Ultimate Guide to Paris for Beginners
Part One: Basic Information about Paris
Transportation in Paris
Upon arriving in Paris at Charles de Gaulle Airport or Lyon Train Station, you can immediately purchase a Paris Metro weekly pass or a Paris City Visit day pass.
Once you have the weekly pass, sign it and attach a passport-sized photo. The pass expires at midnight on the following Monday, so if you arrive on Thursday or Friday, it's better not to buy the weekly pass.
The Paris City Visit day ticket does not require a signature or photo. It is available for zones 1-3 and 1-5. The 1-3 zone ticket can be used within central Paris, while the 1-5 zone ticket can take you to some suburbs, such as Versailles and Charles de Gaulle Airport. The day ticket may look like just a small piece of paper, so be sure to keep it safe.
Buying Metro Tickets After Getting Off the Train
Online sources mention that random ticket checks occur on the metro, and failing to show a valid ticket can result in heavy fines. However, I personally did not experience this in the Paris metro; rather, random ticket checks are common on trains in Switzerland, where you can board without showing a ticket.
Paris metro stations usually have a small, inconspicuous sign and an underground entrance that can be easy to miss if you're walking too fast. When entering and exiting the metro gates, you might see various creative methods locals use to avoid paying. As a tourist, it's best not to try these methods. If you see someone trying to slip through the gates, be cautious; they may be pickpockets. Most metro lines announce station names only twice, so please pay attention. Some lines don't have audio announcements or display screens, so you need to rely on the station signs. In short, it's easy to miss your stop on the Paris metro.
You can use Baidu Maps or Amap to check the metro routes in Paris; Google Maps can be used for bus routes. The weekly and day tickets are also valid for buses.
Paris is a thoroughly touristy city. The metro station signs usually indicate nearby attractions and landmarks. On the metro, I heard English, Chinese, Japanese, German, and other languages I didn't understand.
Most metro stations have restrooms, but they charge one euro and are not well-maintained. So, whenever you find a free restroom, even if you don't urgently need it, be sure to take advantage of it. The metro platforms may be old, but they are not dirty. They definitely don't compare to the newly built facilities back home, but you won't see rats or smell strange odors (yes, I'm referring to the New York subway).
Essential Apps
Use Booking to book hotels; Omio for train tickets; and The Fork (Europe's equivalent of Dianping) for finding restaurants. Dianping also includes many European restaurants, which should be sufficient for most Chinese tourists.
Friendly Parisians
On the last day of my trip, while taking the metro to Lyon Train Station, my metro card had expired, so I had to queue to buy a ticket. In front of me was an elderly lady who kindly helped me operate the automatic ticket machine when she saw I was a foreigner.
You can freely ask people for directions in Paris, as the locals are generally very friendly and may even walk a bit with you. However, based on my observations, about half of them speak English and half do not. If you encounter someone who doesn't speak English, just say "merci" and move on. I've heard that "French people are proud and pretend not to speak English even when they can," but in my experience, that's not true.
Communication and Other Considerations in Paris
In central Paris, English suffices for most communication needs. As for street signs, if you can't understand them, you can take a guess at their meaning in English. Some common terms on signs include: entrée (entrance), sortie (exit), and tourist-related vocabulary like musée (museum) and gare (station). With a bit of practice, you'll get the hang of it.
French girls are generally very attractive, many resembling Sophie Marceau and exuding elegance.
Safety in Paris
There are many stories online about safety in Paris, along with some theft prevention tips: (1) After shopping, use a canvas bag to cover your shopping bag to avoid attracting thieves. (2) Don't leave your phone on the table, even within sight. (3) Be especially cautious of pickpockets when entering and exiting the metro, especially at the gates. (4) Near Montmartre, some people of African descent may approach tourists, trying to tie wristbands or red strings, and then ask for money. (5) If you see Gypsy children approaching, it's best to walk away quickly; it's rarely a good sign. (6) Walking slowly while constantly looking at your phone or being overly curious can make you appear like a tourist and attract pickpockets.
