Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
I spent a month in Paris, and these are the apps you SHOULD ABSOLUTELY download before your trip! Sadly, I didn’t find out about some of these until later during my stay, and I really regret it 😭
Please don’t make the same mistake I did, I pinky promise these apps will make your stay better and more convenient. I will keep it short and sweet for you, and you can reference this on the go- just in case!
Table of contents
Transportation 🚅:
1. Bonjour RATP
This app is VERY useful for the Parisian Métro, bus, or RER. You can plan your trip, view train schedules, but the main function I used it for is to top up my Navigo card using my phone! You do have several options when buying your ticket, but this is the most convenient one.
Buying it with the attendant at the Service counter?
The lines can be CRAZY LONG, especially on the weekends.
Buying it at the machine?
My inner germophobe would rather avoid these machines. They are high-traffic and I’d rather do it comfortably on my phone.
So how do I refill my Navigo card trips?
It is pretty straightforward. To illustrate, I have attached some screenshots. See below:
The best way is to get a Navigo card, and if you don’t plan to travel 2-3 times per day by the Métro, the Navigo Easy (2 EUR) is the best choice. This card can be recharged (in the app!!) with individual tickets (2.10 EUR per trip) or with 10 tickets (1.69 EUR per trip).
2. Citymapper
DITCH GOOGLE MAPS!
Jk not really, I still use it to plan my trips outside of Paris. BUT within Paris, PLEASE use Citymapper. I didn’t find out about it until the end of my trip and I was SO SAD.
Why?
- Better GPS to track your real-time location (Google Maps lags!)
- Better route mapping using the Métro
- It tells you the best Métro entrance to use (less walking!)
- It tells you the best train section to get on to (Front/Middle/Back)
- Better time calculation. It even calculates the time for platform change during transfers!
3. Trainline
I tried Trainline and Omio, and I like Trainline’s interface better. You can directly buy tickets for intercity trains or long distance trains in this app, and the e-Ticket will show up in the form of a QR code. Scan it at the train station gate, and voilà!
Furthermore, you can also pick your seats right in the app.
Activities 🏛️:
1. Get Your Guide
If you are planning to visit museums last minute and the reservation’s all sold out, you can try your luck and see if any tours still have spots. Sometimes they have more availability, even when the official website has sold out! I also purchased my Paris Catacombs ticket with the app. It’s very easy to use, I love it.
2. Airbnb
Airbnb experience can be a gold mine! I found a photographer for a Parisian photo session here, and it was a really great time. I don’t always use it to book, since sometimes I book directly with the provider if the time I want is unavailable in the app. At any rate, having the app handy just makes browsing for cool activities easier!
Some of the activities I booked through Airbnb experience: cooking class, photo session (sometimes you can find more affordable rates!)
Stays 🛏️:
1. Booking.com
2. Airbnb
3. Hostelworld
4. Other websites (see below)
Looking for a place to stay in Paris can be SO DIFFICULT. These apps are more self-explanatory. Additionally, there are some websites I was referred to when I was looking. I didn’t personally use them, but you can give them a shot:
Finally, I hope you found this helpful! Enjoy your trip and have tons of fun.
P.S. = Paris is always a good idea! Once you get there, you can check out my restaurant recommendations and day trip guide to Mont St. Michel! If you are heading to Italy as well, download these apps before you go!
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