11 Things People Forget to Pack for Paris

Paris trips don’t fall apart because of big mistakes but because of small, annoying ones. Sore feet by day two. A dead phone at the worst moment. A pharmacy run for meds you assumed would be easy to find…

The list below comes straight from real travel habits. Practical stuff, repeated advice.

Shoes That Survive Paris

Paris days average far more walking than most people expect. Fifteen thousand steps a day is common. Museums add more – the Louvre alone can feel endless.

Comfortable walking shoes matter more than style. Break them in before the trip. Even good sneakers can cause blisters after hours on stone streets and museum floors.

Gel insoles help, and good socks matter more than people think. Pack band-aids and heel pads – many people end up using them.

If you care about blending in, neutral colors like black, gray, or white are common. Others skip this entirely and buy clothes once they arrive.

Scarves & Layers

Scarves come up repeatedly, especially for fall trips. They add warmth and work with changing temperatures inside museums, cafes, and the Metro.

Paris wind can feel colder than the temperature suggests. Cold weather basics still matter. A hat and gloves take little space and get used.

Phone Data and Battery

Reliable data matters the moment you land. An international plan or French eSIM avoids the scramble for Wi-Fi. Navigation, tickets, maps, and translation all depend on it.

Portable power banks are constantly recommended. Long days drain phones fast.

Hotel outlets are often badly placed, so long charging cables help. Some people skip adapters and buy a European plug charger locally because it is faster and easier.

Download offline Google Maps areas before arriving. Save a PDF Metro map. Install Citymapper. Install the G7 taxi app. Download the French language pack for Google Translate. These get used constantly.

For flights, download movies and podcasts ahead of time.

Bags You End Up Using Daily

Paris does not give out free shopping bags, and plastic bags are not a thing. A foldable tote or canvas bag is essential for water, snacks, and shopping.

Many travelers buy a tote in Paris as a souvenir. Louvre gift shops, Monoprix, Pylones, Shakespeare and Company, and Monet’s Garden are common sources.

An extra empty bag or even an empty suitcase helps if you plan to shop. Luggage fill fast in Paris.

Small backpacks are common (Eastpak is mentioned often). Some prefer anti-theft bags worn on the front for valuables. A reusable water bottle that clips to a bag also comes up.

Meds You Should Bring

Pharmacies exist everywhere, but equivalents are not always the same. People repeatedly recommend bringing your usual cold and flu meds, e.g. DayQuil and NyQuil. Some flu meds that include pseudoephedrine require a prescription in France.

Pain relievers, allergy meds, and sleep aids are worth packing. Benadryl comes up for both allergies and sleep. Band-aids and antibiotic ointment are useful. Emergen-C, Pepto, and GasX due to rich food.

AZO pills are mentioned for UTI prevention. Water differences can trigger issues.

The common advice is to bring the meds you rely on. Pharmacies help, but they will not always match what you know.

Sleep and Room Comfort

Cities are loud, hotels can be noisy, so bring earplugs. Sleep masks help with streetlights and early mornings.

Washcloths are not guaranteed in European hotels. Some people pack one.

Slippers are useful as floors in France can be cold. A small flashlight or headlamp helps in dark rooms.

Jet lag calculators are used to plan sleep and exposure before arrival.

Laundry and Food Logistics

Ziplock bags in several sizes solve many problems. Laundry bags or even plastic garbage bags help separate clothes.

Small pop-up mesh hampers keep hotel floors usable in tight rooms.

Collapsible food containers help carry pastries and leftovers without crushing them.

Some people pack a tiny bottle of dish soap or an all-purpose soap like Dr. Bronner’s for washing clothes, dishes, or hands.

Transport Cards and Strike Prep

Transportation planning: study routes and costs before arrival. Île-de-France Mobilités is commonly used. Navigo and Navigo Liberté are standard options.

Physical transit cards may require a passport-style photo. Photo sizes differ from US standards, but machines at airports can handle it.

Umbrellas and Small Extras

A good umbrella is important. Monoprix sells them, but prices can be high. Some prefer bringing their own.

AirTags help track bags and give peace of mind.