Paris may look walkable on the map, but navigating it in real life takes strategy.
Between RER trains, winding streets, and packed metro stations, getting around efficiently can be tricky. The right mobile apps can save time, frustration, and even help you discover something new.
This tried and true list includes essential tools I’ve used for navigating public transit, accessing offline maps, and finding everything from great restaurants to hidden fountains near the Eiffel Tower.
Apps You Need For Paris
Route Perfect
One standout app is RoutePerfect. More than just a trip planner, it emphasizes safety by partnering only with verified platforms.
It keeps all your travel details (bookings, accommodation info, cultural tips, and activity schedules) in one place.
RoutePerfect also offers expertly crafted audio guides that go beyond turn-by-turn directions. These tours weave in stories, history, and thoughtful commentary to bring each landmark to life.
You can explore at your own pace while gaining a deeper understanding of the places you visit. Every stroll will feel like a guided cultural deep dive.
Google Maps
It’s not flashy, but Google Maps is hands-down one of the most useful travel apps for Paris. If you only download one app, make it this one.
You’ll get reliable walking routes, detailed public transit directions—including RER and suburban trains—and real time traffic updates for cabs or rental cars.
Before heading out each day, save all your must see spots: that cafe or bakery from TikTok, your friend’s favorite bistro, or every museum on your itinerary.
And be sure to download offline maps at your hotel. So even when you lose signal in the Metro, you won’t lose your way.
Nanny Bag
Nanny Bag is a super helpful app for Paris that can completely save your travel day. It’s definitely saved mine.
It allows you to book short term luggage storage in local shops and hotels across Paris that are close to your hotel o rAir Bnb.
Perfect for when you arrive in Paris early and can’t check into your hotel until later in the day. Perfect for when you check out of your hotel but want to keep exploring.
Plus, it’s only a few euros.
Citymapper
Citymapper is hands down one of the best apps for getting around Paris by train. It gives you the smartest route from A to B, whether you’re heading across the river or all the way to the suburbs.
The interface is sleek and easy to use. There are real time updates, strike alerts, and options sorted by fastest, fewest changes, or least walking.
It even includes RER and suburban train routes. Way more helpful than the official transit sites.
If you’re moving around Paris every day, this is the app to have. Fast, reliable, and endlessly practical.
Bonjour RATP
Bonjour RATP may not have the flashiest interface. But it’s the official app of Paris’s transport authority and the info is spot on.
It’s often faster to update than global apps, especially when it comes to delays, closures, or strikes.
You’ll find detailed maps for metro, RER, and bus lines. And once your route is loaded, it works offline too.
It’s a solid backup if you’re using Citymapper. Or a great standalone option if you want reliable real time info straight from the source.
Google Translate
Google Translate is the app you’ll be glad you downloaded.
It won’t turn you fluent overnight But it makes menus, signs, and museum labels instantly less confusing.
Use the camera to translate signs, speak into the mic, or type in a quick phrase.
Download French for offline use and you’re set. Even in a Wi-Fi dead zone at the Musée d’Orsay. Simple, practical, and surprisingly powerful.
GuidePal & ULmon
Not every day in Paris needs to be tightly scheduled, but it helps to know what’s nearby.
GuidePal and Ulmon organize their tips by neighborhood, so you can easily find great cafes, quiet corners, or hidden gems based on your location. Not just the top tourist draws.
With content written by locals and savvy travelers, these apps are ideal for anyone wanting to go beyond the obvious.
Bonus: everything works offline once downloaded, so spotty Wi-Fi won’t ruin your wander.
SNCF Connect
If you’re planning some day trips from Paris—Versailles, Giverny, or anywhere else—SNCF Connect is the app you need.
It lets you search routes, book tickets, and check real-time schedules across the entire French rail network.
You’ll see platform numbers, get delay alerts, and store tickets offline. It’s faster and easier to use than older SNCF tools, making it a must for anyone heading beyond the city.
TripIt & Wanderlog
When your inbox overflows with tickets and bookings, TripIt and Wanderlog help keep your trip organized.
They pull everything into a day-by-day plan, sync across devices, and work offline once set up.
Wanderlog even maps out your stops. It’s perfect for plotting a walking heavy day around Paris. Great tools for balancing museums, meals, and a bit of downtime.
Too Good To Go
Too Good To Go is one of the best apps for food lovers who enjoy a little surprise.
At the end of the day, local bakeries, cafes, and bistros sell their unsold meals in mystery bags—cheap, eco-friendly, and often seriously tasty.
It’s a fun way to explore neighborhood spots you might otherwise miss, especially outside the tourist zones.
Fork
Dining out in Paris? You’ll definitely need reservations!
The main app to use in Paris is Fork. It doesn’t cover everything. But it does include many mid-range and upscale restaurants like Michelin Bib Gourmands.
Download the app or go on the website. Search for Paris or narrow it down by arrondissement. You can also filter by ratings, price range, or cuisine.
You’ll get a text a day or two before to remind you of your upcoming reservations.
You can check Open Table too. But that is really more of a US app and has far fewer listings than Fork.
If Fork doesn’t have the place you want, you can call the restaurant or possibly make reservations on its website.
Rick Steves
Rick Steves Audio Europe is a great tool for anyone visiting Paris, especially first timers.
The app offers free, self guided walking tours of major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame, all available offline.
It’s like having a knowledgeable guide in your pocket. One you can pause, skip, or rewind as you explore at your own pace.
izi.TRAVEL
This is an underrated alternative to audio guides like Rick Steves. It has GPS enabled walking tours for Paris and other European cities, with good narration and a less touristy feel.
Flush
Flush is one of those tools that sounds unnecessary … until it isn’t. It uses your GPS location to show nearby public toilets, including details on access, fees, and availability.
Clean facilities aren’t always easy to find in central Paris, especially near high traffic sites. Flush helps avoid the last minute search and awkward asking around.
For families, older travelers, or anyone exploring the city all day, this app is super handy.
Taxi Apps
G7taxi is the most widely used taxi app in Paris, with around 9,500 licensed drivers. It’s easy to use.
Book in one tap, see real time tracking, and pay via the app. Riders report it’s more dependable and professional than Uber .
Free Now is a popular alternative across Europe that connects you with taxis and private cars. In Paris, it’s gaining traction as Uber’s main competitor. It gives you more flexibility between traditional taxis and ride-hailing services.
If you’re after luxury (limousines and chauffeur-driven vehicles) Wheely is worth a look. It launched in Paris in 2019 and offers upscale rides, ideal for a special night out.
Planning is decidedly a tedious part of travel. But it’s what makes the highlights possible.
The right app helps you move through Paris smoothly, finding better meals, richer culture, and more moments to simply enjoy the city.
These are the best travel apps for Paris, offering real time updates, smart features, and solid privacy settings so you spend less time troubleshooting and more time experiencing the magic.
Need more practical Paris advice? Check out my other tips for planning a trip to Paris.
Allons-y!
You may find these other Paris travel guides useful:
- 2 day itinerary for Paris
- 3 day itinerary for Paris
- 5 day itinerary for Paris
- Hidden gems in Paris
- Secret day trips from Paris
- Guide to the Latin Quarter
- Guide to Montmartre
- Best museums in Paris
- Monet guide to Paris
Pin it for later.
