Paris Guide From a Local || What To Do When You’re in Paris

Upcoming trip to Paris? Check out our Ultimate Paris Guide for What To Do in Paris – all the best things to do, eat, and see in Paris!

I promise I am not just some tourist giving you the tourist spots I went to. I’ve been going back in forth to Paris my whole life as my mother is a Parisian and my family lives there! Plus, I got to live there myself for about six months. This is a locals guide, filled with some touristy spots, but also with tips to navigate them like a local! **all approved by my mother!**

SEE MORE: 10 THINGS I ALWAYS KEEP IN MY CARRY ON FOR TRAVEL

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WHERE TO STAY IN PARIS

$ 11th ARR. (République Area / North Central Paris)
Definitely where the younger crowds hang out! Easy to hop on and off the metro around the city from here, plus tons of great bars at night.

$$ 5th ARR. (Sorbonne Area / South of the Seine)
Very centrally located and will give you more of a local than a tourist vibe, easy access to the metro around the city

$$ 4th ARR. (Le Marais / Just North of the Seine)
Central located with more of a tourist vibe than a local one, but close to everything and great for walking around

$$$ 8th ARR. (Champs-Élysées)
One of the most expensive, but also the nicest, place to stay. Top hotels found here, but beware you are in tourist central. 

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WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE IN PARIS

Cost of Paris
Almost everything (except wine and bread) is expensive. The rooms and where you stay will be expensive especially! Always be ready to pay more when you’re in Paris.

Food Experiences in Paris
Parisian food is expensive, but it is spectacular. Meals will cost an average of $15! The best option is actually pizza, as it is typically the cheapest thing on the menu. I also strongly recommend you grab a crepe from a street vendor if you are hungry, they are a delicious Paris specialty. If you want cheaper, stay AWAY from tourist districts.

SEE MORE : GUIDE TO TRAVEL CREDIT CARD FOR BEGINNERS

Ordering Drinks in Paris
Always ask for “un carav dough” (it is not spelled that way, but that is how you should pronounce it!) and they will bring your table a giant pitcher of tap water that is free. Otherwise, you’re paying four euros for bottled or sparkling water. 

Getting Around Paris
A metro ticket in Paris costs 1.8 euros for one trip, so I strongly recommend purchasing the 10-ticket-packs as they will save you money in the long run! Ubers can make sense if you’ve got a group, but I almost always recommend people just take the metro. Also, they do stop running around 1 am!

The Arrondissements System
Instead of neighborhood, Paris has arrondissements. They range from 1-20 and act a little bit like a snail shell in their formation. I’ll be breaking down the options of where to stay in Paris this way!

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TIPS BEFORE YOU GET TO PARIS

Parisians Are Not That Mean

If you make the effort to try and speak French, even just a basic bonjour and merci, then you probably won’t have a problem. But do not be offended if they switch to using English. Most Parisians learn English in school and appreciate the practice. It doesn’t mean you have to speak English with them, I usually stick to French to get my own practice in!

But not only that! Keep in mind that in the more touristy sections of Paris, the staff has been dealing with tourists who maybe have NOT been as kind as you, so they might be a little fed up. You probably would be over it too. Be patient with them, and they’ll be patient with you.

What To Wear When You’re in Paris

Obviously, where what makes YOU happy! However, there are some things that while they may make you happy, also make you stand out as an American.

Parisians typically stick to all black or neutral colors, so anything bright will usually stand out. Also, typically they avoid workout clothes/shoes and shorts when they’re in public. Obviously less true as the world becomes more globalized but definitely still true that a Parisian knows how to edit. Also, I have never seen my mother out of heels.

CDG Airport is the Worst Airport on Earth

If you are flying through CDG airport home, IT IS HORRIBLE. It’s been horrible my entire life. You need to arrive AT A MINIMUM of 3 hours early and that’s only if you aren’t checking bags. If you are, plan for 4 hours early. This sounds like an exaggeration but it is not. I’m normally a “show up an hour before my flight” gal and if you do that at CDG you will be laughed out of the airport.

