The ultimate digital guide to exploring Paris without hassle.
When you arrive in Paris with your backpack, a tight budget, and the desire to discover the city like a true local, certain apps become essential quickly.
Here’s a selection of the best applications (free or nearly free) to download before or upon your arrival, tested and approved by backpackers staying at AIJ Paris.
🚇 1. Bonjour RATP – To navigate the subway without getting lost
Paris is big… and its transportation network is dense. The Bonjour RATP app helps you to:
- Find the fastest route (subway, bus, tram, RER)
- Check real-time schedules
- Buy or recharge your Navigo pass
📲 Essential for not wasting an hour in the corridors of Châtelet…
🗺️ 2. Citymapper – Your urban co-pilot
More intuitive than Google Maps, Citymapper guides you step by step:
- With multi-transport routes
- The cost and duration of the trip
- And even walking or Vélib’ options
💡 Perfect for combining walking + subway + bike in one day.
🍴 3. Too Good To Go – Eat cheap and avoid waste
Want to eat well for 3–4 €?
Too Good To Go allows you to pick up unsold items of the day from:
- Bakeries
- Restaurants
- Organic supermarkets
🌱 Economical, ecological, and often delicious.
🛏️ 4. Hostelworld – Book your bed (or compare hostels)
Even if you are staying at the International Youth Hostel, you may want to extend your stay in Europe.
Hostelworld offers:
- Thousands of hostels throughout Europe
- Reliable reviews from real travelers
- A quick and secure booking process
🛎️ And AIJ Paris is listed there, of course.
🤝 5. Couchsurfing / Meetup / UNBLND – To meet people
Traveling is also about making connections. These apps are perfect for:
- Couchsurfing: attending traveler events
- Meetup: finding outings (photography, sports, happy hours, etc.)
- UNBLND: joining groups based on your interests
👋 Ideal when you come alone but want to share your stay.
🚲 6. Vélib’ Métropole – To explore Paris by bike
Biking is often the fastest way in Paris.
Vélib’ Métropole allows you to:
- Find a nearby station
- Rent a classic or electric bike
- Follow your route easily
💸 The first half-hour is free with certain plans.
💬 7. Google Translate / DeepL – To avoid misunderstandings
Even though many Parisians speak English, it can help to:
- Read menus
- Translate a sign
- Understand your Swiss-German dorm mate 😄
📌 Tip: download languages for offline use.
🔒 8. Banking & security – Manage your budget and safety
- Revolut / Wise: to pay without fees abroad
- Splitwise: to share expenses among friends
- Find My Phone: in case of loss or theft
💳 The savvy backpacker also thinks of their safety.
🎉 Bonus: AIJ Paris – The ideal starting point
Just 10 minutes on foot from Bastille, AIJ Paris offers you:
- A clean and central bed
- Ongoing good deals at reception
- A place to meet other travelers
- And free Wi-Fi to use all these apps!
