This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commision if you purchase from this link at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

So you’re finally going to Paris! Maybe you’ve dreamed of Paris your whole life (like me), or maybe you just decided last week that you just had to see Paris. Either way, as a first timer in Paris, there are some things you need to know. I’ve written this first timer’s guide to Paris to help you out and give you some suggestions based on my first time experience with the city of light.

Like I said I spent my whole life dreaming of Paris and the day that I stepped foot in Paris for the first time was the day my whole life changed. Seeing the Eiffel Tower twinkle for the first time made me weep with joy and I am not exaggerating! It’s a beautiful city. As with all cities it does have some downfalls. You need to be realistic. I know too many people who had stars in their eyes and blinders on thinking the city would be all fairy tales and rainbows. If you go to Paris having done little research and expect perfect, you will surely be disappointed. That’s why I’m here to help.

A first timer’s guide to Paris: What you need to know.

I’m going to offer some basic tips that you should know before you go to Paris.

• Do your research. Even if you hate to prepare, do it anyway. There is a ton of practical information out there. Guide books and books on French culture are abundant. You can find some helpful resourses at the end of this post. Take the time to research. You can also shoot me an email and I will be happy to help. If I can’t help, I can try and find you a resource for answers to your questions. I adore this city and want to see everyone have a great experience.
• Learn a bit of French. Even if it is just a few phrases. The single most important word you need to know and use is BONJOUR! It is polite to greet everyone as you enter a place of business. Even if you think no one notices you, they do. Other phrases to know are merci (thank you) and sil vou plait (please). These are the bare minimum that you need to know. Don’t worry too much about pronunciation. They will understand. Most people in Paris speak English, but it means so much to the French if you make an effort.
• Be mindful of pickpockets. Paris is a very safe city. That being said, you need to be on guard at all times. Especially in the tourist areas and the metro. You can easily forget yourself and fall victim to the pickpockets (just ask Rick Steves!). Keep your handbag in front of you always and closed. It is advisable to keep your passport back at your hotel/apartment but always carry a photocopy with you.
• Yes, Paris can be expensive, but honestly there are many ways you can save money. Ordering the house wine is almost as cheap as ordering a bottle of water. Speaking of water, the tap water in Paris is perfectly fine. I have drank it and never fell over. 🙂 It is fine to order tap water in any restaurant just ask for a “carafe d’eau”. There is no need to eat out for every meal. The Monoprix is your friend in Paris. If you have no idea what Monoprix is-it’s the french version of Target. Monoprix has everything and the perfect souvenir spot too. Grab a bottle of wine and food for a picnic and you are set.
• Leave the stilletos at home! Bring comfy shoes. I’m talking about shoes you can walk miles in. These Cobb Hill Mary Jane shoes were the ones I wore the whole time I was in Paris my last visit and they were perfect. Cute enough to wear with everything!

• In my opinion the best times to visit Paris are Spring and early Fall. Summer is crowded and there will be long lines. Not to mention August is the time when all the French take their vacations, leaving many small businesses closed. Last time I went in September and loved it. The days were warm and the nights were perfect. Also April in Paris is beautiful. Flowers are blooming and the scent of spring is in the air.

First timer’s guide to Paris: What to do.

I could write a book on this subject, but since this is a first timer’s guide, I will limit myself. Paris is FULL of things to do to keep you busy for months. Again I’m taking my past experience into account here. What I should have done, and what I did that was right.

I went on a tour my first time, so I saw the major sights, but also had plenty of free time to explore on my own. This gave me a real taste of the city. This is where some of the research comes in handy. Everyone has their own tastes. Some love museums and some can only tolerate one. That’s ok. It’s your trip and I will not tell you what you must do. I can offer my opinion. I’m not a huge museum person. I love art, and lean more to the Impressionists, so I will suggest the Orsay all day long. I put my two cents worth in about the Louvre vs the Orsay in this post. If seeing the Mona Lisa up close is on your bucket list, then you must go to the Louvre.

