Paris Travel Guide

• 📱 Mobile Data & eSIM: Get data for Paris with PikaSim - 0.1GB for 7 days costs $0.60 (other options: 0.5GB/1d for $0.80, 0.3GB/1d for $0.90). Privacy-focused, no account needed, instant activation. Get yours at https://pikasim.com/download-france-esim-packages
• Visa & Entry for United States citizens: No visa required for stays up to 90 days within 180-day period in Schengen Area. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond departure date. Starting 2025, ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be required - costs €7, valid 3 years, apply online before travel at https://www.etias.com. Proof of onward travel and accommodation may be requested at border. No arrival forms required.
• Metro Safety: The Paris Metro is generally safe but watch for pickpockets, especially on Lines 1, 4, and 9, and at tourist stations like Châtelet. Keep your camera gear secure and avoid displaying expensive equipment. After midnight, stick to well-lit stations and busier lines.
• Photography Permits: Most Paris landmarks allow photography for personal use, but tripods may require permits at some locations. The Eiffel Tower's night illumination is copyrighted - photos for personal use are fine, but commercial use requires permission. Always ask before photographing people at markets.
• Money-Saving Museum Pass: The Paris Museum Pass (€62 for 2 days, €77 for 4 days) covers 60+ museums and monuments with skip-the-line access. Worth it if visiting 3+ major sites. Buy online or at tourist offices to avoid queues.
• Meet Fellow Travelers: Join free walking tours (tip-based) like Sandemans New Europe for meeting other solo travelers. Check Meetup.com for photography walks, language exchanges, and social events. Generator and Les Piaules hostels host regular social nights open to non-guests.
• Late-Night Dining: Most restaurants close by 10-11pm. For post-nightlife food, head to Rue Oberkampf or Rue de Lappe in the 11th arrondissement for late-night kebab shops and bars. Many open until 2-3am on weekends.
• Sunday Closures: Many shops and some restaurants close Sundays, but tourist areas remain open. Plan museum visits or explore neighborhoods like Marais (Jewish quarter stays lively) and Montmartre. Sunday is perfect for markets and park photography with fewer crowds on streets.

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