Do I need to speak French?

You don't need to be fluent, but always start every interaction with 'Bonjour' (day) or 'Bonsoir' (evening). It is considered extremely rude to speak English to a shopkeeper without that greeting.

Is Paris safe for first-timers?

Paris is generally safe, but pickpocketing is rampant in tourist hubs like the Eiffel Tower and on the Metro. Keep your phone in your pocket and your bag zipped and in front of you.

Planning Your First Trip to Paris

To see Paris right, allocate 5 days, focus on one or two arrondissements per day to minimize travel time, and book your museum and attraction tickets at least 4 weeks in advance. Use the Metro for all local transit, as it is faster and cheaper than taxis or Ubers.

Map out your home base. Stay within the 1st through 6th arrondissements if you want to be within walking distance of major sights. If you prefer a local feel, look at the 10th or 11th, but ensure you are within a 5-minute walk of a Metro station.
Secure your tickets early. The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Catacombs sell out weeks ahead. Book these on their official websites exactly when your window opens (usually 30-60 days out) to avoid third-party markups.
Master the Navigo Easy pass. Don't buy single paper tickets. Buy a Navigo Easy card at any Metro station for 2 euros, then load it with a 'carnet' of 10 rides to save about 25% on fare.
Set a reservation strategy. For dinner at popular spots, use TheFork or the restaurant's own website to book 1–2 weeks ahead. For lunch, you can usually walk in if you arrive by 12:15 PM.

Do I need to speak French?: You don't need to be fluent, but always start every interaction with 'Bonjour' (day) or 'Bonsoir' (evening). It is considered extremely rude to speak English to a shopkeeper without that greeting.
Is Paris safe for first-timers?: Paris is generally safe, but pickpocketing is rampant in tourist hubs like the Eiffel Tower and on the Metro. Keep your phone in your pocket and your bag zipped and in front of you.