My husband and I absolutely love Paris. We honeymooned there and took our son when he was only 10 months old. It’s our favorite city in the whole world because of the art museums, exquisite Michelin-rated food, amazing architecture, rich culture, and CHOCOLATE!
Many travelers were asking us what to bring to Paris, so we wrote this detailed checklist. We also include what to wear in Paris, what NOT to take, and important FAQs about traveling there. Enjoy the city of love!
Paris is notorious for its pickpockets that target crowded areas, metros, and tourist sights. While you’re exploring the trendy Le Marais neighborhood or the Champes Elysées — thieves will do anything to distract you. This wearable neck wallet holds your passport, phone, cash, credit cards, and important travel docs, making it next to impossible for thieves to get your valuables. You can wear it cross-body or leave it concealed under your clothing when you want to be in “stealth mode.”
Traversing Paris for a non-local is confusing and GPS is a must. After getting in a somewhat sticky situation one night with a dead cell phone, I’ll never travel without this little charger in my bag. It’s tiny and uses regular USB cables so you can charge devices on-the-go instead of having to return to your accommodations to plug them in. As a traveler in a foreign country, it’s a must.
If I’d had a VPN when I went to Paris recently, I could have saved myself from having my credit card number information stolen while using what I thought was secure WiFi at our Airbnb.
A good VPN like NordVPN allows you to add a layer of encryption to your Internet connection that makes it impossible for hackers to get your sensitive info like passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc. It also allows you to access any censored websites. An affordable price and one-click activation from any device make a VPN a no-brainer for any travel!
The French power outlets are quite different from those in the US, so you’ll need an adapter. It’s best to choose a high-quality one to avoid the headache of frying your devices or not being able to charge them at all. This one is awesome because it works in 100+ different countries — so whether you go to Paris, London, Brazil, Fiji, or Australia, you won’t need to buy another adapter – and it also has built-in device protection via a safety fuse, keeping your gadgets safe even during power surges.
Long flights to Europe, plenty of shuffling from place to place, and time changes really tend to mess with your sleep schedule and health. These jet lag relief tablets can help prevent and treat jet lag so that you don’t waste valuable vacation time trying to recover from the flight over. They effectively fight exhaustion with natural botanicals. We love them!
Travel Insurance is mandatory for France if you’re traveling on a Visa, but highly recommended for all other travelers. Keep in mind that your insurance company does not generally cover you abroad, and an international hospital bill would be difficult to recover from. It also covers you against theft, baggage loss, delays, and rental issues (which we’ve had our fair share of in Paris).
We like to use Faye because they are revolutionizing the insurance game! They cover short-term rentals like Airbnb and adventure sports, plus they have a “cancel for any reason” add-on if you include it within 15 days of paying for your trip. My favorite perk is that they’ve reimbursed me the same day through their easy-to-use app. Whereas most providers make it nearly impossible to get reimbursed. It’s a small cost of your overall trip and too important to overlook.
It rains between 6-9 days in Paris per month — every month — and often without any warning. Although these sudden downpours can feel romantic in the city of love, getting soaked is uncomfortable no matter where you are! We got caught off-guard in a downpour and ended up purchasing an extremely overpriced crappy umbrella from a street vendor. Don’t waste time running back to your hotel for dry clothes. Having a compact, high-quality umbrella like this one is a must for keeping dry in this gorgeous city.
Pickpocketing is common in Paris. Keep your bags secure with TSA-approved locks. A couple of sets are ideal to secure each of your bags, including your checked suitcases, carry-on, and even a daybag. They are extremely durable and even have a lifetime replacement warranty. You don’t want anyone to be able to get into your bags, but you also don’t want to be worried all the time either. Locks give you peace of mind knowing that your belongings are safe so that you can go out and enjoy Paris fully.
The daily temperature in Paris averages around 41°F/5°C in the winter and 65°F/18°C in the summer. Therefore, no matter what time of year you go, you’ll want a nice jacket. Pea coats add an air of sophistication to your look and are very ‘French Classic.’ They’ve also outlasted the centuries for a reason – they’re universally chic! This one has the perfect blend of warmth and style without breaking the bank.
