First Time in Paris? 8 Things To Know Before You Go!

Paris is one of those cities that feels larger than life. Between the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, charming streets, and cute cafés on every corner, it’s a dream destination for many travelers. But like any major city, Paris has its quirks, and if you’re visiting Paris for the first time, there are some things you need to know before you go.

From where to stay to how to get around, what to book in advance, and a few survival tips, this guide will help you prepare for your first time in Paris.

1. Where to Stay in Paris

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, or districts, that spiral out from the city center. Each neighborhood has a unique vibe, so where you stay will shape your experience.

Here are a few of the best areas to consider:

• 1st Arrondissement (Louvre) – Perfect for first-time visitors who want to be in the heart of Paris. You’ll be within walking distance of the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, and the Seine. Hotels here will be pricier, but the location is unbeatable. Expect to pay at least $400 USD per night.
  • Hotel La Tamise is a popular pick in this area!
• Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissement) – Trendy and historic, this area is full of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s also home to Place des Vosges, one of the prettiest squares in Paris.
  • Hotel Saint Louis Marais is decently priced and in a great location!
• Opera (9th Arrondissement) – Stylish and upscale, close to Palais Garnier and Galeries Lafayette. It’s charming, safe, and central. This is where I stayed!
  • Check out Grand Hotel Lafayette. We loved our stay here and how easily accessible it was to get around the city.
• Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement) – Bustling and lively, with a younger vibe thanks to the nearby Sorbonne University. Great for budget-conscious travelers who still want to be close to the action.
  • Hotel Atmospheres would be a great hotel in this area!
• Montmartre (18th Arrondissement) – Perched on a hill overlooking Paris, this neighborhood has a bohemian feel. It’s home to Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Moulin Rouge, and winding cobblestone streets. A bit farther out, but away from the crowds and very romantic.
  • Hotel des Arts is a great pick for couples and honeymooners!

💡 Tip: Book early—Paris hotels fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer. Check rates and availability on Booking.com for the best deals.

Where to Stay on Points in Paris

If you’re like me and love to stretch your credit card rewards, Paris has some fantastic options for redeeming points. Paris is an expensive city, so using points for hotels can free up cash for experiences like dining, tours, and day trips.

Here are three of the best redemptions:

• Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile (World of Hyatt points) – A high-rise hotel near the Arc de Triomphe with sweeping city views, including the Eiffel Tower. Rooms start at 12,000–18,000 points per night, which is a solid value for Paris.
• Marriott Opera Ambassador (Marriott Bonvoy points) – Centrally located in the 9th Arrondissement, close to the Opera Garnier and Galeries Lafayette. Standard redemptions start around 40,000–50,000 Bonvoy points per night.
• Holiday Inn Paris – Gare de Lyon Bastille (IHG One Rewards points) – A stylish and budget-friendly option with easy access to trains and the Metro. Typically 25,000–35,000 IHG points per night.

2. Getting Around Paris

Paris has a very good public transport system that you should use when visiting. Between the Metro, RER trains, and buses, you can get almost anywhere without needing a car.

Metro and RER

The Metro is fast, affordable, and efficient. Each ride costs €2.50 if you purchase a single ticket, or you can purchase passes depending on how long you are visiting. The RER trains connect Paris to the suburbs and major attractions like Versailles and Disneyland Paris.

Navigo Pass and Ticket Options

On my trip, I used the Navigo Pass and purchased the 10-ticket pack. The Navigo Pass can now be added directly to your Apple Wallet, which is incredibly convenient! Instead of carrying around a physical card, I just tapped my phone at the turnstiles. No digging through my bag or worrying about losing a paper ticket.

The 10-ticket pass is a great option if you plan on using the metro at least 10 times during your visit. You can load it onto your phone, too, which keeps everything in one place. There is no discount to purchase 10 vs 1, but it saves time, so you don’t have to purchase a pass every time you ride the metro.

For most visitors staying 4–7 days, the 10-ticket pass (about €25) is great, and if you end up needing more, you can purchase single tickets or another pack. These tickets will be good for central Paris and the nearby suburbs.

You will need to purchase a separate ticket for travel to and from the airport, as the standard ticket does not cover this. The airport ticket is €13, but it will take you anywhere in Paris. Just look for the RER B signs when you get to the airport.

