Paris Adventure: A 1-Week Self-Guided Journey from Germany
I've just wrapped up my week-long solo adventure in Paris, traveling all the way from Germany. Here are some handy tips and experiences I gathered along the way that might help you plan your own unforgettable trip.
Navigating Paris: Public Transport Tips
As of November 1st, 2025, paper tickets will no longer be sold on trains and buses. If you plan to do a lot of walking and your trips are infrequent, consider getting an Easy Card for 2€. You can then purchase single tickets as needed. Children under 4 or 5 travel for free (I can't recall the exact age), and those up to 11 get a 50% discount on tickets.
For those who prefer to travel without constantly calculating costs for a day or two, daily passes are a great option. If your stay is three days or longer, a weekly pass is the way to go, costing 31.6€ plus a 5€ card fee. I opted for this as I was traveling with children, and calculating individual tickets would have been too time-consuming.
Remember to attach a photo and write your name on the weekly pass, though it's rarely checked. If you're coming from Germany, you can easily get photos printed cheaply at places like dm, Rossmann, or Kaufland for as little as 49 cents per print, enough for four people.
Savoring Parisian Flavors: Food & Drink Experiences
My personal travel style involves exploring extensively and soaking in the atmosphere of the streets and people. Because of this, I focused on having my main meals in the evening, as the city comes alive with lights. Mornings were often filled with fresh baguettes and croissants. For lunch, I discovered that supermarkets like Monoprix have canteens where you can order and eat, or you can simply buy items and enjoy them at their outdoor seating areas.
Drawing from my experience traveling with children in various places, I always carry a set of reusable cutlery. This has saved me from the exorbitant cost of single-use wooden cutlery, which is surprisingly expensive compared to Germany.
For dinner, I stumbled upon three fantastic Chinese-owned restaurants, all by chance. They were incredibly delicious and surprisingly affordable. Considering I have a Saigon palate, you might want to factor that into your choices.
- Quán Tài: This place is even Michelin recommended! With 24 years of history and a chef boasting over 50 years of culinary experience, it's a gem. Since it's a Chinese establishment, I highly recommend trying their beef satay noodle soup. Though I initially ordered Bun Bo, Pho, Com Tam, and Banh Cuon, every dish was praised as better than what my mother cooks! The bowls of Bun Bo and Pho were so generous, I felt like I was swimming in them. They authentically capture Southern Vietnamese flavors with ingredients like culantro, herbs, bean sprouts, hoisin and chili sauce, and banana blossom. It was incredibly satisfying! And the best part? Each dish was only around 14€. Don't miss the Che Banh Lot Hot Luu, a delightful dessert. I thought it was grass jelly on the menu (Sin Sao), but my travel companions enlightened me. A true Parisian foodie recommended this spot.
- Noodle & Wonton Restaurant: This Chinese restaurant specializes in noodles and wontons, with fresh wontons being prepared right at the counter. The portions are massive. I had the roast duck noodles, and the duck meat was so tender, flavorful, and plentiful, I couldn't finish it all! The price was a very reasonable 11€. This place has very limited opening hours, typically only 2-3 hours for lunch and dinner, so be sure to arrive early. I truly wish these two restaurants were in Germany; their quality and pricing would make them a must-visit destination time and time again.
- Phở 66: Also a Chinese-run establishment, Phở 66 serves an absolutely divine fried rice that's not greasy and has perfectly seasoned shumai. This restaurant is located further from the city center, so it's a great option if you're staying in the Montrouge area, on the outskirts of Paris.
Near the Sacre-Coeur church, there's an area with African vendors. While it can be a bit chaotic, you can find delicious grilled corn (American corn) here if you're craving it. You'll also find grilled corn and roasted chestnuts being sold around the Eiffel Tower.
Treasures & Asian Delights: Souvenirs & Snacks
If you're staying in the 13th arrondissement, you might not need to venture here. However, for those looking for Asian snacks, steamed buns, or treats to bring back, head to the street directly in front of Sacre-Coeur Basilica. This entire street is lined with souvenir shops offering incredibly affordable prices compared to the rest of Europe. Refrigerator magnets start from just 1-4€ each, with discounts for buying two or three. Prices are clearly marked, so no need to haggle or worry about being overcharged. Feel free to browse without any pressure to buy.
Towards the end of the street, you'll find the Chang or Cheng supermarket, stocking a variety of Asian goods, including a bubble tea shop. If you're renting an apartment and enjoy cooking, you can grab a tiny bottle of squid sauce for just 80 cents, enough for several meals.
This street also boasts a bakery with a display of giant croissants. They sell them if you're tempted! The pastries are delicious, beautiful, and not overly expensive.
The ice cream shop nearby is also quite enjoyable.
Essential Paris Planning: Booking Ahead
For every attraction you wish to visit in Paris, whether it's free or requires a ticket, I highly recommend booking or reserving your spot online in advance. The queues can be incredibly long!
The Eiffel Tower puts on a dazzling light show between 8:00 PM and 8:05 PM. For the most breathtaking photos, cross the Seine River opposite the tower to a wide square – it's the perfect vantage point.
Visiting the Louvre Museum in the evening offers a magical view of the pyramid. To truly experience the museum, dedicate an entire day. My family spent five hours there and still felt we hadn't seen enough.
Safety & Smells: Navigating Paris
We encountered no issues with scams or pickpocketing. Our strategy was simple: dress normally, keep belongings securely deep inside our backpacks and use inner pockets in our jackets. This allowed us to walk around comfortably without needing to wear our backpacks in front.
However, I must reiterate that Paris can be quite pungent, and yes, there are an astonishing number of dog droppings, even though the general litter situation is not too bad and the city is quite clean. If you're using your phone to navigate, it's wise to have someone scout ahead to avoid stepping on any unpleasant surprises – you could ruin a perfectly good pair of shoes! They can appear in the most unexpected places, like between tables in restaurants, near seating areas, or even between parked cars on the street as you step out.
It's a good idea to carry wet wipes or small tester bottles of perfume to help mask any strong odors. I once boarded a bus that smelled so strongly that everyone winced and eventually got off to catch a different bus. My heart went out to the poor driver!
If you've read this far, you deserve a gold star for your patience! I wish you a wonderful trip.
Credit: Huyen Tran
