Rarely will a taxi pull over when you try to hail one. Your best bet is to proceed to one of the city`s taxi stands (marked by square blue signs, with `taxi` in white letters). Taxis that are available to pick up passengers have a long white light on the roof while taxis that already have passengers or are on call have a small orange light. The flag-drop charge is €2.50 and the minimum fare for any ride is €6.86. Surcharges apply for extra luggage and people (a driver is not obliged to accept more than three passengers; the charge for each additional passenger is €3). Tipping is not obligatory, but a .50€ to 1€ tip is customary for short trips; for longer hauls a 5 to 10 percent tip should do. Taxis can be called, but they will charge for the distance traveled to pick you up. The central number for all taxi companies is 01-45-30-30-30. Avoid minicabs or unlicensed taxis.

Uber (www.uber.com) is available in Paris, just download the smartphone app and enter your credit-card details. Once you`re logged on, you enter your location and your destination. No money changes hands, and the cost of your journey is pre-calculated according to its `real` distance, so you`re not penalized if you have to make a detour. While you wait, the screen shows the whereabouts of your ride in real time, as well as the car`s number plate, the driver`s name, and his/her photo. When traveling abroad, it`s reassuring to know who will be driving your Uber, and for central Paris, you rarely have to wait more than 5 minutes for an Uber to arrive. Generally speaking, Uber is cheaper than standard taxis as well.

Vélib`, also known as vélos libres (public bikes) or vélos à libre service (open-service bikes), is the city`s system of rentable bikes, which operates automatically 24 hours and 7 days a week. You buy a 1 or 7 day subscription (1.70€ or 8€, respectively) from the machine at one of the bike stands, which gives you the right to as many 30 minute rides as you`d like for 1 or 7 days. If you want to go over 30 minutes, you can either check in your bike, wait 5 minutes, and check it out again, or you can pay 1€ for your extra 30 minutes, 2€ for the 30 minutes after that and 4€ for the third 30 minute increment on. Everything is meticulously explained in English on the website, www.velib-metropole.fr, and there`s a number you can call for English speaking assistance (tel. 01-30-79-79-30). However, in order to use the machines you must have a credit or debit card with a chip in it. Helmets are not provided, so if you`re feeling uneasy about driving into traffic, bring one along. There are few bike lanes at this point, but new ones are being added, and cyclists have the right to ride in the bus lanes. The service is eco-friendly, and, as the website says, lla ville est plus belle à vélo’ – the city is more beautiful by bike. All users must be 14 years or older.

Note: Before you ride, get a map of the city that shows where the bike stands are so you don`t waste precious time looking for a place to check in or check out.

Alternatively, you can rent a bike from Paris à vélo, c`est sympa!, 22 rue Alphonse Baudin (tel. 01-48-87-60-01). Rentals cost 12€ for half a day and 15€ for a full day, but they do require 250€ or a passport as a deposit. Vespas are available for rent from Left Bank Scooters (tel. 06-78-12-04-24) from 70€ per day (55€ if you rent 4 or more days), and the company will deliver the scooters to your hotel or apartment. A credit card deposit of 1,200€ is required, but this can be reduced to 500€ for an additional fee. This amount is held rather than charged on a credit card.

The Batobus (tel 08-25-05-01-01) is a fleet of boats that operates along the Seine, stopping at such points of interest as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d`Orsay, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Hôtel de Ville. Unlike the Bateaux-Mouches, the Batobus does not provide a recorded commentary. The only fare option available is a day pass valid for either 1 or 2 days, each allowing as many entrances and exits as you want, a sort of hop-on, hop-off on water. A 1 day pass costs 15€ for adults, and 7€ for children 16 and under. From September to April boats operate daily every 25 minutes between 10am and 7pm; April to September boats operate daily every 20 minutes between 10am and 9:30pm. The timetable changes slightly every year so it`s always worth purchasing tickets in advance on our website.

Our best advice on driving in Paris would be: don`t! Between parking, navigating, traffic congestion and bouchons (literally, a bottle stopper or cork), or jams that tie up traffic, you`ll find the ease and efficiency of public transportation to good to pass up. On the other hand, if you are planning on taking any day trips or touring the countryside then we suggest you pick up your rental car as you depart the city to avoid excessive rental/parking expenses. Alternatively, you may consider renting the car in a town where you will be visiting and then traveling there by train and picking up the car once you arrive.

