The romantic city of Paris, located in France, is one of the most visited cities by tourists in the world. Almost everyone passionate about travel would want to visit Paris at least once in their lifetime. Paris, being the hubspot of tourism not only in Europe but also across the world, can be slightly overwhelming if you are not ready for it.
Parisians have their own culture and way of lifestyle, and as tourists, even though you need not adapt to them completely, it is advisable to know a few things before you take your dream vacation to Paris so that you can experience the city without any hassles. There are few dos and don’ts in this city, and if you are able to follow them, you’d be able to mingle well with the locals, thus enhancing your travel experience.
Here are 5 must-know things before you visit the city of Paris.
Learn at least a little bit of French
There is no better way to mingle with locals and their culture than having a conversation or at least trying to have a conversation in their local language. Learning the basics of French, for instance, salutations will help you a lot in communicating with the Parisian locals. You don’t have to be an expert in communicating in French, but a basic knowledge of French will hold you in good stead.
Most of the French people know English and they would be able to communicate conveniently in English. But if you show them you have taken the effort to learn their language and communicate with the same, they’d feel good about it and that is how you make friends with the lovely Parisians!
Walking and Public Transportation
There is only one way to best explore Paris, and that is on foot. Be prepared to walk a lot during your trip to Paris as that is the best way you can experience the city. There are several points as to why it is preferable to walk.
- You get to mingle with the locals and experience the culture.
- You get to experience amazing cute boutiques, little streets, and fascinating architecture as you walk along.
- The city’s neighborhoods are organized very well, in the form of a counterclockwise snail, which makes it easier to navigate and you won’t be left wondering if you had lost your way.
- You get to see a lot of amazing street art and murals as you walk along the streets
- You’d save a lot of money and burn a lot of calories, both of which you could use for buying amazing pastries!
With respect to public transportation, Paris has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. Don’t be apprehensive to use the metro as the metro connects all the major neighborhoods and major points of attractions in the city. It is the best way to travel places which you can’t cover on foot, especially if they are located far apart. Buying a metro pass will ensure you don’t have to wait in the queue to buy tickets, and it will also be light on your wallet.
Also read: WHY THAILAND SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT VACATION
Paris in August
Even though Paris is almost an all year round destination, the peak season is between April – October. But in the month of August, Paris offers you a slightly different experience, which few people might be okay with, and few people might not.
In the month of August, Parisians usually take their vacations. So in many of the streets and public places of attraction, there will be very less number of locals.
For some people, they’d not prefer this experience, as they feel mingling along with the locals and navigating through the hustle and bustle of Paris is what makes the city charming and lively to them. Whereas, there will be people who’d want to take maximum advantage of this period where there is less crowd due to the locals, and would love the spots all to themselves.
Considering this scenario in Paris in the month of August, you could decide if you want to take up the trip in that specific month or not. Knowledge is power!
Try to avoid restaurants in touristy places
French cuisine is well renowned, and you can have one of the best gastronomic experiences in the city of Paris. There are several top-class restaurants, cafes, and bakeries that throng the streets of Paris. But don’t get carried away, as there is one more thing you should remember with regards to the French cuisine – It is very expensive!
Generally, trying out food in the touristy place can be avoided due to two specific reasons. Firstly, the food out there is very very expensive and you could save a lot of money for the same food if you have it elsewhere. Secondly, more often than not, you’d not be able to taste authentic French food in those locations, as they have mixed cuisines to appease all the tourists.
Consider restaurants and food outlets in the little streets of Paris and the not so famous spots, as you get to experience amazing French cuisine, with not much of a crowd, and at a very great price!
Use the trash bins
Parisians take pride in their city, and they take even more pride in maintaining their city spick and span. With millions of tourists coming in every year, the city would maintain its class and beauty only if it can maintain the cleanliness of the streets and surroundings.
Always ensure you throw your waste only into the designated trash bins, even if it means it is just a little cigarette butt. Parisians take this quite seriously, and in case the cops find you throwing a cigarette butt on the street, brace yourself. They would fine you up to 68 euros for this offense, and that is not something you’d ideally look to spend for a cigarette, would you? Be a responsible person and help the city maintain its cleanliness by throwing the trash into the trash bins. Paris tours can be a little overwhelming to tourists, especially if this is your first time to Europe. This is because of the challenging language and generally reserved Parisians. But once you are able to follow the basic rules that are expected from tourists to be followed in their city, the locals tend to get really friendly with you, thus adding a feather to your already amazing trip to Paris! Paris has quite a lot of places to visit, and it is very important that you plan your vacation very well to cover all the prominent locations. That is why travel companies like Makemytrip, Pickyourtraill will ensure your travel itinerary is made exactly up to your requirements through their customized Paris tour packages. What are you waiting for? Take up the romantic vacation to the city of lights!