Paris boasts some intimate watering holes like the ‘Experimental Cocktail Club’ and ‘Gravity Bar.’ You can expect to try a l’aperitif (pre-dinner drink) or sip on French wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux. As a preventative measure, pack some anti-hangover pills. Time on vacation is precious, and you don’t want to miss out by suffering from a headache or sleeping in all morning. These natural supplements will keep you feeling fabuleux so you can skip the fatigue!
Leave behind the days of rummaging through your suitcase to find that long-lost sock or concert t-shirt from the 90s that you can’t sleep without. Packing cubes make life so much easier while traveling. You’ll know precisely which “cube” your belongings are in without having to rummage around — and you can effortlessly place them into hotel drawers without even having to unpack them. This brand is our go-to because it comes with an index card on the back so you can write EXACTLY what is in each cube, even when you’re jetlagged.
Available on HeroTravelSupply.com with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code “HERO.”
Unfortunately, many of the best things to see and do in Paris also have painfully long lines. Instead, use Get Your Guide – an amazing, affordable platform that allows you to book tickets and short tours in advance so you don’t have to wait!
So if you’re planning on visiting the Louvre, going to the summit of the Eiffel Tower, exploring Versailles, cruising the River Seine at twilight, or simply looking for something interesting to do in Paris, then check them out! You’ll enjoy the small thrill of sauntering past hundreds of regretful people waiting in line for hours as you casually walk right in the front door.
French food is divine. The meals are often farm-to-table, and the layered flavors will be an explosion for your taste buds. That said, certain dishes can be rather unconventional for your belly (such as snails, raw veal, and frog legs). Even if you don’t feel adventurous, it’s worth having activated charcoal on hand in case you end up with an upset tummy or full-on food poisoning. Don’t spend your vacay on the potty! Trust me, we know from experience.
I often found myself leaving our hotel in the morning and not returning until late in the evening, so I had to carry a day’s worth of accumulated belongings. You’ll want a sturdy bag for your shopping purchases, water bottle, camera, phone, portable charger, rain jacket, umbrella, and anything else you may need while exploring. Made for theft-prevention, the 100% leather backpack has the zipper facing toward your back so it’s next to impossible for someone to steal your things. Never before has anti-theft looked so chic!
While most of the water in Paris is potable, it never pays to take chances. The French tap is known for having high minerality and an almost salty flavor, but you can purify your own water and improve the taste with a self-filtering water bottle. This Brita one gives us peace of mind when we have to get water from a less trustworthy source. It also eliminates chlorine taste and prevents you from spending money on countless plastic bottles that are harmful to the environment.
Whenever you travel overseas and find yourself wandering around a beautiful but unknown city like Paris, a travel towel is a handy addition to any daypack. It’s lightweight, super absorbent, and can be great for impromptu picnics, day trips, or outdoor yoga sessions. Parisian hotels can also be kind of seedy (even the pricey ones!) and it’s nice to have your own clean, quick-dry towel in case of an emergency.
You will do a lot of walking in Paris, probably miles a day, and a comfortable pair of ballet flats is a staple for any femme fatale. Wearing sneakers or “tennis shoes” is a dead giveaway that you’re a tourist, so opt for something more elegant but still easy on the toes. These shoes offer a nice balance and are comfortable enough to walk around in all day.
Pashmina scarves are one of the best accessories to travel with. They’re beautiful, multi-purpose, and easy to pack. I use mine to keep warm while enjoying outdoor cafes on chilly Parisian nights. It can also double as a modesty wrap which is especially important if you will be visiting conservative churches (many sacred sites will not permit you entry without covered arms). This one is ultra-soft and pleasantly affordable.
French bathrooms are notorious for leaving much to be desired. With limited counter space, you will be thriving if you can make your life as vertically-friendly as possible. Thus, this bag is indispensable. It has plenty of room and unfolds easily so that you have access to all of your toiletries without unpacking them completely. Check out the color options for both women and men.
