Paris Travel Tips You NEED to Know! • 2024

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Early birds get the worm, especially when it comes to travelling to Paris in peak season. Paris is undoubtedly one of the most popular cities in the world with over 50 million (!!!!!) tourists visiting every year. So, battling your way through the crowds can often take away from the city’s beauty.

But behind the swarms of tourists, Paris is a seriously beautiful place. So, my Paris travel tip #1 is to beat the bloody crowds! Set that alarm early and see the sights before your fellow travellers enjoy their hotel buffet breakfasts.

It’s no secret that the French aren’t too warm to those who don’t speak their language. So, if you can’t beat em’ join em… well, at least a little. Here are a few essential phrases to (hopefully) get a few smiles from the Parisian locals:

As with 99% of hot spot tourist locations around the world, my advice is to travel in the shoulder seasons! Even more so for Paris. The peak seasons are July and August (summer) and December (winter/ Christmas). During these times, the city is incredibly busy and expensive.

My recommendation for the best time to visit Paris is between April to May or September to November. In other words, Spring and Autumn. You’ll find this time less busy, less expensive and at a much more tolerable temperature.

Although I’d recommend avoiding July and August, December in Paris is pretty wonderful. You’ll find Christmas markets, lights, HUGE Christmas trees and you’ll get to experience that magical European winter feeling. But if you decide to visit in winter, you’ll want to pack for the cold.

Where you stay in Paris will make a difference. The city is made up of 20 arrondissements (AKA neighbourhoods). Each arrondissement has its own unique atmosphere and offerings. I’d recommend staying close to the attractions at the top of your Paris itinerary – this is often the 1st arrondissement. However, this may not be the most budget-friendly option.

Paris has a fantastic public transport system, so even if you stay outside of this area, you should be able to commute within 30 minutes to pretty much anywhere in Paris!

The markets in Paris are a HUGE part of the city’s culture. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to markets – whether you’re after fresh vegetables, meats, cheese or bread, flowers, wine, clothes or even antiques and souvenirs there will be a market for you.

Even if you just head to the markets to browse, they are a great way to experience the local ways. However, the markets are often a great way to try a little bit of a lot! So sample away and enjoy a taste of Paris!

These are a few of my favourite markets in Paris:

Most places will accept card payments over 10 euros, but smaller shops and markets may not. You don’t need to carry too much but a few euros will likely come in handy if you want a grab-and-go coffee or fresh croissant.

ATMs are almost as popular as coffee shops. You won’t have a problem getting cash out. I’d recommend setting up an account with a good travel bank to minimise the fees that you pay on currency conversion.

Relax and settle in. Watch the world go by. Now that’s the Parisian way! You’ll notice that there is no rushing in the world of hospitality in Paris. A dining experience of any kind is savoured. So, go wild – order an espresso (un Café) and a pastry while you embrace the local ways.

Pro tip: If you just want to get caffeinated and go – you can get a grab-and-go coffee for half the price it would cost to sit and enjoy the ambience. However, you’re in Paris! Pay a couple of extra euros and enjoy the experience.

If you plan to spend more than a weekend in Paris, you’ll more than likely end up on the metro to see further afield around the city! And boy, oh boy, Paris’ public transport put the systems of every other country I’ve visited to shame. These guys know what they are doing. It’s affordable and reliable.

The Paris Metro is densely packed (with over 300 metro stations in Paris) – although this sounds pretty daunting, this is actually great news! It means that stations are not too far apart which is ideal for getting as close as possible to your end destination. There are multiple zones within the Metro system however, as a traveller you will rarely leave Zone 1.

So, how do you navigate the metro as a tourist in Paris? Well, you have a few options:

1. Buy metro tickets in a pack of 10 (carnet): you’ll want to toss up whether this is worth the investment. This is a great option for those staying longer in Paris and likely to take 10+ metro trips.
2. Buy a “hop-on, hop-off” day pass: This is a fantastic option for travellers wanting to take multiple trips in a day. You can take the metro as late as midnight, and they will still be packed with people.
3. Single-trip tickets: This is the most obvious option if you’re just planning to take a trip or two.

