You think you know everything about Paris? Yet, Parisans roll their eyes at your tourist mistakes. Discover these common blunders that make the City of Light’s inhabitants smile (or sigh).
1. Queueing for “famous” establishments that are not worth it
Paris is full of iconic spots, but not all of them are worth waiting hours in line for.
Take Angelina, for example. While their hot chocolate is famous, the long queue often feels more about getting an Instagram shot than enjoying the drink, which many locals find overrated.
Similarly, Café de Flore, with its storied past, is undeniably charming, but the prices are sky-high for what you get.
Another example is the lines at Ladurée on the Champs-Élysées for macarons. While they’re good, you can find equally delicious macarons without the wait at smaller patisseries like Pierre Hermé or Carette.
Instead of wasting time in line, seek out hidden gems where the experience is just as memorable—without the hassle.
2. Eating near tourist attractions
One of the biggest mistakes tourists make in Paris is choosing to eat at restaurants near major attractions like the Eiffel Tower.
These spots often charge inflated prices for food that’s mediocre at best. You’re paying for the view, not the quality.
For example, dining near the Louvre might seem tempting, but the cafés nearby tend to cater to tourists with overpriced and bland dishes. The same goes for the restaurants lining the Champs-Élysées—they’re convenient but rarely offer an authentic or tasty experience.
Instead, venture a few streets away into quieter areas.
Small local bistros in neighborhoods like the 7th arrondissement or Le Marais serve much better food at more reasonable prices, giving you a true taste of Parisian cuisine.
3. Not saying hello, please, and thank you
Politeness is a big deal in France, and skipping basic courtesies like “Bonjour” (hello), “S’il vous plaît” (please), and “Merci” (thank you) can leave a bad impression.
In Paris, failing to greet a shopkeeper or waiter before asking for something might come across as rude, even if it’s unintentional.
For instance, walking into a bakery and asking for a croissant without first saying “Bonjour” can make the interaction feel abrupt or impolite.
Similarly, not thanking your server at a café might come off as dismissive.
These small gestures go a long way in creating positive interactions. Taking a moment to greet someone shows respect and appreciation—two things that Parisians value highly.
4. Wanting to do everything in just a few days
Paris is a city filled with history, art, and endless things to see, but trying to cram everything into a short visit can leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
Rushing from one attraction to the next often means missing the small, magical moments that make Paris special, like enjoying a leisurely coffee at a café or wandering quiet streets.
Instead of trying to see it all, focus on a few key landmarks and leave time for unplanned discoveries.
If your stay is short, prioritize experiences that truly excite you, whether it’s visiting the Louvre, walking along the Seine, or exploring Montmartre.
Taking things at a relaxed pace will make your trip far more memorable and enjoyable.
5. Playing the bonneteau
The bonneteau, also known as the shell game or card scam, is a common trap in Paris, especially in tourist-heavy areas like near the Eiffel Tower or Montmartre.
It’s a street game where an operator shuffles three cups or cards, and participants try to guess the location of a hidden ball or card. It looks simple, but it’s always a setup.
The operators work with accomplices who pretend to win to lure unsuspecting tourists. In reality, it’s impossible to win, and you can lose a lot of money if you try.
Avoid stopping to watch or participate, and stay away from groups gathered around these games. They’re illegal and designed to scam you.
6. Engaging with young women who approach with a clipboard
If a young woman approaches you with a clipboard asking you to sign a petition, be cautious—it’s likely a scam.
Often, they work in groups to distract you while accomplices attempt to pickpocket you or pressure you into giving money.
The best course of action is to politely decline and walk away.
Keep your belongings secure and stay aware of your surroundings, especially near tourist hotspots where these scams are common.
7. Focusing too much on Instagram spots
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It’s tempting to spend your time hunting for the perfect Instagram shot in Paris, but this can take away from enjoying the city itself. Spending hours at overhyped spots just for photos often means missing the authentic beauty and charm of Paris.
Instead, snap pictures of moments that feel special to you, like a charming café you stumble upon or a quiet street with stunning architecture.
Embrace the experience, and your photos will naturally capture the magic of your trip.
8. Not having cash in euros on you
Even though most establishments in Paris take credit cards, it is always wise to carry a bit of cash on you.
Some small shops, markets, and cafés only accept cash.
On top of that, having change can be useful for tips, or for unexpected expenses.
9. Having too much cash on you
It’s useless to walk in Paris or take the metro with EUR 2,000 in cash in your handbag. In case you lose it or it gets stolen… ouch!
Also, try to avoid big bills of EUR 500, 200, 100, because small shops often don’t have enough change to make up the difference.
Even EUR 50 bills can be hard to use sometimes.
10. Visiting the wrong areas
While Paris is a beautiful and generally safe city, some areas are better to avoid, especially at night. Stalingrad and parts of Barbès-Rochechouart, for example, have issues like scams and unsafe activity.
Around major train stations like Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, pickpockets often target tourists, so stay alert and avoid lingering too long.
Neighborhoods near Porte de Clignancourt and Porte de la Chapelle can also feel unsafe due to higher crime rates.
To fully enjoy your visit, stick to lively and welcoming areas like the Marais, Montmartre, or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where you can explore Parisian culture with peace of mind.
11. Visit monuments during peak hours
Parisian monuments like the Eiffel Tower, le Louvre, or Notre-Dame can be extremely crowded during peak hours.
To avoid long queues and fully enjoy your visit, try to go early in the morning or at the end of the day.
Booking your tickets in advance can also save you time.
12. Walking phone in hand
Walking in the streets of Paris with your phone in hand can attract pickpockets and other thieves.
Don’t tempt them and keep your valuable items safe by staying alert, especially in highly frequented areas like metro stations and tourist attractions.
Use a physical map or a GPS discreetly to avoid being an easy target.
13. Ignoring Paris’s green spaces
Amid the museums and monuments, it’s easy to overlook Paris’s beautiful green spaces, but they offer a perfect break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Parks like Parc Monceau, the Luxembourg Gardens, or the Promenade Plantée are great for relaxing, picnicking, or enjoying a peaceful stroll.
These spaces let you experience a quieter, more local side of Paris. Taking time to unwind in these serene spots will make your trip feel more balanced and less rushed.
Don’t miss the chance to soak in some nature between sightseeing!
14. Not booking restaurants in advance
Paris overflows with renowned and often very popular restaurants. Not booking in advance can result in long wait times or even refusal at the entrance.
Get into the habit of booking your table in advance, especially for popular establishments, to make sure you have a table and fully enjoy the Parisian cuisine.
15. Not letting people pass on escalators
In Paris, escalator etiquette is taken seriously, especially in busy places like metro stations.
The rule is simple: stand on the right if you’re not moving, and leave the left side clear for people who want to walk up or down.
Blocking the left side can frustrate locals who are often in a rush and can lead to awkward encounters or annoyed comments.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