SHOP THESE AMAZON OPTIONS FOR PARIS

Tipping on Bills & Services

Service and tax are always included in your bill for a meal, so be aware of that before you try to tip your waiter. The service in France is much lower quality than in the States since they are not working for tips like waiters back home. Don’t be surprised or upset if the staff is less attentive than you are used to in the US!

Student & Travel Discounts

Students, you are in luck! Any student studying in Europe between ages 18-26 can get into almost every big tourist spot for free! Just make sure you do not forget to bring a copy of your visa and your student card with you. Also, almost all museums are free on the first Sunday of the month!

Safety & Pickpocketing

Be careful, Paris metros are crawling with thieves and pickpockets. Even I got my phone stolen recently. Still bitter. Always keep your hand on your purse or your pocket, and never let go of your phone.

Also, beware of street performers! Typically, they have someone else that goes around and does the pick-pocketing while you are distracted.

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WHAT YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY PACK

Putting together this quick list with links of the things you REALLY SHOULD MAKE SURE YOU HAVE!!

1 // Comfortable Walking Shoes: Do not pack heels, you will hate your feet. Tennis shoes are fine, but you’re going to stick out as American. I recommend a really comfortable sandal or cute sneaker option (like Adidas, they love a good Adidas). You’re about to be walking miles!!!!

2 // Non Suede Shoes: Paris streets are pretty dirty and wet. This seems like a random one, but all my suede shoes get destroyed in minutes in Paris and it is such a bummer. Don’t make the mistakes I do.

3 // A Purse That Closes: Please do not bring an open purse. It’s basically asking to be pickpocketed. Make sure your purse HAS a ZIPPER or some form of closing that is not open!!!!

4 // Travel Adaptor: If you only have phone/laptop chargers and basic then this adapter will be great! This is a giant pack with plenty of adapters. If you are bringing a curling iron or straightener, you are going to need a Converter instead.

5 // Travel Sized Umbrella: As you can tell from these photos, it always seems to rain randomly in Paris. If you’re there between September – May then you’re extremely likely to get some rain. Don’t let it ruin your trip, just have an umbrella ready!

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MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN PARIS

Visit The Eiffel Tower

Any list of things to do in Paris includes this, of course! Take a trip to the top floor and admire the stunning view of Paris. My pro tip? I recommend purchasing the ticket online to go to the top BUT taking the stairs up instead of waiting for the elevator line. Then you can catch the elevator from the 2nd floor to the top floor, it’s significantly shorter!!!

Montmartre & the Sacre Couer

My personal FAVORITE place in the city, I am in love with Montmartre. I add it to the top of every to-do in Paris list I write for friends.

It is home to some of the most famous artists in the world (Picasso) and the square is filled with artists during the year. Head to Sacre Coeur first for the amazing views, climb the stairs to the top, then take a left around the church down the little streets. Also, home of one of the best bakeries in all of France (La Grenier a Pain) and the oh-so-famous Moulin Rouge. Literally, just spend time walking around these streets, it will bring you so much authentic Parisian joy.

Check out the Louvre Museum

Obviously, another classic to do in Paris. While the Louvre is beautiful (both inside and out) I struggle with recommending you spend more than an hour or two inside MAX! Honestly, if you’re strapped for time and don’t super care about museums, I would likely say there are better museums. The museum is crazy crowded and would take you DAYS to hit everything.

However, you absolutely must check out the outside with the pyramid and Jardin Tuileries! 

Musee Orsay

Art lovers looking for museums to do in Paris, this is for you! Stunning architecture as well, and full of impressionist beauties. Definitely, the perfect stop if the weather outside is not ideal!

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Versailles Chateau & Gardens

A little bit far from the city center, but worth the trip!!! It costs about 20 euros to go inside, and another 7 euros to see the fountains in the garden.