If you must have a car in the city then be sure to get your hands on a good street map and a basic explanation of international street signs (this should be available at your car rental agency). Finally, there is the trauma of parking. Spots are elusive and all parking is payant, which means you must pay. And you can`t use coins in the horodateur (parking meter) anymore – you must either pay with a credit card or buy a `Paris Carte` parking card at a tabac, or smoke shop. This card is inserted directly into the meter, which will print out a ticket that you must put on your dashboard. Parking costs from 1.20€ to 3.60€ per hour, and you can`t stay in the same spot for more than 2 hours. On Sundays and after 7pm the rest of the week, all street parking is free. If you are not prepared for the headache, try one of the many underground parking lots, indicated by a sign with a white `P` on a blue background where parking is between 3€ – 4€ per hour, and you can stay all day (no parking card necessary).

Paris boasts one of the world`s safest and most efficient public transportation systems, which includes trains, trams and buses. Trains usually arrive on time; buses are well-appointed and clean, and commuter express (`RER`) trains service the city’s most important stops in record time.

RER commuter trains hours vary, but on average trains run from 5:15 am to midnight or 12:30 am (www.ratp.fr). These trains connect the suburbs to central Paris and provide a fast way to get around the city and to and from the airports. The RER has 5 lines: A (red on the Métro map), B (blue), C (yellow), D (green) and E (lavender). Each line has at least one `hub` station on the Paris Métro where you can catch the RER. You may use your Métro T+ ticket to ride both the RER and Métro within Paris. Most basic tickets cover Zones 1 and 2. When traveling farther outside the main city limits and past Zones 1 and 2 into the other 6 zones, the cost depends on the distance you are traveling. Be careful navigating the RER; it is slightly more complicated than the Métro because of the fare differences and service directions. ALWAYS keep your ticket. You will need it at the end of your trip to go through the exit turnstiles, and an agent may ask to see your ticket at any time.

Paris and its suburbs are served by an extensive bus network, which is a scenic way to experience Paris, compared to the Métro. The T+ tickets that work for the Métro and RER (within Paris) also work for buses, but you cannot transfer from a Métro to a bus or vice versa. However, bus-to-bus transfers can be made with one ticket for 90 minutes after the ticket is stamped (validated) with the time on the first bus. Paris buses are marked by a two-digit number and suburban buses are marked by a three-digit number. Bus schedules are varied with some lines running only during the day, while others extend well into the evening, and only a few running on Sunday. Generally, they run from 5:30 am to midnight. You have to signal to the bus driver when your stop is approaching by pushing a red button, located on various seat poles and labeled with `pour ouvrir appuyer,` (press to open door) which will illuminate a red `arrêt demandé` (stop requested) sign at the front of the bus. Always pay attention to the stops as the bus approaches them since sometimes your stop may not be announced. IMPORTANT – It is common courtesy to say `Bonjour (used in the morning and afternoon) or `Bonsoir` (used in the evening) to the bus driver. And ALWAYS keep your ticket. An agent may ask to see it at any time, and there are fines if you cannot produce a correctly stamped one.

There are four tramway lines that run around the edges of Paris and you can use the T3 to travel in the outer 13th, 14th and 15th arrondissements. Tramway stops are indicated by the letter `T` displayed on a pole. The same T+ tickets for the Métro, RER and bus work for the tramway. Again – ALWAYS keep your ticket to display if requested.

For further information on public transportation refer to Getting Around

Uber (www.uber.com) is available in Paris, just download the smartphone app and enter your credit-card details. Once you`re logged on, you enter your location and your destination. No money changes hands, and the cost of your journey is pre-calculated according to its `real` distance, so you`re not penalized if you have to make a detour. While you wait, the screen shows the whereabouts of your ride in real-time, as well as the car`s number plate, the driver`s name, and his/her photo. When traveling abroad, it`s reassuring to know who will be driving your Uber, and for central Paris, you rarely have to wait more than 5 minutes for an Uber to arrive. Generally speaking, Uber is cheaper than standard taxis as well.

