First Time in Paris
First Time in Paris : The City of Lights is a dream destination for many travelers. Its romantic ambiance, rich history, and stunning architecture make it an ideal spot for first-time visitors. However, with so much to see and do, planning a trip to Paris can be overwhelming.
Personalized Paris First Visit
We offer a personalized introduction private tour guide, tailored specifically for first-time travelers.
- Hotel pick up for your first time traveler private tour guide
- Presentation of Paris with highlights according to your profile
- Introduction to your lodging district for great landmarks
- Personalized recommendations, insights, tips and hints
- Social events, museums, activities recommendations via your aspirations
- How to use the Métro (subway) and go around Paris with time optimization
- Ongoing assistance during your stay for questions, and advices
First Time in Paris – Tour Guide
For a first visit to Paris, immerse yourself in a private tour guide according to your profile. Each tour can be customized based on your preferences and schedule. Your private guide will provide insights, recommendations, and a personalized experience that makes Paris unforgettable.
Paris First Time Recommendations
For more information, please click on the sections’ page that you are interested in :
- Paris Travel Warning page
- Tipping in France page
- Best time to visit Paris page
- What to do in Paris page
- Hotel in Paris page
- Historical Paris sightseeing page
- Top Paris monuments to do page
- Paris Off Beaten Track page
First-time visitors to Paris should plan their experiences around their personal interests while embracing the thrill of discovering a “new land”.
Visiting Paris for the First Time
For first-time visitors, PARIS BY EMY offers much more than a typical travel agency experience. We take time to understand your personal interests, ensuring that every detail—from historical sites to local eateries—is chosen to match your preferences, making your Paris journey both comfortable and extraordinary.
Paris Custom Tours for Couples
Romantic couples can indulge in private experiences, whether it’s a sunset cruise along the Seine or a quiet evening in a hidden café. PARIS BY EMY personalizes the itinerary to include settings that evoke Paris’s romantic charm.
Family-Friendly Exploration in Paris
For families, PARIS BY EMY creates kid-friendly schedules, combining history, fun, and interactive activities. Visits to parks, interactive museums, and even scavenger hunts around popular landmarks make the experience enjoyable for all ages.
Solo Traveler Parisian Experience
Solo travelers are guided toward places that are easy to navigate alone yet vibrant enough to meet people and feel safe. PARIS BY EMY’s approach ensures you enjoy Paris on your own terms, with options to join local groups if desired.
Group Paris Travel Highlights
Group travelers enjoy itineraries that cater to all interests, from shared meals at bustling Parisian bistros to walking tours covering cultural and historic sites. Each itinerary balances group preferences, making it ideal for friends or family gatherings.
Recommendations for your First Time in Paris
PARIS BY EMY, Paris Trip Planner ensures you to experience Paris in a way that typical tourists might miss. We take you off-the-beaten-path, and to unusual Paris according to your aspirations.
Paris Must-See Attractions for a First Time in Paris :
- Eiffel Tower: Start your visit by ascending the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views of the city. Consider visiting at sunset for a magical view.
- Louvre Museum: Home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Spend at least half a day here and book tickets in advance to skip the line.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: Although undergoing restoration, the exterior and surrounding area are worth exploring. You can also take a boat cruise along the Seine to see it from a different angle.
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica & Montmartre: Head up to Montmartre, visit the beautiful Sacré-Cœur, and wander the charming cobblestone streets filled with art studios and cafes.
- Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe: Stroll down the iconic boulevard, shop, and climb the Arc de Triomphe for another great city view.
Hidden Gems for a First Time visitors :
- Le Marais District: Known for its trendy boutiques, galleries, and historic architecture. It’s a great place for shopping and tasting local delicacies.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés: A historic neighborhood with art galleries, classic Parisian cafés (like Café de Flore), and beautiful old-world charm.
- Musée de l’Orangerie: A smaller museum featuring Monet’s Water Lilies and other impressionist works. Ideal for art lovers.
Paris Culinary Experiences for a First Time in Paris :
- Traditional French Brasseries: Try escargot, duck confit, or boeuf bourguignon at a classic brasserie like Le Bouillon Chartier.
- Pâtisseries and Boulangeries: Enjoy croissants, éclairs, and macarons at famous spots like Pierre Hermé or La Maison Ladurée.
