Planning a trip to Paris? These insider tips will help you avoid tourist traps, save time, and experience the city like a pro.
1. Visit the Eiffel Tower Early or Late
The best times to visit the Eiffel Tower are first thing in the morning (around 9 AM) or two hours before closing.
During midday, crowds are overwhelming, lines are long, and photos are harder to take.
By going early or late, you’ll enjoy a calmer atmosphere, shorter wait times, and the best lighting for photos.
Plus, the experience feels more magical without the midday hustle and bustle.
2. Skip Free Museum Days
Many Paris museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month, but this attracts massive crowds.
While free entry is tempting, the long lines and packed galleries can ruin the experience.
Instead, visit museums during their late opening hours. The Louvre stays open until 9 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays, while Musée d’Orsay is open late on Thursdays until 9:45 PM.
These quieter evening hours give you more time and space to appreciate the art without fighting through large crowds.
3. Enter the Louvre Through the Secret Entrance
The famous pyramid entrance at the Louvre often has long queues, but the Carrousel du Louvre entrance through the underground shopping mall is a hidden gem.
This lesser-known entrance usually has shorter lines and leads directly into the museum.
It’s especially useful on busy days or during peak seasons.
Save time and enjoy a more seamless start to your visit by using this quiet and convenient alternative.
4. Look for the “Artisan Boulanger” Sign
A real Parisian baguette should cost between €1 and €1.20. If you’re paying more, you’re likely in a touristy spot.
To find authentic, freshly baked bread, look for bakeries displaying the “Artisan Boulanger” sign.
This ensures the bread is made on-site and not pre-frozen.
These bakeries often sell other treats like croissants and pastries, perfect for a delicious and affordable snack while you explore.
5. The Best Views Aren’t From the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower offers great views, but you can’t see the tower itself!
For breathtaking panoramas that include the Eiffel Tower, head to the Montparnasse Tower’s observation deck or the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette.
Montparnasse Tower offers a 360-degree view of Paris, while Galeries Lafayette is free and has a beautiful terrace. Both options are less crowded, making them perfect for photos and soaking in the city’s charm.
6. Visit Sacré-Cœur at Sunrise
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The best time to visit Sacré-Cœur is at sunrise.
You’ll avoid the daytime crowds and street vendors, and the views of Paris waking up are magical.
The morning light adds an extra charm to the basilica’s white façade. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect moment to start your day before exploring the bohemian streets of Montmartre.
7. Skip Ladurée for Better Macarons
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Ladurée is popular with tourists, but for truly authentic and creative French macarons, head to Pierre Hermé or Maison Georges Larnicol.
Pierre Hermé is renowned for its unique flavor combinations, while Georges Larnicol offers high-quality macarons without the crowds.
Both are excellent options for a sweet treat and make for unique gifts to bring home.
8. Many Smaller Museums Are Completely Free And Overlooked by Tourists
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While big museums like the Louvre get all the attention, Paris has many free, smaller gems.
To name a few, Musée Carnavalet tells the story of Paris’s history, and Petit Palais offers stunning art and architecture.
These museums are far less crowded, giving you space to appreciate the exhibits at your own pace.
They’re perfect for a quieter, cultural experience and are a great way to see another side of Paris without spending a cent.
9. Walk the Hidden Trail of La Petite Ceinture
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The Petite Ceinture is an abandoned railway line that circles Paris, now transformed into hidden walking trails filled with greenery and street art.
This peaceful escape offers a unique perspective of the city away from the crowds.
Entry points are scattered across various neighborhoods, and it’s free to explore.
10. Try the Paris Greeters Program
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The Paris Greeters program matches visitors with local volunteers for free walking tours of their neighborhoods.
These personal tours give you an insider’s perspective on the city’s hidden gems, local culture, and history.
It’s a unique way to experience Paris like a local and to discover off-the-beaten-path spots.
However, bookings fill up quickly, so you’ll need to reserve weeks in advance.
11. Plan Meals Around Service Hours
Many Paris restaurants have strict hours and close between lunch and dinner service, typically from 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
If you try to dine during this time, you might find limited options or get turned away.
To avoid hunger pangs, plan meals during regular hours or head to a café, bakery, or crêperie, which often serve food all day.
Knowing this in advance saves you from frustration when looking for a meal.
12. Book a Private Tour at Versailles For a Unique Experience
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Versailles gets incredibly crowded, especially in the main palace halls.
For a unique and quieter experience, book a private guided tour of the King’s and Queen’s private apartments.
These tours offer exclusive access to areas closed to general visitors, like secret rooms and hidden passageways.
While pricier, it’s well worth it for the intimate and immersive insight into royal life that most tourists miss.
13. Picnic with Wine in Paris Parks
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Many tourists don’t realize that picnics with wine are allowed in most Paris parks.
Grab a baguette, cheese, and a bottle of wine, and enjoy a relaxing meal at spots like Champ de Mars or Parc Monceau.
It’s also acceptable to picnic on the Seine River banks or along the Saint-Martin Canal.
However, open containers are prohibited on streets, the Metro, and public areas outside parks.
14. Make Restaurant Reservations Early
Paris’s top restaurants are in high demand, so reservations are essential.
Many accept bookings 2-4 weeks in advance.
To secure a table at a sought-after spot, like a Michelin-starred restaurant, set an alarm and book online the moment reservations open.
Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss out on exceptional dining experiences.
15. Discover Hidden Parks Like Coulée Verte
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Paris is home to several “hidden” parks that offer peaceful escapes from tourist crowds.
One standout is the Coulée Verte, an elevated walkway similar to New York’s High Line.
Stretching through the city, it’s lined with greenery, flowers, and quiet benches.
Other hidden gems like Parc des Buttes-Chaumont provide tranquil spots to unwind and enjoy Paris away from the hustle and bustle.
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
