Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Emma Fajcz | Published: November 26, 2025
Paris can be intimidating! This European metropolis of over 2 million people bustles with activity, and its residents speak French. But have no fear! Paris is one of the most lovable cities on the planet, and is friendly to visitors. But it helps to have a primer on the city, particularly if you’re in Paris for the first time. Here are 7 tips for visiting Paris for the first time that will make your first trip to the City of Light an unforgettable experience.
Planning a trip to Paris soon? Here’s 10 things you need to know before going to Paris for more tips!
Table of Contents
Take a Guided Tour to Get Your Bearings
On your first day, join the Paris in a Day Walking Tour. It’s the perfect way to orient yourself in the city, as you’ll stroll through iconic neighborhoods, hear fascinating stories from your local guide, and end the day knowing your way around like a true Parisian.
Or, if food is your way into a city, the Paris Ultimate Food Tour will introduce you to the heart of Parisian cuisine — from flaky croissants to artisan cheeses and wine.
Local Tip: You’ll skip waiting in a long line to get into the Louvre if you go early in the morning when there are no crowds of people.
Don’t Try to See It All at Once
Once you’re strolling the streets of Paris, you’ll come to the realization that many other visitors have had: there’s a lot to see and do here. The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Marais, Luxembourg Gardens, Sainte-Chapelle, Pere Lachaise Cemetery, the Musee d’Orsay, Montmartre … the list goes. Don’t try to see it all.
Either book more days here than you expected, or commit to coming back to Paris again to see another slice of the City of Light. Or, sign up for a tour to explore more in your free time.
Slow Down and Wander Like a Local
Now that you’re aware of all the sites and monuments, avoid the need for checklist travel. In other words, this is your first time in Paris, leave some time for just wandering. It makes discovering something magical.
The French invented the word “flaneur,” meaning a person who wanders aimlessly in a city, and you should definitely do just that while you’re in Paris. And besides, if you’ve already taken an all-day guided tour of Paris, you’ll have time for aimless strolling.
Local Tip: Check out these best parks and green spaces in Paris, which are perfect for exploring on a relaxing stroll!
Learn a Few French Phrases
Technically, when someone utters the phrase “linga franca” these days, it means “English,” but if you’re in Paris, that lingua franca is French.
You’ll get a lot further with the locals if you can begin any interaction by sputtering out a few Gallic phrases. “Bonjour” or “bon soir” is a good start, followed by “Parlez-vous Anglais?” Even if you know the French person you’re about to talk to speaks English, it’s always wise to ask first, especially if you’re in Paris for the first time.
Embrace Café Culture
Attitude is everything in Paris! The best way to confidently express the proper Parisian attitude is to plop down at a sidewalk table in a cafe and sit there. Go ahead and skim a newspaper or magazine, if you want, but convey the feeling that you’re not going anywhere for a while.
Work? Family responsibilities? Emergencies? Meh! You’re in Paris for the first time and you’re going to act like a Parisian. Nurse your coffee and enjoy the fine art of doing nothing, or in the local parlance, l’art de ne rien faire. Grab our tips for ordering coffee in French, even if you don’t know the language.
Is hot chocolate more your style? Here’s the best places for hot chocolate in Paris! (Hint: Parisian hot chocolate is way better than American hot chocolate.)
Book Ahead for Meals and Museums
If you’re a person who travels to eat, you may want to make some lunch and dinner reservations before you step on a Paris-bound plane or train. It’s possible to make reservations directly on some restaurants’ websites. Otherwise, download The Fork, the main app for restaurant reservations in Paris. (Save our tips for budgeting for food in Paris and our guide to eating meals in Paris with advice on tipping and menus!)
These days, reservations are necessary for some museums! You can book your tickets in advance for the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay. Here’s 8 tips on skipping the lineups in Paris for art galleries and museums.
Local Tip: If you want a local to lead you around for a few hours, showing you the best places to snack and eat in Paris, you can take a fun, guided walking tour too.
Download These Essential Paris Apps
You’re going to be walking a lot in Paris, but you’ll also benefit from taking the bus and the subway (aka the Metro). Get more tips on navigating Paris’ public transit like a local to make it easy to get around the city.
Do yourself a favor and download the Bonjour RATP app. The app will not only help you get to where you need to go, but also allows you to buy bus and subway tickets in the app, making life in Paris a lot easier. While you’re at it, download Google Maps onto your phone, if you don’t already have it.
With these seven steps in mind, your first trip to Paris should be as seamless as possible. You’ll have a few French phrases down, you’ll be set with the proper apps, and you may even be well stocked with knowledge of the city’s history and dining scene, thanks to the small group tour that you took just after arrival.
Taste the Best Food in Paris Like a Local
Want to taste the best food Paris has to offer? Join us on our Ultimate Paris Food Tour! You’ll taste 11+ dishes at 8 local Marais stops. From boulangeries to bistros, our top-rated Paris food tour dives deep into French food culture!
Featured Review: Ultimate Paris Food Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “[Our guide] Arturo was the bomb! This tour is an awesome way to try some great Parisian food, get a tour of Le Marais, and meet other foodie travelers from all over. We loved it and would recommend to anyone. Well worth the price! Come hungry and leave full!”
– Marianna on GetYourGuide
First Time in Paris FAQs
Why should you take a guided walking tour of Paris?
If you’re in Paris for the first time, a tour will really make a difference—especially a day or two after your arrival. It will give you a much better orientation of the city, plus you’ll be able to get recommendations from the local guide, and you’ll possibly meet like-minded travelers too. A better question might be, why wouldn’t you take a tour?
What time do the tours start and how long do they last?
The day-long tour of Paris starts at 9 am and goes until 6 pm (on some days, there’s a second tour that starts at 9:30 am and goes until 6:30 pm). The tour lasts nine hours and includes a one-hour break of free time.
The food-centric tour—the Paris Ultimate Food Tour—is 3.5 hours of eating bliss. Tours start at 10 am and go until 1:30 pm. On some days, there are additional tours that begin at 10:45 am until 2:15 pm and 2:30 pm to 6 pm.
What is the best time of year to visit Paris?
There’s a case to be made that there is no bad time to visit Paris. Winter is colder, but winter in Paris certainly has its charms (and fewer tourists). Spring is dazzling. Summer is warm and dynamic. Autumn is chillier but romantic. That said, avoid July and August when the crowds are biggest and prices are highest.
If you’re on the fence about taking a tour, consider it both an investment for the rest of your time in the French capital—you’ll be much more confident after the tour—and also a souvenir, bringing back a suitcase full of great memories and knowledge of one of the greatest cities on the planet.
