Simple tips that travellers need to know before visiting Paris for the first time

Paris is one of those cities that's high up on the bucket list for almost every traveller across the globe.

And so it should be! The European capital is a charming and romantic city, with amazing food, stunning architecture, and more history than you could ever learn on a walking tour.

Of course, you want to make your first trip a memory that you'll cherish forever.

Here's everything you need to know before visiting the City of Lights for the first time.

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Use the Metro

Though the thought of navigating the public transport network of a city where you don't speak the language may seem daunting, it's set up to be easy for foreigners.

With single tickets starting at €2.10, it's a lot cheaper than taxis or Ubers.

Read our guide to the Paris Metro in this article.

The app Citymapper is free and a really helpful resource for working out Metro routes.

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Book attractions in advance

Things like the Louvre, Catacombs, and Eiffel Tower are all must-dos for a stay in Paris. But the lines can get very long, and you don't want to waste a minute of your holiday.

Book tours before you get there and you'll be able to skip the line.

And if you're planning on visiting a lot of museums and sites, consider looking at the Paris Museum Pass, which will save you a lot of moolah.

Splash out on Paris food for lunch

Of course, you're going to want to dine out a lot in Paris - the food there is next level.

However, some of the best restaurants in the city come with a hefty price tag.

That doesn't mean you should rule them out. Many restaurants - even those with Michelin stars - offer lunch menus with prices that are way lower than what you'd pay at dinnertime.

For example, the three-starred Pierre Gagnaire restaurant has three-course lunch menus starting at €90, while dinner can cost up to €310.

Start all your interactions with "bonjour"

A lot of people come away from a trip to Paris with the idea that everyone who lives there is rude. But really, all you have to do is put in a little bit of effort to speak their language.

In reality, it's rude to speak to Parisians in English and assume they'd understand you.

You don't need to be fluent, but just learn a basic phrase like "sorry, I don't speak French. Do you speak English?" (Desole, je ne parle pas francais. Parlez vous anglais?).

Whether you're in a shop or hotel or just asking for directions, this is the best way to get around.

At the very least, start all your interactions with 'bonjour'.

Carry coins

Just like a lot of European cities, the majority of public toilets around Paris require a small payment for entry.

You don't want to be caught short, so try to keep some small coins in your pockets when you're out and about.

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Wear comfy shoes

No matter how much you want to slip on fashionable footwear to complement your perfect Parisian outfits, think about your comfort first.

In Paris, you'll be doing a lot of walking - it's the kind of city where you can rack up 15,000 steps a day without even realising it. With the stunning Seine, beautiful architecture, and endless patisseries and boutiques to explore, you'll be on your feet all day.

If you really need cute shoes for a Instagram photo in front of the Eiffel Tower, pack them in your bag for a quick change.

Leave a day or two free in your itinerary

Just in case you miss out on an attraction that's too crowded, or have to forego an activity because of rain, it's nice to have a free day at the end of your trip where you can catch up on anything.

Even if there's nothing you missed, it's nice to have a low-key day to wander around the city and get lost in its charming streets.

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