In our opinion, Paris is best explored on foot! The City of Light, which is divided into 20 arrondissements (or neighborhoods), spiraling out from the center of the city, is a compact masterpiece of sprawling boulevards, inviting parks and romantic squares. Although Paris is the second largest city in Europe, it was made for wandering, and the French have a lovely word for a person who wanders the streets: le flâneur, one who strolls or loiters, usually without a destination. In Paris the streets beckon, leading you past monuments, through arches and down narrow alleyways. As a flâneur, you become attuned to the rhythm of the city, and no matter how aimlessly you stroll, chances are you’ll end up somewhere amazing. Of course, a sensible pair of walking shoes is highly recommended; and when you want a lift, public transportation is easy and inexpensive.

Paris is generally a safe city to travel. Overall crime rates are very low, and violent crimes are rare, especially when compared to rates in American cities of similar size. Just be careful of petty crime like pickpockets, who tend to target tourists. Certain areas to be especially careful are Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, St-Michel, Centre Pompidou, Versailles, and Sacré-Coeur, in the major department stores, and on the Métro. Take precautions and be vigilant at all times and don`t take more money with you than necessary, you’re your passport secure and concealed, and ensure that your bag is firly closed at all time. When in doubt, stick to the boulevards and well-lit, populated streets. In an emergency, call tel. 17 or 112 from a mobile. The Préfecture de Police has 94 stations in Paris.

Also, around the major sites it is quite common to be approached by a young Roma girl or boy and asked if you speak English. It`s best to avoid these situations, and, in any incident that might occur, by shaking your head and walking away.

In cafes, bars, and restaurants, it`s best not to leave your bag under the table or on the back of your chair. Keep it between your legs or on your lap to avoid it being stolen. Never leave valuables in a car.

A Paris Museum Pass can save you money if you`re planning serious sightseeing, but it might be even more valuable because it allows you to bypass the lines. There might be a minimal wait for security purposes. It`s sold at the destinations it covers and at airports, major métro stations, and the tourism office in the Carrousel du Louvre. Additionally, investigate alternatate entrances at popular sites (there are three at the Louvre, for example), and check when rates are reduced, often during once-a-week late openings. Also, national museums are free the first Sunday of each month. There are many within Paris, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou.

A visit to a nearby Chateau makes for a great day trip. In addition to going to Versailles, why not try Vaux-le-Vicomte, Fontainebleau or Chantilly. In the Spring and Summer it is nice to visit the Monet Foundation in Giverny. Rouen, Reims, Chartres and Troyes are nice as well.

The currency of France is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for euros upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city. For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping in France by clicking here.

The Parisian reputation for rudeness is undeserved. Parisians take manners seriously and exchanging formal greetings is the rule. Informal American-style manners are considered impolite. That being said, English is widely understood in Paris, and is common in all the tourist areas; however, beginning an exchange with a simple `Do you speak English?` (Parlez-vous anglais) will get you on the right foot, as will learning a few key French words. Always say bonjour when entering a shop or café and ‘au revoir when leaving. When speaking to a woman over age 16, use `madame` and for a young woman or girl, use `mademoiselle`. Men of any age go by `monsieur`. Always say please (s`il vous plait), thank you (merci) and excuse me (pardon or Excusez-moi) if you accidentally bump into someone.

The left bank is actually located on the south side of the Seine River. It is referred to as the left bank, because when floating downstream this is the part of Paris that is to your left.

Many of the city`s best sites are along the Seine, so a boat cruise is a nice way to see the city while taking a little break from walking. These short river cruises allow you to take in many of the highlights of the city – the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d`Orsay, Notre Dame, etc. The Batobus is a good option for traveling along the Seine, as it`s a hop on – hop off system without a guide. For regular boat cruises the best is probably the Vedette de Pont Neuf, leaving from the western tip of Ile de la Cite.

Parisians usually eat lunch anywhere between 12-2 pm and dinner between 7:30-11 pm. France has a distinction between different sorts of eateries and their hours vary accordingly. A `Brasserie` is a café-restaurant that is open from about 7 am to 8-11 pm and serves hot food all day. A bistro or restaurant is only open over lunch and then again as of 7 pm. Many restaurants are closed on Sundays. Most upscale restaurants do require a reservation, and depending on the restaurant may require booking weeks or even months in advance.

