15 Paris Mistakes to Avoid (Sight by Sight)

Paris has too much to see for a short trip, and small planning errors can ruin the experience. Here’s a breakdown of the most common mistakes travelers make at each major sight – and what you should do instead.

1. Louvre

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Allowing only 1-2 hours.
  • Booking a midday slot and losing time in security.
  • Wandering without a plan in the massive building.
  • Scheduling lunch or another big activity immediately after.

What to Do Instead

  • Block at least half a day, ideally in the morning.
  • Arrive at opening to reach Mona Lisa with fewer crowds.
  • Use a self-guided app or a highlights tour.
  • Plan to eat nearby and avoid rushing.

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2. Musée d’Orsay

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Thinking 90 minutes is enough.
  • Pairing it with Rodin or another major museum the same day.
  • Arriving late and missing cheaper evening admission.

What to Do Instead

  • Spend at least 3 hours.
  • Dedicate one day to one major museum.
  • Check evening reduced ticket times.
  • Consider the official guided tour for an efficient visit.

3. Musée Rodin

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Adding it as a quick stop after d’Orsay.
  • Visiting if you’re not interested in sculpture.

What to Do Instead

  • Only include it if the theme appeals to you.
  • Pair with a relaxed Left Bank walk instead of cramming.

4. Picasso Museum

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Planning just a short in-and-out visit.
  • Scheduling right after the Louvre.

What to Do Instead

  • Go if you’re a Picasso fan.
  • Otherwise, enjoy Le Marais and nearby food spots.

5. Eiffel Tower

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Visiting midday when it’s crowded.
  • Trying to combine with Montmartre or Arc de Triomphe the same day.
  • Expecting a quick dinner afterward.

What to Do Instead

  • Go at dusk or night to see it sparkle.
  • Bring wine and food for a picnic on the Champ de Mars.
  • Skip the climb if views are the goal. Galeries Lafayette offers them for free.

6. Arc de Triomphe

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Allowing only 30 minutes.
  • Treating it as close to the Louvre or Eiffel.
  • Paying to go up if you mainly want a view.

What to Do Instead

  • Combine with a Champs-Élysées stroll and Eiffel Tower in one day.
  • Snap photos outside unless climbing is a priority.
  • Use Galeries Lafayette rooftop for free views.

7. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Visiting straight after arrival when tired.
  • Thinking it’s a quick stop.
  • Going midday with the heaviest crowds.

What to Do Instead

  • Visit in the evening and stay for dinner.
  • Take a walking tour for context.
  • Leave several hours for both basilica and neighborhood.

8. Notre Dame & Latin Quarter

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Treating Notre Dame as a quick look.
  • Splitting it across days instead of grouping with nearby sights.

What to Do Instead

  • Combine with Pantheon, Le Marais, Place des Vosges, and Saint-Eustache.
  • Stop at Marché des Enfants Rouges for food.

9. Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping them while already near Notre Dame.
  • Forgetting that lines can be long.

What to Do Instead

  • Book timed tickets in advance.
  • Combine them with Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter.

10. Luxembourg Gardens

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Rushing through on the way to somewhere else.
  • Skipping it in favor of Tuileries if you only have time for one.

What to Do Instead

  • Sit and watch kids sail toy boats or locals play pétanque.
  • Pair with Pantheon or the Latin Quarter.

11. Tuileries Gardens

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Treating it as just a path between Louvre and Place de la Concorde.
  • Missing the summer fun fair.

What to Do Instead

  • Pair with the Louvre.
  • In August, set aside time for the fair.

12. Le Marais

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Walking through without stopping.
  • Missing extensions like Bastille or Canal Saint-Martin.

What to Do Instead

  • Dedicate half a day for strolling, food, and shops.
  • Visit Place des Vosges and Marché des Enfants Rouges.

13. Seine Cruise

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Choosing overcrowded boats with canned commentary.
  • Going midday.

What to Do Instead

14. Dining & Cafés

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Spending 90 minutes on hotel breakfast.
  • Underestimating how long dinner takes.
  • Picking overrated tourist spots like Chez Janou.

What to Do Instead

  • Have a boulangerie breakfast.
  • Book dinners and allow 2 hours minimum.
  • Use Michelin Bib Gourmand or Le Fooding for better picks.
  • Save cafés for afternoon people-watching.

15. Other Experiences

  • Catacombs: Mistake: only booking general entry. Do a guided tour for more access.
  • Jazz clubs: Mistake: showing up randomly. Check Paris Jazz Club agenda.
  • Versailles: Mistake: assuming it’s too far. It’s 30 minutes by train, but allow a full day.
  • Shopping: Mistake: skipping it. Build in time in Le Marais or department stores.