problems with tourism in paris

Is Paris Safe in 2024 and Beyond? And Should You Travel to France Now?

Last Updated on August 19, 2024

Many travelers want to know whether Paris is still safe to visit– and their concerns are understandable. Following isolated terrorist attacks and occasionally-violent street demonstrations in recent years, worries about the safety of the French capital have become more common.

But the truth is that Paris generally remains a safe destination, and with some precautions in mind all visitors should feel comfortable traveling to the capital. Read on for the latest information on travel advisories and precautions to take when visiting France, and for my full safety tips for anyone planning a trip to Paris.

I start by covering some of the topics most likely to be on travelers’ minds, followed by more long-term safety issues and concerns. You can use the “Explore This Article” tab below to directly navigate to the information of most immediate interest and use to you.

Explore This Article

Current Safety Advisories for Paris & France

The US State Department currently shows a yellow, Level 2 travel warning for France, corresponding to the advice “Exercise increased caution” and citing risks including terrorism and potential civil unrest. See the full advisory here .

Traveling from another country? To see current safety advisories for your country of origin and specific safety tips from your Embassy or Consulate in France, see this page.

Statistically Speaking, Paris Remains Very Safe

The Economist-sponsored “Safe Cities” report for 2021 ranked Paris as the 23rd-safest major city in the world out of 60– making it almost exactly middling. And while the city has admittedly taken a significant knockdown in global city safety ratings due to recent terrorist attacks and other factors, violent crime is still generally uncommon in the capital.

OSAC, the US Bureau of Diplomatic Security,  notes tha t tourists are generally safe in the city, and that street crime such as pickpocketing remains the primary concern. These notes are particularly striking and paint a clearer picture of the sorts of crimes visitors need to be most on guard against:

According to the Violent Crime Risk Index (ViCRI), a resource for urban-level violence risk data and ratings, Paris ranks as a class 2 city on an 11-point index scale measuring homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, and rape risks. Street crime, however, is a concern, most notably in areas frequented by tourists. Consular officials throughout France report that U.S. travelers are frequently victims of pickpockets, swarm and grabs, or scams. (OSAC, France Country Security Report, available here )

To summarize the data above, Paris ranks a “2” on a scale reaching up to “11” when it comes to violent crime. Street crime targeting tourists is the greatest concern.

Moreover, violent crimes rates in France are  roughly on par with Canada’s , and are three times lower than in the US.

According to French government statistics, even when taking into account deaths from terrorist attacks, the homicide rate in Paris per 1,000 inhabitants between 2015 and 2017 was only 0.019 (0.014 if you exclude the attacks).

You get my drift. Violent crime, and especially the sort that threatens lives, is relatively rare in Paris.  Gun violence there is astronomically lower than it is in comparably sized cities in the US.

And while the US State Department website advises that tourists remain aware of their surroundings and exercise caution due to potential terrorist threats, take note:  they don’t recommend cancelling your trip or avoiding the city.

My conclusion? Yes, there are some risks that can’t be denied.  Most large metropolitan cities, including London and New York, carry similar risks in our globalized world. Should you avoid setting foot in these places altogether?

Everyone has to make choices that they feel comfortable with, but from my perspective, you’d be greatly overestimating the dangers you face by doing so.

Pickpocketing is the Most Common Crime Affecting Tourists in Paris

I’ve already discussed the unlikelihood of tourists becoming victims of violent crime in Paris. However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t risk being targeted for petty street crimes that can still make your trip a nightmare.

As already touched on above, pickpocketing is by far the biggest threat to visitors, so before your trip you should learn how thieves operate and take all the precautions necessary to avoid being targeted.

How to Avoid Pickpockets in Paris? 

Pickpockets operate in predictable and often highly organized ways, targeting tourists in crowded and popular areas. Often, they get away with your wallet or purse so quickly that you barely feel a thing. To keep this from happening, take these steps: In any crowded place (busy lines, congested metro cars, open spaces full of tourists snapping photos), take extra care with your belongings.

It’s best to carry a bag or purse that you can wear crisscrossed around your chest, with pockets and valuables hugged to your front and in plain view. If you wear a backpack, don’t leave wallets, cash, passports or other valuable items in the front compartments.

Only bring as much cash as you’ll likely need for the day, and maybe even less.  100 Euros or so is a good limit to aim for. Traveler’s checks can easily be exchanged for Euros at the American Express office on Rue Scribe (Metro: Opera).

If you must carry larger amounts of cash, consider wearing a money belt .

It’s always preferable to leave passports , large amounts of cash and other valuables in a hotel safe, if possible.

Never leave your bags or suitcases unattended , even for a minute or two. Not only do you run the risk of them being swiped up by thieves between two blinks of an eye: they can also be legally confiscated and destroyed by security forces, under current safety regulations in public spaces.

What About ATM Thefts and Other Scams? 

In addition to pickpockets, tourists are often targeted by scammers and thieves in other ways. ATMs/cashpoints are particularly vulnerable spots. Never allow anyone to linger nearby when you take out cash, and guard against prying eyes.

Never let anyone “help” you with a transaction at an ATM, or otherwise interfere with it. Ask the intrusive person to back off, and if they refuse, find another place to take out cash.

Around popular tourist attractions including the Sacre Coeur, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, merchants operating illegally are known to aggressively “persuade” tourists to buy their wares.

This often involves putting an object or trinket in your hand or inviting you to “try on” a bracelet.

{Our Top Tips for Avoiding Common Tourist Scams & Traps in Paris}

Once you give in, a demand for payment often follows. Avoid this by refusing all advances from such “vendors” and not allowing them to place any items in or on your hand.

General Safety Concerns: Putting Your Risks Into Perspective

With what seem to be frequent reports of violent incidents in the capital over the past few years, it can indeed feel scary to be a visitor these days. But there have been exaggerated accounts in some media outlets about the dangers tourists face when visiting Paris.

But in a modern world where there are many complex risks to weigh and negotiate all the time, it’s important to put those risks into perspective. It’s not about discounting potential danger. It’s about recognizing that life must go on– and that living in fear shrinks your world and its possibilities.

So before you cancel your trip or decide on another destination out of fear that you may be the victim of a terrorist attack or some other form of violent crime, read through my advice below.

As I’ve said elsewhere, Paris greatly depends on tourism to thrive as a city. It would be catastrophic to its livelihood to see too many people stay away and renounce all the capital has to offer out of a disproportionate sense of fear.

That said, staying informed about potential risks is an important part of feeling empowered as a traveler. Below are a few notes on recent incidents and safety concerns for tourists in the capital, with guidance on whether they warrant postponing or canceling your trip.

Covid-19 Cases & Deaths in France & Current Travel Safety Regulations

In France, according to updated  data from the French government , there have been over 40.1 million confirmed cases since January 2020.

As of August 2024, over 167,642 people have died from COVID-19 in France. Most patients were elderly and/or had pre-existing conditions. Please note that the government is no longer regularly offering updated statistics, so these may not be entirely accurate at the time of reading.

On August 1st, 2022, France lifted most Covid-related restrictions on travel and travelers . There are no longer any paperwork or formalities to complete to arrive in mainland or overseas France, and no Covid-19 certificates or proof of vaccination are required at this time, irrespective of country or area of origin.

However, should a dangerous variant become of major concern, France reserves the right to reinstate health measures such as vaccine certificates or passes for travelers from at-risk countries.

You can find updated information on current entry requirements and restrictions for France at this page on the France Diplomacy website . Please do consult that site in addition to this page for the most recent guidelines; while we do aim to update this page as frequently as possible, the regulations have been changing frequently.

“Gilet Jaune” (Yellow Vest) Protests & French Transport Strikes

Starting in late December 2018, smaller groups of “gilets jaunes” (yellow vest) protestors  staged demonstrations in Paris, almost exclusively on Saturdays. Some saw demonstrators throw rocks, burn cars and break store windows. But starting in late May 2019, the protests simmered out , in part due to a much heavier police presence.

Since late 2019, the protests have occurred sporadically and at a much smaller scale. They are not currently a concern for travelers to the capital or elsewhere in France. Even when civil unrest was at its peak in 2018 and 2019, it’s important to remember that tourists have not been injured or otherwise endangered by these protests.

Protecting Your Health in Paris

No one intends to get sick or suffer from an accident while traveling, but preparing for such unfortunate events will give you peace of mind and save you from outlandish medical costs.

Many international travel insurance policies cover up to millions of dollars in medical costs and liabilities, and can offer peace of mind.  You can compare and purchase travel insurance policies here (via World Nomads).

[World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using the link above. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.]

Emergency Numbers to Keep With You in France If you run into a medical or other emergency, call one of the toll-free numbers below from any phone, and contact your embassy. It’s wise to print out these numbers and keep them with you at all times: Medical Emergencies & Accidents: 15 Fire brigade: 18 Police: 17 SOS Médecins (on-call doctors): 01 47 07 77 77 SOS Dentaire (dentists): 01 43 37 51 00 SOS burns: 01 58 41 41 41

Note that in most cases, calling “15” is the best thing to do in a medical emergency. If you have been the victim of a violent crime or other crime, it will be necessary to both inform the French police and to file a report with your embassy.

If you need a pharmacy in Paris, identify them by their green flashing crosses. Most neighborhoods in the city have at least one pharmacy within a few blocks’ radius. These pharmacies are open late or 24 hours a day , in case you need to seek advice from a pharmacist or purchase medical supplies late at night.

This can especially be useful to know if you’re traveling with a young baby or toddler, since young ones sometimes require quick treatment, and pharmacists are often able to provide expert advice or recommend and sell over-the-counter medications that you can’t buy directly off the shelves.

Safety for Pedestrians in Paris 

While Paris is generally a very pedestrian-friendly city– the local government has been working to increase the number of car-free zones around the capital in recent years– drivers can be aggressive, posing a danger to walkers.

My advice? Take a defensive approach when crossing streets and busy intersections, checking for cars even when the light is green and/or when you have the right of way.

In areas that appear to be pedestrian-only, watch out for cars and aggressive motorcylists: some areas that are “car-“free” still allow motorcyclists, service vehicles and cyclists.

What About Driving in Paris? 

I generally advise against trying to drive in central Paris. Parisian drivers can be aggressive and unpredictable (by many standards), and traffic conditions are often congested and unpleasant.

If you have to drive, your international driver’s license and insurance must be up to date. Also make sure you understand the local rules of the road.

And unless you’re used to European traffic circles, you should avoid, at all costs, driving around busy traffic circles such as the one at the Place de l’Etoile on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées.

If you do opt to take a taxi, whether within the city or to the airport and back, make sure you only use reputable companies. Never accept a ride from a taxi that doesn’t have an official “Taxi Parisien” sign atop its roof and a visible meter inside. You may be overcharged or otherwise scammed, if you do…

Read related : How to Use Airport Taxis in Paris (& Avoid Getting Overcharged)

Why to Register & Keep in Touch With Your Embassy?

It’s always wise to register with your embassy ahead of your trip and to keep their contact details with you at all times.

In the event that your passport is lost or stolen, you experience a medical emergency or a crime, or are in the city at the time of a dangerous event, registering will ensure that you’ll be able to get in touch more quickly with your embassy and to receive help from them. This is a good list of world embassies and their contact details. 

Once at your embassy’s site, read through any relevant travel advisories for Paris and France and find out how to register as a citizen traveling abroad before your trip.

Are There Dangerous Places to Avoid in Paris?

I wish I could argue that Paris is entirely safe in all circumstances, but sadly, there are a few places that you’d probably be best off avoiding at night, especially for women and solo travelers.

Gangs are known to operate in some of these areas, and hate crimes have been reported around them in the past.

Take special caution late at night around the following metro stops and surrounding areas (and perhaps avoid altogether when traveling alone after dark) : Chatelet les Halles, Les Halles, Pigalle, Couronnes, Belleville, Place des Fetes, Porte de St Ouen, Porte de Clichy, Gare du Nord, Stalingrad, Jaures, and Crimée. Please note that this is not a definitive list: you should probably be cautious in all areas of the city after nightfall, or when crowds disperse.

Also note that this is NOT a list of so-called “no-go” zones in Paris. From my perspective (and it’s one shared by most locals), these simply don’t exist within the city limits.

All 20 arrondissements in Paris (city districts) are generally safe , as long as you take some precautions in the areas mentioned above, and do so everywhere at night. Remember, “posh” areas can be remarkably empty after dark, so paradoxically you may be more vulnerable in these.

Unfortunately, I also advise against traveling to the Northern suburbs of Paris after nightfall.  Violent crimes and hate crimes are more frequent in these areas, as is gang activity.

It pains me to advise this as I don’t wish to stigmatize any communities or places, but from a standpoint of tourist safety, these areas are probably best avoided at night.

Advice For Women, LGBTQ+ and Minority Travelers

While Paris is generally a tolerant and diverse place that is welcoming to people of all colors, creeds, sexual orientations and gender expressions, there are occasional cases of harassment or even assault.

Women , especially when traveling alone or in small groups, should take extra care at night, especially when alone. Avoid places with poor lighting and few people roaming the streets. Safety is in numbers.

Also, be aware that French men sometimes read smiles or extended eye contact as permission to flirt or make sexual advances. With strangers, it’s best to assume a neutral stance that clearly says “I’m not interested”.

If a man makes unwelcome or aggressive advances in the street or in other public places, firmly say “non”, refrain from smiling, and walk away. Call the police if you are followed or the harassment continues, and retreat to a public cafe or other crowded place if necessary.

People of color generally have nothing to fear in Paris, a city with remarkable ethnic diversity. Nevertheless, hate crimes are not unheard of.

If you are a victim of an attack that you feel is racially motivated, report it to the police, your embassy, and if necessary to French watchdog SOS Racisme: + 33 (0)1 40 35 36 55

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and non-binary visitors are generally safe and welcomed in the capital, which harbors a large and vibrant LGBT community. That said, there has sadly been a spike in reports of homophobic attacks in Paris over the past couple of years, and in the areas I mention above as being potentially less safe after dark, it is advisable to be extra cautious.

Read this guide for more tips on staying safe, including for LGBT couples. If you are attacked, report it to the police and to your embassy, and state clearly if you believe the attack was a hate crime.

