A few tips on traveling to Paris

A few things you've probably already read or heard about traveling to Partis but I'll reinforce them here anyway. I also be adding more over the next few days.

1. When using the Metro keep your backpack securely sealed and if possible wear it on your front. Trust me on this.
2. If you're going to be in Paris for at least a week get a Navigo pass for the Metro and busses
3. If you don't use a Navigo Metro pass always carry plenty of Metro tickets with you.
4. Carry a good pocket map of the city -- preferably a map arranged by arrondisement. You can find them for just a few euros at nearly any bookstore in the city. 
5. Pick up the latest issue of Pariscope at any newsstand or kiosk -- for .40 cents it will will give you all the details of nearly everything happening in the city for that week. We use it especially to find the free concerts. In French only.
6. Use your credit card when possible unless your fees are exorbitant but always have plenty of euros.
7. Unless absolutely necessary do NOT use currency exchanges to get euros. Use your ATM card to get cash just like you would at home. You will have to pay a small fee but it's certainly better than the currency vendors terrible exchange rates. 

And for New Year's:

1. Many if not most sites, attractions, etc. will be closed New Year's Day so plan accordingly. There are still plenty of things to do, like free concerts in many of the local churches and consider spending quality time strolling through the cemeteries of Pere Lachaise, Montparnasse or  Montmartre.
2. No fireworks at the Eiffel Tower but there will be lots of strolling through the Tuleries and along the Champs Elysees.
3. Unless you're determined to see the inside of yet another gothic church, stay away from Notre Dame. The queues just to get inside or go up in the towers are incredibly long. 
4. Also the pedestrian traffic around the major tourist sites are verging on chaotic and lending toward insanity. Stay away unless you absolutely must go and join a quarter of the planet's population trying to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Instead think about the top of the Tour Montparnasse where you can get an incredible view of the Eiffel and Paris, too, of course.