5 Tips to Avoid Tourist Pricing in Paris (Even Without Fluent French)

Paris is an incredible city, but if you’re not careful, you can end up paying way more than you should just because you’re a tourist. Restaurants, taxis, and even souvenir shops often charge inflated prices to visitors who don’t know the local tricks.

The good news? You don’t need to be fluent in French to avoid getting overcharged. A little awareness and a few simple strategies can help you pay the same prices as the locals.

1. Avoid Restaurants With English Menus Out Front

If a restaurant has a big menu posted outside in English, chances are it’s designed for tourists, not locals. These places often charge more for food that isn’t as good as what you’ll find just a few streets away.

Instead of sitting down at the first café you see near a major landmark, walk a few blocks away and look for places with mostly French speakers. Restaurants where the menu is written only in French on a chalkboard tend to be better quality and better priced.

If you’re unsure what something means, use Google Translate or just point at something that looks good.

2. Skip Taxis at Tourist Hotspots

If you try to take a taxi near major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Champs-Élysées, you’ll often end up paying more than necessary. Some drivers refuse to use the meter, while others take longer routes to increase the fare. Even official taxis from stands can be more expensive in high-traffic areas.

A better option is to use a “VTC” (ride-hailing) service like Bolt. It works just like Uber but is often cheaper and more reliable in Paris. Bolt usually has lower fares than traditional taxis, and since you see the price upfront, there’s no risk of being overcharged.

Downloading the Bolt app before your trip makes it easy to book a ride whenever you need one. It’s also useful late at night when metro services are limited, and taxis tend to charge even more.

If Bolt isn’t available, Uber and Heetch are good alternatives, though Bolt often has the best prices.

3. Use Local Chains for Affordable Snacks and Drinks

Cafés in tourist areas often inflate their prices, especially if you sit down for a coffee or pastry. Instead of guessing what’s fair, head to places where locals grab a quick bite. You’ll pay significantly less without sacrificing quality.

Bakeries like Paul, Maison Landemaine, and Eric Kayser offer excellent pastries and sandwiches at standard prices. They’re chains, but they’re popular with Parisians and don’t charge inflated tourist rates.

Another great option is Brioche Dorée, a casual spot where you can get a croissant and coffee for a fraction of what you’d pay at a sit-down café near a major landmark.

For coffee, avoid cafés right next to tourist attractions and grab one from a bakery instead. If you just need a caffeine fix, even gas stations and supermarkets sell decent espresso at self-serve machines for under €1.

It’s not the café experience, but it beats overpaying just because you’re near the Eiffel Tower.

4. Shop Where Locals Shop

Tourist-heavy streets like Rue de Rivoli and the Champs-Élysées are filled with souvenir shops that charge way more than they should. A simple Eiffel Tower keychain that costs €2 elsewhere might be €9 in these areas.

The same goes for food products like macarons, where you’ll often pay a premium just for fancy packaging.

For better prices on souvenirs, local markets, small neighborhood shops, and even supermarkets are much better options. Monoprix, for example, sells high-quality French chocolates, wine, and other gifts at local prices rather than inflated tourist rates.

If you’re looking for something unique, check out covered markets like Marché des Enfants Rouges or Marché Bastille, where vendors sell artisan products at fair prices.

For clothing, skip the overpriced tourist boutiques and head to mid-range French brands like Uniqlo, Sézane, or Monoprix’s fashion section if you’re looking for stylish but reasonably priced pieces.

Paris also has plenty of outlet stores and discount chains like La Vallée Village (a designer outlet outside the city) or even local thrift shops like Guerrisol, where you can find great deals on second-hand fashion.

5. Know When and Where to Bargain

Unlike in some countries, haggling isn’t a common practice in most French shops and restaurants. However, there are certain places where bargaining is expected, and not knowing this can cost you.

At flea markets like Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, vendors often start with high prices, expecting buyers to negotiate. If you accept the first price they give, you’re likely overpaying.

Instead of asking, “C’est combien?” and immediately paying, try saying “C’est un peu cher, non?” (“That’s a bit expensive, isn’t it?”) and wait for their reaction. Many vendors will drop the price without hesitation.

This also applies to some souvenir shops, especially those in Montmartre and near Notre-Dame. If you’re buying multiple items, you can often get a discount by simply asking, “Vous pouvez faire un petit prix?” (“Can you give me a small discount?”).

Final Thoughts

Tourist pricing is a reality in Paris, but it’s easy to avoid if you know what to look for. Walk a little further from major landmarks, choose places where locals eat, and always check the price before ordering.

Even if you don’t speak much French, acting like you know what you’re doing is often enough to get fair prices.

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Cover photo: Bob Hall (CC BY-SA 2.0)