Related: How to Celebrate LGBT Pride Month in Paris? 

Advice for Jewish and Muslim Travelers

Jewish visitors may have read that Paris has become unsafe for them. It can’t be denied that antisemitic attacks have been on the rise in recent years, with targets including synagogues, places of business and Jewish individuals.

Sadly, from 2018 such attacks are reported to have risen sharply . And they have unfortunately skyrocketed in France since 2023, against the backdrop of the Israel-Gaza conflict that broke out in October of that year. As a result, it pains me to say that visitors should take extra precautions at this time.

These attacks have been met with increased police protection of Jewish schools, places of worship and other sites important to the Jewish community.

While safety concerns are warranted, I want to stress that Paris has one of the largest Jewish communities in the world: one with a deep history that’s very much part of the cultural fabric of the city.

The vibe is generally welcoming and you shouldn’t fear visiting the city. It’s also important to know that there have been no recent reports of attacks against tourists of Jewish faith (nor am I aware of any to have occured in recent history). Nevertheless, it’s probably a good idea to take some precautions, particularly in the areas I mention above.

While I regret advising it, it may be best, late at night and in the aforementioned areas, to remove visibly religious symbols and clothing items. Always report it to the police and to your embassy if you are a victim of an antisemitic attack. SOS Racisme can also help.

Muslim visitors may also fear attacks from Islamophobic individuals . Since 2015, there has been, according to numerous organizations, a sharp rise in attacks on Muslim places of worship and individuals.

Tourists of Muslim faith should not fear visiting the capital, however. Again, there is a large community here and most people are welcoming.

As always, though, if you experience harassment or violence make sure to report it to the police, your embassy, and perhaps to SOS Racisme: (+ 33 (0)1 40 35 36 55).

While attacks on tourists of Muslim faith are exceedingly rare, it is important for victims to be heard, have their experience accounted for, and to seek the help they need.

*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you book products or services though this site, it comes at no cost to you, but will help fund more free, in-depth content here at Paris Unlocked. Thank you. 

Courtney Traub is the Founder and Editor of Paris Unlocked. She’s a longtime Paris resident who now divides her time (as well as she can manage) between the French capital and Norwich, UK. Co-author of the 2012 Michelin Green Guide to Northern France & the Paris Region, she has been interviewed as an expert on Paris and France by the BBC, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Le Figaro, Matador Network and other publications. Courtney has also written and reported stories for media outlets including Radio France Internationale, The Christian Science Monitor, Women’s Wear Daily and The Associated Press. In addition to going down various rabbit holes of curiosity when it comes to French culture, history, food and art, Courtney is a scholar of literature and cultural history whose essays and reviews have appeared in various forums.

13 thoughts on “ Is Paris Safe in 2024 and Beyond? And Should You Travel to France Now? ”

can one travel a few days bw 16-23 dec 2019, flying from paris to nice, then flying back to paris without too much trouble or expense?

Yes, that’s entirely feasible. The flight is only about an hour long and many low-cost carriers offer very good fares if you book in advance. Check Easyjet, Iberia, and even Air France for sales on that route. Bon voyage!

This is positive news. Thanks for the update. Hopes are high that things return to normalcy soon. I love to travel to France during the summer, and I think it will be easier by then. I do go through travel blogs to understand the precautions we need to take enough steps to travel safely.

Considering that I want to travel to Europe one day this really helps me. Who doesn’t want to save money especially when you’re already on a trip. Thanks for the tips.

The topic of this blog is a question in my heart right now. I am eager to know this since I am getting bored at my home. Finally I came to an answer that yes it is safe to travel to France now. I will know find the list of best places to visit in France and after that I will start the process of online France Visa UK so that I can get it one time for my travelling with my kids and family.

I am from Singapore and am considering visiting France with my wife and 2 toddlers (ages 2 and 4) at the end of this year 2021 for Christmas. Thought it would be nice to let me kids experience a winter Christmas for a change. However I am concerned with how French people or Parisians view Asian tourists. Do they stigmatise them given how COVID-19 has been dubbed the “China virus” in the US? And are there any safe distancing measures in place for restaurants or museums in France (e.g. dine in no more than 2 pax at a table etc)? Are there any other pointers I should be aware of if we want to explore visiting beyond Paris to other parts of France during December? Thanks!

Hi Eric, thanks for reading and for your comment. While prejudice does sadly exist in Paris/France, tourists are very rarely the subject of attacks and harassment, and you can be rest assured that with some sensible precautions, you will feel safe and secure traveling there. I do understand your anxiety, but please know that Paris in particular is an incredibly diverse, cosmopolitan city, and again, as long as you follow some essential safety tips and guidelines , you have nothing to fear.

As to your second question, yes, there are currently safety measures in France to prevent the spread of coronavirus. “Health passes”, or vaccine passports, are required to enter most public spaces (or visitors must show proof of negative tests). Masks are also still required in all indoor public spaces including public transportation, shops, museums etc. You’ll find all the relevant, updated info in the link above.

Have a wonderful, safe trip, and thanks again for reading! –Courtney

This article is so helpful and thank you for your time in writing this. I am from the US and traveling to Paris with my boyfriend February 2022. We both are fully vaccinated and may get booster shots if recommended to travel Paris. However, friends are telling me that France might go in lockdown again. What are your thoughts?

So glad to know you’ve found this helpful, Jessica. I wish I could predict what might happen next, but the Omicron variant of the virus is a real wild card. I don’t think anyone knows what might happen in the coming weeks and months in terms of travel restrictions. If you’re not comfortable with the uncertainty of that, I do recommend delaying your trip. Typically, since the pandemic began winter and spring have proven tough, with a reprieve in late spring through early fall. Perhaps if at all possible it would be best to try to reschedule your trip for that period? All the best!

My husband and I are visiting France in late March/early April 2022, spending time in Paris, Bordeaux, and the Dordogne. Your site has been so helpful as we plan our trip. We are both fully vaccinated against COVID and received our boosters in mid-October. As I understand the current vaccine pass requirements, we are okay to travel to France (we’ll need to get the vaccine pass either before we leave or when we arrive). Is that right? Thanks for your help.

I’m sorry to bother you as I know you yourself asked a question you would like answered….my husband and I are traveling to Paris late May. We are fully vaccinated and boosted, what is the “vaccine pass” you are referring to? Thank you in advance for your reply

You may want to reconsider your advice in light of the recent European elections and in light of the upcoming results of the “législatives” elections. According to a French newspaper: “Since the extreme right’s victory on June 9, racist, sexist and LGBTphobic violence has swept across France.” So another victory of RN next week may make things worse…

Thank you for your comment. I will consult any latest statistics from SOS Racisme and other bodies who monitor violence against vulnerable populations and update as necessary.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Explore Topics

Recent posts.

• Addressing the Problem of Overtourism in Europe & Elsewhere: A Few Thoughts
• Are the French Incapable of Showing Excitement?
• La Mouette Rieuse, a Marais Bookshop Ideal for Gifts & Souvenirs
• At Cannes Film Festival in 2024, Americans Win Big
• Privacy Policy

Paris Unlocked

Positive and Negative Impacts of Tourism in Paris

We know that tourism has many positive and negative impacts, but what about its impact on the capital? In this article, we will see the impacts of tourism on Paris in detail.

Positive impacts

Economic growth.

You cannot deny that tourism is a considerable source of income for the country, especially knowing that France is the leading tourist destination in the world , this means that it welcomes the most tourists in the world yearly.

In 2018, nearly 89.3 million international tourists traveled to France, including 50 million to the Île-de-France region, according to the Île-de-France regional tourism committee (link in French).

In its dashboard on the French economy , the INSEE states that in 2018, the domestic tourism expenditure reached 153.3 billion euros. It means that tourists spent a total of 153.3 billion euros during their stay in France, the two main expenditures being accommodation and transports.

Tourism is a major source of income for restaurants and cafés (around 17 billion euros in 2018) as well as for museums and other charged landmarks .

Tourism keeps the economy going and contributes to the wealth of the country .

Creation of jobs

Tourism develops many jobs in different areas: in souvenir shops, department stores, airports, restaurants, bars, museums, landmarks, travel agencies, hotels, etc. According to the Banque des Territoires (link in French), part of the Caisse des dépôts , a French public financial institution, there are 2.87 million jobs linked to tourism.

The creation of jobs benefits the inhabitants of the capital itself, who can find one more easily.

Decrease of the unemployment rate

The creation of jobs directly contributes to the decrease of the unemployment rate of the inhabitants, even though these jobs are not always long-termed (many are seasonal and anyone can apply).

Sharing French culture abroad

The arrival of international tourists allows French cultural, historical and artistic heritage to be shared worldwide.

French culture is already well known in the world: many people know Paris, the famous Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Champs-Elysées, the Louvre and its Mona Lisa, baguettes, French cheese and wines, the beret and the striped sweater, luxury boutiques such as Chanel and great fashion designers like Jean-Paul Gaulthier some might even know the French Revolution.

Tourism contributes to the image that tourists have of France.

In favor of intercultural exchanges

Traveling is an enriching experience for an individual and it allows to bring together different cultures and world views.

When tourists and inhabitants meet, it leads to interesting conversations for both sides.

It is a great opportunity to step out of one’s comfort zone and to discover that our view of the world is not necessarily the general convention.

Negative impacts

Tourism is bad for the environment: according to the Ministry of Ecological Transition (in French), it is responsible for 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

In France, tourism caused the emission of 118 million tonnes of CO2 in 2018, according to a study by ADEME (in French), the French Environment and Energy Management Agency. These GHG emissions correspond to those of 11 million French people over a whole year.

These emissions are mainly due to transport and accommodation, but also to other tourism activities such as restaurants and shopping. Tourists account for 80% of transport-related GHG emissions (mainly air transport).

Such air pollution greatly contributes to global warming and changes the quality of the air.

We do not recommend you to eat or walk around outside during pollution peaks (difficult for tourists as they often visit on foot and eat in outside seating areas). You can always keep an eye on the air quality of the capital on this website (in French).

The weather also contributes to the dispersion of polluting particles (especially wind and rain, which are frequent in Paris).

Overpopulation

According to the INSEE (in French), in 2018, Paris, a small city of 105 km2, has 2,175,601 inhabitants, meaning 20,754 inhabitants per km2 , which is much more than in New York for example, with its 7,101 inhabitants per km2.



Paris is a small, highly populated city , we can even say overpopulated. The arrival of tourists contributes to it. Even if they don’t stay for long, they need accommodation which could have been for Parisians. Tourists also contribute to the saturation of transport networks and streets.

Underprivileged inhabitants

Parisians are the ones who suffer most from tourism. In addition to the overcrowding effect mentioned previously and the noise pollution that it can cause, the local population sees less and less other locals: many accommodations are transformed into Airbnbs for tourists or hotels and hostels .

These accommodations, which are specially designed to host foreigners, are contributing to the rise in rental prices and land purchases . The cost of living is also rising , gradually forcing the inhabitants to move to the more financially accessible but less secure and crowded Parisian suburbs .

The progressive departure of the inhabitants leads to the arrival of a more affluent social class in the areas and many homes are becoming secondary residences , rendering certain arrondissements ghostly.

The jobs created by the tourist demand are not necessarily for the inhabitants , especially as many are seasonal or for students.

Inhabitants end up missing social contact with other inhabitants in favor of foreign contacts, which can frighten them and make them question their own identity.

The social impact of tourism is so great that people can feel oppressed by so many strangers in their daily lives.

I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!

Related posts

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Arts & Culture
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Los Angeles

France is telling tourists to stay away from its biggest landmarks

Marseille and Brittany are amongst the first French destinations to curb visitor numbers

France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world – if not the most popular travel spot – but that could all soon be about to change. After decades of travellers flocking to the country, France has announced that it will be carrying out a strategy to reduce visitor numbers.

French tourism minister Olivia Gregoire said that the policy is in response to threats to ‘the environment, the quality of life for locals, and the experiences for its visitors’. Overtourism has apparently been much more of a problem in France since the pandemic, with the issue being that tourist sites are overwhelmed by visitors who don’t actually spend much time or money in them. As such, local communities are finding that they don’t have the funds to support themselves. 

So far, France hasn’t announced exactly how it plans to combat overtourism. The first step will see the government set up a group to monitor the country’s tourist industry and identify the most at-risk sites. France will even be enlisting the help of travel influencers – who might more typically be known for encouraging people to travel  – to help spread awareness of the issues caused by overtourism.

Some popular visitor spots in France have already started taking action to reduce visitor numbers. Marseille ’s Calanques National Park has a reservation system that limits daily visitors to its famed Sugiton coves to just 400 visitors. First enforced during the pandemic, the restrictions on visitor numbers will be kept in place for at least five years.

The island of Brehat in Brittany, meanwhile, has started capping daily visitors numbers at 4,700. These popular attractions aren’t necessarily trying to reduce overall visitor numbers, but spread them more evenly throughout the year. 

It isn’t hard to see why France is taking action to manage visitor numbers. After all, locals and the environment should come first. If they can’t survive, will there eventually be anything actually worth visiting?

And France certainly isn’t on its own in combatting overtourism. All over the world, from Amsterdam and Florence to Bali , there are destinations that want tourists to stay away .

Did you see that these European cities are the most overcrowded with tourists right now ?

Stay in the loop: sign up to our  free Time Out Travel newsletter  for the latest travel news and the best stuff happening across the world.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising

Time Out Worldwide

• All Time Out Locations
• North America
• South America
• South Pacific

• Weather & Climate
• The Airports of Paris
• Neighborhoods to Know
• Driving in Paris
• Paris Public Transportation
• Tipping in Paris
• Top Things to Do
• Free Things to Do
• Things to Do With Kids
• Best Paris Parks & Gardens
• Best Museums in Paris
• Cabaret in Paris
• Live Music in Paris
• Shopping in Paris
• Bastille Day in Paris
• French Dishes to Try in Paris
• The Best Restaurants in Paris
• Where to Eat With Kids
• Nightlife in Paris
• Craft Beer Bars in Paris
• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters

What Not to Do in Paris: 10 Things to Avoid When Visiting

You've already read countless lists on the  most popular tourist attractions in Paris . But have you considered that there are some things that would be best to either avoid during your trip or spend minimal time on? Let's face it: Paris is the single-most popular metropolitan tourist center in the world, and as such, it's full of tourist traps and snares that can keep even intrepid and adventurous visitors from experiencing the city in meaningful and memorable ways.

