Does your smartphone never leave your side? Good! Today, there is an app for almost everything. If you’re scared that you won’t be able to make it on your own in the capital city, we have selected 10 apps to download to make your trip in Paris easier.
Related: Of course, for your smartphone to work, you must have a SIM card. To know which SIM card to use when you’re in France, check this article.
1) Moovit – Free
As beautiful as it can be, the French capital can be a real maze for those who are not used to using its transportation network. You will never get lost again thanks to Moovit, the ultimate public transportation application. It’s the world’s most downloaded transportation application, so that just shows how well it works! Its interactive map system, and its very simple and intuitive use, has already pleased 120 million users. Whatever means of transportation you use, this app gives you the real time situation on your bus, metro, RER… You tend to fall asleep on the Metro? No worries, Moovit will wake you up right before you arrive at your station. You are looking for a vélib’? Don’t worry, Moovit will take care of it in less than a split second. What is the best route to get to your destination as soon as possible? This app will find it in no time. A must-have or else you’ll be missing out.
Links:
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
2) SNCF – Free
The SNCF app will help with public transport.
Train times and information are given instantly. So you can check departures or search for an itinerary very quickly. But you can also search for an itinerary for a specific date.
The app is customizable. For instance, when you are near a train station, you can choose which types of trains to display, and also filter which trains are shown depending on your stop.
Links:
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
To download the app on Windows Phone, click here.
3) Map of Paris offline – Free
Without wi-fi, it is sometimes hard to find your way in Paris. If you don’t want to carry a physical map of Paris and look like an old-fashioned explorer, the best option is to download the “Map of Paris offline” app. This map is highly detailed so it can be displayed and easily read on both smartphones and tablets. The different available maps track you, and it is even possible to look up street names and directions in offline mode, which is really convenient.
And if you feel desperately lost and in dire straits, no worries, you can send your GPS coordinates through text messages and other services.
To download the app, click here.
4) CityMapper – Free
This app is also related to transport in Paris and the suburbs. Every means of transport is available: trains, subway, bus, bike, taxi, Uber, walk…
You can compare different itinerary suggestions, all means of transport included, with information updated in real-time.
So you will be informed of possible disturbances and new itineraries which might be set up.
To allow you to take the subway “like a pro”, Citymapper shows you the exits and where to place yourself in the subway to optimize your journey. The map of Paris subway is also available offline so you can find your way even if you don’t have data or access to the internet.
What makes this app great is that it’s not only for Paris. you can also use it in other cities such as London, New York, Los Angeles, and so much more.
Links:
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
5) MAPS.ME – Free
Maps.me is a very useful app. It gives you access to a map and detailed itineraries if you’re looking for directions.
But the upside of this app is that it is completely offline. Indeed, you don’t need the internet, you can use it wherever and whenever you want… as long as your smartphone is charged!
Links:
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
6) TripAdvisor – Free
“Know better. Book better. Go better.”
The TripAdvisor app allows you to check the travelers’ reviews of the hotels, restaurants, and other things to do. Then you can leave your own review to help other people.
“Near Me Now” shows you the things to do near your location.
You can also ask questions and receive answers from other travelers or the owners of the different establishments.
TripAdvisor is worldwide. So you can use it on all your trips!
Links:
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
7) TheFork – Free
Looking for a restaurant? You will have a lot of options with TheFork. You’ll just have to choose depending on what you want!
This app allows you to book a table in a restaurant without having to call beforehand. Indeed, availability is given in real-time. You can also get exclusive offers of up to 50% off your meal.
For each booking, you will receive 100 Yums. If you get 1,000 Yums, you will receive a 10€ discount in a partner restaurant.
If you don’t know where to eat, TheFork makes restaurant suggestions. And if you hesitate, just check the reviews left by other users.
You will be able to use TheFork in many cities in France, and some cities of the world.
