Helpful apps to download when visiting Paris
As a Parisian, I’ve outlined the apps I regularly use to navigate the City of Light.
Whether you plan your trip months in advance or you’re a last-minute-Lucy, there’s a lot to think over when visiting Paris. In which arrondissement will you stay? What foodie places to check out? Should you take public transportation or Uber? What’s the best way to get to Versailles? How to figure out the answers to all these questions?
Here are the apps I use to help me get from point A to point B, track new discoveries, and share my favorite places.
#1 Citymapper
A public transit app, Citymapper outlines the best route and the various modes of transportation (metro, bus, taxi, walking, biking, electric scooter, etc.) to explore Paris. Why I love it? Unlike Google Maps, it indicates where to sit on the metro, for instance, at the front of the train or the back. It also tells you which entrance or exit to take. Parisian metros often have several entrances and exits and taking the right one can save you 5-10 minutes, especially at big stations like Chatelet or Charles de Gaule Etoile.
#2 CAOCAO
Caocao is a chauffeur service with London-style black cabs. It is perfect if you need a little more space to navigate the city. I’ll love it with the stroller because you can simply wheel it on in. Request a ride via the app.
#3 G7
G7 is a popular taxi company. It has in-app payment like the ride-hailing companies. It’s more expensive than Uber, Kapten, and Bolt. There’s an approach fare, which is 4€ for immediate requests and 7€ for advance bookings. However, it’s also practical when traveling with children because you can order an infant seat. The vehicles must meet certain standards, coming with modern amenities and remaining clean and tidy. It also has features like requesting an English-speaking driver or wheelchair access.
#4 Mapstr
Mapstr is an app that allows you to bookmark your favorite places all in one place. When you open the app, a map pops up, and you can pin and categorize restaurants, cafes, museums, and shops you’d like to visit. What do I love about it? The fact you can create your own tags or categories. On my Mapstr, I categorize restaurants by type (Italian, sushi, large-group friendly, etc.). Visually, it’s also helpful to have all the places you’ve pinned in one spot and gauge the distance between one place to the next. Find me on Mapstr—my username is ckoch18.