City Essentials: First Day • 3 hours 5.0
(156)

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

First Day in Paris: Your Perfect Introduction

Start at Café de Flore: A Parisian Welcome

A café that captures the city’s rhythm.

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First Day in Paris: Your Perfect Introduction

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.

First Day in Paris: Your Perfect Introduction

Find Your Flow in the City

Explore lively streets, quiet corners, and hidden gems.

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First Day in Paris: Your Perfect Introduction

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.

First Day in Paris: Your Perfect Introduction

Master the Metro: Ride with Confidence

Travel like a local and avoid common mistakes.

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First Day in Paris: Your Perfect Introduction

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.

First Day in Paris: Your Perfect Introduction

Pause and Take It In

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

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First Day in Paris: Your Perfect Introduction

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.

First Day in Paris: Your Perfect Introduction

Wrap Up with Tailored Tips & Suggestions

Leave with a plan for what’s next.

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First Day in Paris: Your Perfect Introduction

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
Sipping Sunshine and Soaking Up Modern Parisian Vibes at Centre Pompidou

Sipping Sunshine and Soaking Up Modern Parisian Vibes at Centre Pompidou

Letting the Colors of Montmartre Brighten Up a Rainy Day Stroll

Letting the Colors of Montmartre Brighten Up a Rainy Day Stroll

Chasing Floral Corners and Joyful Moments on Montmartre’s Hillside

Chasing Floral Corners and Joyful Moments on Montmartre’s Hillside

Embracing Parisian Elegance on a Hidden Boutique Adventure

Embracing Parisian Elegance on a Hidden Boutique Adventure

Getting Playful with Montmartre’s Quirky Wall of Fame

Getting Playful with Montmartre’s Quirky Wall of Fame

Finding Love and Views in Paris’ Most Romantic Hilltop Neighborhood

Finding Love and Views in Paris’ Most Romantic Hilltop Neighborhood

Letting the Sunlight Guide You Through Sacré-Cœur’s Vibrant Square

Letting the Sunlight Guide You Through Sacré-Cœur’s Vibrant Square

Feeling the Grandeur of Parisian Heritage Inside Saint-Sulpice Church

Feeling the Grandeur of Parisian Heritage Inside Saint-Sulpice Church

Raising Glasses and Spirits on a Hidden Marais Foodie Adventure

Raising Glasses and Spirits on a Hidden Marais Foodie Adventure

Strolling the Île Saint-Louis with a Local Friend

Strolling the Île Saint-Louis with a Local Friend

Eiffel Tower Moments with a Big Smile

Eiffel Tower Moments with a Big Smile

Discovering Paris Street Art: A Quiet Moment to Reflect

Discovering Paris Street Art: A Quiet Moment to Reflect

Romantic Montmartre Evenings Under the Basilica Lights

Romantic Montmartre Evenings Under the Basilica Lights

Late Night at the Moulin Rouge - Lights, Music, Magic

Late Night at the Moulin Rouge - Lights, Music, Magic

Catching Up with Locals in Montmartre’s Backstreets

Catching Up with Locals in Montmartre’s Backstreets

A Sweet Stop for Chocolate Éclairs in Le Marais

A Sweet Stop for Chocolate Éclairs in Le Marais

Posing Proudly at the Juliana Hotel Paris

Posing Proudly at the Juliana Hotel Paris

Summer Vibes at Palais Royal Courtyard

Summer Vibes at Palais Royal Courtyard

Striking a Pose in Montmartre

Striking a Pose in Montmartre

Red Accents and Friendly Faces

Red Accents and Friendly Faces

A Thoughtful Stroll by Notre-Dame

A Thoughtful Stroll by Notre-Dame

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

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What travelers think of this experience

Becky May 2025

Pascal gave us an amazing tour. He customized the tour to exactly what we asked for and what we wanted to see. He made sure we saw all the significant places along our route. 10/10 would definitely recommend.

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Judy May 2025

Anukool was very knowledgeable, professional, & friendly. He seemed to really enjoy what he does & loves history, which is what we needed.

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Amy May 2025

Anyone would be lucky to have Jill as their tour guide! She was the most personable tour guide i had over my 3 week trip across Europe and also shared a wealth of knowledge when showing me around the sites. She helped me figure out the rest of my day in Paris and even mentioned that i could call or text her if i needed anything. As a solo traveler, i greatly appreciated that.

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Pauline May 2025

Had a wonderful afternoon with Igor. We saw so much learnt so much and it was completely tailored to our interests. Obviously a lot of thought had gone into the planning of the afternoon and Igor was generous with his time, knowledge and expertise. Thoroughly recommend both Igor and Unscripted. Many thanks.

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Mary May 2025

I had an absolutely fantastic time exploring Montmartre with Del. She was super friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about Montmartre. As well as rising the beautiful Sacre Coeur, Del took me on a relaxed stroll through the quieter, more authentic parts of the neighborhood—charming alleyways, local artists hangouts, hidden gardens, and even a vineyard I had no idea existed in Paris! The guide shared so many fascinating stories and little-known facts about the artists, history, and culture that shaped this area. It felt like discovering a whole new side of Paris. If you're looking for a more personal, off-the-beaten-path experience in Montmartre, do not miss this tour. It made me fall in love with the neighborhood in a whole new way!

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Pauline May 2025

If we could holive Igor a score of 10 out of 5 we would. He was thoughtful, knowledgeable, took our interests into account when planning and fitted sooo much into our time it was wonderful. Can not recommend this experience enough. So it you will be glad you did. Unscripted were also very easy and accommodating to work with. Thank you

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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.

What makes City Unscripted different?

We don’t do generic tours. Every experience is crafted around you, ensuring a unique, personal, and authentic way to explore the city. You won’t just see the sights—you’ll connect with the people and stories that bring the city to life.

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.

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!

Can I request specific places to visit?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

Can I adjust the plan on the day?

Of course! Your experience is flexible, so you can explore at your own pace and make changes along the way.

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 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.