Tips for Making Paris More Fun and Manageable

1. Use public transportation--bus and metro--Line 6 near La Motte-Picquet allows a good view of the Seine, the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadéro. Line 7 near Pont-Marie looks across the Ile de la Cité, most striking at night when Notre Dame is lit up. By all means, do not use the métro to the exclusion of buses. The bus service in Paris is not difficult, and of course you will see much more. It's cheaper than taking taxies or being ferried around by a tour group!

2. If you're trying to scrimp--check out the local boulangerie and the monoprix (a small chain supermarket). Pick up a baguette or some delectable pastry in the evening and a jar of fruit preserves from the monoprix to leave in your hotel room. Many hotels will charge 5 to 10 euros for a small and not very good breakfast. Do yourself a favor by picking up your breakfast the night before and save a lot of money for a better meal on the last night.

3. Buy a museum pass. Don't wait until you get to the museum to buy tickets. The lines will be long and the prices will be high. Instead, go to any Metro station or ask your hotel concierge where to buy a museum pass. Comes in three flavors: 2 day, 4 day, and 6 day. If you're staying for 2 days, it might not be the best deal but if you'rs staying 4+, definitely get one. Allows you to skip lines at many sites like the Notre Dame, St. Chappelle, and the Louvre. This is the official site, don't fall for agencies that are trying to sell you a travel plan. http://www.paris-pass.com/default.aspx

4. Walk! Paris is an amazing walking city. Start out at Notre Dame, cross the river and keep walking. If you start out early in the day, when you get tired, sit and enjoy the views or just get on the Metro and go home.

5. Be wary of tourist traps and pickpockets. As with travel anywhere, be cautious and not too trusting. In many touristy locations like Montmartre, there are people who will come up to you to offer your trinkets or ask questions--don't get too close. Especially at Montmontre, there are men who will descend upon tourists to make them "friendship bracelets." Be firm, don't make eye contact, and walk away or be prepared to gain a bracelet and lose some cash.

6. Buy a phone card at a Tabac. If you have the budget, think about renting a cellphone. If not, payphones are still plenty in Paris but they do not take coins. They take phone cards. I learned this the hard way. Buy them at tobacco stores.