Before my trip, I bought an anti-theft front pack and a phone strap, ready to face any potential thieves, even wearing my outer coat over the front pack. During my five days in Paris, primarily along the Seine River, around Bastille, Galeries Lafayette, and the Opera House, I encountered none of these situations. Near the Eiffel Tower, I did see a "Beware of Pickpockets" sign and encountered some vendors selling cheap souvenirs, who were a bit persistent but not nearly as bothersome as vendors back home. Online sources often mention that the areas around Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, and Moulin Rouge are unsafe, but I have no experience there, so I won't comment.
What I've heard about theft in Europe comes from a friend's friend who had a child with her in Spain. When getting off a tourist bus, her child was bumped by a Gypsy, and while she was helping her child, she got robbed. This shows that it's often a planned operation. In Spain, police remind tourists to be cautious about theft.
Here, I must criticize the atmosphere of domestic internet discourse. Before my trip to Paris, I found countless messages online claiming that the city was rife with crime, had extremely old infrastructure, that people urinated everywhere, and that the Seine River was contaminated with E. coli. However, what I saw in Paris contradicted all of this. While Paris's safety may not be as high as at home, it is certainly not as exaggerated as what is portrayed online.
Weather in Paris
I visited Paris in late April and early May. The temperature was still low, just above ten degrees, and it was often overcast, so be sure to dress warmly. The evenings in Paris get dark very late, around 9:30 PM it becomes dim, and it doesn't fully darken until after 10 or even 11 PM.
Shopping in Paris
French department stores usually close quite early, while restaurants stay open a bit later. It's advisable to shop first and then have dinner in the evening.
When shopping, be sure to carry your passport so you can process tax refunds. The tax rate is relatively high at 10%, so this is money worth saving. Each passport can only process a tax refund once per day, so be cautious when claiming it. After processing the tax refund, you'll receive a tax refund slip. At the airport, scan this slip when leaving to complete the refund process. If you head to Switzerland, there is a French customs office at the Geneva train station where you can also process tax refunds.
Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House)
Galeries Lafayette and Printemps both have separate men’s and women’s sections, demonstrating their vast scale. So, be sure to check which section you're in to avoid wandering into the wrong area. Shopping at Galeries Lafayette can be done in Chinese, which makes it more convenient. Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and Palais Garnier are all within walking distance of each other.
There are some authentic French restaurants nearby, and many Chinese restaurants, especially Sichuan cuisine. At Galeries Lafayette’s dining venue, Yann Couvreur Galeries Lafayette Gourmet, prices can be quite high, but their desserts and ice cream are exceptional.
There is a small quirk about the Palais Garnier: some ballet and opera tickets are cheaper than the entry tickets for tours, and you won’t have to wait in line.
Part Two: Paris, a Paradise for Art Lovers
Paris Museum Pass
The Paris Museum Pass is available in two-day and four-day versions, valid for most attractions in Paris. You can purchase it at this website. After payment, you'll receive a voucher for the pass in your email. The redemption location is in a small, unremarkable shop between the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden, marked by a golden statue of Joan of Arc at the entrance.
The two-day pass is valid for 48 hours and is activated upon first use. A money-saving tip is to visit the Louvre on the last day of your pass’s validity.
The Louvre
Transportation: Take metro lines 1 or 7 to Palais Royal Musée du Louvre.
Official website: louvre.fr. Reservations are required for entry.
The Louvre is vast, with an immense collection, and you may not be able to see it all in a single day. As someone who regularly exercises, I found my stamina tested while exploring the museum. There are only a few small cafés inside offering drinks and baguettes, which close early. Therefore, make sure to have a hearty breakfast on the day you visit the Louvre.
The main entrance (ground floor, glass pyramid) can be crowded, so I recommend returning for photos after your visit; instead, use the underground entrance (Carrousel du Louvre -2 level) which has three entry points: Denon, Richelieu, and Sully wings. These sections are interconnected, but the museum’s layout can be complex, leading to potential detours. I suggest entering through the Denon wing. There are audio guides available on level -1 for €6.
Musée d'Orsay
Take metro line 12 to Solferino and walk 300 meters northeast. Tickets can be bought on-site for €14, and the museum pass is accepted without reservation.
