First time in Paris? The dream, right?
The City of Light, the romance, the cafés, the art, the endless little streets leading to hidden treasures.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, one thing is certain: your first trip to Paris will be unforgettable.
But here’s the thing—Paris isn’t just about ticking off landmarks.
It’s about feeling the city, taking it in, and truly living it.
To help you make the most of your experience, here are four essential things to keep in mind before you go.
Walk Slowly – Paris is Meant to Be Savoured
Yes, Parisians walk fast. Really fast.
You’ll see them rushing in and out of metro stations, navigating the sidewalks like pros, looking like they have somewhere very important to be.
But you? You’re here to see Paris, not just pass through it.
Slow down. Walk at your own pace. Wander. Get lost (just a little).
Paris is packed with details that you’ll miss if you’re in a hurry.
That tiny bookshop tucked between two grand buildings?
Is the street artist creating something stunning on a random wall?
The little old man reading his newspaper at a café terrace, totally unbothered by the chaos around him?
That’s Paris too.
And then there’s a golden hour by the Seine.
Trust me, you don’t want to be speed-walking past that.
So, take a deep breath, look around, and let the city reveal itself to you.
Don’t Drag Your Luggage Around – Stash It!
Arriving in Paris is exciting.
The plane lands, the doors open, and suddenly, there you are—ready to explore the City of Light!
But wait… your hotel check-in isn’t until the afternoon.
And you’re standing in the middle of the airport or train station with a suitcase the size of a small fridge and a backpack that already feels too heavy.
Why Carrying Luggage Around Paris is a Bad Idea
Dragging your suitcase through the streets of Paris might seem manageable at first, but here’s what will likely happen:
- Cobblestone chaos – Many Parisian streets, especially in charming historic areas like Le Marais and Montmartre, are paved with cobblestones. Your suitcase wheels will rattle like a jackhammer and may not survive the journey.
- Metro nightmares – Paris is not the most luggage-friendly city. Many metro stations don’t have escalators or lifts, and you’ll end up lugging your bags up and down endless flights of stairs. Not exactly the romantic Parisian experience you imagined, right?
- Café frustrations – Thinking of stopping at a café to relax before check-in? Good luck trying to squeeze your suitcase under the tiny round tables while waiters glare at you for blocking the way.
The Best Solution: Luggage Storage in Paris
Instead of wrestling with your bags, store them safely and start exploring hands-free.
In France, look for consigne à bagages—luggage storage facilities where you can drop off your bags for a few hours or even a full day.
Where to Find Luggage Storage in Paris
- Train stations – Most major train stations (Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, Montparnasse, etc.) have luggage lockers or storage services. These are perfect if you’re arriving by train or need to leave your bags for a few hours before catching your next one.
- Airports – Both Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) have storage facilities if you have a long layover and want to explore the city without carrying everything.
- Dedicated storage services – Several companies partner with hotels and shops around Paris to offer secure luggage drop-off points. These are often cheaper than station lockers and located in convenient spots near tourist attractions.
- Some hotels – Even if your room isn’t ready yet, many hotels will hold your luggage for free until check-in time. Always ask!
How Much Does Luggage Storage Cost?
Prices vary depending on location and duration, but in general:
- Train station lockers: Around €5-10 per bag for a few hours and up to €15-20 for the whole day.
- Private luggage storage services: Usually between €6-12 per bag per day, depending on the company and location.
The Freedom of Exploring Paris Hands-Free
Imagine this: You land in Paris in the morning, drop off your bags at a storage point near your arrival station, and head straight to a café for a relaxed breakfast.
No heavy lifting, no struggling with metro turnstiles, no stress.
You can:
✔ Stroll along the Seine without extra weight on your shoulders.
✔ Visit the Louvre without worrying about fitting your suitcase into the cloakroom.
✔ Enjoy your first day in Paris feeling light and carefree.
Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Be Smart About Timing – Peak Hours Are No Joke
Paris is busy. Always.
But there are ways to avoid the worst of the crowds.
If you don’t plan your day wisely, you might find yourself stuck in an endless queue at a museum, squeezed into a packed metro carriage, or waiting forever to get a table at a popular café.
So, when should you go out, and when should you wait it out?
Here’s what you need to know.
The Morning Rush Hour (8-10 AM) – Avoid the Metro!
Parisians are not morning people, but they do commute en masse.
If you’re thinking about hopping on the metro around 8:30 AM, don’t—unless you enjoy being packed in like a sardine, standing awkwardly with your face inches away from a stranger’s backpack.
- The worst lines? Lines 1, 4, 9, 13, and 14. These cross central Paris and serve major business areas.
- The worst stations? Châtelet, Gare Saint-Lazare, Gare de Lyon, Montparnasse—basically, any major hub.
