First Time in Paris 🇫🇷 - Things You Need to Know
This was my first trip to Paris as a college student studying abroad in Rome, Italy! It’s super cold in the winter but at most just cloudy. Food prices are quite American but tastes so much better. Here’s some general information you might wanna know!
• Average temperature February 7-9th: 22-30°F
• I spent $200 at most 💰(I had free housing from a friend)
• I flew with RyanAir ✈️ $117 (Booked a month in advance
• DO NOT hop the metro gates to save money, Parisians will hate you and the fine is $60 or more 😅
• Metro tickets are €2 per entrance (some stations require an extra ticket to exit) 🚃
• Parisians have a generally grumpy face but are nice in a lot of ways—A lot like New Yorkers
• If you are a college student, try using your passport to get into museums for free! They always have reduced prices for students 👀
• Eiffel Tower starts twinkling at 7pm for 5 minutes 🗼
• Bring comfortable shoes if you plan to do the Palace of Versailles, you can take a tram there (1 hour away) it’s HUGE—it’s $24 to have access to every location and you MUST do the palace before the gardens 🏰
• Like many other countries in Europe, they can split a check into the amount of people at a table but not separate check per each person’s meal 🍽️
• Do the CRUISE ON THE SEINE—it’s €18 to able to see many famous places including the Eiffel Tower on the water! Prices vary by the season.
• You can do Mass at the Notre Dame! Truly a magical moment for my fellow Christians, and if you’re not Christian, it’s still so worth it to see the beautiful architecture. Be advised—the lines to get in are LONG but getting there early should be fine.
- Dress fashionably, Europeans never really dress down, especially not in Paris. Put some thought into your outfits for some great pics and great service!
Food Checklist:
- Creme Brûlée
- Crepes
- Croissant 🥐
- French Onion Soup 🍲
- Wine 🍷
Will I go back? Probably not, I saw what I needed too but it was so cold and cloudy that it had a slightly depressing atmosphere in the winter. Other than the historical parts of Paris, it reminded me of DC or any other well developed inner city. Prices are astronomically higher than Italy. Rome prices are €1-10 euros per meal. Expect to spend most of your money on meals and transportation.
Visiting Paris for the first time can be a thrilling yet overwhelming experience. To enhance your trip, here's a concise guide highlighting key attractions and practical advice. Make sure to visit Notre Dame to appreciate its stunning architecture and catch a Mass if time allows; this offers a truly unique cultural experience. Don't miss the iconic Eiffel Tower, especially when it sparkles at night, which is a sight worth seeing. Also, plan a day at the Palace of Versailles; wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a vast area that requires extensive walking. When dining, savor the local cuisine and check a food checklist that includes treats like crème brûlée, croissants, and French onion soup to fully indulge in Parisian flavors. Budgeting wisely can make your trip more enjoyable; consider the cost of metro tickets and always carry extra for unplanned expenses. Also, use your student status where possible to access discounts at museums. Lastly, embrace the Parisian fashion sense by dressing elegantly, which can enhance both your experience and interactions. This approach can help you create lasting memories in this magnificent city.
Isn’t that place just so pretty 😍