Paris Travel Check List
Learn Basic French Phrases

Traveling to Paris can be an unforgettable experience, and a little preparation goes a long way to ensure everything goes smoothly.  Below are the most important tips to keep in mind for your trip.

Learn Basic French Phrases

  • While many people in Paris speak English, the French appreciate when visitors attempt to speak their language. Learning basic phrases like “Bonjour” (Hello), “Merci” (Thank you), and “Excusez-moi” (Excuse me) can go a long way in polite interactions.

Respect Local Customs

  • Politeness is a key part of French culture. Always greet shopkeepers, waiters, and others with a “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” when you enter a store or restaurant, and say “Merci” when leaving.

Translation Apps: 

  • Download translation apps like Google Translate to assist with menus or signs if you’re not fluent in French.

Wi-Fi: 

  • Many cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, so consider downloading an offline map or guide app to navigate the city when you’re not connected. 
  • Download offline maps and important apps (Google Maps, Uber, translation apps)
Pickpockets & Tourist Traps

Be Aware of Pickpockets

  • Popular tourist areas like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and public transportation hubs can attract pickpockets. Keep your belongings close, use anti-theft bags, and avoid keeping valuables in easily accessible pockets. Use a crossbody bag and keep it zipped, and avoid flashy displays of wealth. 

Be Aware of Tourist Traps

  • Watch out for scams, such as people asking you to sign petitions or offering "friendship" bracelets near popular attractions. Politely decline and walk away.

Tourist Scams: 

  • Be cautious of people approaching you with petitions or offering unsolicited help, as these are common scams in tourist-heavy areas.

Avoid Eating in Tourist Areas

  • While Paris is filled with amazing food, restaurants near major attractions tend to be more expensive and of lower quality. Venture into neighborhoods like the Marais, Montmartre, or the Latin Quarter to find authentic, reasonably priced meals.
Museum Visits & Passes

Book Major Attractions in Advance: 

  • Some major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Palace of Versailles require timed entry tickets. Book these in advance to avoid long lines.

Plan Your Museum Visits

  • Paris is home to world-class museums such as the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. Check opening days and times, and consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid long queues. Some museums have free entry on the first Sunday of each month, so plan accordingly if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.

Consider a Paris Museum Pass

  • If you plan to visit multiple attractions, the Paris Museum Pass can save both time and money. It offers access to over 60 museums and monuments, often with priority entry.

Time Your Visits to Major Attractions

  • Arrive early in the day for popular spots like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame to avoid long lines. Alternatively, visit iconic landmarks during late afternoon or evening when they are less crowded. For the Eiffel Tower, sunset visits offer beautiful views of the city.
It's all in the Dress Code
You'll be surpirsed the places you can get into by the way you are dressed

Dress Appropriately

  • Parisians are known for their chic style, and while there’s no need to over-dress, blending in by dressing smartly (no athleisure or shorts in formal settings) can enhance your experience and interactions. Comfortable yet stylish shoes are essential since you’ll likely be walking a lot.

Pack for the Weather

  • Paris weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers and an umbrella, especially if traveling in the fall or spring. Summers can be warm but rarely too hot, and winters are typically mild but chilly.

Respect the Dining Schedule

  • Restaurants typically serve lunch from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and dinner from 7:30 PM onwards. Many restaurants close in between, so if you’re looking to eat during off-hours, opt for cafes or brasseries that serve food continuously. 

Remember to:

  • Wear weather-appropriate clothing (check weather for your travel dates) & Comfortable walking shoes
  • Jacket or coat (Paris can get chilly, especially in winter) plus an Umbrella or raincoat
  • Take dressy outfit for nicer restaurants or events
  • You will always need sunglasses and hats
Getting Around in Paris

Use Public Transportation

  • The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient ways to get around the city. Invest in a travel pass or purchase a Carnet (a pack of 10 single tickets) for convenience. Paris is also very walkable, so wear comfortable shoes. Get familiar with the Paris Metro map. Consider downloading a transit app or printing a map to help navigate the system. Buy tickets or a pass (Navigo or Paris Visite) before you arrive to save time. 

