Paris First Time Guide: The Essentials Before You Land
Sofia Laurent· Europe Editor
Updated September 12, 2026 · 5 min read
Paris rewards about an hour of preparation: a Métro strategy, the arrondissement logic, the bonjour rule that changes every interaction, and two advance bookings (one museum slot, two dinner reservations). This guide is that hour.
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Generate your Paris plan →The Métro Logic
Single tickets (t+), a carnet of ten, or tap-to-pay with a contactless card — Paris accepts all three. Line 1 runs the east–west spine; Line 4 the north–south; the RER B links both airports. Never more than two transfers per journey.
- Contactless tap at the gates works directly.
- Line 1 and 4 cover most first-timer geometry.
- The center is walkable — 30 minutes max between sights.
The Bonjour Rule
Say 'Bonjour' entering every shop, café and bakery — it's not politeness, it's the price of admission, and its absence explains most 'rude Parisian' stories. 'Bonjour' on entry, 'merci, au revoir' on exit.
The Two Bookings
The Louvre's 9am timed slot (or d'Orsay's), and two dinner reservations made 1–2 weeks out. Everything else — the Seine, the parks, the churches, the bridges — is free and walk-up.
The First Evening
What to do on arrival.
Day 1 · Arrive and walk
Drop bags, walk the Seine at dusk, bonjour at dinner. Tomorrow starts at the museum.
Practical planning info
Money
- Paris ~€150/day mid-range at planning figures.
- Tap water is free at every restaurant ('une carafe d'eau').
Etiquette
- Bonjour on entry — everywhere, always.
- Greet in French first; switch on request.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak French?
Five words: bonjour, merci, au revoir, s'il vous plaît, l'addition. Effort is the currency; fluency isn't required.
Is Paris safe?
Yes — with pickpocket awareness on the Métro and around the icons. Normal city rules.
What are the two bookings?
One museum timed slot and two dinner reservations. Everything else walks up.
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