Paris for First-Timers

By Santorini Dave
Updated: January 14, 2026

My Favorite Paris Hotels

• 5-Star: Four Seasons
• 4-Star: Grand Powers
• 3-Star: Cler • Chopin
• Boutique: J.K. Place
• Cheap: Welcome
• For Couples: Relais Christine
• For Families: Fraser Suites
• Eiffel Tower: Pullman
• Louvre: Hotel du Louvre
• Notre Dame: Saint Severin
• Montmartre: Hotel Des Arts
• Gare du Nord/Gare de l’Est: Hotel Hor

My wife and I in Paris.

12 Tips for Paris First-Timers

1. Choose Your Neighborhood Carefully

   Where you stay in Paris defines your trip.

   Arrondissement Numbers Matter: Paris neighborhoods are officially numbered in a spiral starting at the Louvre and moving clockwise outward. Lower numbers (1–7) are generally more central and convenient for sightseeing.

   Proximity to the Seine: If your hotel is within a few blocks of the Seine, you’re likely in a very walkable area with easy access to major sights. For classic Paris, stay in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the 1st arrondissement (near the Louvre), or the 7th arrondissement (Eiffel Tower area). For a trendier, more local vibe, book a hotel in the Marais (3rd/4th).

2. Book Major Museums in Advance
   Do not show up at the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay without a ticket. Timed entry slots are now required and must be booked online. Buying tickets in advance lets you skip the massive ticket-buying line. For the best experience, a private guide is almost always worth the money.
3. Use Public Transport
   The Paris Métro is the best way to navigate the city. The old paper ticket booklets are gone; the system is digital-first. Use Your Phone: Download the Île-de-France Mobilités app to buy tickets and tap your phone on the readers (works on most modern iPhones and Androids). Navigo Easy Pass: This plastic card costs €2 and holds digital “t+ tickets” – the best replacement for paper booklets for shorter stays. Navigo Découverte Pass: The best value for a full week (valid Monday to Sunday only). It offers unlimited travel for roughly €30 (plus a €5 card fee) and requires a small photo.
4. Plan Your Airport Transfer
   From Charles de Gaulle (CDG), the RER B train is the fastest and cheapest way into the city center. If you have luggage, a pre-booked car service or an official taxi from the designated outdoor queue is best. Ignore anyone who approaches you inside the terminal offering a ride; these are unlicensed drivers and will overcharge you.
5. Make Dinner Reservations
   Reservations are essential for any well-regarded restaurant. Book a few days ahead, or weeks in advance for famous spots. Use the TheFork app or contact the restaurant directly. Note that most kitchens close after lunch (around 2:30 PM) and don’t reopen until 7:00 PM. If you are hungry in between, look for a brasserie offering service continu.
6. Understand Restaurant Etiquette
   Service is included by law. A large “tip” is not expected. If service was excellent, rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra euros is a nice gesture. Also, service is slower than in North America; you must flag the waiter and ask for the check (“l’addition, s’il vous plaît”). They will not bring it automatically.
7. Know the Weekly Closures
   Many museums are closed on either Monday (like the Musée d’Orsay) or Tuesday (like the Louvre). Many smaller shops and bakeries close on Sundays. Always check opening hours online. Le Marais is the best neighborhood for Sunday shopping, as most stores there remain open.


Our room at the Cler Hotel in the 7th.

• Walk as Much as Possible
  The best way to experience Paris is on foot. Skip the hop-on-hop-off bus; they often get stuck in traffic. You will discover the city’s best sights, hidden courtyards, and charming cafés by wandering through neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter and Le Marais.
• Go Beyond the Main Sights
  The Eiffel Tower and Louvre are must-sees, but save time for the real city. Walk along the Canal Saint-Martin, explore the hilly streets of Montmartre (away from the Sacré-Cœur crowds), or enjoy the incredible food scene in Belleville. Notre-Dame Cathedral has reopened to the public, but expect long queues and check for entry requirements.
• Embrace Park Life
  Parisians love their parks. The Jardin du Luxembourg and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont are fantastic. Do as the locals do: buy a fresh baguette, some cheese, and a bottle of wine, and have a picnic lunch on a park bench. It is a perfect, affordable meal.
• Do Not Rent a Car
  Driving in Paris is a nightmare. Traffic is heavy, streets are confusing, and parking is expensive and rare. Use public transport, walk, and take the occasional taxi or Uber. A car is a liability here, not a convenience.
• Take a Day Trip
  If you have more than a few days, get out of the city. The Palace of Versailles is an easy and essential trip via the RER C train. For something different, take a train to Giverny to see Monet’s gardens or to Reims to tour the Champagne houses.

What is best area to stay in Paris for a first-time visitor?

The Rue Cler shopping street in the 7th Arrondissement.

Why the 7th Arrondissement is the Best for First-Timers

For first-time visitors to Paris, the 7th Arrondissement is my top recommendation. While the Marais, St-Germain, and the Latin Quarter are all wonderful, the 7th delivers the classic, picture-perfect Paris experience. It offers an unbeatable combination of major sights, safety, and neighborhood charm. It is the perfect central home base, especially for families visiting Paris.