Don't Spend All Your Time Near the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysées

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

The biggest mistake tourists make is staying on the boring and beaten track, sometimes out of fear of the unknown. While a first trip to Paris probably does warrant a stroll down the regal  Champs-Elysees  and an exhilarating (if claustrophobic) trip to the top of the  Eiffel Tower , make sure not to pick an area that caters primarily to tourists and then fail to venture outside of it.

If you're going to experience Paris in an even halfway-authentic way, you'll need to explore its fascinating neighborhoods , interact with some locals, and allow yourself to stumble on unusual places and things without direction from a guidebook. If you're someone who's anxious about things that feel unfamiliar, reading up ahead of your trip can help immensely.

Don't Just Shop in Souvenir Shops

 TripSavvy / Leopoldine Bauer

There's absolutely nothing wrong with perusing souvenir shops aimed specifically at tourists, whether for convenience or because you want to find a perfectly recognizable piece of Parisian memorabilia . But if you're looking for gifts or items to help you remember your marvelous sojourn in Paris, don't focus all of your energy on these shops. Remember that they're often overpriced, and you can just as easily find interesting and iconic Parisian things by browsing  flea markets , bookstores , perfumeries , and more.

Don't Get Sucked Into Restaurants and Food Stands in Tourist-Trap Areas

Many visitors come to Paris assuming it's a food and dining paradise. How, with their stellar and worldwide reputation for producing some of the finest food and wine, could Parisians possibly serve up  bad  food? Wrong! Plenty of street vendors and restaurants serve sub-par, stale, or flavorless fare, and they more often than not overcharge for such unpalatable stuff in areas that target tourists.

Try to avoid eating out in random restaurants or ordering from any old food stand when in tourist-heavy neighborhoods such as  St-Michel  and the area around  Notre-Dame Cathedral ,  Montmartre , or the areas around the Eiffel Tower, to name just a few. Instead, do some research and make a reservation, whether you want a casual Parisian cafe or a Michelin-star experience .

Don't Eat at Chains You Know...Just Because They're Familiar

Because familiarity can be comforting when abroad, some tourists fool themselves into thinking that eating at McDonald's every day in Paris is actually a cultural experience of sorts—after all, the Quarter-Pounder burger's called "Le Royal Cheese" here, to slightly misquote a famous line from  Pulp Fiction . It's not that you shouldn't indulge once or twice if you feel like it, but make sure to focus your trip on adventures and experiencing new things, too. If you're looking for something fast and delicious, there are plenty of ways to try something new and local. For example, check out some French bakeries , fresh  food markets , or patisseries .

Don't Book a Tour Without Vetting the Company First

Thinking about taking a guided tour of the city, whether by foot, boat, bus, or coach? There are plenty of reputable and trustworthy tour operators in the city. 

Some favorites include Bateaux-Mouches and Bateaux Parisiens (for boat tours of the Seine ), Context Travel and Discover Paris for thematic and historically rich walking tours, L'Open Tour for hop-on, hop-off bus tours, and Fat Tire for bike tours. For a great and authentic food tour of some of the city's best gourmet shops and bakeries, try the Paris Tasting Passport . 

If you want a guided tour of museums such as the Louvre, or of popular monuments like Notre-Dame, stick with these institutions' on-site guides and docents, rather than relying on outside tour guides.

Don't Try to See Too Much

Especially on a first trip to the city, visitors run around like chickens with their heads cut off—don't do this. You'll get so much more out of your trip if you pace yourself , and focus on only two or three attractions or activities per day, maximum.

Some of the best experiences are stumbled upon instead of sought out. Take an afternoon to wander around, and pop in some charming shops or stop for a glass of wine at a bistro. This leisurely time will be much more relaxing (and authentic) than trying to cram in every monument or museum. For the Parisians, living, experiencing, and tasting comes before simply doing for the sake of doing.

Don't Expect Paris to Be Like in the Movies—It's Better

Yes, Paris is an idyllic sort of place. There are times when you can feel like you're on a film set. But don't expect Paris to always live up to this glossy image. It's also a gritty and imperfect, with thousands of years of bloody, tumultuous history.

And guess what? That's a big part of what makes it interesting. So don't ask it to adhere to some cardboard Hollywood version of itself, a la An American in Paris or Midnight in Paris . The city's reality is so much more complex and so much more beautiful, than the ones depicted in these films, however beloved. 

Don't Be Casual About Safety

Statistically speaking, Paris is a pretty safe city —especially when its crime levels are compared to those in an average American metropolis. However, this doesn't mean you should be any less vigilant. Pickpocketing is a major problem, particularly in the  Paris metro  and other crowded areas, and women or solo travelers should always be extra cautious when walking around at night or in quiet areas.

Don't Assume French People and Parisians Live up to Stereotypes

Many people automatically brace themselves for the stereotypically rude treatment from locals when visiting Paris, but while this is not entirely unheard of (it's a big metropolis, people!), just as many, if not more, locals are friendly, open, and willing to help. Don't assume you've got Parisians pegged. Doing so will only keep you from having rewarding encounters with them and you may inadvertently come off as snooty yourself if you think you already know everything there is to know about Parisian personalities and customs. Remain open, cultivate a sense of humor and a bit of humility,  learn a few polite words and phrases in French , and get ready for an interesting cultural experience. You'll no doubt learn something new about yourself, and about the world.

Don't Get Lazy About Doing Your Culture Homework

Last but definitely not least: Don't get lazy about reading up about Parisian history and culture before you go. You'll get so much more out of your trip if you have at least a basic understanding of the city's rich past and its present. Plus, it's important to get some background info on some of the city's institutions and monuments . You can also sign up for a history tour , a literary walking tour , a gardens tour , and more.

You'll be so much more relaxed and ready for true adventure if you come feeling like you have a sense of how the city works and what lies beyond the Eiffel Tower and  Laduree macarons !

Related Articles

More related articles.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

10 Common Travel Mistakes to Avoid in Paris, According to a Local

One Paris local shares some common mistakes travelers make in the city — and how to avoid them.

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

First things first: Even the French — meaning non-Parisians — don't always get it right when visiting the country's capital. Why? Because in southwest France, pain au chocolat is called chocolatine , and in Alsace, they start their bisous (double-kiss greeting) on the left cheek, not the right. That means you likely won't be alone in making a faux pas when visiting. You're a tourist, after all. We know, we know — you want to avoid being pegged as one.

I'd say to leave the fanny pack and sneakers at home, but both are back in style these days, and Paris is known for its trendsetting ways. I learned this the hard way when moving here from New York in 2014. Since Parisians don't prance around in their gym clothes like Americans, I wore jeans to the yoga studio, only to arrive and realize I left my leggings back at chez moi. Thankfully, this always-be-dressed-to-impress rule has lightened up a bit due to the pandemic, although a few other steadfast rules remain.

Here are 10 travel mistakes to avoid on your next trip to Paris.

7 Must-Try Breads and Pastries for Your Next Trip to France

Not saying "bonjour" upon entry or "s'il vous plait" and "merci" enough.

It's one of the first things we're taught in grade school: Mind your Ps and Qs. In Paris, it's also imperative to say "hello" ( bonjour if it's daytime, bonsoir if it's nighttime) upon entering a store or restaurant. Eye contact is encouraged, too. Acknowledge your fellow humans. It took me a while to get used to this one, and I'll never forget the time I walked up to someone at a store and launched directly into a question before saying bonjour . Madame, understandably, was not happy. When in doubt, simply start with bonjour .

Waiting for Water and the Bill at Restaurants

Let's start with dining out, as eating and drinking in Paris is a favorite pastime and one to be taken seriously — so seriously, in fact, that you won't be rushed out the door upon finishing your meal. Eating is a time to savor both the flavors of the food and the company you keep. This is why the bill won't arrive as soon as your plates have been cleared and you've had your last sip of water. (Speaking of, you'll likely have to ask for water — une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plait , if you just want tap — unless you're at a super-fancy restaurant). The bill will only be dropped on the table when you ask for it ( l'addition, s'il vous plait ).

Forgetting to Book Ahead at Restaurants

Most reputable restaurants require bookings. For some, that means the night before; for others, it means a week or a month ahead. Either way, it's important to put your name on the list. Dining rooms are significantly smaller in Paris, and unlike American cities such as Los Angeles or New York, they're not as interested in turning tables and increasing head count as they are in making something delicious during their set kitchen hours. Generally, this time frame falls between noon and 2:15 p.m. for lunch and 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. for dinner, though there are all-day restaurants and cafés (look for signs that say service continu ).

Not everyone travels to eat, but if you do, plan ahead and make a reservation. Many restaurants have online systems so you don't have to worry whether to use tu or vous when addressing the person on a phone call. (To be safe, always go with vous .)

Visiting in August or December

Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

If you're traveling to eat at a specific Michelin-starred spot or the new pop-up from a chef you follow on Instagram, avoid visiting in August or December when many restaurants close for vacation. If you're a first-timer or don't care much for croissants and think all baguettes are created equal (see next section), monuments, museums, and parks will all still be open. But, in general, the city does have a quiet, closed-up vibe during these two months. Some love it, while others, like me, thrive on the buzz.

Of course, thanks to the 2024 Olympics, this August will be busier than usual, though things should calm down toward the end of the month.

Getting a Coffee at a Corner Café

If you haven't already noticed, in France, food is la vie . It may be your dream to visit Paris, sit on one of those wicker chairs facing the street, and order a café crème . It was mine, too. And yes, there is nothing quite like people-watching or reading the likes of Hemingway or Sartre from one of these corner cafés. But if I may, let me remind you of two things: Smoking is still permitted on terraces, so expect whatever you order to come with a side of secondhand smoke. And the coffee at such places is arguably not good. You're better off ordering wine or a beer if all you want to do is imbibe and take in the scene. Quality bean lovers should seek out any number of the newer craft coffee shops that now proliferate Paris for a true filtre (long, black drip coffee) or a crème where the foam isn't the equivalent of overly soapy bath bubbles.

Buying a Baguette Instead of a Tradition

At the bakery, meanwhile, ask for a tradition ( tradi if you really want to seem like a local) rather than a baguette. The latter is white inside, can be made with any ingredients, and is often mass-produced, so it's not quite as delicious. A tradi can only contain flour, salt, water, and yeast and is usually made by hand on the premises; therefore, it's much tastier. If you're lucky to get one straight out of the oven, I dare you not to devour the entire thing on the way to your destination.

Eating or Drinking on the Go

Gao Jing / Xinhua via Getty Images

Speaking of eating or drinking on the go, Parisians don't really do it. Again, food and beverages are meant to be enjoyed and ingested slowly — not in a rush, over your computer, or on the metro. The only thing I've ever seen people eating on the street while walking is a sandwich or baguette (likely because it's hot — and yes you can still call it a baguette colloquially even if you order a tradition ). Coffee is rarely ordered to-go or had en route; even eating apples or bananas on the street may cause people to scoff. And while there are certain dos and don'ts at the table, too — like proper ways to cut cheese or pour wine — Parisians are ultimately an international bunch, so if you want to eat a hamburger or slice of pizza with your hands while they cut theirs with a fork and knife, go ahead.

Touching Anything Without Asking

When it comes to getting handsy, just don't. Or, as the French say, ne touchez pas ! At food markets, it's best to ask before you grab something. The same rule applies at any of the weekend brocantes (flea markets) dotting neighborhood streets. Many of the items for sale are valuable and fragile, so it's better to catch the seller's attention and point rather than caressing the porcelain salt and pepper set like it's already yours.

Buying a Weeklong Pass and Throwing Away Metro Tickets

There's a range of metro ticket options available, including single-journey paper tickets and extended-use passes that you can reload.

If you plan on sticking with the paper tickets, it's important to keep your used ticket until you exit the station at your destination. You may be tempted to throw it away immediately, but the metro is highly monitored and you will get fined if you don't have a ticket to show that you paid for your ride. That said, many popular Parisian sites are so close together that you may want to walk and enjoy the attractions along the way. Unless you're here for an extended stay or will be commuting to and from a specific place regularly, don't bother buying a weeklong pass.

Hailing a Taxi in the Middle of the Street

If you're not up for walking or taking the metro, car services are everywhere — and that includes old-school taxis. (Official taxis say "Taxi Parisien" or "G7" on the vehicle.) There are designated taxi stands from which you can hop in and go. That said, Uber is widely used, so you can also order one from wherever you are. Fares range depending on the destination, but rates from the airport are always the same: From Charles de Gaulle, it's €56 for a Taxi Parisien to the Right Bank and €65 to the Left Bank; from Orly, it's €36 to the Left Bank and €44 to the Right Bank.

Related Articles

• English (EN)
• Español (ES)
• Português (BR)

Is Paris Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

France : Safety by City

• Montpellier

Besides being the most visited tourist destination and the most beautiful city in world, Paris is cosmopolitan city located in the north of France on the river Seine and is home to the world’s finest and most luxurious fashion designers and cosmetics, such as Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, Guerlain, Lancôme, L’Oréal, Clarins.

Paris is visited by over 30 million tourists every year and many people consider it the most romantic of all cities.

It has a nickname “the city of light” and is the center of culture, art, fashion, food, and design.

