How to make the most of your first day in Paris
So the time has finally come for you to hop on the plane and take off for your long-awaited adventure in the City of Light. As your plane is descending into Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORL), you start dreaming about all the fun things you’ll do.
You may not count your arrival as a full day of your Parisian vacation, but if you plan things right and come prepared, you can pack a lot into your first few hours on the ground.
How to spend your first day in Paris
Here’s an outline of my strategy to make every precious minute count, from the moment you get off the plane and check-in at your hotel to the sleepy minutes just before you close your eyes for a well-deserved good night’s sleep.
1. Have a plan to get from the airport to the city center
There are several ways to get from the Paris airports to the middle of the city whether you want to take a bus, taxi, or commuter rail. If you are flying light, you can just grab your carry-on, get through customs (hopefully quickly), and be on your way to a good time.
But there’s one obstacle: Do you know where you’re going? Figuring out how to get tickets can be even more challenging on only a few hours of sleep, so be prepared. Read through our budget tips for getting from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to the central Paris.
That bed at Hôtel Les Chansonniers sure looks tempting.
2. Check-in, but don’t get too comfortable
Once you reach your hotel, you can take a breather. But don’t linger too long. You’ll be tempted to curl up on that bed that looks so inviting. Try to avoid it if you can. If you need a power nap, go for it. But just make sure to set your alarm for an hour or two. There’s a whole city out there just waiting for you!
Sleeping for cheap: Our favorite budget hotels in Paris
3. Get moving and pick one destination
After a quick freshen up and a change of clothes, it’s time to start your vacation. Throw your map, guidebook, camera, a bottle of water — whatever it is that you like to carry — into your bag and head out. Pick a place (a park, an attraction, museum… we love these free ones) that’s on your list, so you can check one off on your first day.
Get out and start exploring just after you land. Your trip will go fast!
4. Swing by the grocery store
One of our first stops is a quick jaunt into a shop or market. In Paris, there are Franprix and Monoprix supermarkets almost everywhere. Pop in to get a bottle of water (you’ll be in heaven if you like the fizzy stuff) plus a piece of fruit, chocolate, energy bar, or whatever might give you a little jolt of energy.
And if you need caffeine like I do…
5. Grab a coffee
It’s time to practice your French! Just jump into the first inviting café you see. It’s simple, “Bonjour Monsieur/Madame, un café si vous plais.” The price is probably posted somewhere, so if you’re like me, you can pretend to understand when the bill comes and hand them exact change (probably around €1.20) and walk out the door with your first victory en francais.
6. Sip some wine… but not too much
After you do a little sightseeing, it’s time to act like the locals and enjoy an aperitif. While you sit back and watch the city go by, you can also spend some time planning out your vacation and going over last-minute details so you can hit the ground running first thing in the morning.
Pick up a local newspaper or search cultural listings online. The official Paris tourism site has an excellent calendar of events by month. Maybe there’s an art opening or movie playing that you didn’t know about during your stay that you can squeeze into your schedule.
Dinner is served in the Marais at Robert e Louis.
7. Enjoy a casual dinner
Keep your dinner plans simple on your first night. If you really crave a big splurge at a classic Paris bistro, save it for any other night than your first evening. The goal is to find good food that won’t cost a fortune and won’t take up too much time.
On my most recent trip, I popped into Robert e Louise and sat at the counter for a classic steak and red wine feast to kick off my trip. Here are recommendations for 8 affordable dinners in Paris.
8. Buy postcards
Your trip will go fast, so if you see a shop selling postcards (yes, I still like to send them), pick up a few right away. When you feel inspired to write a few friends or family back home later in your stay, you’ll already have them ready to go. I find if I don’t buy them on the first or second day, my friends and family won’t be getting any mail. Like this last trip — sorry dad!
A sunset view of Musée d’Orsay on a Sunday evening walk in May, 2018.
9. Take an after-dinner stroll
Once you’ve paid the bill for dinner (remember, you don’t have to tip too much), you can head out for a walk around the neighborhood. If you’re dining in Le Marais, it’s a quick walk down to the river.
On my recent visit in late spring, the banks of the Seine were filled with locals chatting with friends, sipping wine, and strolling hand-in-hand with their loved ones. That time of year is amazing because you get an extra dose of light — it really doesn’t get dark until 10 pm!
10. Don’t stay up too late
Try to stay up until your normal bedtime hour if possible. Your adrenaline might be in overdrive, but don’t be tempted to stay up until the crack of dawn. Your reward for resisting the urge to go to bed hours early will be a deep sleep that should have you on track for an amazing Paris vacation.
11. Set your alarm!
This is a big one. You could easily sleep through half the next day if you’re not careful. Double check your alarm, so you can wake up at a decent time.
And be strong the next morning. How do I convince myself to get up even though I might be jet lagged? Treating myself to a croissant and coffee in the morning. That always gets me out of bed.
Your tips
Do you have a strategy when you arrive in Paris or do you have a good story to share from your first day adventures? Let us know in the comments below or share it on the EuroCheapo Facebook page.
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