Mind the Strikes

  • Strikes, or grèves, are not uncommon in France, affecting public transport and other services. Check ahead if strikes are planned and have a backup plan for getting around.

Enjoy Paris at a Slower Pace

  • Don’t feel pressured to rush through all the top attractions. Take time to stroll through neighborhoods, sit in a café, and enjoy the slower side of Parisian life. Exploring the city on foot often leads to delightful discoveries.
Paris Weather

Summer: 

  • Paris can be hot in the summer, and many locals go on vacation in August, so some smaller shops and restaurants may be closed. Bring sunscreen, and be prepared for crowded attractions.

Winter: 

  • Paris winters are cold but rarely snowy. Bring warm layers and enjoy seasonal activities like Christmas markets or ice skating rinks.
Dining in Paris

Restaurant Reservations: 

  • Many popular restaurants require reservations, especially for dinner, so plan ahead.

Dining Etiquette:

  • In Paris, dining is considered an experience. Expect longer meals, and remember that tipping is not obligatory (a service charge is often included).  

Street Markets: 

  • Paris has excellent street markets like Rue Mouffetard or Marché d’Aligre. They’re great for experiencing local culture and trying fresh produce or cheese.

Meal Timing: 

  • French meal times can differ from other countries. Lunch is typically from 12 PM to 2 PM, and dinner starts from 7:30 PM. Many restaurants close between these times.


Pre-Departure Tasks

Passport and Visa: 

  • Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Check if you need a visa depending on your country of residence.

Travel Insurance: 

  • Consider getting travel insurance to cover unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.

Health Precautions: 

Pack any necessary medications and bring copies of prescriptions in case you need a refill abroad.

Remember to:

  • Check for local holidays or strikes that may affect your trip
  • Research local customs and etiquette
  • Book tickets for attractions or museums (Louvre, Eiffel Tower, etc.)
  • Back up photos and important files
  • Make copies of important documents (passport, visa, travel insurance)
  • Take your driver’s license or International Driving Permit (if planning to rent a car)
What to pack

Weather-Appropriate Clothing: 

  • Paris weather varies by season. Bring layers in spring and fall, light clothing for summer, and warm clothes with a good coat for winter. Don’t forget a travel umbrella.

Comfortable Shoes: 

  • Paris is a city best explored on foot, so pack comfortable walking shoes.

Adapters and Chargers: 

  • France uses Type C and E outlets, with a voltage of 230V. Make sure to bring the appropriate adapters for your electronics.

Other important essentials: 

  • Portable power bank
  • Plug adapter for Europe (Type C or E plug)
  • Headphones or earbuds
  • Camera and memory card
  • Laptop/tablet (if needed)
Cash & Credit Cards

Euro (€): 

  • Paris uses the Euro, so it’s helpful to carry some cash for small purchases, though cards are widely accepted. Most places do not accept Amex.

Notify Your Bank: 

  • Inform your bank or credit card company of your travel dates to avoid credit card freeze and ensure your card work internationally. Consider getting a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

Budget for Meals and Attractions: 

  • Plan your budget to account for meals, attractions, and shopping. Paris can be expensive, especially in tourist areas.


Remember to exchange all unused currency at the airport before departing Paris, unless you plan to visit again soon!

Andrea’s Travel Essentials

Travel Essentials For Your Trip

  • Before you depart for Paris, we encourage you to ensure you're fully prepared for your trip. Take a moment to explore SHOP ANDREA’S TRAVEL ESSENTIALS for any last-minute items you might have forgotten to pack!  These are my go to items when I travel. I hope you find an item on here that you were missing before packing!


Tours & Attractions:

  • Before heading to Paris, we recommend prebooking your museum tickets and passes to skip the long lines and make the most of your time exploring the city’s iconic attractions.

BOOK YOUR MUSEUM TICKETS ON VIATOR