• Warnings & Dangers in Paris

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

The police are doing their best to make Paris a safe place to live and travel, but the number of tourists attracts a lot of pickpockets on the city’s streets. The overall risk is medium, but still, you need to remain cautious as in any other tourist destination in the world.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Pedestrians need to pay attention when crossing streets because drivers can be very aggressive in Paris. Cars can be even found in pedestrian-only areas. If you decide to come with your car, be aware that driving in Paris is dangerous and there are limited Parking spaces. When traveling by taxi, determine the price before getting in the taxi, since Paris taxi drivers to overcharge tourists. There might be some risk while taking public transport in Paris.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpocketing is the most common crime in Paris targeting tourists, so take care of your possessions, especially in trains, metro stations, and any popular tourist areas. You can protect yourself by having less than $100 in cash with you at a time and using your hotel room safe. Never leave your bags or valuables unattended because they might be considered a security threat and can be destroyed by security officials.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Except for a few avalanche risks and floods, there are not any more serious natural hazards in Paris.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Paris is a very safe city when the serous crime acts are in question, so the mugging and kidnapping risk is low.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

The high terrorist threat exists in the whole of Europe and in Paris too, since it is the most visited capital and a very attractive one to the terrorists. Due to recent terrorist attacks, Authorities advise people to STAY ALERT and follow their advice. Terrorism is special threat to British travelers and open spaces or demonstrations should be avoided since that attracts the Islamist terrorist group.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

A lot of scammers in Paris try to take advantage of tourists. The most famous tricks are “gold ring” tricks when somebody pretends to find a ring in front of you and demand money for it, fake petitions, groups of teenagers offering help with your luggage. Be especially aware around Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Even though Paris is safe for women travelers, when traveling alone, they should avoid areas around metro Les Halles, Gare du Nord, Stalingrad, and Jaures particularly late at night and should stay in well-lit areas. Eye contact with a man is considered as an invitation to make advances.

• So... How Safe Is Paris Really?

Paris is such a great city because it offers the tourist a chance to go to almost every part of the city without being afraid of mugging, kidnapping or any other type of serious crime.

Paris is one of the safer cities in Europe and the biggest problem one may face while in Paris is pickpockets and scammers.

Pickpockets are likely to be found in any area with large crowds, such as train stations and large department stores.

The police are professional and do its best to make Paris even safer, but you still need to practice common sense.

• How Does Paris Compare?
• Useful Information

As in any other European country which belongs to the European Union, the visas are not required for stays under 90 days for the visitors that do not belong to the European Union, while the EU nationals are permitted to stay in the country as long as they want. A valid passport is a must.

The official currency in France is the Euro. The ATMs should be used with care and you need to pay attention to your surroundings when you withdraw money. Paris is one of the very expensive capital cities.

Paris has a maritime climate. The winters are cool and summers are warm. In January, the temperatures are 6°C without frequent snow. Summers in Paris are warm and pleasant and that is the best part of the year to visit it.

There are many airport options when coming to Paris since you can use any of the international airports such as Aéroport de Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Aéroport de Bordeaux, Aéroport de Lille, Aéroport International Strasbourg, Aéroport Lyon-St Exupéry, Aéroport Marseille-Provence, Aéroport Nantes Atlantique, Aéroport Nice Côte d’Azur, and Aéroport Toulouse-Blagnac.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance which will cover medical problems, theft, and loss of personal items is essential in any country, as well as in France. Travelers usually purchase travel insurance along with their plane tickets.

Paris Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

France - Safety by City

Explore paris.

• 10 Things to Do in Paris With Kids
• Airbnbs in Downtown Paris to Be Banned?
• Top 4 Most Expensive Hotels in Paris
• Where to Next?

37 Reviews on Paris

It is just awful , people are trying to mug you , you just cant walk and feel safe near the refuges , smell of piss is everywhere , Paris was the most beautiful city I have ever visited , but right now I would not recommend to anyone to go near it .

Probably governed by liberals

I love Paris and I go often. With like any city you just have to be aware of your surroundings. Paris is safer than any American City. The people of Paris are wonderful . The Food is like no other in the world. If you have taste you will love Paris

Don’t come to Paris

I agree and I m French.

Paris is a ghetto nowadays. Be REALLY careful there, and don’t go if you can avoid it. Even the city centre is dangerous now. If what you are looking for is visiting a big European city, there are way better options like London which are way more safe (and beautiful too).

my daughter and her friends visited while in school in europe ,,they were robbed 2x in 2 hours by gangs in train station not non violent pickpockets gangs ……

Dangerous place

Gare du Nord is a horrific place. Swarms of gangs looking for innocent victims to rob. The metro is even worse. Most awful travel experience.

Paris is no longer Paris

Can you believe that Paris has a better safety-rating than Moscow or Ukraine?

I lived in Paristan. It’s 30% safe at best. Such an overly expensive ghetto.

Do NOT go to Gare du Nord.

Do NOT go out at night in town, especially if you are a lady on your own.

AVOID the metro and the RER after dark. Nothing much is open late but kebab shops and halal grocery stores, anyway.

Very sad, I know.

True, Paris needs to clean up its act fast. I went 5 yrs ago, never again. Filthy 3rd world people everywhere. Avoid.

Really Sketchy place

Mugging risk, unlike stated in this article is really high. Just don’t make the wrong turn.

Beware! Pickpockets! Human trafficking! Not safe for solo female travelers!

This rating is way off. Paris is not safe for solo female travelers! Especially young women, even those traveling in pairs. Pickpockets and men pulling at you. Be wary, you could be a victim of human trafficking.

Networks of pickpockets use distraction techniques. Do not take your eyes off your belongings when moving to and from your hotel or rental. You will have to be rude and ignore people who talk to you at times. Hoards of idle men loitering in the streets and especially near metro stations. I was surprised by how many men there were and very few women.

I had my backpack stolen with a computer, hard drives, and pro camera within minutes after arriving – my carry on. Was right at my feet for less than 30 seconds outside my AirBnB in the 18th, before some guy started talking to me – and as I instinctively looked at him for briefly, the other guy grabbed my backpack.

Police told me they can’t keep up with these networks. Found Paris to be a very scary city overall. This is coming from a Chicago native, and very vigilant about safety and belongings. Nothing I could’ve done differently but never take it off or use both belt and chest straps. Thankfully my passport and cards were in an RFID wallet tightly attached.

Lyft/Uber drivers will frequently cancel rides claiming you are a “no-show”, while you get charged the cancel fee – and they get paid.

France is a safe place everywhere except in Paris. You should avoid this city, or stay in rich area. You should discover the real France, not this pathetic third-world city who not belong to France anymore.

Two women felt quite safe

My daughter and I went to Paris recently in summer 2020 and felt quite safe. I would feel worried if my daughter was traveling alone in any large city because she doesn’t have experience with ignoring unwanted attention or requests, nor assessing the level of threat and best response/reaction one should take. However the 2 of us together, we never felt unsafe, with one exception. The exception was COVID-19 in crowded metros, especially with some men speaking loudly to each other with their masks pulled down. In some neighborhoods, there are languages spoken other than french, where the men speak extremely loudly to each other on the sidewalks, forming a sort of corridor that you’d have to walk through. To avoid the risk of contamination, we’d detour around such groups, crossing the street if needed. You have to use common sense and ignore people with weird requests, like asking you to read a postcard or weird stuff, but surprisingly on this visit, those people were non-existant. We visited all the usual tourist spots, traveled on the metro in the evening, and walked a lot, in perfect safety.

Biased review

After reading that page and the one for Shanghai I’m 100% sure the author never visited those cities but instead did little more than naively copy-paste biased reviews from other websites. I am originally from Paris and I live since several years in Shanghai. I find unbelievable a dangerous place like Paris gets higher rate than Shanghai (which is one of the safest city in the world along with Singapore and Tokyo).

You never got the right experience of Shanghai or Paris, sorry ma dude…

Agree with you

Completely agree with you, as another former parisian who moved to China almost 5 years ago. Paris is no longer what it was.

France no longer doing well....

I am french and left the country 20 years ago… for family reasons. The reason why the country drastically changed is due to European borders opening in 2000. The famous Europe! that was supposed to unify…. The rich left and the poor came, But mainly it is due to passive and stupid politicians. They decided to let anybody in and also to let incivility and violence take place. Bad choices, removed also mandatory one year military trainings … a good way to strengthen some minds!! ..Police and teachers are under paid and under respected… i can go on with so many reasons why the country turned bad…Plus Paris attracts more than other cities.

Haven’t been and after reading all of the ratings, I have decided not to go. Stupid politicians and opening the borders sounds familiar (US). Thanks for your input.

you should go,i have been there and it is decently safe,trust me

Beautiful in the centre of the city. But surrounds are some of the worst ghetto suburbs you’ll ever see.

It’s an amazing city to visit, issue is, scams at the Mona Lisa Museum are bound to happen.

Don’t think of Paris as a romantic place for late night walks and everyone is smiling… be safe go elsewhere

It should be more realistic

France is not safe but not because of terrorism but because of France itself

I think thst Paris is super safe and fun

Not at all what we had hoped for

Pretty much in tandem with some of the other travelers! Awful at night, even for a couple traveling together. The whole Parisian vibe we were hoping to experience can pretty much be summed with just one word: overrated. Sure, the pandemic affected the traveling sector but this has happened worldwide. I am referring to the smell, the crowds upon crowds of people, those beady eyes constantly scanning us to look for potential exposed belongings. I don’t know when this became the norm but I know for sure I won’t be coming back anytime soon.

Paris should not be the capital of France anymore, its the terrorism capital of Western Europe.

The safety is much lower than 68. Paris has lot of gun crime even the metro also has lots of crime. In fact, Paris has little peace. The city has lots of ghetto places. Better stick to the place with fewer guns.

Just returned from Paris. I would never visit again. Subways are not safe. Taxis are gross and food is very very expensive. There is absolutely no where to go after dark. I am a 55 year old Dad traveling with my daughters. I was with my 60 year olf brother and his girls. Absolutely run over w trash and filth.

Lived in Paris 22 years ….. i’m safe, thank you. BUT OK. You need to know where, when, whith who, how, you go … it’s not a dangerous place at ALL if you’ve traveled a little … it’s just a capital ….seriously, it’s not so bad, but yes you have to take care of yourself anytime. Like … everywhere ?

Have a Nice trip

Well, I dont like Paris. Some places you don’t see any black people but when you far the Paris everywhere black and you find it white like there’s a needle in a haystack. and a lot bad stuff.

Just so you know, you West asians and north africans overwhelmingly dominate the sector of “bad and problematic” minorities in France and Europe beyond far more than blacks do

What can you expect from a major city?

Remember, Paris is huge. When you have a city of this size, it’s going to have problems. But I’m not sure that the net ratio of problems per capita is any higher than Chicago. Overall, expect large crowds and bad traffic most times, regardless of which part of the city. I personally saw the aftermath of 2 crashes on the road even though I was only there a brief period. Paris is certainly nothing alone the lines of an open war zone, but there are safer cities of similar size elsewhere in the world. Treat it with the same respect you would any metropolis, and you are not likely to be a victim. If you are worried about being pick pocketed, get a chain wallet and Ykooe cell phone holster. If your clothes don’t support wearing a belt, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage. For anyone who is not aware… going out to a bar and getting drunk late at night, especially while alone, is an excellent way to make yourself vulnerable, regardless of whether in France or a much safer locale such as Scandinavia. Use common sense…

Only place in the world I have been robbed three times. The first two times I was living in Paris. Children and women are the typical culprits and they are professional. I have been all over Europe, Africa and Asia and only robbed in Paris. This misinformation is why so many traveling to Paris are unprepared, deemed safe because its Europe, not because its actually safe

never again.

We traveled in a large group. After eating in the Georgian restaurant in the Paris center, we where robbed by a black males who ripped off the watches and ran off. Police said don’t wear expensive watches. Overall- durty delipidated city with unfriendly people and nothing interesting created in the 100 years. Go to Asia or Eastern European instead.

Paris is not good to travel

I do not recommend Paris for tourists because of police the Paris police not doing there job well they see there is pickpockets and robbers but they ignore them so why everyone is free to do anything if police do there job that will be the best city for ever i don’t know that police have link with them or what but police is nothing in Paris

Still a pretty safe country to visit. Forget your worries about crime and Emmanuel Macron

My info is probably biased, so it is fine if you get me wrong. I went to Paris and did not sense any insecurity, aside from the strikes and the protests of course. However, you still should be on the lookout for any robbers or pickpockets, as this is common. This year, police efficiency increased, and crimes began to fall. Marseille is still pretty safe, but the number of murders went from somewhere like 32 to 36, so that’s also where police presence increased I think. I semi-agree with what @David above says, but is not like the police don’t want to reduce crime rates (some police officers are like that), they are not told to enough, and political correctness made by “Mr Unnecessary,” aka Macron is to blame!

Visited this November, and had a great time. Felt safe everywhere I went I just saw a few scams from gypsies’ girls. If you don’t talk to them you are fine.

Share Your Experience Cancel reply

Your Review

Title of your review

Article Contents

• Paris : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

Popular Destinations

Safety Index

Recent reviews & comments.

• Kentson Anttila on 16 Pros and Cons of Living in Finland
• Michael Shapiso on Davidson
• Kathlene Boyle on Davidson
• Dallas Low on Davidson
• Ryan Ross on Truro

Popular US States

• Pennsylvania

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Parisian Businesses Say Lack Of Tourists Can Feel Frustrating

Rebecca Rosman

Every August Parisians leave and the tourists head to the French capital. But this year, the tourism industry is hurting, even as some Parisians enjoy a rare chance to explore their city.

Copyright © 2020 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

Tacky Tourist Traps To Avoid In Paris, and What To Do Instead

Here’s my guide to tacky tourist traps and overrated sites to skip in Paris. Sometimes, you have to gush over a lauded must see attraction. And sometimes you need to levy justified criticism, to give readers the real lowdown on a particular site.

I’ve written a “what to skip” post for decoding Lisbon and London . Paris deserves the same treatment.

I like to avoid nightmarish throngs, and Paris is often crowded. Everyone is traveling nowadays. And it’s not just Americans. There are plenty of travelers from Europe, China, India, and Russia.

The problem is that the big ticket tourist attractions don’t grow in size to meet demand.

So you have to carefully assess whether these overhyped attractions are worth visiting. Or whether you’re zen enough to endure the wait.

To be sure, sometimes you’ve got to grit your teeth, practice patience, and suck it up for Paris. Or purchase pricey skip the line tickets. (You can’t be spontaneous in the City of Light.)

But not for things that don’t really merit it. The boring and beaten path isn’t always the way to go. And can be awfully unpleasant.

The problem isn’t the destination — Paris is sublime — but where you’re going.

