Visiting Paris for the first time? Here’s what to expect

Paris was my second trip outside of Spain during the volunteer program and unlike Lisbon, it was a bit different from Spain! Not only will I go over what to expect as a first-time traveler to Paris, but I will also debunk certain stereotypes I have been told about Paris. 

If you fly into Paris Beauvais Airport, the only way to get to the city center is by Aerobus

When I booked my flight to Paris, I did it through Ryanair because it was the cheapest option. Of course, it came with the consequence of flying into an airport an hour and a half away from Paris. The good news is that this airport is tiny-as everything is within only a couple minutes walking distance. In addition, the aerobus service goes from the airport to Paris-La Defense, Paris-Saint Denis University, Paris-La Villette, and even Disneyland Paris, and vice versa. If you are trying to reach the main attractions, I would recommend bussing to Paris Saint Denis or La Defense. My hostel was closer to La Villette, so I ended up bussing to and from there. 

There is more to the Louvre than just the Mona Lisa

Obviously, the Mona Lisa is the most crowded exhibit but there is artwork from all over the world ranging from ancient to medieval and modern times. The museum is huge and impossible to see in just one day, so I stuck to what I was most interested in-the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, the ancient Egyptian room, and the royal room. But, the Louvre has artwork also from Ancient Mesopotamia, ancient China, medieval Europe, the Napoleon Bonaparte Era, etc… In addition, the metro station goes through here! 

For solo female travelers, Paris is safe during the day, but not so much at night

Granted, I did not go out at night in Paris because of things I read, which is kind of disappointing because the Eiffel Tower lights up at night. However, your safety comes first and therefore, I was fine only seeing the Eiffel Tower during the day. There are certain parts of Paris that are literal trash meaning that there’s trash all over the streets, thugs, and anything sketchy. But, around the popular tourist attractions, it is not so bad. 

Nutella filled Crepes are a MUST

If you’ve ever had a crepe in America, you haven’t had a real one till you’ve been to Paris! I had one and it tasted like a true authentic thin pancake, with the nutella being the icing on top of the cake (no pun intended, haha!) In other words, it was sooo much better than an American crepe and I could taste the authenticity of it. 

The Champs Elysees is one of the most iconic fashion avenues in the world

My walking tour guide took us here and said Paris is one of the most fashionable cities, along with London, New York, and Milan. This avenue includes many high-end fashion companies including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, etc… Of course, it is very expensive but nice to walk down. In addition, this avenue is known for special events including the French military parade and the Arc de Triomphe is right down the end!

ALWAYS watch out for cars, whether you have the right of way or not!

Drivers in Paris couldn't care less about the pedestrians first rule, so always look both ways before crossing! Make sure the drivers come to a full stop and make eye contact with you, then you can cross. The traffic is the worst around the Arc de Triomphe, because it is a huge circle around the spot with no crosswalks! I teamed up with a family and just decided to bolt at the best time. We all survived, thankfully! 

The world’s skinniest McDonald’s is in Gare St. Lazare 

This specific McDonald’s has made it onto several different lists of “the world’s craziest McDonald’s locations”. Seeing it from the outside is one thing, but once you go inside, there are mirrors, fancy architecture, and interesting floor designs as well. It is also just as skinny on the inside, so there is little room between the kiosk and the counter, but there is an upstairs! Upstairs and outside are the only places to sit down and eat and the availability is limited. But, it’s still cool! The only thing I regret is actually EATING here, because this was the most expensive McDonald’s I’ve been to. 

The Starbucks in Paris is something else

While on the topic of fast food, I was impressed by the Starbucks here. The dessert selection was amazing as they had chocolate and oreo cake slices, chocolate filled muffins, croissants, cinnamon rolls, red velvet muffins, pancakes, cheesecake, and even a brownie called the “Charlie Brownie”. Reason being is because it is brown and yellow and the top is designed like Charlie Brown’s shirt. In addition, they have this thing called a ham and cheese toastie that is cheese bread with more cheese, ham, and American mustard in the middle. I didn’t even care that there was mustard in it, it was sooooo good! After I finished, I was craving more. 

Le Marais is the safest neighborhood in Paris 

According to Paris residents and most sources, this has been proven. Of course, this means shops, restaurants, and accommodations are more expensive, but it’s still a nice neighborhood to walk around in. Granted, food all over Paris is expensive, but it’s through the roof here. Le Marais is also known for its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and art galleries. While here, I also visited a street market that sold all kinds of clothes and artwork. In addition, this neighborhood is the historic heart of Paris’s Jewish Community, which I didn’t know until AFTER visiting!

Breaking Stereotypes about Paris 

Stereotype: The Parisians are rude to Americans 

Reality: The Parisians are friendly, as long as you are a good tourist 

Everyone I know who has been to Paris told me that the people there would be rude, so I had a plan to lie and tell them I was Canadian, not American. That way, I would stave off harassment from locals. However, this was not needed because 1. No one asked where I was from except the walking tour guide, and 2. Every local I interacted with was nice. I explained this to a family friend I met up with there and she said as long as you’re a responsible and respectful tourist, the Parisians will be nice to you. 

Stereotype: Parisians refuse to speak English with locals, and will only speak French

Reality: Lots of Parisians speak English and will speak it with tourists 

A good example of this are the staff members at the Louvre who assisted me with directions. Their English was really good and they seemed happy to help me get around. I am glad this stereotype is false, because I know barely any French. Oddly enough, I found that there are more people in MADRID that refuse to/don’t speak English, which I was a bit surprised about. 

I enjoyed Paris more than I thought I would. Before coming here, I just booked the trip because I felt Paris was an obligation as a traveler, but I am glad I did visit! The food and scenery was amazing, and the moment I saw the Eiffel Tower, it was such a surreal feeling. It’s not in my top 3 in terms of my favorite European cities, but I would still recommend Paris. 

Questions about visiting Paris or traveling in general? Feel free to contact me!