10 common mistakes tourists make in Paris!
Paris is a dream destination for many travelers.
A lot of people travel from all over the world to see the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. However, a lot of first-time visitors to Paris make very common mistakes that can detract from their experience.
That is why, in this article, I will highlight 10 mistakes that tourists make and provide practical advice to help travelers who visit Paris avoid these exact mistakes.
This way, you can make sure that your trip to Paris is as magical as you have always dreamed.
These are 10 mistakes tourists often make in Paris!
Mistake 1: Overpacking the Itinerary
It is super easy to overpack your itinerary if you’re going to Paris. It is one of the moust common tourist mistakes in Paris.
There is so much to do, and I get why many tourists try to cram too many activities and sites into their itinerary.
However, Paris is a big city, and seeing all these sites and experiencing these activities will leave you exhausted and overwhelmed.
My Advice:
Paris is honestly best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Try to prioritize a few key attractions and then allow time for spontaneous discoveries.
You can, for instance, have a leisurely stroll along the Seine or relax in a café in the 18th arrondissement without having to look at your clock.
Try to savor the ambiance of the city of light, because in the end, that’s what it’s all about.
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Mistake 2: Ignoring the Metro
Another mistake to avoid in Paris is to solely rely on taxis and buses, especially taxis. It’s easy to get an Uber or a taxi because you can just flag one down or use your phone to call one up through an app.
However, they are not only expensive, but travel by bus or car in Paris can be very slow because the city can get congested, and there are many one-way streets.
My Advice:
The Paris metro is super efficient and an excellent way to get around the city quickly and affordably. You can buy a Carnet, which is a book of 10 tickets.
The metro in Paris is very easy to use, and I would even say it’s easier to use than the one in London. Most of the major attractions you want to see are easily accessible by metro.
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Mistake 3: Dressing Like a Tourist
Another travel mistake to avoid is to dress like a tourist. For instance, avoid oversized backpacks or baseball caps. Don’t wear big logos or trainers. These items make you stand out as a tourist and a prime target for pickpockets or scammers.
If you are wearing trainers or a baseball cap, you will 100% be singled out for the bracelet scam in Montmartre!
My Advice:
My advice is to blend in with the locals. Opt for a more understated and chic look. Think about classic pieces, tailored jeans, simple blouses, and then combine them with statement pieces or elegant accessories.
Parisians tend to dress elegantly but casually, so leave your flip-flops at home and opt for a nice pair of elegant sandals.
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Mistake 4: Skipping the Local Cuisine
I get it. It’s easy to stick to familiar food when you’re traveling. But avoiding the local cuisine, especially in a city like Paris, is one of the biggest mistakes tourists make. It means you’re missing out on one of the best aspects of visiting Paris, if not France.
My Advice:
Paris is a gastronomic paradise. Try to be adventurous. Sample traditional French cuisine and dishes like escargot, coq au vin, and crème brûlée.
Visit local bakeries for fresh croissants or baguettes. Explore vibrant markets like Marché d’Aligre for delicious local products and specialties.
And honestly? When you head away from the famous places you are way less likely to fall victim to tourist scams!
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Mistake 5: Not Learning Basic French Phrases
You have probably heard that Parisians and French people are not that nice. Well, mostly this is because tourists do not try to speak French.
My Advice:
It’s good manners in France to learn a few basic French phrases, like “bonjour” (hello), “merci” (thank you), and “parlez-vous anglais?” (do you speak English?).
Let’s be honest, even if your pronunciation is not perfect, locals will appreciate that you put in the effort and are actually more likely to be helpful.
Here you can find some French phrase books that will come in handy!
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Mistake 6: Only Visiting Major Attractions
Sure, there are lots of major attractions in Paris, but if you only focus on iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and Notre-Dame, you can have a very superficial experience of the city.
This means you leave Paris feeling like you’ve had a really touristy experience. These landmarks are must-sees if you only have a few days in Paris, and I do recommend you visit them, but don’t overlook the charm of lesser-known sites.
My Advice:
I recommend wandering through the Marais district or visiting Montmartre. Travelers in Paris should explore hidden gems like the Musée Rodin or the Canal Saint-Martin. These areas are lesser-known to tourists, but they offer a more authentic glimpse of Parisian life.
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Mistake 7: Falling for Tourist Traps
Because there are so many tourists in Paris, there are lots of tourist traps. Dining and shopping in overpriced tourist areas can be incredibly expensive and very disappointing, so I recommend avoiding restaurants with multilingual menus and aggressive wait staff trying to get you inside.
My Advice:
Instead, seek out local recommendations on Google Maps and dine where Parisians do. For shopping, go to boutique stores and local markets rather than tacky souvenir shops.
Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés are excellent neighborhoods for unique finds that you’ll love much longer than tacky Eiffel Tower statuettes or key rings. You will honestly leave with a much nicer view of Paris!
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Mistake 8: Misjudging Distances
Another common mistake that tourists make in Paris is misjudging distances. Sure, Paris is a very walkable city, and I highly recommend walking a lot while you are there, but some attractions are quite far from each other.
If you try to walk these distances, you can waste time and energy.
My Advice:
Plan your itinerary with Google Maps open or a map in hand and group nearby attractions together. For example, if you visit the Louvre, also visit the Tuileries Gardens on the same day, or combine a trip to the Eiffel Tower with the Musée d’Orsay.
By doing this, you minimize the amount of time you need to take the metro or other public transportation, and maximize your time and experience.
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Mistake 9: Neglecting the Cultural Etiquette
Another important point to make is that some tourists neglect cultural etiquette. Local customs and manners are incredibly important in Paris, and neglecting them can lead to uncomfortable situations and misunderstandings.
My Advice:
Familiarize yourself with basic French etiquette. For instance, always greet shopkeepers with “bonjour” when entering a store and say “merci” or “au revoir” when leaving. Also, be mindful not to be too loud in public places; Parisians tend to speak softly.
Remember to dress appropriately when visiting churches and other cultural sites. Take off your cap or hat when you enter a building, and make sure to eat with a knife and fork. Don’t cut up everything on your plate at once; instead, cut and eat as you go.
If that is hard to do – just try to make an effort. It will be greatly appreciated!
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Mistake 10: Forgetting to Enjoy the Moment
And last but not least, a lot of tourists forget to enjoy the moment. Sure, you’re in Paris, one of the most amazing cities in the world, but being so focused on taking pictures or capturing every moment for social media can prevent you from truly experiencing the beauty of Paris because you’re living through a phone screen.
My Advice:
Put down your phone and take in your surroundings. Go for a leisurely coffee at a sidewalk café or enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower from a park bench. These unplanned moments often become the most memorable parts of your trip.
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