About Where To Go Or Not To Go

✔ Do take a long walkabout, flaneur style. Life in Paris is lived on the streets and is a key reason why the French are slim.

Paris is an eminently walkable city and easy to navigate. It’s usually the least annoying way to get around. The best time to stroll is Sunday, when many attractions in Paris are closed.

✔ Do stroll through the Marais as you flaneur. It’s a magical quarter in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements perfect for strolling.

The Marais is full of aristocratic stone mansions and cobbles squares that can only be appreciated on foot. And there are some fantastic museums — the Carnavalet Museum, the Picasso Museum , the National Archives, the Musee Cognacq-Jay, etc.

✔ Don’t walk down the Champs Elysees. This street is only for non-Parisians and tourists, with cheesy souvenir shops and fast food eateries to boot.

✔ Don’t visit the Place due Tertre in Montmartre . This is one of the worst tourist traps in Paris .

You’ll just be harassed by wannabe french artists. No local would stroll through this part of Montmartre. Stick to the back streets instead.

✔ Don’t bother with Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa at the Louvre. It will inevitably be a disappointing experience.

The Mona Lisa is a tiny painting with a massive queue.

There are equally beautiful paintings in the same room and plenty of underrated masterpieces at the Louvre . In fact, Paris is chock full of other amazing art museums .

If you want to see art like a local, go to a temporary exhibition at the Grand Palais or the Louis Vuitton Foundation.

The cultured locals show up for these in droves. If you want to rub elbows with them, be sure to book a ticket weeks in advance.

Or, take in an intimate small secret museum like the Victor Hugo Museum , the Museum of the Romantic Life , or the Gustave Moreau Museum.

Don’t summit the Eiffel Tower. No Parisian would dream of climbing the Eiffel Tower. It’s surrounded with vendors harassing you to buy things. Instead, you can admire it from afar or from the Arc de Triomphe.

5. Best Non-Touristy Places To Eat And Drink

✔ Do indulge in Paris’ red hot cocktail o’clock culture. To get the best views and inventive cocktails, head to one of the beloved Le Perchoir bars — atop Gare de l’Est, on a rooftop in Menilmontant, and above the Marais’ BHV department store.

✔ Do indulge in Paris’ wine culture. For on trend wine bars, try Septim La Cave, Deviant, or Frenchie Bars a Vins.

✔ Don’t imbibe excessively. Paris seems to have wine running through its veins. But they drink in moderation. So drunken behavior will draw frowns.

✔ Don’t expect to leave satisfied from any of the above locations without forking over at least € 20. The democratization of food has yet to come. If you spent all your money on last night’s cocktails, a croque monsieur at the local cafe can do the trick.

✔ Don’t got to Cafe de Flores or Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain. They are very touristy, overpriced, and serve up mediocre food. There will be lines to get in and there won’t be locals in those lines.

✔ Do try these non-touristy brunch/lunch spots:

1. Season in the Marais for the perfect hybrid of a cafe-juice bar-coffee shop. Salads, organic juices, and stylistas abound.

2. Marche des Enfants Rouges, Paris’ oldest food market, is located in the Marais. This is the perfect spot to grab fresh produce. Brunch fans can head to L’Estaminet or La Petite Fabrique.

3. The Broken Arm, a cute coffee shop and concept store hiding in the Marias. You can get avocado toast, granola, salads, etc.

✔ Don’t miss these cute cafes and bars:

1. Le Jaja is a converted bordel on a trendy street in the 2nd arrondissement.

2. Pavillon Puebla is a summer hangout spot in the Buttes Chaumont park in the 19th adjacent to Montmartre.

3. Le Moulin de la Vierge is a picture perfect cafe in the picture perfect Place des Petits Pères.

4. The Salon de Thé is a colorful cafe in the Mosquee de Paris where you can have mint tea and delicious pastries.

✔ Do book in advance these non-touristy restaurants for dinner:

1. Au Passage is good for small plates of modern French food and a cheerfully crowded quintessentially Parisian atmosphere.

2. Chez Omar has the best couscous in town. Have a drink at one of the open air cafes on the North Marais’ trendy Rue de Bretagne before sitting down.

3. Clamato is perfect for when you’re craving perfectly cooked seafood by the geniuses behind the Michelin-starred Septime.

4. Aux Deux Amis is a vibrant converted dive bar where you’ll find organic wine, outstanding charcuterie, and small plates. Stand at the bar for drinks and nibbles for the real experience.

5. Chez Paul features traditional French food and is a hidden treasure near Bastille.

6. Pink Mamma is where you’ll find Italian-centric food in a beautiful plant-filled restaurant with a glass skylight.

7. L’Alivi is a romantic spot in the Marais where you get dine on Mediterranean food wrapped in stone walls and ambiance.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my tips for visiting Paris and blending in like a local. You may enjoy these other Paris travel guides and resources:

• 5 Day Itinerary for Paris
• 3 Day Itinerary for Paris
• 2 Day Itinerary for Paris
• Tips for Planning a Trip to Paris
• Tourist Traps To Avoid In Paris
• Secret Day Trips From Paris
• Best 30+ Museums in Paris
• Best Churches in Paris
• Best Things To Do in Paris in Winter
• Guide to the Opera District
• Guide to the Latin Quarter

If you’d like to act like a local in Paris, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

How to navigate your way around Paris

Mar 27, 2024 • 6 min read

Find your way around Paris with this guide to public transit, bike hire and taxis © Charday Penn / Getty Images

Alexis is one of the authors of our  latest Paris guidebook . Here she shares her tips on navigating Paris' public transport, taxis and more.

Paris is a gorgeous sprawl of beautiful monuments and interesting neighborhoods and, for many, walking is the way to go.

To cover the most ground, the convenient Paris metro blankets the city. Meanwhile, the comprehensive bus system allows you to sightsee while traveling , and cycling in the open air is as delightful as it looks. Here's what you need to know about Paris’ transport network, tickets and taxis.

The quickest way to get around is on the metro and RER

Paris’ train network consists of two separate but linked systems: the metro and the RER. The metro currently has 16 lines (numbered 1–14, plus two secondary lines, 3bis and 7bis). The network is currently being expanded to add another four lines as part of the Grand Paris Express project. The RER has five main lines, A to E. The systems are fully integrated and you can easily transfer from one train to another. RER express trains save time crossing the city and serve the suburbs.

Escalators and elevators ease long climbs within the stations, but are not available at every station. Service is very frequent, with wait times generally under five minutes. Some metro lines run above street level, offering scenic views. It's usually quicker to walk than to take the metro for only one or two stops.

For a better look at the city, hop on the bus

With no stairs, buses are widely accessible and are good for parents with prams/strollers and people with limited mobility. Bus lines complement the metro: for some journeys a bus is the more direct – and scenic – way to go. Stops show schedules, routes and often the wait time until the next bus.

A local’s tips for taking the metro, RER and bus

Use the RATP , IDF Mobilités and SNCF apps for journey planning, route maps and wait times for the next train or bus, or to charge up your travel passes. Also, metro and bus maps of various sizes and degrees of detail are available for free at metro ticket windows.

In metro stations and on board, keep an eye out for pickpockets – they’re top zones of action.

Sail in style on the Batobus

Combining scenery and convenience, the Batobus is a handy hop-on, hop-off service stopping at nine key destinations along the Seine. In warmer months the service runs regularly through the day and offers a chance for a river cruise at a fraction of the price of a tour boat.

Cycle the streets with Vélib’ bike-share

The Vélib’ bike-share scheme has over 20,000 bikes, both classic (green) and electric (blue) at 1400 stations citywide. Buy a subscription online using your RATP Navigo transit pass or credit card, or at docking stations (it only accepts European-compatible chip-and-pin credit cards). There are single-trip, day and multiday pass options. App-based electric trottinettes (scooters), wildly popular with tourists, were discontinued in September 2023 by popular vote.

Consider getting a Navigo transport pass

The cheapest and easiest way to use public transport in Paris is via the Navigo Easy card. Sold for €2 at all metro and RER ticket windows as well as RATP-affiliated outlets (eg tobacconists and markets), this credit-card-sized farecard is used for all your ticketing needs. You can also charge one up virtually on the RATP app for free.

Navigo, like London’s Oyster card or Hong Kong’s Octopus card, is a system that provides a full range of fare options. You load the card with value which is then deducted for each ride. To save money, buy carnets, which are credits for 10 rides sold at a discount (this is the cheapest way to ride the metro and buses). You can also buy various passes that are good for unlimited rides across a range of fare zones and durations (such as Mobilis, with one day of unlimited travel). However, one disadvantage of passes is that they are tied to the calendar eg a one-day pass starts at 12:01am, a seven-day pass always begins on Monday, and a monthly pass always begins on the first day of the month.

Paris transportation FAQ and things to consider

Is parking widely available in paris .

Parking in Paris is costly and difficult. If you’re renting a car to take to the countryside, don’t pick it up until you are leaving town. And if you’re driving your own car, know that to enter the city within the Boulevard Périphérique (ring road) between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, a Crit'Air Vignette (compulsory anti-pollution sticker) is needed for all cars, motorcycles and trucks registered after 1997, including foreign-registered vehicles. Older vehicles are banned during these hours. The sticker is not necessary for the ring road itself.