Here are 11 of the worst tourist traps in Paris. Granted, some of them are frequently described as “must see” sites. But not to me.

There are so many amazing sites to put on your Paris itinerary . You can safely cross these supposed must see sites off your Paris bucket list.

Along with identifying tourist traps to avoid in Paris, I give you some alternative sites for your Paris visit. These alternative are lovely hidden gems in Paris , where you can enjoy Paris without the heaving crowds.

Overrated Tourist Traps To Avoid in Paris

Here’s my list of tourist traps to avoid and alternative hidden gems in Paris:

1. Tourist Trap: The Eiffel Tower

Alternative viewpoints: montparnasse tower, pantheon tower, or the pompidou center.

I know, the Eiffel Tower is on everyone’s bucket list and Instagram feed. It’s one of the world’s most visited sites. It’s lacy ladder of vertical bridges is impressive.

But there are better places for views in Paris that don’t involve hordes of people, high security, pickpockets, scams, and vendors pestering you to buy tacky trinkets.

Nowadays, moreover, the base of the Eiffel Tower is encircled in an 8 foot high bullet proof glass enclosure. To even walk under the Eiffel Tower, you’ve got to go through a metal detector and bag screening.

It’s far better to gaze fondly at the Iron Lady than to go up her. It’s just not worth the cost and the long queues.

You can find great views of the Eiffel Tower from Avenue de Camoens, Pont de Bir-Hakeim, and Rue de l’Universitie. Or the most popular spot, the Trocadero.

If you must go up the Eiffel Tower, it’s essential to pre-book a timed entry ticket online. You can’t wait until you arrive in Paris.

But, be forewarned, skip-the-line access doesn’t apply to either the second floor elevators leading up to the summit or the elevators on the descent.

You’ll have to queue up. You can opt for the less crowded stairs instead, if you don’t mind hoofing it.

For the quintessential Paris view, try Montparnasse Tower instead. Go at night when the Eiffel Tower light show happens (on the hour), to get in your Eiffel Tower fix.

Alternatively, climb the tower in the Pantheon , an underrated hidden gem in Paris. The grand neoclassical basilica was built after a king’s near death experience and celebrates the greatest heros of France. The colorful wall paintings tell the tempestuous history of 18th and 19th centuries France.

People tend to walk by and not go into the Pantheon. But the interior is the most fascinating part. As an added bonus, the rooftop boasts one of the best viewing points in Paris. When you’re done investigating the Pantheon, you can stroll in nearby Luxembourg Gardens.

If you love modern art, you likely have the Pompidou Center on your Paris itinerary. The Pompidou Center houses Paris’ best modern and contemporary art collection (and one of the best in the world).

It’s also architecturally unique, designed as an “evolving spatial diagram.” And it boasts beautiful views over Paris from the top floor.

READ : Guide To the Best Museum in Paris

2. Tourist Trap: The Champs Élysées

Alternative: rue de martyrs.

I usually avoid this area of Paris. I’m not a shopper and the Champs Elysees is too touristy and busy.

And it’s not even very pretty actually. If you’re obsessed with French luxury brands, definitely visit their flagship stores. But most of the merchandise is available online and in retail stores worldwide.

If you do visit the Champs Élysées, take time to get a picture of the Arc de Triomphe . And consider going up to the viewing platform. This is a much better view than the Eiffel Tower view, IMHO.

>>> Click here to book an Arc de Triomphe rooftop ticket

For better shopping (and more great rooftop views), head to Paris’ venerable department stores, Printemps and Galleries Lafayette, in the Opera District , Paris’ 9th arrondissement.

But the problem with these “grand magasins” is that they’re also so popular that they’ve become a tad Disney-esque.

At Galleries Lafayette, there’s now a “Glasswork” observation platform (with a line, of course) to view the spectacular stained glass dome and a bouncy trampoline for kids.

As an alternative to the Champ Élysées, try strolling the Rue de Martyrs, especially if you’re in Montmartre . This steep high street is the heart and soul of the trendy South Pigalle neighborhood, dubbed “SoPi.”

It’s a half mile of deliciousness and magic crammed with over 200 cafes, restaurants, groceries, chocolatiers, fromageries, and bars.

There’s even a book written about it by NYT journalist and former Paris denison, Elaine Sciolino. I liked it so much I included it on my list of 20 best books about Paris.

On the Rue des Marytrs, you can buy anything. And there’s a speciality shop for everything, from rare cheese to sponge cake to gourmet dried herbs.

So numerous are these single product shops that French food critics have dubbed Rue des Martyrs the “La Rue du Monoproduit.”

3. Tourist Trap: The Louvre and the D’Orsay

Alternative: paris’ small secret museums.

If you love art or big ticket sites, the Louvre is likely on your Paris bucket list. But the Louvre is the largest, busiest, most visited museum in the world. It has 35,000 works of art and is a palace itself. It’s intimidating.

And it’s a madhouse — a bacchanalia of crowds, flashes, selfie sticks, languages, and people trying to skip queues and touch the art. It can be overwhelming, especially for a first time visitor.

Don’t expect to “conquer” the Louvre in one day. Lonely Planet estimates “it would take nine months to glance at every piece” inside. Gericault’s Raft of the Medusa is, I think, the best painting at the Louvre .

If you’re ambitious enough to brave the august limestone fortress, have a solid strategy in advance. An all day, drive by marathon is decidedly not the way to go. The Louvre is best experienced in bite sized pieces to avoid brain sapping overstimulation and a distaste for rest for the rest of mankind.

After all, who likes being shoved and bumped in a mass herd? If you must go, book a skip the line ticket for Wednesday or Friday night when the Louvre is open until 9:45 pm.

But there are so many exquisite small museums in Paris to visit in lieu of the Louvre. If you’re in Paris for a very short time, the Louvre is entirely skippable. There are plenty of small secret museums in Paris and wonderful free museums in Paris .

Some people recommend the Musee d’Orsay as a less crowded alternative to the Louvre. But I don’t, unless you’re there off season.

It’s just a tick down in popularity from the Louvre and is also incredibly packed with adoring fans. It’s understandable that you’d want to see its vaunted collection of Monet and Van Gogh.

But you can see some glorious Monet paintings, including his water lilies, at the Orangerie or Marmottan Museum .

4. Tourist Trap: Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa

Alternative: leonardo’s virgin and child with st. anne.

Everyone who goes to the Louvre flocks to the famous Mona Lisa .

I think the Mona Lisa is best seen as a high resolution image on your computer. Trust me, it’s small. And the crowds to get relatively close to it are huge.

You won’t be able to get a photo without a selfie stick or camera in it. So, if you’re visiting the Louvre, it’s best to forget the da Vinci masterpiece and hunt down the Louvre’s underrated masterpieces .

In fact, in the very same room as the Mona Lisa is another da Vinci masterpiece, The Virgin and Child with St. Anne .

This was Leonardo’s last painting and one that he worked on for 20 years. It was meticulously cleaned and restored in 2010.

READ : All of Leonardo da Vinci’s Paintings

It now glows luminously from the canvas, despite some controversy about possible over-cleaning. It’s just as compelling and mysterious as the Mona Lisa .

But it’s mostly ignored by the crowds. Perhaps because, unlike the Mona Lisa , it was never stolen from Louvre with the ensuing publicity.

>>> Click here to book a timed entry Louvre ticket

5. Tourist Trap: Sacré-Cœur and Place du Tertre

Alternatives: south pigalle.

The Sacré-Cœur is the epitome of an overwrought, out of control tourist trap in Paris. The architecture of the church itself is kind of tacky and unappealing in my view (inside or outside). Plus, you can’t take photos inside.

The one thing the Sacré-Cœur has going for it is a tower with spectacular views. But not at sunrise; its too smoggy. And not at sunset either; the pickpockets are out in force.

The Place du Tertre is one of Paris’ most famous squares, plastered on countless postcards. It’s world famous for its painters and cafes. These days, the square is filled with rather cheesy caricaturist-artists painting right before your eyes.

I would skip these two places, unless you really must visit the tourist sections of Montmartre. Parts of Montmartre are beautiful, steeped in history, and reminiscent of its past artistic significance. Other parts are full of tourists, vagrants, and petty criminals.

The lower and western parts of Montmartre are more quaint. You could start your walking tour near the Rue des Abbessess instead of the calamitous Rue de Steinkerque.

>> Click here to book a walking tour of Montmartre’s hidden gems

At the Rue de Abbesses metro, you can pop into the Église Saint-Jean de Montmartre. It has the beauty and quietude that the tourist infested Sacré-Cœur lacks.

If you want to get off the beaten path near Montmartre, head to the adjacent neighborhood of South Pigalle . In fin de siècle Paris, “SoPi” was a scandalous red light district.

SoPi has smartened up and become a hotbed for Paris’ “bobos,” or bourgeoise bohemians. It’s got buzzy culture, gourmet snacks, vintage speakeasies, tony boutiques, and some great small museums.

6. Tourist Trap: The Moulin Rouge

Alternative: opera garnier or opera bastille.

The Moulin Rouge once was a revered cabaret show. Now, it’s just a campy and inauthentic tourist trap. There’s lots of red velvet and fancy costumes. But the technical wizardry of the cabaret dancers is subpar, especially for the sticker shock price.

Paris is a city of culture. Why go to a tacky bordello-type show when you’re there? Instead, head to the gorgeous Opera Garnier (the lair of the Phantom of the Opera) for a ballet or take in an opera at the Opera Bastille.

>>> Click here to book a skip the line ticket for the Opera Garnier

If you prefer classical music, head to the Philharmonie de Paris. Opened in 2015, it’s the home of the Paris Orchestra. Designed by world-famous architect Jean Nouvel, its modern setting has become a sensation.

7. Tourist Trap: Palace of Versailles

Alternative: grounds of versailles or another chateau.

Versailles is everyone’s favorite day trip from Paris. But it takes all day, assuming you want to see everything on offer. And the crowds and lines are insufferable.

If you’re visiting Paris, visit Paris. Only visit Versailles in the dead of winter.

If you really must visit Versailles , you don’t necessarily have to tour the palace, although the vaunted Hall of Mirrors is, in fact, quite dazzling. The tour is a slap dash quickie affair with a lot of empty rooms on offer. Instead, you could opt for the quieter pleasures of the expansive gardens and Marie Antoinette’s haunts — the Petit Trianon and the Hameau.

Better yet, if chateau hopping is on your agenda, book a guided day tour to Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte or Chateau Fontainebleau . They’re both much less crowded than Versailles. Or, try some of these off the beaten path day trips from Paris.

8. Tourist Trap: The Catacombs

Alternative: conciergerie or pere lachaise cemetery.

The Catacombs is a subterranean necropolis with more than 6 million artfully arranged skeletons. While it is mildly interesting with a noir-ish haunting vibe, requires a ghastly long wait.

I can’t believe anyone describes the Catacombs as a “Paris hidden gem.” You can face queues of up to 2 hours or more.

I don’t stand in line for anything in the world that long. (Except maybe an international flight.) And the Catacombs is mostly just endless piles of human bones. You’re gawking at dead folks.

And not only does it take ages to enter, it takes an age to exit. If you want a gloomy Paris history lesson, be sure to splurge on a skip the line timed entry ticket . And they don’t come cheap.

The audio guide is pretty decent. The stairs are long and narrow.

But, honestly, the Conciergerie is terrific alternative to the Catacombs, if you want a glimpse of Paris’ dark past. There, you can re-live the French Revolution in an actual UNESCO site.

Perched on the Île de la Cité, the Conciergerie has had myriad incarnations. It’s morphed from a medieval palace to a notorious pre-guillotine prison to a public museum. There’s an exhibit about its most famous prisoner, Marie Antoinette .

>>> Click here to book a ticket to the Conciergerie with a histopad

Or, you can take the metro to Pere Lachaise Cemetery . It’s the world’s most visited cemetery.

Its appeal lies not just in death, but in the fact that it’s a brooding aggregation of French culture. Hundreds of celebrities, writers, artists, and musicians are buried there. This is where you come to honor the brilliant minds.

9. Tourist Trap: Rue de la Huchette In The Latin Quarter

Alternative: places des vosges.

Rue de la Huchette is a vaunted street in Paris’ Latin Quarter. I honestly don’t see the attraction.

To me, it’s a tacky, busy, and over-touristed carnival. It’s like going to a boardwalk district in Ocean City NJ. And the restaurants there are seriously unappetizing, crappy gyros and the like.

If you find yourself there, steer into nearby Rue de la Parcheminerie. The Latin Quarter isn’t just one touristy street. The Latin Quarter is is the lively heart and soul of the left Bank — a tangle of medieval narrow streets with soulful asymmetrical architecture that seems alive.

Or, leave the area completely, grab some falafel in the Marais, and head to the elegant and quiet Places des Vosges. While there, if you’re obsessed with Victor Hugo and the grandeur of Les Miserables , stop in at the Victor Hugo Museum (which is free).

>>> Click here to book a walking tour of the Marais

10. Tourist Trap: Seine Dinner Cruise

Alternative: canal st. martin.

Don’t do it. Paris is a culinary power house, so you shouldn’t waste time on a Seine dinner boat cruise. You’ll be served terrible reheated food.

Boat tours are definitely a lovely way to see Paris. But instead of a dinner tour, hop on a regular Bateaux Mouche tour.

Or, even better, take the Batobus, which is a boat service on the Seine with 7 stops. Unlike the Bateaux Mouche, you can hop on and hop off at your whim.

Or, even better, pick up goodies for a picnic on the Canal Saint Martin where the locals hang out. The Canal Saint Martin is a hip and vibrant area in the 10th arrondissement, filled with charm and street art.

You can also board a barge and blisffully float down the canal. If you’re ready for a cocktail, try Le Comptoir General.

If the Seine is calling your name — as it calls everyone’s — the Seine riverbanks are now perfectly usable. Paris is converting more and more of its embankments to pedestrian-friendly promenades.

On a nice day, the riverbanks are filled with skateboarders, cyclists, and pedestrians. Quite a few pop-up bars and cafes have opened along the river. It’s worth a linger or stroll.

11. Tourist Trap: Rue Cremieux

Alternative: colonnes du buren at the palais royal.

