Discover All About Paris: Ultimate Guide 2023

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A global citizen, eager to travel where she has not travelled yet.

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Paris, France’s capital, is a city of romance, art, culture, and history. Paris is a must-see location for first-time visitors, thanks to renowned buildings such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre. In this article, we’ll look at some of the tips to make your trip easier while you are looking for the best activities and things to do Paris, places to visit Paris, and transportation Paris alternatives for first-time visitors in Paris.

We asked locals for their advice to help out travelers visiting Paris for the first time!

Things to do in Paris

• First, climb the Eiffel Tower: This is one of Paris’ most recognizable attractions and provides breathtaking views of the city. It is a must-see for any first-time visitor.
• Secondly, visit the famous Louvre Museum: This is one of the world’s most famous museums, and it houses some of the world’s most famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
• Take a walk along the Seine River: This is a terrific opportunity to see some of Paris’s most iconic sights while also taking in the mood of the city. You can find many tours related to these things to do Paris activities.
• Romantic walk in this city of lights: Take a leisurely stroll along the Seine River at sunset for a romantic and picturesque experience.Pack comfortable shoes, as many of the top attractions in Paris require a lot of walking!

Local Tip About Using Coins in Paris

Nearly all restaurants and shops accept credit cards. This is very rare to have a cash-only shop these days. However, it is very common to see in restaurants and cafes a minimum limit to reach to be able to use a credit card. Usually 10-15€. Below this limit, you will have to pay in cash and they have the right to refuse your card. So don’t go completely cashless and always carry 20-50e in cash to avoid awkward checkouts.

Places to visit in Paris

• Notre-Dame Cathedral: A well-known Paris landmark and a fine example of French Gothic architecture. Don’t forget that it is under construction so that you can visit only outside.
• The Arc de Triomphe is another legendary Paris monument that offers breathtaking views of the city from its summit.
• The Champs-Élysées is Paris’ most famous thoroughfare, lined with shops, cafes, and theaters.
  Off the main road, ake sure to visit Montmartre or Le Marais, two of Paris’ lesser-known areas.

Restaurant in Paris

• There are various famous restaurants in Paris such as L’Ambroisie, one of the Michelin-starred restaurants being close to Notre-Dame. It has a lovely setting and provides traditional French food. This restaurant is definitely on the places to visit Paris list.
• Another option is Le Comptoir du Relais: A popular bistro in the Saint-Germain district. It’s well-known for its delicious food and laid-back atmosphere.
• Let’s come to the local advice: French cuisine is famous for many things that you should try escargot, ratatouille, and crème brûlée in some traditional French food venues.

Local Tips for Tipping Guide in Paris

• Need to know part: In France, there is a different case between the Service and the Tip. The service is automatically included in the prices of all cafes and restaurants, this is the law. You will usually not see it in the details of your bill, it amounts to 12% of the prices you see in the end.
• P.S: For the waiter to get paid, you do not have to tip, there is already service included. The tip comes on top.
• You can leave money at the end to reward a waiter you appreciated, or to make a nice gesture. This is only to validate a service you enjoyed and is up to you since there is no culture of tips.

Transportation in Paris

• The “Navigo Pass” is the most practical and cost-effective way to get to Paris. It works with all kinds of public transportation, including buses, trams, metro, and RER since Paris has a fabulous public transportation system.
• It is available at the majority of tube stations. This is a quick and cheap way to get about town.
• Apps for smartphones: Locals in Paris use a range of mobile apps for public transportation Paris to help them navigate the city. Among the most popular are Google Maps, Citymapper, and Moovit.

Local Tip for Public Transportation Paris

Make sure to have your comfortable shoes with you, because you are going to walk a lot between top attractions and public transportation Paris!

Museum Pass Programs in Paris

• The Paris Museum Pass is an excellent choice for visitors because it offers free admission to many of Paris’s best museums, including the Louvre and the Orsay Museum, as well as savings on other attractions and public transit.
• Another alternative is the Paris Passlib’, which provides free admission to numerous museums and other sites as well as a transportation Paris card.

Shopping Areas in Paris

• The Champs-Elysées: This is one of Paris’s most famous shopping districts, with many luxury brands and high-end businesses.
• The Marais is a popular Parisian area noted for its independent boutiques and vintage businesses.
• The Galeries Lafayette: This is one of Paris’ most famous department shops, famed for its stunning architecture and high-end merchandise.
• The Rue de Rivoli is another prominent shopping route in Paris, including everything from department stores to independent boutiques.

Mobile Applications Locals Use in Paris

• RATP (Paris Metro) app called Bonjour. It will help you get directions and a map. It also comes in very handy to buy tickets and top up your travel pass directly from your phone with the NFC. You can also do it on the machines in the station.
• SNCF to get train tickets and follow up with information related to the arrival of your train.
• Buying a virtual Sim card or a prepaid sim card is recommended. TravelWifi, and Orange Holiday are some examples.
• UBER works for the need for taxis.
• UBEReats and Deliveroo are used to order food from restaurants.
• Getir is useful for groceries.
• Velib App could be handy for free cycles in the city.
• The easiest is to use Lime for electric scooters and bikes everywhere. Easier to use than the Velib. Tourists love it.
• Skyscanner and Ryanair can be used to chase cheaper flight tickets.
• Booking and Airbnb are used for accommodation planning and bookings.
• Ticketmaster is highly used when looking for event tickets.

Paris is a city that caters to a wide variety of interests, including those interested in art, culture, history, and shopping. Paris is a must-see for any traveler because of its historic sites, renowned museums, and delectable cuisine. Take advantage of the city’s public transit system, purchase a museum pass, and install a local mobile app to make the most of your time there. Have a safe journey!

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