Can I use taxis and ride-share apps?

Find taxis at official stands or via private companies and apps. There are queues of available cabs at major train stations. Paris taxis are expensive but can be a blessing if you have a lot of luggage and can't face the metro steps. Ride-share apps like Uber are active.

What’s the best way to get into the city from the airport?

Trains are the best ways to get to and from Paris' airports. The RER B line from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) crosses under the middle of Paris, with stops that include Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, St-Michel–Notre Dame and Luxembourg. Some trains run express through the suburbs, saving about 10 minutes. An even faster express route is slated for 2027. From Orly Airport, you can connect to the RER B. Beginning in mid-2024, the airport will also be served by Line 14 of the metro. Aéroport de Beauvais, used by some budget airlines, is a long and slow 75km (47 miles) by bus from Paris.

Taxis and ride shares are also convenient, but can get mired in traffic and become costly.

Paris is working to make its transportation more accessible

Paris is an ancient city and therefore not particularly well equipped for visiteurs handicapés (disabled visitors): kerb ramps are few and older public facilities and the metro are mostly inaccessible for those in a wheelchair (fauteuil roulant) . Efforts are being made to improve things, however, especially ahead of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games .

Paris’ airports are fully in line with international standards for accessibility. Note however that transport to and from the airports may be an issue as many metro stations in the city are not fully accessible – the RATP makes info available through its app and website. Paris buses, however, are all accessible, with low floors and wide doors.

The SNCF has made many of its train carriages more accessible to people with disabilities, including the RER trains. For information and advice on planning your journey from station to station, contact the service Accès Plus .

Taxis G7 has hundreds of low-base cars and over 100 cars equipped with ramps, and drivers trained in helping passengers with disabilities. Guide dogs are accepted in its entire fleet.

An excellent first stop is the Paris Tourist Office 's website for a wealth of useful information organized by theme as well as practical information such as where to rent medical equipment or locate automatic public toilets. You can download the up-to-date Accessible Paris guide , which is also available in hard copy from tourist information centers in the city.

This article was first published May 13, 2021 and updated Mar 27, 2024.

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How to Experience the Best of Paris Like a Local!

Last Updated on 2nd July 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my  privacy policy  and  disclosure  for more information.

Thanks to its wide open boulevards, cafes spilling out onto the streets, and of course, the Eiffel Tower, Paris is known around the world for its many clichés. And while you’ll likely want to see the tourist attractions (who doesn’t?) , there’s a second, less spoken of, and locally based side of the city to uncover, if only you let the French Capital reveal itself to you. Here’s your complete guide on how to experience the best of Paris like a local !

Walk, walk, and walk some more!

Get a little lost…, experience an offbeat side of the city, try and speak french as much as possible (and always say ‘bonjour’ when walking into a store), ditch the main chains (as much as possible), enjoy picnics in the city’s green spaces, skip the seine and spend your evening along canal saint martin, buy your baguette directly from the boulangerie, take the time to enjoy your coffee, learn how to converse like a local, enjoyed reading how to experience paris like a local pin it now, read it again later:.

Paris is a city that’s best explored on foot, and this does not become more apparent than when strolling around the city. As such, be sure to leave your stiletto heels at home and instead opt for something more comfortable to wear.

Whether it be a romantic meander down the Seine with a partner in tow, or a brisk trot to the stores to stock up on supplies (read: wine and cheese!) , allocate time within your days in Paris to getting to know the city on your own two feet. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our favourite Paris self-guided walking tours.

While you’re partaking in all of these walks around the city that you’ve made time in your Paris itinerary for, be sure to ‘get a little lost’. Turn down that little cobbled lane and take a peek around that corner.

After all, when it comes to the City of Light, you can never be quite sure what you’ll stumble upon next! An abandoned church? A village frozen in time? Take the time to lose yourself and you just might surprise yourself…

After you’ve seen the Sacre Coeur, where do you go? Post Eiffel Tower visit, what’s next? Well, there’s a secret and less touristic side of the city that’s much more accessible than you might think.

Think hidden villages within the folds of Paris, and leafy vineyards in the very heart of where you least expect. Parisians don’t spend every day sat in front of the Eiffel Tower, so if you truly want to experience Paris like a local, get a little lost in the city.

Top tip: Want to see a quirky side and truly experience Paris like a local? Here’s my guide to the best of non-touristic things to do in Paris.  

Within this guide, you’ll find over 60 truly unusual activities and destinations, all tried and tested by yours truly! Personal favourites include seeing Paris’ abandoned railway and sunbathing along the Seine (yes, for real!)

Parisians, and the French in general, regard it as rude should you walk into a store and not say ‘Bonjour’ (hello) upon entering. So next time you head into the shops, instead of immediately saying something in English, make an effort to truly engage in the local language. And, don’t worry- everyone makes mistakes!

People will always be happy to correct you and will be more than happy that you’ve taken the time to make the effort. Need some friendly pointers? Here’s a guide to easy and useful French phrases .

And if you’re worried that you don’t know any French at all, then it’s likely that you already know a little vocabulary without even realising it. After all, here’s a list of French words we use in English all the time!

French produce is best consumed when it’s fresh and as few a steps as possible have been taken for it to reach from field to plate. As such, consider paying a trip to weekly food stall markets which are held in each arrondissement, or visiting speciality stores.

When it comes to purchasing fashion items, head to Le Marais where you’ll find a huge array of independent boutiques. Elsewhere in the city, no visit to Paris like a local would be complete without a venture into a flea market or two.

Curious to know more? Here’s what it’s like to go vintage shopping in l’Objet Qui Parle (the talking object) in Montmartre.

Rather than heading out to a new bistro each night of your stay, gather up some friends, plenty of French food, and head to one of Paris’ many parks. And while Paris is often accused of lacking in green spaces in comparison with other European capitals, there are still several great spots to choose from.

Some personal favourites include Parc des Buttes Chaumont (home to follies, waterfalls, and even a secret grotto) and Square Rene Viviani (a park which is near to Shakespeare and Co and is alleged to be home to the oldest tree in Paris) .

If parks don’t really interest you, then skip the River Seine and instead head to where all the locals hang out: Canal Saint Martin. Fans of French cinema may well already recognise this area of Paris thanks to the 10th arrondissement being used as a backdrop for Classics such as Amelie and Hotel du Nord. Elsewhere in this lively district, cafes are open into the early hours while street art is abundant.

Forget supermarket bought baguettes . They’re often dry and unexciting. Instead, head to the closest boulangerie from your accommodation and try ordering like a local, As in, place your order in French! While at the boulangerie, I highly recommend picking up a freshly baked pastry or two (or even some macarons!)

Top tip for visiting Paris like a local: visit the bakery earlier in the day and you may well find that your goodies are still warm from emerging freshly from the oven! Fore more bread ideas, check out our guide to the best boulangeries in Paris.

The art of enjoying your coffee in Paris has become something of a French institution. And not one to be taken lightly, either. Head to any bar, bistro, or coffee shop, and you can expect to find espressos served straight up, left, right, and centre.

Parisians aren’t afraid to head to a cafe alone. Book in one hand, curiosity in the other, taking the time to enjoy their shot of caffeine. So take the time to see Paris like a local, order your espresso (with a glass of water on the side), and, who knows? You may just fall in love with the city that little bit more.

Top tip for experiencing Paris like a local: A complete coffee guide to the art of ordering in a Parisian cafe.

When greeting people in French culture, it’s typical to do the bise . This means air kissing the side of a person’s cheek. Hugging is not really the cultural thing to do and is often seen as much more intimate than the side cheek kiss!

The French like a bit of small talk but Parisians in general are not as into chitchat as they’re often in a rush to get somewhere (much like in many other major capital cities such as London or New York).

When talking, be mindful to have an ‘indoor voice’. As a foreigner, I find that I have the tendency to talk pretty animatedly when I’m interested in something. This immediately makes me stand out as the French tend to be much more soft spoken.

Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond. When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading, playing video games, and going on long hikes with her husband.

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A local’s guide to Paris

• By Jennifer Padjemi
• Photos by Cyril Marcilhacy

Paris is often seen from the outside as a place of love and light — a magical city bathed in romance. This can be true, but Paris is mostly a place of imperfection, a mixture of beauty and chaos. And this is why it’s probably the most charming city in the world.

Far away from the Eiffel Tower, life vibrates from little cafes and restaurants (from fancy to quirky), public art and wide diversity found in few European cities. Show us you love our city as much as we do, and you may even walk away thinking Parisians are actually nice.

Meet Jennifer Padjemi

Jennifer has lived in the Paris region for most of her life. She spent time in Madrid and Birmingham, England, while studying, but she has always come back to the city where she feels truly at home.

Want to get in touch?

