Paris is a great city that can never disappoint. You can return again
and again and there is always something fantastic to experience,
something to see that you haven’t seen before and eat food you haven’t
tried yet. However, the overwhelming amount of things on offer can be a
real challenge for first-time visitors. That’s why every needs some
practical tips for visiting Paris in order to avoid mistakes.
I’ve been to Paris on several occasions and studied in Paris as well, and let me tell you: each time was different. Despite spending a decent amount of time in Paris I still haven’t seen everything and I also made a few mistakes on the way. Now I’m confident to give you a few tips for visiting Paris that will help you avoid some unpleasant disaster.
Take your pick and spend some time to actually enjoy these things instead of rushing through everything. I’m not telling you not to see these famous landmarks, but in order to fully feel the Paris vibe you need stay in the city way longer.
Again, you won’t like the Eiffel Tower if you just stand in the crowds. However, if you climb the stairs behind the Croatian Embassy you may be able to find a quiet spot overlooking the tower. The view is gorgeous and definitely worth it, especially at night!
Similar to the Empire State Building in NYC, going to the top of the tower is overpriced and not as worth it. I mean, you probably want to see a panorama of Paris with the actual Eiffel Tower in it, right? I recommend you to see the city from up high from the top of the Tour Montparnasse, Arc de Triomphe or even a carousel in Tuileries, and actually have the Eiffel Tower in your view.
Before booking your hotel check whether the area is safe and close to the places you want to visit. If you’re in Paris for a very limited time don’t choose a place on the edge of town, as you definitely don’t want to spend hours on commuting in order to save a few bucks.
During my last visit I had a chance to stay at Le Roch Hotel & Spa and it was the best possible choice. The hotel was right next to the Louvre, 2 minutes walk from a pick-up point for many tours, and close to major metro stations. While Paris hotels are usually known for being cramped and tiny, my room was spacious and I even had a big bath tub.
The hotel was small which made the staff more attentive and helpful. Its decor made me feel like I’m in a chic apartment with a spa and not in an actual hotel. I actually had a chance to eat dinner there as well and I can’t recommend it enough.
You can also easily meet people in Paris too as there are many solo travelers in the city! If you don’t believe me just check how many hostels are in town just to give you an idea.
If you’re planning on using the metro you can buy a carnet (pack of 10 tickets) to save some money, though if you plan on staying for longer than a week, you may want to look into the longer-term passes (Navigo Pass).
On many Metro lines, the doors to the train do not open unless you press a button or lift a handle. Remember about it if you don’t want to miss your station or look funny.
My tip: While taxis in Paris are expensive, Uber is definitely affordable. I was actually quite surprised how cheap the Uber was, so don’t be afraid of using it. Just don’t try to take it to the airport as it would take longer than the RER train and cost you 5 times as much.
I’ve been to Paris on several occasions and studied in Paris as well, and let me tell you: each time was different. Despite spending a decent amount of time in Paris I still haven’t seen everything and I also made a few mistakes on the way. Now I’m confident to give you a few tips for visiting Paris that will help you avoid some unpleasant disaster.
Paris Travel Tips (updated for 2017)
Don’t go to Paris just for the weekend
When someone tells me that they’re going to spend just 3 days in Paris I feel like they’re most likely not going to love it. I mean, it’s possible to have a great time but if you do it right and prioritize what do you want to see. During such a short visit most tourists head to see the Eiffel Towel, Notre Dame, Louvre and some other tourist attractions, and therefore experience crowds, long lines and not the real local Paris.Take your pick and spend some time to actually enjoy these things instead of rushing through everything. I’m not telling you not to see these famous landmarks, but in order to fully feel the Paris vibe you need stay in the city way longer.
Eiffel Tower might be the most disappointing spot in Paris
Almost everyone is dreaming of getting to the top of the Eiffel Tower. But the moment you start approaching the tower you might realize that it’s not very romantic, as it’s surrounded by a ton of visitors and annoying vendors. The place is crowded, lines take forever no matter when you visit. It’s hard to find a romantic spot.Again, you won’t like the Eiffel Tower if you just stand in the crowds. However, if you climb the stairs behind the Croatian Embassy you may be able to find a quiet spot overlooking the tower. The view is gorgeous and definitely worth it, especially at night!
Similar to the Empire State Building in NYC, going to the top of the tower is overpriced and not as worth it. I mean, you probably want to see a panorama of Paris with the actual Eiffel Tower in it, right? I recommend you to see the city from up high from the top of the Tour Montparnasse, Arc de Triomphe or even a carousel in Tuileries, and actually have the Eiffel Tower in your view.
Paris isn’t as expensive as everyone thinks
Before going to Paris friends were warning me that the city was going to destroy my wallet and almost every person on any travel forum was telling me the same. But Paris does not necessarily have to be a city that sucks all the money out of pockets and bank accounts. Paris isn’t cheap, but it isn’t more expensive than other European cities. In fact, visiting London or Amsterdam will cost you way more money.Stay in central location
Pinning down the perfect place to stay depends on budget and location, but quite often the second one is way more important as you think. Paris is divided into 20 neighborhoods or arrondissements and everything is being referred to 12th, 18th, etc.Before booking your hotel check whether the area is safe and close to the places you want to visit. If you’re in Paris for a very limited time don’t choose a place on the edge of town, as you definitely don’t want to spend hours on commuting in order to save a few bucks.
During my last visit I had a chance to stay at Le Roch Hotel & Spa and it was the best possible choice. The hotel was right next to the Louvre, 2 minutes walk from a pick-up point for many tours, and close to major metro stations. While Paris hotels are usually known for being cramped and tiny, my room was spacious and I even had a big bath tub.
The hotel was small which made the staff more attentive and helpful. Its decor made me feel like I’m in a chic apartment with a spa and not in an actual hotel. I actually had a chance to eat dinner there as well and I can’t recommend it enough.
Don’t think that since Paris is a city for lovers you can’t visit it solo
While many romantic comedies portray Paris as the city for lovers, with boyfriends proposing in front of the Eiffel Tower and taking girls on romantic walks along the Seine, this image can often be very far away from reality. Paris is a great place to travel solo, as you can people watch and appreciate everything in a different way you would with your partner.You can also easily meet people in Paris too as there are many solo travelers in the city! If you don’t believe me just check how many hostels are in town just to give you an idea.
Don’t be afraid of using the metro
Metro in Paris is very easy to use. It might be slightly intimidating at first due to the huge amount of different lines, but once you figure it out you’ll use it all the time. Keep your Paris metro ticket until you’ve exited the metro system at your final destination because the police might be checking your tickets inside the station.If you’re planning on using the metro you can buy a carnet (pack of 10 tickets) to save some money, though if you plan on staying for longer than a week, you may want to look into the longer-term passes (Navigo Pass).
On many Metro lines, the doors to the train do not open unless you press a button or lift a handle. Remember about it if you don’t want to miss your station or look funny.
My tip: While taxis in Paris are expensive, Uber is definitely affordable. I was actually quite surprised how cheap the Uber was, so don’t be afraid of using it. Just don’t try to take it to the airport as it would take longer than the RER train and cost you 5 times as much.
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