First Time in Paris - What You Should Know

First Time Guide in Paris

First Time in Paris : Welcome to Paris By Emy’s First-Time in Paris Guide — your curated introduction to the magic of Paris! Whether you’re arriving for the first time or returning with fresh eyes, you’re about to fall in love with Paris all over again. From the shimmering Seine and iconic Eiffel Tower skyline to tucked-away cafés, Paris hidden courtyards, and vibrant neighborhoods in Paris, we’re here to introduce you to the real Paris.

The City of Lights is a dream destination. 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. First-time visitors to Paris should plan their experiences around their interests while embracing the thrill of discovering a “new land”. Discover the best private tours in Paris for first timers with Paris trip planning services, and travel tips, from PARIS BY EMY.

Private Paris Tours for First-Time Visitors

We offer a personalized introduction private tour with a licensed local guide, tailored specifically for first-time travelers.

Paris Highlights Tour – 2-Hour From €360 – USD $375 upon level of customization

  • Custom-Made tour itinerary upon your preferences
  • Hotel pick up by your private tour guide, flexible hours
  • Introduction to your lodging district for great landmarks
  • Personalized recommendations from your Personal planner
  • How to use the Métro, go around and Parisian lifestyle
  • Private driver in option – Minimum 4-Hour From €950

PARIS BY EMY offers custom ways for first-time visitors to experience Paris and personalized Paris Tour Package according to your interests.

Private Tour Guide in Paris - Paris by Emy

Pricing# of PersonCustomized private tours in Paris
From €200Per Person2-hour Paris private museum tour + skip-the-line
From €360Up to 62-hour private walking tour in Paris
From €950Up to 6Paris private walking tour + private museum tour
From €950Up to 64-hour car tour Paris with private guide & driver
From €1,450Up to 6Paris Tour by private car + Museum private tour
Your personalized itinerary is set according to your preferences with recommendations before your arrival. No already-made tour. You can adjust the tour on the go as well. Our private guided tour comes with customization and recommendations.

Personalized Paris Itinerary for a First Time in Paris

Experience Paris with a fully customized Paris itinerary built entirely around you. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, as a family with kids, or with friends, PARIS BY EMY designs each day of your stay to match your pace, passions, and preferences. No pre-set schedules, just your dream Paris, brought to life.

 

Paris Custom Tours for Couples

PARIS BY EMY personalizes Paris Tour Packages for couple to include settings that evoke Paris’s romantic charm. Romantic couples can indulge in private experiences, whether it’s a sunset cruise along the Seine or a quiet evening in a hidden café.

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 to Paris 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 trips to Paris 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.

Designing Your First Time Paris Experience Within Budget

Like a wedding planner, Paris by Emy designs travel experiences tailored to your unique personality, interests, and budget.

Planning your trip to Paris, from accommodations and leisure activities to dining and cultural experiences is carefully curated to match your individual travel style.

  • Your Paris adventure should reflect not only your interests but also your budget. The cost of a trip to Paris depends on your spending orientations and budget.
  • Whether you’re dreaming of iconic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, gourmet experiences, or cultural discoveries, your financial plan plays a key role.
  • Our recommendations ensure that your first visit to Paris is aligned with your financial considerations and spending orientations according to your preferences.
  • By thoughtfully planning within your budget, we help you make meaningful choices that result in a Parisian experience that feels luxurious and fulfilling.
  • For a first visit to Paris, each tour is customized based on your preferences thanks to exchanges before your arrival, and ongoing support until your last day.

1-on-1 Consultation First Time in Paris

  • From 1 Hour from 180 Euros – Video meeting Zoom, Google Meet
  • Your budget, style, questions and options for a custom Paris itinerary
  • If you book a Paris tour package, the consultation fee will be deducted

First Visit in Paris for Every Travel Style

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, with realistic and feasible recommendations.

First Time in Paris : Getting Around Paris

The best way to get around Paris, France is by using public transport, especially the Paris metro. With countless metro stations, metro lines, and a well-connected train station network, getting around is easy.

  • Book tickets for the metro in advance or use Apple Pay at some stations.
  • The Paris Pass Navigo can help save money on transportation.
  • However, avoid rush hour, when most people are commuting.

If you have your heart set on visiting multiple sights in a day, consider staying in central Paris to be within walking distance of major spots.

Iconic Landmarks for Paris First Timers

Visiting Paris for the first time is an unforgettable experience! Discover What to do in Paris, and make the most of your trip.

If you have limited time, focus on a few key spots instead of trying to see everything. Do not overpack your Paris Travel Itinerary, common mistake to avoid in Paris.

Must-See for a First Time in Paris

  • 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.
  • Eiffel Tower: Start your visit by ascending the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views of the city. Consider visiting at sunset for a magical view.
  • Seine River Cruise: Take a bateau-mouche tour at night to see illuminated landmarks or a private cruise on the Seine river.
  • Luxembourg Gardens: A perfect spot for a peaceful stroll, especially in spring or summer. Enjoy the beautiful fountains and statues.

Historical Districts 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.
  • Montmartre: Discover the artistic soul of Paris, with charming cobblestone streets, the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and breathtaking city views.

Food Experiences for a First Time in Paris

Paris is known for its amazing food! Try set menus at Paris local bistros, and don’t forget to visit Pierre Hermé for world-famous macarons. While many French people understand English, learning a few French phrases for travel like “Parlez-vous anglais?” can go a long way. A golden rule : Respect personal space and be polite—despite the stereotype, rude people are rare if you show courtesy.

Day Trips & Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures

If you have five days or more, consider taking a day trip to Versailles, Giverny, or the Champagne region. For a unique experience, venture off the beaten path to discover lesser-known spots.

Things to Know for First Timers in Paris

  • Wear comfortable shoes, you’ll walk long distances.
  • Keep important documents safe, especially in crowded tourist areas.
  • The first Sunday of the month offers free entry to Paris museums.
  • Shopping is perfect on Sunday’s in The Marais and Champs-Elysées
  • Most places accept cards, but carrying some Euros cash is useful.

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

Why Choose PARIS BY EMY for First-Time Visitors

Planning your first trip to Paris should be exciting, not overwhelming. With PARIS BY EMY, you benefit from a personal Paris travel planner and licensed private tour guide who transforms your ideas into a customized experience shaped around your interests, travel style, pace, and budget. Rather than following generic itineraries or mass-tourism programs, discover Paris through iconic landmarks, authentic neighborhoods, hidden gems, and carefully selected local experiences.

Whether you are visiting Paris for a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a cultural adventure, PARIS BY EMY combines personalized trip planning with exclusive private tours to help you experience the very best of Paris on your own terms. Discover the iconic sights, understand the city’s history and culture, and experience the authentic Paris that makes every visit unforgettable.

For more information, please check the Personalized Paris Tour Package page.

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Please share a few details about yourself, your interests, travel dates, number of participants, approximate budget, and the private tours or personalized experiences you are looking for in Paris. Pricing depends on the scope of services, level of customization, and length of your stay. Following your inquiry, you will receive an estimated quotation by email, which may be adjusted according to your final requirements and logistical considerations. Bookings and payments are accepted by credit card or bank transfer. Thank you for considering PARIS BY EMY. I look forward to hearing from you!

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