As I suggested in this collaboration post on tiqy.com recently: 77 Top Travel Bloggers Divulge The Best European Cities To Visit

“What’s the number ONE thing you recommend people do when they get there and why? I recommend the one thing to do when you arrive in Paris is to drop your bags off wherever you are staying and explore the neighborhood you are staying in. Find a tiny cafe, sit and have a glass of wine. Make that your daily stop. By the end of your stay, the staff will know you by name.”

I’m a firm believer in exploring your immediate surroundings. Most likely if you are arriving from the US it will be morning in Paris. You’ll be tired and hungry, so I would suggest not filling your first day with 20 things to do. Ignore the fact that you are tired and just want to sleep.  I say find the place you are staying and if you cannot check in right away, keep you bags with the concierge. Find that cafe close to you hotel and grab an outside table and enjoy a nice lunch after you’ve said bonjour to your waiter :-). Watch the people as they walk past. Take in your surroundings.

After you are fueled up, just explore. Get some cash out of an ATM in case you haven’t already. The best part about Paris is each neighborhood has its own vibe. I like to stay in the 6th district because it’s central and many of the major attractions are within easy walking distance.

The French have a term for strolling. It’s called flaneur. You will see many of them do this. The Parisians appreciate their surroundings. Take the time to celebrate where you are by taking part in the act of flanerie.

After you have checked out whats available in your neighborhood, then its time to dig into the city. Here are my suggestions of things to do in Paris

• Eiffel Tower. I know it’s oftentimes scoffed at by the seasoned Paris travelers, but it’s the symbol of Paris and France really. At the very least you should view it at night from the Seine river to see it in all its lighted up glory. Trust me, up close it will blow you away the first time you stand underneath it. As far as going to the top. I’m totally for it. I did my first time. It was a bucket list item for me. If you can, I suggest getting your tickets before and save some time.
• Musee d’Orsay. You can read my reasons here.
• Do a wine tasting/tour. I did a wine tasting lunch at O Chateau my second trip to Paris and it was one of my favorite things I have ever done in Paris. I learned a ton about French wines and the wine regions in France, met some fun people, and brought home a couple of my favorites. You can read about my experience here. If you are not into the whole wine thing, you could try a cooking class or food tour. There are plenty of options out there.
• Go to a marche or market. Almost every arrondisment has one. Some are small and only have food items, but some are quite large and also have clothing and other types of vendors. I have been to the Marche Monge and found a beautiful scarf and a great leather purse. Marche Monge is located in the Latin Quarter.

• Explore the Latin Quarter. Home to the famous Sorbonne, this area is so charming. It is full of cafes, shops, bakeries, and is one of the areas in Paris to go for the real Paris. Visit the Pantheon and nearby “Midnight In Paris” church, St Etienne du Mont at rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève. If you are a fan of this movie (my absolute most favorite movie of all time), it’s a must see in my book.

• Notre Dame Cathedral. If you pick just one church in Paris, this is really a must. It is beautiful inside and get a close up of the architecture outside too. Everything tells a story. If you want to climb to the top and view the gargoyles up close, you will pay a fee. Also don’t miss point zero in front of Notre Dame. All points in France are measured from this very spot. Its actually a plaque in the pavement and its very easy to miss. Do a little twist on it for good luck.
• Take a Seine river cruise. Preferably at dusk so you can get the full effect of the beauty of the city at night.
• Arc de Triomphe. This monument sits at the end of the Champs Elysees. You can climb to the top or not. To get there you have to go underground. My favorite thing is to observe the huge traffic circle around it. It just boggles my mind watching these brave drivers navigate this craziness.

Here’s a link to my video of this craziness!

I know there are a ton of museums and places to see. Like I said, traveling to any city and choosing what to see is a very personal choice. It takes a bit of list making and prioritizing, but these are great things to do for first timers to get a feel for the city. If you are a book lover, than Shakespeare and Company is a must. If you are a Green Bay Packer fan, then a stop at Wos Bar in the Latin Quarter is a must (don’t laugh, I know some devoted Packer fans and yes, I have been there), if you are a Doors fan, then you must go to Pere Lechaise Cemetery (done that too).

First timer’s guide to Paris: What to eat.

