Paris is an incredible city. With such a rich history and culture, you never run out of things to learn about and explore. Here's some advice for your stay, if you are so fortunate to visit the City of Light.
DO: Carry around your student ID
France, like many other countries in Europe, let students into museums and monuments for extremely discounted prices and sometimes for free. These cheap tickets make trips to multiple museums and visits to the top of monuments absolutely worth it! As a bonus, "Under 18" visitors will almost always get gratuit tickets.
DONT: Carry around large bills
When you pull out money from an ATM or exchange your money at a bank, make sure to ask for small bills. You'll find that it's impossible to buy anything from small stores with fifties because shopkeepers like to be given exact change. Keep your coins too because if you're buying a €10.20 Eiffel Tower model with a €20 bill, the shopkeeper will ask for €20.20 for a cleaner exchange. Furthermore, if you enjoy eating, don't count on bakeries taking credit cards!
DO: Use Yelp
Yelp and similar apps come in handy when you're not sure what's around to eat, especially if you want to avoid tourist-trap restaurants. Yelp is also helpful for finding cool bars and clubs that can't always be seen with the naked eye.
DONT: Use taxis
Taxis are extremely expensive in comparison to taking the metro. Paris encourages people to use the metro system, which is fairly simple and easy to navigate. Using the metro is also a good way to experience part of a Parisian's daily life. The downside of the metro is that it closes a little past midnight (and the rest of the city closes around 8 pm). So, Uber is a good way to get around the city in the wee hours of the night.
DO: Go to less touristy arrondissements
Check out the districts on Paris's perimeter. The 18th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements are currently the most "hipster" and there are cool clubs and restaurants in these areas. You'll also find gorgeous parks and cemeteries on the outskirts as well.
DONT: Go to McDonald's
Don't--you can do this at home. You're in France. Go eat French food.
DO: Take your time
Go to a cafe and just people watch. This is a key part to the Parisian life--they love to take every moment slowly. Soak in your surroundings and enjoy a café au lait by yourself or with a friend. Don't expect the bill to come immediately--you'll have to ask for that because most Parisians can spend a few hours just sitting with one cup of coffee.
DONT: Take offense to treatment of tourists
French people are stereotypically known to be cold. This isn't usually true, but sometimes tourists come across vendors and waiters who aren't always willing to deal with your...American-ness. Put on a smile and continue on with your day--don't let one rude person ruin a day in the best city ever.
DO: Wear a scarf in the winter
And a hat. And gloves. And a warm jacket. The wind is unforgiving in Paris, so bundle up (but don't forget to look cute).
DONT: Wear a money belt/fanny pack
This will only make you stand out as a tourist--which in places like the metro, is not a good thing. Pickpocketers scan crowds for people who are obviously tourists, and they will sometimes follow you and go for your bags and pockets on the escalators. Instead, just make sure your pockets and bags have zippers!
DO: Shop at French stores
Paris is a city full of fashionistas and the stores reflect this. There are stores dedicated to only leather booties, vintage places full of Parisian brands, and clothing shops with styles you won't find anywhere else. So, keep on walking if you see a Zara or H&M because there are cooler things to invest your money in.
DONT: Talk to scammers
If you're sitting on a bench at Notre Dame and someone comes up to you asking for donation money or for you to "sign a petition," tell them to bug off because they're just trying to get your money. They'll usually be holding a clip board and will walk in groups of two or three. These people are harmless if you don't talk to them.
DO: Always greet people in French!
Always say "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir" when you enter a store or restaurant! It's just the polite thing to do, and you might even receive better service because of it. Don't worry if this is the extent of your knowledge on the French language--they'll usually pick up on the fact that you don't speak it and will continue the conversation in English. When you leave, make sure to tell the shopkeeper or waiter "Merci, au revoir!"
