What to know when traveling to Paris, France, this post is the ultimate travel guide to Paris for first time visitors. My story and travel tips.
Paris was always that dream for me. You know what I mean, the kind of dream you write about in high school journals, pin on vision boards, or whisper out loud on New Year’s Eve while fireworks crackle in the background. When I finally made it to Paris, I’ll be honest, I cried a little when I saw the Eiffel Tower peeking over the rooftops from my Uber. I’m not even embarrassed to admit that.
From that very first moment, Paris felt like a dream I somehow got cast in. The cobblestone streets, the sound of French conversations in cafes, the smell of warm croissants in the morning air, it was everything I imagined and more. But it wasn’t just about the landmarks. It was about the feeling Paris gives you. Like you’re suddenly more elegant, more curious, more alive.
This travel guide isn’t just about what to see and do in Paris. It’s about how I experienced the city as a first-timer, what made me laugh, what made me pause, and what made me fall madly, deeply in love with Paris. So, if you’re planning your first trip and what to know when traveling to Paris, consider this your unofficial, very personal survival guide, with all my honest thoughts and tips to make your own Parisian story unforgettable.
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THINGS TO KNOW- HOW DO I PLAN A TRIP TO PARIS?
Planning my trip to Paris felt both magical and overwhelming. I wanted to do everything, see everything, taste everything (especially that last part). But Paris is big, emotionally and physically. So here’s what I learned:
- Start with a few non-negotiables: For me, that was the Eiffel Tower, a dinner cruise, and trying as many pastries as my stomach would allow.
- Book experiences in advance: I used GetYourGuide for most of my activities. It saved me a ton of time and stress, especially for things like the Louvre and Versailles.
- Don’t over-plan: I left space in my itinerary to just wander, and those were some of the best moments.
- Learn a few French phrases: You don’t need to be fluent, but a simple “bonjour” and “merci” go a long way with the locals.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
Okay, so I went in spring, and let me tell you, Paris in April is a literal dream. The cherry blossoms were blooming, there was a gentle chill in the air that made every café stop feel cozy, and the crowds hadn’t gotten too crazy yet.
Summer is beautiful but busy (and a bit pricier). Fall has this romantic melancholy that’s straight out of a French film. Winter is charming too, especially if you love Christmas markets and twinkly lights.
But if I had to choose again? I’d still go in spring. Everything just felt… lighter.
How to get around in Paris?
So here’s the thing, I love walking, but Paris is BIG. Like, deceptively big.
I used Uber a few times (especially when I was tired or running late), but it adds up really fast. One 10-minute ride cost me 20 euros, yikes. For most of my trip, I relied on public transportation, and honestly? It was great.
The metro is super efficient and goes basically everywhere you want to be. It’s easy to navigate, and tickets are cheap. I got a carnet (bundle of 10 tickets), and it lasted me almost my whole stay.
Pro tip: download Citymapper or Google Maps with the Paris setting, making navigating a breeze.
And if you’re in the mood for something totally Parisian, book a ride through the city in a vintage 2CV. I felt like I was in a retro perfume commercial the entire time.
My first time in Paris bucket list
Before you plan your ultimate trip to Paris, I like to put together a bucket list and figure what to know when traveling to Paris. I may or may not have been able to check off all the items on my bucket list but we are still promised to have a fantastic time!
- Eiffel Tower + Picnic: Watch it sparkle while eating a crepe or baguette on the Champ de Mars.
- Louvre Museum: Skip the line and explore iconic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa.
- Seine River Dinner Cruise: Floating past the Eiffel Tower at night with live music? Pure magic.
- Croissant-Making Class: Make your own flaky croissants from scratch, yes, you can do it!
- Macaron Baking Workshop: Fun, sweet, and surprisingly tricky, but so worth it.
- Fragonard Perfume Workshop: Craft your own signature scent in a dreamy French atelier.
- Moulin Rouge Show: Sparkles, feathers, champagne, an unforgettable night out.
- Versailles Palace: Step into royal history and stroll through epic gardens.
- Wine Tasting Tour: Taste your way through French wines with a local sommelier.
- Loire Valley Castles Day Trip: Fairytale castles and wine? It’s basically a dream come true.
- Eiffel Tower Photoshoot: A professional shoot in front of the Iron Lady = iconic memories.
What to do in Paris for first time visitors?
