Visiting Paris is a dream for many, but to truly enjoy the city, it’s important to know what to do—and what to avoid. From exploring hidden gems to respecting local customs, these tips will help you experience Paris like a pro while avoiding common pitfalls.
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23 Do’s When Visiting Paris
1. Greet with a “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir”
Always begin an interaction with a polite greeting.
Whether you’re entering a shop, asking for directions, or speaking to a waiter, a simple “bonjour” during the day or “bonsoir” in the evening goes a long way.
It shows respect and sets the tone for a positive exchange.
Knowing just a little French, like “merci” (thank you), “s’il vous plaît” (please), or “excusez-moi” (excuse me), makes a big difference.
Parisians appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect.
2. Explore Paris on Foot
Walking is one of the best ways to experience Paris.
Wander through its cobblestone streets, quiet alleys, and bustling boulevards to discover unique corners and hidden gems you’d miss otherwise.
Bring comfortable shoes, as many of the streets are uneven!
3. Go to Trocadéro or Montmartre Early
Trocadéro and Montmartre are stunning but often crowded.
Arriving early in the morning gives you quieter, more peaceful views of the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur, and it’s a great time for photos without the crowds.
4. Check Out Free or Lesser-Known Museums
While the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are incredible, Paris is home to many smaller museums that are just as charming.
Visit the Musée de l’Orangerie to see Monet’s Water Lilies or the Musée Rodin for stunning sculptures in a serene garden setting.
Musée Carnavalet (dedicated to the city’s history) and Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (quirky) are even free.
These spots are perfect for avoiding crowds while enjoying unique art and stories.
5. Use the Citymapper App
Navigating Paris can be overwhelming, but the Citymapper app simplifies everything.
It’s free, user-friendly, and better than Google Maps for planning public transportation routes.
The app works offline too, so you won’t need Wi-Fi to find your way around.
6. Eat Ice Cream at Berthillon
Berthillon, on Île Saint-Louis, is famous for its creamy, artisanal ice creams and sorbets.
A scoop of their chocolate or raspberry ice cream is the perfect treat while exploring this charming neighborhood.
7. Take a Seine River Cruise
Seeing Paris from the water is unforgettable.
A Seine River cruise offers stunning views of landmarks like Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower.
Evening dinner cruises are especially magical, with the city lit up and reflected in the water.
8. Take a Canal Saint-Martin Cruise
While Seine river cruises are popular, a canal Saint-Martin trip from La Villette to the Musée d’Orsay offers a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path way to experience Paris.
The boat glides through neighborhoods and locks, providing a different view of the city.
9. Use the Métro
The Paris Métro is fast, efficient, and easy to navigate once you understand the basics.
It’s often the quickest way to get around the city, and you’ll feel like a local zipping through its underground network.
10. Tour the Opéra Garnier
The Opéra Garnier is an architectural masterpiece.
Its lavish interior includes marble staircases, gilded details, and a breathtaking painted ceiling by Chagall.
It’s a smaller, less crowded alternative to Versailles for fans of opulent design.
11. Have a Picnic Along the Seine
Parisians love to picnic, and the Seine is the ideal spot for one.
Bring a fresh baguette, cheese, and wine, and sit along the riverbanks to enjoy the sunset and watch the world go by.
12. Use Bus Routes for Scenic Rides
Paris buses, like the 40 to Sacré-Cœur, offer beautiful views of the city while getting you where you need to go.
Unlike the underground Métro, buses let you enjoy the scenery as you travel.
13. Enjoy a Meal at a Sidewalk Café
Parisian sidewalk cafés are iconic.
Sit down at one, order a coffee or meal, and watch the world go by.
It’s not just about the food—it’s about taking your time and soaking up the city’s atmosphere like a true Parisian.
Need inspiration? The 20 Most Charming and Picturesque Cafés in Paris
14. Spend Time in Parisian Parks
Paris has beautiful parks. The Luxembourg Gardens offer fountains and flowers, while Parc des Buttes-Chaumont has stunning views and hidden waterfalls.
Parks are a quieter side of Paris you’ll love.
15. Try Classic French Pastries
Paris is a paradise for pastry lovers.
Be sure to try croissants, pain au chocolat, croissants aux amandes (my favorite!), éclairs, and macarons from local bakeries.
A fresh baguette from a boulangerie is a must as well—it’s simple, delicious, and authentically Parisian.
16. Plan Your Visits to Major Attractions Wisely
Landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre can get incredibly crowded.
To avoid the rush, visit early in the morning or late in the evening.
Booking tickets in advance will also save you time and stress.
17. Take a Day Trip to Versailles or Giverny
Paris is amazing, but its surroundings are equally breathtaking.
Versailles offers opulent architecture and gardens, while Giverny lets you see Monet’s home and the inspiration for his Water Lilies.
Both are a short train ride from the city.
