10 Dos and Don’ts for Your First Trip to Paris, France
Paris, Eiffel for you the moment I saw you…
Paris is known as The City of Light, romance, fresh baguettes, and… for me, the final stop on my ambitious three-week Europe trip.
I had dreamed about Paris for years. The Eiffel Tower lit up at night, leisurely strolls along the Seine, cafés where I’d sip wine like I was in a romance movie. But when I finally arrived, I was exhausted, a little homesick, and completely unprepared for how chilly and rainy August in Paris could be. Let’s just say, reality didn’t quite match the fantasy.
That said, Paris still found a way to charm me. Even despite the foggy mornings and sore feet, there were plenty of memorable moments. But I definitely learned a few things the hard way, and now I want to help you avoid some of the same rookie mistakes I made.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or just want to make the most of your next one, here are the dos and don’ts I wish I knew before my first trip to Paris.
1. Do Manage Your Expectations
Paris is a beautiful city but if you’re going in expecting every moment to feel like a scene from Emily in Paris, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment.
On my first visit, I had such high hopes for how it would feel to be in Paris. I thought the whole city would smell like fresh baked bread, the Eiffel Tower would sparkle on cue, and everyone would be effortlessly chic. But the reality? Paris is also a big, bustling city. Like so many other places around the world, there are crowds, traffic, the occasional rude person, and even rainy, gloomy days in August.
What I learned is that Paris’s charm isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it is found in the crepe you buy from the street vendor, the overheard conversation at a neighborhood park, or the moment a stranger helps you navigate. If you go in expecting perfection, you might miss out on some of the hidden gems or moments that can make a place like Paris feel truly special.
So be excited, but also leave space for Paris to surprise you in its own way even if it’s not quite how you pictured it.
2. Don’t Overload Your Itinerary
Paris has a lot to offer. Art, history, food, fashion, monuments, neighborhoods… it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to cram everything in. That’s a mistake I make almost every time I visit a new city. I am always determined to do it all, and by day two, I can feel completely wiped out.
But Paris isn’t a checklist kind of city. Some of my favorite moments weren’t planned at all (like stumbling into a tiny shop near Notre Dame or sipping wine and snacking on french fries at a small café while people-watching). Those experiences don’t happen when you’re racing from one attraction to the next with barely enough time to breathe.
If you’re visiting for the first time, pick a few key things you really want to do, and leave space for spontaneity. And if you can, choose to walk instead of taking a cab – it’s a great way to explore and stumble upon those hidden gems!
3. Do Learn a Few Basic French Phrases
You don’t need to be fluent in French to enjoy Paris, but knowing a few polite phrases can make a big difference. A simple “Bonjour” (hello), “Merci” (thank you), and “Parlez-vous anglais?” (do you speak English?) go a long way in showing respect for the culture, and trust me, Parisians will notice the effort. Paris can sometimes get a reputation for being a little cold to tourists, but in my experience, politeness and effort can break down those walls quickly.
A few words and phrases to get you started
Politeness & Basics
Navigating & Dining
4. Don’t Skip Making Advance Reservations
If you are usually a “go with the flow” kind of traveler, you’ll find that won’t cut it in Paris. Don’t assume you can just walk up to places like the Louvre or snag a dinner reservation at a cute bistro day-of. Trust me when I say you won’t be able to. A little planning ahead of time goes a long way.
Popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay often book up well in advance, especially in the summer months. And when it comes to restaurants, many of the city’s best are small and fill up quickly. After a long day of walking, the last thing you want is to wander the streets hangry, hoping for an open table at that place you saw on Instagram.
I always recommend booking key activities and meals ahead of time. Most museums offer easy online reservations, and many restaurants use platforms like Resy. Booking things in advance doesn’t mean your trip has to be rigid, but you’ll be relieved to have a few anchor points in place to help your days run smoothly.
5. Do Dress Well—but Wear Comfortable Shoes
Parisians are known for their effortlessly chic style, and while you don’t need to dress like you just stepped off a runway, it’s worth putting a little thought into your outfits. You’ll feel more confident, blend in with locals better, and honestly, Paris just has that kind of vibe.
