What not to do in Paris as a tourist: 10 things to avoid (and what to do instead)
What not to do in Paris as a tourist
Ah, Paris… There’s everything you think you should do — and everything we know you really shouldn’t. Same old story in every touristy hotspot: the iconic, the Insta-famous… and the slightly disappointing.
Here at Les Canards de Paris, we’re on a mission: helping you enjoy the best of the City of Light — minus the traps, clichés, and classic blunders.
So we’ve cooked up a little guide of what not to do in Paris — and the cooler, cleverer, definitely-more-fun ways to enjoy it instead.
Because you came for the magic, not the mishaps.
1. Eating at restaurants right next to major landmarks
If the menu is ten pages long, translated into five languages, and comes with a full-frontal Eiffel Tower view — run away. It’s probably overpriced.
And those brasseries parked right outside big attractions? Let’s be honest: the food is meh, the service often grumpy, and voilà — that’s how the myth of the rude Parisian keeps spreading. But guess what ? Friendly staff and good vibes do exist in Paris — you just won’t find them waving menus on the sidewalk.
Better move: wander a few streets away. Near the Louvre? Cross the Jardin du Palais-Royal and get lost in the little streets around Bourse. At the foot of the Eiffel Tower? Head to Rue Cler for proper bistros, honest bakeries, and real Parisians having their lunch break. Around Sacré-Cœur? Ditch the main drag and dive into the quiet side streets — the fewer the options, the better the food. Trust the rule of three: short menu, no pictures, full tables.
2. Messing up the opening days for major sights
Just because you should flee the restaurants right next to the Eiffel Tower doesn’t mean you should flee the Eiffel Tower itself.
The big sights are big for a reason — Louvre, Orsay, Versailles... they're pure magic, and totally worth the hype.
Forgetting opening days is another classic example of what not to do in Paris — one that’s caught more than a few travellers by surprise. Imagine this: you’ve crossed an ocean, planned everything to a T… and bam, the Louvre is closed. You check your phone — it’s Tuesday. Yep, that’s their day off.
And on Mondays? Versailles and Orsay hit snooze.
Insider tip: Always check ahead. Most major sights close one day a week, and missing out because of a planning blunder? Très dommage.
3. Settle for a classic ride when you can make a splash !
If it’s your first time in Paris, of course you’ll want a good overview of the city — we get it. And your mind probably jumps straight to the big double-decker buses. Classic move, and honestly, quite convenient. Definitely better than taking parisian métro.
But here at Les Canards de Paris, we like to tease them a little (friendly rivalry — they’re our fellow sightseers, after all). Because if they’ve got convenience with their Hop-On Hop-Off system… we’ve got the fun!
Our bus makes a splash in the Seine. Literally. Hop aboard Les Canards de Paris — yep, that’s us! One of the craziest things to do in Paris. And okay, we might be a little biased… but thousands of reviews can’t all be lying. Have a look at it ! You’ll roll through Paris and sail on the Seine, all in one go. The amphibious ride is fun, the splash is epic, and our onboard guides? Comedians in disguise. You won’t just learn about the city — you’ll laugh out loud. And if we pass a Hop-On Hop-Off group dozing off in their seats… don’t worry, we’ll wake them up !
4. Taking the Eiffel Tower elevator… at peak hour
So, you're ready to conquer the Iron Lady — naturellement. But here's the thing: if you show up at 3PM, in high season, and head straight for the elevator line… be prepared to spend more time sweating than sightseeing. The crowds? Endless. The wait? Long enough to finish Les Misérables. And worst of all ? You miss the most exciting part — the climb itself.
Alternative thrill: Take the stairs. No, really. Walk up to the second floor and you’ll see Paris unfold with every step. It’s cheaper, faster, way less crowded, and ten times more satisfying. And if you’ve got the energy, take the elevator from there to the top for the grand finale.
Bonus tip: on your way back down, don’t rush off to another neighborhood just yet—there’s plenty of things to do near the Eiffel Tower!
5. Playing the street shell game
You’re near the Eiffel Tower, the crowd is buzzing, and suddenly — voilà! A little street game with three cups, a bouncing ball, and someone winning a wad of cash right in front of you. Tempting? Don’t even think about it.