Rue Cremieux has been liked to death by Instagrammers. Rue Cremieux is regularly labelled one of Paris’ most beautiful streets.

It’s a small cobblestone street located in the 12th arrondissement, near the Bastille. The painted pastel facades of the private homes are pretty French macarons, reminiscent of Portobello Street in London .

But today, Rue Cremieux is a victim of its own success. It used to be a “secret place” few travelers knew about.

Now it’s been discovered by color-loving, photo-op hungry Instagrammers. And they don’t admire it quietly either, treating it like their own concert hall or yoga studio.

Residents are fighting back. They’ve started Club Cremieux on Instagram to showcase bad tourist behavior. And asked the city to close down their street to visitors in the evenings and on weekends, the busiest times for Instagrammers.

If you want a cool Instragram photo, there’s another excellent spot — the Colonnes de Buren at the Palais Royal. The palace’s Cour d’Honneur is the site of a futuristic art installation created by acclaimed French conceptual artist Daniel Buren in 1985-86.

The Colonnes were initially controversial, deliberately presenting a jarring contrast to the classically designed palace.

The installation is a dizzying walk-in structure of 260 black and white candy striped marble columns of varying heights. The installation is interesting and provides a photogenic backdrop.

12. Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

Alternative: abbey bookstore.

Facing the Seine, Shakesapeare and Company is the most famous English language bookstore in Paris.

From 1921 to 1940, the bookshop was the stomping grounds of such esteemed novelists such as Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, and Ezra Pound. Irish writer James Joyce reportedly used the shop as his office.

These days, the bookstore is more of a tourist trap than a meeting place for the literary minded. It’s always packed with tourists, with long lines even to get inside during high season.

Instead, head to the charming the Abbey Bookstore, another charming anglophone bookstore in the Hotel Dubuisson.

It sells new, vintage, and rare books, lovingly offered up in massive floor to ceiling piles. The bookstore also serves up coffee and the delicious smell wafts among the books.

You may enjoy these other Paris travel guide and resources:

• 2 days in Paris itinerary
• 3 Day Itinerary for Paris
• Best Museums in Paris
• Guide To the Picasso Museum
• Secret Day Trips from Paris
• Tips for Visiting Paris like a Local
• Monet Guide To Paris
• Top Attractions i n Montmartre
• Guide To the Latin Quarter

If you’d like to avoid Paris tourist traps, pin it for later.

2 thoughts on “Tacky Tourist Traps To Avoid In Paris, and What To Do Instead”

The key is not to avoid these places, but to time it right. Not everyone has the luxury of many trips to Paris and actually want to see these things! They are popular for a reason. Yes avoid Rue Cremieux because it’s residential & other people have annoyed them. I have pictures of the Louvre courtyard with NO people! We were number 3 & 4 to see the Mona Lisa. We were in the first 10 to get into Versaille. We browsed in Shakespeare & Co with very few around. We have been to every thing you have listed; the “don’t go” & the alternatives, plus a bunch of places not listed. The only thing we stood in line for was the Catacombs, but we thought it was cool & worth it. (& we were there in summer)

It seems somewhat inevitable that popular tourist attractions turn into tourist traps… You must be a smart traveler and early bird to have gotten in early. I mean, I have walked in to the Louvre when it’s empty to … in the dead of winter. For myself, I am happy to never walk down the Champs Elysees or the Rue da la Huchette ever again. I am an art lover but the Mona Lisa isn’t exactly a great masterpiece. It’s become a statement piece since it was stolen and there are so few Leonardo da Vinci paintings in the world. I would do Versailles again, but never ever in high season.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Last Updated on July 6, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

What Not To Do in Paris: 26 Rookie Mistakes To Avoid

Traveling to the French capital for the first time or even the second time and wondering what not to do in Paris ? This post will show you some r ookie mistakes to avoid for a fun trip.

There is nothing more exciting than visiting Paris, especially for the first time. The thought of finally seeing the Eiffel Tower and other beautiful places in Paris can throw you into a total frenzy of excitement.

Disclaimer:  This post might contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using one of our links. It’s okay – We love all of the products we recommend anyway, and you will too! Also, that commission helps us keep this awesome free blog up to date! You can read our  full disclosure here  for more details!

And with all the excitement, some people forget to do enough research on things not to do in Paris and end up committing the same mistakes most people make.

So whether you’re a seasoned or a first-time visitor, here is what not to do in Paris for an amazing trip.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

WHERE TO STAY Best Eiffel Tower Views:  Hôtel Le Walt  (9.0) Luxury stay:  Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel  (8.2) Mid-range stay:  Hôtel Eiffel  (8.7) Budget Stay:  People – Paris Bercy  (8.9) Apartment Rental:  Résidence Charles Floquet  (9.1)  

BEST GUIDED TOURS Louvre Museum guided tour : (4.5/5) Seine River Dinner Cruise : (4.7/5) Montmartre Walking Tour : (4.8/5) Le Marais Walking Food Tour : (4.5/5) Versailles Guided Tour : (4.8/5) Eiffel Tower Guided Tour : (4.4/5)  Private Transfer from CDG Airport to Paris : (4.7/10)

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES HAPPENING NOW IN PARIS Luminiscence at Saint-Eustache Church : A music and lighting show in one of Paris’s most beautiful churches: (4.7/10) Candlelight show : Perfect if you want to be treated to a candlelit music show in a beautiful Parisian venue: (4.8/10) Cabaret at Moulin Rouge : A cabaret in the iconic Moulin Rouge is a must: (4.7/10)

What Not To Do in Paris

Here are the biggest mistakes to avoid in Paris to fully enjoy your trip.

1. Throwing away your ticket when you take a train or subway

Unlike some places where a train ticket is as good as useless after boarding, it’s not the same in Paris!

First of all, that ticket will help you exit the subway when you reach your final destination and without it, you will have a hard time!

Also, sometimes the train police can check to see who actually paid for the trip ( of which you have to show your train ticket) and who is trying to beat the system by refusing to pay!

And if you don’t have it by the time of checking, you’ll be fined instantly – which is almost 20 times more than the actual ticket fee!

Whatever you do, make sure that you don’t lose the train ticket!

2. Not minding your manners

French people are generally well-mannered people! They will never go to a shop and not say hello ( bonjour) to the attendant or even say sorry (pardon) if something goes wrong!

But I also know that in some places, saying hello to someone offering you a service is not a given!

What you should do instead!

While in Paris, you should learn to always say hello, whether you’re talking to a server at a restaurant or a cashier at a supermarket – just say bonjour or Bonsoir ( good morning/ good afternoon or good evening) to create a calm and friendly environment otherwise you might not get the friendly vibe from the Parisians!

3. Visiting just the Eiffel Tower

Yes, the Eiffel Tower is indeed the most famous landmark and the international symbol of Paris and France at large but there is more to Paris than just the Eiffel Tower!

Of course, you should visit and climb it as it gives some of the best views of Paris but don’t leave the city without checking out other places!

Other Places to visit in Paris ?

There are so many beautiful places to visit in Paris including; the Louvre Museum which is the most famous art museum in the world, Arc de Triomphe, Sacré Coeur ( also known as the sacred heart of Paris), Notre Dame Cathedral , Orsay Museum, and so many others!

Psst… Before visiting the Iron Lady, check out these Eiffel Tower practical tips .

4. Visiting just the famous places in Paris

One of the other tourist mistakes in Paris to avoid is just visiting the popular tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum , etc, and forgetting about other places.

I am not saying that you shouldn’t visit them but I am saying that there is more to Paris than just the places with crowds.

What more to see in Paris?

There are so many hidden gems in Paris and non-touristy things to do in Paris that are not known by many people but are definitely worth adding to your Paris itinerary.

Some of the hidden spots to visit in Paris include; Paris Statue of Liberty – yes Paris also has its own version, Parc de la Villette – a 55-hectare urban cultural park, or Buttes Chaumont if you’re looking for a perfect place for a Parisian picnic .

5. Eating at restaurants near famous places

One of the big mistakes to avoid in Paris is eating at restaurants near famous places as they’re usually way more expensive than any other restaurants in the city.

For example, a restaurant next to the Sacré Coeur is likely to be more expensive than one on a non-famous street in Paris . Also, restaurants with Eiffel Tower views are more likely to be more expensive compared to the others.

Where to eat instead?

Paris has several restaurants that you can never fail to find one at any turn you make.

So try to look for ones that are a bit far from the popular site as you’ll get a better value for your money – and a bigger portion as well. You can also check out these cute Parisian cafes .

6. Renting a car

If you’re wondering what not to do in Paris, then renting a car is one of them.

I am not trying to take these service providers out of business but the traffic in Paris is crazy, and not to mention how it can be challenging to drive in some areas of the city if you choose to rent your own car.

Also, private taxi fares can be a bit high and it’s easy to be scammed by being charged unfairly which is why, if possible, stay away from taxis while in Paris.

How to avoid this mistake?

Paris public transportation is pretty extensive, comfortable, and above all cheap! You can opt to use the trains, subway, trams, or buses – so many options at your disposal – and they all easily connect to all the major popular attractions you’d want to visit.

Trains and subways are also perfect for beating the city traffic which helps save time.

Pro tip* If you purchase this Paris city pass , you get to use public transportation for free. But if not, you can choose to buy a “carnet” of 10 train/subway tickets at once which reduces the general train fare.

7. Assuming that everyone speaks English in Paris

This is actually one of the common misconceptions most tourists have when they plan to travel to Paris which is entirely wrong as most French people can barely speak any English.

Of course in popular places, you’ll hear people speaking English or even tour guides but be ready to find yourself in situations where you can’t understand what someone says and they will not be able to understand you.

And that brings us to the next Paris mistake.

8. Not learning a few French words

As we’ve just seen, it’s not a given that you’ll find English speakers everywhere you go in Paris, it’s important to learn a few French words.

I made this mistake myself as I couldn’t say any French words beyond the usual bonjour and now that I know better, I’ve made it a mission to try and learn French – (still unsuccessfully but I am not giving up) as your life can be much easier and more fun if you can speak a bit of French in Paris and locals will see the effort and appreciate you for that.

What to do instead?

Before you travel to Paris, learn a few basic French words that can help you go by on your adventures.

It doesn’t have to be fluent French but something to help you say something, read, or understand basic writing.

A few French words you should learn include;

• Bonjour – Hello/Good morning
• Merci – Thank you
• S’il Vous plaît – Please
• Poussez- Push (Useful when opening/ closing doors not to pull when it says push)
• Tirer – Pull (same for opening/ closing doors)
• Bienvenue – Welcome
• Au revoir – Goodbye
• A bientôt – See you soon
• Enchanté – Nice to meet you
• Sortie – Exit

You can also buy this Simple French Phrasebook to help you learn easy French on the go.

9. Wasting time in long queues

One of the other things not to do in Paris is waste time in long queues especially if you just have a few days in the city of love.

You should know that most attractions in Paris receive thousands of people every day and it’s possible to spend over 3 hours in queues just to buy an entry ticket which is not really ideal since the idea is to utilize your time as best as possible.

What should you do instead?

Luckily for you, most popular attractions offer skip-the-line entry tickets so you can get fast-track entry without wasting time in queues.

Some of the skip-the-line entry tickets you can buy in advance include;

• The Eiffel Tower skip-the-line entry ticket
• The Louvre Museum skip-the-line entry ticket
• Arc de Triomphe skip-the-line entry ticket
• Catacombs skip-the-line entry ticket

You can also check out my complete list of skip-the-line tickets for major Paris attractions to avoid wasting time looking for them online.

One of the other ways to skip the long lines in Paris if you don’t want to buy the fast entry tickets is by visiting in the morning hours before the crowds flock in.

Also visiting during weekdays instead of weekends can help you skip the long lines as most popular places get more visitors during the weekends.

Or instead of buying individual entry tickets, you can get yourself this Paris city pass . The pass will give you fast entry to most of the major tourist attractions while saving on transportation as it comes free with the pass.

10. Buying drinking water at restaurants or anywhere in Paris

Tap water in Paris is absolutely safe to drink so it will be a mistake for you to spend your money buying bottled water. So while in restaurants, ask your server politely to serve you tap water which is free.

Actually, it’s not only in restaurants, even when just moving around the city, you also don’t need to buy bottled water when you get thirsty.

All you need is to locate one of the Wallace fountains (drinkable water taps) spread all around the city and since they’re almost everywhere in Paris, locating one will not be a problem.

You just need to carry this re-usable collapsible travel water bottle to keep refilling every time you run out of water.

Pro tip* If you don’t know where to find the Wallace fountains in Paris, you can download the Maps. me app as they’re listed on it and you can easily get directions to the nearest one from where you are.

11. Not going on a Seine Ceuise

One of the best things to do in Paris is to go on a seine cruise and missing it would be a huge mistake.

A cruise on a seine will give you spectacular views of the most famous Parisian landmarks; from views of the Eiffel Tower , Notre Dame Cathedral , Orsay Museum , and Arc de Triomphe to many other attractions.

You can either go for this Seine day cruise to admire all the incredible architecture from a distance but if you want to get a glimpse of Paris at night , then take this evening Seine cruise .

You’ll be able to see the beautiful monuments brightening up and the reflection of the lights on the surface of the seine is a magical sight proving that Paris is indeed a city of light.

12. Packing too many activities in one Paris trip

It’s not surprising that you’d want to see everything in Paris in just one visit but to be honest, it’s hard!

There are so many places to visit in Paris and so many things to do that it’s utterly impossible to do all that especially if you just have a few days – even if you have a month in Paris actually.

So packing so many activities in one trip will just burn you out and not get to enjoy the beauty of Paris to the maximum since you’ll be rushing through places instead of experiencing them.

Create a realistic Paris itinerary before your visit taking into account the number of days you have and your budget! This will help you set realistic expectations on what is possible and what is not.

13. Not booking way in advance – hotels, hostels, restaurants

Paris is one of those cities where most things if not everything require advance booking or you’ll find them booked out.

This is most common at high-end restaurants, luxurious vacation rentals , hotels, and a few unique activities!

