Fabienne is a native of Paris and co-author of our most recent guide to the city. She explains here everything you should know before making your first trip to Paris.

Paris is a vibrant, varied, and unexpected city. In light of this, initial visits could appear difficult. Furthermore, despite having lived in Paris for almost 20 years, I continue to discover fresh Parisian quirks and nuances in the French way of life. (Did you know that crossing a Metro corridor in the incorrect direction could result in a fine?) Use these useful hints and cultural understandings to avoid the same.

1. You'll wish you had more time in Paris than you anticipate.

Paris may be seen in a few days, but five days to a week is the best time to really take in all of its many sights, activities, and experiences. While Paris can be magical all year round, it's important to keep in mind that August is France's typical holiday month, which may make the city much more slumbering than other seasons.

2. Reserve the major attractions in advance.

Determine in advance the primary sites you wish to see if you have limited time. You can avoid standing in line by making reservations online for museums, exhibitions, or theatrical shows. Keep in mind that Parisians love museums just as much as visitors do, so going during the week and getting up early might greatly alter how you view crowded sites.

3. Give yourself some time to explore

If you don't mind spending some of your time in Paris without a set plan, go around until you get surprisingly lost. It will enable you to learn about the distinct character of every arrondissement, or district, which is influenced by a variety of historical factors. The city center is home to the majority of the city's sights, making it simple to explore and never grow tired. This method of perceiving a location is actually called "flâner" in French.

Explore the city's borders, from the posh Champs-Élysées to the crowded St-Michel, then to the hip Le Marais and the more free-spirited Belleville (though you might not know it!). Think about taking a thematic tour (food, culture, history, street art, architecture, etc.) for a deeper understanding. It's a terrific opportunity to obtain first-hand insider knowledge, and many Parisians are happy to share their city with tourists.

4. Adopt a Parisian style

Paris is a walking city, so dress comfortably. Although wearing dark clothing will normally help you blend in with Parisians and discourage pickpockets, it also works if you like brighter colors or dressier attire. After all, here is where couture originated.

5. Personal space is crucial.

More importantly, especially while using public transit, respect personal space if you want to fit in. Being unobtrusive is the golden rule when traveling through Paris, especially on the Metro and RER (suburban train network).

Put your backpack or luggage down and stay away from fold-down seats during busy times, especially during rush hour (7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.). Waiting a few minutes for the next train is preferable when the carriage is full. Keep your ticket or Navigo travel pass close to hand for frequent ticket barriers and control, and always stay to the right on escalators and hallways.

6. Learn the etiquette of café culture.

Cafés are the ideal venues to experience Paris and its inhabitants. While you plan the next portion of your day, take a moment to relax on a terrace (the café tables on the street) and observe the people. Simply find a table and take a seat; wait staff will arrive and take care of you. Unless otherwise specified, bills are frequently left with the order on the table but payment is not required right away. Tipping is always appreciated but is not necessary.

Although it's commonplace to chat with others at nearby tables, it's also perfectly appropriate to keep to yourself, even if the seats are close together (because most restaurants make the most of the pavement area). In France, tobacco use is common, especially in outside cafés. Since smoking is illegal indoors, check for ashtrays on the tables to find out if smoking is permitted. Additionally, loud voices may draw judgmental glances from Parisians, who normally appreciate caution.

7. Make an effort to speak even a little French.

Never be afraid to ask a local for directions if you need them or are lost. The majority of Parisians are able to give basic instructions in English and will usually stop to assist despite the hustle. "Excusez moi, parlez vous anglais?" is expressed. The best method to grab someone's attention is to ask, "Excuse me, do you speak English?" Anybody you deal with, including store owners and hotel employees, should be greeted and bid farewell (bonjour during the day, bonsoir at night, and au revoir when you're departing).

Don't be shocked if locals approach your cheeks if you become friends with them. Kissing each other on the cheeks (two in Paris) is known as "la bise" and is the most popular way for friends, including males, to welcome each other. But you won't be asked to do it on the spur of the moment because you're a foreigner.

8. Compared to the Metro, bus and tram services are more accessible.

Metro maps show which of the few Metro stations have elevators. Because buses and trams are more roomy, at street level, and typically have ramps, wheelchair users and those pushing strollers may find that taking one of these modes of transportation is easier.

9. Constantly watch over your possessions

Keep an eye out for your personal possessions wherever you go because pickpocketing is a possibility on the Metro and close to well-known tourist destinations. To divert your attention from a possible pickpocket partner, scammers may approach you with a petition to sign or goods for sale. Another distraction scam involves a "lost" diamond or money on the street.

People may try to put a bracelet on your wrist and then demand money in particular tourist locations. When someone approaches you without invitation, respectfully decline and go. Street vendors' souvenirs, such as the plastic ones at the base of the Eiffel Tower, are frequently far more expensive than those found in stores.

10. It can be challenging to cross roads.

Cars, taxis, delivery trucks, bikes, scooters, motorbikes, skaters, and walkers are expected to coexist in crowded areas on Paris's shared roads. Bicycles and scooters may use designated lanes that occasionally run counter to the direction of traffic or overlap with pedestrian walkways, even though the French drive on the right. Before you enter the road, keep an eye out in all directions because they aren't always apparent.

11. In general, Paris is a safe city.

Thankfully, Paris is generally a safe city. There may be sporadic criminal activity in several localities in the northeast of Paris, usually at night. You are unlikely to be the target of violent crimes as a tourist because of your ethnicity or place of birth, especially if you stay away from the main attractions. It's safer to take a cab or utilize a ride-hailing app if you require transportation late at night when the Metro isn't operating (it stops between midnight and 5am on weekdays and from 1:30am on weekends).

Le Marais is one of Paris's oldest "gayborhoods," and the city is kind and LGBTIQ+ friendly. Sadly, despite initiatives to increase awareness, catcalling of women can still occur on the streets or on public transit. As with any large city, exercise caution and be on the lookout for potentially hostile conduct on the Metro or in the streets, especially from those who might be drunk or confused.

12. There is a central police station in each district.

As with anything, things don't always go as planned. Find the nearest police station if you find yourself in a situation where you need assistance from the police. There is a central office in each arrondissement that is always open. Or call the emergency hotline in Europe (112). Dial 18 to reach the fire department.

13. The quality of medical care is excellent.

In the event that you require medical attention, Paris boasts the biggest public hospital system in Europe, complete with emergency departments that can accommodate visitors. To contact the ambulance service in an emergency, dial 15. Pharmacies, which are located on practically every street in Paris and have English-speaking employees around tourist areas, sell over-the-counter medications. You can use a mapping tool to find the closest 24-hour drugstore.

13 pointers for first-time visitors to Paris