15 Lesser-Known Paris Travel Tips For Your First Trip
So, you’re finally heading to Paris? Cue the excitement! But let’s be real — there’s way more to the City of Light than snapping insta-worthy pics in front of the Eiffel Tower and indulging in every pain au chocolat you can get your hands on (but no judgment if you do).
Paris is a city full of charm, history, and some unique quirks that can catch first-time visitors off guard. But don’t worry—knowing a few lesser-known Paris travel tips can help you move through the city with way more confidence and way fewer tourist faux pas.
So let's skip the cookie-cutter advice and get into the real stuff — like how much French you actually need to know to get by, why the Metro is your best bet when it comes to getting around the city, and how following a few unspoken dining rules can seriously improve your French dining experience.
Read on to learn 16 lesser-known tips that will make your first trip to Paris smoother, more enjoyable, and full of unforgettable moments!
1. The Paris Metro is Quicker, Easier & Cheaper Than Uber
If you’re trying to squeeze as much as possible into your Paris days, skip the Uber and take the Metro. Paris traffic — especially around tourist hotspots — is no joke and can turn a quick ride into a frustrating crawl, especially during rush hour. The Metro, on the other hand, is fast, (mostly) reliable, and surprisingly easy to navigate.
Just type your destination into Google Maps, tap on the public transportation tab, and it’ll walk you through exactly which Metro line(s) to take to get there. No need to memorize routes or stare at a map in confusion.
Keep in mind that each Metro line runs between two endpoints (or “last stops”), and the train’s direction is based on which endpoint it’s heading toward. At the station, just follow the signs for the correct endpoint indicated on Google Maps, hop on, and ride until your stop. Simple as that!
Plus, the Metro has tourist-friendly ticket options ranging from single-use tickets to day passes or week passes offering unlimited rides.
Sure, Uber in Paris is cheaper than in the United States, but it’ll still run you about €10–25 for a ride across the city — compared to the Metro, which can get you there for a couple of euros. Save your money for more important things… like wine and pastries.
2. Many Parisians Know Conversational English – But You Should Still Learn Some French Before Your Trip
There’s a way-too-common misconception that Parisians dislike Americans, but that’s not really true. What many locals do find frustrating is when tourists expect them to speak English without making any effort to speak French first (it is the sole national language in France, after all!). In the city center and among younger Parisians, you’ll find many speak conversational English, but it’s always polite to start in French!
As someone who moved to Paris last year and is still learning the language, my go-to is:
“Bonjour ! Pardon moi, je ne parle pas beaucoup français. Vous parlez anglais ?” (Translation: “Hello! Pardon me, I don’t speak much French. Do you speak English?”)
Even if you're not comfortable attempting full sentences just yet, a little effort goes a long way. No matter what, always greet people with “Bonjour” (or “Bonsoir” in the evening), use “s’il vous plaît” for please, and “merci” for thank you. Keep these phrases in your back pocket on your first trip to Paris, and I can almost guarantee you'll spare yourself the infamous Parisian side-eye.
3. Order a "Baguette Tradition" For the Most Authentic, Best-Tasting French Baguette
Not all baguettes are created equal, and if you want the most authentic (and tastiest) option, you need to ask for a “baguette tradition” (pronounced bah-GET trah-dee-SYON). By French law, a baguette tradition must be made with only flour, water, salt, and yeast — no additives, preservatives, or shortcuts allowed. This results in a baguette that’s crisp and golden on the outside with a chewy, flavorful interior.
Most bakeries sell both regular baguettes and traditions, but the difference is worth the small extra cost (usually €0.25 to €0.50 more). A standard baguette might be softer and made with additives to speed up production, while a tradition is crafted with more care and often baked fresh throughout the day.
So when you step into a bakery, confidently ask for “une tradition, s’il vous plaît” to get the best bite Paris has to offer.
4. Always Carry an Umbrella, No Matter What the Forecast Says
Paris weather has a mind of its own. One minute it’s sunny, the next you’re caught in a random downpour. Rain is especially common from October through April, but it can sneak up on you any time of year. When I first moved here, I can’t tell you how many times I trusted the forecast, left my umbrella at home, and ended up in a downpour halfway across the city.
Souvenir shops and street vendors are privy to the fact that many tourists do the same, so save yourself the hassle and expense of buying an overpriced, flimsy umbrella on the fly by keeping a small, sturdy one in your bag throughout your trip. It’s a simple habit that’ll spare you from being unexpectedly soaked — and from handing over 20 euros for an umbrella that won’t survive the Paris breeze.