A full day trip, but you will be amazed by the beauty of the castle and the gardens. I also highly recommend checking out the apartments of Marie Antoinette because they remind me of a fairytale land. It can be crazy packed though, so prepare for about a 30-60 minute wait just to go inside!

(Secret pro tip, SOMETIMES you can enter through the back garden gates if the line is stupid long)

Galaries Lafayette

Basically an extremely elaborate Nordstrom, but the interior is just impeccable and worth a stop. Also, make sure you hop up to the 7th floor Terrace for more amazing views of the city and one of my favorite rooftop bars! 

Picnic with Wine Along the Seine River

A big local beauty is this river, and I always enjoy walks along it. If you have time, you should grab a bottle of wine and settle along the edge at night with the locals. The best spot is Pont Neuf in the little park under the bridge!

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THINGS TO DO IN PARIS, IF YOU HAVE THE EXTRA TIME

Basically, the above list is stuff I would prioritize over EVERYTHING else. These are still things I 100% recommend, but they just aren’t my top of the top recs!

Moulin Rouge

Yes, this is expensive and yes, but it is one of the coolest things to do in Paris. Drop the 100 euros for a ticket if you can, and splurge for the champagne. I can promise you will not regret it. There are other small similar cabarets, but having done them all I can honestly say this one takes the cake.

Palais Garnier

My mom and I both actually went here for the first time recently! And she lived her whole life in Paris, so that says something. It’s a stunning Opera house with elaborate details that absolutely rival Versailles.

Boat Rides with Bateaux Mouches

My dad absolutely swears by these boat rides on the river. Our favorite company to take is Bateaux Mouches, located just in front of the Eiffel Tower. These are the best at night when Paris is lit up in all its glory!

Saint Chapel

One of the most stunning stained glass churches I have seen! Worth a quick stop if you are sitting by Notre Dame and want more to do in Paris. However, the world will not end if it is missed.

Pompidou Center

The single most hated building in Paris and my mother thinks it belongs in the trash. Truth be told, though, the inside is worth checking out. Full of modern art and ping pong tables, this is a pretty unique space! I can already feel my mother scolding me for adding this on my to do in Paris list…only stop she would not approve of me adding.

Hotel de Ville

Honestly, I have never been inside, but the outside of this city hall is just magnificent! Picture spot for sure, and it makes you feel like you are living a fairytale.

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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN PARIS

I want to clarify that my BIGGEST TIP in Paris is not to search for specific restaurants. It’s to walk around wherever you may be, and just pick a restaurant that sticks out to you. You are almost never disappointed, and it’s the best way to find smaller local quieter spots!

BEST PASTRIES & DESSERTS IN PARIS

Crepes in General
Some of the best crepes can be found in Mont Martre, so I recommend you hit up a vendor and get a Nutella Crepe or Crepe Complete (my moms favorite) if you have the time! It is a French specialty, and they know how to do it best.

Angelina Cafe ($$$)
The best hot chocolate in all of Paris, and a perfect location just next to the Louvre. Stop here for an afternoon bite! The hot chocolate is expensive (8 euros) but it is so good that the price is worth it. Of all the things to do in Paris, this has to be on your list

Lenotre ($$)
My personal favorite place to find delicious chocolate dessert. I personally say they’re better than those at Laduree! Absolutely worth a trip, and can be found all over Paris.

Amorino Gelato($)
If you are a fan of ice cream, this is the place to go! Delicious gelato like the Italians do it, and they even give you generous portions. Craving a snack on a warm day? This is the place to be!

Scaramouche ($)
Another delicious ice cream spot in the city that will blow your mind! Love the flavors of these ice creams, and my mom always has us stop by here when we are in the area.

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I hope you enjoyed this guide to Paris! I absolutely love putting these together so I can send them to friends & family when they are visiting. These recommendations all come from my family & friends (who are from / live in Paris) & own experience living in Paris. I hope they come in handy!

Additionally, I want to clarify that there are SO MANY wonderful guides to Paris. Everyone has their own experiences and own favorites, and you should take that into account always.

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