15 Ways You're Wasting Cash on Vacations

12 Common Parisian Mistakes That Could Cost You More Than You Think

This post may contain affiliate links which means we may get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclosure for details.

Paris is the city of lights, the city of love, and the city of legendary charm. It is where cobble-stone streets tell tales of the past and each coffee shop is the stuff of dreams. Behind the glittering Eiffel Tower and those postcard-worthy riverbanks, however, is a city that can be as tricky to navigate as a French menu without a translator.

Making certain mistakes on this trip isn’t just embarrassing, they’re expensive. So let’s get into how you can enjoy Paris without the missteps that most people have made.

Skipping Public Transport for Taxis

Tourist Mistakes to Leave Behind
Photo Credit: Ono Kosuki/ Pexels

While riding a Parisian taxi sounds like a classic experience, all too often it’s an unnecessary splurge. Taxis are handy, but the fares can be astronomical and even worse during traffic jams. Not only is the Paris Métro faster, but it’s also much cheaper. It’s of course an experience in itself – do you know of any other cities with subway stations decorated in Art Nouveau designs?

Dining Near Major Tourist Spots

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Those little bistros on the way to the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame have overpriced meals and watered-down authenticity to cater to hungry tourists. The best food is usually a few streets away from the tourist hotspots and locals know this.

Misjudging the Importance of French Etiquette

Photo Credit: David Henry/Pexels

In Paris, a warm greeting will go a long way. Failing to pay basic courtesies can mean frosty service. Parisians are sometimes depicted as reserved, but they do like to be polite.

Overloading Your Itinerary

Picture-Perfect Towns You Have to Visit at Least Once.
Photo Credit: Samson Katt/Pexels

You don’t rush Paris. Packing the Louvre, Versailles, and a Seine cruise all into one day is a rookie mistake. The jet lag will hit harder than the exhaustion. Paris is at its most charming when you’re not in a rush.

Falling for Overpriced Souvenirs

Photo Credit: Amelia Cui/Pexels

€10 for that miniature Eiffel Tower? At a local market, it probably costs €2. In tourist-heavy areas, prices are inflated on everything from magnets to berets. You’ll have more luck at flea markets like Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen where you can pick up authentic bits of the city for far more reasonable rates.

Ignoring the Free and Discounted Attractions

Photo Credit: Muffin Land/Pexels

Paris offers many freebies. Every first Sunday of the month, major museums, like the Musée d’Orsay, offer free entry. Still, lots of guests overlook chances to save cash and pay the total cost. Tourists who visited on a free day saved an average of €50 per trip.

Underestimating the Weather

Photo Credit: khaled damlakhi/Pexels

It is known that Parisian weather is unpredictable. With no umbrella or layers of clothing, you could get soaked, cold, and miserable while frantically trying to find overpriced rain gear from street vendors. The locals always carry a compact umbrella around. It’s a lifesaver in an unexpected downpour.

Relying Only on Card Payments

Hotel Tipping Traps Most Travelers Fall Into
Photo Credit: energepic.com/Pexels

Card payment is widely accepted, but smaller bakeries, markets, and boutiques will often prefer cash. Unfortunately, many travelers are not aware of that, and simply assume that cards are universally welcome. It makes all the difference to have some euros in your wallet.

Skipping Out on Local Markets

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Marché Bastille is a great little local market to this end, where you can stock up on fresh produce, artisan goods, and enjoy Parisian culture. Many tourists stick only to supermarkets or chain stores while ignoring unique flavors and direct interactions with vendors.

Not Checking Restaurant Hours

Photo Credit: Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz/Pexels

Many Parisian restaurants have their own rhythm and close in the afternoon. One common mistake is to arrive at 4 PM famished to find the kitchen closed. Knowing these meal schedules can save time, as well as frustration.

Start saving your ideas

Booking Attractions Last Minute

Stunning Bucket-List Destinations You Simply Can’t Miss
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Popular spots like the Eiffel Tower need to be reserved ahead of time, sometimes even a week or so in advance during the peak season. It is a recipe for disappointment to walk up expecting same-day tickets. Booking online often means you’ll get a better rate and won’t spend hours waiting in line.

Wearing the Wrong Shoes

Photo Credit: Louis/Pexels

Paris is a walking city. The wrong choice of footwear could ruin your day. Stepping on cobblestones with high heels or flimsy flats can be extremely uncomfortable and cause injury. Comfortable, stylish shoes are your best bet for an amazing experience in the city.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro

Image Credit: Shutterstock

How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro

Start saving your ideas

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

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