Are you a travel enthusiast? As you might already know, there are several places across the globe where you can visit and enjoy your time. Most of these places are ideal for social travel, which is basically the act of traveling to a place with the hope of connecting with other people and spending some time away from your daily routine. Breaking monotony can have a significant impact on your productivity.
Europe, for one, has a wide range of breathtaking scenes that you can enjoy with your family. Traveling to Paris can be an unforgettable experience. With the breathtaking Haussmannian architecture, perfectly manicured streets, the indulgent smell of freshly baked bread and patisseries through the air, everything is just amazing there. All of these wonders have made Paris one of the most fabulous cities to visit in the world. Due to its popularity, you might be feeling you know Paris even without ever being there.
However, there are several things that you must know about this city before you book your flight. For one, it’s important to understand the housing system and know where you’ll spend your nights during your vacation. In the same breath, it’s imperative that you calculate all the expected expenses and see whether they fit in your budget.
Do you want to learn more about this famous city? Continue reading this article for more information on what you should know about Paris as a travel enthusiast.
Top things to know before traveling to Paris
Besides looking for the best travel management agency using vacation rental software, there is some kind of unwritten user manual that can help you make the most out of your trip when traveling to Paris. Therefore, it’s highly important to learn the best travel tips for visiting Paris to have an unforgettable experience in the French capital. To help you, I’ve put all the top tips into writing for you below:
The best time to visit Paris
Before making any plans, it’s always recommended that you check on the climate and other factors that could affect your travel. This also applies to Paris and other European cities. Everything shutting down in August in Europe isn’t just a myth. However, it’s a fact only to some extent because most of the locals leave on vacation in August in France. That’s why many local stores and restaurants stay closed for weeks during August.
However, if you want to visit Paris during a less crowded time, then August can be the best time. Otherwise, every month in Paris has its own charm but traveling to Paris in spring is hard to beat!
Learn the language a bit to communicate well
Even though people in Paris are always in a hurry, they always stop and help travelers when asked for assistance. Most of the locals can give you instructions in English but some aren’t able to speak English at all. So it’s always better to learn the basics of French to communicate easier with the people in Paris.
Besides, it’s always polite to greet those you talk to using the local language. And learning a few words in a new language keeps your mind busy. So, learning the basics in French is beneficial any way you look at it!
Decide where to stay before traveling to Paris
Identifying where to stay in Paris is a little challenging because there are tons of options available out there. Fortunately, all of Paris’s neighborhoods are boasting numerous short-term rentals, Airbnb, and hotel options for visitors. However, the choice will completely depend on your budget and the type of ambiance you want to experience at your accommodation in Paris.
So book your accommodation accordingly but well in advance to avoid the hassle.
How to get around in Paris
The best way to get around Paris is definitely by walking through the city. In Paris, it’s hard to get lost because the arrondissements of the city are highly organized. Besides going on foot, you can also use the metro to get around the City of Lights.
Explore the beautiful parks of Paris
Whenever you feel frizzled in Paris and want to refresh yourself, you must visit the beautiful parks in Paris. Paris has a rich number of melancholy cemeteries, lush gardens, and beautiful parks. All of these are perfect places to sit and relax. Some of the best places to visit when traveling to Paris in this regard are:
- Pere Lachaise Cemetery
- Promenade Plantée (or Coulée Verte)
- Montparnasse
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Parc Monceau.
Go beyond the famous tourist attractions
Arguably Paris is filled with world-famous tourist attractions. However, do yourself a favor and see a bit of Paris off the beaten path. Visiting small places can often be more rewarding. Some of the must-visit places in this regard include:
- Saint Julien le Pauvre is a tiny old church which is best to visit on Sundays.
- Saint Pierre de Chaillot is a concrete Gothic basilica that is truly magnificent.
- Musée Jacquemart-André is a smaller museum featuring an amazing collection by old Italian masters.
- Musée Nissim de Camondo is a beautiful and elegant private home that’s now a decorative arts museum.
Avoid getting coffee from fancy cafes
It’s always better to visit the local cafés instead of stepping into the fancy cafes of Paris. That’s because local cafés are way cheaper and can offer you a tasty cup of coffee without the hoards of tourists.
Understand technology needs
Well, you won’t be able to push an American electric plug in the electric outlet in Paris because French plugs are different in shape. So, it would be better for you to either buy a converter or invest in solar powered gadgets to fulfill your technology needs in the best possible way while traveling to Paris.
What to pack for when traveling to Paris
Even though you want to dress up like a real Parisian, what you pack for Paris will completely depend on the season and weather predictions. And keep in mind that it’s always better to plan layered outfits that offer more versatility.
Don’t forget to explore the neighborhoods
Travelers who don’t click with the locals automatically are those who stick to the commercial and touristy areas of Paris only. If you want to have a real Parisian experience then go explore the various neighborhoods and get a feel of the real Parisian community. Neighborhoods away from the tourist spots are the best places to explore local markets, shops, and cafes.
Give a chance to the lively working-class 11th arrondissement for small Maman-et-papa restaurants, quirky boutiques, inexpensive bars, and good music.
Final thoughts
Paris, one of the busiest cities in the world, is never short of attractions, activities, and events for its visitors. However, because of the density and variety, navigating the beautiful French capital can be challenging, especially for first-timers. That’s exactly why I chose to share some practical tips for traveling to Paris. You now know when is the best time for traveling to Paris and how to make the best of your trip, as well.
Remember the tips above and you’ll enjoy traveling to Paris to the fullest!
Paris guide also available on GPSmyCity.
Mirela Letailleur is a Romanian travel blogger living in the South of France. She writes on The Travel Bunny travel blog about affordable travel in Europe, creator of unique free travel guides, local travel expert. Problem solver. Wannabe coffee guru.
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