15 Mistakes To Avoid On Your First Trip To Paris
Planning your first trip to Paris is exciting—cafés, the sparkling Eiffel Tower, delicious croissants, dreamy art museums, and romantic strolls along the Seine. But with all that magic, there are also plenty of mistakes first-time visitors make that can lead to stress, wasted money, and missed experiences.
As someone who has visited Paris many times and has made nearly every mistake in the book, this guide breaks down 15 mistakes to avoid on your first trip to Paris. Plus, exactly what to do instead so you can experience the city like a pro! Whether you’re here for two days or two weeks, these tips will help you have a smoother, more authentic, and more affordable Paris trip.
Let’s jump right in – Bon Voyage!
1.Only Visiting The Eiffel Tower From The Ground
The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic destination in Paris. Yes, it is wonderful to take pictures and enjoy a picnic in the surrounding gardens…BUT if you stop there, you are missing out.
Book Eiffel Tower tickets in advance (I recommend the second floor with lift access) and enjoy the stunning views. Don’t like heights? No Problem! There is an inside area with lots of room and even a bar to order a champagne toast! This is a must-do on anyone’s Paris bucket list.
2. Not Buying Skip-the-Line Tickets
Waiting in long lines can really put a damper on the travel experience. If you’re traveling to Paris during peak months, you can expect for the major attractions to have long lines to get through security and a limited amount of same-day tickets.
Book your tickets in advance for major attractions and always opt for the “skip-the-line” option. Certain attractions even have a separate entrance for guests who have purchased this ticket option so pay attention to the signs in the queue.
3. Trying To See Everything In One Trip.
There is so much to do in Paris. It is easy to try to see it all on your first trip but this can often lead to an overpacked schedule without any room for truly embracing the culture and vibes of the city.
Plan 2-3 activities (dependent on length) per day and leave the rest of the time open for exploration. If you’re trying to plan an itinerary, check out my Ultimate Guide to Three Days in Paris – the perfect schedule for first time visitors!
4. Eating Only Near Tourist Hot-Spots
Hellllooo overpriced food. Yes, it’s convenient. However, if you can wander a few blocks away from the tourist attractions before walking into a café for lunch you will enjoy much better tasting food and your wallet will thank you!
5. Not Learning Basic French Phrases
You definitely don’t need to be fluent in French before you visit Paris for the first time but it can be helpful to know some common French words and phrases.
Whenever you enter a store, restaurant, cafe etc, say “Bonjour”. It is considered impolite to not greet someone when you arrive. Merci (thank you) will also go a long way.
Most everyone will be able to speak english but a few language lessons before you arrive are helpful and a fun way to learn more about the city!
6. Only Staying Near The Eiffel Tower
Yes, staying in a hotel near the Eiffel Tower or other major tourist sites can be convenient, but there are so many more options that are safe, affordable and can provide a more authentic Parisian experience.
Paris is divided into arrondissements, similar to neighborhoods or areas of town. Each arrondissement is numbered. The areas around the Seine river (1-6) tend to be safer areas to stay in (although the more touristy).
We have stayed multiple times at the Courtyard by Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon located in the 12th arrondissement. This area seemed to be more business focused but we felt very safe and it is located right by a popular metro station.
We even have this hotel booked again for an upcoming stay!
7. Taking a Taxi Everywhere Instead of The Metro
The metro in Paris is the best way to get around the city. You can purchase a Navigo card from any metro station and then you just simply swipe in and out of each station.
The metro system is quite extensive allowing you to get anywhere relatively easily.
On our last trip, we chatted with a family who was taking Ubers everywhere they visited. They were spending more money on one Uber ride than my husband and I spent the entire week using the metro!
Tip: Pickpockets may target the metros but don’t let that scare you away! Be aware of your surroundings, your personal belongings and keep all items in your front pockets. We have yet to have any issues.
8. Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes
If you’re trying to pack in all the sightseeing it is almost guaranteed that you will be walking a lot.
