10 Paris Travel Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip

The city of love, lights, and some of the best food you’ll ever eat. Paris is the kind of place you dream about for months before stepping off that plane, ready to sip espresso in a cozy café and twirl around the Eiffel Tower like you’re in a movie.

But let’s be real for a second—Paris is also the kind of place where rookie travel mistakes happen fast. One wrong move, and suddenly you’re stuck in an endless line, paying double for dinner, or—worst of all—getting side-eyed by a Parisian because you broke some unspoken cultural rule. Oops.

Paris is magical, yes, but it’s also a city that requires a little strategy. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you might end up wasting time, money, and your patience. And no one wants that, especially when you’re trying to have your best Emily in Paris moment (minus the questionable fashion choices).

So, to make sure your first trip is all croissants and sunset views instead of tourist traps and frustrations, let’s talk about the biggest travel fails people make in Paris—and how you can avoid them like a pro.

10 Paris Travel Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip

1. Underestimating Jet Lag and Booking Too Much on Arrival Day

You just landed in Paris, your excitement is through the roof, and your itinerary says you’re supposed to be conquering the Louvre, climbing the Eiffel Tower, and squeezing in a sunset cruise on the Seine. There’s just one tiny problem—you’re exhausted.

Jet lag is no joke, and if you don’t give yourself a little breathing room on your first day, you’ll be running on fumes. Paris is a city that deserves your full energy, not a sleepy, half-functioning version of you. Instead of cramming everything into day one, take it slow.

Grab a coffee, walk around your neighborhood, and maybe visit a smaller attraction like a cute bookstore or a park. Trust me, the Louvre will still be there tomorrow.

Oh, and whatever you do—do not take a nap. That’s the quickest way to find yourself wide awake at 3 AM, questioning every life decision that led you here. Power through the first day, get a good night’s sleep, and wake up refreshed for a full-on Parisian adventure.

2. Thinking You Can Just “Wing It” at Popular Attractions

Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, and that means two things: crowds and long lines. If you show up at places like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, or Versailles without a ticket or a plan, you’re setting yourself up for hours of waiting.

Nothing kills the Parisian dream faster than spending half your day standing in a queue, watching smarter travelers who booked ahead waltz right past you. So, do yourself a favor—buy your tickets in advance. Many attractions have timed entry slots, and skipping the line isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

And please, if you’re planning to visit the Louvre, don’t be that person who only comes for the Mona Lisa. Yes, she’s iconic, but she’s also tiny, surrounded by a sea of people, and honestly, there’s way more to see in this museum than just one painting.

3. Not Learning a Few Basic French Phrases

Look, no one expects you to be fluent in French (unless you are, in which case, bravo!). But Parisians appreciate effort, and starting a conversation with “Bonjour!” instead of jumping straight into English makes a world of difference.

The stereotype that Parisians are rude? It mostly comes from tourists who don’t even try. A simple “s’il vous plaît” (please) and “merci” (thank you) go a long way. And if you do need to switch to English, at least ask first—“Parlez-vous anglais?” is way more polite than assuming they’ll cater to you.

Also, if someone says “Madame” or “Monsieur” when greeting you, say it back! It’s just common courtesy, and hey, it makes you feel a little fancy too.

4. Using Taxis Instead of Public Transportation

Paris has one of the best public transport systems in the world. The metro is cheap, fast, and will get you anywhere you need to go. So why are you spending a fortune on taxis?

Not only is taking a taxi an unnecessary splurge, but you’ll also likely get stuck in traffic while watching metro riders zoom past you underground.

And if you really want to experience the chaos of Parisian driving, hop in an Uber during rush hour—you’ll learn some new French curse words real fast.

Instead, grab a Navigo Easy pass or a carnet of metro tickets and learn to love the metro. Bonus: the people-watching is top-tier.

5. Sitting at Tourist Trap Restaurants (Especially Near Landmarks)

If a restaurant has an English menu, servers aggressively waving you inside, or a view of a major attraction—run. These places are overpriced, the food is mediocre at best, and you’ll end up paying way too much for a meal that’s not even close to authentic.

Instead, eat where the locals eat. Venture a few streets away from touristy areas, check out boulangeries for a quick but incredible sandwich, and when in doubt, follow the crowd—but only if that crowd is full of Parisians, not just other tourists.

And please, do not order a cappuccino after breakfast. It’s a dead giveaway that you’re a tourist. Stick to espresso in the afternoon like the locals do.

6. Expecting Paris to Be Like a Movie 24/7

Well… hate to break it to you, but real-life Paris isn’t a perfectly curated Instagram feed.

Sure, there are moments where it feels like you stepped into a movie—watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night, sipping coffee at a cute café, or strolling along the Seine at sunset.

But then there are moments where you’re dodging scooters, stepping in something questionable on the sidewalk, or realizing the metro smells like a mix of croissants and regret during rush hour.

Paris is a real city, and like any big city, it has its imperfections. You might see graffiti on the walls, piles of trash during a sanitation strike (yes, it happens), or get side-eyed by a Parisian because you dared to order a coffee at 4 PM. The key is to embrace the real Paris, not the overly romanticized version.

Instead of expecting the city to be a flawless backdrop to your personal rom-com, appreciate its quirks. That charmingly chaotic intersection where cars, bikes, and pedestrians all somehow don’t crash into each other? It’s part of the experience. The grumpy waiter who rolls his eyes when you ask for a menu in English? He’ll still bring you the best meal of your life. And that slightly gritty corner of the city that isn’t giving “storybook perfection”? It’s still Paris—just a different side of it.