Between the Cointreau, Champagne, Rosé, and other specialty French wine – you will probably want to bring some home! These reusable wine bags are an impeccable decision because you can pack bottles in your checked bag without worrying about leaks or breakage in transit. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, these are useful for things like authentic French perfumes, cooking oils, skincare, glass goods, or delicate treats.
Paris is always a good idea – but paying outrageous roaming rates is not… instead of giving your provider the joy of price-gouging you, set yourself up for success with a prepaid SIM card. This one works in 30+ European countries and allows you to send 1,000 texts and provides hours of call time. You simply unlock your phone before leaving, and once you arrive, a local vendor can activate it. Voila!
Paris is the land of fashion week and luxury couture, but Parisian style is all about looking elegant yet laid-back at the same time. This jumpsuit combines the modesty and sensuality of French style without trying too hard. You’ll feel sophisticated but comfy as you explore the arrondissements (neighborhoods) and stroll along the cobblestone. It’s one of my favorite pieces because it’s relaxed and simply timeless.
Summers in Paris are romantic, but some days, they can also be hot and muggy with temps exceeding 95° Fahrenheit. Combine this with standing in long lines and buildings literally made of gold reflecting direct sunlight back at you (aka Versailles), and you’ve got a reason to sweat. Instead of coping with the heat, try these lovely deodorant wipes. They leave you smelling fresh, feeling clean, and protect the skin’s natural barrier for a more balanced pH. And they’re pocket-sized for on-the-go use.
Europeans have a hilarious disbelief in air conditioning and only about 5% of the buildings in Paris have A/C. Spare yourself from becoming hot and sweaty in the humid summers, especially during long days of standing in lines or walking miles between museums. These magical little towels are 100% non-toxic and become 20-30 degrees colder than the outside temperature. You just wrap it around your neck, and you will feel instant relief. It’s saved me and my kids from meltdowns on numerous occasions!
When in Paris, you can’t help but feel the irresistible pull to do some shopping! Pack this “just in case” bag for those unplanned purchases; it fits perfectly under your plane seat and counts as your personal item bag for the flight home. Treat yourself and your friends to some stellar local goods like real parfum (perfume), wine, cognac, handmade art, faience pottery, fashion, as well as foods like riz du carnage (rice), fois gras (duck liver), violet confit (flower jam), truffles (chocolate), and lavender tea.
Even though Paris is known worldwide as a fashion capital, don’t be intimidated while packing for your trip. The typical dress code in Paris is classy, sleek, and color neutral. Bring staple items like dark-wash jeans, neutral breezy scarves, and comfortable but attractive walking shoes.
Think dark, slim pants, simple blouses, and elegant button-downs. The weather can be unpredictable, so make sure to pack a jacket and umbrella, no matter what time of the year it is.
Women in Paris dress noticeably nicer than you might find in other big European cities. As a visitor, keep it classy by wearing dark, tailored, ankle-length pants, a sleek blouse, and comfortable ankle boots or neutral-colored sneakers (sneakers are very trendy right now among Parisians). Plan to dress in layers and bring along a lightweight jacket or scarf. In the summer, try pairing white sneakers with a sundress. In the winter, keep it simple with black and neutral colors, and add pops of color with your accessories.
Parisian men are just as fashion-conscious (if not more so) as Parisian women. The dress code in Paris for men revolves around nice shirts and ties during the workweek, and casual clothing like polos on the weekends. Go for well-fitting, tailored slacks and nice shirts in a neutral color palette. Jeans are okay too, as long as they are dark and fit well. As far as shoes, plan on bringing a few pairs of comfortable sneakers, and a pair of dress shoes. Ditch the baseball cap, and opt for a trendy fedora instead. Keep your style simple and fresh.
Seasons in Paris are similar to those in much of Europe. Temperate seasons and a fair amount of rain year-round mean that rain gear is important and that each season has its own particular allure.