18. Stroll Through Neighborhoods Like Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Le Marais is known for its charming streets, boutique shops, and Jewish heritage.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is famous for its historic cafés and literary history.
Wandering these neighborhoods feels like stepping back in time.
19. Visit the Top of the Arc de Triomphe
The Eiffel Tower is iconic, but the Arc de Triomphe offers some of the best views in the city.
From the top, you can see the Champs-Élysées, the Seine, and the Eiffel Tower itself—all in one breathtaking panorama.
20. Enjoy an Evening View of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is beautiful during the day, but it’s absolutely magical at night.
Head to Trocadéro or Champ de Mars to watch the tower sparkle for five minutes every hour after sunset.
It’s a sight you’ll never forget.
21. Explore Local Markets
Parisian markets are vibrant and full of life.
At places like Marché Bastille or Marché d’Aligre, you can find fresh produce, local cheeses, and artisanal goods.
They’re perfect for a picnic or just soaking up the local vibe.
22. Try Classic French Dishes
From coq au vin to boeuf bourguignon, Paris offers some of the best French cuisine in the world.
Don’t miss the chance to try escargots (snails) or soupe à l’oignon (French onion soup) at an authentic restaurant.
23. Take Your Time With Meals
Meals in Paris are not rushed. Parisians savor their food and enjoy long, leisurely dinners.
Embrace the slower pace and take time to enjoy the experience, from appetizers to dessert.
16 Don’ts When Visiting Paris
1. Don’t Try to See Everything in One Trip
Paris has so much to offer, but trying to pack everything into one visit can leave you exhausted.
Choose a few must-sees and leave time to simply wander and enjoy the city.
2. Don’t Stand on the Left of Escalators
In Paris, escalators have an unspoken rule: stand on the right side so people in a hurry can pass on the left.
Blocking the left side is a quick way to frustrate locals.
3. Don’t Ignore Safety in the Métro
Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas like the Métro.
Keep your bag zipped and close to your body, and avoid distractions like your phone when entering or exiting trains.
4. Don’t Sign Petitions or Engage With Street Scammers
Scams targeting tourists are common near landmarks like Sacré-Cœur or the Eiffel Tower.
Avoid people asking you to sign petitions or tying bracelets around your wrist—they often demand money afterward.
5. Don’t Plan Visits to Public Museums on Tuesdays
Many major museums, including the Louvre, are closed on Tuesdays.
Always check opening hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
6. Don’t Overpay for Views
Instead of paying for expensive observation decks like Tour Montparnasse, enjoy a free or cheaper view.
The rooftop terrace at Printemps Haussmann offers stunning sights of the Eiffel Tower and city skyline.
7. Don’t Expect the Paris Pass to Always Be Worth It
The Paris Pass includes entry to many attractions, but it’s not for everyone.
If you only plan to visit a few sites, you might spend less by paying individually rather than buying the pass.
8. Don’t Overlook the Charm of Paris’s Covered Passages
Paris is home to hidden covered passages like Passage des Panoramas and Galerie Vivienne.
These charming spots offer unique shops, cafés, and a glimpse into the city’s history.
Don’t miss the chance to explore them.
9. Don’t Expect Overly Friendly Service
Parisian waiters and shopkeepers aren’t known for being overly warm or chatty.
Their focus is on doing their job well, not on creating a personal connection.
Don’t mistake this professionalism for rudeness.
10. Don’t Expect Servers to Bring the Check Automatically
In Paris, waiters won’t bring the check until you ask for it.
When you’re ready to leave, politely say, “L’addition, s’il vous plaît,” to signal you’re done.
11. Don’t Expect Free Water at Restaurants
In Paris, water isn’t automatically brought to your table like in some countries.
If you want free tap water, you need to specifically ask for “une carafe d’eau.”
Otherwise, the waiter may assume you want bottled water, which comes at a cost and can add up quickly.
12. Don’t Block Sidewalks or Métro Entrances
Paris is a fast-moving city, and standing in the middle of a sidewalk or Métro entrance, especially for photos, will frustrate locals trying to get by.
Always step aside if you need to stop.
13. Don’t Forget to Validate Your Métro or Train Tickets
Before boarding, you must validate your ticket in the designated machines.
Failure to do so can result in fines if caught by inspectors, even if you have a valid ticket.
14. Don’t Overtip at Restaurants
Service charges are included in restaurant bills in Paris, so tipping isn’t expected the same way as in other countries.
If you’re happy with the service, leaving a small amount (1–2 euros or even 5 euros in fancier restaurants) is appreciated but not required.
15. Don’t Assume All Cafés Are Authentic
Some cafés, especially near tourist-heavy areas, cater specifically to visitors and lack the charm of traditional Parisian spots.
Do a little research to find authentic establishments.
16. Don’t Be Loud or Disruptive in Public Spaces
Parisians value quiet and calm in public spaces like the Métro, parks, and cafés.
Speaking loudly or drawing too much attention can come across as disrespectful.
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
