15 Things People Recommend Skipping in Paris

Every traveler to Paris hears about the same bucket-list places: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles… For some, those stops are unavoidable, but for others, they turn into overrated, crowded, or disappointing experiences.

Here’s a collection of things many travelers advise skipping or approaching differently, along with a few alternatives to consider.

1. Going Up the Eiffel Tower

Almost everyone agrees the Eiffel Tower is worth seeing, but climbing it divides opinion. The main complaint is that once you’re up there, you can’t see the tower itself!

For many, the view is not much different from other tall buildings worldwide. The long waits, high ticket prices, and crush of visitors also turn a lot of people off.

The second floor is often considered better than the very top: the view is clearer, and it feels less distant. Stairs to the second level offer an easier, cheaper, and more interesting climb with history panels along the way.

If it’s the view you want, the Arc de Triomphe, the Montparnasse Tower, or even the rooftop of Le Printemps department store give a broader perspective that includes the Eiffel Tower in the skyline.

2. The Champs-Élysées

The most common “skip it” recommendation is the Champs-Élysées. It’s described as overcrowded, filled with chain stores, overpriced cafés, and an atmosphere that feels more like an outdoor mall than Paris.

Around 90% of the pedestrians here are tourists, which changes the vibe entirely.

If you want a shopping stroll, Rue des Martyrs or Le Marais district are generally better options. Place Saint-Sulpice also has a quieter, more local feel. Avenue Montaigne is another alternative for high-end stores with a more pleasant and refined vibe.

3. The Louvre’s Mona Lisa

The Louvre is one of the world’s great museums, but many say the Mona Lisa is the most overrated stop in it. The room is packed shoulder to shoulder with people pushing forward for a quick phone shot.

The painting itself is smaller than many expect, and the experience feels more like surviving a crowd than appreciating art.

Some suggest focusing on the rest of the museum’s masterpieces – the Code of Hammurabi, Liberty Leading the People, Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, or the Coronation of Napoleon.

Alternatives like Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, and Musée Rodin are often recommended for a more rewarding and less exhausting art experience.

4. The Louvre Entirely

For those who aren’t passionate about art, the Louvre can feel overwhelming and exhausting. It’s huge, maze-like, and easy to get lost in.

A full visit can take days, and many visitors reach cognitive overload long before they finish. If you go, try to plan your route in advance and focus on a handful of works you care about.

If art museums aren’t your thing, people suggest skipping it altogether and choosing smaller museums like the Picasso Museum or Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

5. Versailles Palace Interior

The Palace of Versailles gets mixed reviews. The main complaints are overcrowding, long transport times from Paris, and a surprisingly limited portion of the palace open to visitors.

Rooms are jammed with tour groups, and in the summer it can feel unbearable. The gardens, however, are praised, especially if you bring a picnic or explore the further reaches like Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet.

Off-season visits are much calmer. Alternatives include Fontainebleau, Vaux-le-Vicomte, or châteaux in the Loire Valley, all of which offer grand architecture without the same crush of tourists.

For a shorter trip, the Hôtel de la Marine near Place de la Concorde shows similar style interiors with far fewer people.

6. Place du Tertre

This square in Montmartre, filled with street artists and café tables, used to be charming but is now described as a tourist circus. The crowds and aggressive hawking overwhelm the experience.

Exploring smaller side streets nearby is usually more pleasant. You might also prefer the Latin Quarter or Le Marais for a more authentic old Paris feel.

7. The Catacombs

Opinions on the Catacombs split sharply. Detractors call them repetitive tunnels with piles of bones, expensive tickets, and long lines for something that feels more gimmick than history.

The surrounding area doesn’t offer much else to pair with the visit, so it can feel like a half-day lost. On the other hand, fans describe it as gothic, contemplative, and unique.

If necropolises and human remains fascinate you, it may be a highlight. If not, the ossuary in Prague or a visit to Père Lachaise Cemetery might be better alternatives.

8. Moulin Rouge

The famous cabaret is often dismissed as a tourist trap. Complaints focus on high ticket prices, crowded seating, and a show that doesn’t live up to the hype.

Visitors who love dance and cabaret sometimes enjoy it, but those expecting glamour often leave disappointed.

A good compromise is to take in the exterior, then have a drink at Bar à Bulles next door, or attend a ballet at the Palais Garnier for a more refined performance.

9. Dinner Cruises on the Seine

Many visitors advise skipping dinner cruises. Prices are high, food is mediocre, and the focus is on the meal rather than the view. A one-hour sightseeing cruise, especially at sunset, will offer the same views at a fraction of the cost.

If you want a dining experience by the river, some suggest walking along the Seine and finding a restaurant nearby.

10. Disneyland Paris

Disney fans may enjoy it, but many travelers find Disneyland Paris underwhelming compared to the U.S. parks: long lines, outdated rides, overcrowding, and even poor food hygiene.

For families with young children or die-hard Disney fans, it can still be fun. But for others, it’s not worth devoting a Paris day to.

11. Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots

These two historic cafés in Saint-Germain-des-Prés are famous, but also heavily commercialized. Drinks and food are overpriced, and the experience feels more about being seen than enjoying good coffee.

Many visitors prefer finding lesser-known cafés nearby for a more authentic experience.

12. Rue de la Huchette

This narrow street in the Latin Quarter is filled with tourist restaurants offering the same cheap menus and little atmosphere.

If you want to explore the Latin Quarter, step away from this strip and find more authentic dining options on surrounding streets.

13. Shakespeare and Company

The famous English-language bookstore is iconic, but many find it disappointing. The shop is often packed wall to wall, and it feels more like a photo stop than a place to browse books.

Some visitors recommend peeking in quickly, then heading elsewhere for a quieter literary experience.

14. Pastry and Perfume Classes

Some travelers dismiss short pastry or perfume workshops as overpriced gimmicks taught by sales reps. Others feel croissant-making and tart classes are genuinely hands-on, led by professional chefs, and memorable.

This one comes down to expectations. If you’re looking for a fun half-day activity, they can be enjoyable. If you expect to walk out as a master baker or perfumer, you’ll likely be disappointed.

15. The Conciergerie

The former royal palace and prison feels largely empty inside. The history is more compelling than the site itself, and visitors often prefer to admire it from the outside and then head next door to Sainte-Chapelle for its stained-glass windows.

Final Words: Overplanning and Long Lines

One common thread is regret over standing in endless queues. The advice is to skip any attraction where the line dominates your day, unless it’s something you truly care about.

A frequent suggestion is to cut half your itinerary and spend that time in cafés, gardens, or simply walking Paris’s neighborhoods.