Paris: Mistakes 1st Time Visitors to Paris Make

Paris is an incredible city that millions of tourists enjoy. There are some common mistakes that first time visitors to Paris make. Here are the most common ones we see, so that you won't make them when you visit Paris!
Filmed in Paris, France
Copyright Mark Wolters 2022
Join this channel to get access to perks:

#paris #paristravel #1sttimeparis

Some of Our Favorite Travel Videos We Think Other Travelers Would Love

Hey There Fellow Travelers! Thank you for watching our honest travel vlogs from all over this wonderful world. If you would like to get in contact with us please follow us & send us a message via our social media channels below. Also, if you like our travel videos please feel free to share them with other fellow travelers.

Follow Us At

[Hiro_Trevelyan]

As a Parisian myself, great tips !
I always forget that people are not necessarily used to public transit, but our system is great compared to most US cities. So tourists, don't be afraid to use it (though the pricing is a bit confusing for tourists tbh). And please eat at bakeries if you can afford it, if you want the full "french experience". We depend on bakeries here, hence why we have so many everywhere.

[LookingupforJesus]

It was dumb luck... but it was a rainy spring night and we went to the Eiffel was nearly empty; 30 minutes before closing, and absolutely magical!!! An unexpected delight❣️

[angus]

I’ve been to Paris 5 times and I’d definitely recommend buying a guided tour of the Louvre (same for the Vatican Museum) online beforehand. You won’t waste your time in the lineup or wandering aimlessly in a huge place suffering from FOMO. You will get in quickly and see the most important works along with valuable information about each one.

[warrenberckmann]

I've visited Paris over 50 times and every tip he gave is right on. You should take each of those tips and expand on them because newbies need more explanation. The most significant tip was to not try to do to much! Make up your mind that you will be back. A corollary to this is to eliminate as much of the strictly tourist stuff as possible. Who cares if the people back home find out that you didn't go up the Eiffel Tower! Do you really want to lose 4-6 hours of precious time on that? See a video of it! Do'n't waste time at the Moulin Rouge. It's in the seediest part of Paris, it's been resting on its reputation for over 50 years and there are much better shows like the Lido or Paradis Latin. Do your homework in advance and narrow down your plans: 1) Things I must do in case I never come back; 2) Second tier things to do if my timing works out well. Don't even bother with anything less than these because you'll never get to them anyway. Also, don't just look at tourist guide books in your research. Ask people who are local or have spent a lot of time there. Learn where the Parisians go. Take in a show at l'Olympia or Opéra Garnier. A real gem is the Église St. Julian-le-Pauvre which has some extraordinary shows and almost no tourists. Another tip: get comfortable taking the bus during non rush hours. You see more of the city and they are often more direct than the métro. I could go on for pages and pages but mostly, do your research!!!!

[trumanpatriotsactivities]

I’ve been to Paris 8 times, including a trip with my wife just last week, and these tips are terrific. Enjoy some downtime—buy a bottle of champagne and find a park, sit for a few hours at a cafe, take a nap in the park. It’s one of my favorite places on earth. Safe travels!

[victoriadell]

For the Louvre, get to the mall entrance on Rue de Rivoli at the time it opens. You don't have to use the pyramid entrance. This take you underneath the small pyramids where the points meet (ala last scene in the Da Vinci Code). You skip the giant line outside. We walked briskly to Mona and were alone with her for at least 2 minutes. Also buy your museum pass online ahead of time so you don't have to stand in any museum line. Bon Chance!

[heidij]

I have been to Paris four times. The biggest mistake I made in Paris last time was leaving 💔 I can't wait to go back.

[DanielA-nlnv]

Honestly that's probably the best advice I ever got from you, and I've been using it for years.... Don't burn yourself out trying to see everything; pick two or three things you really want to do and focus on doing them right.

[jasecola]

I agree with all of these. The biggest ones I agree with are to take the metro and walk as much as possible, and also to not be so concerned with seeing everything you think you are supposed to see. The best things about Paris are not the things that you see on a postcard. Walk the streets, sit at a cafe patio and sip some coffee, go into a bunch of bakeries, buy stuff for a picnic along the river or in a park, etc, etc. One big mistake that got left out is in regards to dining culture and general etiquette in any shop. Always say "bonjour" or "bonsoir" and don't expect to be pampered by your server. Also, don't be afraid to ask for your check when you're ready to leave.

[juliegoodwin]

Great timing, we are headed to France late Sept! Something we've found that's worked for us in many places is just to plan one activity a day and then just go with the flow! Thanks for all you do your videos are always such a great help

[crystalrc]

I literally just booked my Airbnb tonight for paris next year in March and your videos are awesome!! Thank you for all the tips!

[satan]

I spent an hour on YouTube learning how to use the Metro and it was a great decision. Took it everywhere, stayed in a cheaper area. Even rode the RER to Disneyland Paris for $7.

[Christinebythesea]

Great tips! As a Londoner who has visited Paris often, and being a very similar age to Mark and Jocelyn, I now have started staying more centrally in order to visit my favourite museums at opening time without having to deal with rush hour public transport. I’ve had the magical experience of Musee de L’Orangerie and Sainte Chappelle almost to myself as a result. Mercure often have great deals in quieter months. Expect small rooms but good standards and avoiding the crowds for a calmer time 😊 Also, as well as the Boulangerie, a cheap but nice picnic lunch can be got at supermarkets to enjoy in one of the many parks…

[MrPulimen]

I went to Paris and I stayed at an apartment 20 minutes away from the main sights. I saved so much money and I had such a comfortable room. This also allowed me to get to the city easily since the metro was close to my apartment.

[EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Proud to say that I think the only one of those mistakes we made in our first trip was trying to do too much in our time there. We were worn out, but we did see the things we most wanted to see. Thanks for all of your great advice leading up to the big trip

[hillroberts]

Very good advice. I spent my Christmas week in Paris and walked the city for hours. I became ill for two days but enjoyed Paris despite the cold. I plan to visit it again, my 4th visit, when Notre Dame is finished. Thanks for the tips.

[DCSuperHerosPlayMC]

My favorite part of Paris was just walking around and immersing myself in the city. We stayed at Noisy and we took the metro to the city which was very easy.

[soapyd]

Yes, downtime is Paris is so nice! I have had some when traveling for work and I had great experiences that way.

[billjohnson]

Go to Paris often!! It's a wonderful place and they are much more welcoming now than they were 40 years ago. Ride the metro and the trains! It's so easy and you can get everywhere really fast. France is clean, modern and very well-organized, especially Paris! Wear a Rick Steve's money belt and the pick pockets will never get your money. Watch your purse when somebody wants to interview you. The purse snatchers are part of the team while the interviewer distracts you!

[Tamar-szox]

On point 👍 don’t overspend on hotels, our daughter stays at smaller budget boutique places eg ibis hotels maybe 30 mins away from Eiffel town etc by metro . She also likes to do picnics in the many beautiful parks to soak in all the scenery, and budget friendly for dinner etc 🇫🇷 just as you suggested / oh last one, get some falafels and middle eastern food ! Very good