Paris, a stunning city in north-central France, is a dream destination for many and is often called the “City of Love.” Its romantic ambiance, iconic landmarks, and rich cultural heritage make this captivating city a favorite among travelers worldwide.
Along with its gorgeous and iconic architecture, this city is also a hub for fashion, business, and innovation which makes it a renowned attraction for both tourists and professionals. However, while visiting this city, most of the travelers make some mistakes that you should steer clear of.
Check out this list of travel mistakes that you should avoid while visiting the beautiful city of Paris.
1. Avoid Excessive Tipping
Tipping in Paris is not compulsory, nor is it even expected as contrary to many places, the service charges are commonly included in the bill. However, if you are really satisfied with the food and the service, you can leave tips behind which generally amount to 5%-10% of the bill. In most cases, even a simple “merci” with a smile would be enough.
2. Avoid paying for water in restaurants
The restaurants in Paris often serve tap water upon request at no cost. You should avoid spending your money on bottled water if you’re satisfied with the local option. This small step can help you save money without compromising on refreshments.
3. Don’t trash your Metro Ticket
Remember to hold on to your metro ticket even after you’ve passed the doors. Generally, it is very common to discard the tickets once you’re inside the train, but in Paris, your tickets can be checked at any point during your journey because of which it’s important to keep your tickets with you until you make an exit from the system.
4. Not getting a Paris Pass
The Paris Pass can be a traveler’s best friend as it offers you access to a range of attractions along with the convenience of skipping lines. This Pass can turn out to be a valuable tool for exploring the rich cultural heritage of the city. It can be a great deal to the visitors as it maximizes your experiences and minimizes wait time, it also saves the traveler’s time and money while visiting different places.
5. Underestimating wait times at popular attractions
Some of the most popular attractions in Paris, such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, can have lengthy queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. Therefore, while visiting these places, make sure you book skip-the-line tickets in advance or plan a visit during the off-peak hours to make the most of your time.
6. Relying only on the Fast food Chains
Paris is a culinary capital with an abundance of delightful restaurants and eateries. While there are many international fast-food chains available here, make sure you don’t limit your food experiences to it. This city caters to all budgets and tastes and you must include the local cuisine with an abundance of flavors offered by Parisian chefs in your gastronomic experience.
