1st Day in Paris Discovery Private Tour: 'How-to' Orientation & Sightseeing Fun!
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Paris, France
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Get an introduction to Paris and plenty of insider tips during this personalized walking tour. With a dedicated private guide for you and your group, you'll navigate various neighborhoods, pick up some basic French phrases, master the art of purchasing Metro tickets, and uncover essential sights and local cuisine recommendations.
- Comprehensive orientation in Paris, perfect for first-time visitors
- Pass by key sights like the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysées
- Private tour tailored to your group's interests
- Personalized walking tour with dedicated guide
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
Get a customized introduction to Paris that sets you up to explore independently.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup
- Private tour
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Entrance tickets to monuments
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
This private walking tour meet-up is at your Hotel lobby, Airbnb, other.
Itinerary
1
Saint Germain des Pres Quarter
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Latin Quarter
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
3
Pont Neuf
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Admission Ticket Free
5
Quartier de l'Opera
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Montmartre
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Louvre Museum
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 166 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Wendy_R, Jul 2026
This info helped set us up for our time here in such a big way. So grateful for Thor’s experience, it gave us confidence to ride the metro and helped us understand those spaghetti maps!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hi Wendy, Victor & Katy! Fun fun fun. Enjoy, Thor
Send me a WhatsApp if you have any questions!
Michelle_C, Jun 2026
So valuable to learn how to get around Paris. We have limited time so this tour was ideal. We now know how to make the most of our time.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you Michelle & Co. We survived the heatwave like Parisians...) Cheers, Thor
Julie_A, Jun 2026
This was a great thing to do when we first arrived in Paris. He helped orient us to the metro, bus and subway. We discussed what we were visiting while in town and he helped us figure out all the best routes. We felt really confident the rest of the week navigating the city and meeting all our tour guides. He also told us some of the history of Paris as we walked around.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you Julie & Co. Paris like a Parisian! Cheers, Thor
Kenneth_S, Jun 2026
Thor was very knowledgeable and answered any questions we asked him. He was also very helpful for learning how to use the RER, Metro, and bus systems in Paris. He also taught us the differences between cafes which proved very useful. Great guide.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you Kenneth & Noah, I hope you are enjoying your WWII adventure across Europe! Cheers, Thor
Linda_W, May 2026
This helped me with confidence to explore Paris and feel secure about using the Metro. I was introduced to the various sections of Paris, how to use the ubiquitous maps for directions to travel the Metro and a great walk around the area I was staying in, the Marais. Thor was our guide and he was excellent!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hi Linda, thank you for the kind review! It sounds like you did Paris like a Parisian...) Take care, Thor
meganstephenson27, May 2026
Thor was a great guide who showed us some of the many sites in Paris and got us familiar with the metro. He also explained cafe etiquette and some history as well as road rules. Highly recommend Thor and this tour for first timers to Paris!
Response from Host, May 2026
Hi Megan & Co, thank you for your kind review! I hope your road trip worked out well...) Cheers, Thor
Janet_F, Apr 2026
Excellent way to learn about traveling in Paris plus some history. Guide was able to assist with our plans.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you Janet & Co. for the nice and concise review! If I remember correctly you two were the ones I saved you from a €345 euro fine...) Great to hear you manage to do all your visits smoothly. Take care, Thor
For others reading this: check your Viator profile notifications and your email Spam folder because your tour operators may be trying to contact you.
Nisha_J, Apr 2026
We had an amazing experience with Thor as our tour guide in Paris! He met us at our hotel and expertly guided us through the main areas of the city, making sure we got familiar with the metro system along the way. Thor was not only knowledgeable and professional, but also super fun and easy to hang out with. He went above and beyond by staying in touch throughout our trip to answer any questions we had and continue to provide recommendations for places to visit. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide - highly recommend him for anyone visiting Paris for the first time!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Nisha Kool & and the Gang, what a fun half day tour! Thank you for extending the tour so we could put the cherry on the cake...) Enjoy the rest of your visit. Hi & Bye to the crew! Cheers, Thor
Karen_L, Apr 2026
Thor was prompt meeting us at our apartment, and we quickly started exploring our neighbourhood. Since we had plans to use the subway and the train, he made sure we knew how get tickets, read the maps, use the posted information at the stops, and get to where we were going. He also gave us excellent information on how to avoid pickpockets and scams. It was like having a friend to show you the ropes in Paris!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Karen, thank you for the kind review! Sounds like you did Paris like a Parisian..) Cheers, Thor
Liz_H, Apr 2026
Thor was an interesting guide who explained how to traverse the city by bus and train. He showed us how and where to buy tickets and read the maps. We also walked to a beautiful church that wasn't on our radar and well as to Galleries Lafayette, a huge and beautiful department store with a lovely domed ceiling and rooftop view of the city. He left us at a location of our choice with recommendations for a quick lunch before our going on with our day.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Liz, thank you for your review! Indeed, we did have an adventure. Good to hear you did Paris like a Parisian..) Cheers, Thor
A reminder for others, check your Viator profile messages and email spam folder for communication from your tour operators.
