Paris Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Trip (And How to Avoid Them)

Paris looks effortless in pictures, but a few common mistakes can turn your trip into a frustrating mess. The good news? They’re all easy to avoid if you know what to expect. Here’s what not to do.

1. Booking the Wrong Place to Stay

A hotel near the Eiffel Tower sounds like a dream, but it’s not the best spot to base yourself. There’s not much to do nearby, and the price tag is steep.

Pick a neighborhood with more local life – Le Marais, Saint-Germain, or the Latin Quarter- where you’ll have easy metro access and plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shops.

The same goes for big chain hotels. They’re comfortable but lack character. Paris has plenty of small, family-run boutique hotels that feel more personal and often have better locations. Skip the corporate vibe and stay somewhere with a bit more charm.

Packing Too Much and Wearing the Wrong Shoes

Paris is a walking city, and you’ll feel it. Expect 20,000 steps a day, sometimes on cobblestones, sometimes up endless metro stairs. If your shoes aren’t comfortable, you’ll regret it fast. Sneakers or supportive flats are the way to go – save the fancy shoes for dinner (unless you need to walk there).

Overpacking is another rookie mistake. Many metro stations have no escalators, and lugging a giant suitcase up the stairs is brutal. Most people wear half of what they bring, so stick to a carry-on. If you forget something, Paris has shops.

And don’t overthink fashion. Parisians dress simply – neutral colors, well-fitted clothes, nothing too flashy. Just wear what makes sense for walking around all day, and you’ll fit in fine.

Trying to See Too Much Too Fast

Paris isn’t a race. People try to squeeze in the Louvre, Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and a river cruise all in one day, then wonder why they’re exhausted.

The best Paris experiences happen when you slow down. Sit at a café, wander aimlessly, have a long picnic by the Seine.

And don’t feel obligated to visit every famous landmark. If art museums aren’t your thing, skip the Louvre. If crowds stress you out, avoid Versailles.

There are over 100 museums in Paris, and some of the lesser-known ones – like the Cluny Museum or Victor Hugo’s house – are just as fascinating without the endless lines.

If you have extra time, get out of Paris. The Dordogne region is packed with castles and river villages, Alsace looks straight out of a storybook, and Normandy has incredible coastal views. Paris is amazing, but France is much bigger than just its capital.

Making Bad Food Choices

Paris is one of the best food cities in the world, but tourists still manage to eat badly.

One mistake? Only ordering à la carte. Many restaurants offer a formule – a set menu with an appetizer and main or main and dessert, at a lower price. It’s especially common at lunch and an easy way to save money.

Another mistake is expecting American-style coffee. In France, a “coffee” means espresso. If you want something more familiar, ask for a café allongé (longer espresso) or a café crème (like a latte). And forget about free refills – if you want another cup, you’ll have to order it.

Tourists also tend to stick to French food, but Paris has incredible international cuisine. Some of the best Vietnamese, Lebanese, and Indian food in Europe is right here. Be adventurous. And if you see something unfamiliar on a menu, try it. Google Translate exists for a reason.

Oh, and order the champagne. In France, it’s not just for celebrations.

Wasting Time and Money on Bad Transport Choices

The Paris metro is your best friend. It’s fast, cheap, and gets you everywhere. Taxis and Ubers, on the other hand, are expensive and get stuck in traffic. Learn how the metro works, and you’ll save yourself a ton of time and cash.

At the airport and train stations, never take a taxi from someone who approaches you. They’re scammers who will overcharge you. Always go to the official taxi stand or use an app like Bolt to book a licensed ride.

And avoid tourist trap tuk-tuks near the Eiffel Tower. Most are unregulated and overpriced. If you really want to ride one, research reputable companies first.

One of the worst mistakes? Flying between cities in Europe when you could take the train. The train is often faster when you factor in airport security and transfers, plus it’s way more comfortable (though not cheap if you do last minute). If you’re hopping between cities, always check train routes first.

Forgetting Basic City Survival Rules

Public restrooms in Paris are rare and often not great. Always use a bathroom when you see one, especially in cafés, restaurants, and museums. If you’re desperate, buy a small drink at a café just to use theirs.

Escalators and sidewalks have unwritten rules. Stand on the right, walk on the left. Don’t stop in the middle of the street to take pictures. Locals are trying to get to work, and nothing annoys them more than a group of tourists blocking the way.

Be careful at train stations. Scammers target confused travelers by pretending to offer help, only to steal from them. If you need assistance, ask an official staff member, not a random stranger.

And don’t waste your souvenir shopping in tourist traps. Paris has incredible little boutiques with unique finds – stationery shops, vintage bookstores, and local artisan stores. Skip the overpriced Eiffel Tower keychains and bring home something you’ll actually want to keep.