Here is why the 7th is one of the best Paris neighborhoods:

• Iconic Sights at Your Doorstep The 7th is home to the Eiffel Tower. Staying here means you can easily walk to the tower for photos at sunrise or see it sparkle at night without having to take the Métro. You are also a short walk from other essential sights like the Musée d’Orsay (the best museum for Impressionist art), the Rodin Museum, and Les Invalides (Napoleon’s tomb).
• The Perfect Paris Vibe This is the Paris you see in the movies. The neighborhood is defined by grand, tree-lined boulevards, beautiful architecture, and a safe, upscale atmosphere. It is generally quiet and peaceful at night, making it ideal for families and travelers who value a good night’s sleep.
• Fantastic Food on Rue Cler The heart of the neighborhood is Rue Cler, one of the most famous market streets in Paris. This pedestrian-friendly street is packed with specialty food shops, fromageries (cheese shops), bakeries, florists, and excellent cafés with outdoor seating. It is the perfect place to assemble a picnic to take to the nearby Champ de Mars park.
• Great Transportation Links The 7th is very well connected. Multiple Métro lines (including 6, 8, 10, 12, and 13) run through the area, making it simple to get anywhere in the city. Crucially, the RER C train also stops here, providing a direct, easy link to the Palace of Versailles.

What attractions are in the 7th or within walking distance?

Les Invalides in the 7th Arrondissement in Paris.

In the 7th Arrondissement:

• Eiffel Tower
  The city’s most famous landmark. The surrounding Champ de Mars gardens are the perfect spot for a sunset picnic.
• Musée d’Orsay
  A stunning converted railway station housing the world’s greatest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces (Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir).
• Rue Cler
  One of Paris’s best market streets. It is pedestrian-only and lined with cafes, cheese shops, bakeries, and florists.
• Les Invalides
  A massive complex instantly recognizable by its golden dome, housing the Army Museum and Napoleon’s tomb.
• Rodin Museum
  A beautiful 18th-century mansion and sculpture garden dedicated to Auguste Rodin. It is intimate, peaceful, and home to The Thinker.
• Musée du Quai Branly
  A distinct, modern museum near the Eiffel Tower showcasing indigenous art and culture from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.

Within Walking Distance:

• The Louvre & Tuileries Garden
  Just across the river via the Pont Royal. The world’s largest art museum leads directly into the city’s most popular public garden.
• Musée de l’Orangerie
  Located in the Tuileries Garden (across the Seine from the Musée d’Orsay), famous for Monet’s massive Water Lilies murals.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés
  The 6th arrondissement is an easy walk east. It offers historic cafes (Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore), upscale shopping, and a lively vibe.
• Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
  Accessible by crossing the Pont Alexandre III – the most ornate and beautiful bridge in Paris.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
  A scenic 30 to 40-minute walk along the banks of the Seine. The cathedral has reopened to the public following the 2019 fire.

What are the best hotels in the 7th Arrondissement?

• Hôtel Montalembert: This historic hotel, located just steps from the Musee d’Orsay and the banks of the Seine, is a luxurious retreat in the heart of the 7th arrondissement. Established in 1926, the Hôtel Montalembert combines classic Parisian elegance with contemporary design elements, providing guests with a stylish and comfortable home away from home.

• J.K. Place Paris: Situated in a stunning 19th-century building, J.K. Place Paris offers a chic and sophisticated atmosphere that seamlessly blends Italian and Parisian design sensibilities. With its sumptuous interiors, attentive service, and close proximity to the Eiffel Tower, this boutique hotel ensures a memorable stay in the City of Light.

• Le Narcisse Blanc: This exquisite boutique hotel, nestled between the Invalides and the Eiffel Tower, pays homage to the Belle Époque era. Le Narcisse Blanc features luxurious rooms, a serene spa, and an intimate restaurant, providing guests with an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling Parisian streets.

• Cler Hotel: The charming 3-star Cler Hotel, located just moments from the iconic Rue Cler market street, is an inviting and cozy retreat. With its elegantly-appointed rooms and warm, personalized service, this boutique hotel offers a welcoming haven for travelers seeking an authentic Parisian experience.

• Le Cinq Codet: This contemporary 5-star hotel, housed in a former 1930s telephone exchange, combines modern design elements with a distinctive Art Deco flair. Le Cinq Codet’s spacious rooms, stylish restaurant, and chic courtyard terrace provide guests with a luxurious and relaxing escape in the heart of the 7th arrondissement.

• Hôtel de L’Alma: Situated just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, Hôtel de L’Alma offers an intimate and comfortable atmosphere, with tastefully-decorated rooms and warm, attentive service. Its convenient location and charming ambiance make it an ideal base for exploring the 7th arrondissement and beyond.

• Hôtel La Comtesse: Boasting stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, Hôtel La Comtesse is a refined boutique hotel that transports guests back to the splendor of 18th-century Paris. With its elegant rooms, literary-themed café, and prime location, this hotel is a delightful choice for discerning travelers.

• Le Tourville Eiffel: This charming boutique hotel, located near the Invalides and the Rodin Museum, features beautifully-designed rooms that exude Parisian sophistication. Hotel Le Tourville’s warm hospitality, stylish interiors, and convenient location make it a popular choice among visitors to the 7th arrondissement.

• Le Pavillon des Lettres: Inspired by literature and the arts, Le Pavillon des Lettres offers a unique and refined experience for travelers seeking a touch of literary glamour. Each room is dedicated to a famous writer, and the hotel’s sophisticated library and elegant salon provide the perfect setting for guests to indulge in their own literary pursuits.

• Hotel d’Orsay: Housed in a beautifully-restored 18th-century building, Hotel d’Orsay is an elegant and refined option for visitors to the 7th arrondissement. With its sumptuous rooms, attentive service, and close proximity to the Musee d’Or it’s a great choice for first-timers to Paris.