Culture guide
Paris · France
Paris First Time Guide: The Essentials Before You Land
Everything before you land: the Métro logic, the bonjour rule and the two bookings.
5 min read · 1 day · Updated September 12, 2026
- paris
- first time
- beginners
- Destination
- Paris, France
- Duration
- 1 day
- Best time
- Apr-Jun
- Style
- Culture · Food · History
- Daily budget
- 150 EUR
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.
What this guide covers
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.
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.
What to know before you go
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.
Turn this guide into a trip
The trip planner opens pre-filled with Paris — adjust the dates and interests to fit your trip.
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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.