Paris is in a league of its own. Drawing nearly 50 million visitors per year, it is the #1 tourist destination in the world for a reason. Whether you view it as the City of Love, the City of Light, or the Fashion Capital of the World – its beauty is only matched by the historic culture and palpable sense of magic.
Since Paris is the largest city in France and offers so much to do, packing for this metropolis can be daunting. Use this quick checklist to ensure you aren’t forgetting any key items that will enhance your trip. We will also cover common FAQs and what NOT to pack for Paris!
Universal power adapter – France operates on a different voltage than America. So if you are coming from the U.S., you will need a power adapter. Our universal option works in 100+ popular countries and is backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee!PassportsTickets & travel documentsCredit cardsAnti-theft neck wallet – Thousands of tourists report theft in Paris each year, and I personally have been a victim of this. Use a neck wallet to conceal your wallet, passport, phones, and other essentials, particularly in places prone to pickpocketing (main attractions, train stations, etc.) It can be worn discreetly under your shirt and keep you organized on busy travel days. The RFID-blocking material will stop modern thieves from scanning your credit cards. Mobile Pass App for customsCopy of emergency numbers
TSA-approved toiletry bottles and products (3.4 ounces maximum)Natural jet lag relief supplementsHand sanitizerWindproof travel umbrella – Paris experiences some abrupt and heavy downpours. While the city looks very romantic in the rain, you’ll need the proper artillery, like our windproof umbrella that covers two people.Filtered water bottle (emptied through security)EarplugsEye maskNoise-cancelling headphonesCompression flight socks – The risk of blood clots and swelling increases on flights over 4 hours. Compression socks or stockings will support your circulation in a pressurized cabin.Entertainment (iPad, tablet, or books)
Packing cubes to organize – You can sort your items into various categories and never dig for that long-lost sock again! Our sets even come with two bonus laundry bags to separate dirty and clean items.TSA-friendly luggage locks – These play a critical role in protecting your belongings for the long journey ahead. Keep them on your checked bag, carry-on, and backpacks when exploring crowded areas. They also work for city or hotel lockers.ToiletriesShoesWaterproof shoe bagsAll clothes – Except 1-2 outfits for your carry-on (in case your checked bags get temporarily lost).A copy of all travel documents and passportsLuggage belts – These reinforce your fragile zippers so rough baggage handling doesn’t result in broken suitcases. You can adjust them for checked bags and compress carry-on bags to fit more easily in the overhead compartment.
Women’s Clothing List
You’ll want to adapt to each season and pack options for layering. The nights can become chilly, and if you’re entering a holy site or church, all visitors may be required to cover their shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Bring comfortable walking shoes, and if you opt for a heel, ensure it is thick enough to combat the 12th-century cobblestone!
Tops (casual and dress)ShortsSkirtsDressesPantsBrasUnderwearLayering piecesLight raincoatLight jacketWinter jacket as neededLeather jacket as neededPajamas or sleepwearCross-body bagSunglassesJewelryHatsA beretShawl and/or scarfSocksWalking flats or sandalsTennis shoesThick-heeled boots
Men’s Clothing List
Men take their fashion quite seriously in Paris and you’ll find lots of well-dressed gentlemen. Avoid the graphic T-shirts and flip-flops which will have you sticking out like a blatant tourist. Opt for slimmer fits that appear tailored, particularly for evening attire. Wear shoes that are comfortable for plenty of walking.
Lightweight topsButton-down shirtsPolosShortsPantsChinosJeansUnderwearLayering piecesLight blazerLight jacketWinter jacket as neededLeather jacket as neededPajamas or sleepwearSunglassesBrown beltHatsSocksTennis shoesLoafersEspadrilles
ClotheslineMakeupHairbrushHair tiesWashclothsQuick-dry travel towel – We developed a microfiber towel that is especially made for travel. It is lightweight, compact, absorbent, and dries 10x faster than cotton.Makeup remove wipesToothbrushToothpasteMouth washDeodorantLip balmNail clippersTweezersTonerMoisturizerVitaminsActivated charcoal – If you’ve ever been plagued with food poisoning on vacation, you know how dreadful it can be. It’s also more common when we’re away from home because we’re trying new flavors and dishes, plus the local tap water is new on our stomachs. Use these activated charcoal tablets to absorb any pathogens or harmful bacteria. Take at the first sign of an upset stomach and thank us later!Motion sickness patchesHangover preventionElectrolytesProbioticsMelatoninTravel first-aid kitBandaidsSanitizing wipesPersonal medicationPrescription numbers
iPad or tabletPhone chargerPortable charger or power bankVoltage adapterExtra USB cordsFrance SIM Phone Card – A European SIM card is ideal for avoiding outrageous roaming fees and international charges from your mobile provider. It will generate a local phone number in your new location, allowing you to text, call, and use data over an international network.