Explore more of Paris

• 011-33-1-42-40-44-52
• 011-33-1-46-36-13-82
• 011-33-1-46-27-38-03
• 011-33-1-53-09-99-84
• 011-42-59-69-31
• 011-73-75-16-26
• 011-43-38-77-02
• 011-33-1-42-33-07-71
• Our transportation system is smelly, and some lines are always crowded — from opening to closing. Avoid Line 13 as much as possible.
• If you’ve found an espresso that costs more than 2.50 euros, you’ve paid too much and are probably in a touristy or hipster spot. Real Parisian coffee should be cheap.
• Try to say a few words in French, even just “Bonjour” or “Merci.” A little effort can go a long way.
• 011-33-1-81-97-35-88
• 011-07-77-07-18-48
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Experience the best of Paris with Withlocals

Whether you're a foodie, history lover, urban explorer or a traveling family. Enjoy Paris to the max with the best things to do in Paris with a local expert. The best thing? It's private & personalized - just for you!

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Top 10 things to do in Paris

Make your stay in Paris complete with these things to do

1 The 10 Tastings of Paris

2 A Magical Evening in Paris: City Tour

3 Highlights & Hidden Gems of Paris

4 Withlocals Your Way! - Paris City Tour

5 Highlights & Hidden Gems of Montmartre

6 Highlights & Hidden Gems of Ile de Cité & the Left Bank

7 The 10 Tastings of Paris: Montmartre

8 Explore the Louvre with a Local Guide

9 Full Coverage Paris City Tour

10 Discover Paris in a vintage 2CV!

Travelers love our locals.

What other guests say about our tours and locals

Walking tour of Paris

"Welly was extremely knowledgeable about Paris history, buildings, monuments, and anything else you’d ever want to know about the city. It ended up being just the two of us on the tour, so he showed me a huge range of neighborhoods and sights in just a few hours. Welly is very personable, so it felt more like hanging out with a local friend vs being on a scripted, formal tour. I highly recommend Welly and any of his tours!"

Great Tour!

"We took this tour with Welly. He did an excellent job in showing us around, as this is our first time to Paris. He gave us a comprehensive overview of the city and we got to see firsthand why Paris is one of the most traveled cities in the world. Great tour with a great guide!"

Wonderful start to our Paris vacation!

"Our tasting tour with Alpha was fantastic! Highly recommend! Alpha introduced us to foods and markets we would never have discovered on our own. She was friendly and fun to talk with and learn more about Paris and Parisiennes. We scheduled our tour for mid-day as we had just arrived in Paris after an overnight flight. The tour was the perfect way for us to get acclimated to the time change. "

Wonderful tour of the Louvre

"We had such a wonderful tour of the Louvre with Bibiana. She was so lovely and kind with our children and kept everyone engaged with a perfectly planned tour. We never would have survived the Louvre without her, and we certainly wouldn’t have learned so much about the museum, sculptures and paintings she showed us. She is so knowledgeable and passionate about art, she was really the perfect guide. "

Wealth of knowledge!

"Julian was an amazing guide! Everything we wanted and more. His explanation of what we were seeing was an education coming to life as he combined it with interesting stories of the timeframe. In addition to his knowledge and capacity to vividly explain the artwork, Julian is a very kind and helpful person. We were there during the crazy timeframe of the Olympic Games and it was extremely difficult to visit the Louvre with the strict security so we ran late jumping through the various security measures and Julian patiently waited for us without complaining or shortening our tour. He is worth every penny this tour cost and a huge tip in addition! If we return to Paris, we will visit other museums with Julian."

Gelsomina is Great!

"I wanted a guide to show me around so I would be prepared when my family arrived a few days later. Gelsomina designed the perfect itinerary for me to get to know Paris. She is extremely knowledgeable and kind! I would highly recommend her as a guide. "

Explore the Louvre with a Local Guide

"Anna at the Louvre was exceptional, providing detailed and engaging explanations of the museum's masterpieces. Her ability to capture the interest of both adults and children alike made the experience truly memorable. She tailored the tour to accommodate the kids, making art history fun and accessible. Overall, her passion and knowledge greatly enhanced our visit."

Wonderful day spent

"Izabele was fabulous. We highly recommend us. She was very flexible in our schedule and she customized our tour even on the day of. She helped us get to our Olympic game venue via the trains. Highly recommend her tours. "

Wonderful Paris Experience with Iza!!

"Thank you Iza for the beautiful tour! Iza gave us a tour showing us palaces, hidden local cafes, restaurants, and bakeries. Iza has deep knowledge of history to blend while walking the city. Iza is flexible, friendly, and willing to meet the needs of your group. Thank you so much Iza! We hope to be back to see you soon!!"

Paris's Hidden Gems revealled

"Our tour with Ali was amazing. His knowledge of Paris was great for our first trip to Paris. Not only did he show us the major tourist attraction but also some hidden gems which most tourist tours and books don't highlight. Thanks Ali for sharing your time and knoweldge with us."

Explore Paris with our incredible locals

Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Paris with locals

Things to do in Paris

Our locals will give you the best experiences that Paris has to offer

The 10 Tastings of Paris

A magical evening in paris: city tour, highlights & hidden gems of paris, withlocals your way - paris city tour, highlights & hidden gems of montmartre, highlights & hidden gems of ile de cité & the left bank, the 10 tastings of paris: montmartre, find experiences by category.

Discover experiences based on your interest

• City highlights tours 21
• Art & Culture tours 13
• Off the beaten track tours 7
• Food tours 6
• Day trips 3
• Photo tours 3
• Wine & Beer tours 3
• Shopping tours 2
• Food & Drink tastings 2
• Night tours 1
• Cooking classes 1
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Enjoy the Best of the Paris Like a Local

Our top picks for things to do in paris.

Get ready to dive headfirst into the real Paris – the one known only to the locals. We're talking about hidden gems, charming corners, and the best croissants you'll ever taste. From sipping café au lait at sidewalk bistros to wandering through quirky neighborhoods that scream Parisian charm, let's skip the touristy stuff and dive straight into the authentic Parisian experience.

Enjoy a French homemade meal

Ready for a truly local taste of the Parisian cuisine? A homemade meal is the best choice out there! Your host will help you try out the most amazing French dishes according to your own taste buds! Whether you love a cozy dinner or a fancy gastronomical experience, one of our local host can make it happen for you!

Try out a delicious croissant for breakfast, some Mousse au chocolat or a the famous “foie gras”! Besides the yummy food, you’ll get to enjoy the company of your friendly host and some great conversations about the Parisian lifestyle and awesome things to do in Paris.

Go to the hip Marais district with a local

You need to add at least one cool district in your things to do in Paris list! Le Marais is our favorite pick and we assure you it will also be yours! Your host will help you discover why this area is so known for being the heart of contemporary art, history and hip new brands! They’ll make sure you learn more about how locals enjoy their time here and how you can also join them!

Right after the revolution, the area was abandoned by the rich residents and became the best spot for artists, bohemian souls and all types of free spirited individuals. That’s why even now the district has such a unique vibe. Learn more about if from you private guide and have lots of fun there!

Discover the art of Parisian shopping

Paris is one of the best places to go shopping in the world! You can find anything from luxury brands, designers concept stores, vintage boutiques and markets! But how will you be able to choose from all these options? WIth the help of your local host of course! They’ll show you the best spots where you can shop away, all depending on your own personal preferences.

Having a private shopping experience means that your local guide will help you find exactly what you’re looking for and give you tons of insights on the Parisian street style! Chat along with them about what are the current trends and what are the cool things to do in Paris in the eyes of a local!

Experience the Montmartre district like a local

When going to this amazing city, Montmartre will surely be on your list of things to do in Paris. No one wants to miss the stunning views from the Sacre-Coeur. The best way to discover all the hidden parts of the district, besides the main views, is to have a private local guide with you. They’ll make sure to tell you stories about this beautiful area and why it got so famous.

Take a photo at the Love Wall and find out unique historical facts about the local artists, which you’ll see there. There are also lots of cafes and restaurants there, so you can also have a stop on your way to grab a bite of some delicious French dishes. Your host can advise you on which are the best places to do that. Let them make this visit truly worthwhile!

Visit the beautiful Notre Dame

It comes as no surprise that despite the recent devastation that struck Notre Dame and the French people, the iconic cathedral is still standing. Notre Dame has always been symbolic of France, and its refusal to surrender to the fire only emphasizes that famous French resilience.

Sadness was felt worldwide but no more so than by the Parisian locals. Join a local host on a tour of Notre Dame. They can give you historical insights about the cathedral, explain how it became the inspiration for the popular “Hunchback of Notre Dame” story, and share with you the inspirational manner in which the people of France are rebuilding following this tragedy.

Check out the lively Latin Quarter

So what’s the next cool thing to do in Paris? Visiting the Latin Quarter for sure! It’s the perfect place to see if you’re looking for a mix of cultures and generations. Your private guide will be able to tell you lots about this lively area of Paris.

The Latin Quarter can easily be added as a great area to visit on your tour. It’s easily reachable from the Cathedral, and your host will know all the best spots you can see there. The area is known for its lively vibe, cafes and bistros. Enjoy your time there while listening to some fun local gossips about the city!

Take a look at the Museums

Ok, so there is no way you’re gonna miss the museums in Paris! The city has such a rich cultural scene that you’ll be amazed by it! Your local host can tell you are the museums you shouldn’t miss and tell you about some unknown local art galleries, that most tourist never get to.