5. Wine is Cheaper at Supermarkets than at Wine Shops
If you’re planning a picnic by the Seine or just want a budget-friendly bottle of wine to unwind in the evening, skip the wine shops and head to a local supermarket. Chains like Monoprix, Franprix, and Carrefour are everywhere in Paris and offer a wide selection of French wines for as little as 5 to 7 euros. You’ll rarely find anything over 20 euros unless you’re looking for high-end champagne.
That said, if you’re in the mood for a more curated experience or looking for expert recommendations, wine shops or specialty shops like Le Grand Épicerie or La Cave du Gourmet are worth a visit. But for a casual bottle to pair with your baguette and cheese, the supermarket will do just fine.
And here’s the thing — even wine shops in Paris are cheaper than what most Americans are used to paying back home. So, whether you’re grabbing a bottle from a supermarket or splurging a little at a wine shop, it’ll likely still feel like a steal compared to US prices.
6. When Dining Out, Reservations are a Must
Paris is packed with cozy, charming restaurants — but that also means limited seating. Many spots are super small and fill up fast, especially on weekends or during peak tourist seasons, such as the summer months and the holidays. If a restaurant takes reservations, it's wise to book in advance — and not just for dinner! Brunch and even lunch can get busy too.
Pro tip: If you show up and see a line out the door, don’t assume it’s only for walk-ins. Chances are, most people waiting already have reservations too and are just waiting to be seated, so politely ask before skipping to the front of the line.
7. Most Stores Charge For Bags, So Keep a Reusable Tote Handy
Single-use plastic bags are banned in France, so if you forget to bring your own bag, you’ll have to pay for a paper one or buy a reusable tote at checkout. It’s usually only a few cents, but those small charges can add up if you’re bouncing between Paris' many shops — and you certainly don't want to cut into your croissant budget, right?
Do yourself a favor and pack a small, foldable tote in your bag. It’s way more convenient, better for the environment, and honestly, it makes you look less like a tourist. Parisians are all about practicality and style, and carrying your own tote is just part of the everyday routine here. Plus, you’ll be glad to have it when you inevitably leave a bakery with more pastries than you anticipated.
8. Restaurants Charge For Water Unless You Ask For Tap
When you ask for water at a restaurant in Paris, your server will almost always offer bottled still ("eau plate") or sparkling water ("eau gazeuse") — and you’ll be charged for it, usually anywhere from €3 to €6 depending on the restaurant. It’s just the norm here, and unless you specifically ask, they won’t automatically bring you free water like in they do in the US.
If you want free tap water, simply ask for “une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît”, and they’ll bring you a glass pitcher of tap water at no extra charge.
Pro tip: Don’t be shy about asking for a refill if you need one. And if you’re dining in a more upscale restaurant, be prepared for a bit of a look when you ask for tap water — it’s not rude, but some places assume you’ll prefer bottled.
9. Avoid Restaurants with an English Menu Outside
If a restaurant has a big English menu posted outside, there’s a good chance it’s a tourist trap. These places tend to be overpriced, serving mediocre food that’s designed to appeal to tourists rather than offering authentic Parisian cuisine — something I learned the hard way on my first trip to Paris. You’ll spot plenty of these restaurants clustered around major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and the Arc de Triomphe, where crowds make it easy for subpar spots to thrive.
For a more authentic (and affordable) experience, look for restaurants with mostly French menus, smaller crowds of tourists, and locals actually dining there. A good sign is a chalkboard menu with daily specials or a spot that’s tucked away on a quieter side street. If you’re unsure, take a minute to check online reviews or food blogs for recommendations. It might take a little more effort, but you’ll likely end up enjoying a much better meal—and paying a fairer price for it.
10. Many Restaurants Don't Have All-Day Service
Like many other major European cities, Parisian restaurants stick to set hours, split into two dining periods — lunch from 12–3pm and dinner from 7–11pm. They usually close in between, so if you’re craving dinner from a more formal restaurant at 5 pm, you’re probably out of luck. In France, dinner happens later than what most Americans are used to, with restaurants getting busiest between 8–10 pm.
If you’re hungry during off-hours, look for spots with “service continu” written somewhere outside (which means they serve food all day) or head to a brasserie or casual café, which tend to stay open nonstop. And if all else fails, there’s always a bakery around the corner where you can grab a jambon beurre (a ham & butter sandwich – it sounds strange, but trust me on this one!) or pâtisserie (pastry) to hold you over.
11. Paris Establishments Generally Don't Take Discover Credit Cards
On my first trip to Paris, the friend I was traveling with came up with a master plan to charge everything on her new Discover card to rack up points — only to find out the hard way that almost nowhere in Paris accepts it. Most places take Visa and Mastercard, but Discover is practically useless here.