The museum opens at 9:30 AM, so it’s advisable to arrive a bit earlier, as there can be long lines at the entrance. Once inside, head straight to the large clock on the fifth floor for an excellent photo opportunity. There may be a short wait to take photos at the clock.
The fifth floor features a wealth of original works by Van Gogh and Monet, which are highlights of the collection; the third and fourth floors showcase furniture and decorative arts that are less essential to focus on, as they were not open during my visit. The second floor includes many lesser-known yet expressive sculptures, including works by Rodin.
There is a restaurant on the second floor with an average cost of 300 RMB per person, where I recommend the salmon steak, steak, cod pasta, signature lemon tart, cold foie gras platter, apple pie, and hot chocolate soufflé.
Musée de l'Orangerie
You can reach it via metro lines 1, 8, or 12 to Concorde, or walk from the Musée d'Orsay across the Seine, located at the southwest corner of the Tuileries Garden. Opening hours are 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, closed on Tuesdays.
Official website: billetterie.musee-orangerie.fr, where you can book tickets and rent audio guides. The audio guide is very easy to use.
The Musée de l'Orangerie is quite small, featuring Monet's large water lilies on the top floor. It houses many original works by Monet, Picasso, and Matisse. For photos, I suggest wearing muted colors or black and white, which complement Monet’s water lilies beautifully. Five must-see pieces are: (1) Water Lilies, (2) Pierre-Auguste Renoir's "Girl with a Piano," (3) Paul Cézanne's "Apples and Biscuits," (4) Henri Matisse's "The Dancer in Red Trousers," and (5) Picasso's "Grande Nature Morte."
Part Three: Major Attractions in Paris
Arc de Triomphe
Take Metro lines 1, 2, 6, or the RER A to Charles de Gaulle - Étoile. At the station, follow the signs for the Arc de Triomphe. Be cautious of the heavy traffic around the area and do not attempt to cross the road.
Built in 1836 to commemorate the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805, the Arc de Triomphe is the largest triumphal arch in Europe. Beneath the arch, there is a flame honoring the fallen soldiers of World War I.
Climbing to the top of the Arc offers a panoramic view of Paris. There can be long queues, and tickets cost €13. Tickets can be booked online or through the museum pass. Due to the crowds, I decided not to go up, especially since I had plans to visit the Eiffel Tower the next day.
Champs-Élysées
Walking from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde makes for a fantastic city walk, with elegant architecture and rows of plane trees. Although the distance is only two kilometers, the many luxury shops along the way took me over four hours to traverse.
The famous cabaret, Lido de Paris, is located at the intersection near the George V metro station. If you head south for 700 meters, you’ll find Crazy Horse Paris, another well-known cabaret. Both nightclubs have unassuming exteriors. I haven’t been to the Moulin Rouge.
Crazy Horse and Lido Nightclub
There are many restaurants near the Crazy Horse show; I had dinner at Chez Andre. The veal liver was exceptionally tender, the onion soup was outstanding, and the escargot and duck liver were not much different from what I’ve had back home.
Place de la Concorde is the site where Louis XVI and the queen were executed, and during the French Revolution, many political prisoners were also executed here. The central obelisk comes from Egypt. Paris is preparing for the 2024 Olympics, so many stands have been erected at Place de la Concorde.
Olympic Stands at Place de la Concorde
Nearby, the Hôtel de la Marine offers tickets for €17, with audio guides available in Chinese.
Tuileries Garden is said to be the most beautiful garden in Paris, but I was disappointed after my visit. It’s not worth making a special trip to Tuileries Garden, as you will pass through it when heading to the Louvre and the Orangerie.
The Petit Palais is located at the end of the Alexandre III Bridge, with the Grand Palais across the street.
Pont Alexandre III was built to commemorate the Franco-Russian alliance and is considered the most beautiful bridge over the Seine. Walking across it doesn’t feel particularly special; I recommend taking photos from the nearby Concorde Bridge or from a Seine River cruise. The night views along the Seine are beautiful, and in comparison, the Alexandre III Bridge doesn’t stand out.
