Complete and Detailed Paris Travel Guide

Paris sometimes gets a bad reputation because many people get pickpocketed while they are there. It happens in many touristy cities but there are many ways to prevent this while you are there. While on the metro {where it happens more often}, always have one hand on your purse at ALL times. Also, do not put your wallet or valuables in your back pockets like you would in the US. Instead, put your items in either a zipper pocket or in a protected purse. Before you get inside the metro station or even the train, safely put away your phone and don’t have it in your hand. I watched a student of mine get his phone stolen right out of his hand because he wasn’t protecting it on the train. here

When you are out and about in tourist locations like the Eiffel Tower or Sacre Coeur, you will have people try and tie “string bracelets” onto your wrists. While the person is tying the bracelet on, their friend is behind you taking your belongings. In these circumstances, put your head down, and put your hand on your items and walk right past them. If you need to be rude and swat them away if they really try to touch you, you have the right as a human being to do that. Another pickpoting scam you might see is someone asking you to sign a form or document for them. Similar tactic in that while you are signing it someone is trying to get your stuff. Politely say no merci as you hold onto your belongings and walk away. 

Another tip is to always use RFID protectors for your credit cards and passports in your wallets. In Paris there are many people who will try and get your information simply through scanning your personal items that have your cards located in them. You can buy a small wallet like this one here or full purses like this one here. 

In French culture, eating meals is so important. It is the time for people to connect together and enjoy the delicacy of their meals. Most traditional French meals last hours because they really value that time. That being said, it is very different from American culture. The servers in restaurants, this is their lifetime career. Servers go to very intense training and being a “good” server in their culture is very different from ours. Servers won’t be coming to check in on you every minute because they are wanting you to cherish your food and not be disturbed by them.

Also, it is very rude in French culture to pull out your cell phone during meal times. You won’t see many locals do it and it will indicate you are a tourist in many locations. Furthermore, tipping your servers is not necessary in France. Since this is their career, they get paid very well and you don’t need to tip a certain percentage. If you have extra change from a meal, something less than a euro, and you love your server, it is always appreciated but not necessary. Some other key vocabulary words that could help you with your dining experience would be “la carte” which is the menu and “l’addition” which is the check.  

If you are someone who loves ice cream, Berthillion is the spot. This delicious place is on Ile de Saint Louis and it has phenomenal ice cream that is so fresh and perfect for those hot summer days without air conditioning.

Many times the really popular restaurants in Paris take reservations for diner. I know as a tourist it can be very intimidating to do that yourself. If you are staying at a hotel, the concierge is usually more than happy to help with that. Write down on a sheet of paper the restaurant name, number, time you want to eat and your names it can be a really smooth process. If you are staying at an airbnb and you have a good relationship with the host, you might be able to politely ask them as well. Sometimes restaurants that have an Instagram page you can message them through that system to try and get a spot. If you are unsuccessful, showing up right at their opening time is always an alternative just like in the states.

I always tell my friends and family, you must go to the Eiffel tower twice, once during the day and once at night when it lights up. The Eiffel Tower always lights up at the top of the hour every hour after sunset for the first 3-5 minutes.

There are two ways you can go up the Eiffel Tower. One, you can walk up to the first and second level of the Eiffel Tower for only 11 euros. You can purchase that ticket walking up or online. I personally have never paid to go to the top but from my family who has, they recommend you buy your ticket early, arrive early and be flexible on how much time you will most likely spend there. 

At night, bring a blanket or a towel and go sit towards the back of the Champ de Mars with a locally bought baguette, cheese and meats for a mini picnic. Sit towards the back, because many times towards the front you will have many hagglers wanting you to buy their champagne and wine. Always say “non merci” if they try to come bother you more than once. 

The Louvre is the main destination for many tourists. It is a huge museum and you could literally spend all day in it. I recommend staying a maximum of 2 hours and seeing what you want to see. An easy way to go in is through the metro or if you are above ground, the arch that is on the other side of the street of the pyramids. In that arch on the side there is a staircase that goes down sort of a secret way inside. Don’t ever wait by the pyramids in the que.

Be aware, it is closed on Tuesdays. You save 2 euros by waiting in line for your ticket so it’s only 15 euros instead of 17 so it just depends on how much time you have. I recommend going first thing in the morning or what I love even better is going on a Friday at like 7-8pm because it doesn’t close until 9:45 pm. Anyone under the age of 18 gets free admission to the museum. Also if you are in Paris on the first Sunday of each month, the museum is free as well.

Coulée verte René-Dumont:

This is the “Atlanta Beltline” of Paris that is 2 miles long. It is located in a different part of Paris that I recommend checking out. Hop onto it behind the Bastille Opera house and just enjoy the beautiful greenery and architecture of Paris.

14. Rue de Lappe: 

If you are someone going to Paris who enjoys the nightlife, the best place to visit is Rue de Lappe. This road has lots of bars and drink deals for those looking to have a good time. If you get hungry there is a great restaurant at the end of it called Chez Paul that I highly recommend as well!

I hope you enjoyed this super long post to help you guide you through Paris. Paris holds such a special place in my heart. I hope you give it a chance when you explore it again or for your first time!