The Navigo card is by far the cheapest way (and most convenient) to ride the Metro in Paris. It's not advertised much on the official Paris tourist sites, but if your visit days work out (as it's only valid Monday to Sunday) then 25 euro (5 euro for the card, plus 20 euro for the week) gets you the whole week of metro riding. That's just slightly over the cost of 3 days of the Paris Viste unlimited card, which would cost 24 euro. Also while the Navigo technically requires a photo to be attached (which you could just print at home, it doesn't have to be perfect). I've never been checked on the metro inside of Paris, but Kara has, so just find some photo to stick on there to make sure it's legit.
The Paris Museum Pass is definitely worth it, not only because it'll likely save you money, but it'll save a TON of time in line.
If you're physically able, just take the stairs up the Eiffel Tower. It'll save you a ton of time in line (so you can go when the weather is clear instead of having to buy ahead of time and hope it's clear), it's cheaper (by about 5 euro) and once you get to the second level (~600 steps up) you can buy a ticket without a wait in line at all which takes you the rest of the way up to the top.
Best metro stop for the Eiffel Tower is Trocadéro (I like to take the 6 line north-bound, as it's elevated above ground so you have some good views) since it spits you out at the hill above the Eiffel Tower. Then you can walk down towards it savoring the view.
Use the metro to get around. It's cheap, frequent, and safe. Trains literally come every 2 minutes during the day.
Though pickpockets do exist, it's not the Mad Max world some people try to make it out to be. Don't be stupid, keep an eye on your stuff, don't put your wallet in your back pocket, and try not to stand out too much. But you won't be robbed blind the second you get on the metro, so don't stress out too much.
The French are much more formal, so always try to say your please and thank you's. Most tourist places do have people who speak English at some level, but at least ask first in French ("Par lay vu ang lay?" to spell it out phonetically)
Best Paris metro apps that I used all the time:
- RATP - Official app that has metro line delay information (though it's not always up to date)
- Paris Metro Subway Guide - Lightweight trip planner to tell you the optimal route between two stations and about how long it will take
- Paris Ci La Sortie - Tells you the optimal metro car location for a particular subway exit so you can save some time
- Paris Tourist Guide - Official Paris RATP tourist app, has a subway map with monument overlays.
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