That said, comfort is key. Nothing ruins a sightseeing day faster than sore feet or blisters. Paris is a walking city, and between cobblestone streets, endless staircases, and Metro transfers, your feet will be putting in work. Aim for simple, polished outfits (think neutral colors and layers) paired with stylish, but comfortable walking shoes. Brands like Veja or Reef offer classic white sneakers that can strike that perfect balance of function and fashion.
**shop a few paris essentials
6. Don’t Expect Perfect Weather
When I booked a stop in Paris in August, I fully expected warm, sunny days and golden-hour picnics by the Seine. Instead? Clouds, wind, and rain showers. Let’s just say my summer dresses stayed packed, and my emergency jacket became my best friend.
Paris weather can be unpredictable, even in summer. One minute it’s sunny, the next you’re grabbing for that umbrella and dodging puddles on the streets. The key? Pack for versatility. Bring layers (including a waterproof jacket), comfortable waterproof shoes, and a compact umbrella.
7. Do Explore Beyond the Major Attractions
Yes, the Eiffel Tower is iconic. The Louvre is incredible. And Notre-Dame is definitely worth a visit. But if you only stick to the major attractions, you’re missing out.
One of my biggest takeaways from my first trip? The real magic lives in the neighborhoods (what Parisians call “arrondissements”). Get a little lost wandering through the narrow streets of Le Marais, climbing the steps of Montmartre, or strolling along the Canal Saint-Martin. These are the places where you’ll stumble upon hidden courtyards, tiny art galleries, locals walking their dogs, and bakeries that few tourists know about.
8. Don’t Eat Only Near Tourist Attractions
It’s tempting to stop at the nearest café after visiting the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, but restaurants right by major landmarks often serve up forgettable food at inflated prices. While it’s totally fine to grab a drink or rest your feet at one of these spots, your most memorable bites in Paris are likely to come from elsewhere.
That said, not every food experience near a tourist attraction is a miss. Some of my favorite quick bites were street crêpes from vendors just outside places like Notre-Dame or the Louvre. A warm, buttery crêpe filled with Nutella or ham and cheese is the perfect to-go meal and somehow even better when eaten as you stroll along the Seine or down the Champs-Élysées.
Paris is a place where food and atmosphere go hand in hand. So skip the overpriced sit-down lunch in a tourist zone, and instead embrace the café culture when you’re in a quieter neighborhood, grab something portable to enjoy as you explore, or buy a bottle of wine and fresh baguette from a local market and have yourself a romantic picnic in a park! It’s all part of the Paresian experience.
9. Do Spend a Little More on the Right Hotel
When it comes to Paris, your hotel can make or break your experience. Location and comfort matter here. On my first trip, I went budget-conscious and ended up in a less-than-charming spot with uncomfortable beds, paper-thin walls, and a metro track next door that made the building shake every time a train went by (not ideal to say the least).
Paris days are long and full of walking and you will want a cozy, clean, central place to retreat to. Spending a little more for a well-reviewed boutique hotel or a place in a central arrondissement (like the 1st, 4th, 5th, or 6th) can drastically elevate your trip. You’ll save time commuting to the big landmarks, feel safer walking around at night, and genuinely enjoy your downtime. Bonus if your hotel has a view or a cute balcony!
10. Don’t Forget to Look Up and Take It All In
It’s easy to get caught up in the must-dos while traveling, especially in a city as iconic as Paris. But one of the best pieces of advice I can offer is to pause, look up, and simply take in your surroundings.
On my first trip, I was so focused on just checking off landmarks that I didn’t fully appreciate the beauty of the city’s architecture including the intricate balconies, the grandeur of the gothic buildings, etc. In my opinion, those sights are just as special and impressive as the Eiffel Tower. So, take a few moments each day to look up and admire the view from a bridge or city park. You won’t be disappointed!
Final Thoughts
Paris isn’t always what you expect, but I truly believe that’s part of its charm. My first trip was far from perfect, but it taught me to slow down, embrace the unexpected, and enjoy the little moments while traveling to new places. Instead of rushing through a packed itinerary, take time to wander, savor the food, and soak in the character of the city. Manage your expectations, stay open to surprises, and enjoy all of Emily in Paris moments on your trip to France!
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