14 common travel mistakes in Paris—and how to avoid them


A trip to Paris promises an immersion in French culture. The city lives up to its hype, offering an incredible array of world-class attractions. But while there are countless things to see and do, there are also a few things to avoid in Paris. Luckily, you won’t be in the dark. This list of tourist traps and travel mistakes to avoid in Paris will help you save time and money, and pave the way for a more enjoyable experience.
1. Having false expectations of Paris
Paris is often romanticized in films. If you’ve watched Amélie, you might walk away with the idea that Paris is pristine and picture-perfect. But is that the real Paris?
But don’t let this stop you from visiting Paris. There are parts of Paris that are rough, loud, and dirty—grubby streets with graffiti-covered walls but the city is charming all the same. If you don’t come to Paris with false expectations, you won’t be disappointed.
2. Taking an unofficial taxi at the airport
When taking the taxi from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport to the city, be wary of unlicensed taxi drivers who prey on tourists by charging overpriced fares.
In the airport, say no to anyone who approaches you to offer a taxi ride. Upon exiting the terminal, follow the signage to find the queue for official taxis. Such taxis will have a lighted 'taxi' sign on their roof and a taximeter inside.
From CDG Airport, the rates are fixed at EUR53 to the Right Bank of Paris, and EUR58 to the Left Bank of Paris.
3. Throwing away your transport tickets
To use the bus or metro in Paris, you can purchase a Navigo Découverte Travel Card or a single-use t+ ticket. If you opt for the latter, validate the ticket and keep it with you until you have completed the journey. Otherwise, you risk paying a fine when a transport inspector comes along.
4. Dining in overpriced restaurants

Paris is known for its culinary scene—but simply wandering into a random restaurant during mealtime isn’t the best way to experience this.
As a rule of thumb, avoid restaurants near major tourist landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral or Sacré Coeur Basilica. These restaurants usually offer mediocre food at sky-high prices. The same goes for restaurants that display an English menu at the storefront. This is a clear sign that it caters to tourists rather than locals.
Instead, do your research to find highly-rated restaurants in Paris. Often, you’ll need to book in advance to secure your dinner spot. Your hotel’s front desk should be able to help you with such bookings.
5. Wasting money on bottled water

Tap water is safe to drink in Paris. The city is dotted with over 1,000 water points, including beautiful Wallace Fountains that provide free drinking water. Just bring along a water bottle to refill.
Also, cafes and restaurants are obligated to offer tap water to customers—for free. Instead of ordering bottled water, you can save some money by asking for a carafe d’eau, which means a jug of water.
6. Choosing hotels based on prices alone

When choosing a hotel in Paris, location should be a key factor. The city is divided into neighborhoods known as ‘arrondissements’, each with a distinct character.
For close-up views of the Eiffel Tower, make the 7th arrondissement your base. If you’d like a central location, the 1st arrondissement near the Louvre Museum would be the answer. Love fashion and high-end shopping? The 8th arrondissement will place you close to the Champs-Élysées.
After narrowing down the best arrondissements in Paris, you can shortlist the hotels based on prices.
7. Wasting time in queues for popular attractions

Paris is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, so don’t be surprised if you see snaking lines at main attractions. To avoid wasting time in queues, opt for skip-the-line entrance tickets. These tickets are available for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Paris Catacombs, and the Versailles Palace. They are often coupled with perks like guided tours or audio guides.
8. Not checking the opening hours
Many attractions in Paris are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays, as well as on public holidays such as Christmas and New Year. There are only a few exceptions—like the Eiffel Tower and the Montparnasse Tower—that are open 365 days a year.
Opening hours vary depending on the season, and several museums have late-night opening hours on selected days of the week. Check the opening hours and plan your itinerary accordingly.
9. Visiting only the main tourist attractions

Paris is chock-full of attractions but don’t let the popular ones overshadow the hidden gems. If you love museums, you should certainly visit Musée d'Orsay, but you might also be interested in the Museum of Eroticism, the Museum of Magic, and the Wine Museum. If you’re seeking some greenery, there’s not only Tuileries Garden but also Parc Monceau and Parc de Bercy. No matter your interest, there are the popular attractions—and then some.
10. Sticking to the touristy districts

On a similar note, it pays off to explore beyond the popular districts if you'd like a more local experience.
Rue de la Huchette in the Saint Michel district is known as one of the oldest streets in Paris—but its medieval glory is now hidden behind touristy establishments. Visit Village St-Paul instead, where cobbled alleys are lined with antique dealers, or the Sentier district where remnants of a textile heritage are still present.
Tourists also flock to Montmartre to capture panoramic views of Paris. Get a different perspective by heading to Belleville and climbing to the viewpoint atop Parc de Belleville.
11. Buying the first souvenir you see

Eiffel Tower keychains are a dime a dozen in souvenir shops around Paris. While they make great mementos, they’re fairly common.
To surprise your friends and family, why not bring home a taste of France? Head to the market for French-made jams, cheeses, wines, and spirits. Or perhaps pick up some exquisite French chocolates from Patrick Roger Chocolatier, and a box of macarons from Pierre Hermé.
12. Not taking care of your valuables
Pickpockets are a problem in Paris, especially in touristy areas and in the Paris metro. Don’t make the tourist mistake of leaving your wallet in your back pocket. Instead, keep your valuables where it’s not easy to reach—like an inner pocket of a jacket or a zipped-up compartment inside a bag. You can also invest in a money belt or an anti-theft backpack.
13. Not knowing about common scams in Paris
A classic scam in Paris involves friendship bracelets, also known as the Paris String. It unfolds as a stranger quickly ties a bracelet around your wrist, and then asks for money. You can’t remove the bracelet without cutting it, and so you feel pressured to pay. Another scam sees a person approaching you to sign a fake petition. After you sign it, you will be persistently asked for a ‘donation’.
Such scams could double up as a pickpocketing attempt. If you find yourself in encounters like these, walk away and check that your valuables are safe with you.
14. Not learning some basic French
You can get by in Paris without speaking a single word in French. However, you’ll find that Parisians warm up to you quickly when you speak the local language.
Learn the basic greetings like ‘bonjour’ (hello) and ‘au revoir’ (goodbye). When asking for something, it’s polite to say ‘s’il vous plaît’ (please) and ‘merci’ (thank you). Just a few words can make a big difference.
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