Spring is one of the two rainiest seasons in Paris, with about 9 days/month of rainy weather.
Bring a cute raincoat and closed-toed shoes for wet days, and fitted pants or jeans and tops for everyday wear. Bring a cardigan or two and a shawl/scarf to give you an extra layer in case you get chilly. Temperatures average from 60°F to 70°F (16°C to 21°C).
Summer in Paris is the least rainy season, but not by much. You can still expect a couple of rainy days per week, but the rest of the time will be nice and warm. This is also tourist high-season, so plan for lines and elevated prices. Shorts are uncommon other than at beaches, so stick to nice shirts and pants or skirts. Sundresses are perfect for nicer days. Be sure to bring a cardigan or a shawl in case there’s a chill in the air.
For shoes, the key is to prioritize comfort without sacrificing fashion. Cute flats and sandals are always a good idea, and maybe a pair of comfortable, easy-to-walk-in heels if you plan to go to any fancier places. A rain jacket is also a good idea. Temperatures average from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C).
Autumn in Paris can be quite magical as the air cools and the leaves turn. It’s a wet season, but it’s not yet too cold to enjoy taking walks outdoors. Some days – especially in September – will still be fairly warm.
A cute rain-coat is essential, as are closed-toed shoes for walking on chillier days. Most people don’t yet need a hat, gloves, or a scarf, but if you’re not accustomed to the chill you may want to pack some just in case. It’s wise to bring a light jacket or a nice peacoat, as there will definitely be times when you’ll want the warmth. Temperatures average from 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C).
Winter is very wet in Paris, tied with spring for the rainiest season. Bring your classiest raincoat, a windproof travel umbrella, and muted boots and shoes.
A hat, gloves, a scarf, and warmer clothing are important. Nice pants and slacks, quality leggings, sweater dresses, cardigans, and long-sleeved shirts will help keep you presentable and comfortable. Temperatures average from 45°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C).
It’s worth remembering that you’ll be doing a lot of walking, and even small bags can start to feel too heavy very quickly when you have to lug them everywhere. I don’t recommend bringing heavy books, heavy equipment (computers, etc.), or even excessively heavy shoes – trust me, your back will thank you for following my advice.
You only need about a week’s worth of outfits and two pairs of shoes. Most of the places that you’ll be staying will have somewhere where you can either wash your clothes or have them washed. This does cost about $5 a load, but doing three loads of laundry is still less expensive than paying for even one checked bag.
It just adds a lot of weight and bulk to a suitcase that’s likely already going to have limited space. Look up the weather forecast for the locations you’ll be staying before you go, and pack a couple of extra layering items if you think they’re needed.
ATMs are widely available and tend to have pretty good exchange rates (bring your ATM card and let your bank know you’re traveling before you leave), and carrying too much cash is asking for trouble. It’s easy to secure excess cash in a safe in your room, or you can simply resupply with cash in smaller increments.
Clothing such as cut-off jean shorts and skimpy tank tops aren’t appropriate if you want to fit in with the locals. The only place they’re acceptable in Europe is at the beach, and there aren’t any near Paris. Feel free to bring appropriate attire for swimming if your hotel has a pool, but don’t plan to wear it out of the hotel.
It’s a cultural norm here in many parts of the States, but camo gear and clothing is reserved for military personnel in most of Europe, and you certainly don’t want to look like a member of that group.
A good example of this is a fanny pack. You may not look like a local, but you certainly don’t want to advertise far and wide that you’re a tourist. Doing so makes you look inexperienced, and again, marks you for potential pickpocketing. It’s not as common, but it still happens, and it’s not a chance worth taking.
It’s tempting to bring valuables, but it’s never worth the risk. Bringing these kinds of items makes you a more likely target for theft, and you could just as easily lose them yourself by mistake. It happens, and it’s better to lose cheaper versions of your favorite items than it is to lose your expensive jewelry collection.
