City Essentials: First Day • 3 hours 5.0 (146)

First Day in Paris: Your Perfect Introduction

Turn a visit into an understanding of the city. Learn how to get around, explore hidden gems, and get practical insights to enjoy Paris effortlessly.

Note that most shops and grocery stores close on Sundays so instead plan to visit a local food market or tick-mark a few main attractions off your list

What makes this experience special

See Paris at your pace, from landmarks to hidden streets, with practical tips and discoveries that make your visit unforgettable.

Key highlights

  • Navigate Paris like a pro—get Metro tips and local travel insights.
  • Stroll through elegant streets, lively squares, and hidden corners.
  • Experience Parisian café culture and learn local customs.
  • Visit historic arcades, quiet courtyards, or charming riverbanks.
  • Gain personalized suggestions for the rest of your stay.
  • Explore flexibly, shaping the walk to your interests.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
Walking experience may use public transport for long distances
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences
A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems
Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses
Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Café de Flore, Café de Flore, 75006 Paris, France

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience—please bring a Métro ticket, a Navigo Easy pass, or a small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Café de Flore, Café de Flore, 75006 Paris, France

Start at Café de Flore: A Parisian Welcome

A café that captures the city’s rhythm.

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Meet at the famous Café de Flore, a perfect starting point to ease into Parisian culture. Learn how locals enjoy their coffee, discover essential city tips, and get oriented for the day ahead.

Find Your Flow in the City

Explore lively streets, quiet corners, and hidden gems.

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Stroll through historic neighborhoods, discovering grand boulevards or tucked-away passages. Whether you prefer well-known landmarks or secret spots, the route adapts to your interests.

Master the Metro: Ride with Confidence

Travel like a local and avoid common mistakes.

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Gain firsthand experience navigating the Metro—learning about tickets, routes, and local etiquette—so you can move around Paris effortlessly for the rest of your trip.

Pause and Take It In

A scenic stop at a quiet square or along the Seine.

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Step away from the crowds to soak in a peaceful moment. Whether it’s a riverside bench or a tucked-away courtyard, experience the city’s calmer side while your host shares stories and insights.

Wrap Up with Tailored Tips & Suggestions

Leave with a plan for what’s next.

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Get personalized recommendations for the best places to eat, explore, or revisit—helping you make the most of your time in Paris beyond this experience.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

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What travelers think of this experience

Smriti Apr 2025

It was absolutely lovely. My guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating. It was a pleasure seeing Paris with her and learning about the place more.

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Carolanne Apr 2025

My guide was amazing and VERY accommodating. She was knowledgeable, patient and kind ….. she went above and beyond to make the evening special. I hope you appreciate was an amazing g employee you have! I appreciated the hidden gems I was shown and that I got help with some shopping I wanted to do. I would highly recommend her (wish I could spell her name) to anyone interested in discovering a little more about Paris!

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Dino Apr 2025

Our family had a wonderful Paris neighborhood tour with Abi. Abi was a terrific guide who showed us several different Paris neighborhoods. She’s engaging, with a deep knowledge of the city and its history. We also appreciated her passion for making sure we experienced Paris from a locals perspective. Can’t recommend Abi enough. Thanks!

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Thomas Apr 2025

Pascal was a perfect host for guiding us on a wander of out-of-the-way Paris streets, just what we wanted. He made sure we stayed oriented so we could find our way back to spots we liked later, and gave lots of suggestions for further wanders.

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Oswaldo Apr 2025

My wife and I had Elli Doukaridou as our guide for the "kick start" tour in Paris. Elli was punctual, professional and extremely knowledgeable of the history, architecture and many other aspects of Paris, which enriched our experience in ways that we wouldn't expect from a typical city guide. In addition, Elli was kind to accommodate our more basic needs to "function" in a city of the complexity of Paris. Also, we appreciated Elli's kindness, sensitivity and understanding of our physical needs, especially in accommodating my wife's limitations due to chronic disability. We feel lucky to have had Ellis as our guide and we would highly recommend her, especially for individuals who have a greater curiosity and may want to tap into Elli's knowledge of history, art and culture. Oswaldo Pereira and Victoria Hatch

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Lesley Feb 2025

Pascal was great! He listened carefully to what we wanted to see during our tour of Paris and accommodated our specific needs. It was very helpful that he started the tour at our hotel in central Paris. He was very knowledgeable and pleasant company. Thank you Pascal for a wonderful, brief overview of Paris. Also thank you City Unscripted for excellent, responsive customer service.

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Can I mix different themes in one experience?

Absolutely! Whether you want a blend of food, history, local culture, or nightlife, your host will seamlessly weave them together into one immersive experience.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

What kind of stories and insights will my host share?

Each host has their own personal relationship with the city. You'll experience the city through their eyes—hearing stories about places they love, discovering hidden gems, and learning what makes their city special in a way that goes beyond a typical tour.

Will we enter attractions, or just explore from the outside?

That’s up to you! Some experiences include visits inside attractions, while others focus on the city's culture and atmosphere, which can be hard to truly experience without someone who knows the city inside out.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

Can we explore outside the main city?

Yes! If you’re interested in day trips or exploring beyond the city, let us know in the post-booking questionnaire, and your host will design an itinerary that takes you to incredible places off the usual tourist path.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.