- Wine & Cheese Tasting: Visit a wine bar such as Le Baron Rouge or join a guided tasting experience.
First Time in Paris Cultural and Scenic Spots:
- Seine River Cruise: Take a bateau-mouche tour at night to see illuminated landmarks from the water.
- Luxembourg Gardens: A perfect spot for a peaceful stroll, especially in spring or summer. Enjoy the beautiful fountains and statues.
- Versailles Palace: If time permits, take a day trip to Versailles for a glimpse of opulent French history and stunning gardens.
Tips for First-Time Visitors:
- Use the Metro: Paris’ metro system is efficient and can get you anywhere you need. Buy a day pass if you plan on multiple trips.
- Walk as Much as Possible: Paris is a city best explored on foot. Walking lets you discover quaint alleys, hidden courtyards, and unexpected sights.
- Learn Basic French Phrases: While many Parisians speak English, knowing a few phrases like “Bonjour” (Hello), “Merci” (Thank you), and “Où est…?” (Where is…?) can go a long way.
Use the “search by keyword” section on the menu when looking for specific things
Things to know for First timers in Paris
Change
As in the other countries of the European Union, the euro is the official currency of France. Credit card and cash are accepted everywhere. You can withdraw cash from vending machines everywhere. Currency exchange offices are down town Paris and at airports. Tips in France are not mandatory but you can always leave a tip between 10 and 20%.
Climate in Paris
Climate in Paris has very marked seasons, between rather cold winters and hot summers. The climate of Paris is of oceanic type: the oceanic influence is much more important than the continental influence. In France, the temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (° C). The best time to visit Paris is up to your concerns about high season pricing, crowds and temperature.
Opening time
Overall, the shops generally open from 9:30 to 10:00 to 19:00 or 19:30. In Paris, food shops can stay open later, until midnight. Nocturnal openings are planned in the most lively districts, as on the Champs-Elysées, Pigalle, Saint Germain, Le Marais, Bastille, … Department stores (Printemps Haussmann, Galeries Lafayette, Bon Marché …) are open from 9.30am or 10am to 8pm or 8.30pm (until 8.45pm some evenings). Some shops open on Sundays. Some museums offer late visits on specific days. Overall, Paris opens “late” around 10am.
Electricity
Electricity in France operates on 220 Volts, 50 Hertz AC. The sockets are type E (round pin and receptacle with male ground pin). If you bring electrical appliances from abroad, you may need an adapter for the outlets. You may also need a transformer (110V-220V). If in doubt, check with the manufacturer.
Lengths & Masses
The metric system is used everywhere in France, so there is a help for your distance conversions :
- 1 kilometer (km) = 1000 meters (m) = 100,000 centimeters (cm)
- 1 inch = 1 inch (in) = 2.54 centimeters
- 1 foot = 1 foot (ft) = 0.3048 meters
- 1 yard (yd) = 0.9144 meters
- 1 mile (mi) = 1.6093 kilometers
- 1 kilometer = 0.6214 miles
- 1 nautical mile = 1 nautical mile (in) = 1.852 kilometers
- 1 ounce = 1 ounce (oz) = 28.3495 grams.
- 1 pound (UK) = 1 pound (lb) = 0.4536 kilogram
First trip to Paris with PARIS BY EMY
PARIS BY EMY Paris Trip Planner offers custom ways for first-time visitors to experience Paris
- Personalized services, expert guides, and crafted itineraries, enjoy a stress-free trip
- Far away from mass tourism, explore both iconic landmarks and hidden gems according to your profile
- You’re not just signing up online for a “cheesy touristy” tour — you’re gaining a true Parisian experience
- You make decisions upon exchanges and upon a detailed quotation with recommendations
With tailored services that match your preferences and interests, PARIS BY EMY provides a unique way to immerse yourself in the City of Lights.
Visiting Paris for the First Time
For a first time bespoke Paris Tour package, we plan your trip according to your profile and budget.
- Full stay custom-made full stay Paris itinerary made just for you
- From 3 star Paris hotel recommendations with great locations
- Paris Restaurant or Michelin Paris gourmet restaurant recommendation with reservation
- Exclusive leisure activities to do in Paris, such as wine tasting, luxury shopping in Paris
We may exchange over the phone to identify your interests, preferences and spending orientations.
First Time visit in Paris
For more information about our private tour guide, please check the Paris private tour guide page.