That depends on what you plan on doing while you’re in town since some hobbies are more expensive than others. Even so, a basic daily budget of $80 per day should cover meals, metro tickets, some attractions, and a night in a hostel dorm. Travelers who want their own room should allot about $60 extra per day, just to cover the change in accommodation costs. Of course, splitting the price of a private room with a traveling companion or two can help your budget in this regard. It’s also worth looking into reliable vacation rentals to cut down on accommodation costs. But, if you’ve got the money, Paris is definitely a place with plenty of spending options.
Leaving the coins you’re brought back as change is the standard reward for good service. However, it’s perfectly acceptable to leave nothing at all since waiters’ salaries are already factored into the overall cost of dining out in Europe.
Even so, failing to leave at least a 5% tip in a very fancy restaurant might indicate that you’re cheap.
Versailles is the best known day trip from Paris but nearby Giverny and Chartres are also nice places to visit if you have the time. Another good thing is that all of these towns can be reached using public transportation so you don’t have to rent a car to get to them.
The only way to tell for certain is to do the math yourself. However, if you are a marathon traveler who can easily see multiple attractions in a day without collapsing from exhaustion, one or both of these passes might be a good deal.
On the other hand, if you are someone who likes to meander and only needs to see one or two iconic places per day, the passes might end up costing you money instead.
The subway is usually an effective means of transportation but it’s a bit pricey. You can still save some money by purchasing your metro tickets in sets of 10 instead of buying them individually. Walking is another good way to get around and it is certainly cheaper than taking the metro.
Buy your tickets online and in advance. Sometimes doing this will even get you small monetary discounts as well. Check out Get Your Guide for the best tours in the city and exceptional customer support. You can cancel any tour up to 24-hours beforehand and read verified reviews to ensure you’re not caught up in a lackluster experience.
The weather in Paris is at its warmest during the summer months but the city is extremely crowded from June to August when the tourist hordes descend in full force, causing the prices for attractions and accommodations to shoot upward. Even the locals leave town at this point if they can. Paris sees far fewer crowds and more affordable prices during the spring and autumn months but the weather can be temperamental at times. Spring in particular is known for its wet weather. So perhaps the most reliably pleasant time to visit Paris would be in either September or October.
There are plenty of ways! You can:
Most of the main tourist areas are fine but there are some neighborhoods on the fringes that aren’t a great place for outsiders to stay. In some instances, this is because they’re a long way from the action and there isn’t much to see nearby. Other arrondissements (districts) may be a little on the “dodgy” side for tourists – I encourage you to do your own research on this subject before setting out to ensure that you are making decisions with up-to-date information.
Some places to avoid include the areas around these metro stops: La Courneuve, Mantes-la-Jolie, Les Halles, Pigalle, Place Blanche, Strasbourg St-Denis, Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Barbès-Rochechouart, and Château Rouge.
However, traveling through most of the subway stations listed here should be fine as long as you’re not attempting to pass through them unreasonably late at night. Other places to avoid after dark include the Champ de Mars, the Belleville neighborhood, the Seine Banks, the Bois de Boulogne Park, the Saint Blaise area, and portions of the Rue Saint-Denis. Travelers will also want to watch out for pickpockets near popular tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower.
Don’t get the wrong idea – Paris is much like any large city: there are pockets that any outsider should avoid, but the majority of the city is welcoming and fun to explore.
From Charles De Galle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) airports, the quickest and easiest way to get into Paris is to take the RER subway trains. You’ll just need to keep an eye on your bags because pickpocketing can be a problem on these routes. While numerous buses travel from these airports into Paris, using them can be a time-consuming process. However, those traveling from Beauvais (BVA) airport will have to use a bus to get into town if they don’t want to pay for a taxi since there isn’t a convenient train station nearby.
Yes! For the most part and in most areas, it’s perfectly safe. It’s never wise for women (or any tourist, really…) to walk around alone at night, especially in any less-than-nice neighborhoods, but basic safety precautions will protect you just fine during the day. Don’t carry loads of cash, try to blend in when possible, and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Try to plan your transportation in advance and be sure about where you’re going – you’ll look like you know what you’re doing and feel much more confident.