The first time I saw the Eiffel Tower up close, I couldn’t breathe for a second. It was bigger, bolder, and more magical than any photo I’d seen before. I got there just before sunset, and the sky was this cotton-candy swirl of pink and gold. I found one of those little crepe stands nearby (they’re all over), ordered a crepe with Nutella and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, yes, on top, and just sat on the grass. Touristy? Absolutely. But it felt like the most Parisian thing in the world.
The next day, I went to the Louvre, and let me tell you, it’s overwhelming, in the best way. The building itself is a piece of art. I booked a skip-the-line ticket (lifesaver!) and wandered through centuries of history. I even got to stand in front of the Mona Lisa, surrounded by a million phones. Still worth it.
One night, I booked a 4-course dinner cruise on the Seine. It was like something out of a dream. We floated under the city’s bridges while a live musician played soft jazz. I sipped on rosé and ate the most delicious duck dish. And when the Eiffel Tower started to sparkle, it gave me chills.
I also took a croissant-making class with a local chef. There’s something so satisfying about rolling dough while the smell of butter fills the kitchen. I definitely didn’t master the technique, but I left with warm croissants and an even warmer heart.
One afternoon, I found myself in a little perfume workshop, mixing scents I didn’t know I’d love. I walked out with a tiny bottle labeled with my name, how chic is that?
And of course, I couldn’t miss the Moulin Rouge. I wore my favorite red lipstick, grabbed a glass of champagne, and watched the feathers fly. It was dazzling, wild, and honestly, so much fun.
Versailles? Beyond grand. I spent half the day wandering the palace, and the other half lying in the gardens with a baguette and cheese I picked up at a market. I didn’t even realize I fell asleep for a bit, it was that peaceful.
Where to eat in Paris?
Paris fed my soul from the moment I bit into my first croissant at Du Pain et des Idées, flaky, buttery perfection I still think about. Mornings became sacred: café crème at La Fontaine de Belleville, pastries from whatever boulangerie I passed, or sometimes just sitting outside Café de Flore, soaking up the city like a true romantic. One afternoon, I grabbed the most legendary falafel sandwich at L’As du Fallafel, messy, warm, absolutely perfect. For dinner, Le Relais de l’Entrecôte blew my mind with its no-menu, just-steak-and-fries magic (that green sauce?? still dreaming of it), while Chez Janou felt like a secret Provençal hug tucked into Le Marais. I splurged on rooftop seafood at Girafe, watching the Eiffel Tower twinkle as I sipped rosé, and if you want fine dining that feels like art, Septime is where you go to be wowed. Dessert? Always.
The hot chocolate at Angelina was basically a hug in a cup, the pistachio escargot at Du Pain et des Idées was everything, Berthillon gave me ice cream that felt like silk, and Pierre Hermé’s Macarons made me pause mid-bite like… how is this real? Nights in Paris were magic too, cocktails at Little Red Door felt like stepping into another world, and Le Comptoir Général gave me jungle disco vibes I didn’t know I needed. Perruche was my rooftop haven at golden hour, while Ô Chateau was cozy, candlelit, and filled with endless glasses of French wine. But my favorite? Rosa Bonheur, dancing under twinkly lights in the park, laughing with locals like we’d known each other forever. That’s what eating (and drinking) in Paris felt like, pure, delicious joy.
Any other tips for visiting Paris?
- Wear comfortable shoes. Paris demands a lot of walking.
- Carrying a portable charger, between maps, photos, and translation apps, my phone was always dying.
- Be patient. Paris has its quirks, and sometimes things move slower, but that’s part of its charm.
- Don’t skip the small streets. Some of the best finds (boutiques, cafés, photo ops) aren’t on the main boulevards.
- Always look up! The architecture is stunning, even the balconies are dreamy.
CONCLUSION- WHAT TO KNOW WHEN TRAVELING TO PARIS
Paris wasn’t just a trip. It was a feeling.
It’s hard to describe the way it wraps you up in its charm, how it slowly steals your heart with every corner café and cobblestone street. I went as a tourist, but I left feeling like a little part of me belonged there.
If you’re heading to Paris for the first time, my biggest advice? Don’t just chase the landmarks. Let yourself feel the city. Sit by the Seine and people-watch. Get lost on purpose. Say bonjour with confidence, even if your accent is terrible. And definitely, definitely eat all the croissants.
You’re going to fall in love. I promise. I hope you find my post has answered all your questions about what to know when traveling to Paris as first time visitor.
Bon voyage, mon ami!
Hi! Jully Elexa, it’s great to be connected with FaresMatch. Your article provided some great food for thought. This is the perspective we value so much at FairsMatch and strive for. Thank you for sharing such a great article!