Common Mistakes: 10 Things Not to do in Paris
Whenever Paris may come into your mind, you must think of the Eiffel Tower glistening in a wrap of the twinkling night sky, people watching picnic goers along the Seine, streets lined with romantic trees, cabaret shows in the late evening, and so on…
However, it is not always easy to get a grip on this city. Amid the rush in this city of lights, you can only have the best experience only if you know what to expect before your arrival. And don’t you worry, because this post is here to help you with that.
Here’s a list of what not to do in Paris. Check them out!
1. Not learning a few phrases or key words in French
At the very least, what you should do is learn a few key words such as Bonjour (Hello), Monsieur/Madame (Sir/Madam), and Merci (Thank you) if you are about to visit Paris. Showing respect to the native language will get to a long way here.
2. Renting a car or getting around in a cab
Note one thing fellas, Paris, is HUGE! So if you are to rent a car or hire a cab, it is most likely that you’ll be stuck in the traffic. Hence I would recommend opting for the metro and getting around town as it is not just cost effective but way more convenient too.
3. Thinking that everything is expensive in Paris
You should know that everything in Paris is not expensive if you just know where to eat and shop! Even many of the attractions here are free to explore, such as the oodles of public gardens and museums on the first Sunday of every month.
4. Saving a few Euros by staying outside the city
Paris sure is an expensive city, but not that expensive that you’d need to book a place outside the city. You must really allow yourself to be centrally located if you want to experience the city in its full light and charm.
5. Not embracing what is typically famous in Paris
Without baguettes, croissants and a bottle of champagne, your visit to Paris won’t be complete. It also wouldn’t seem like Paris if you don’t queue for hours at the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe in order to see the best views over the city. So make sure you do everything that’s a cliché.
6. Opting only restaurants
Although it is true that you will find the best food in Paris at swanky restaurants which are booked weeks or months in advance, but so is the case for French patisseries, street food stalls, and hole-in-the-wall cafes.
7. Missing the ½ day visit to the Palace of Versailles from Paris
In case you are in Paris for two extra days, it is totally recommended that you make a visit to the Palace of Versailles from here. It will just take a short trainjourney outside of Paris in order to reach there.
Although much of the city exuberates the feeling of a time warp through the chic bars, people watching cafes, and the gorgeous tree-lined avenues, no place will allow you to step back so far in time like the preservation of Versailles Palace & Gardens.
8. Dining or Shopping on the Champs Elysées
Let me just ht you with a harsh truth here, in order to make your way through to the Arc de Triomphe, you don’t need to shop or dine on the Champs Elysées. More than crowd nudging, it is good for nothing. The international brands you’ll find here are found everywhere on the planet. Even the restaurants are either underserving on quality or overpriced!
9. Buying water
Don’t waste 10 euro bottles of water to realize that the water here is damn expensive! The tap water in Paris is absolutely fine to drink and is even free if you request to fill a few bottles. Just ask for a carafe d’eau, and voila!
10. Not dressing like a Parisian
Listen guys, you need to leave your sneakers, visor caps, and bumbags at home if you don’t want to be hassled by pickpockets or scammers in Paris. As soon as you are recognized as a tourist in touristy areas, you may be in trouble. So do your best to blend in. You can even enjoy more this way.
That’s about it guys. I hope this list helps you in your journey to Paris.
Safe Travels!