La Tour Eiffel
Take Metro line 6 to Bir-Hakeim, where you’ll see signs for the Eiffel Tower. Make sure not to get off on the opposite side of the Seine, as it looks close on the map, but the path is quite steep—this was a hard lesson learned.
Tickets need to be booked in advance at the official website www.toureiffel.paris/en, with options for elevator or stair tickets. The tower is open from 9:00 AM to 10:45 PM, and since sunset in Paris is late, time is not a concern. There are three levels; I recommend visiting the second-level observation deck first, as the second and third levels do not connect.
The best photo spots to capture the Eiffel Tower are from the Trocadéro platform, the Champ de Mars, and the Pont Jena. You can capture the tower alongside the Seine from under the bridge on the opposite bank. At night, the Eiffel Tower lights up with warm yellow lights, creating a stunning view.
Seine River Cruise
A must-do in Paris, taking a cruise on the Seine allows you to enjoy the views along both banks, from the Eiffel Tower to the Pont Alexandre III, then to the Musée d'Orsay and Notre-Dame Cathedral. There are 60-minute cruise tickets and 90-minute lunch cruise tickets. I purchased a cruise ticket, allowing me to sit on the upper deck, which offered fantastic views. The tourists on my boat all preferred the upper deck over the cabin.
The cruise dock is less than three hundred meters from the Eiffel Tower and is easy to spot, with the company's flag visible from afar.
For ticket booking, visit https://www.pariscityvision.com. The cruise tickets are not time-restricted and will be sent via email after payment.
Palace of Versailles
Transportation options include (1) RER C, (2) train line N from Montparnasse station, (3) train line L from Saint-Lazare, or (4) Metro line 9 to Pont de Sèvres and transfer to bus 171. I took the train line N, which doesn’t require a timetable as trains run every five minutes, with a journey time of about 20 minutes.
Book tickets online at https://en.chateauversailles.fr/, as the palace is closed on Mondays.
Les Invalides
Take Metro lines 8 or 13 to Invalides. The museum pass is accepted here, and no reservation is needed. Les Invalides serves as France's military museum, where Napoleon is buried. The entrance and courtyard are lined with dozens of cannons, each with its own story, some being trophies from previous wars.
Due to time constraints, I only visited three exhibition halls: the Napoleonic Hall, the World War I Hall, and the Cold War Hall. The Cold War exhibit mainly contains audiovisual materials and is not particularly interesting. The World War I Hall displays military equipment and uniforms from France’s colonial wars and World War I. The Napoleonic Hall is the most impressive, with the exhibits in excellent condition—these two-hundred-year-old guns and swords still glisten. As a military enthusiast, I will write a separate article about the exhibits at Les Invalides.
Place de la Bastille
Take Metro lines 5 or 8 to Bastille station. This is the site where the first shot of the French Revolution was fired, and the old Bastille prison is now just an ordinary square. A bronze column stands in the center to commemorate the overthrow of the feudal monarchy in France in 1830.
Wall of the Communards
Take Metro line 2 to Alexandre Dumas, then follow the signs to the cemetery. In a corner of the cemetery, the monument inscribed "Monument aux Espagnols morts pour la Liberté" marks the site where Communard members bravely met their end. Here, one can sing the International to honor the world's first proletarian regime.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Located on Île de la Cité, accessible via the Cité metro station. Notre-Dame Cathedral is currently under renovation and not open to the public, so I could only catch a glimpse of it from the cruise.
On the island, there is also the Conciergerie, the former prison where Louis XVI and his wife were held, as well as the memorial for the victims of the Nazi Holocaust.
Other Attractions
Other attractions I didn’t visit but are worth considering include Victor Hugo’s House, Montmartre, the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, Moulin Rouge, the Catacombs of Paris, and Shakespeare and Company bookstore.
Finally, a friendly reminder: the voltage in France and the United States is different. The standard voltage in France is 230 volts with a frequency of 50 hertz, while the standard voltage in the United States is 120 volts with a frequency of 60 hertz. Therefore, if you are using American appliances in France, you may need a transformer or adapter to ensure safe use. Friends who want to travel abroad should remember to buy a travel converter, otherwise there will be a lot of trouble.