You can start your visit with the three most famous ones of course, like: Musee d'Orsay, Musee du Louvre, Musee de l'Orangerie and Musee Rodin. They hold many incredible works of art and lots of history! Ask your local private guide to give you a few insights on them and start your art tour!

Taste the best French champagnes

There is no better wine in the world than the French wine. But champagne? That’s even better! Having a taste of it is one of the most exciting things to do in Paris! Enjoy a Champagne and Sparkling Wine Tasting Soiree that you’ll remember forever. You’ll be able to taste incredible drinks, hand picked by your host and have great conversations about the drinking tradition in Paris!

You’ll learn more about the terminologies and the history of champagne and wine making. The lecture will give you a complete view over the French Champagne industry. Your host will also prepare some small cheese snacks so you can have the perfect pairing with your drinks!

Visit the famous landmarks - Eiffel Tower and more

There are so many incredible landmarks in Paris and visiting them with you local host is one of the best things to do in Paris. Want to see the Eiffel Tower, but also discover the hidden gems next to it? Your private guide will make sure to give you the best experience you can imagine, while telling you lots about each place you’ll get to see on your tour.

They’ll bring you to the famous landmarks, but also show you all the unknown streets, local shops and cafes next to them! You’ll have the chance to learn more about the local lifestyle, the Parisians favorite spots for hanging out and having fun in the city.

Enjoy the incredible gardens - Luxembourg, Palais-Royal, Versailles, La Promenade Plantée

The city is full of beautiful green spaces and gardens, so spending a day in beautiful parks with a bottle of wine and some good cheese is one of the most relaxing things to do in Paris. Your local host will bring you to the most beautiful gardens, which locals adore!

You can spend your afternoon seeing some of the most beautiful and calming spots in the city. You can enjoy a picnic, have a fun chat and watch how the chic Paris residents like spending their time outdoors! You can get into the local vibe and feel like a Parisian yourself!

Unique things to do in Paris

Travel like a true local! From skipping the line at the Louvre to munching baguettes on the banks of the Seine, your local host will show you the best things to do in Paris on a private tour. Bonjour! With so many amazing activities in Paris, you’ll be wondering where to start on your bucket list. Romantics at heart will love seeing the Eifel Tower at night, exploring museums and discovering the hidden gems in the art galleries. You may even like to arrange a private proposal tour for the love of your life! Foodies will be just as blown away by Paris! You’ll be heading for the best breads, try the escargot, feast on Rillette and round the day off with a street stall crepe. Your local host will know just where to go and what to do to tick off all your top things to see in Paris! Simply let them know what your interests are, and they will personalize your activities! Exploring Paris with a true local who knows how to find the hidden gems in the city is the best way to get to know Paris from a local perspective. Whether you pop the question, take a day trip to Loire Valley, stick to the postcard tourist attractions or eat your way to the heart of Paris, your local host will be by your side to make sure you find all the best things to see and do in Paris! If you’re thinking about what to do in Paris, a Withlocals 100% private tour that is fully customizable is the perfect way to personalize the things you would most like to see in Paris. With your friendly local host, you’ll be able to pick and choose your top activities and will only see the best. Just let them know what your personal preferences are, and they will arrange it all locally for you!

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The alternative guide to Paris: How to enjoy the city like a local

Paris is one of those cities that never ceases to amaze. It doesn’t matter if you’ve spent 24 hours or 10 years there, there’s always something new to see, try and learn.

This is when the French capital comes into its own: when you swerve the tourist traps and explore like a local, opting for the lesser-known side of the city and seeking out novel experiences. Even though you’ll find that Parisians have no problem queueing for hours for a good brunch or an exceptional exhibition, you’d be hard-pressed to find them trying to steal a glimpse at the Mona Lisa or waiting to drink a hot chocolate at Angelina.

Whether you’re a Francophile who thinks they’ve seen everything Paris has to offer or a first-timer who wants to avoid queues so they can experience the city like a local, here are some options to explore the French capital in a different way, far from the madding crowd.

Read more on Paris travel :

• How to do the French capital like Emily in Paris
• The family travel guide to Paris
• Best hotels in Paris

Swap Notre-Dame for Église de Saint-Eustache

Even if you wanted to spend hours in a queue to visit Notre-Dame, the famous church doesn’t reopen until April 2024 due to renovations. But Paris is full of gorgeous – and queueless – Gothic buildings to explore. One of the most beautiful is the Église de Saint-Eustache , located in the heart of the city – the historic neighbourhood of the Halles. This is a working church serving the community, which means that some hours of the day will be dedicated to mass, events and their renowned music festivals, so it’s worth checking their website before visiting. The structure of this church dates back to 1213 and is very similar to the more famous Notre-Dame, with the biggest difference being that its doors are always open (and there are rarely tourists inside).

Swap the Sacré Cœur Basilica for Saint-Sulpice

Located almost on the opposite side of Paris, the Paroisse Saint-Sulpice is a rewarding alternative to the busy Sacré Cœur Basilica. Located in the elegant neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, minutes from the Luxembourg Gardens, the church is a beautiful blend of Gothic architecture and classical Corinthian ornaments due to its reconstruction in 1645. You can visit the church and the crypt – tours in English are organised on the first and third Sunday of the month – admire the frescos by Eugene Delacroix or soak up the beauty of the building while sipping an espresso at the Café de la Mairie, just opposite the square Saint-Sulpice.

Swap Montmartre for Place de la Contrescarpe

Montmartre, with its artists and cafés, is one of the most magical places in Paris. But wouldn’t it be even better if you could enjoy the same atmosphere, the same cafés and even the same artists without the crowds? Tucked away in the 5th arrondissement, between the Pantheon and the Grand Mosque of Paris, Place de la Contrescarpe offers you everything Montmartre does, minus the crowds. Of course, this neighbourhood is buzzing with bars, cafés and restaurants so it’s still busy, but the ratio of tourists to locals is a lot more balanced, and the atmosphere is unmatched.

Swap the Louvre for small museums

The Louvre is a one-of-a-kind museum that needs to be visited at least once, but if you are only in Paris for a weekend you might not want to spend a whole day in the queue to see the Mona Lisa. There are plenty of exquisite museums in Paris that are well worth a few hours of your time but don’t attract quite as many tourists. If you love Monet, you can’t miss the Musée Marmottan Monet and the Musée de L’Orangerie , while the Musée Gustave Moreau gives a fabulous glimpse into a lesser-known artist’s life and work. For the literature enthusiasts, the Maison de Balzac and Maison de Victor Hugo are a must-see. But there are also the Musée Jacquemart-André , the museum-atelier Zadkine and plenty of other small museums that deserve to be explored.

Swap Café de Flore for Café d’Auteur

The Café de Flore is undoubtedly a Parisian institution, but the experience itself is far from enjoyable. Not only is the queue hours long, but the drinks are overpriced and mediocre at best. The 6th arrondissement where Café de Flore is located is full of both traditional and modern cafés where you can enjoy a much better cup of coffee. If we’re sticking to tradition, Café d’Auteur is the place to go for good coffee, roasted in-house, while those looking for a more modern café concept should try Bonjour Jacob and Ten Belles .

Swap Père Lachaise for the Montparnasse Cemetery

The Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris is the most visited necropolis in the world, so it’s easy to imagine how busy it can get, especially around the most famous graves such as Jim Morrison’s, Marcel Proust’s and Oscar Wilde’s. If you’re not looking to pay homage to a specific figure but are interested in visiting a site with similar architecture, look no further than the Montparnasse cemetery in the 14th arrondissement. In Montparnasse, you’ll find the burial places of some French icons like Serge Gainsbourg, Simone Veil, Simone De Beauvoir and Charles Baudelaire.

Swap the Centre Pompidou for Perrotin art gallery

Paris is a fantastic city for modern and contemporary art lovers. The Centre Pompidou might be the most famous museum for taking in modern works, but there are plenty of other options too, from the Palais de Tokyo and the Museum of Modern Art to the Fondation Luis Vuitton and the Fondation Cartier . These museums are all wonderful, but locals’ favourite places to get a contemporary art fix are the hundreds of galleries located all over the city. The famous Galerie Perrotin, for example, is located in an 18th-century hôtel particulier in the Marais and offers free guided tours , while, on the left bank, the Galerie Vallois is an institution.

Travel essentials

Getting there, travelling flight-free.

Eurostar travels daily from London’s St Pancras station, getting to Paris Gare du Nord in 2h37m.

Travelling by air

Multiple airlines fly from the UK to Paris. From London, British Airways, Air France, easyJet and Vueling have daily flights to Paris. From Manchester and Edinburgh, Ryanair, easyJet and Air France operate direct flights. EasyJet also operates direct flights from Bristol, while from Birmingham you can fly on both Vueling and Air France.

Staying there

​​Hotel Le Grand Mazarin just opened its doors in the heart of the Marais. This five-star hotel boasts 61 rooms and suites, a bar, a winter garden, a cabaret, an indoor swimming pool and a restaurant, Boubalé, led by Michelin-starred Israeli chef Assaf Granit.