This classic bonneteau scam is everywhere near tourist hotspots. It’s illegal, rigged from the start, and run by teams way more organized than they look. The smiling “winner”? Probably part of the act.
Street-smart swap: Like games? Go hunt for Space Invaders instead. We’re talking about those tiny pixelated mosaics scattered across Paris walls — part of a city-wide street art treasure hunt. A fun thing to do in Paris with kids to discover hidden corners, unexpected places, and charming Parisian streets along the way.
6. Staring at your feet the whole time
Look up! Too many visitors — and let’s be honest, parisians too — miss the magic because they’re glued to their phones, their maps, or the pavement.
And yet… the real show is happening just above eye level: ornate balconies, sneaky gargoyles, carved stone faces, wrought-iron poetry.
Paris is an open-air museum. Every building has a story — and most of them begin on the second floor. Forget the shop signs. Scan the rooftops, read the facades, let your eyes wander. Paris rewards the curious.
7. Spending your whole trip underground in the metro
Another big one on the list of what not to do in Paris? Spending all your time underground in the métro. Once you’ve learned to look up — you’ll get hooked. And if you spend your whole trip underground, you’ll miss everything that makes Paris, well… Paris.
Yes, the métro is fast. And yes, there’s always a station nearby. But a lot of the highlights you came for? They’re all within walking distance — and separated by charming streets, hidden squares, local life, and café smells you’ll never notice from below.
Alternative way of transport: your feet — or a bike. Paris is incredibly walkable. From the Marais to Saint-Germain to the Latin Quarter, you can hop from one iconic neighborhood to another without ever needing a ticket.
Want to level up? Grab a bike and cruise along the Seine, through car-free zones like Rue de Rivoli. The real Paris isn’t underground — it’s right there on the pavement.
8. What not to do #8 ? Buying tickets on the spot !
You spot the entrance. You’re excited. You’re this close to finally seeing the inside of that museum or monument you dreamed about… But then — the queue. It snakes around the corner. The sign says “45 minutes minimum.” Someone just told you the next time slot is in three hours.
Smarter move: Book your tickets in advance. Almost every major attraction — Louvre, Versailles, Sainte-Chapelle, you name it — now offers online booking. It’s easy, often cheaper, and saves you from wasting precious time waiting instead of exploring.
9. Buying made-in-China souvenirs at tourist trap shops
You came all the way to Paris… and you’re going home with a plastic Eiffel Tower and a "I ❤️ Paris" hoodie made in Shenzhen? Come on, you can do better than that.
Those identical souvenir shops around the touristy places are everywhere — and they’re all selling the same stuff coming all the way from the other side of the world.
Better shopping habits: Go local. For something with real soul, explore artisan boutiques in neighborhoods like Le Marais or South Pigalle. Stroll down Rue des Martyrs for vintage treasures, indie shops and beautifully curated objects you’ll actually want to bring home.
10. Trying to see all Paris in 2 days — the ultimate not to do
We get it. You’re excited. It’s Paris! You want to see the Louvre, climb the Eiffel Tower, wander Montmartre, squeeze in Versailles, the Catacombs, a river cruise, a pastry tour, a flea market, and maybe a cheeky wine tasting — all in 48 hours.
The result? You’ll end up exhausted, blurry-eyed, and barely remembering anything… except maybe the smell of métro corridors.
We know it’s hard to choose. But here’s the secret: you’ll enjoy so much more of what you do see, if you stop trying to see it all.
So, slow down. Pick a few neighborhoods or themes — like “crazy Paris experiences,” “local food spots,” or “family-friendly adventures” — and dive into them fully.
Have a long lunch. Get lost on purpose. Sit by the river. Watch old men play pétanque.
That quiet moment, trying local delights in the Marais or laughing with your kids in a hidden garden? It’ll stay with you way longer than a rushed selfie in front of every monument on the map.
Now that you know what not to do in Paris, you’re ready to enjoy the city like a true insider. Dodge the clichés, take your time, follow your curiosity… and the city will do the rest. Bon voyage — and who knows, maybe we’ll spot you from the top of our Marcel amphibious bus… or see you onboard ?🦆
