Paris. Even just saying the name makes me smile. The City of Light had been at the top of my travel list for years, and when I finally went, I thought I had planned everything down to the last detail. Flights booked, hotel secured, itinerary crafted. But when I actually arrived, I realized I had overlooked one crucial part: packing smart.
I’ll share those lessons with you. Consider this your ultimate survival (and enjoyment) list for Paris, sprinkled with my own personal experiences, both the wins and the “oh no, I should have brought that!” moments.
Packing Essentials I Wish I Brought
The first time I visited Paris, I made the classic mistake: overpacking all the wrong things. I brought too many outfits, not enough practical shoes, and forgot small items that would have saved me headaches. Here’s what I wish had been in my bag:
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
Paris is a walking city. The Louvre alone felt like a marathon, and my stylish leather boots left my feet blistered by day two. On my second trip, I packed breathable sneakers and a pair of cushioned flats—life-changing. Trust me, the chic Parisians care more about confidence than whether your shoes match the latest runway. - A Crossbody Bag with a Zipper
Pickpockets are a real issue in crowded areas like the Eiffel Tower or Montmartre. I wish I had a crossbody with a secure zipper instead of my open tote bag. It’s not about paranoia—it’s about peace of mind. - A Portable Charger
Between Google Maps, translation apps, and snapping photos of every corner café, my phone died constantly. A slim power bank became my best Paris accessory on later trips. - Reusable Water Bottle
Tap water in Paris is safe and there are free fountains (some even sparkling water!) throughout the city. I spent way too much money buying bottled water on my first trip. - Weather-Appropriate Gear
o Spring/Fall: A light trench coat.
o Summer: A packable umbrella—Paris weather can turn in minutes.
o Winter: A warm scarf and gloves; the wind along the Seine is biting.
I underestimated how chilly evenings could be in September and ended up panic-buying an overpriced scarf from a souvenir stand. Lesson learned.
Dressing for Paris: What Locals Actually Wear
I used to stress about looking “Parisian enough.” Honestly, you don’t need a beret or striped shirt to blend in. Locals tend to dress smart-casual: dark jeans, neutral coats, scarves, and simple accessories. What you should avoid is standing out as the obvious tourist in flip-flops, oversized sports jerseys, or carrying a giant backpack.
My personal trick: I packed a few interchangeable pieces—like a black blazer, two scarves, and dark slim-fit pants—that worked for both daytime exploring and evening dinners. It made me feel put-together without overpacking.
Understanding Paris Weather
Paris weather is moody. On my first trip, I only checked the forecast for arrival day, not realizing how quickly conditions shift.
• Spring (March–May): Mild, with showers. Bring layers and waterproof shoes.
• Summer (June–August): Warm, occasionally hot. Lightweight clothes, sunscreen, and a hat are essential.
• Fall (September–November): Cool and crisp—perfect for cozy café mornings. Pack sweaters and a versatile jacket.
• Winter (December–February): Cold but rarely extreme. Bring a solid coat and warm accessories.
Knowing this helps you avoid wasting money buying emergency clothes at Monoprix (a Parisian supermarket where I once spent €70 on a coat I didn’t even like).
Currency Exchange and Budgeting
Here’s the truth: Paris is not cheap. The first time I went, I underestimated costs and blew through my budget halfway into the trip.
• Currency: Euros (€).
• Exchange: Don’t change large sums at airport kiosks; their rates are terrible. Instead, withdraw euros from ATMs in the city using a travel-friendly debit card (I use Wise).
• Daily Budget:
o Budget traveler: €70–100/day
o Mid-range: €150–200/day
o Splurge: €300+
I keep a little “Paris envelope system”: cash for cafés and markets, card for museums and bigger purchases. It helps me stay mindful.
Navigating Paris Public Transportation
The Metro (and Why I Love It)
The Paris Metro is fast, efficient, and affordable. My first trip, I bought single tickets (€2.10 each), not realizing how quickly that added up. The better option is a Navigo Easy card or Paris Visite pass.
• Navigo Easy Card: Reusable, €2 for the card itself, and you load 10 rides for €16.90 (cheaper than buying individually).
• Paris Visite Pass: Unlimited travel for 1–5 days; prices start around €13.20/day.
My Experience
I’ll admit, the metro intimidated me at first. The lines look like spaghetti, and announcements are in French. But once I got the hang of color-coded lines and apps like Citymapper, I felt unstoppable. Compared to New York’s subway, it felt cleaner and more punctual.
Other Public Options
• Buses: Scenic but slower. Great for relaxed afternoons.
• RER trains: Useful for reaching the airport or day trips like Versailles.
• Velib bikes: Fun but beware of Paris traffic—I almost got clipped by a taxi on Rue de Rivoli!