Hotel Academie des Arts is a 20-room boutique hotel close to Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Luxembourg Gardens. The hotel has a workshop space for artists to draw and paint and a bohemian café that embodies the creative spirit of its neighbourhood.

Read more of our best Paris hotel reviews

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"There's nowhere quite like Paris and it's amazing to watch our guests light up when they see bucket list icons like the Eiffel Tower in real life. Don't forget to slow down and savour the freshly baked pastries from the local boulangerie and mingle with the locals in the sidewalk cafés and markets."

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See the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo at the Louvre

You can’t take a Paris trip without visiting the Louvre. It’s the both the largest art museum and the most-visited museum in the world, and you can soak it all in with our special evening experience at the Louvre. You’ll discover masterpieces like the Mona Lisa with your Local Specialist and enjoy the quiet atmosphere without the crowds. Simply magical.

Visit the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice

Paris is full of spectacular architecture, and the church of Saint-Sulpice may be one of the best. This medieval cathedral is the second-largest church in the city and your Paris travel guide will show you around the stunning facades, stained glass windows, impressive fountains, unique sundial, and the breathtaking organ, one of the largest in the world.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the River Seine

As the scenic centrepiece of Paris, you can’t miss exploring the iconic River Seine. We’ll wander along the pretty riverbank by day and take you on a special Seine cruise by night, when the City of Light is illuminated in twinkling lights. Look out for icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame, and relax as you drift along this enchanting river.

Explore the Latin Quarter of Paris

When you travel Paris with Trafalgar, you’ll join a Local Specialist to discover the Latin Quarter, the city’s epicentre of culture, learning and creativity. See the ancient Sorbonne University, one of the world’s first universities, soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this student hotspot, and perhaps even stop by the legendary Shakespeare and Co bookstore.

Experience a traditional Parisian Cabaret

You’ve probably seen the Parisian Cabaret in dozens of movies and photos, but there’s nothing quite like experiencing the real thing. We’ll take you to the world-famous Moulin Rouge Cabaret, where you’ll enjoy dinner, champagne and a dazzling show of 60 dancers and over 1,000 costumes, for an incredible evening you’ll never forget.

Our top 5 things to do in Paris

With so many incredible Paris attractions to choose from, we’ll show you the very best things to do in Paris, from the beautiful Saint-Sulpice to the original Parisian cabaret.

Musée Rodin

Located just steps away from the Eiffel Tower, you can’t miss the spectacular Musée Rodin. Founded in 1916 by Auguste Rodin himself, the museum features the artist’s incredible sculptures within an 18th-century rocco mansion and a stunning three-hectare garden, along with his personal collection of paintings, photographs and ancient artefacts.

Paris Opera & Palais Garnier

If you want to experience the height of Parisian opulence, it’s got to be the Palais Garnier. This extraordinary building is a 1,979-seat opera house constructed in the late 19th-century, and is renowned as the setting for The Phantom of the Opera. Today you can discover its magnificent treasures or even spend a glitzy night at the opera or ballet.

Grand Palais

Located right across from the Champs-Élysées, the Grand Palais is an icon of Paris with its giant glass ceiling and Beaux-Arts style architecture. Its interior is even more thrilling, with national art galleries, science museums and exhibition halls all held under the famous dome, and you can easily spend a day or two here.

Best museums in Paris

When you travel Paris with Trafalgar, we’ll make sure you get your fill of the best Paris museums, from the iconic Louvre to the magnificent Opéra Garnier.

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is the ultimate French vegetarian dish, loved by all for its heartwarming local flavors. It’s essentially a vegetable stew, made with a rich tomato sauce and a rainbow of veggies like zucchini, eggplant and squash, and herbs like basil, garlic and thyme. One bite and you’ll fall in love with the home-cooked ratatouille of Paris.

One of France’s most famous recipes, Coq au Vin features wine-braised chicken served alongside ingredients like mushrooms and bacon. Across the country you will try many regional versions of this comforting dish, which translates fittingly to “rooster/cock with wine”.

French cuisine celebrates both savory and sweet ingredients, not just in the form of croissants. Find true street-food joy in the popular dessert of crêpes, with strawberries, Nutella, bananas and lemon curd just some of the toppings loved by locals and travelers alike. Or, try the national specialty crêpes Suzette with orange zest and caramelized butter.

Best food in Paris

Our Paris holidays are filled with the legendary Parisian cuisine, and we’ll show you all the best places to try your French favorites from fresh croissants to delicate desserts.

What to pack for Paris

French phrasebook

It’s a good idea to learn some common French phrases before arriving in Paris, and the locals are sure to appreciate your efforts to learn their mother tongue.

Camera & extra SD card

Paris is full of soul-stirring moments you’ll want to capture forever, so be sure to pack a few extra SD cards for all those special snaps and videos.

Comfortable shoes

Whether you’re wandering through the Louvre, or strolling along the River Seine, you’ll need a comfy pair of shoes on your Paris tour.

Formal wear

If you want to hit the town in Paris with a Moulin Rouge show or a night at the opera, be sure to bring a glamorous outfit to fit in with the chic locals.

All-weather clothing

Paris is known for its unpredictable weather, with rain one day and sunshine the next. It’s best to pack both warm and cooler layers so you’re prepared for everything.

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9 Paris Apps You Need to Download Before Traveling

Are you looking for the best Paris Apps to help you to navigate the French capital? That’s smart because using apps for Paris is your secret weapon to counter the language barrier, unfamiliar streets, and the maze of Metro lines.

And these are only a few examples on how downloading the best Paris Apps can lift your Paris experience to the next level.

But what are the best travel apps for Paris? Look no further because in this article, I have you covered. I am presenting you with a list of the 9 most useful and popular apps for Paris.

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

If you purchase through links on this site, I may earn – at no cost to you – a small commission. This helps me cover my costs and keep my website running. Thank you so much for your support 🙂   Learn more

CHECKLIST for your Paris Trip

• Get a Travel Adapter
• Book your airport transfer
• 🚨 Get Travel Insurance
• Buy your SIM card in advance

✔ Hotel booked?

• Budget: Hotel France Albion (8.6)
• Midrange: Hôtel des Arts (9.6)
• Upscale: Millésime Hôtel (9.2)

✔ Tickets booked?

• Eiffel Tower ( book here )
• Louvre ( book here )
• Versailles ( book here )

And these Paris apps are not only great according to me!

I asked my favorite Paris travel community ( It’s free, join here ) about the applications that they found most helpful during their time in Paris, and what can I say? They delivered.

Having a right combination of apps on your phone is your secret weapon for navigating the City of Light like a local.

Whether you’re a first-timer aiming to easily navigate Parisian or a seasoned traveler looking for local gems, these apps will certainly enhance your experience.

Tip: Stay online while traveling! Roaming fees can be a nasty surprise when using your smartphone abroad. And they often remain unnoticed until a hefty bill makes an unwelcome appearance after your trip.

The Solution? An eSIM ! Safeguard your wallet by planning ahead and buying the data package you need, for an ease of mind and no surprise bills. See all data plans here .(they are cheaper than you might think)

The 13 Best Travel Apps for Paris

So, without further ado, here is the shortlist of the 13 best Paris apps according to locals and travelers.

#1 Google Maps

Google Maps is your Swiss army knife for exploring Paris. It’s more than just a navigation app . In fact, it’s my go-to Paris app for all sorts of things that I use every day.

Whether I need to know the best Metro or Bus connection , search for a spot to have lunch or simply want to know if my favorite Cocktail bar is open. I can be sure Google Maps has the answer.

If you are not keen on Google, Maps from Apple works as good. It’s just a matter of preference, but know that one of the two will absolutely be enough to find your ways around Paris.

My Google Maps Tip: Create Lists

Create lists with locations you want to see or restaurants you would like to eat at . This way, you find them back on the map. You can even share this list with your travel partner, so everyone can add their favorite spots.

My husband and me, for example, have a shared list on Google Maps with restaurants we stumble upon and want to eat at. It’s very helpful and a great way to organize our favorite addresses and make sure not to lose them.

Viable Alternative: CityMapper

City Mapper is a great navigation app for Paris because it connects the usual map and navigation function with external services: Uber, Vélib, Bolt and many more.

Offline Alternative: Maps.me

If you would rather not depend on mobile data or get a eSim Card , maps.me is a great app for downloading apps and then use them offline later on.

Good Read: 5 ways to get from the Airport to Paris

One of the most popular apps for Paris regarding transportation is Uber. If you are not familiar with it, it’s the easiest way to get a taxi, just that it’s not a taxi, it’s an Uber.

You type in your destination and your location, and the app calculates the price of the trip and connects you with a driver.

It’s safe and uncomplicated, and also easy in terms of payment. The price that is calculated before ordering your ride is the price you pay. No surprises. And: You can simply pay through the app .

If you use Uber already in your hometown, no need to download it in Paris. It’s international.

Alternatively, you can use Bolt or G7.

Bolt is the big competitor of Uber in Paris, and it can be worth it to compare prices. Depending on the demand, the difference can be huge. They often give you a few discount codes upon signup.