- The best alternative? Walk if you can! The early morning streets of Paris are lovely, and you’ll see the city waking up.
Tip: If you must take the metro during rush hour, try to catch the first or last car of the train. They’re usually less crowded.
Midday Sightseeing – The Best Time for Landmarks
Want to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or Notre Dame without feeling like you’re in the middle of a music festival crowd? Timing is everything.
- Go early! If you can, be there right when they open (usually around 9 AM for most major attractions).
- Or go late. Many museums have late-night openings once a week, which is a fantastic way to enjoy art without the daytime chaos.
- Lunch break trick. Many tourists stop for lunch between 12 and 2 PM—which means attractions are slightly less crowded. If you can, grab a quick sandwich and use that time to visit a landmark instead.
Spring and Autumn – The Best Seasons to Visit
Paris is stunning in every season, but if you want mild weather and fewer tourists, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal.
- Summer (June-August): Expect massive crowds, long queues, and scorching temperatures (yes, Paris gets hot in summer!). Plus, many locals leave the city in August, meaning some shops and restaurants shut down.
- Winter (December-February): Magical during the holidays, but short days and cold weather mean fewer hours for sightseeing. Also, the top floor of the Eiffel Tower is closed every January—keep that in mind!
Bonus Tip: The Best Time to See the Eiffel Tower
Want a stunning Eiffel Tower view without the crowds? Try one of these moments:
- At sunrise. The city is quiet, the sky turns pink and gold, and you’ll have it (almost) to yourself.
- At sunset. Golden hour in Paris? Pure magic. Plus, the tower starts sparkling every evening, on the hour, from sunset until 1 AM.
- In winter. Fewer tourists, a crisp atmosphere, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a little snow on the Champ de Mars.
Try a Little French – It Goes a Long Way
You don’t need to be fluent, but even a few basic phrases will change your experience in Paris.
A simple Bonjour when entering a shop or Merci beaucoup when receiving your coffee can make a difference.
Some travellers assume that everyone in Paris speaks English—which is often true in touristy areas.
But here’s the thing: French people really appreciate the effort.
Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, a little French goes a long way in making interactions smoother.
Why Speaking a Bit of French Helps
- It shows respect. Parisians (and French people in general) value politeness. A simple Bonjour before asking a question makes interactions much friendlier.
- It improves service. Want a warm welcome at a café? Want to avoid a curt response in a shop? Speaking a bit of French can make the experience more pleasant.
- It avoids the “rude Parisian” stereotype. The idea that Parisians are unfriendly often comes from cultural misunderstandings. Start your conversation in French, and you’ll see a different side of the city.
Essential Phrases to Learn
It’s also not too difficult to learn how to order off a menu in French, or how to ask what something costs, or for directions to a monument.
Here are a few key expressions that will make your trip easier:
Basic Greetings and Politeness
- Bonjour – Hello (always say this when entering a shop or restaurant!)
- Bonsoir – Good evening (use this after 6 PM)
- Merci beaucoup – Thank you very much
- S’il vous plaît – Please
- Excusez-moi – Excuse me
Ordering at a Café or Restaurant
- Un café, s’il vous plaît. – A coffee, please.
- L’addition, s’il vous plaît. – The bill, please.
- Je voudrais… – I would like… (a simple way to order food or drinks).
- Avez-vous un menu en anglais ? – Do you have a menu in English?
Asking for Directions
- Où sont les toilettes ? – Where are the toilets?
- Où est la station de métro la plus proche ? – Where is the nearest metro station?
- Comment aller à… ? – How do I get to…?
What If You Don’t Know Enough French?
Don’t panic! Most Parisians speak at least some English, especially younger people and those working in restaurants, hotels, and museums. But how you approach the conversation matters.
What NOT to do:
❌ Walk up to someone and say, Do you speak English? right away.
❌ Assume they will immediately switch to English.
❌ Speak loudly in English, hoping they’ll understand better.
What TO do instead:
✅ Start with Bonjour, excusez-moi… and then politely ask if they speak English (Parlez-vous anglais ?).
✅ Try your best in French first—many Parisians will switch to English to help you out.
✅ Use gestures and point at what you need if words fail you!
Bonus Tip: Use a Translation App
If you’re stuck, Google Translate or apps like DeepL can help.
Some apps even allow you to point your camera at a menu or sign and translate it instantly.
You can also download offline French translation packs so you don’t need an internet connection.
Final Thoughts
Paris is more than just a checklist of famous sights.
It’s a city of moments, of stolen glances at a café, of slow walks along the Seine, of unexpected conversations with locals.
So take your time. Stay curious.
Embrace the little imperfections of travel. And most importantly, enjoy every second of your Parisian adventure.
Have you been to Paris before? What was your favourite discovery?
Let me know in the comments!
