When you live in Paris, you learn how to live like a Parisian. There are certain things you learn to do and things you learn not to do. But all of these ‘rules’ apply not only to locals but to visitors as well. So the next time you visit Paris, keep these 10 things in mind:
1. Don’t gamble or buy anything on the streets
I often see people gambling on certain tourist streets, especially the little cups game. This is a scam to steal money from you. I know it seems like fun and harmless enough but there are actually a few people working together to make you believe it is safe. Avoid playing these games; you will just lose your money!
2. Don’t butt out on the street
If you are a smoker, don’t throw your cigarette on the streets. A new law passed recently to prevent people from throwing their cigarette butts on the streets. Throw them in the trash. Otherwise, if a cop sees you, you will have to pay a fine of 68€. That’s a very expensive cigarette!
3. Avoid restaurants in very touristy spots
Restaurants in really touristy places aren’t usually the best. Trust travel guides to lead you to great restaurants that are off the beaten track. Restaurants around the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe or Notre-Dame may seem like typical French restaurants but you’ll spend a lot of money for a mediocre meal.
4. Don’t buy croissants or bread in big chain stores
You know us French people and our bread! Trust us, though. We don’t buy our bread in big chain stores or supermarkets. We buy our baguettes and croissants in local patisseries and boulangeries. And here’s a trick to help you determine if what you’re buying is really made right inside the bakery: If it says ‘artisan boulanger’ on the front window, the goods are made fresh inside, not frozen!
5. Stand right
We Parisians tend to be a bit impatient and many of us want to walk fast, so we have this rule to stand on your right when you’re on escalators to allow people to climb them quickly on your left.
6. Avoid expensive rooftops
If you’re looking for a killer view of Paris, avoid expensive rooftops and instead, try to find hidden gems, like the Printemps Terrace where you have a 360 view for free or the George Pompidou Terrace. Look for less expensive but better views such as at the top of the Arc de Triomphe, but avoid climbing up the Eiffel Tower. It’s very touristy and somewhat disappointing as we all want to see the Eiffel Tower in a skyline view of Paris!
7. Avoid fancy cafés
Avoid fancy cafés where you pay way too much for your cup of coffee. Instead, search out little cafés in less touristy neighborhoods. You’ll pay way less and the coffee might even be better! And in lots of cafés, if you sit by the counter, you can pay just 1€ for your coffee!
8. Learn a few words in French
Parisians are not rude. At least not all of them. They just appreciate when you make an effort to say just a few words in French. Just like when we go to the United States, we are expected to speak English. A simple ‘bonjour’ or ‘merci’ shows that you’re trying. And we really appreciate it!
9. Know what to expect in August
If you visit Paris in August, know that all Parisians are gone on vacation so the city has a great vibe because you feel like you have it for to yourself. But be aware that lots of shops and restaurants are closed then. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It pushes you to walk off the beaten track to find a restaurant that is open and actually good.
10. Walk, walk, walk
Opt for walking instead of taking the subway when you can. You might be surprised by the little streets, cute shops and amazing architecture you’d miss if you were simply taking the metro.
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If you are to meet someone at the Paris train station, be aware that there are 3 stations.
Very true
Your comment is well taken. But to clarify, there are 7 train stations and they are located in different arrondissements (districts) of Paris. However, Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est which are both in the 10th and Gare de Lyon and Gare de Bercy are both in the 12th (last 2 digits of zip code).
Example, it is customary to say “Meet me at Gare du Nord in the tenth district. I will be on the 11:00 Eurostar train from London”.
I am not from Paris but I have been inside and taken trains in all 7.
1) Gare du Nord in 75010
2) Gare de l’Est in 75010
3) Gare de Bercy in 75012
4) Gare St. Lazare in 75008
5) Gare d’Austerlitz in 75013
6) Gare Montparnasse in 75014
7) Gare de Lyon in 75012
Hi there and congrats for your article! I am planning a visit to Paris on January for me and the family, and this will be very helpfull! I wonder if I could post your article to my blog!
Last month, I had 7 days in Paris during the first European trip, But unfortunately, I got sick some days, when they could not help me at a local pharmacy, they took me to the American Hospital that is supposed to have surprisingly inexpensive services. Mark this place for unexpected circumstances
What a great tips! Thank you for sharing such great information. Very inspirational!
Heading to Paris for Christmas, thanks for the tips!
Wish we had seen this before we went a to Paris! Some great advice!
Great tips for a visit to Paris! Thanks for sharing.
I really want to go there in Paris to see these beautiful places and try their different culinary excellence. I am a food lover and I am sure I will enjoy the food in Paris. Thanks for sharing Thanks for sharing photo and love to read
Hi Marry! These points are really good and should be considered while in Paris. Specially the law about cigarette butts, as someone who doesn’t know could get in trouble without any reason.
That look fun
Amazing! Thanks for the tips!
Thank you Mary for these recommandations. I was in Paris a few months ago and I loved it ! I would like to add that you can also visit the center of the city on Segway, it is like walking as you said, but you can cover long distances without gettin’ tired and it will give you a nice overview of the city center :) I tried and it was fantastic ! We had a really nice tour with an amazing guide with this company, don’t hesitate ! : https://parisoriginaltours.com/
I just got back from Paris (November, 2017) so know this; you wrote for great views, go to the Printemps Terrace; it’s closed right now and they say it won’t open until January, 2018 (under construction). And the Pompidou Center is not free; 5 Euros; although a nice view, the windows are dirty and can never be washed, as I was informed. Not great for picture taking.
#3 is by far my favorite and I think it applies to all foreign destinations. That how i traveled all through Europe. I asked people for locals only places to eat and it was AWESOME!
Amazing tips on things to consider before going to Paris. Thanks for sharing this great tips with us.
There are really 7 train stations in Paris.
I feel good to read your article. We are thinking all but didn’t work properly, to visit any country. Thank you so much for sharing. #1 and #2 is more important specially smoker, cause people are doing wrong here.
Amazing tips. I am a budget traveler. I am planning to visit France next year. This tips will help me to be in the budget. Thanks
Paris is someplace I desperately want to go to, mainly being able to get there so easily from London.
Tips for journey to the Paris. It’s awesome one! Thanks a lot for sharing even in recently I’m planning for a trip to Paris too! This would a great help to me.
I have always wanted to go to paris and this was very helpful! I brought my Hydro flasks along with me!
I can not wait to go to PARIS it sounds like a lot of fun. I will try to come in the summer!!
Thanks for the great tips. Hoping to take my daughter to Paris as a high school graduation gift.