Things a young female college student should know before going to Paris by herself?

Question

I lived in New York, Washington, DC and London (all in the innercity part), so I know how cities can get in terms of safety, etc., but this is still the first time I am taking a trip to a city without knowing anybody there...and I would really appreciate it if you could tell me things to avoid, things to watch out, parts of Paris city that might not be the best idea to go at night, etc. I want to take every precaution as possible! Thank you!

Answer 1

I've been there twice and so i know a couple of things. last time was with about 20+ girls and it was just me and this one other guy for two weeks.
#1: know the languege. make sense
#2: at the table, alway put your hands on the table, not under. this is because back in the days, people had knifes under the table, so it became proper to put your hands on the table.
#3: hook up with a friend to tour the city at night. your friend will scare away the dealers (trust me on this one! scary night in Nice one time) and it make it more fun.
#4: when ordering pizza, you'll get the whole thing, not a slice. but don't worry, it really thin and it taste pretty good with some oil (the one in the square bottle).
#5: Paris is cold in the winter, so bring a jacket. but in the summer, thank to global warming, it too hot, so bring something for that too.
#6: bring a digital camera. all i had was about 20 disposable camera and it was horrible. fingers everywhere!
#7: Misquitos. they only bugged me back in Italy, but keep the window close anyway.
#8: know your metro. they are the fastest way around the city, and the easiest to use. the hard part is getting to the right station.
#9: alway eat your food before your friends eat yours. it that good and most of it is healthy, so don't worry about gainning weigh or anything. the key is to eat it slowly, without stuffing your face. if you can do that, then you're home free
#10: have fun. go check out the city and it wonders. walk around Norte Dame and see it again at night on a boat ride. do what you want, but just have fun.

Answer 2

To begin with, Paris is a generally safe city and there is almost no violent crime in areas frequented by tourists. The overall crime rate is considerably lower than in London.

The poor, a substantial number of whom are Muslims of North African origin, reside in the banlieues (the "suburbs") in vast, grim, housing blocks and these areas should be avoided at all costs.There is nothing there of any interest to a tourist in any case so avoiding these areas is easy.

There are two very large parks on the east and west borders of the city, the Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes. Neither is a good place to take a walk late at night. The Bois de Boulogne, located along the western edge of the 16ème arrondissement, in particular is one of Paris' most prominent red-light districts.

The area around the Place Pigalle just below the Montmartre hill and the rue St. Denis close by the Centre Pompidou are also rife with prostitutes and sex clubs and both can therefore be a bit dicey for a single female at night. Both areas however are also fairly well trafficked and the danger is more apparent than real.

The principle danger is from purse snatchers and pickpockets. Buy yourself a money belt if you con't already own one and keep your passport, airline ticket, credit cards, TC's and cash there.

Answer 3

I think there are a few good answers that covered most of the information you were looking for. So I'm just going to add one thing - I spent 5 weeks backpacking Europe BY MYSELF this past summer. I was only 22 at the time and I knew no one. It was an amazing experience and if you just use your common sense you will have no problem at all. Don't listen to these people saying you have to go in groups. It's rediculous.

Oh, but do avoid the subway at night :)

Have a blast, Paris was one of my favorite cities in Europe!!!

Answer 4

I can't comment on places to avoid at night as I have been in Paris only a few times with my late husband.But I have been told that pickpocketing and purse-snatching is on the rise (as in so many other places), so here are a few suggestions. Leave your passport in the hotel/hostel safe if possible, carry a photocopy of your passport, and be sure to get the phone number and address of the American Embassy (you are American?) in case of emergency. Carry only the cash you plan to spend, If you carry a purse, use one that has a shoulder strap you can wear slung across your chest. If you meet other travellers your age (or older, we old fogies can be a lot of fun), try to do your night-time adventures in their company.
Good luck and have fun.

Answer 5

To begin with a positive point, there are some worthwhile chateaux on the Rhone River in southern France. The "Chateau de Liberte," a mostly-private (i.e., few visitors permitted) is especially worthwhile.

Would suggest, although not to build confidence, some type of defense/alarm system(s). And, not expecting young immigrant or gang youth to be non-malicious, and not expecting, generally, safety after nightfall--the usual.

The level of violence in many European cities has, as you likely know, escalated dramatically in recent decades. Whom you "land" with greatly tends to involve you in their social network, so you might, if possible, "pick and choose" carefully.

If you're prone to loneliness, you might be a little more prudent, willing to be "lonely," than usual. You might learn more about yourself, "find yourself," "over there" :)

Answer 6

Get a CD to play in the car to learn basic French before you go, as apparently the French prefer you to speak French rather than English . Learn basic phrases at least. If you get a CD, it will help with your accent. Good luck, and enjoy. Paris is wonderful!

Answer 7

I have never been to Paris,so I do not know what areas to visit and /or avoid.A few things that you will need to take with you anywhere you go will be your US passport,a list of phone numbers of your family and friends in the U.S.,a good bi-lingual dictionary (even if you speak French-in a time of crisis you may forget how to say what you need to say),some pre-paid international phone cards (they are probably cheaper if you buy them in the U.S. than if you buy them in France.)Make sure that you know how to call your friends and family in the U.S.(international dialing codes etc.)Be sure to take a list of the e-mail addresses of your family and friends.(If you need to contact one of them quickly,you will be able to do so and they will be able to respond alot faster than sending international mail through the post office.) You may want to buy a wristwatch that can show several time zones so that if you need to call your friends and family for anything you will be able to know when the best time to call.)Take a camera,but not one that's too expensive.A really expensive camera may be a target for thieves.Have a nice trip.

Answer 8

Never travel alone to these other countries. Remember Aruba? Natalie Holloway. Always have travel mates. And never never depend on strangers for anything.

Answer 9

carry pepper spray only stay in secure places try not to get injured cuz health insurance gets all screwwed up in other countries. learn some french

Answer 10

Im goign to Paris too next year though and i'd really liek to know things too....... hope you haev a great time there!!

XXX