Paris is full of great places to eat. What I don’t recommend is McDo’s (unless you need to use a bathroom). Seriously! There are so many cafes, brasseries, and restaurants in Paris that in my mind it is nearly impossible to make a list. There are famous places like Deux Maggots and Cafe Flore that are famous just because of their literary past. Today they do offer good food, and to go there is great (raises hand and pleads guilty), because then you can say you ate where Hemingway did. Just balance it out with finding your own place. The city is full of gems. My last stay, we stayed right around the corner on Rue Dragon in the 6th from a great brunch spot called Eggs & Co. It’s tiny and the first morning we thought we’d give it a try. It was delicious and the staff was super helpful. Being impressed, that night I sat and wrote a Yelp review.

Read Lori H.‘s review of Eggs & Co on Yelp

Two days later we went back and the owner remembered us and asked me if I wrote a Yelp review. I said yes, and she was so thankful and happy. I felt like I belonged. I think it meant more to me that she remembered me and asked me about that review, than it did to her that I wrote it. Either way, I was tickled!!

For the budget conscience, there is an abundance of crepe stands all over. Nutella crepes are a must in Paris!! You can even get a ready made gourmet meal at your local Monoprix or Picard (frozen meals you need to heat).  Of course you cannot forget your neighborhood boulangerie either. Warm pain du chocolate!!

I do have a couple of suggestions. Go to Angelina’s and have some hot chocolate. Just do it and you’ll see what I mean. Just sitting inside Angelina’s is like being in a different world. Second, check out Laduree’s Tea Room. Have lunch, enjoy  tea in beautiful cups, and spring for a dessert. On your way out, grab some of the best macarons in the world. If that’s not enough of a sugar rush, head on over to Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis for their famous ice cream.

When you are in Paris, you can always check out Yelp or Trip Advisor for spots near you.

First Timer’s Guide To Paris: Where To Stay.

I have stayed in both a big box hotel and an apartment while in Paris. A hotel is great for a first time stay if you need lots of direction and help. If you have done plenty of research, you can easily rent an apartment. I would recommend this if you are staying longer than a couple of days. You can rent an Airbnb, just be sure to read the reviews! I cannot stress this enough. Look for a bunch of great reviews and also the Superhost label. Also many reputable renting companies do rent through Airbnb.

You can budget it and check into a hostel also. There are many nice ones in Paris. Again research is key.

If you decide to stay in a hotel, there are many great small family run hotels all over Paris. Just be warned the rooms usually are not large like what you are used to, water pressure may be iffy, and if you are there in the summer, there may not be air conditioning. Most of these hotels are in very old buildings with either no elevator, or a tiny one that will only fit one person. Most small family run hotels in Paris have English speaking staff. This could be an ideal option if you go the hotel route.

Many travelers prefer to go with what they know and stick with the big chain hotels, that’s a great idea if you want a predictable lodging option. All the big chains have options in Paris. Also, France has it’s own hotel chains. This France Hotel Guide can help you.

I love staying in an apartment in Paris. You kind of feel like a local. It’s fun to “pretend” you actually live in Paris if only for a week. There’s just something about climbing the stairs and unlocking an apartment door with a fresh baguette and a chunk of cheese in your shopping bag that screams Paris! Plus you have the advantage of a kitchen, even if it is tiny, to cook yourself.

The last time I went to Paris I decided to use a rental service. Going on the advice of my travel guru, Rick Steves, I decided to contact Paris For Rent. I was so happy with their instant contact and prompt answering of my questions, that I decided to book with them. As an extra add on to make the airport transfer, I was able to reserve a driving service right through Paris For Rent. It was a seamless experience. You can read about it here.

So there you have it! As you can see, I have used this as a guide of options to help you with your own unique first time Paris experience. Sure I could give you a list of must do’s, places you must eat, and places you should stay, but there are as many ways to experience Paris as there are kinds of cheese in France (arguably between 350-1000!). Go with what YOU want to do. Have fun and I hope you fall in love with Paris as I have. Here are a sampling of my favorite book resources for your research and just general Paris reading!

There are also a bunch of Paris and France travel podcasts. My favorite two are the Earful Tower Podcast and Join Us In France Podcast. Both of these websites are a wealth of information also!

Bon Voyage!!

Please, if you liked this post, share on your social channels.

Go explore! The world is waiting.

Lori