Paris Is a Vibe… But She Has Rules

Before you get swept away in croissants, couture, and cobblestones...read this first.

1. Learn a little French (oui, just a little!)
You don’t need to sound like you grew up in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, but a few words go a long way. Bonjour, merci, pardon, and s’il vous plaît... these are your magic words. It’s not about fluency, it’s about courtesy. Trust me, Parisians appreciate the effort (even if your accent sounds suspiciously Australian-Filipino).

2. You’ll need a power bank. No, seriously.
Paris is photogenic. Like, unreasonably photogenic. You’ll be snapping pics of pastries, antique doors, golden-hour balconies, your morning coffee, your reflection in a café window... and that’s just before lunch. Bring a good, reliable power bank and toss it in your bag. Your phone battery won’t last, and you don’t want to be searching for a socket when you should be soaking up the magic.

True story- last time we were there, we were on our feet for 13 long hours. We started from our hotel, Hôtel Claridge in the 8th district, walked all the way to the Saint-Ouen Flea Market (18th), strolled to Notre Dame (4th), and ended up at the Eiffel Tower (7th). On the way back, my husband was so done that he took off his shoes and walked in his socks. Yes, in the streets of Paris. My phone had died by then, and I was devastated I couldn’t film that moment. He didn’t care. I did. Am I cruel? Maybe. 😂

Anyway, that’s exactly why I always carry not one, but two powerbanks now. I actually wrote a blog about it- not because I’m a tech expert (I’m far from it), but because I’ve travelled a lot, tested a few, and found ones that just work. If you’re curious, I listed the ones I’ve personally used in this blog post. Might save you from missing your sock-walking moment. 😅..

3. Your shoes better love you back
Paris is best seen on foot. The beauty is in the walking — the corners, the hidden gardens, the bridges you didn’t plan to cross. But those charming cobblestones? Yeah, they don’t care about your cute flats. Wear something you’ve test-driven. Your feet will be clocking in the kilometres, and trust me, there’s no outfit cute enough to justify limping by the Seine.

4. Plan around the French clock
Shops close on Sundays (heartbreaking, I know), and some museums and restaurants close on Mondays or Tuesdays. Do your future self a favour... Google before you go. No one wants to arrive "hangry" and culture-deprived.

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I just finished Season 4 of Emily in Paris, yes, I finally caught up. And as I watched admiring the outfits, the drama, the sparkly city skyline, it hit me... I kind of want to go back.

The last time I visited Paris, it was a beautiful experience, dreamlike really... but looking back, there were definitely things I wish I knew beforehand. Not the romanticised things from TV, but the real things. The little lessons only a traveller would learn.

So I decided to write them down- 10 practical, sassy, very real things to know before you visit Paris. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, these tips are here to keep you stylish, prepared, and completely unbothered.

5. Pre-book. Everything.
Museums, tours, restaurants, even rooftop bars... book ahead. Paris loves a queue, and your time (and feet) deserve better. Most bookings are cheaper online too. Skip-the-line passes? Yes please. Do your future self a favour.

6. Get an eSIM... stay connected, stay unbothered
Internet is your best travel buddy. Whether you need Google Maps, want to check a Metro schedule, translate a menu, or post your best croissant shot in real time, a good eSIM keeps you in the loop.
Set it up before you go or buy one when you land and it’s cheaper than international roaming and way less stressful than chasing public Wi-Fi. Plus, you’ll need that data for ride shares, real-time metro updates, and restaurant bookings.

7. Parisian fashion ≠ Emily in Paris
Let’s get this out of the way... Emily in Paris is fiction, not a packing guide. Unless it’s Fashion Week, you’re not going to be surrounded by people in ball gowns and sky-high heels strutting by the Eiffel Tower.
Parisians are stylish, yes, but it’s effortless, muted, and minimal. Think cool aunt with a killer coat, not Instagram influencer with a ring light.
Wear what you love, what feels good... but maybe just tone down the sequins and keep it chic.

8. Toilets aren’t always easy to find
This one’s not glamorous, but it’s important. Public restrooms are few and far between, and some... let’s just say they’ve seen better days. Some cafés will let you use theirs if you grab a drink- which brings us to the next point.

9. Sit. Please sit down.
Don’t eat your croissant while power-walking down the boulevard. Sit down. Relax. Order that café crème. Watch the world go by. Everyone’s people-watching in Paris... why can’t you?
And yes, use the café toilet while you’re at it. It's part of the experience. You’ll feel way more Parisian when you’re sipping slowly, not multitasking with flaky pastry on your shirt.

10. Before you zip that suitcase, don’t forget.....Consider canvas or nylon over couture
If you're anything like me and feel half-naked without a bag, trust me- go for something light. Canvas and nylon are your best friends when you’re walking all day in style. Think LV Neverfull, Goyard Saint Louis, Prada Re-Nylon shoulder bags... fashionable, functional, and won’t make your shoulders cry.
If you’re a belt bag girlie, I’m not judging.
And yes, I know you brought your Birkin or your Classic Double Flap (OK sis). But do yourself a favour... leave them in the hotel when you're out scrolling through the streets. Your arms, your hands, your back, and your peace of mind will thank you.

Just a little note to be aware...
Paris is magical, but it’s still a big city. Sadly, scammers do exist- especially around major landmarks and crowded areas.
They may offer bracelets, petitions, or “help” with your ticket machine. Don’t panic, just stay alert, keep your bags zipped, and walk with confidence. A little awareness goes a long way. I heard they were cleared out during the Olympics, but somehow, they're back like nothing ever happened. How is that even possible? Got me wondering too. So keep your eyes open, stay alert, and don’t let them ruin your moment. Paris is beautiful, but like any big city, it has its shadows.

Paris will absolutely steal your heart, but she’ll also test your patience if you’re not ready. So prep a little, walk a lot, sit often, and look up. Beauty is everywhere... and now, so are you. ღ #bekind