Sherry_G, Apr 2026
Our tour guide was so patient and kind. We arrived the same day and we were fighting jet lag and he worked with us. He showed us around, gave us tips on restaurants and he introduced us to the metro. We have used the metro everyday since and it has been a lifesaver. I’m not sure we would have been comfortable enough to use if without this tour.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Nice review, Sherry! All good, all fun times, was a pleasure! Cheers, Thor
A reminder for others, check your Viator profile messages and email spam folder for communication from your tour operators.
Karen_G, Apr 2026
If you are intimidated at the thought of finding your way around Paris using public transportation, look no further than Thor! He took us around the city using RER train, Metro subway trains, and city bus. He gave us the scoop on using taxis, Uber, and Bolt. He showed us how to buy the rechargeable Navigo cards, how to read the transit maps, and all this with us senior citizens who have very little experience with urban train systems. Our 13 yr old Goddaughter paid close attention to him and between the three of us we were then able to travel around the city and to Normandy on our own!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Bonjour Karen and family, thank you for the review! I remember you all, great and an eager to grasp all the tips & tricks. Great to hear! Merci, Thor
For others reading these reviews remember to check your email inbox & spam folders from Viator, I usually send out a welcome email just before the booking date arrives.
Anne_B, Apr 2026
Great tour to get us ready to tackle the mass transit system by ourselves. He gave us lots of useful tips on how to conduct ourselves, how to order in a restaurant, and helped us with good apps to use for getting around. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Anne, I have had 3 different Anne bookings this past month so I am not sure which one was this tour..) In any case, thank you for the review, sounds like you all enjoyed your visit to Paris! Cheers, Thor
Gwen_E, Mar 2026
Our personal tour guide, Thor, met us at our hotel in Ile Saint Louis. He helped us find the meeting spots for our future tours, showed us around St. Germaine, interesting spots, and taught us cafe etiquette. He showed us how to navigate the metro. He answered our questions and concerns about navigating Paris. It was so worth it. I felt like I saw parts of Paris that would often be missed by tour groups. He provided us with interesting historical tidbits about the revolution and Henry the fourth’s concerns about fire in Paris, or the cafe where Hemingway and his literary buddies hung out. It was a walking and informative adventure. Thank you, Thor. You helped us navigate our way to our Paris adventure.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Gwen, thank you two for a nice orientation tour review!! Wow. Enjoy the rest of your holiday, Thor
Liz_P, Mar 2026
Thor was great! Very helpful, informative and interesting. He was a great tour guide showing us how to navigate the city and giving us a welcoming orientation for our first day in Paris.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Liz, Josh & Jacob, thanks for the nice review, enjoy the rest of your holiday! Take care, Thor
Karen_R, Mar 2026
We had a wonderful experience with Thor! He met us at our hotel on the day of our arrival and asked us what was most important to us to make our trip seamless and enjoyable. He showed us how to use the metro as well as showing us how to get to meeting points for 2 of our other trips. His restaurant recommendations were spot on. Everything he shared with us proved invaluable. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Karen, I remember you two, very well, we had a fun relaxing orientation tour! Thank you for the kind words and precise review! See you again, Thor
Kate_K, Mar 2026
Thor was amazing he helped us feel so confident navigating the metro, giving us tips for the different lines and for navigating the city. He even walked us through some amazing spots as we navigated the left bank and pointed out things that we mentioned we were interested in like a Pablo Picasso statue and points of literary interest. My kids are STILL talking about how much they miss him and how they wish he could be on the whole trip with us. I cannot recommend his tour enough!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Archer & Desi, thank your Mom and Dad for this excellent review! You two were/are the best mates to have on a tour! Enjoy the rest of your holiday, Thor
Tracy_A, Mar 2026
What a great first day activity! We left very confident in navigating the Metro and navigating cafes and restaurants.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Tracy, thank you for that precise review. Good to hear you did Paris like a Parisian. Cheers, Thor
Maria_A, Feb 2026
Thor is very knowledgeable and taught me the essentials for traveling around Paris in metro and bus! Along with history of very nice places and tips. It was very easy to understand him (take this from someone who has never traveled solo and is very anxious). What I learnt has been extremely useful! Thank you, Thor! 10/10, definitely recommend as a first intro to feel more confident in exploring Paris.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hi Maria, thank you for that super review! It's nice to hear you are doing Paris like a Parisian...)
I sent you an email update on your next week's subway pass...
