What to Do Upon Arrival in Paris: Tips for First-Time Visitors

How to Go from CDG Airport to Paris

If you’re arriving at CDG Airport, it will take you about an hour to get to Paris. Here are several (your best) commute options:

• Taxi : You can take a taxi but be careful of scammers! In front of the airport there are many fake taxis who will overcharge you.
• Welcomepickups : Book a private car to pick you up and drop you off at your preferred location.
• RER B : if you take the RER train you’ll be in the city center in about 45 min. It’s a good cheaper option if you don’t have too much luggage as not every station has elevators or escalators.

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Don’t Go to Sleep, Stay Awake!

If your country has a big time difference with Paris, it might be hard to fight the jet-lag. But, the worst mistake is to go straight to your hotel to sleep. If you get through the jet-lag on your first day, you’ll be less tired and enjoy your stay even more once you’re locked in on the right time zone. It’s easier said than done, but here are some ideas for activities that’ll keep you awake on your first day :)

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Plan Activities That Don’t Require A Booking

Booking activities immediately upon arrival is the most common mistake that first timers make. Why is it such a mistake?

It is estimated to take about 4 hours from landing at CDG to the city, but it might take longer depending on flight delays, incredulously long lines at customs and traffic on the road… It’s nothing to worry about of course, but that’s why it’s best to do activities that don’t require a booking, and that can be, in the worst case, easily moved to an other time during your trip.

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What to do?

• Do some sightseeing and take some photos : you could go to the Eiffel Tower, or the Trocadéro for example.
• Visit places that don’t require you to have a booking, like the Notre Dame Cathedral or the many beautiful gardens in Paris (Tuileries Gardens, Luxembourg Gardens…)
• Do some book shopping at Shakespeare & Co or Smith & Son for example.

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Where to Eat?

If your arrival time is close to Lunch or Dinner, I wouldn’t recommend making a reservation either, for the same reasons.

There are some options that don’t require any reservation, are easy to eat and can be taken to go. Those are very traditional french foods, that Parisians eat on a daily basis. Here’s a few options:

• Go to a bakery or “boulangerie” to get a french style sandwich in a baguette.
• Try “crêpes” in a “crêperie”, it’s very simple yet delicious, perfect for a meal.
• Go to a “brasserie” that serves very traditional french food at an affordable price. Most of them don’t require a reservation, so you can just show up and eat!

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Don’t Drag Your Luggage Around All Day!

Leave Your Luggage at the Hotel

Many hotels accept to keep your luggage, even if your check-in time is only later in the day. Call your hotel beforehand to ask if you can leave your luggage there, so that you’re hands-free for the rest of the day!

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Leave Your Luggage in a locker

If your Hotel doesn't allow to leave bags before check-in time, there are many lockers you can rent for a few hours to a day in Paris. Many are bookable in advance online but you can also find one at your arrival quite easily by searching “luggage locker”. Most of them cost between 5-15 euros a day, with short term options available as well. Here are a few recommendations:

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Consigne Conciergerie (Gare du Nord)

Prices from 4€ to 9.50€ per bag depending on the duration of storage (From 4 to 24 hours)

• Pros:
  • Directly in the biggest train station of Paris
  • Reasonable prices compared to other services
  • Very accessible (escalators and elevators available on site)
• Cons:
  • May be far from your hotel, requires another trip back to Gare du Nord
  • Fills up very fast due to convenience and number of travelers
  • No online reservation available

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Bounce/Nannybag

Prices from around 4€ for a small bag or purse to around 7€ for a large suitcase or object (per day)

• Pros:
  • Locations in every arrondissement of Paris and its suburbs
  • Diverse options (restaurants, hotels, stores etc.)
  • Confirmed client reviews and experiences on the locations
  • Protection against theft/damages up to 10 000 euros
• Cons:
  • Reservation is necessary and only available online
  • No location for the service itself, only private establishments which aren’t dedicated

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City Locker

Prices from 15€ for a locker per day, with large discounts for longer storage (Each locker can hold about 2 medium sized suitcases, but be sure to check the sizing in advance)

• Pros:
  • 8 locations near major train stations and tourist destinations
  • Private, professional and dedicated storage spaces
  • Open 7 days a week from 8AM to 10PM
  • Spaces and lockers that open via PIN code
• Cons:
  • No personnel on-site, only a hot-line for emergencies
  • Some clients complain about the size of lockers (double and triple check before reserving!)

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Conclusion

At your arrival in Paris, just keep things simple, stay awake and let yourself wander. Grab a bite, take a walk, and enjoy your first glimpses of the city. This way you’ll get an unforgettable first day, without any stress!