Paris for First-Timers

By Santorini Dave

My Favorite Paris Hotels

• 5-Star Hotel: Four Seasons
• 4-Star Hotel: Westin
• 3-Star Hotel: Cler
• Cheap Hotel: Welcome
• For Couples: Relais Christine
• For Families: Fraser Suites
• Near 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.

17 Tips for Paris First-Timers

1. Choose Your Neighborhood Wisely
• For easy access to iconic sights and a more refined ambience, consider the 7th (my favorite) or 1st arrondissement. If an edgier, artsy scene appeals, Le Marais and the 11th deliver fantastic dining and nightlife.

2. Plan Museum Visits in Advance
• Popular spots like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay now require timed tickets. Book online and get skip-the-line tickets. Fast-track passes for the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay save valuable time (and patience), especially during peak seasons. Private guides are just about always worth the cost.

3. Know Closures and Off-Days
• Many museums, shops, and even restaurants close one day a week (often Mondays or Tuesdays). Double-check schedules so you don’t show up at a locked door.

4. Buy a Transport Pass
• The Métro/RER network is extensive and efficient. A multi-day pass (like Navigo Découverte) can save money if you’re moving around a lot, especially for trips beyond the central zones.

5. Airport Transfers: Plan Ahead
• For Charles de Gaulle, the RER B train is quick and cost-effective, but a pre-booked taxi or rideshare might be more comfortable with heavy luggage. Avoid unregistered drivers who offer rides on arrival – use official taxis or authorized services.

6. Reservations Are the Norm
• For dinner, especially at popular spots, you’ll often need a reservation – sometimes weeks in advance. Tools like TheFork (LaFourchette) or direct emailing/calling ensure you won’t be turned away. Most local restaurants close between lunch (around 2:30 p.m.) and dinner (often 7 p.m. or later). If you’re hungry at off-hours, look for cafés or bistros that serve “service continu” (continuous service).

7. Restaurant Etiquette
• Service can be leisurely – don’t expect the check until you ask for it. Tipping is minimal (a few coins or rounding up), as a 15% service charge is legally included.

8. Avoid Rush Hour on the Métro
• Weekdays from 8–9:30 a.m. and 5–7 p.m. can be cramped. If possible, adjust your sightseeing schedule to travel off-peak for a more pleasant journey.

9. Protect Valuables
• Pickpockets are a reality in crowded areas, so keep phones and wallets secure. Cross-body bags with zippers help; remain watchful on the Métro, especially at tourist hot spots.

10. Sunday and Monday Closures
• Many boutiques and bakeries close on Sundays, while some restaurants and markets close Mondays. The Marais district is a good option on Sunday – its shops often stay open.

11. Explore Beyond the Icons
• Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame (currently under restoration), and the Champs-Élysées are must-sees, but don’t miss quieter quarters like Canal Saint-Martin or Belleville for a more local perspective.

12. Learn Basic Phrases
• “Bonjour,” “Merci,” “S’il vous plaît,” and “Pardon” will smooth interactions. Even a bit of French fosters goodwill (and sometimes better service).

13. Take Advantage of Park Culture
• Paris abounds with green spaces like the Luxembourg Gardens or Parc Monceau. Pack a picnic – fresh bread, cheese, and a park bench can be an idyllic lunch.

14. Use the Scenic River Bus
• The Batobus is a hop-on-hop-off boat service along the Seine. It’s a relaxing alternative to the Métro, linking major sights like the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame.

15. Neighborhood Strolls Beat Hop-on Tours
• Paris’s charm is at street level. Wandering Le Marais or Saint-Germain’s backstreets reveals quaint boutiques, hidden courtyards, and bistros you’d never see from a bus window.

16. Don’t Drive
• Parking is scarce, streets can be congested, and the city’s layout is complicated. Stick to public transport, bike rental, walking, or taxis if needed – renting a car is more hassle than convenience.

17. Map Out a Day Trip
• If time allows, visiting Versailles or Champagne Country (just a short train ride away) offers a luxurious break from the city’s bustle and a glimpse of French royal or viticultural heritage.

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

The Rue Cler shopping street in the 7th Arrondissement.

For a refined, central Parisian experience with iconic attractions at your doorstep, the 7th Arrondissement is tough to beat. The neighborhood offers an upscale yet intimate charm, thanks to stately embassies, leafy boulevards, and charming cafés that define the quintessential Paris vibe. It’s home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides complex, which houses Napoleon’s tomb, and the Musée d’Orsay, known for its impressive Impressionist art collection.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to stay in the 7th is its close proximity to the Eiffel Tower, arguably Paris’s most famous attraction. By staying in this area, visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls to the iconic monument, take in its awe-inspiring beauty from various vantage points, and even catch a glimpse of it illuminated at night from the comfort of their accommodation.

In addition to the Eiffel Tower, the 7th is home to an array of other notable attractions, including the Musée d’Orsay, the Rodin Museum, and Les Invalides. Each of these cultural institutions showcases a unique aspect of French history and art, providing visitors with a well-rounded and enriching experience. Moreover, the neighborhood’s location along the Seine River means that picturesque riverbank walks and romantic bridge crossings are a mere stone’s throw away.

The 7th arrondissement is also characterized by its upscale ambiance, with tree-lined streets, stately buildings, and foreign embassies contributing to its sophisticated charm. This refined atmosphere provides a serene backdrop for exploring the area’s many cafes, bistros, and boutiques, allowing visitors to savor the essence of Parisian life.

Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse dining options available in the 7th arrondissement, which range from traditional French bistros to innovative fusion restaurants. One notable highlight is Rue Cler, a lively pedestrian street that boasts an array of specialty food shops, cafes, and open-air markets, where visitors can sample local delicacies and mingle with Parisian residents.

The 7th is well-connected to other parts of the city through public transport, including the Paris Métro and bus system. This accessibility makes it easy for first-time visitors to venture out and explore other renowned sites and neighborhoods in Paris.

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.