Links:
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
8) Google Translate – Free
Let’s be honest, when we travel, we often face the language barrier. Not understanding instructions or written indications in a foreign language can lead to embarrassing, even dangerous, situations. Thankfully, we do live in an era where technology can help us break this barrier. With the Google Translate app, in addition to being able to type text in to have it translated instantly in offline mode in 59 languages, it is now possible to take a picture and having it translated in two clicks! This app has improved a lot lately, and translations are more and more accurate, especially between French and English. A must-have for every traveler.
Links :
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
9) AllBikesNow – Free
If you would prefer to take a bike to visit the capital city, this app will help you.
It will let you know where to find a bike (from the self-service bike system) near you or near an address given, where to return it, and give in information on your favorite stations.
This app works with Vélib’, Paris’ self-service bike system. But you can also use it in other cities such as Lyon, Marseille, or Toulouse. Some international cities are also available.
Links:
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
To download the app on Windows Phone, click here.
10) Taxi G7 – Free
No need to look for a taxi, the Taxi G7 app lets you order one from your smartphone.
Besides ordering a ride quickly to leave as soon as possible, this app allows you to book a ride up to 14 days in advance!
Different levels of services are available and you can choose the one you want when you order your ride.
Payment can be made via the app or with the driver.
Links:
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
11) Uber – Free
Uber allows you to order a car with a driver whenever you want, 24/7.
So you won’t have to worry about train times or finding a parking spot. In a few minutes, you will have ordered a ride.
On the app, you will get a picture of your driver and all the information you need.
Several choices are available: uberX is for a ride where you’re the only customer, whereas, with uberPOOL, you share a ride with other people going in the same direction as you. The latter costs less.
Links:
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
12) Tricount – Free
Planning on visiting Paris with your friends? What a great idea – there’s no better city to have group fun. But it is always a mess when it comes to paying bills. Since short reckonings make long friends, the Tricount app allows to set your spending up and split it within the group, as you wish and according to your own criteria. A sync system instantly shares the accounts status, and the “balance” option allows you to see how much everyone owes each another. Nothing now could hinder your trip to Paris, so don’t hesitate to download this app a bit ahead of your trip to make sure everything is organized your way.
Links :
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
13) Secrets de Paris – Free
The Secrets de Paris app is like a tour guide that allows you to discover the city in a new light. Each day, the apps suggest something original to do!
Secrets de Paris will make you discover the City of Light in a unique way! Indeed, very touristic activities aren’t suggested. But you can discover the wonders that make Paris one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Come and visit the unusual places of the capital city!
Add the locations you like to your ‘favourites’ to find them again easily. You can also check the distance between your location and the place you picked.
Links:
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
14) The Tourist In Paris – Free
In need of a helping hand to enjoy your trip to Paris as much as possible? This app is made for you. The Tourist in Paris app gives you advice on the best deals, the absolute places to see, and the low-key addresses well known to Parisians that unaware tourists will surely miss. This app’s promise is to put you in a Parisian’s shoes, and to get you off the beaten tracks of overrated and overcrowded tourist spots. There isn’t, you know, just the Eiffel Tower to see in our beautiful city! This is a customizable app that will match your daily mood thanks to its “What’s your mood today?” section, and will give you activities to do that fit your wants and your state of mind.
Links:
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
15) Powize – Free
Visiting Paris often means being outside all day so not having access to a charger. And if you use your smartphone to help you with your activities, the battery might run low sooner than expected.
Powize allows you to locate public spaces where you can charge your phone.
The app tells you the distance between you and the place, the opening hours, and the types of charging cables available. Users can leave a review of the place.
With Powize, you will never be out of battery when you need it the most.
Links:
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
16) WiFi Finder – Free
Many interesting apps to discover Paris require an internet connection, and so do you if you simply want to browse the web when resting between visits. Wifi Finder is an app that allows you to download a map of wifi hotspots near you, wherever you are, that even works offline thanks to its extremely complete database. The perfect tool to easily connect with the rest of the world.
Links:
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
