An impressive city known for its light, elegant cuisine and classical arts, Paris is a favorite place to visit. Provided you do things right, the excitement will be worth it. The anticipated horrifying hollows are cold and the depressing prospects of endlessly long lines are manageable. But, like every trip, there are some common holes that are easy to fall into if you don’t know any better. A guide to common tourist mistakes in Paris is here.
When you are visiting any city, it’s easy to be unimpressed and not make the best of it. There’s no need to be discouraged because there are easy ways to make the most of your journey. It sounds remarkably simple to learn how to stop people from falling before they make common mistakes, mastering the basic phrases and guidelines of any new business. However, having a little fun in advance will make your journey more enjoyable, cost-effective and hassle-free. This guide is designed to point out a few of the most common tourist mistakes so you can enjoy the joy of visiting Paris and avoid them.
Not Learning Basic French Phrases
We Parisians love it when our visitors speak a bit of French. It may seem daunting at first, but this will improve your experience and hopefully you’ll find it as fun and rewarding as we do. Just put something like ahead on your learning list and give it a try. But if you don’t have the time or simply can’t be bothered, don’t worry, everyone will speak English to you.
However, just try the basics: Bonjour (hello), au revoir (goodbye), Merci (Thank you), S’il vous plait (Please), L’addition (bill), Combien? (How much) and of course, speaking to us in French to see that warm smile and maybe even a free drink, pastry, friendly advice. With these few words, you will stand out. We are friendly, just a bit old-fashioned and like when people are polite and speak our language. It is our pride and heritage after all! At the very least, always start with “Bonjour,” then smile of course and then speak in English. This simple trick will get you a long way!
Overpacking
Overpacking isn’t a staple Parisian mistake, but a traveler’s mishap. But as much as we all think we know this common travel advice, for some reason, we love to disregard it over and over again. Paris is the city of high fashion and places a high value on style. Unless you can haul a heavy suitcase with style, making your way around the cobbled burnt orange streets of Le Marais, you won’t want to step foot near them again. Parisians reserve a solid block of time this season to sit and have a coffee and watch – or let’s face it, judge – people. And so it’s only natural that they admire their beautiful city in beautiful outfits. Plus, it’s scientifically proven that you’re in a better mood when you’re put together – the French have been doing just that for years, on years.
Know the weather of your expected travel days, and pack accordingly. Cannes is pretty close to Monaco, and you don’t want Paris to be held closest to hell. It does happen, but not to the same capacity as dying from thirty layers of clothing. Follow the less is more school of thought. When you pack, lay out what you’re thinking of bringing. Then take away half of it. Then put away another third. Voila! You’ve now packed like a Parisian. If your list includes more than one show stopper accessory (ring, belt or bag), Hedi Slimane is coming to cast you in his next Celine men show. No unnecessary layers, room for new, fabulous layering!
Not Making Restaurant Reservations
In the United States, we don’t often make reservations for restaurants. But in Paris, it is important to do so. Many of the best restaurants are very small, and they are full up weeks or even months ahead of time. Go ahead and call or email at least a few days ahead of time for your best options. Even for mediocre restaurants, making a reservation can save you a long wait for a table.
Not Making Restaurant Reservations: In the United States, we don’t often make reservations for restaurants. But in Paris, it is important to do so. Make reservations at the best addresses at least a few weeks or even months in advance to avoid disappointment.
Opening Times: Be sure the restaurant is open and serving meals at the time you plan to arrive. In Paris, most restaurants serve lunch from noon to 2 p.m. and dinner from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Changing Money: It is not necessary to buy francs before you go to Paris. It is easy to change money in Paris, and you will get a better exchange rate there. Be sure to take both an ATM card and a credit card, so you will have easy access to your account while you travel.
Language Basics: While it is always useful to speak a bit of the language of wherever you are traveling, never assume that everybody will speak English. In restaurants, for instance, the waitress is less likely to speak English than the waiter. Always be polite and try to speak at least a bit of French. Be sure to have a phrasebook or an electronic translator with you. That way, you can easily look up and learn a few basic phrases before you go to Paris.
Ignoring Local Customs and Etiquette
When in Paris, enjoying both the popular sites and hidden gems takes pre-planned precision and careful attention to detail. Although determined travelers can conquer any pair of foreign outings and take in all of the most famous monuments and clichés of foreign life, world travelers should never bypass the fact that, even when it comes to much sought-after tourist destinations like Paris, a little goes a long, long way. By following these travel pointers, you can get to see the Parisian life that very few visitors will ever get to explore and learn the Parisian culture that many foreigners will usually have time to only read about and enjoy from a distance.
You do not have to wait until after your visa arrives to travel like a local. Discover the world of the lifestyles and personalities of ordinary Parisians. Before you leave for the airport, spend a few weeks immersing yourself in French film and literature. Pay attention to the French designers whose clothing will be worn by the hotel staff and the young professionals passing in the street. Concentrate on perfecting a few select phrases in order to respect the language and customs of the people who built up these works of art to the point where so many can come from everywhere to appreciate them for themselves.
Not Checking Opening Hours
Quintessentially French is the custom of taking an escape via opening hours for something as vital as lunch or personal issues. That’s why it’s always a good idea to call ahead or check the website for anywhere you’re headed. Otherwise, you risk a trek from one side of town to the other for nothing.
In addition to the cultural makeup of the French being an early start with few questions posed, this habit can backfire when you need to get somewhere during business hours and find it closed. Always check operating hours with your hotel concierge or online if you’re hoping to gain access to some attraction or store or service at the last minute. Did you know that many of Paris’ bigger museums are closed on a Tuesday and restaurants often rest up on a Sunday or Monday? Check out our guides to opening hours if you’re planning a museum crawl, a shopping sprint, or want to eat out at any time.