Walking and Ride Shares

Paris is also a very walkable city. Many attractions are closer than you think, and wandering the streets is part of the fun. This is why staying in a centrally located hotel is a great idea!

Google Maps worked really well for walking directions, and the timing was pretty accurate. There would be times when walking was faster than taking a train because you had to switch train platforms, which required walking. So make sure you look at the walking time also when taking the trains.

Taxis and Ubers are also available, but traffic in Paris can be slow. I recommend using them only when absolutely necessary, like very late at night when the Metro is closed. G7 is another app you can download that is very similar to Uber and may have better rates.

3. Watch Out for Pickpockets

Paris is safe overall, but pickpockets are common around tourist hot spots like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and crowded Metro lines.

To avoid becoming a target:

• Use a crossbody bag with anti-theft zippers, like the one I am wearing below! A small backpack with locks will work too if you need more space.
• Keep valuables in front pockets, never in the back.
• Don’t carry passports with you unless necessary, leave them in your hotel safe.
• Be cautious if someone distracts you or approaches too closely.

4. Visiting the Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. But the experience is much better when you plan ahead. When I visited, it was a bit overwhelming walking in and not knowing where to go with my tickets. Below, I will tell you where to buy your tickets, what type of tickets are available, and where to redeem them!

Where to Buy Tickets

Purchase directly from the Eiffel Tower’s official website. Avoid third-party sites that charge higher prices or sell questionable tickets. The only time you should purchase from a third party is if you want a guided tour.

Most tickets are available 60 days in advance if you want to take the lift up. If you prefer to take the stairs, which is a cheaper ticket, those are available 14 days before the visit date. Access to the Esplanade is FREE, but you will need to go through a security check first.

If you want to do a guided tour, check out some of my top recommendations below!

Individual Ticket Options

• Stairs to the 2nd floor – Cheaper and often less crowded, though you’ll climb more than 600 steps.
• Lift to the 2nd floor – The most popular option, with great views of Paris. This is the ticket we bought, and it was great! We actually ended up taking the stairs back down due to the long line for the lift.
• Lift to the Summit – The highest point, with breathtaking panoramas. Tickets are limited and sell out quickly.

💡 Tip: If you buy lift tickets online, look for Piller North entrance when you get in to go up to the top or second floor on the lift.

We did a Day Trip to Reims and Epernay from Paris and visited the Reims Notre Dame Cathedral and a few champagne houses. This is very easy to do on your own, or you can book it with a tour.

7. Summer in Paris

Summer in Paris is beautiful, but it can also catch visitors off guard. If visiting in August, a lot of businesses will close down for a week or more. We went the second week in August and saw lots of places with chairs up and closed. All big attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre will be open, but if you have your eye on a special restaurant, I would check their hours!

Temperatures often reach the 80s, and air conditioning is rare in many restaurants, cafés, and Airbnbs.

Here’s how to stay comfortable:

• Book hotels and Airbnbs that specifically list AC in the amenities.
• Carry a reusable/collapsible water bottle and refill at public fountains.
• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and shoes. I loved these Allbirds tennis shoes!
• Schedule museum visits during the hottest hours of the afternoon.

💡 Tip: Evenings will be cooler and perfect for a Seine River cruise!

8. Common Words and Phrases in French

Even if you don’t speak French, learning a few basic phrases goes a long way. You can download Google Translate in offline mode in case you need quick help. I also use the lens feature to scan street signs and menus. A polite “Bonjour” before asking a question makes interactions smoother.

Here are a few essentials:

• Bonjour – Hello / Good morning
• Bonsoir – Good evening
• Merci – Thank you
• Excusez-moi or Pardon – Excuse Me
• Parlez-vous anglais ? – Do you speak English?
• L’addition, s’il vous plaît – The check, please
• Sortie – Exit (You’ll see this a lot in the train stations!)

Final Thoughts

Paris is an incredible city, but a little preparation makes the experience smoother. Book popular attractions in advance, learn a few French phrases, and stay alert in crowded areas. Whether you’re sipping wine in Saint-Germain, climbing the Eiffel Tower, or strolling along the Seine, Paris will leave you feeling full.

✨ NEXT: Check out my 3 Days in Paris Itinerary to start planning your trip!