Whether you are planning a thrilling family trip to Disneyland® Paris or a romantic getaway for two, we have created this guide to make sure you have the most magical experience possible when visiting Paris! Here are some of our top tips:
1. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing A LOT of walking on your trip. If you are planning on visiting standard attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées or Musée du Louvre, we highly recommend wearing comfortable clothing in general as these attractions are close to each other, allowing you to save money on expensive, unnecessary taxi journeys, and instead you can enjoy a stroll down the scenic avenues instead!
On the other hand, if you are visiting Disneyland Paris, you will also require comfortable clothing. Trips to theme parks are almost essentially workouts without even realising it, as you are so caught up in the fun, speed walking to your favourite attractions. You end up walking long distances so make sure you feel your best!
2. Book attractions in advance
Paris is an extremely popular tourist destination which can attract large crowds all year around. If there are certain attractions you are sure you would like to see then we recommend booking these in advance of your trip to ensure admission on the day.
You can either buy individual tickets for each attraction you would like to visit, or you can purchase a multi-attraction sightseeing pass, granting you access to multiple attractions with one digital ticket. Therefore, you can book the attractions closer to the departure date if you are still undecided of which attractions you'd like to visit.
3. Hotel selection
If you are visiting Disneyland Paris on your trip, we encourage you to research carefully which hotel you would like to stay in. We have a blog which can help you to decide on whether you would like to stay on-site for the additional magic and convenience, or off-site for the reduced cost.
If you are planning on staying more central in the city, there are a variety of hotels suitable for different price ranges. There are also Airbnbs if you would like the full French living experience. We would recommend that you spend less money from your budget on the accommodation as you will be out exploring most of the trip.
4. Leave time to explore
It is common that you hear tourists often prefer spontaneous days where nothing was planned. Paris is a huge city with a lot to see, making it impossible to see in one single trip so we recommend you take a breather from the jam packed itineraries.
Instead stroll along the Seine or through scenic parks, or visit local bakeries and cafes for some tasty treats. This way you get a more authentic experience of Parisian life and you’ll get to meet some more locals, with less tourists! Stop and appreciate the beauty of the architecture and historic monuments around you.
5. Use buses and trams
As previously mentioned, taxis can be extremely expensive in Paris and you will want to minimise your spending on public transport. Especially considering you’ll want to spend most of your money on the attractions and dining options in one of the most popular cities in the world to visit!
If you don’t fancy walking too much, we recommend you make use of the buses and trams. France’s public transport systems are well laid out, cheap and very efficient to use. If you are struggling with these, you can always try out the Big Bus Paris Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour instead!
6. Visit off peak
Paris invites millions of tourists into the city every year and so you should research carefully which time of the year you would like to visit. Summer is ideal for great weather, however this is usually when tourism peaks and all attractions will be slightly busier than usual.
We recommend if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of larger crowds, that you visit the city in October or April. For Disneyland Paris guests, the best time to visit is mid-January through mid-March or mid-April through mid-May.
7. Watch out for pickpockets
Similar to any city you visit in Europe, make sure you keep an eye on your belongings. Keep your bags close, zipped up and if possible hold it in front of you. We do not want your trip to be ruined by having some of your personal belongings stolen so make sure to stay vigilant. If this does occur, make sure to alert local authorities as soon as possible.
8. Learn basic French phrases
Make sure to learn basic French phrases for your trip in case you encounter language barriers. Most Parisian citizens know how to speak English. However there are certain common courtesy phrases which you should definitely know before you go.
Greeting people when you enter establishments is considered much more common than in the UK. It can be considered rude if you do not say “Bonjour” when you enter a shop or restaurant or “Merci” or “Au Revoir” as you leave.
9. Make dining reservations in advance
As mentioned above, Paris is an extremely popular city welcoming millions of tourists each year. If there are certain restaurants you are desperate to try, make sure to book your reservations in advance to ensure you get a table. Especially if you are looking to visit restaurants with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
If you are planning a trip to Disneyland Paris, most restaurants can be booked up to 2 months in advance or upon booking confirmation for Disney Hotel Guests via the Disneyland Paris website or the official Disneyland Paris mobile app.
10. Avoid tourist traps
In Paris, tourist traps are quite common. If a stranger offers you a rose on the street for free, do not take it as they can then demand you pay them money for it.
