Paris mistakes I’ll never make again

Paris is an insane city but if you’re not well traveled it can be tricky!!

Not using the Navigo Pass: for around $32 USD you can get an unlimited week pass. Even though we only stayed 3 days, this still ended up making the metro SO affordable. Especially since we didn’t know our way around & ended up on trains going the wrong way quite a few times

Using Apple Maps: you simply will need Google maps to travel any European city but especially Paris. This will help make the trains, long walks, bus rides so much easier for you.

Only eating at the tourist / IG spots: I know you saw that spot on instagram but I promise the spot across the street is probably better (yes I’m talking about Les Deux Magots > Cafe de Flore).

Not bringing change: some bathrooms will cost you & no they don’t take cards. You’ll never regret something more if you don’t have some change to use the restroom! #lemon8partner #paristraveltips #parisguide #parislife #pariscity #parisitinerary #pariscityguide

2024/4/30 Edited to

... Read moreExploring the enchanting Parisian streets is often a highlight for any visitor to the City of Lights, and I totally get why so many of you might be curious about which street is which! It's easy to get swept away by their beauty, and also, let's be real, a little lost. While I can't pinpoint a specific street from every photo, I can definitely share some insights on how to navigate them like a pro and truly soak in the Parisian vibe. First off, those famous wide boulevards, like the ones you often see with the *Eiffel Tower in the background*, are iconic, but Paris is also full of charming, narrower cobblestone alleys. These are often where you find the real local life away from the tourist crowds. My biggest tip for identifying and exploring these is to *always use Google Maps*. I learned this the hard way! Apple Maps just doesn't cut it for the intricate network of European cities. Google Maps will not only show you the street names clearly but also guide you through the best public transport routes, whether it's the metro or a bus, ensuring you don't end up going the wrong way like I did a few times. When I was trying to find authentic food spots – beyond just the Instagram-famous cafes – I found that wandering down less-trafficked streets was key. You'll often stumble upon local bakeries, where you can grab a fresh *baguette*, or small, family-run bistros. These are the places where you'll get a taste of genuine Parisian life. Keep an eye out for interesting outdoor stalls too; they often pop up selling everything from vintage books to unique crafts, adding to the charm of the street. Another practical tip for navigating any Parisian street, whether bustling or quiet, is to *always carry some change*. Seriously, I can't stress this enough! Many public restrooms, especially in tourist areas or near parks, require a small fee, and they typically don't take cards. It's a small detail, but you'll thank yourself later when you're out exploring and nature calls. My goal for you is to avoid all the little hiccups I faced, so you can focus on enjoying every beautiful, unique street Paris has to offer, without asking 'what street is this?' but instead knowing exactly where you are and where you're headed!

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Jolie's images
Jolie

The restroom information is super helpful, thank you!