Paris is one of the most famous cities in the world, but is everything as amazing as people say? Some things are absolutely worth the hype while some are not so much.
What’s Worth the Hype
👍 The Eiffel Tower at Night
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The Eiffel Tower is impressive during the day, but at night, it’s magical.
Every evening, it sparkles for five minutes every hour.
Seeing it light up from a nearby spot, like Trocadéro or the Seine, is unforgettable. It’s a simple but breathtaking experience that captures the beauty of Paris in a single moment.
👍 Baguettes & Croissants
Parisian bakeries take their bread seriously.
A fresh, crispy baguette from a local boulangerie is simple but delicious.
Croissants are buttery, flaky, and nothing like the ones you get at home.
They’re best enjoyed in the morning when they’re still warm.
👍 Musée d’Orsay
If you enjoy art, this museum is a must.
It’s smaller and easier to navigate than the Louvre, but packed with masterpieces.
You’ll find paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas inside a stunning former train station.
Even if you’re not an art expert, the beauty of the building and the artwork make this visit worthwhile.
👍 Montmartre’s Streets
Montmartre feels like a different world from the busy center of Paris.
The winding cobblestone streets, charming cafés, and small art shops give it a special atmosphere.
Walk up to Sacré-Cœur for an amazing view, then explore hidden corners.
Just avoid the main square, Place du Tertre, which can feel overly touristy and expensive.
👍 Notre-Dame
After years of restoration, Notre-Dame finally reopened in December 2024, and it’s welcoming visitors again!
The cathedral is just as breathtaking as before, with its stunning stained glass, grand arches, and rich history.
Entry is free, but you must book a time slot in advance. Plan ahead to avoid long lines and make the most of your visit.
👍 Cafés on a Sunny Terrace
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Sitting at a Parisian café isn’t just about coffee—it’s about soaking in the atmosphere.
Find a spot, order a coffee or a glass of wine, and enjoy watching the world go by.
It’s the perfect way to take a break, and some cafés have been around for centuries.
Go for the experience, not just the drink.
👍 The View from Arc de Triomphe
Climbing the Arc de Triomphe gives you one of the best views of Paris.
You’ll see the Champs-Élysées stretching out below and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Unlike the Eiffel Tower, this view includes the whole city skyline.
Plus, it’s usually less crowded, making it a great spot for photos.
👍 Picnic by the Seine or in a Park
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A picnic in Paris is simple, cheap, and perfect.
Stop by a bakery for a fresh baguette, pick up some cheese and fruit, and find a spot by the Seine or in a park like Jardin des Tuileries.
It’s a great way to relax, enjoy the city, and feel like a local without spending too much.
👍 Saint-Germain-des-Prés
This historic neighborhood is filled with charm, from classic cafés to stylish boutiques.
It was once a meeting place for famous writers like Hemingway and Sartre.
Today, it’s a lively area perfect for strolling, with small bookstores, art galleries, and some of the best cafés in the city.
It’s a great mix of history and modern Paris.
👍 Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle may not be as famous as Notre-Dame, but it’s just as stunning.
The chapel’s massive stained-glass windows create a rainbow of colors when the sunlight shines through.
It’s a smaller, more intimate experience than other big landmarks, but the beauty of the glasswork makes it unforgettable.
Go in the morning for the best light.
👍 Le Marais District
Le Marais is one of the most vibrant areas in Paris.
It’s a mix of old and new, with historic mansions, trendy boutiques, and some of the city’s best food.
It’s perfect for wandering, whether you’re looking for shopping, history, or a great café.
Don’t miss Place des Vosges, a beautiful square with a peaceful atmosphere.
👍 The Louvre (But with a Plan)
The Louvre is massive—trying to see everything is overwhelming.
Instead, pick a few highlights, like the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory, or the Egyptian section.
The building itself is a masterpiece, especially the glass pyramid entrance.
If you plan your visit, it’s an incredible experience instead of a tiring one.
👍 A Seine River Cruise
A boat ride on the Seine lets you see Paris from a different angle.
You’ll pass by famous landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower.
Some cruises offer dinner, but even a simple one is worth it.
Sunset or nighttime cruises are extra special, with the city lights reflecting on the water.
What’s Not Worth the Hype
👎 The Mona Lisa at the Louvre
Yes, it’s famous, but it’s also tiny and hard to see.
The crowd around it is huge, and most people only get a quick glimpse before being pushed aside.
There are so many other amazing artworks in the Louvre that deserve attention, like the Winged Victory of Samothrace or the massive, stunning paintings in other rooms.
👎 Champs-Élysées Shopping
This street is world-famous, but most of the shops are big international chains like H&M and Nike.
It’s crowded, expensive, and doesn’t feel unique to Paris.
If you’re looking for charming Parisian boutiques, you’re better off exploring the Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where you’ll find more authentic and stylish shopping options.
👎 Moulin Rouge Show
It looks glamorous in photos, but in reality, the Moulin Rouge is an expensive, touristy cabaret show.
Tickets cost a fortune, and while the costumes are fun, the experience often feels outdated and overhyped.
If you want a lively Parisian night out, a jazz club or a local music venue can be much more enjoyable.
👎 Café de Flore/Les Deux Magots Cafés
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These cafés are famous because writers like Hemingway and Sartre once sat here.
But today, they are overpriced and packed with tourists. The food and coffee are average, and you’re mostly paying for the name.
If you want an authentic café experience, plenty of smaller, lesser-known spots offer better drinks, friendlier service, and lower prices.
👎 Place du Tertre (in Montmartre)
This square is known for its street artists and painters, but it has become a bit of a tourist trap.
The prices for artwork are high, and the cafés around it are expensive and not very good.
While Montmartre itself is beautiful, this particular area is usually packed with tourists and doesn’t have the same charm as the quieter streets nearby.
👎 Macarons from Ladurée
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Ladurée is famous for its macarons, but they’re expensive, and you can find just as delicious (or better) ones at smaller bakeries around the city.
Lesser-known patisseries often have fresher, more creative flavors.
Instead of waiting in a long line at Ladurée, try exploring different pastry shops.
👎 Angelina’s Hot Chocolate
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Angelina’s is famous for its rich, thick hot chocolate, but the experience is often disappointing.
The lines are long, the service is slow, and the prices are high.
While the drink is good, many other cafés serve equally delicious hot chocolate without the hassle.
👎 Rue Crémieux
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This tiny, colorful street has become popular on Instagram, but it’s not really a must-see.
It’s just a small residential street, and the people who live there often get frustrated with tourists taking photos.
If you want charming, picturesque streets, explore Le Marais or Montmartre instead—they have more history and atmosphere.
👎 The Louvre on Free Sundays
Visiting the Louvre for free sounds great, but these Sundays (first Sunday of the month except in July and August) are a nightmare.
The museum is packed with people, making it hard to enjoy anything.
Instead of fighting the crowds, go on a quieter weekday morning. It’s worth the ticket price for a better experience.
👎 The “I Love You Wall”
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Located in Montmartre, this wall features “I love you” written in many languages.
It sounds romantic, but it’s small, surrounded by crowds, and not particularly impressive.
Montmartre has so many beautiful streets, hidden gardens, and great viewpoints—this spot just doesn’t stand out. If you’re nearby, fine, but don’t make a special trip.
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.