For example, to get a table at the restaurant at the Eiffel Tower, you’ll need to book 2-3 months in advance or you can forget about having dinner with a view.

What to do Instead?

If you plan to visit Paris and want to sleep at hotels with Eiffel Tower views or dine at fancy restaurants, make sure that you book as early as you can – even 3 months earlier if possible.

And on top of getting yourself a spot, booking early can sometimes help you get good offers hence paying a bit less compared to what you would have paid if you booked last minute.

14. Not minding the safety of your items

Paris is generally a safe city but it would be a huge mistake to let your guard down and ignore the safety of your items.

Even if the city is safe, there is some petty and street theft like in every other major city you have to be mindful of.

How to stay safe in Paris?

• Don’t scream tourist or you might become a target to pickpockets.
• Know where your items are especially in crowded popular places. You can take a travel neck pouch like this one to keep your travel essentials in or even this money belt to hide your money in.
• Wear your backpack from the front, especially in the metro, or crowded places or you can even substitute your normal backpack with this anti-theft backpack instead.
• You can also check out these general travel safety tips to know how to stay safe in Paris.

15. Tipping away your money

One of the other things to avoid in Paris is tipping away your money. I am not saying don’t tip at all while in Paris but tipping too much can slowly ruin your budget without even realizing it since it’s always small bits every day.

Actually, if you don’t feel like tipping at all, it’s totally ok since most menu prices include a tipping fee of about 10%- 15%.

What to do then?

You can always tip if you want especially if you received outstanding customer service, but if you don’t feel like it, don’t be compelled to tip as most servers are not actually waiting for it.

16. Packing too much

Another mistake most people make when traveling to Paris is packing way too much than they need!

If your trip to Paris is going to be for just 2 weeks, don’t pack like you’re moving for a year!

Large luggage will be hard to move around with especially if you plan to use public transport – which is hard to miss honestly.

Pack only the things you’ll need not what you might need. And when it comes to what to wear in Paris , pack outfits not clothes as this will reduce packing unnecessarily too many clothes.

17. But don’t leave the essential home

I know we’ve just talked about not packing too much but that doesn’t mean leaving behind the travel essentials.

Leaving behind the essentials will make you buy them in Paris which might be a bit costly as opposed to carrying what you had before hence spending more money.

What essentials should you pack for Paris?

Some of the essentials to pack for Paris include:

• A European travel adapter or a universal travel adapter if you don’t want to keep buying a different one for each country you visit.
• Extra memory cards : You’ll need more space for your photos.
• A Portable Power bank : Stay connected at all times.
• A good camera : You’ll need to capture the beauty in Paris.
• A Windproof travel umbrella . Regardless of the season, it can rain any time in Paris, so be prepared.
• First aid kit : A travel essential for any trip.
• A fleece / Bomber jacket / Leather jacket : Whichever you prefer, you’ll need to stay warm if it gets chilly especially if you visit Paris in spring or in winter.
• You can check out my complete Paris packing list to know exactly what to pack and this list of what to wear to know the exact clothes not to leave behind.

18. Wearing uncomfortable shoes

Paris is a city best explored on foot and it will be a huge mistake to carry shoes you can’t walk in on Paris’ cobblestone streets.

So as you pack, leave high heels behind, leave flip flops behind, and carry your sneakers or even your running shoes as they will be the most comfortable.

My Adidas walking pair of shoes really work well in Paris but you can take any running shoes you already own.

19. Visiting popular attractions at the wrong time

Before you visit an attraction, it’s paramount that you check its individual opening hours as most places have different operating hours or you might just end up bouncing.

For example, most museums in Paris stay closed on Mondays and on some French public holidays.

But also the opening and closing times of each attraction differ. Some stay open till 9: 00 pm on specific days while others close before 6:00 pm.

You should also note that the opening and closing hours vary according to the season with late closing happening in summer as opposed to the winter season.

20. Visiting Paris during the high season

One of the other mistakes to avoid when planning a trip to Paris is visiting during the high season which is between June- August.

During the summertime , the crowds are high, everything is expensive which may not be the most pleasant time of the year to visit the French capital.

Plan to visit Paris during the shoulder season when the prices of activities, accommodation, and food have relaxed a bit and the crowds have disappeared so that you can enjoy most attractions without competing with thousands of other people at the same time.

You can visit during spring to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Paris or even during Parisian winter for the lowest prices on most things.

21. Taking the train at rush hours

Paris trains become something else during the rush hours (8:00 am – 9:30 am and 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm) when most people are going to work or returning home.

They’re crowded, everyone is running up and down in the subway and you can feel the pressure in the atmosphere, and as a tourist, you may not want to be caught in this situation.

If you can, try to avoid taking the metro during rush hours.

22. Falling for Paris tourist scams

Yes, there are scammers even in one of the most beautiful cities in the world and they mostly target tourists, especially at popular tourist attractions.

Be a smart traveler that reads into the situation fast or you might just get scammed! If someone is being overly friendly, take the friendliness with a grain of salt- of course, some will be genuine but be wary of that.

Free gift from a stranger? You’re getting scammed my friend and you should walk away immediately.

Paris Tourist Scams you should look out for?

The Bracelet Scam: Someone will wrap a bracelet around your wrist and tell you how good it looks on you and insinuate that you’ll get it for free. But no it’s not free! Unless you want to buy it, don’t be forced into buying it if you don’t want it but rather take it off and boldly tell them that you don’t need a bracelet.

The petition scam at Popular attractions:  With this scam, a woman (or women) will approach you with a supposedly important petition they want you to sign as a way of showing support for whatever cause they’re involved in. Do not sign it because as soon as you do, they will demand money in an aggressive way that you might end up feeling compelled to give them something just so they leave you alone.

23. Shopping at Champs-Élysées Avenue

Champs-Élysées Avenue is one of the most famous avenues in the world and that comes with a huge price tag.

Of course, you can find a number of luxurious brands but if your plan is to travel on a budget, you’ll completely ruin your budget if you shop there.

Alternatives?

There are so many shopping places in Paris where you can get good quality items for a fraction of that price.

You can check out streets like Rue de Rivoli for budget-friendly shopping with brands like MANGO, ZARA, ETAM, etc next to each other and Boulevard Haussmann for a wide variety of shopping.

24. Being extremely spontaneous

Paris has so much to offer and being extremely spontaneous and thinking that you’ll just go with what comes might be a big mistake.

First of all, there is a lot to do, a lot to see, and a lot to experience, and not having a proper plan or itinerary will leave you running from place to place with no actual agenda or even leaving out places you wouldn’t have if you had made a proper plan.

In the same way, since most restaurants and hotels require advance booking as I mentioned earlier, there is nothing like, I’ve seen the place, I’ve liked it, now let me pop in – this will not work in some places in Paris.

Come up with a proper Paris itinerary , plan a bit on where you’ll go, and what you’ll do, and book everything you need to book in advance.

25. But don’t overfollow the itinerary

I know I’ve just said that planning is pretty important when it comes to visiting Paris but don’t be too rigid and follow everything religiously to the dot.

If you see something that catches your eye and you genuinely want to see it, don’t hesitate to stop to admire it instead of sticking to the itinerary from start to end.

I guess what I am trying to say here is that plan well for your Paris trip but leave some room for being spontaneous.

26. Thinking that the Eiffel Tower gives the best views of Paris

This might be the biggest misconception ever told about Paris. Yes, I agree, the Eiffel Tower gives spectacular views of the city but (in my opinion), it’s not the best spot.

And what’s the best spot?

The best spot to get the best views of Paris is at the observation deck of the Arc de Triomphe .

From the top, you get views of the Eiffel Tower itself, the view of the 12 roads as they diverge from the Arc, the entire stretch of Champs-Élysées Avenue and so many incredible sights.

To access the Arc de Triomphe to enjoy the view, you’ll need to purchase this online ticket in advance to avoid the long lines.

Some of the other places to go for the incredible views of Paris include; Pont Alexandre III , Sacré Coeur , Montparnasse Tower , etc.

Final Thoughts on What Not to Do in Paris

There are so many mistakes most visitors to Paris make especially those who are visiting for the first time but I hope that this post helps you avoid them as you enjoy the city of love.

Did you make any of these mistakes while in Paris? Let me know in the comments below what they were and if you committed another mistake that is not listed here, drop it below as well and I’ll take note of it.

NEVER TRAVEL TO PARIS WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE One of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make when planning a trip to Paris is to forego Travel Insurance ! You might think that it’s expensive, but when you think of how much it will save you when you lose your valuables or even get sick, then you’ll know that it’s NOT that expensive! Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads .

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• The Complete Guide to Visiting Paris in Spring
• Where to Find Cherry Blossoms in Paris
• What to Wear in Paris in Spring
• The best Parisian desserts you should try
• What to do in Paris at night
• Where to find the best views of Paris
• Best Places to go for the best views of the Eiffel Tower

Was this post on what not to do in Paris helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.

Sharing is caring!

Esther is the face and voice behind Dreams in Paris! She has always been obsessed with Paris even before she moved there. She has lived in Paris for a couple of years, and that obsession has not changed! That love for Paris, plus her passion for writing led to the birth of Dreams in Paris! She now shares all the practical tips and guides she’s picked along the way to help you plan a memorable trip to the city of love! You can learn more about her here !

Similar Posts

Paris Travel Tips: 50 Important Things To Know Before Going To Paris

Are you planning a trip to the French capital? This post will give you all the useful Paris travel tips to make your trip fun and much easier. Oh, Paris! The thought of walking through its beautiful streets, visiting its…

Paris Skip the Lines: 6 Best Ways to Skip The Lines in Paris And Not Waste Time

Looking for ways to skip the lines in Paris? Keep reading and you’ll know how to beat the long queues in Paris! Paris is such a popular destination with iconic landmarks that are on almost everyone’s travel bucket list!  With…

14 Things to Know Before Visiting the Louvre Museum

Planning to visit the Louvre museum? Then this article will show you all the important things you need to know to get the most out of your visit! If you’re visiting Paris, chances are high that you’ll go to the…

How to Save Money in Paris

Paris is expensive! In fact, it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world! But guess what? You can totally do it on a reduced budget, or at least try. And saving money doesn’t mean missing out on cool…

Paris Etiquette: The Unspoken Rules You Need To Know

Have you ever seen someone do something in Paris and wonder if they really got the memo that that’s just not acceptable? Perhaps you got a weird look from a local and you’ve been asking yourself what you did wrong…

30 Paris Skip The Line Tickets: Save Time With these Paris Fast Track Tickets

Looking for tickets that will help you save time while at Paris’ popular attractions? I’ve gathered a list of the best Paris skip the line tickets so that you also save time while looking for them. I dread waiting! I…

Thank you for the Post, have taken abundant of notes. Where is the cheapest place to stay for a week in Paris ? How much should you budget for ? I hope you reply

Hi Shea, I am glad you found the article helpful. How much you should budget for really depends on the area you want to stay in, your travel style, and the time of the year you plan to visit. And of course, the further away from the city centre, the cheaper it gets.

Montmartre and the Latin Quarter areas tend to be more affordable compared to some other neighborhoods, so that’s a great place to satrt. I wrote a detailed guide about choosing the neighborhood to stay in which I think will be helpful. You can read it here https://dreamsinparis.com/where-to-stay-in-paris/

If you opt for Montmartre, you can check out my article on hotels in Montmartre here https://dreamsinparis.com/best-hotels-in-montmartre/ or this one for hotels in the Latin Quarter https://dreamsinparis.com/best-hotels-in-the-latin-quarter-paris/ .

However, if I am to give a round figure, I’d say plan for 100-150 euros a night if you want a somewhat budget hotel but still want to stay comfortable. You can find some hotels slightly lower than 100 but those are usually either far away from Paris or they’re generally not great.

I hope this helps you make a decision.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

About the author:

After 4-1/2 years of covering European travel topics for About.com, Durant and Cheryl Imboden co-founded Europe for Visitors (including Paris for Visitors) in 2001. The site has earned "Best of the Web" honors from Forbes and The Washington Post .

For more information, see About our site , press clippings , and reader testimonials .

Top photo copyright © Alistair Scott.

• Society ›

Demographics

Industry-specific and extensively researched technical data (partially from exclusive partnerships). A paid subscription is required for full access.

Major issues facing Paris today according to Parisians 2021

In your opinion, what is the major challenge facing paris today.

To access all Premium Statistics, you need a paid Statista Account

• Immediate access to all statistics
• Incl. source references
• Download as PDF, XLS, PNG and PPT

Additional Information

Show sources information Show publisher information Use Ask Statista Research Service

September 2021

April 26 to May 17, 2021

18 years and older

adults living in Paris

Online survey

The question was phrased by the source as follows: "Selon vous, quel est l'enjeu majeur auquel Paris doit faire face aujourd'hui ?" * The source adds the following information: "Study conducted among 1002 inhabitants of the Grand Paris (502 Parisians, 500 inhabitants of the inner suburbs)"

Other statistics on the topic

• Population of Paris 1989-2023

Residential Real Estate

• Average price of residential real estate in Paris, France 2024, by arrondissement
• Number of people living in Paris, France 2023, by gender
• Density of population in the Parisian region 2023, by department

To download this statistic in XLS format you need a Statista Account

To download this statistic in PNG format you need a Statista Account

To download this statistic in PDF format you need a Statista Account

To download this statistic in PPT format you need a Statista Account

As a Premium user you get access to the detailed source references and background information about this statistic.

As a Premium user you get access to background information and details about the release of this statistic.

As soon as this statistic is updated, you will immediately be notified via e-mail.

… to incorporate the statistic into your presentation at any time.

You need at least a Starter Account to use this feature.

• Immediate access to statistics, forecasts & reports
• Usage and publication rights
• Download in various formats

* For commercial use only

Basic Account

• Free Statistics

Starter Account

• Premium Statistics

The statistic on this page is a Premium Statistic and is included in this account.

Professional Account

• Free + Premium Statistics
• Market Insights

1 All prices do not include sales tax. The account requires an annual contract and will renew after one year to the regular list price.