Paris has many little convenience stores where you can purchase supplies and there are supermarkets throughout the city. The nicest chain is `Monoprix`, where you can buy food as well as cosmetics, toiletries, household supplies and clothing. Other chains are `Franprix`, `Carrefour Market` and `G20`.

Parisians luxuriate in shopping! Window shopping is one of this city`s great cultural experiences; the French call it lèche-vitrine – literally, `licking the windows`. The Marais is home to small unique designers around Abbesses (southwest of Sacre Coeur), along Canal Saint Martin or Saint Germain des Pres (which also has very high-end shops). Haute Couture boutiques are mostly on rue de Faubourg Saint Antoine or Avenue Montaigne. Affordable European chain shops can be found along Rue de Rivoli.

The Champs-Élysées, while ceding some of its elegance in recent times, remains the city`s, if not the world`s, most famous avenue. Like New York`s Times Square, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées inspires boldness with such designer shops as Balenciaga, Chanel, Christian Dior, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Louis Vuitton. Make no mistake, this is Paris shopping at its finest!

Vélib’, also known as vélos libres (public bikes) or vélos à libre service (open-service bikes), is the city`s system of rentable bikes, which operates automatically 24 hours and 7 days a week. Users borrow a bike from one station and return it to another. Prices are reasonable (7 day rental for €8 and 1 day rental for €1.70), the service is eco-friendly, and, as the website says, lla ville est plus belle à vélo` – the city is more beautiful by bike. All users must be 14 years or older.

The English version of the website (www.velib-metropole.fr/en) explains how everything works. The one big catch is that to use the machines you must have a credit or debit card with a chip in it. Helmets are not provided, so if you want to use a helmet you must bring one along. Note: Cyclists no longer always have the right to ride in the bus lanes; check for road signs. Also, before you ride, download the app on your phone, so you don`t waste precious time looking for a place to check in or check out.

Alternatively, you can rent a bike, which typically costs around €12 for half a day and €15 for a full day, but they do require a safety deposit of at least €250, depending on the type of bike you rent. Electric bikes are also available for a cost of around €20 for half a day.

Our advice about driving in Paris, Don`t! It can be extremely frustrating due to traffic and the aggressive tactics of other drivers. To make matters worse, streets and directional signs are extremely hard to follow. Parking is also extremely hard to come by and you`ll find yourself driving in circles to find a spot. Another hurdle is feeding the parking meter. All parking is metered Monday – Saturday from 9 am – 8 pm (parking is free on Sundays and from 8 pm to 9 am). You cannot use coins in the parking meters anymore, you must pay with either a chip-enabled credit card or via the PaybyPhone app (www.paybyphone.fr). If you pay by card at the parking meter, you`ll get a print-out ticket that you must put on your dashboard. If you pay via the app, you don`t have to do anything in particular except state where you are parked; the traffic police have a device to see you`ve paid from the car`s license plate. Parking in the most central arrondissements (1 to 11) costs about €4 per hour; in the outer arrondissements (12 to 20) it`s around €2.40 per hour. It is also worth noting that you can only stay in one spot for 2 hours.

Alternatively, you can try one of the many underground parking lots, indicated by a sign with a white `P` on a blue background; parking in one of these is between €2.60 and €4 per hour, or between €20 and €30 for 24 hours.

Driving Rules: The French drive on the right side of the road. At junctions without signposts indicating the right of way, cars coming from the right have priority. When entering a roundabout (rond point), you do not have priority; once you are on, be sure to signal when you are about to turn off.

Yes, the drinking water is safe. To order tap water in a restaurant ask for une carafe d`eau. Drinking fountains, like the iconic, green Wallace fountains, are dotted all about the city and you`ll find drinking water taps in almost every park. Paris even has fizzy water fountains in certain green spaces (like the Jardin de Reuilly) designed to persuade people to not use plastic bottles and fill up from taps instead.

In an emergency, call 112. For a medical emergency and/or ambulance, call 15. For the police, call 17.

Most Parisian hospitals have 24-hr. emergency rooms. For addresses and information on all Paris` public hospitals, visit www.aphp.fr.