13 Paris Tourist Traps You Didn’t Realize Could Ruin Your Trip
For travelers around the world, the City of Light, Paris, brings to mind romantic rambles along the Seine, well-known monuments, and small, cozy cafés. These fantasies can come true, but as any traveler knows, there are a few downsides to this city, which can ruin what might have been a dream vacation. Paris has its share of hidden traps for unsuspecting tourists who end up paying a lot more than it’s actually worth.
If you are planning a trip to Paris, it is important to stay savvy and avoid common mistakes that can ruin your experience. So let’s get into the details of what you should avoid.
Eiffel Tower Ticket Scams

You might have heard that skipping the line at the Eiffel Tower is a great time saver but beware of the unofficial vendors who hawk ‘exclusive’ skip-the-line tickets. Many of these overpriced tickets are not affiliated with the official website, and some tourists have said they were not allowed in. Book tickets directly through the Eiffel Tower’s official site to save your euros—and your sanity.
Shopping Frenzy on the Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is a dazzling avenue, but its high-end stores and restaurants can be a money pit. It attracts lots of tourists and all they find are overpriced meals and inflated prices in the retail outlets. If you want to do some luxury shopping, you might want to venture into some of Paris’s lesser-known boutiques where you’ll find better prices and more local charm.
Artists of Montmartre Overcharge

The picturesque cobblestone streets of Montmartre seem the perfect place to get a portrait drawn. A few artists who set up around Place du Tertre are scammers who try to prey on tourists with ridiculously high rates. Always agree on a price upfront and don’t be afraid to politely decline if you think it’s too steep.
Tourist Trap Souvenirs

From the Louvre to Notre Dame, vendors are notorious for selling cheap trinkets, usually mass-produced in factories far from France. While these shiny Eiffel Tower keychains may seem like a steal, they’re not worth it, so skip those and shop for real souvenirs at local artisan markets or small shops in neighborhoods like Le Marais.
The Underwhelming Moulin Rouge Dinner Show

While most travelers have the Moulin Rouge on their bucket list, those who make it there often find it doesn’t live up to the hype, and end up feeling shortchanged by the expensive dinner and show packages. If you’re interested in the cabaret scene, rather than an overpriced meal, get a more wallet-friendly ticket to see just the show.
Crowded Seine River Cruises

On postcards, those Seine river cruises look idyllic, but some companies cram their boats full so that it feels like being in a floating sardine can. If you are looking for a more relaxed cruise, smaller, boutique cruise operators will provide you with an intimate cruise.
Pickpocket Hotspots

There are plenty of pickpockets in Paris around places such as the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Cœur, or Gare du Nord. France’s Ministry of the Interior recently reported that thefts against tourists rose 17% last year compared with the previous year. Keep your belongings close to you at all times, and if possible, use an anti-theft bag.
Pricey Coffee Pitfalls

There’s nothing like sipping coffee in a Parisian café, but stay clear of places near tourist magnets. A cup of coffee in a café that’s close to the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower can leave you with a €10 (or more!) bill. They’re good but go a few blocks away for a more reasonable price and equally delightful ambiance.
The Louvre’s “Mona Lisa” Mob

The Louvre is a must-see but many visitors go to see the Mona Lisa only to find massive crowds and a surprisingly not-so-impressive view of the tiny portrait. Instead, visit other treasures on the museum’s grounds or take a spin around one of the city’s newer museums, like the Musée de l’Orangerie, a gem of a small museum that houses Monet’s transcendent Water Lilies.
Fake Charity Collectors

If you’re approached with a clipboard and asked to sign a petition for a charity cause, tread carefully. The “collector” in this scam usually ends by aggressively asking for a donation. Be polite and keep walking—these scams are particularly common in the areas around Notre Dame and Montmartre.
The Airport Taxi Trap

If you arrive at Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport, taxis can be very expensive, not to mention that you can have some shockingly expensive fares at the hands of unlicensed drivers. Official taxis or rideshare apps are your best bet or RER train into the city if you want a cheap option.
The Lock Bridge Myth

The love lock craze on the Pont des Arts may be romanticized, but it’s a practice that hurts the city’s infrastructure. Paris authorities have removed thousands of locks because so many tourists don’t realize that they’ve strained the bridges. Rather, celebrate your trip with a photo or custom keepsake.
Disneyland Paris Expectations

Although Disneyland Paris is fun, it often lacks the magic of its US counterparts. The problem with wait times, the cost of tickets, and smaller attractions leave visitors disappointed. If you’re keen on going, manage your expectations and try going on a weekday as it’ll be less busy.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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