Statistics on " Paris "

• Population in Paris region 2023, by department
• Paris population forecast 2018-2070
• Age structure of the Parisian population 2008-2020
• Population of Paris 2020, by district
• Number of households in Paris 1999-2020
• Number of homes in Paris 1968-2020, by category
• Breakdown of primary residences in Paris 2008-2020, by tenure
• Average number of residents per primary residence in Paris 1968-2020
• Average rent for apartments and houses in Paris, France 2023, by district
• Monthly rent of furnished and unfurnished apartments in Paris, France 2023, by size
• Total number of paid jobs in Paris 2018-2023
• Total number of interim jobs in Paris 2001-2023
• Biggest employing companies/institutions in the Parisian region 2020
• Level of education of the workforce in the Parisian region in France 2021 by degree
• Average net hourly wage of Parisians 2021 by gender and socio-professional category
• Unemployment rate in Paris 2006-2022
• Number of job seekers in Paris 2015-2023
• Number of hotels in Paris 2019-2023, by rating
• Hotel occupancy rate in Paris 2023, by hotel category
• Inbound overnight stays in hotels in Paris 2011-2023
• Number of inbound tourist arrivals in hotels in Paris 2022, by country
• Average cost of overnight accommodation in Paris 2021-2024, by month
• Attendance at museums and monuments in Paris 2023
• Share of tourism spending in Paris 2022, by type
• Tourism employment in Greater Paris 2019-2021, by industry
• Number of air services from or towards Paris in metropolitan in France 2022
• Cabs registered in Paris 2021, by district
• Annual trips by RER and trains in Paris and Île-de-France 2007-2022
• France: Annual metro trips in Paris and Île-de-France 2007-2022
• Public transport Paris: price for the booklet of ten tickets 2009-2024
• Punctuality of the metro in Île-de-France in 2022, by line

Other statistics that may interest you Paris

• Basic Statistic Population in Paris region 2023, by department
• Basic Statistic Density of population in the Parisian region 2023, by department
• Basic Statistic Population of Paris 1989-2023
• Basic Statistic Paris population forecast 2018-2070
• Premium Statistic Age structure of the Parisian population 2008-2020
• Basic Statistic Number of people living in Paris, France 2023, by gender
• Basic Statistic Population of Paris 2020, by district
• Premium Statistic Number of households in Paris 1999-2020
• Premium Statistic Number of homes in Paris 1968-2020, by category
• Premium Statistic Breakdown of primary residences in Paris 2008-2020, by tenure
• Premium Statistic Average number of residents per primary residence in Paris 1968-2020
• Premium Statistic Average price of residential real estate in Paris, France 2024, by arrondissement
• Premium Statistic Average rent for apartments and houses in Paris, France 2023, by district
• Premium Statistic Monthly rent of furnished and unfurnished apartments in Paris, France 2023, by size
• Premium Statistic Total number of paid jobs in Paris 2018-2023
• Premium Statistic Total number of interim jobs in Paris 2001-2023
• Basic Statistic Biggest employing companies/institutions in the Parisian region 2020
• Basic Statistic Level of education of the workforce in the Parisian region in France 2021 by degree
• Premium Statistic Average net hourly wage of Parisians 2021 by gender and socio-professional category
• Premium Statistic Unemployment rate in Paris 2006-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of job seekers in Paris 2015-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of hotels in Paris 2019-2023, by rating
• Premium Statistic Hotel occupancy rate in Paris 2023, by hotel category
• Premium Statistic Inbound overnight stays in hotels in Paris 2011-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of inbound tourist arrivals in hotels in Paris 2022, by country
• Basic Statistic Average cost of overnight accommodation in Paris 2021-2024, by month
• Premium Statistic Attendance at museums and monuments in Paris 2023
• Basic Statistic Share of tourism spending in Paris 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Tourism employment in Greater Paris 2019-2021, by industry

Transportation

• Premium Statistic Number of air services from or towards Paris in metropolitan in France 2022
• Premium Statistic Cabs registered in Paris 2021, by district
• Basic Statistic Annual trips by RER and trains in Paris and Île-de-France 2007-2022
• Basic Statistic France: Annual metro trips in Paris and Île-de-France 2007-2022
• Premium Statistic Public transport Paris: price for the booklet of ten tickets 2009-2024
• Basic Statistic Punctuality of the metro in Île-de-France in 2022, by line

Further related statistics

• Premium Statistic AstraZeneca's expenditure on research and development 2006-2023
• Premium Statistic Growth rate of attendance to leading Latin American amusement parks 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic U.S. Immigration Court: Board of Immigration Appeals received by type FY 2018
• Basic Statistic Number of arrests in the U.S. for federal property offenses 2014, by type
• Basic Statistic Largest Colombian-American population groups in the U.S., by county 2010
• Basic Statistic Largest Honduran-American population groups in the U.S., by county 2010
• Basic Statistic Least peaceful U.S. metropolitan areas 2012
• Basic Statistic Homicide and population distribution 2010, by region
• Premium Statistic U.S. capital punishment - average time elapsed since sentencing
• Premium Statistic Road infrastructure investment in the U.S., Canada and Mexico 2001-2013

Further Content: You might find this interesting as well

• AstraZeneca's expenditure on research and development 2006-2023
• Growth rate of attendance to leading Latin American amusement parks 2019-2022
• U.S. Immigration Court: Board of Immigration Appeals received by type FY 2018
• Number of arrests in the U.S. for federal property offenses 2014, by type
• Largest Colombian-American population groups in the U.S., by county 2010
• Largest Honduran-American population groups in the U.S., by county 2010
• Least peaceful U.S. metropolitan areas 2012
• Homicide and population distribution 2010, by region
• U.S. capital punishment - average time elapsed since sentencing
• Road infrastructure investment in the U.S., Canada and Mexico 2001-2013

Too many people, not enough management: A look at the chaos of 'overtourism' in the summer of 2024

To be visited during the summer of “overtourism” in 2024 means traffic jams, water problems and high housing prices

SINTRA, Portugal -- The doorbell to Martinho de Almada Pimentel’s house is hard to find, and he likes it that way. It’s a long rope that, when pulled, rings a literal bell on the roof that lets him know someone is outside the mountainside mansion that his great-grandfather built in 1914 as a monument to privacy.

There's precious little of that for Pimentel during this summer of “overtourism."

Travelers idling in standstill traffic outside the sunwashed walls of Casa do Cipreste sometimes spot the bell and pull the string “because it's funny," he says. With the windows open, he can smell the car exhaust and hear the “tuk-tuk” of outsized scooters named for the sound they make. And he can sense the frustration of 5,000 visitors a day who are forced to queue around the house on the crawl up single-lane switchbacks to Pena Palace, the onetime retreat of King Ferdinand II.

“Now I'm more isolated than during COVID,” the soft-spoken Pimentel, who lives alone, said during an interview this month on the veranda. “Now I try to (not) go out. What I feel is: angry.”

This is a story of what it means to be visited in 2024, the first year in which global tourism is expected to set records since the coronavirus pandemic brought much of life on Earth to a halt. Wandering is surging, rather than leveling off, driven by lingering revenge travel, digital nomad campaigns and so-called golden visas blamed in part for skyrocketing housing prices.

Anyone paying attention during this summer of “overtourism” is familiar with the escalating consequences around the world: traffic jams in paradise. Reports of hospitality workers living in tents. And “anti-tourism” protests intended to shame visitors as they dine — or, as in Barcelona in July, douse them with water pistols.

The demonstrations are an example of locals using the power of their numbers and social media to issue destination leaders an ultimatum: Manage this issue better or we'll scare away the tourists — who could spend their $11.1 trillion a year elsewhere. Housing prices, traffic and water management are on all of the checklists.

Cue the violins, you might grouse, for people like Pimentel who are well-off enough to live in places worth visiting. But it's more than a problem for rich people.

“Not to be able to get an ambulance or to not be able to get my groceries is a rich people problem?” said Matthew Bedell, another resident of Sintra, which has no pharmacy or grocery store in the center of the UNESCO-designated district. “Those don’t feel like rich people problems to me.”

The phrase itself generally describes the tipping point at which visitors and their cash stop benefitting residents and instead cause harm by degrading historic sites, overwhelming infrastructure and making life markedly more difficult for those who live there.

It's a hashtag that gives a name to the protests and hostility that you've seen all summer. But look a little deeper and you'll find knottier issues for locals and their leaders, none more universal than housing prices driven up by short-term rentals like Airbnb, from Spain to South Africa. Some locales are encouraging “quality tourism,” generally defined as more consideration by visitors toward residents and less drunken behavior, disruptive selfie-taking and other questionable choices.

“Overtourism is arguably a social phenomenon, too,” according to an analysis for the World Trade Organization written by Joseph Martin Cheer of Western Sydney University and Marina Novelli of the University of Nottingham. In China and India, for example, they wrote, crowded places are more socially accepted. “This suggests that cultural expectations of personal space and expectations of exclusivity differ.”

The summer of 2023 was defined by the chaos of the journey itself — airports and airlines overwhelmed , passports a nightmare for travelers from the US . Yet by the end of the year, signs abounded that the COVID-19 rush of revenge travel was accelerating.

In January, the United Nations' tourism agency predicted that worldwide tourism would exceed the records set in 2019 by 2%. By the end of March, the agency reported, more than 285 million tourists had travelled internationally, about 20% more than the first quarter of 2023. Europe remained the most-visited destination. The World Travel & Tourism Council projected in April that 142 of 185 countries it analyzed would set records for tourism, set to generate $11.1 trillion globally and account for 330 million jobs.

Aside from the money, there's been trouble in paradise this year, with Spain playing a starring role in everything from water management problems to skyrocketing housing prices and drunken tourist drama.

Protests erupted across the country as early as March, when graffiti in Malaga reportedly urged tourists to “go f——— home.” Thousands of protesters demonstrated in Spain's Canary Islands against visitors and construction that was overwhelming water services and jacking up housing prices. In Barcelona, protesters shamed and squirted water at people presumed to be visitors as they dined al fresco in touristy Las Ramblas.

In Japan, where tourist arrivals fueled by the weak yen were expected to set a new record in 2024, Kyoto banned tourists from certain alleys. The government set limits on people climbing Mount Fuji. And in Fujikawaguchiko, a town that offers some of the best views of the mountain's perfect cone, leaders erected a large black screen in a parking lot to deter tourists from overcrowding the site. The tourists apparently struck back by cutting holes in the screen at eye level.

Air travel, meanwhile, only got more miserable , the U.S. government reported in July. UNESCO has warned of potential damage to protected areas. And Fodor’s “ No List 2024 ” urged people to reconsider visiting suffering hotspots, including sites in Greece and Vietnam, as well as areas with water management problems in California, India and Thailand.

Not-yet-hot spots looked to capitalize on “de-touristing” drives such as Amsterdam's “Stay Away” campaign aimed at partying young men. The “Welcome to MonGOlia” camapaign, for example, beckoned from the land of Genghis Khan . Visits to that country by foreign tourists jumped 25% the first seven months of 2024 over last year.

Tourism is surging and shifting so quickly, in fact, that some experts say the very term “overtourism” is outdated.

Michael O'Regan, a lecturer on tourism and events at Glasgow Caledonian University, argues that “overtourism” has become a buzzword that doesn't reflect the fact that the experience depends largely on the success or failure of crowd management. It's true that many of the demonstrations aren't aimed at the tourists themselves, but at the leaders who allow the locals who should benefit to become the ones who pay.

“There’s been backlash against the business models on which modern tourism has been built and the lack of response by politicians," he said in an interview. Tourism “came back quicker than we expected,” he allows, but tourists aren't the problem. “There's a global fight for tourists. We can't ignore that. ... So what happens when we get too many tourists? Destinations need to do more research."

Virpi Makela can describe exactly what happens in her corner of Sintra.

Incoming guests at Casa do Valle, her hillside bed-and-breakfast near the village center, call Makela in anguish because they cannot figure out how to find her property amid Sintra's “disorganized" traffic rules that seem to change without notice.

“There's a pillar in the middle of the road that goes up and down and you can’t go forward because you ruin your car. So you have to somehow come down but you can’t turn around, so you have to back down the road,” says Makela, a resident of Portugal for 36 years. “And then people get so frustrated they come to our road, which also has a sign that says `authorized vehicles only.' And they block everything.”

Nobody disputes the idea that the tourism boom in Portugal needs better management. The WTTC predicted in April that the country's tourism sector will grow this year by 24% over 2019 levels, create 126,000 more jobs since then and account for about 20% of the national economy. Housing prices already were pushing an increasing number of people out of the property market, driven upward in part by a growing influx of foreign investors and tourists seeking short-term rentals.

To respond, Lisbon announced plans to halve the number of tuk-tuks allowed to ferry tourists though the city and built more parking spaces for them after residents complained that they are blocking traffic.

A 40-minute train ride to the west, Sintra's municipality has invested in more parking lots outside town and youth housing at lower prices near the center, the mayor's office said.

More than 3 million people every year visit the mountains and castles of Sintra, long one of Portugal's wealthiest regions for its cool microclimate and scenery. Sintra City Hall also said via email that fewer tickets are now sold to the nearby historic sites. Pena Palace, for example, began this year to permit less than half the 12,000 tickets per day sold there in the past.

It's not enough, say residents, who have organized into QSintra, an association that's challenging City Hall to “put residents first” with better communication, to start. They also want to know the government's plan for managing guests at a new hotel being constructed to increase the number of overnight stays, and more limits on the number of cars and visitors allowed.

“We're not against tourists,” reads the group's manifesto. “We're against the pandemonium that (local leaders) cannot resolve."

Associated Press reporters Helena Alves in Lisbon and Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report. Laurie Kellman writes about global affairs for AP's Trends + Culture team. Follow her at http://x.com/APLaurieKellman

Trending Reader Picks

Central Park crime spike tied to young mobs

• Aug 22, 2:20 PM

Drone attacks exchanged between Moscow, Kyiv

• Aug 21, 3:35 PM

Phil Donahue, whose pioneering daytime talk show launched an indelible television genre, has died

• Aug 19, 9:55 AM

Secret Service agents on admin duty after shooting

• Aug 23, 11:24 AM

RFK Jr. plans to drop out of race by end of week

• Aug 21, 3:46 PM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events