As with any trip, be sure to contact the bank that issued your credit or debit card before traveling to let them know you'll be in Paris to avoid any flagged transactions, and have some cash on hand, just in case. Some bakeries or smaller shops have card minimums, and you don’t want to go in for a single baguette only to end up buying an entire box of pastries just to meet the minimum. Although, honestly? Not the worst problem to encounter.
12. Public Restrooms Cost Money to Use
Public toilets in Paris, known as sanisettes, usually cost around €0.50 to €1 to use. They’re self-cleaning after every use, so they’re generally pretty clean (especially by public bathroom standards), which is why you’ll need a few coins to access them. And trust me, when you need one, you’ll want to have change on hand.
As in most big cities, Paris restaurants and cafés generally won’t let you use their restrooms unless you’re a paying customer, so it’s smart to keep a few euro coins in your pocket or bag — just in case. Nothing kills the vibe of a whimsical stroll through the Parisian streets like scrambling to find a bathroom.
13. Split Checks & To-Go Boxes Aren't Common
Dining out in Paris comes with its own set of customs, and two things that might catch you off guard are how checks are handled and the rarity of to-go boxes.
First, don’t ask your server to split the check at the start of the meal — it’s just not part of the culture, and you might be met with a funny look. When you request the bill (“l’addition, s’il vous plaît”), you’ll usually receive one check for the entire table. But don't fret! That doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck covering the whole thing and awkwardly sending out Venmo requests to the rest of your group. Just add up the items you ordered, let your server know how much each person wants to pay, and they’ll usually be happy to run separate charges on their portable card reader. Just be mindful not to overcomplicate it with too many split transactions — it’s always polite to keep it simple.
Luckily, many of the trendy spots you'll likely stumble across on social media while planning your trip to Paris use apps like Sunday, where you can scan a QR code on the table, split the bill, and pay all from your phone. It’s super convenient and saves everyone from doing the math.
As for leftovers, portion sizes in Paris are generally smaller than in the US, so it’s uncommon to leave a restaurant with food to take home. Asking for a to-go box — or a “doggy bag” — isn’t standard practice and may get you a confused look, especially in more traditional or upscale spots. That said, some casual or tourist-friendly places might accommodate the request if you ask nicely. Just don’t expect every restaurant to have containers ready, and in more formal settings, it’s best to finish what’s on your plate.
14. Ice (and Iced Coffee) Are Rare
If you enjoy your beverages in a tall glass filled to the brim with ice, Paris might be a bit of an adjustment. Drinks are typically served chilled but with little to no ice — usually just a cube or two if any. You can politely ask for more ice (“plus de glaçons, s’il vous plaît”), but don’t expect to be automatically handed the same ice-packed glass you’d get in the US.
And iced coffee? Not exactly a Parisian staple. Many traditional cafés don’t offer it, though iced Americanos or cold brews are becoming more common at specialty coffee shops. Before heading to Starbucks (which is pretty common in Paris and has most of their usual iced options), check out a few of Paris's charming cafés — you might as well get the authentic French coffee-drinking experience while you're here!
15. Dining in Paris Moves at a Slower Pace (And Your Server Isn't Ignoring You)
Dining out in Paris is meant to be slow and intentional. Meals are an experience, not something to rush through. So if your server isn’t checking in every five minutes like you might be used to in the United States, it’s not bad service — it’s just how things are done. Servers give you space to enjoy your meal and conversation without hovering.
If you need something, it’s totally normal to make eye contact or give a small wave to catch their attention. Whatever you do (and despite whatever you may have seen in classic movies), definitely do not don’t call out “garçon” to get your server's attention — it’s outdated and considered rude. Instead, a polite “excusez-moi” will do the trick.
Also, don’t expect to be handed the check the second you finish eating. In France, it’s seen as rude to rush diners out. When you’re ready to pay, simply ask for the bill (“l’addition, s’il vous plaît”). So take your time, soak it all in, and enjoy the slower pace — this is how meals are meant to be savored in Paris.
Make the Most of Your First Trip to Paris
Paris is a city that invites you to slow down, soak in the beauty, and savor every moment — from that first flaky bite of a baguette tradition to an unhurried dinner at a cozy sidewalk bistro. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of iconic landmarks and picture-perfect spots, it’s the little things — the unspoken dining customs, the ease of hopping on the Metro, or the charm of discovering a tucked-away café — that truly make the experience unforgettable.
With these 16 lesser-known tips in your back pocket, you’ll be able to navigate what has become my favorite city with more confidence, fewer hiccups, and a deeper appreciation for Paris beyond the postcard views. Whether you’re spending a few days exploring or starting a new chapter living here, embracing these lesser-known Paris travel tips will help you experience the City of Light as it’s meant to be enjoyed — effortlessly and authentically.
Bon voyage and profitez bien (enjoy it all)!
