ParisTravel Tips

Typical weather seasons by month.

When the city is peak, balanced, or quieter.

Typical monthly AQI index trends.

What to know before drinking water, eating street food, or dining out.

• Tap water is safe; ask for une carafe d'eau to avoid bottled water by default.
• Reserve serious restaurants early; walk-ins work better for wine bars and neighborhood bistros.
• Bakeries are best before lunch. Late-day displays are usually for convenience, not peak quality.

Common scams and safety precautions during your stay.

• Keep phones off cafe table edges, especially in Le Marais, Saint Michel, and around major stations.
• Ignore clipboard petitions, bracelet sellers, and ring-drop routines near monuments.
• Use official taxis, G7, Uber, or Bolt; refuse drivers who solicit inside airports or stations.

Respectful behavior for temples, neighborhoods, and restaurants.

• Always begin with bonjour before asking anything; skipping it reads rude.
• Keep voices low in restaurants, shops, and hotel lobbies.
• Dress cleanly and simply; sportswear outside workouts marks you as careless.

Plugs, voltage, and electrical charging standards.

Tipping customs for dining, taxis, and services.

• Service is included; tipping is discretionary, not expected as a percentage rule.
• Round up in cafes or leave €2-€5 for polished table service.
• Tip hotel porters and private drivers when service is genuinely useful.

Essential local laws and regulations to respect.

• Validate paper transit tickets before travel; inspectors issue fines on the spot.
• Jaywalking is common but still risky; traffic, bikes, and buses move tightly.
• Museums often close one weekday. Check exact opening days before building an art-heavy route.

Health advice for climate, insects, and well-being.

• Carry travel insurance; private clinics are efficient but payment may be required upfront.
• Pharmacies are strong first stops for minor issues; look for the green cross sign.
• Summer heat can be sharp in older hotels and metro platforms; confirm air conditioning before booking.

Simple local phrases that help with greetings and polite conversation.

Useful phrases for shopping, bills, and price negotiations.

Phrases for dietary preferences, vegetarian choices, and water.

Polite ways to decline offers, transport, or street vendors.

Directions for finding toilets, basic shopping, and asking help.

Emergency calls, hospitals, and help phrases in the local language.