Stop Wasting Time at Paris Tourist Traps (Go Here Instead)

Paris has plenty of things that compete for your attention and can waste your time. In this video we share what we wish we had known before our first trip: how to avoid Paris tourist traps and time-wasters at the big sights, and the places we loved once we found them. If you are planning your first visit, this will help you spend your time well.

The big sights, done smarter

  • Eiffel Tower: go early or late, not between 10 and 5. The second floor is the sweet spot; the top is pricier, more crowded and windy. Watch for survey scams and pickpockets at the base.
  • Louvre: get a guide. The handful of pieces most people want to see are spread across different floors and wings.
  • Versailles: avoid hot summer days, arrive first thing, and get a ticket that includes the Trianon. For a quieter castle, consider Fontainebleau or Chantilly.
  • Opéra Garnier: go inside, it is stunning. Then head to the free Galeries Lafayette rooftop next door.
  • Instagram-famous eateries: in our experience the photo is better than the food. Wander and let a little bistro find you.
  • Montmartre: go, but expect crowds, and say no to bracelet and love lock sellers.

What we wish we had found sooner

Les Invalides, with Napoleon’s tomb and its museums, pleasantly surprised us both. Père Lachaise cemetery is a peaceful place for a picnic among famous graves. The catacombs are moving and cool on a hot day. At the Arc de Triomphe, use the underground tunnel, never run across traffic, and climb for the 360-degree view. The free Petit Palais, with its cafe and garden, sits near the Grand Palais, Pont Alexandre III and Place de la Concorde. Notre-Dame moves quickly at noon, and Sainte-Chapelle can be bundled with the Conciergerie. And do not forget the hop-on hop-off boat for seeing Paris from the water.

Our tip

To see Paris properly, see it from up high and from the water. Buy tickets from official .fr websites or a trusted all-in-one seller rather than lookalike sites.

For skip-the-line entry, see our Eiffel Tower reserved access and Sainte-Chapelle tickets, our selection of the best things to do in Paris, and guided Paris walking tours. Our Paris Guide Bundle shows where to eat and sleep near each attraction.