So, manage your expectations. Don’t compare every street to the filtered photos you’ve seen online. And most importantly, enjoy the real Parisian atmosphere—messy, beautiful, and completely unforgettable.

7. Not Checking Opening Days and Hours

You’ve spent weeks planning your Paris itinerary, carefully picking out the must-see sights. You’re excited, camera ready, and ready to see Musée d’Orsay in all its glory. You arrive, only to find out… it’s closed on Monday. And just like that, your dream of standing in front of Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône is gone.

Paris doesn’t run on the same schedule as many other major cities, and a lot of places—especially museums—have specific closing days. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for some big attractions:

• The Louvre – Closed on Tuesdays
• Musée d’Orsay – Closed on Mondays
• Versailles – Closed on Mondays
• Sainte-Chapelle – Closed on some holidays, always check ahead
• Many restaurants – Closed on Sundays, Mondays, or both (especially smaller, local ones)

Not double-checking opening hours is one of the easiest mistakes to make, but also one of the most frustrating. Paris isn’t a city where you can just “show up and see what happens.” A little research before heading out will save you from wasted time and heartbreak.

And speaking of restaurant hours—don’t assume you can walk into a place at 5 PM for dinner. Many restaurants don’t even open for dinner service until 7 or 8 PM, and if you’re hoping to eat somewhere popular, reservations are your best friend.

8. Forgetting to Validate Your Metro Ticket

The Paris metro—a fast, convenient, and slightly chaotic way to get around the city. But if you don’t follow the rules, it can also be the reason you end up with an unexpected fine.

When you buy a paper metro ticket, you have to validate it by inserting it into the turnstile. Sounds simple, right? Except a lot of tourists don’t realize that they need to keep that ticket with them until they exit the metro. Paris has ticket inspectors (a.k.a. metro police) who do random checks, and if you don’t have your validated ticket? Boom—big fine.

This isn’t just a “slap on the wrist” situation. The fine can range from €50 to €100, and they are not sympathetic to tourists who say, “Oh, I didn’t know.”

If you’re using a Navigo pass or a contactless ticket, make sure you actually tap it when entering. Don’t assume you can just walk through behind someone else—because again, random metro checks are real. And for the love of pain au chocolat, never try to jump the turnstile. You will get caught, and it’s just embarrassing.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to use public transport a lot, consider getting a Navigo Easy card instead of individual paper tickets. It’s refillable, easier to keep track of, and won’t accidentally demagnetize in your pocket (which happens a lot with paper tickets).

9. Assuming Paris Is Always Safe

Paris is a relatively safe city, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. One of the biggest mistakes tourists make is assuming that just because they’re in a beautiful place, they don’t need to worry about pickpockets or scams.

The truth? Pickpockets love tourists. They especially love tourists who are distracted, taking selfies, or carrying their phone in their back pocket (why do people do this?!). Some of the worst places for pickpocketing in Paris include:

• The Eiffel Tower area (especially around the elevators)
• The metro (especially Line 1, which goes to tourist hotspots)
• Around Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre
• Champs-Élysées (if someone “accidentally” bumps into you, check your pockets immediately)

Then, there are the classic tourist scams:

• The “Petition” Scam – Someone asks you to sign a petition, and while you’re distracted, their friend picks your pocket.
• The “Friendship Bracelet” Scam – A guy ties a bracelet on your wrist and then demands money for it.
• The Gold Ring Scam – Someone “finds” a gold ring, insists it’s valuable, and tries to sell it to you. Spoiler: it’s fake.

The best way to stay safe? Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your bag zipped and in front of you, don’t keep valuables in easy-to-reach places, and if something feels sketchy, trust your gut and walk away.

10. Only Staying in the Tourist Areas

If your Paris itinerary is just the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame, I hate to break it to you, but… you’re missing out on so much.

Yes, these places are famous for a reason, but Paris is so much more than its touristy spots. Some of the best experiences happen in areas that aren’t packed with tour groups and overpriced souvenir shops.

Here are a few lesser-known neighborhoods that are worth exploring:

• Canal Saint-Martin – Cool and packed with great cafés and local vibes.
• Belleville – One of the most diverse areas in Paris, with amazing street art and some of the best Asian food in the city.
• Le Marais – A mix of old Paris charm and trendy boutiques. Plus, some of the best falafel in the city.
• Montparnasse – Incredible crêperies, fewer tourists, and one of the best views of Paris from Tour Montparnasse.

Paris gets even better when you go beyond the usual postcard shots. Walk down side streets, pop into a random café, and explore a neighborhood that isn’t in every travel guide. That’s when you’ll find the real magic.

Final Thoughts

Paris is one of those cities that gets hyped up a lot, and for good reason—it’s an absolute dream. But that dream can turn into a bit of a reality check if you go in with the wrong expectations or make those classic first-time mistakes.

The good news? Now you won’t. By avoiding these ten common Paris travel mistakes, you’re already ahead of the game. You’ll breeze past long lines, dodge pickpockets, and skip the overpriced tourist traps with confidence.

But beyond just avoiding mistakes, the real magic of Paris happens when you let go of the pressure to make everything perfect. Not every moment will be straight out of a movie. There will be moments of confusion (especially with the metro system), moments of frustration (when you realize you walked 30 minutes to a restaurant that’s closed on Mondays), and moments where you question if you just paid way too much for a tiny cup of coffee (you probably did). But those moments? They’re part of the adventure.

So go into your trip with an open mind. Be prepared, but also be flexible. Expect a little chaos, but also expect moments that take your breath away—because trust me, Paris has plenty of those.