Can you get around Paris without knowing French?

No, you don't need to be fluent in French to communicate with Parisians, but knowing the basics will make a huge difference. Download Duolingo and get ready to put on your best French accent. The big four: bonjour (hello), au revoir (goodbye), s'il vous plait (please), and merci (thank you).



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Compared to many of their European neighbors, French people often have a reputation for not speaking foreign languages well. But with Paris being such an international city, you'll often find at least one person who can understand you when you are shopping or in need of directions.

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Yes, Paris is generally friendly to American tourists. But French culture is very different from American culture so it's best to be aware and respectful of the local customs.

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It's a relatively compact city, so combining your own two feet with low-cost public transportation is the best way of of getting around in Paris. In fact, it's one of the best walking cities in the world, and it also has one of the best public transportation systems.

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It's easy to get around Paris by yourself. It's a fairly walkable city and walking through it is a great way to take it all in. Public transportation is also convenient, easy and reliable. You can easily get around Paris by metro train or buses, and Google maps will show you the best routes to take.

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Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Paris. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year.

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Tips and tricks to staying hydrated. Yes, tap water in Paris is perfectly safe to drink and is readily available wherever you go, even at public water fountains. As long as taps aren't labeled eau non potable—meaning “not for drinking” in French—everything else is potable.

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Taxis in Paris are actually more affordable than you may think. The government have put regional regulations in place so all licensed taxis must adhere to set pricing guidelines. All Paris taxis within the core area of the city use a taximeter based on distance to calculate your fee.

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3 days in Paris is enough to see all of the major sights and tourist attractions that the city has to offer. But, if you have longer in the city, you can dig a little deeper into the Parisian lifestyle, explore a few of the local hotspots, and find some of Paris's hidden gems.

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Skip the baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, large colorful backpacks, and fanny packs. Instead, opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, and leather shoes. Use tote bags or earth-toned simplistic bags if you really want to dress in France to fit in with the locals.

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Metro. The Paris Metro is our preferred way to get around the city when we travel around central Paris. This is because it is fast, affordable, has a regular service, and it covers the majority of the attractions in the city centre. The Paris metro system is currently made up of 16 lines and 302 stations.

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The Eiffel Tower itself is west of the city centre, about one-two kilometres down the river from the Louvre and Notre Dame.

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Preface 1: The title of this post is a redundant phrase because Paris is basically an introvert's paradise. The French in general are a lot more reserved and introverted than, say, Americans.

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It is best to avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas, especially at night, and to be aware of your surroundings. It is also recommended to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry. If you are out late, it is best to take a taxi or public transportation to get home.

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