Paris may be the City of Light, but not everything sparkles. Many visitors arrive with big dreams, only to be surprised by the reality of this vibrant, imperfect city. These common complaints reveal more about travelers’ expectations than Paris itself.
1) “It’s Too Crowded Everywhere!”
Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, so crowds at landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Montmartre are unavoidable.
Visiting early in the morning, late in the afternoon, or during the off-season can help.
Exploring lesser-known neighborhoods also offers a quieter experience.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveler: They probably thought Paris was their private playground. Sharing iconic landmarks with the world is part of the deal when visiting the most popular city on Earth.
2) “Parisians Are So Rude!”
Some visitors feel Parisians are rude, but often it’s because they’re unknowingly being impolite themselves.
In France, politeness begins with saying “Bonjour” before starting a conversation—it’s non-negotiable.
Not greeting someone before asking a question or requesting help is considered disrespectful.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveler: Clearly, someone forgot to pack their manners. Expecting a warm welcome without so much as a “Bonjour” is the fastest way to feel unwelcome in Paris.
3) “The Portions Are Too Small!”
French meals focus on balance and quality, so portions may seem smaller than in the U.S. for example.
However, they’re designed to be satisfying without leaving you stuffed.
Multi-course meals allow you to enjoy a variety of dishes, and the bread basket is there to fill you up if needed.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveler: Someone might be confusing quality with quantity. Parisian dining is about savoring each bite, not eating like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet.
4) “The Metro Smells Bad!”
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The Paris Metro is efficient, but it’s not glamorous.
Some stations may have odors or graffiti, but it’s a quick and cost-effective way to get around the city.
Consider taking the bus or walking if you’re looking for a more scenic alternative.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveler: Sounds like they were expecting a luxury limousine. The Metro’s job is to get people around efficiently, not win a beauty contest.
5) “Why Are There So Many Strikes?”
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Strikes are common in France and reflect the country’s strong protest culture.
While they can disrupt public transport or services, they’re often planned in advance, so checking local news or apps can help you adjust.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveler: Someone might not understand that standing up for rights is a national sport in France. Strikes are a sign of strong principles, not disorganization.
6) “It’s Not Clean!”
Like any major city, Paris has areas that aren’t spotless.
Streets and metros might not match the pristine image seen in postcards.
However, the beauty of its architecture, parks, and historic sites more than compensates.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveler: They were probably hoping Paris would look like a movie set. It’s a real, lived-in city—charm and imperfections included.
7) “I Got Scammed!”
Common scams, like fake petitions or overpriced trinkets, target tourists near landmarks.
A little preparation, like reading up on scams and staying alert, can help avoid these situations.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveler: This one didn’t do their homework. Paris rewards the prepared, while the clueless end up funding the souvenir scam economy.
8) “Everything Is Closed on Sunday!”
In France, Sundays are for rest and family.
Many shops close early or remain shut, but museums, restaurants, and some markets stay open.
Planning ahead ensures you won’t be caught off guard.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveler: Someone was clearly expecting a 24/7 shopping spree. Paris, however, takes Sundays seriously—for family, rest, and a little tradition.
9) “The Coffee Is Too Small!”
In Paris, coffee is served in small cups, meant to be sipped slowly and savored—not guzzled on the go.
Unlike the oversized drinks from Starbucks, where a “venti” feels more like a bucket, French café culture values quality over quantity.
A traditional espresso or café crème is just enough to enjoy the flavor without overwhelming your palate.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveler: It sounds like they were expecting a bucket of caffeine. Parisian coffee is about savoring the flavor, not chugging as much as possible.
10) “I Didn’t See Any Locals!”
Tourist spots like the Champs-Élysées or the Eiffel Tower are packed with visitors, not Parisians. For a glimpse of local life, head to Canal Saint-Martin for relaxed cafés, Batignolles for a residential vibe, or Montparnasse for authentic bistros and history.
What It Says About the Traveler: This one probably never left the Champs-Élysées. Paris has locals—just not where the tourists swarm.
11) “Everyone Smokes”
Smoking is a visible part of Parisian culture, especially on café terraces and outdoor spaces.
While smoking indoors is banned, you’ll often see people enjoying a cigarette with their coffee or wine.
For those unaccustomed to this, the prevalence of smoking in social settings can be surprising.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveler: Someone might not be used to a culture where cigarettes and café terraces go hand in hand. Smoke is part of the atmosphere here, like it or not.
12) “Dog Owners Don’t Always Clean Up”
It’s true—some Parisian dog owners don’t clean up after their pets.
While efforts have been made to address this, you still need to watch your step, especially on quieter streets. This quirk has become part of the city’s reputation.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveler: They were likely expecting spotless streets. In Paris, it’s best to watch your step and focus on the beauty above the pavement.
13) “Everything Is So Expensive!”
Paris can feel pricey, especially in tourist hotspots, but knowing where to go makes a big difference.
A croissant from a corner bakery might cost €1, while one near the Eiffel Tower might be €4.
Avoid overpriced tourist traps by researching local favorites. Dining in brasseries or picking up a picnic from a market can save money.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveler: Sticking to overpriced tourist traps will do that. Paris rewards those who venture off the beaten path—for both their wallet and their experience.
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.
