Those who have visited the French capital sometimes have completely opposite opinions. Some are delighted with her hospitality, others are extremely disappointed, and all because they were not prepared for some nuances. For this reason, there was a desire to give advice to those who are going to conquer the city for the first time or are giving it a second chance to reveal itself in all its glory.

City transport

The most convenient transport in Paris is the metro or RER train, connected by the same tracks and stations. It is especially pleasant to use them in the sultry summer heat, from which the coolness of the air-conditioned air of the metro helps. Although the temperature in a taxi is also regulated, the cost of the trip is much higher. A taxi, like renting a car, has its pros and cons, but the main disadvantage is traffic jams. However, if you’re arriving by plane and want to avoid the stress of navigating public transport with luggage, a transfer from Orly Airport to Paris from Kiwitaxi is a great option. It offers fixed pricing, door-to-door service, and comfort after a long flight — especially convenient for families or late-night arrivals. If you want freedom of movement at a minimum cost, consider renting a bicycle or scooter. They are located in every corner of the city. The bus network is just as developed, and there are even night routes for night owls. To understand how they run, you need a map of Paris, where the times and stops are marked.

When it comes to travel documents, they come in different types. You can study their capabilities and costs to choose your ideal option. Some give discounts on museum admission, so spend some time on this issue.

 

Accommodation in Paris

If you prefer independent Paris instead of a tour organized by a travel agency, remember that March-June is the peak period for travel. It follows from this that prices will skyrocket, and good hotel rooms will be impossible to find. If your holiday falls during this period, book your room in advance.

The county of residence is also an important factor. Or you may find yourself in “Chinatown”, “little Algeria”, “Delhi” or “Morocco”. It is preferable to choose central areas where the main attractions of Paris and the best service are concentrated. Maps of safe districts of Paris are freely available on Google.

About nutrition

There are bars, restaurants, cafes, bistros, fast foods and stalls at every turn to suit every budget and taste.

In fashionable restaurants, a table should be reserved in advance, and sometimes several weeks in advance, especially during the New Year and Christmas holidays.

Again, if you come to Paris in the off-season, you can avoid the crowds of tourists, and the prices are much better. But even during a tourism boom, there are ways to reduce food costs – simply buy food in the store and at the market.

If you do not live in a hotel, but rent an apartment or have chosen a hostel as a temporary shelter, you will have a kitchen equipped with appliances and utensils at your disposal.

 

How to dress?

Since there will be a lot of walking, to avoid getting tired too quickly and to remain comfortable, do not wear high heels.

Although Paris is the center of fashion, no one here tries to look pretentious every day. But sportswear is not an option for walking around the beautiful city.

If you give preference to the classics, you won’t go wrong. Let your clothing be appropriate for the season, and in the fall it is better to always have an umbrella with you.

 

Where to go and what to see?

It is difficult to advise which sights of Paris to visit, because it is a matter of taste. Some people will first run to the catacombs and cemeteries, others can’t stand the topic of sepulchral.

But if you don’t visit the Moulin Rouge, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, stroll along the Champs Elysees, Montmartre, the Marais quarter and Place Pigalle, then why go to this luxurious city at all?

When going to museums in Paris, make a plan of where you would like to go. If you dream of visiting the Louvre, it is better to choose the topic that interests you most, since it will take more than one day to explore all the halls.

A tour of the castles of France will be interesting – the mysteries of history, legends, wine tasting, excellent photographs and a great mood are guaranteed. It’s ideal if you travel through them in a rented car, so that you can choose which fortresses to visit and how long to explore them. But a bus tour with a guide will also leave a lasting impression. However, if you plan to visit all the key attractions and charming hidden spots in the shortest possible time, it’s best to use the Kiwitaxi service. With Kiwitaxi, you get a personal driver, comfortable car, fixed price without hidden fees, and the ability to choose your own route. It’s especially convenient for families, small groups, or those who value flexibility and comfort during their journey through France.

Stroll through the magnificent streets slowly and without making any specific plans, but simply admiring the facades of ancient buildings. Thus, you will not only experience the city more fully, but also significantly reduce costs. You can wander through parks and gardens (Tuileries, Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne, Champ de Mars, Buttes Chaumont, Monceau) completely free of charge.

Some museums are always open for free, such as Carnavale and Contemporary Art near Alma Marceau metro station on line 9. Every month on the first Sunday, all museums selflessly open their doors to those who wish to visit them. This also happens once a year on the so-called “white night”. You can also attend the Friday fashion shows at Galeries Lafayette without paying an entrance fee.

Safety

Paris, according to statistics, is a safe city, but this does not mean that the police have nothing to do here, it’s just that the crime level is under control and does not go off scale. While preparing for our trip, I found information with various tips on thefts from tourists and, unfortunately, I saw a lot of this with my own eyes.

• Ring divorce is a common topic, and some travelers have already experienced it. The point is that a large gold ring is lifted from the ground in front of you – supposedly a find. Further the situation may develop in different ways. In one version you will be offered to buy it for 10-15 euros, but in reality the price is no more than 50 cents. The other option is more harsh – they give it to you for free, but then they catch up with you, start accusing you of theft, extorting money and threatening you with the police.
• At the foot of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, a group of dark-skinned guys persistently advise tourists to tie a red thread on their wrists, supposedly for good luck. While one of you is working his magic on the knots, his partner is quietly lightening your pockets. From those who refuse dubious happiness, scammers begin to beg for money.
• In crowded places there are girls standing, seemingly advocating for saving something there. Naturally, for this they only need a couple of your euros.
• Always carry your bag on the opposite side of the road, and in the subway, away from the train cars. Motorcyclists, without slowing down, snatch the belongings of passers-by and immediately disappear. In the subway, this happens at the last moment, when the doors of the car close, and the thief is on the other side of the vehicle from you.
• Watch your pockets – don’t carry money or phones in them, because in a crowd you won’t even feel like you’ve been robbed.
• At the entrance to the Louvre, colored guys stand in front of the line and offer to buy tickets out of line, of course these are palenque or expired tickets.
• A few more words of advice
• To avoid queues and crowds, plan your trip during the off-peak season.
• Think over the route and entertainment plan.
• Don’t hesitate to ask Parisians for help. These are responsive, gallant people, always ready to come to the rescue.
• For violating traffic rules, not only drivers, but also pedestrians are punished with hefty fines.

 

Planning your next trip?

Then don’t forget travel insurance! You don’t want to get stuck paying a ton of money and ruining your trip if you get sick or have an accident without travel insurance. Our page with The 3 Best and Cheapest Travel Insurance on the Market can help you choose the right plan and will give you some discount coupons for the biggest insurance companies!

 

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes.

 

 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.