Is Paris safe for first-time visitors?

Very safe, but watch for pickpockets on Metro lines 1, 4, 6, and 9, especially near tourist areas. Keep bags zipped and phones secure. Avoid empty Metro cars late at night.

Do I need to speak French?

No, but learn 'Bonjour,' 'Merci,' and 'Excusez-moi.' Most hotel and restaurant staff speak English. Parisians appreciate the effort even if your French is terrible.

How much should I tip?

Service is included in restaurant bills. Round up to the nearest euro or leave 5-10% for exceptional service. No tipping in cafés for counter service.

What's the deal with restaurant hours?

Lunch: 11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner: 7pm-10pm. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner. Cafés serve food all day but limited hot meals outside meal times.

How to Plan Your First Trip to Paris

Book flights 6-8 weeks ahead, get a 7-day Metro pass, and book accommodations in the 4th, 5th, or 6th arrondissements for easy walking to major sights. Three full days covers the essentials: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Montmartre.

Book flights and accommodations first. Fly into CDG (cheaper) rather than Orly. Book hotels in the 4th, 5th, or 6th arrondissements - you'll walk everywhere and save on transport. Avoid tourist traps around major monuments.
Get your Metro pass sorted. Buy a 7-day Navigo Easy card at the airport for €30. Covers all Metro, buses, and RER within central Paris. Much cheaper than individual tickets at €2.15 each.
Book timed entries for major attractions. Reserve Eiffel Tower tickets online (€29.40 for elevator to top) and Louvre tickets (€17) with specific time slots. Skip the 2-hour lines. Book 2-3 weeks ahead.
Plan your days by neighborhood. Day 1: Eiffel Tower area and Seine cruise. Day 2: Louvre and Tuileries Gardens. Day 3: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur. Day 4: Latin Quarter and Notre-Dame exterior (still under restoration).
Learn basic Metro navigation. Download the Citymapper app. Follow the colored lines and end station names, not street names. Most tourist spots are within zones 1-2.

Is Paris safe for first-time visitors?: Very safe, but watch for pickpockets on Metro lines 1, 4, 6, and 9, especially near tourist areas. Keep bags zipped and phones secure. Avoid empty Metro cars late at night.
Do I need to speak French?: No, but learn 'Bonjour,' 'Merci,' and 'Excusez-moi.' Most hotel and restaurant staff speak English. Parisians appreciate the effort even if your French is terrible.
How much should I tip?: Service is included in restaurant bills. Round up to the nearest euro or leave 5-10% for exceptional service. No tipping in cafés for counter service.
What's the deal with restaurant hours?: Lunch: 11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner: 7pm-10pm. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner. Cafés serve food all day but limited hot meals outside meal times.