The only downside of the Paris Metro system is that you cannot “tap on/ off”. You have to buy your ticket in advance. Some stations don’t offer a ticket machine, so having these on hand is… well, handy! Tickets can also be purchased from some bus terminals and registered retailers (often tobacconists and bookshops) that display the RATP sign.

Paris is slowly moving away from paper tickets, and you can now buy a Navigo Easy Pass. Similar to an Oyster card in London or a Washington, DC SmarTrip card. It is reusable and costs just €2 to buy – you can then top up at selected retailers with a single pass or a carnet pass.

Pro tip: There are random ticket checks, so it’s important to hold onto your ticket(s) until you reach your final destination. Don’t try to cheat the system, it’s a lot cheaper to buy the ticket than pay the fine.

While Paris is a pretty safe place to visit as a tourist, it does unfortunately have its fair share of pickpocketing and scammers.

Here are my top tips for avoiding it:

• Wear a good money belt!!!
• Keep your zip-up bag on your front, and hold it safe.
• Keep your wits about you in super touristy areas (Eiffel Tower or the Notre Dame)
• Find a seat away from the doors on the metro, otherwise, you might fall into the “grab-and-go”.

Other tips:

• Don’t have more cash in your wallet than you are willing to lose.
• Make a copy of your passport, and the front and back of everything that you have in your wallet.

During my first visit to Paris, I caught the metro with a few friends. The metro was packed! Once we got off, one of my friends said his watch was missing – it went missing on the train. Somehow, a crafty bloody pickpocketer had taken it off his wrist without noticing!!! Crazy, eh?

Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

Ok, you can’t go to Paris without getting a close-up of the Eiffel Tower. I know this is a little soppy but I actually shed a tear when I saw it for the first time. It is one of the most famous places IN THE WORLD. And little ol me, from New Zealand, was stood there in front of it. It was an emotional moment lol.

Anyway, if you want to witness the Eiffel Tower at its most magical moment, head after sunset and watch it sparkle on the hour. You’ll no doubt get to witness a proposal or two while you’re there!

Extra tip: Save your Euros & don’t bother heading up the Eiffel Tower. The views are impressive but I mean guys, what is the skyline of Paris without its most iconic monument?

One of my favourite places to marvel at a view over Paris including the Eiffel Tower is from the Arc de Triomphe. The rooftop views from here are INSANE.

I would go as far as to say a trip to France’s famous capital isn’t complete without a visit to Montmartre. It’s definitely one of those “must haves” on any Paris itinerary! Soak in the windmills, cabarets, art, and the big white basilica. It has got to be one of the most “boho” areas in the city – with its quaint cobbled street, gorgeous cafes and artisan shops.

At the bottom of the hill that Montmartre is set on, you’ll find the infamous, Moulin Rouge – along with many other bangin’ nightlife spots. However, at the top of the Montmartre hill, you’ll find the Basilica Sacre-Coeur; not only is the building incredible, but there is no better view of Paris than from atop these steps. Everything in between the bustling top and bottom of the hill is worth exploring too!

If you are in Paris for more than a day then you’ll want to consider getting a pass. They are the best way to save up to 30%-50% on the top attractions. The city has a couple of main passes: Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass – which offer a combination of priority access passes to attractions, museums and free transport.

As the heading says, you’ll want to toss up whether this is worth it for YOU. What is on your Paris itinerary? It won’t take long to do a few calculations and see if it’s worth it to buy a pass.

It’s no secret that the French have some of the best food in the world. Well, at least when it comes to macaroons, croissants, bread, cheese, wine….. you get the point. So, why not learn from the best at a cooking class with a local?

This Airbnb Experience is called Grandma’s Secret Tarte Tatin and Madeleine Recipe, and it is one of the top-rated cooking classes in the city. It’s hosted by the French mammies in a charming historic Parisian apartment, giving you that truly authentic feel while you tuck away some of their best-kept recipes.

You’ll learn how to make the Tarte Tatin and Madeleine: two traditional recipes that reflect the stories of amazing women in France. Plus, you’ll get to hang out with these epic locals before and after the class.

