Paris for First-Timers

By Santorini Dave
Updated: August 7, 2025

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 defines your trip. For classic Paris and easy access to the biggest sights, 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 with fantastic restaurants and bars, 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 now digital. Here are your best options:
• Use Your Phone: Download the Île-de-France Mobilités app. Buy tickets or passes and load them directly onto your compatible iPhone or Android, then just tap your phone on the readers at the gates.
• Navigo Easy Pass: A plastic card you can buy for €2 and load with digital tickets. This is the best replacement for the old paper booklets and is great for shorter stays.
• Navigo Découverte Pass: The best value for a full week (Monday to Sunday only). It offers unlimited travel for about €30 plus a €5 card fee and requires a small photo. You can also load this pass onto your phone via the app.

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 a lot of luggage, a pre-booked car service or an official taxi from the designated queue is better. Ignore anyone who approaches you inside the terminal offering a ride; these are unlicensed and will overcharge you.

5. Make Dinner Reservations
• For any well-regarded restaurant, reservations are essential. Book at least a few days ahead, or weeks in advance for famous places. Use the app TheFork or contact the restaurant directly. Most restaurants stop serving lunch around 2:30 PM and don’t reopen for dinner until 7:00 PM or later. If you’re hungry in between, find a brasserie or café offering service continu (continuous service).

6. Understand Restaurant Etiquette
• Service is included by law. A “tip” is not expected or required. If you had excellent service, rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra euros is a nice gesture. Service is often slower than in the U.S.; you must 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 or Tuesday. Lots of smaller shops and bakeries close on Sundays. Some restaurants and markets are closed on Mondays. Always check the opening hours for a specific place online before you go. Le Marais is the best neighborhood for shopping on a Sunday, as most stores remain open.

8. Walk as Much as Possible
• The best way to experience Paris is on foot. Forget the hop-on-hop-off bus. You will discover the city’s best sights, hidden courtyards, and charming cafés by wandering through neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter and Le Marais.

9. 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 has reopened, but expect large crowds and check for any remaining access restrictions.

10. 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 simple picnic lunch on a park bench. It’s a perfect and affordable meal.

11. Do Not Rent a Car
• Driving in Paris is a nightmare. The traffic is heavy, the streets are confusing, and parking is nearly impossible to find. Use public transport, walk, and take the occasional taxi or Uber. A car is a liability, not a convenience.

12. 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 or Épernay 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.

For first-time visitors to Paris, the 7th arrondissement is my top recommendation – though the Marais, St-Germain, and Latin Quarter are all great choices. The 7th delivers the classic, picture-perfect Paris experience with an unbeatable combination of major sights, safety, and neighborhood charm. While other areas are trendier, the 7th is the perfect, central, and beautiful home base for exploring the city – especially for families visiting Paris.

Here is why the 7th arrondissement 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, where you will find Napoleon’s tomb.

• The Perfect Paris Vibe: This is the Paris you see in 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 couples and families.

• Fantastic Food on Rue Cler: The heart of the neighborhood is Rue Cler, one of the best 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 in front of the Eiffel Tower.

• Great Transportation Links: The 7th is very well connected. Multiple Métro lines (including Lines 6, 8, 10, 12, and 13) and the RER C train run through the area, making it simple to get anywhere else in the city you want to go, including a direct train 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 world-famous symbol of Paris, offering stunning views of the city from its observation decks.
• Les Invalides – A complex of buildings housing the Army Museum, Napoleon’s tomb, and the Church of the Dome.
• Musée d’Orsay – A former railway station turned art museum renowned for its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
• Rodin Museum – Dedicated to the works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin, featuring sculptures, drawings, and a beautiful garden.
• Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac – Showcasing indigenous art, cultures, and civilizations from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
• Rue Cler – A lively pedestrian street known for its markets, bakeries, cafes, and specialty shops.

Within walking distance:
• Champs-Élysées – The famous avenue featuring luxury shops, theaters, cafes, and the Arc de Triomphe at its western end.
• Louvre Museum – The world’s largest art museum, housing renowned masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral – The iconic Gothic cathedral on Île de la Cité, which is currently undergoing restoration after a devastating fire in 2019.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés – A historic neighborhood with a rich artistic and intellectual heritage, featuring art galleries, boutiques, and famous cafes like Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore.
• Orangerie Museum – An art gallery showcasing Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including Monet’s Water Lilies series.
• Tuileries Garden – A beautiful public park situated between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde, perfect for leisurely strolls.

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.