I made the mistake on our last Paris trip to wear a pair of shoes that were cute.. but not super comfortable. By the end of the day I had such bad blisters. Not worth it!
Pack at least two pairs of shoes so you can alternate and have another option in case a pair gets wet.
9. Eating Hotel Breakfast Every Day
This may or may not be a mistake depending on where you stay. Our favorite hotel in Paris has amazing breakfast and we love enjoying a slow morning and savoring the delicious pastries and coffee.
However, most hotels will charge around 20 euros per person. Looking for something more authentic (and more budget friendly)? Eat breakfast like a local in a corner cafe where you can buy a pastry and coffee for 4-5 euros.
10. Ignoring French Dining Etiquette
Dining is a completely different experience in France than places like the US. Prepare to slow down and enjoy your meal.
Important Things To Note:
- Many restaurants will close between lunch and dinner service
- Dinner is typically enjoyed later in the evening (7-9PM)
- The waiter doesn’t hover over a table. You will likely have to call them over.
- You are not expected to tip in Paris (5-10% is considered very generous)
- Coffee is enjoyed at a cafe. No to-go cups.
11. Forgetting That Places May Be Closed on Mondays
If you are traveling from the US (me) it can be easy to forget that some popular spots may be closed on Monday.
To give staff a day off of work, Monday can be a popular pick for closure rather than the weekends when tourist crowds are higher. This is true for restaurants, museums and smaller shops.
We made the mistake of trying to visit the Musée d’Orsay on a Monday to discover it was closed. Be sure to double check hours!
12. Expecting Air Conditioning Everywhere
Visiting during the summer months? Paris can definitely get warm. Be sure to wear light clothing and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Be prepared for inside areas so feel a little more stuffy than you’re used to.
You may be excited to relax inside after walking all over the city. If you’re hoping for a frigid apartment or airbnb be sure to double check the listing to see if AC is included.
It isn’t standard for rental units to come with AC. Instead, you can open a few windows and turn on some fans to cool down.
If you’re like my husband and naturally run hot, opt for booking a hotel where air conditioning is much more common.
13. Expecting a Peaceful View Of The Mona Lisa
The Louvre is a very popular museum to visit and the Mona Lisa has to be one of the most popular pieces of art to see. If you’re thinking you can just walk in and take a look…you might want to reconsider that plan.
Seeing the Mona Lisa should be on everyone’s bucket list but I recommend only doing it once.
There are so many people trying to take a picture that you are likely to wait in a very long line and there’s a good chance your picture of the Mona Lisa will be obstructed by everyone else trying to get their perfect photo.
14. Missing The Eiffel Tower Sparkle
Guilty! The last time we visited Paris, I was so excited to see the Eiffel Tower Sparkle and we missed it!
The Eiffel Tower sparkles for the first five minutes of every hour from nightfall until midnight when the Eiffel Tower closes.
If you are visiting during the summer, you can get one extra hour of magic as the Eiffel Tower stays open until 1 AM.
Plan to arrive with enough time before the sparkle begins so that you can find a spot to watch the show.
15. Not leaving enough time to simply “Be” in Paris.
I honestly made this mistake the first few times that I visited Paris. We jam packed our schedule to try to see and do as much as possible.
We spent almost every day rushing from activity to activity and it became exhausting.
If you’re a planner like me, plan some time to do nothing. Leave an afternoon or two free to wander, bakery hop, read at a café, or watch the sunset along the Seine.
Your first trip to Paris should feel magical—not stressful. When you avoid these common mistakes, you’ll navigate the city with confidence, save money, and experience the side of Paris that locals love most. From booking attractions ahead of time to choosing the right neighborhoods and embracing slower travel, these tips will help you create a Paris itinerary filled with incredible memories.
Save this guide to remember the 15 Mistakes to Avoid On Your First Trip To Paris and enjoy the city of light like a pro.