Guys, you can’t go to France without trying a few snails! My hot take is that they kinda tasted like mushrooms but I also couldn’t forget that they weren’t mushrooms. They were snails… so I was one and done :))

But others around me were chowing them down like no tomorrow! Covered in a garlicky, herby, butter… they did taste pretty damn good.

You can get escargot at most French restaurants. So, give them a try and report back with what you think!

One of the best ways to explore Paris is on your own two wheels. You can either hire a bike from a bike shop, use the scannable e-bikes or join a locally guided bike tour around the city. I love the latter as you get all the insider knowledge as you cycle your way around.

This nooks and crannies bike tour will take you on a locally guided bike tour around some of the city’s best-hidden gems. You’ll adventure along the literary Saint Germain des Prés, past the antic Latin Quarter and through the medieval Marais. Your host knows his sh*t and will let you in on the city’s best secrets.

Overall, Paris is a pretty safe place for tourists but that doesn’t mean things can’t go wrong. Even to the best of us backpackers. From pickpocketers to flight delays, shit happens. Hence, why I ALWAYS recommend getting travel insurance. Pass those big ol’ bills onto your insurance company!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

It’s no secret that Paris can be blooooody expensive for us backpackers. So do yourself a favour and rather than book an Airbnb with a view of the Eiffel Tower, book a good ol’ hostel. You’ll save yourself a ton of money that you can spend on other cool activities in the city (or just put it towards copious amounts of cheese, wine and croissants).

The hostel scene in Paris is decent. In shoulder season, you’ll be able to bag a bed for less than 40 euros which is bloody cheap for the French capital. However, you’ll be looking at a little more in the peak season (60+ euros).

Consider how far you are from the main attractions that you want to see before booking. I’d recommend staying at The People Paris Marais. It is a great option if you want to be right in the thick of the action (but it’ll come at a premium). Or, staying central but not asssss central at Eklo Paris Porte de Versailles, another banger.

While fancy restaurants might make you think otherwise, you do not need to spend 10 euros on a sparkling bottle of boujee water. You can just ask for a tap water. It’s also a nice way to reduce plastic, glass or whatever they serve their water in. And I loveee to reduce unnecessary consumption, even more so whilst on the road 🙂

If you are still uncertain about the tap water in Paris (or anywhere that you travel), my advice to you would be to invest in a Grayl Geopress water bottle – it filters itself!! Whether you’re unsure about the tap water or even a river whilst you’re hiking (probably not in Paris lol), these bottles are a game changer.

Save $$$ • Save the Planet • Save Your Stomach!

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress rigorously from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

View on REI Read the Review

Paris is one of the most popular cities to visit in the world and hence why you can expect some hella lines to get into its main attractions. The line outside the Lourve can be CRAZY. So, if you have anything on your Paris itinerary that is a must-see I’d lock that shit in early. Get online and get those tickets, before they sell out – especially over high season (July-August).

This is not just for the major attractions (such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, etc) but it’s also for the city’s most popular restaurants. I HIGHLY recommend either popping by during the day or giving them a call, some even take reservations online.

So, get cracking on your organising – you don’t want to miss out on anything!

Before touching town in Paris, it’s extremely handy to have already sorted yourself a France eSIM. It’s never fun to arrive in a new country with no data, trying to stay on the airport Wi-Fi while trying to find your Uber driver.

The Future of the SIM Card is HERE!

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.

Grab an eSIM!

I hope you have noted a few of those tips down; tucked them away into your tool belt – ready to pull out at any point. Paris is a city that always excites me, finding hidden alleys full of bustling bars in Montramatre or witnessing the Effile Tower sparkle for the millionth time never fails to impress me.

It’s a touristy haven, so be prepared for crowds or even better, aim to visit during the shoulder seasons. Leave July-August for those on school holidays. If you decide to join the swarms, be sure to book in early to your favourite attractions and get up early to beat the slow morning holiday makers.

The city can be hella expensive so jump in on the discounts with the tourists cards, hostel stays and enjoy some of the free activities in the city.

After your trip to Paris, I hope you’ll be joining me on the love Paris side of the fence, but if you end up on the other side… I’d love to hear why! Let me know in the comments if you have any additional Paris Travel Tips 🙂

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