Easy Ways to Navigate Paris

So, you’ve finally made it to your dream holiday? You’ve booked into one of the best Paris hostels, met some new, likeminded friends, and scoured the guidebook for inspiration. But just what's the best way to get around to see all those places on your must-visit list?

Walk, Walk, Walk!

The easiest way to explore the areas surrounding any of the Paris hostels is under your own steam. There’s plenty to see in the city by foot, and it’s a great way to get the lay of the land and understand how the city is set out. Besides, it’s what the Parisians do!

If you just want a quick walking experience, there are some free walking tours available from groups like Discover Walks, led by locals and covering with several themes, including Paris landmarks, Montmartre, the Marais, Notre Dame and the heart of Paris, the Left Bank, and a romantic evening river walk. It's the ideal way to explore some of the most impressive districts of the city.

If you’re heading off on your own, however, there are some things to keep in mind. Firstly, the River Seine divides the city into the left and right banks - Rive Droite and Rive Gauche). It also helps to understand that the city is divided into 20 municipal districts called arrondissements, which spiral out clockwise - starting with the 1st, which is the geographical centre of the city. There is an excellent little guidebook called Paris Par Arrondisement - at the very least, it can help you get back to your Paris hostels if you get lost!

By Bicycle

If you want to cover a little more distance, a bicycle is a great option. The Velib bike rental scheme, which was instituted in 2007, has made renting a bike easy, and there’s a stand within easy access of any of the Paris hostels. All you’ll need is a credit or debit card and you’ll be able to buy a one-day or seven-day subscription to as many half-hour rides as you can, for the duration.

By Bus

Buses are a great way to get around the city, while also enjoying the scenery. Buses generally run from 6:30am to 9:30pm, with some operating until 12:30am. You can use Métro tickets on the buses or you can buy tickets directly from the driver (2€). Tickets need to be validated in the machine next to the driver’s cabin. Note though, that while the regular Métro ticket gives you a free transfer to be used within 90 minutes, they aren’t included if you buy your ticket on the bus.

By Subway

The Subway, known as the Métro, is an efficient and civilized way to get around the city, especially if you avoid rush hour (7:30–9:30am and 6–8pm). However, you’ll need to keep track of time, as it doesn't run 24 hours. Most of the Métro lines are easy to follow with the map (available at any ticket window), but it pays to know the line number as well as the train's final destination in order to get to where you want to go easily.

Looking for a dream travel experience? Jason H. Cunningham works for Hostelling International, a company with more than 4,000 hostels worldwide. For the best Paris hostels or anywhere else, join our global community and say hi to the world. From quality, affordable accommodation and backpacker tips, to meaningful volunteer opportunities and enriching our eco footprint, we are the world’s local hostelling hub.