Thanks again, Thor
William_S, Jan 2026
Exactly what we wanted! A practical introduction to getting around Paris, led by an American ex-pat. Friendly, courteous, professional and had great suggestions for food and other options.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Hi William, thank you for that! Happy to hear you all did Paris like a Parisian..) Take care, Thor
SallyAnn_S, Jan 2026
Thor was a great tour guide. He was very knowledgeable about the places we viewed and was able to answer our questions
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for that Sally Ann! Enjoy the rest of your holiday with your boys. Take care, Thor
Laura_M, Nov 2025
Thor was absolutely wonderful and stepped in where other people did not understand our English! He was very adept at teaching us the basics of how to get around Paris. (metro,subway and bus)
Would highly recommend, especially for first timers in Paris!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi Laura, thank you so much! A reminder for others when booking a tour with me that to check your spam folder before arriving as I usually send out a welcome message. Cheers! Thor
Janet_B, Nov 2025
Very fast paced experience mostly focusing on teaching us how to use metro and RER. A lot to remember. Make sure you plan on using public transportation if you do this tour.
The tour guide was wonderful and genuinely cared about showing you have to navigate city
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi Janet, thank you for the review. Indeed we had a lot of planning to cover as my tour is custom tailored for each guests itinerary. So for others reading this review we do the same, we go Paris sightseeing via public transportation that concerns your holiday. Thanks again! Thor
Debbie_W, Nov 2025
Thor was very helpful in getting us comfortable to navigate the public transportation. He also took us to see several places and rode the public transportation with us. This was my main concern but he will focus on whatever you would like. He gave us many restaurant recommendations also.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Debbie and Harley guy...) Thanks so much for the review. I hope you managed to find some French Harley memorabilia. And got some sleep too! Thanks again! Cheers, Thor
For others reading... check your email spam folder when booking with Viator, tour operators like myself may be sending you messages.
Karen_S, Oct 2025
The tour was an excellent start to our vacation. It helped us to understand maneuvering through Paris. We started taking the Metro (so much faster) once Thor patiently went through the process to work the system. We also got a crash course in cafe etiquette, language etiquette, safety concerns/pick pockets and great restaurants. I can not recommend this tour highly enough if this is your first trip to Paris.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Karen, thank you for the kind words. Indeed your review is quite excellent, concise and precise. For others reading the review... the 2 hours we spend together (if you wish 3 or 4 hours then send a message to me through your Viator account) includes seeing a many of must-sees along the way. In this case it started with the Arc de Triomphe and onwards. Thanks again! Cheers, Thor
Julie_A, Oct 2025
A must on your first day in Paris! We learnt so much about Paris and navigating the city and people!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Julie and Birthday Girl, thanks for a nice review of a nice afternoon with you two on your break to Paris.
Amy_M, Oct 2025
Great orientation to using metro to get around, very personable and thorough. Perfect for 1st time to Paris.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you Amy for the nice review. You both enjoy your holiday! Cheers, Thor
Lauren_M, Oct 2025
This is a great intro to paris. Thor taught us how to navigate the metro system, and we hit some highlights of paris. This is a must do tour if it's your first time!!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Lauren, great to hear and thanks for the review. Here's a brief: We got passes and then proceeded to bop around and explore Paris.
We started out in the Châtelet / Louvre area, we made it Saint Michel Square, Notre Dame, then to the Orsay Museum area, then a touch of the boulevard Saint Germain and then we ended in Montmartre, Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, Place du Tertre, Renoir Painting, Rue Lepic, Moulin Rouge, etc and then I showed you in the direction back home for your dinner reservation. All fun!
Brian_D, Sep 2025
Thor gave us a useful on the job 101 training of the Paris rail and bus system that was valuable in giving us the confidence to use the most economical way to navigate Paris!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hi Brian, thanks for the review. Sounds like you managed the rest of your holiday..) Cheers, Thor
Note to others... reminder to check your email spam folder for messages from us tour operators. I usually send out a message a couple of days before the tour actually starts..
missyrivs, Sep 2025
Thor had great reviews, and I can see why! My best friend group of 5 ladies had a wonderful few hours learning how to use the metro and visiting some great locations. I've been to Paris 4 times, but this was a 1st visit for my friends. We ALL learned some great facts and history with Thor, and I highly recommend booking with him!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hi Missy, thank you in big letters! Fun group, fun times, miss you all already. Post photos if you can. See you next time, Thor
Some of the things we did:
Le Bon Marché passing by
La Grande Épicerie butter shopping
Rue du Bac
Metro to Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Saint-Germain-des-Prés church
Pablo Picasso
Café etiquette
La Jacobine, Brasserie des Prés, etc
Boulevard Saint Germain
Bottles of water shopping
Sun glasses shopping
Views of the Notre Dame, Pont Neuf, etc
Saint Michel Square
A bus ride
The Roman Coliseum Arena
Place de la Contrescarpe, Rue Mouffetard
Emily in Paris and Gabriel
The Panthéon
Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont
Tomb of Sainte-Geneviève
Luxembourg Gardens, Palace
Luxembourg Statues, Medici Fountain
And then...
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