G7 is the transport app in Paris for the official Taxis Parisien . The difference is, that the price is only calculated throughout the journey, not before.

Get €10 off your restaurant bill by signing up here

is a wonderful app in Paris to find and reserve a table in a restaurant . The app is in English, reservations are online, and you can choose among hundreds of eateries.

Regularly they have promotions if you book through the app, like 20% off the bill, or the 2nd dish free.

It’s certainly worth it. For an extra €10 off your bill, use my code .

#4 Bonjour RATP

Download for Android | Download for iOs

RATP is the company that runs the public transportation in Paris: Metro, Bus, RER and Tram . And while I think for navigation purposes this app is rather useless because Google Maps has you 100% covered, you still should get this app.

Also interesting: How to use the Metro in Paris – The complet guide

Because: You can use the Bonjour RATP App to buy and top up your Navigo Travel Card . No need to stress out over vending machines anymore. Simply pick the ticket option you like, select your payment method (credit card or other) and top up your card.

You can also use the Bonjour RATP app to read your Navigo Travel Pass to see how many tickets you have left.

➲ Read my guide here on how to rent a Vélib in Paris

If you intend to explore Paris by bike , then the Vélib app is absolutely necessary. It holds all your account information and access codes, but most importantly, it shows you how many bikes are available at the closest station. And: in which state they are.

Because through the Vélib app, you will be prompted to rate the bike you got, and it’s a very valuable indicator for the next person.

#6 Google Translate

If you don’t speak French, a translator app is of course a no-brainer. And Google Translate is doing the job just fine. Maybe you won’t win a literacy price with it, but it will provide you with a translation that gets the job done.

Google Translate Tip: use the Camera

Google Translate has a camera function. Instead of typing in the word you want to have translated, open the camera and let Google Translate let do the work for you.

#7 Google Lens

Google Lens is my favorite app when traveling abroad to a destination, where I don’t speak the language. Especially, when I can’t read the language.

Google Lens is the image search tool from Google . You can take a picture of a sight or painting, or anything really, click on Google sense, et voilà, all the info you want.

But, and here it’s getting interesting: you can combine Google Lens with the translator app, and this means that the written word will be translated for you.

Works perfectly with menus in restaurants , simply take a picture of the menu and click translate.

#8 Flash Invaders

Also read: Best Fun things to do in Paris with Teens

Flash Invaders is one of my favorite Paris Apps. Ok, it has very little to do with travel planning, but it is a fun app that I suggest you look into. Especially if you are traveling to Paris with kids or teenagers.

Like in a real time video game, you can hunt down space invaders all over Paris, get points, create a collection and compete with your friends.

But… what are Space Invaders?

Invader art in Paris refers to the work of an anonymous artist known as Invader , who places mosaic pieces inspired by the 1978 arcade game Space Invaders around the city.

These pieces are recognizable by their pixelated and fun designs, mimicking video game characters. Invader’s mosaics can be found on all sorts of buildings, bridges, and any kind of surface, really, across Paris.

Turning the city into an open-air gallery with almost 1500 installations scattered all over Paris.

The app is simple: When you see a Space Invader in Paris, open the app and flash the mosaic, hence, take a picture of it using the app.

Depending on the size of the mosaic, you get points and the app shows you when the piece was installed. Some date back to the early 90s.

It’s a fun app, and it encourages you to look around and discover more than you normally would.

#9 ICI Toilettes

Worried about where to find a public restroom in Paris? Then you need to get this app.

It shows you on an interactive map where to find the nearest toilette and even the best (and fastest!) way to get there. It covers public toilets that you find all over Paris, but also restrooms in parks or along the Seine.

Voilà, these were the 9 most useful apps for Paris that you should download before heading to Paris. If you know more, please share them with us in the comment section.

For the ease of mind and to avoid hidden fees, I recommend getting this eSim card from Airalgo for your mobile phone – it’s a simple solution to stay connected throughout your trip.

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Where to Find Paris Tourist Information Offices?

And How to Make The Most of Their Resources

Many people feel comfortable navigating a new city using only their wits (and maybe their smartphones). But for other visitors, finding a good tourist information center and seeking some advice from local experts is key to feeling informed and relaxed.

Paris has several tourist "welcome centers" dotted around the city, where you can get free advice and maps, buy special discount cards and passes, and find most other info related to your stay. Here are the main ones you should look out for. We suggest noting down which is closest to your hotel or apartment, and making your way there early on in your stay. 

Armed with plenty of information and advice, including on tours, top attractions and special events, you'll be more likely to enjoy your sojourn to the fullest. 

Main Welcome Center at Pyramides

25, rue des Pyramides 1st arrondissement Metro: Pyramides (line 7 or 14) RER: Auber (line A) Tel.: 0892 68 3000 (0,34 € per min.)

June 1st-October 31st: Mon.-Sun., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

November 1st-May 31st: Mon.-Sat, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sundays and bank holidays: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Resources at this branch include: 

• Brochures and information on Paris tourist attractions
• Hotel and attractions bookings
• Paris public transport passes; Paris Museum Pass , and other discount cards
• Center is accessible to visitors with disabilities or limited mobility

Carrousel du Louvre Tourist Welcome Center

This welcome center is especially useful if you want to explore the greater Paris region and take day trips to nearby cities and attractions such as the Palais de Versailles or Disneyland Paris.  

Carrousel du Louvre,  Place de la Pyramide Inversée 99, rue de Rivoli 1st arrondissement Metro: Palais Royal Musée du Louvre (line 1 and 7) Tel.: 0892 68 3000 (0,34 € per min.)

This center is open seven days a week, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Resources at this branch include brochures and information on Paris tourist attractions, as well as information on tourist attractions and events in the greater Paris (Ile de France) region.

Gare de Lyon Tourist Welcome Center

20, Boulevard Diderot 12th arrondissement Metro: Gare de Lyon (line 1 or 14) RER: Gare de Lyon (line A) Tel.: 0892 68 3000 (0,34 € per min.)

This center is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sunday and bank holidays. Resources here include:

• Paris public transport passes; Paris Museum Pass, and other discount cards

Gare du Nord Tourist Welcome Center

18, rue de Dunkerque 10th arrondissement Look for the "Welcome" kiosque under the glass roof of the Gare du Nord train station, "Ile de France" section. Metro: Gare du Nord (line 2,4, or 5) RER: Gare du Nord (line B, D) Tel.: 0892 68 3000 (0,34 € per min.)

Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Dec. 25th, Jan. 1st, and May 1st. Resources at this center include:

Porte de Versailles/Paris Expo Welcome Center

1, Place de la Porte de Versailles 15th arrondissement The Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts many of Paris' most interesting trade fairs. The tourist office here can provide detailed information on trade fairs and special events at Paris Expo. Metro: Porte de Versailles (line 12) Tramway: Porte de Versailles (T3) Tel.: 0892 68 3000 (0,34 € per min.)

This center near the southern tip of the city is open from 11 am-7 pm during trade fairs. Resources here include: 

• Bookings for hotels and popular attractions

Montmartre Tourist Office

21, place du Tertre 18th arrondissement Metro: Abbesses (line 12), Anvers (line 2), funicular Tel.: 0892 68 3000 (0,34 € per min.)

This center is open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Brochures and information on Paris tourist attractions are among the resources at this branch. 

Anvers Tourist Welcome Center

Located on the median strip facing 72, boulevard Rochechouart 18th arrondissemen t Metro: Anvers (line 2) Tel.: 0892 68 3000 (0,34 € per min.)

Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed on December 25th, January 1st and May 1st. Resources at this branch include:

• Bookings for hotels and attractions

Clémenceau Tourist Welcome Center

Located on corner of Avenue des Champs-Elysées and Avenue Marigny 8th arrondissement Metro: Champs-Elysées-Clémenceau (line 1 and 13) Tel.: 0892 68 3000 (0,34 € per min.)

April 6th to October 20th, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed July 14th. Resources at this branch include:

Why to Visit in Person? 

For first-time visitors to Paris, the city can feel overwhelming and confusing. If you're unsure about how to spend your time, want to get some information and advice in person from tourism officials, pick up some helpful documentation and even look into buying Paris metro tickets or discount cards such as the Paris Museum pass , you'll find it more than useful to beeline over to one of the city's friendly information centers, conveniently located in several neighborhoods.

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Home » The best cities to explore local culture in 2024 RANKED

The best cities to explore local culture in 2024 RANKED

Which is the best city to explore local culture in 2024? A new study has ranked the cities with the most cultural offerings – take a look…

Where are the world’s culture hotspots?

A new study has ranked the best cities to explore local culture in 2024 by analyzing the number of museums, art galleries, university museums and collections, UNESCO World Heritage sites , and cultural festivals and events that a city has to offer.

AHTI Games  researched over 40 cities to define the top places to explore local culture in 2024. The selection criteria include the number of museums, art galleries, university museums and collections, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and cultural festivals and events. The final score combined these metrics to provide a concise ranking.

According to the ranking, Paris, France, ranked first among the top cities to explore local culture in 2024, having a perfect composite score of 50 out of 50.

