First Time In Paris: The Budget Friendly City of Lights for Beginners

No city is filled with hope and expectations quite like the French capital. These are my tips for your first time in Paris.

A must see during your first time in Paris: A Parisian seafood market.

You can hardly click on a Pinterest board without seeing something that says “Paris Is Always A Good Choice”. I have to say, I’m inclined to agree! I've been to Paris 6 times and I just love it. There’s a reason Paris makes it onto every bucket list, why even non-travelers are enamored with the City of Lights. Just imagine - the food, the fashion, the history, and the beauty. But Paris also has many detractors - is it too busy, too expensive, or too snobby? Which side of Paris can you expect during your first visit? If it's going to be your first time in Paris, here are some tips to make the best of it.

City of Lights? Or Just a City?

First and foremost, Paris is a city, a national capital, and the centre of the Francophone world. And like any other major city, there can be downsides. It can be bureaucratic, busy, congested, sooty, overpriced, with pockets of crime and poverty. Chances are very good that Paris is actually statistically cleaner and safer than your hometown, but there’s no escaping that it’s a huge city. Movies have worked hard to sanitize Paris into perfect loveliness, but millions of real people live and work there – and millions more like you and I visit each year.  Be gentle with your expectations.

The lights of Paris at night.

Paris is Snobby? Not Quite!

I’ve also heard complaints that Parisians are snobby. In my experience, Parisians have always been polite and helpful.  When any big city is overrun by tourists, its residents can be a bit fatigued by it all. Paris is a world leader for the finer things in life, which a rich history and legacy all its own.  As a Parisian, you would have justifiable pride in your city, your heritage – and you’d likely be put out when a loud, brash tourist starts complaining about the lack of English signage. I think Parisians just want to see that the travelers who overwhelm their city also show it some love and respect.

Not everything in Paris is gilded in gold.

The World is Your Oyster

So, taking these factors into account, what can you expect from a visit to Paris? More than anything else, you can expect choice. Whether your interests lie with history, any form of art, dance, theatre, or literature, architecture or design, gardens or nature, food, drink, or people – there is a Paris filled with your passions, waiting for you to discover it. 

Make your visit guilt-free! Paris has the most spectacular art museums in the world but you shouldn’t feel pressured to spend all your time in the galleries. You can enjoy Paris just as much if your passion is cycling, or music, or baking. By all means, challenge yourself to try new things, consider seeing some of the famous sites, but ultimately follow your true interests and Paris will support you!

Wistful or List-ful?

While many of us dream of lazy Parisian afternoons, floating on a breeze, happy to stroll and explore and follow our whims, the reality is that a bit of organization goes a long way in this large and popular city. I suggest breaking up your visit to be half free time and half pre-planned time. You can save hours by planning when you will visit the most popular sites, infamous for their epic lines. You can also save a lot of money when you group your activities by geographic zone, cutting out the need for extra transportation. With a little planning, you can see most of Paris’s famous attractions in a short amount of time, leaving you with the leisure and relaxation you crave.

Never pass on an opportunity to indulge in some street crepes. Photo courtesy wikipedia commons.

Prince or Pauper?

One of the best things about Paris is that it represents tremendous value for travellers of all budgets. Paris is the kind of city that you can experience unforgettable luxury or you can live the savvy backpacker’s dream.  To experience the best of Paris, you don’t have to be holed up in a 5 star hotel, drinking overpriced wine. Nor do you have to bunk in a hostel dorm, eating stale baguette to do Paris on a shoestring. There is something for every budget and there are plenty of creative ways to save money in some areas in order to splurge more on others.

How I Save and Splurge in Paris:

When I visit Paris next in November 2013, I’ll be staying at a modest, 2 star hotel that is very reasonably priced. What I’m giving up in fancy accommodation, I’m gaining back in luxurious location, as my dusty little pension is located right next to Notre Dame Cathedral. My strategic plan to visit museums during their reduced evening rates saves me money, which I’ll then use to take a guided walking tour of a new neighbourhood. I’ll be breakfasting on the go, grabbing baked goods and local market fare, but I’ll enjoy dinner with wine and dessert. And at every step, I’ll be soaking up the Parisian experience, enjoying every minute of the day surrounded by beautiful public parks, charming cobblestone lanes, rich historical sites, and delightful cityscapes.

The spectacular Luxembourg Gardens - totally free! Photo courtesy flick.com

My Top Paris Tips:

1. Take a walking tour. They’re offered in English, are reasonably priced, and the exercise will help beat jet lag. A fun way to discover a new neighbourhood. Ask your tour guide for his favourite little bakery or bar – probably the best recommendation you’ll find!
2. For every famous site you see, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, see one that is slightly less famous –a small church, a lesser-known market, the Picasso museum. That way, you’ll enjoy Paris’ highlights but also get off the beaten track. And be sure to look into current Parisian art exhibits - there is always something incredible in town.
3. The best value comes from local products. French house wine is an absolute steal compared to that bottle of Spanish red. Splurge on Dior and Chanel, not Dolce & Gabbana. A baguette with Brie will be a much better deal than tracking down an American-style grilled cheese.  You can get any product, any experience in the world in Paris – but the highest quality and best prices will be with the homegrown ones.
4. Learn a little French. Parisians are well educated and most speak some English, but you are guaranteed a much nicer experience if you make an effort in their native language. A good guidebook will also contain a language section giving you everything you need.  PS: “Garcon” means “boy” – NOT “waiter”. Not a very polite word to use!
5. Do a little reading and research on the activities you’ll do. Seeing the Mona Lisa becomes much more meaningful if you know a bit about the famous lady.  Coffee lovers would be smart to learn the French terms for different drinks and tips regarding café customs.

My greatest Parisian triumph - running the Paris Marathon in 2006!

As always, I welcome and encourage your comments. What are your favourite tips for having a wonderful time in Paris?

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