Street Food and Eating on the Go
Paris is synonymous with fine dining, but some of my favorite food moments came from street vendors.
• Crêpes from Crêperie Chez Suzette (Marais): My first Nutella-banana crêpe was €5 of pure joy.
• Falafel in the Jewish Quarter: L’As du Fallafel serves massive pita sandwiches for about €8.
• Baguette sandwiches: Perfect picnic food, usually €4–7 from bakeries.
Food Safety Tip
Stick to busy stands and bakeries with high turnover. On my first visit, I bought a sad, stale croissant from a deserted kiosk. Never again—follow the locals!
Getting a Local SIM Card
On my first trip, I relied on spotty hotel Wi-Fi. Huge mistake. By my second trip, I bought an Orange Holiday SIM (€20–30) right at Charles de Gaulle airport. It gave me data, calls, and peace of mind navigating Paris.
Other options: Bouygues Telecom and SFR. You can also order an eSIM before departure with Airalo.
My Ideal 5-Day Paris Itinerary
If I could redo my first trip with everything I know now, here’s how I’d plan:
- Day 1: Explore the Marais, Notre-Dame (still stunning even under renovation), and picnic along the Seine.
- Day 2: Louvre in the morning, Tuileries Garden stroll, and evening at the Eiffel Tower.
- Day 3: Versailles day trip (buy tickets online in advance!).
- Day 4: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, and evening wine tasting in a local cellar.
- Day 5: Musée d’Orsay, then relax in Luxembourg Gardens before a farewell dinner.
Adjusting Your Budget
Here are a few tricks I learned:
• Book museums online to skip long lines and sometimes save a euro or two.
• Picnic with groceries from Carrefour or Franprix instead of eating out every meal.
• Take advantage of first Sunday of the month free museum days.
Recommended Day Trips from Paris
• Versailles: Opulent, unforgettable. 40 minutes by RER C.
• Giverny: Monet’s house and gardens. Magical in spring.
• Chartres: Cathedral with stunning stained glass, about 1 hour by train.
• Reims: Champagne tastings in under 90 minutes from Paris.
Travel Insurance: Don’t Skip It
The first time I traveled to Paris, I naively skipped insurance. On my second trip, I used Allianz Travel Insurance Classic Plan (around $80 for a week). It covered medical emergencies, lost luggage, and trip delays. Luckily, I didn’t need it—but it gave me peace of mind.
What Paris Taught Me
As I packed my suitcase at the end of that first Paris adventure, I sat on the little balcony of my hotel room in the 5th arrondissement, gazing out over rooftops dotted with chimneys and church spires. My feet were sore, my wallet a little lighter than expected, but my heart felt impossibly full. I realized then that Paris is not the kind of city you conquer in one trip—it’s the kind of city you grow into, layer by layer, like peeling back the petals of a rose.
Looking back, I often laugh at my rookie mistakes: lugging around too many outfits, getting lost in the Metro my first day, or paying way too much for bottled water. But those missteps were also part of the story, and they made me wiser for every future trip—not just to Paris, but to any city I explore.
What I truly wish I had known before that first Paris trip is this: preparation isn’t about perfection, it’s about giving yourself the freedom to enjoy the unexpected. When you’ve got the right shoes, the right travel card, the right mindset—you don’t panic when it rains, or when you miss a train, or when your crêpe drips Nutella all over your jacket. You laugh, you adapt, you savor.
Paris rewards curiosity and openness. Some of my best memories weren’t even on my itinerary: stumbling into a hidden jazz bar in the Latin Quarter, buying cheese from a friendly vendor who insisted I sample three kinds before choosing, or watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle from a quiet spot on the Pont Alexandre III bridge with a croissant in hand. Those weren’t “planned,” but because I had the essentials sorted—budget, transport, SIM card, insurance—I had the headspace to welcome those surprises.
If you’re planning your own Paris adventure, here’s my last piece of advice: don’t aim for a perfect trip, aim for a memorable one. Pack wisely, yes. Budget realistically, of course. But also leave room in your schedule—and in your heart—for detours, for quiet mornings in cafés, for simply sitting on a bench along the Seine and watching life unfold.
Paris has a way of teaching you not just about its art, food, and culture, but about yourself. It taught me to slow down, to notice details, and to trust that even when things don’t go to plan, the story is still worth telling.
So go ahead: buy that Navigo pass, tuck a scarf into your bag, and step into Paris ready to discover not just the city—but a new version of yourself. Because no matter how many times I return, Paris always finds a way to surprise me, and I hope it does the same for you.
And if you forget something in your suitcase? Don’t worry—Paris will forgive you. After all, sometimes the best souvenirs are the lessons we didn’t know we needed.