The city is home to 52 UNESCO World Heritage sites, a number only surpassed by Rome and Venice. Visitors have more than 650 museums and art galleries to enjoy and can participate in 12 major cultural festivals and events. Coupled with a wide range of cultural entertainment, it makes Paris a premier destination for culture enthusiasts.

Rome, Italy, placed second with a composite score of 49.2. With 58 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the city is tied with Venice and Florence for the highest number of historical places. Rome has fewer museums than Paris, but it offers a rich blend of art galleries, collections, and museums totaling 436. Like Paris, Rome will host 12 cultural festivals and events this year.

Ranking third was Barcelona, Spain, with a composite score of 46.4. Barcelona will host 15 cultural festivals and events this year. The city has 49 UNESCO World Heritage sites and over 200 museums, securing its position in the top three.

The cities of the world which featured in the top 10 were as follows:

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With hundreds of different disabilities represented at the Paralympics, who decides which athletes compete against each other?

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Defending S7 Paralympic gold medalist Danielle Dorris is swimming for another chance at the podium. First-time Paralympian Alexandre Hayward, who took the Para cycling track by storm at the road world championships in 2022, now looking for Olympic victory in the C3 races in Paris. Cindy Ouellet, one of the few athletes in the world to compete in both the summer and winter Paralympics, is preparing to storm the court as a 3.5-point member of the women’s wheelchair basketball team:

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With hundreds of different disabilities represented at the Paralympics, who decides which athletes compete against each other? Back to video

With so many extraordinary Canadian athletes preparing to compete in the 2024 Paralympic Games, sports fans across the country will have a lot to cheer for in the weeks ahead.

But what do all these letters and numbers — S7, C3, 3.5 and dozens of others — mean? How do they affect team strategy, or decide which athletes will compete against one another in this year’s games? And what goes on behind the scenes, to make sure Paralympic athletes are facing off in fair competition?

Here’s what you need to know about athlete classification at the 2024 Paralympic Games.

What is classification?

Para athletes have all sorts of different disabilities, which affect their bodies in different ways. Some athletes are paralyzed; some are blind or have partial vision loss; some have conditions that affect their joints or muscles. 

If all these athletes were competing against each other in the same events, the Paralympic games wouldn’t be very fair or exciting to watch, says Andrea Bundon, associate professor in the School of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia.

“The idea is to group athletes based on function, so that athletes are competing against others of similar abilities and the result will be based on their hard work and skill,” Bundon explained. “At the Paralympic Games, you’re going to see a lot of very evenly-matched athletes, with uncertain outcomes and underdog stories and gold-medal champions trying to defend their title one more time. 

“The classification system is a really important part of that, because it ensures the athletes are in suitable competition classes. It means the outcome is uncertain, and it will be determined by hard work and skill and the serendipitous things that happen on the day, rather than having sports where the result is just determined by who is the least impaired athlete in the group.”

For example, in para badminton, athletes are sorted into different competition groups based on whether or not they use a wheelchair and how well they can use their legs and core (WH1 and WH2), whether they play standing but have leg impairments or balance problems (SL3 and SL4), whether their disabilities affect their arms (SU5) or whether they have short stature (SH6) — six different classification groups for a single Paralympic sport.

Nathan Bragg, communications coordinator for BC Wheelchair Sports, says these groupings are all about “creating a fair and equitable competition.”

“In sports like athletics (also known as ‘track and field’), you compete against people with the same type of impairment as you,” Bragg said. “If you’re a wheelchair racer and you have paralysis or loss of muscle power, you’ll be classified in the 50s. And if you’re someone like me — I have cerebral palsy, which is a coordination impairment — that’s classified differently; I have spasticity and difficulty controlling my movements, and athletes with that range of impairment are put into the 30s. So if I was a wheelchair racer, I wouldn’t be racing against someone with a spinal cord injury.”

The letter-number combination usually indicates which sport an athlete is competing in, what type of disability or impairment they have, and how much their disability affects their performance in the sport.

“Generally speaking, lower numbers mean you’ll have someone who has more physical impairment and more limitation in the sorts of movements they can do,” Bragg said. “But it’s not based on athletic skill. It’s based on what physical movements, abilities or level of vision that an athlete may or may not have.”

At first, the classification system might seem complicated — especially to viewers tuning into the world of para sport for the first time since the last Paralympic games. But just like the non-disabled Olympics, the Paralympics are a great chance to learn about the rules and strategies of all sorts of different sports by watching the best athletes in the world show how it’s done, and there is no pop quiz at the end.

“I know Paralympic sport — and, specifically, the classifications in Paralympic sport — can seem really intimidating,” Bundon said. “There is a bit of a message out there that this is too complicated, too intricate, for the average viewer who tunes in every few years; they won’t understand, they just won’t be able to get into watching the Paralympic Games.

“But we watch a lot of sports that have very complicated and specific rules, and many of us enjoy that — and it’s also exciting, to learn about an event and become more of a knowledgeable viewer.” 

Is classification unique to para sport?

Well, yes and no.

On one hand, the specific ways these athletes are classified, based on their disabilities and level of function, is a particular feature of the para sport world.

But at every level of sport and competition — for disabled and nondisabled athletes alike — having some type of stratification, separation or competition grouping is very common.  

“Think about if you’re watching Olympic boxing or Olympic wrestling,” Bragg said. “People are put into weight classes, so you know they’re competing against people of similar sizes and abilities. In para sport, classification is like that, but based on impairment and disabilities.”

In a similar example, the Olympic swimmers competing in the 50m races are usually not the same swimmers competing in the much longer 1500m races — both races are incredible feats of speed, endurance and physicality, but in very different ways. 

Para sport classification just adds another factor to the mix. 

“If you’re watching an S9 or S10 race (para swimming events for physically disabled athletes with less severe impairments), they’ll be incredibly fast,” Bragg said. “And if you switch to an S4 race (a para swimming event for physically disabled athletes with more severe impairments), they’ll probably be a little slower.

“But that doesn’t mean that those people competing in S4 are any less athletic or that they put in fewer hours. They just have a different classification, based on the movements and abilities they have.”

Who classifies athletes?

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the governing body responsible for the Paralympic Games, is ultimately responsible for making sure the classification system is working properly.

In practice, the IPC delegates a lot of that responsibility to each sport’s international governing body to set the standard for that sport’s classification system. 

The international sport governing bodies then, in turn, depend on national sport organizations to make sure their own country’s athletes get classified and that their country has enough trained classifiers to make that happen. 

In Canada, one of those classifiers is Clary Stubbert, a former member of the Canadian wheelchair basketball team.

“I was asked to start classifying after my playing career,” Stubbert recalled. “They want to have athletes involved in classification, because we know the game, and I’ve been classifying now for another 25 years.”

Over the decades, Stubbert has worked alongside other experts and professionals from athletic and medical backgrounds — doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and former players are all highly-represented on these panels — to classify approximately 200 wheelchair basketball athletes from across Canada. 

National competitions make for busy days for Stubbert and his colleagues, who want to make sure everyone gets properly classified before the tournament begins. That also means he’s evaluating players of all ages, from enthusiastic young kids to recently-disabled adults who have just found their way to para sport after an illness or injury. 

“We usually have a panel of three classifiers, and we watch the teams practice,” Stubbbert said. “We’re told beforehand which teams have players that need classifying, and we watch those individual players. It’s all functional — in basketball, the skills we’re looking for are wheeling, rebounding, shooting, dribbling, how well you can accept contact. If someone bangs into you, does your body flop forward, or are you able to remain stable in your chair?”

Along with that type of ‘in-sport’ assessment, classification usually also involves a ‘bench test’ away from the field of play.

“Classifiers examine your movements, they test spasticity, they measure how much of a limb an amputee has left,” Bragg said. “They’re using objective scales.” 

Then, on the court, classifiers like Stubbert are looking for the ways an athlete’s disability affects how they play the game.

“Classification is a science, in terms of what the body is able to do and what functions you have,” Stubbert explained. “But there is an art to it, and that is the ability of the athletes: There are class ones and then there are class ones , the folks that are really athletically inclined and develop their skills so much and work so hard that they become superior. Which is why, I suppose, they make the national teams.”

What does it mean to get classified?

For para athletes, getting their classification affects everything from what types of sports and events they can compete in, to what level they’re able to compete at.

“Certain sports (like swimming and athletics) are open to a wider range of classifications, and have a place for pretty much everybody on the scale,” said Bragg. “Other sports have tighter eligibility rules, where you have to have a certain degree of impairment to class, or enough function to be able to compete.”

For example, Bragg explained, Paralympic athletes competing in goalball have to have less than 10 per cent visual acuity, while athletes in wheelchair rugby need to have an impairment that affects both their upper and lower limbs. 

“There are eligibility requirements around not letting people in that have too much function to participate in those sports — which some people might think is a wild idea ,” Bragg said. “But when you look at how some of these sports were created, it was to create opportunities for people who had a really difficult time competing in some of the other options that existed out there.”

Though local para sport teams tend to be open to disabled and non-disabled athletes alike, every athlete representing their country at the Paralympic level has to be “classifiable” — that is, they have to have a type of disability or impairment that is recognized by the Paralympics and their sport’s governing association.

