I’ve been to Paris more times than I count and after all these trips, I finally have the information you need to get around Paris with ease!  Paris is a big city and the landmarks that you’ll want to see are pretty spread out, so here is how to dive into the city’s public transportation systems and the easiest ways I’ve found to get around.

Walk

Outfit Details:

COS Wool Coat (similar) or (similar) | Zara Jeans (similar) | Suede Navy Boots| Kate Space Crossbody Purse (similar) | Uniqlo Gloves (similar) | Zara Maroon Scarf (similar) | Madewell Wool Beret (similar) | Canvas Shopping Bag (similar) | Meta Glasses

My favorite way to get around any city is just to wander and get to my destination on foot, however the miles do add up and sometimes this isn’t the best option depending on where you’re located and where you’re headed.  However in Paris, walking is pretty easy and you can cover pretty far distances easily on foot as the city is set up for people to walk.  Also one of my favorite ways to just take in the city and get a feel for it, is to explore on foot and wander towards your destination but enjoy the journey along the way.

Take the Metro

Nick and I have been taking the Paris Metro since we started going to the French city 15 years ago and it’s definitely gotten better over that time period!  I love subway systems in every city we travel to and the Paris Metro is fast and convenient.  My one tip is to buy a Navigo pass in the Metro station from the kiosks and if you plan to travel all over the city, buy the day passes.  They are a little more expensive than going trip by trip but to make it easier and not worry about if you have enough on your card, they are the easiest.  The kiosks have English options to walk you through the process – one tip though, some of them don’t accept tap payment so have a credit card handy to insert if it asks.

Once in the metro, use Apple Maps to show you which lines and which direction you want to go.  There are maps everywhere in the Metro system to make sure you’re headed in the right direction.  One other tip, if you’re going through the Metro with luggage, use the handicap entrances instead of the regular turn styles if available as sometimes it’s hard to get luggage through some of the turn styles.

Take the Bus

We stayed in a less central area this last trip to Paris and ended up taking the local bus lines multiple times because it was closer to where we were and we loved it.  It was a great way to see the city above ground and have a seat while doing it.  Your Navigo passes will also work on the Paris bus lines and it was easy just to tap your card when you get on the bus and take a seat.  Just make sure you tap the “stop” button when you want to request your stop coming up.

Ride a Bike

Paris has also become very bike friendly in the past several years and there are bike share opportunities to rent a bike all over the city.  Just be careful to stay in the bike lanes and follow the bike rules – many bike lanes have their own lights and stop signs.

Heading to Paris? 

Here’s all our posts on the city!