After my fifth trip to Paris, I feel like I’ve seen it all — yet there’s always something new to experience in the French capital. From dealing with scammers to discovering hidden gems, I’m here to share the tips, tricks, and real talk you need for your own Paris getaway.
If you’re planning a trip to Paris, this post is a must-read. So let’s dive in and talk about what you really need to know.
🎭 Dealing with Scammers in Paris – What You Need to Know
Let’s address the elephant in the room. If you’ve heard that Paris has a scam problem, well, it’s true. And, honestly, it’s gotten worse over time.
There are the usual scams where people try to trick you into playing that annoying “find the ball” game or put a string around your wrist, claiming it’s free, then demanding money. On my latest trip, two men grabbed both me and my girlfriend by the wrists and wouldn’t let go. It was honestly a bit shocking how aggressive they were. Around 10 other guys were nearby, just watching. We had to pull away forcefully, and only then did they let go.
If you’re going to visit places like Sacré-Cœur, you need to be on high alert. I mean, you’re standing at one of Paris’s most famous attractions and you’re forced to fight your way out of it. It’s an unfortunate situation that shouldn’t happen in a city like Paris, but it does.
Tip: Walk past these people with confidence and don’t engage. Don’t let them touch you. If you don’t give in, they tend to move on.
🗼 Eiffel Tower: What You Should Know Before You Go
The Eiffel Tower, no doubt, is iconic and a must-visit, but here’s what I’ve learned after multiple trips:
- Skip the top floor. I know, it sounds crazy, but hear me out. The second floor has better views, less crowding, and honestly, feels more relaxed. The top floor can be claustrophobic and packed with tourists, making it harder to enjoy the view.
- Book your tickets online. The lines can get long, and you definitely want to avoid wasting time waiting.
- Watch out for the fog. I went in November, and the top of the Eiffel Tower was hidden in mist until well into the morning. If you’re coming early, don’t expect the views to be crystal clear!
🧳 Paris Metro Tips – Getting Around the City with Ease
One of the best things about Paris is the Metro system. It’s efficient, affordable, and gets you everywhere you need to go.
- Metro tickets are €2.10 for a single journey and last for 2 hours. You can hop on and off as long as it’s within that time frame.
- We tried using the Metro apps, but they didn’t work well with foreign credit cards. So, we just bought tickets the old-fashioned way from the machines at the station — not a big deal, but something to keep in mind.
Airport Train: Efficient, But Not Ideal for Long Distances
The RER B train from the airport is cheap and quick — but let’s be real, it’s not the most comfortable ride. There’s no space for luggage, and the seating setup is a bit weird. It’s fine for Europeans making short trips, but if you’re coming from America or Asia, I’d recommend taking a taxi or using a hotel shuttle.
For our trip, we opted for a boat taxi from the hotel, which took about an hour and cost €48 — not too bad for a more comfortable ride. The train, on the other hand, costs just under €12 per person.
💡 Breaking the Myth: Parisians Are Not Rude
Let’s squash the myth that Parisians are rude. I’ve been to Paris five times, and each time, I’ve found the locals to be helpful and kind. The trick? Always start with “Bonjour!” (Hello!) before anything else. It goes a long way.
The key is treating locals with respect. Don’t be afraid to speak English if you don’t know French — most Parisians can manage basic English, especially in the main tourist areas. As long as you’re polite, you won’t have issues.
🏛️ Monuments and Hidden Gems You Can’t Miss
There are so many iconic monuments to visit in Paris, but don’t forget to explore a few lesser-known spots as well!
Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre: Skip the Crowds
Montmartre is beautiful but very touristy. Instead of getting off at Anvers, try Lamarck–Caulaincourt station. The walk to Sacré-Cœur is quieter and gives you a more peaceful introduction to the area. Tip: If you want to avoid the huge crowds, get there before 8 AM.
Pantheon vs. Saint-Étienne-du-Mont: The Hidden Gem Next Door
The Pantheon is a must-see, but right next to it is Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, a small church that I found even more impressive. The best part? It’s free to visit! So, don’t miss it when you’re in the area.
🚶♂️ Don’t Over-Schedule – Just Walk Around and Discover
One of the best ways to experience Paris is by wandering aimlessly. Skip the over-planned itinerary and let the city surprise you. Every corner offers something new: charming cafés, quirky shops, and beautiful public spaces.
If you try to squeeze in too many famous sights, you’ll miss out on the magic of Paris.
🍷 The Food Scene: Yes, It’s as Good as You’ve Heard
Paris is known for its incredible food, but here’s the deal: it’s not just about French cuisine. On my latest trip, I discovered some amazing Mexican and Asian restaurants around the city. It’s okay to take a break from croissants and cheese.
🌿 Luxembourg Gardens: My New Favorite Spot in Paris
This was my first time spending real time at Luxembourg Gardens, and now I can honestly say it’s one of the best places in Paris. The gardens are peaceful and offer a perfect mix of locals and tourists. It’s an ideal spot to relax, read, or grab a coffee at one of the nearby cafés.
🕒 Timing Is Everything in Paris
- Parisians sleep in. Don’t expect much action on the streets before 10 or 11 AM.
- Dinner time in Paris is usually around 8 PM. Before that, most restaurants are closed for the afternoon break. If you want to snag a table without a reservation, get there earlier than 8.
- Water is free at restaurants in Paris — a nice contrast to places like Italy, where you often have to pay for it.
🖼️ The Love Lock Bridge Is Gone (Sorry!)
If you’ve seen the viral videos about the Love Lock Bridge, you might have planned to place your own lock on it. But unfortunately, that’s no longer possible. The weight of the locks was damaging the bridge, so they had to install protective panels.
But don’t worry — you can still enjoy the romantic atmosphere of Paris, lock or not.
Final Thoughts 💬
Paris is chaotic, magical, romantic, and at times, a little frustrating. But that’s part of its charm. It’s a city where you can discover something new every time you visit. Whether you’re exploring hidden gems or dealing with a few scams, just remember to stay calm, enjoy the food, and take time to walk around and soak it all in.
Have you visited Paris before? What’s the one tip you would give future travelers? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear your thoughts!