Because of this, getting classified can be a moment of joy and empowerment. That’s especially true for athletes who had gravitated to para sport without even knowing they were disabled in the first place, like Stubbert’s own daughter.

“My daughter played wheelchair basketball with me as an able-bodied person throughout her junior and high-school years,” recalled Stubbert. “Now, we knew she wasn’t able to run properly — it doesn’t affect her day-to-day living, but she couldn’t compete in able-bodied sports. Her gait was a little off, and there were a few things like that — so eventually we took her to a physiotherapist, and sure enough, there was an issue with her joints that made her eligible to play wheelchair basketball.

“The moment we heard that, the both of us jumped for joy. ‘Oh my God, you’re classifiable! You’re disabled! It’s wonderful!’ She was so excited about the whole situation, and one of my proudest moments was being able to cheer her on at the world championships.”

How will athletes’ classifications affect team strategy at the Paralympics?

In sports like wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby, athletes with a wide range of different classifications all play together on the same team.

But deciding which players’ mix of classifications will be represented on the court has major implications for the kind of game the team is about to play. 

In wheelchair basketball, players are classified on a points system ranging from 1 to 4.5, where 1 is the most impaired and 4.5 is the least.

The game is played with five players on the court, but those five players’ total classification points can’t add up to more than 14. So the most successful teams are always looking for the right mix of gameplay and physical ability that will let each player do what they do best.

“I’m a 3.5, and I have spina bifida, so I have no muscle below the knee on either leg and I’m missing a hip muscle on my left side,” Stubbert said. “So I have difficulty bending over and picking up the ball on the left side, but I could do it quite well on the right. A typical class 1, on the other hand, can’t rotate their body to catch a pass with two hands off the wheels. And a class 4 or 5 would have good abdominal muscles and good function.”

Similarly, in wheelchair rugby, the points scale ranges from 0.5 to 3.5, but the total on-court point value for each four-person team can’t add up to more than eight.

“This is one of the really cool, unique aspects of para sport where your tactics and strategy are affected by the combinations of players you have on the court,” Bragg said. “Everybody has a role, from the person with the least amount of function all the way up to the person with the most.”

In rugby, Bragg says there are two types of lineups a team can field — a ‘balance’ lineup (where all the players have similar classifications), or a ‘high-low’ lineup (where two athletes have a lot of function and ability relative to the sport, and two athletes are at the lowest end of the classification scale).

“People often overlook those athletes at the bottom end of the scale, but they play a really important role on the court — they’re kind of like the offensive linemen in football,” Bragg said. “They’re the ones blocking, creating holes and trying to take out somebody of a higher point value to give their teammates an advantage.”

In wheelchair rugby, a mixed-gender sport, having a female athlete on the court also nets your team a 0.5 point increase to your total classification point limit. 

“That’s intended to incentivize finding those female athletes where they count as a 2.5, but they play like a 3-point player,” said Bundon. “I see a lot of potential in that classification system in terms of promoting gender balance in the game, as well as highlighting some of the phenomenal athleticism of some of the female athletes, though the number of women who actually go to the Paralympics for wheelchair rugby is still very low. 

“But where I’m hopeful is that we’re seeing more female athletes come up through the development squads. So in terms of incentivizing nations to find, identify, train, recruit and invest in female athletes, it has potential.”

How accurate are athletes’ classifications?

From local clubs to the Paralympic Games, classification is not a perfect system. 

“Bodies are not easily classified,” said Bundon. “There is so much complexity. And there will always be bodies that are not easily put into any box.”

Some athletes have progressive or variable disabilities; an athlete can find themself right on the border between one class and another.

“This is one of the things that gets discussed a lot within para sport,” Bragg said. “There are always some people who are on the top of one class and other people who are on the bottom of it.”

In some cases, factors as simple and unpredictable as the temperature of the room, gym or pool where an athlete was classified impacted their ability to play the sport or do the bench tests on that day.

At the Paralympics, Bundon says frustration amongst competitors and fans over the porous nature of these categories often bubbles up — which leads to athletes getting accused of cheating, faking or exaggerating their disabilities for a competitive advantage. 

“I tend to take a more generous view: It’s not so much that athletes are being put in the wrong class, but that there are always going to be athletes at the margins or the boundaries,” Bundon said. “And the idea that athletes are intentionally misrepresenting themselves, that they might ‘play up’ their impairment during classification to have an unfair advantage, I’m skeptical of that. 

“ It does happen , but in my research, I have never seen evidence of athletes trying to cheat the classification system. I have, however, found a lot of people who will try to portray some of these athletes as having cheated — when actually, it’s the classification system that failed the athlete.”

Bundon says these accusations tend to get particularly intense when an athlete is declassified altogether, and is no longer eligible to compete at the Paralympic level at all.

But Bundon says those decisions often happen for reasons outside an athlete’s control, like when new medical tests are introduced to the classification process. 

“Athletes who have been declassified (are) treated horribly,” Bundon said. “They’re made to feel like cheats and compared to people who had been doping. People question their right to identify as disabled. Some people question their own disability identity; whether or not they should be thinking of themselves as disabled, when there was nothing that had changed about their actual impairment. 

“So we need a bit of grace in understanding that this system is imperfect, and that does not mean that athletes are trying to cheat it.

“These are different bodies — and, in some cases, completely different sports — than you will see at the Olympic Games. But what these athletes are doing is exceptional. They are at the top of their game.”

So rather than focusing on an athlete’s classification above all else, Stubbert says the best way to watch the games is to keep the attention on all the world-class athleticism and unique strategy that make up the Paralympic Games. 

“When it comes down to actually watching the Games, just enjoy the skill level of these folks and the athleticism that’s involved in what they’re doing,” he said. “The competitiveness in these sports is fantastic. I think people will soon forget about classification when they’re watching the actual game, and be enthralled by the athleticism.”

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2024 fall trends: Shoulder season savings, leaf peeping, and event-cations

Key Takeaways

• Fall has been the most affordable season to travel with price-per-night at its lowest compared to the rest of the year.
• The top three US states that had the highest percent of stays in the fall were North Dakota, Maine, and Massachusetts.
• Passion travel continues to play an influential role when it comes to travel this fall.
• Japan continues to be the top trending international destination for Americans this fall for a second year in a row.

As fall quickly approaches and the leaves start to change, Airbnb is revealing travel trends for this upcoming shoulder season, including data showing that fall 1 has been the most affordable time to travel on Airbnb. In addition, we’re highlighting the top cities to get the best deals during the off-season, trending destinations, as well as prime fall escapes that embody the season.

Affordable off-season destinations

From smaller crowds to milder weather, traveling during the off-season has its perks. One of the best kept secrets is how affordable fall travel can be compared to the summer and peak winter months. When comparing price-per-night over recent years, prices during the year tend to be the lowest in the September through November timeframe, 2 making this a great opportunity for guests to travel affordably. 

When surveying guests about what’s important to them when deciding between booking an Airbnb listing or other accommodations, over 85 percent selected price as a contributing factor. 3 With that in mind, fall may be the ideal time to take advantage of these crisp savings.

The cities that saw the most savings for traveling during the fall span all across the US, from the waterfront to the great outdoors. Below are some of the cities 4 that had the most savings during fall: 5

• Somers Point, NJ
• Myrtle Beach, SC
• Norfolk, VA
• Panama City, FL
• West Des Moines, IA
• Cheyenne, WY
• Spokane Valley, WA

Discover prime fall destinations

Nothing says fall like apple picking, pumpkin patches, leaf peeping, and spooky vibes. It’s no surprise that travelers want to embrace the season by going to these niche destinations that embody that true essence of fall. The top three US states that had the highest percentage of stays during the fall season were North Dakota, Maine, and Massachusetts. 6 From stunning foliage to crisp fall air, below are some of the top US cities 7 that will “leaf” you in the fall spirit:

• Bar Harbor, ME
• Walla Walla, WA
• Hartford, VT
• Columbia Falls, MT
• Mills River, NC
• Superior, WI
• Eureka Springs, AR

The top trending destinations this fall

“Event-cations” are here to stay. Passion tourism has been a key theme for travel this past year and shows no signs of slowing down. When looking at destinations that US travelers are increasingly searching for this fall, it’s clear that they want to sing-along to their favorite artists. The highly anticipated return of America’s pop icon from the European leg of her tour played an influential role on the list of trending 8 destinations with cities like Miami Gardens, FL, and Indianapolis, IN making the cut. Americans are also searching for the other side of the Atlantic Ocean to Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest and Brussels, Belgium for various food and wine festivals that take place during fall.  Below are four of the trending destinations:

• Miami Gardens, FL
• Indianapolis, IN
• Munich, Germany
• Brussels, Belgium

However, there’s one country that has remained as the top trending 9 international destination for Americans–Japan. Year after year, travelers have continued to seek out its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Fall is the perfect time to visit Japan as the country transforms into a scenic landscape of red, orange, and gold leaves. The temperature is also great for outdoor activities. The trending Japanese cities 10 searched by Americans this fall continue to be Tokyo and Osaka. 

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