12 Travel Essentials for First Paris Trip

There was a long time when my travel wardrobe didn’t veer too far from my go-to staples. I’ve worn the same North Face softshell jacket through Africa and Argentina…and in Bulgaria and Vietnam. As a travel writer, I loved having a suitcase ready to go with items I knew would be appropriate for every destination…and then came Paris. I had visited the city many times as a kid, but my first trip back as an adult had me rethinking my packing strategy as I wondered for the first time what would mark me as a tourist or what could double as comfortable and fashionable.

Few cities garner as much packing anxiety for tourists as Paris, a fact I’m often reminded of after moving to the city in 2023. I assumed when I moved here, I would get emails from friends—and friends of friends of friends—asking for tips on where to eat or what to see, but the number one request I get from anyone visiting the city for the first time is: “What do I pack?” 

To help travelers visiting the city for the first time—or making a return trip—I’ve narrowed my responses down to the most important travel essentials, leaving plenty of room for adding any la mode branchée (i.e., trendy pieces) to your luggage, too.

Clothes and Shoes

Rothy’s The Almond Slingback

Comfortable shoes are a must-pack for the City of Lights—you’ll rarely see Parisians in heels for this reason—and this pair of Rothy’s slingbacks has become my go-to for nearly every outfit. They look great with a dress for nicer dinners out and are super comfy for museum visits and strolls through the marché. Bonus is that they’re easy to slip on and off for impromptu park picnics (or getting through TSA). Rothy’s are also machine washable, so they’re easy to keep clean.

Athleta Skyline High Rise Barrel Leg Pant 

I always recommend dressing one step nicer than you typically do at home while in Paris. Wearing yoga pants is frowned upon (unless you’re actually in a gym), but these comfortable, stretchy pants are a great alternative. I love them in black because they’re appropriate to wear in almost any environment (and can easily be paired with a variety of shoes and tops). They have a polished silhouette but are made of an athletic-feel fabric that dries quickly, so you’ll stay dry and comfortable all day.

Uniqlo Mini T-shirt

Marinière-style shirts (which are striped T-shirts) are popular by the sea, but in the city, a simple solid-colored T-shirt can go a long way. Wear this plain Uniqlo tee under a blazer for a casual yet chic look, or pair it with a skirt for afternoons sipping rosé by the Seine. 

Athleta Pinnacle High Rise Trouser 

Another pair of comfy Athleta pants I can vouch for combining all the comfort of yoga pants with the style of a Parisian are the Pinnacle High-rise Trousers. They’re made of a nylon material that will wick away sweat and keep you cool, plus they have plenty of stretch for comfort. The fabric is also wrinkle-resistant, so you can easily tuck these pants in your suitcase and not need to iron them later.

Sézane Gaspard Cardigan

You can’t go wrong with pretty much anything from French brand Sézane, but if you have to pick one staple to invest in, go with one of their classic cardigans. I love this super soft sweater as a go-to light layer for chilly nights during the spring and summer or as a stand-alone top during cooler months. 

Zara Basic Blazer

A timeless blazer is the chic, easy way to go from day to night in Paris. I love pairing a blazer with a white or light-colored shirt and trousers, but this method works equally well with a pair of straight jeans and loafers or worn over a little black dress. It adds an instant classy touch to any outfit—and helps you blend in seamlessly with the locals. 

Madewell The Dean Easy Straight Jean

Denim trends come and go, but a pair of straight-leg jeans will always be in style in Paris. This timeless staple is something you’ll find in most Parisian closets, and I love the low-rise design on these Madewell jeans that offers versatility for falling at just the right place on my waist. Available in standard, petite, and tall inseam options, you’ll find the right fit.

Flux Adapt Knit Trainer

A pair of comfortable tennis shoes is crucial to an enjoyable Paris experience—there will be a ton of walking, even if you Uber or taxi your way around the city. So, why not make such a crucial item stylish, too? These Flux sneakers are breathable and come with adaptable insoles for added comfort and support for anyone new to a zero-drop shoe (also known as a barefoot shoe, which has a very thin sole that typically encourages a more natural stride in the wearer). 

Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Dress

A little black dress is one of the best things a traveler can bring to Paris, ideally one that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. This stretchy LBD from Uniqlo is made casual with a cardigan and white sneakers during the day and dressier at night by adding accessories like a belt and jewelry, plus ballet flats. 

Luggage, Bags, and Travel Accessories

Lo & Sons Trinity Tote

This Lo & Sons laptop tote has been one of my favorite bags for getting around the city. Many Parisians use a small crossbody and a tote, but I love that this bag has all you need in one—it’s stylish versatility at its best. You get the sleek look of a crossbody, but with more security (hello, zippers!) than a standard tote bag. There’s room for an umbrella (more on that later), passport, water bottle, wallet, and more, with space leftover for toting back souvenirs. 

Delsey Paris Helium DLX Softside 2-wheel Carry-on

I always recommend two-wheeled luggage when traveling to Europe, but I find it especially important in Paris, where uneven pathways and sidewalks require a bag with more maneuverability than a four-wheel suitcase. Delsey—a French brand, with headquarters just outside of Paris—is beloved throughout Europe for its durability and security features, and its wheels are some of the most sturdy on the market. This suitcase also comes with pockets for organization and can be expanded to add up to two inches of depth.

Rorry Portable Charger 

You’ll likely be using your phone more than an average amount while in Paris (i.e., for navigation, calling up museum tickets, making reservations, taking photos, etc.), so I always recommend carrying a portable power bank. This one from Rorry is small enough to fit inside a clutch, yet still powerful to fully charge a mobile device twice. 

Owala Free Sip

Although few locals ever carry a water bottle—they prefer to hydrate at a restaurant or at home—there are more than 1,300 drinking water fountains around the city, and most tap water is safe to drink (just avoid drinking from anything with a sign that says ‘eau non potable’). I always think it’s a good idea to have a water bottle handy, especially when on your feet all day, and they’re allowed in most museums and shops, so you won’t face problems having it in your bag. Owalas are a great choice because they let you sip two ways (from the spout or with a straw), and it has a lid to protect the mouthpiece from germs.

Weatherman Compact Umbrella 

The joke in Paris is that it only rains when you don’t bring an umbrella with you. So, it’s always a good idea to toss a small umbrella in your purse, backpack, or tote before heading out to explore the city. This Weatherman umbrella is sturdy and small, which is a bonus for windy and rainy days. 

Epicka Travel Adapter

I’ve been traveling with this same travel adapter for years now, and it’s never failed me. Even though I live in Paris and have chargers that fit EU plugs, I still keep this adapter in my bag when I plan to be out all day because the USB ports (four total) are super handy for charging all my devices at once.

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