Travel Insurance – The best thing you can do for your travel investment. Your domestic provider does not cover you overseas in most cases and you should not be forced to pay out-of-pocket for common issues like flight delays, cancellations, theft, baggage loss, evacuations, or medical emergencies.Virtual Private Network – A VPN will encrypt your sensitive data, offering you a more private and secure connection. It stops hackers in their tracks and minimizes local censorship so you can surf the web in dozens of countries worldwide without any hindrances.Female protection device and/or personal alarmExpandable drink cover scrunchie/wristband
Day bags, tote bags, & backpacksWine Wings packing cushions – Perfect for protecting wine bottles, French perfume bottles, jars of Pâté, olive oils, balsamic, ceramics, glass, or any fragile goods.Plastic ziplock bagsCooling towels – For hot days of standing in long lines to climb the Eiffel Tower, scale the endless steps at Sacré Coeur, or wait in front of the golden Palace of Versailles on a hot summer’s day.Snacks
How do I get around Paris?
Paris has a bustling network of transportation hubs, so getting around the city is easy. The RER B line gives you a direct line from the Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG), or you can rely on Taxis and Ubers (which are available in Paris).
Day-to-day, I tend to utilize the underground rail lines or Métro since there are 300 stations scattered around the city. Trains run from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. and are typically less than €2. The public bus system is quite reliable and affordable too. Pickpockets are always an issue in busy stations and on trains, so pay close attention to your bags and valuables.
Rio2Rome.com is a wonderful resource for discovering the best options to get anywhere in the world! Walking will always be the most scenic route!
What are the best day trips from Paris?
Some of our personal favorites are:
- Versailles (UNESCO World Heritage site) – 50 minutes by train.
- Giverny (Monet’s home and water lily garden) – 1.35 hours by train.
- Champagne region (the only place to get REAL Champagne) – 1.5 hours by train.
- Loire Valley (for a royal history, les châteaux, and wine!) – 2.5 hours by train.
- Normandy (the North, known for WWII history) – 3 hours by train.
- Disneyland (the only European location) – 45 minutes by train.
- London (just across the English Channel!) – 2.35 hours by train.
Is Paris expensive?
It’s not the cheapest destination and is actually known for one of the highest costs of living in the world. But travelers can always find hacks to save money! Whether you want to seek out free activities, opt for picnic lunches in the park, or avoid higher-end shopping – there are plenty of ways to save money.
Regarding your accommodation, Airbnb and hostels offer affordable pricing, and it’s a great way to meet people – either living with a local or rooming with fellow travelers. Booking your excursions and tours in advance will also save you money in the long-run. Staying for an entire month will often be cheaper than week-to-week.
- Super touristy attire – Blending in with the locals will make you less of a target for pickpockets. Leave the American flag merch, baseball hats, and flashy jewelry at home.
- Hair dryers – These are not always compatible with European power grids and your accommodation typically provides one.
- Full-sized toiletries – Opt for your travel-sized bottles and leave the large ones behind. You also may pick up some full-sized French products that you can put in your checked luggage.
- Feminine products – Easily obtainable overseas.
- Beachwear – The nearest beach is 100+ miles away, so don’t pack beach shorts or thin tank tops meant for a tropical location.
Paris is unlike any other city in the world. With a bit of preparation and a lot of spontaneity – you are sure to have the most epic time on your getaway.
Some parting words of wisdom are:
- Consider the Paris Pass if it’s your first time visiting or you want to hit some of the major attractions.
- Keep TWO eyes out for pickpockets! They are everywhere, particularly on trains, the métro, and buses, but also around the Eiffel Tower and areas known to draw crowds of tourists. I had my wallet stolen WITH my hand over my bag on the subway… I still don’t know how they did it, so watch out!
- Book tours at least 1-3 months in advance. Things book up quickly (especially in the summertime months of peak travel). There are often discounts for booking early as well.
- Learn some basic French to impress the locals and get by. Most locals in the city will speak English, but they will respect you more if you try to acquire and practice the French way of life!
C’est tout et bon voyage!
(That’s all, and have a great trip!)
