12 Ways Paris Tourists Waste Money (You’re Doing It Too)

In this video we asked our community of over 300,000 members how tourists waste money in Paris, and we share their 12 answers along with our own thoughts. If you want to stretch your travel budget and skip the purchases visitors most often regret, start here.

Transport and sightseeing

• A weekly metro pass is only worth it if you ride two or three times a day. Paris is very walkable.
• The Paris Pass pays off only if you visit several museums a day; otherwise buy tickets individually.
• Museum audio guides at the Louvre, Versailles and the Panthéon often disappoint. Hire a real guide instead.
• Tuk-tuks and pedicabs near the big sights are easy to get ripped off in. Take a taxi or Uber, or rest at a café.
• Versailles in high season is packed and hot. Try Fontainebleau, Vaux-le-Vicomte or Chantilly, or go off-season.
• Hop-on hop-off buses cost over $70 when we filmed, while bus line 69 covers many of the same sights for €2.

Food and drink

• The Eiffel Tower restaurants: about half of what you pay is for the location.
• Angelina, the famous tea room, felt dated and overpriced to us.
• Lemonade, cocktails and bottled water add up quickly. French lemonade is pressed lemon juice, and tap water is free if you ask for a carafe. Check the menu first.
• Not sharing meals. It is fine to share in Paris. We often order two set menus and split a starter and dessert.

Everything else

• Airport travel gadgets are two to three times the price online, and often poor quality.
• Prepaid hotel breakfasts lock you in. Bakeries and cafés are better, and you can always buy breakfast at the hotel on the day.

For more ways to plan a smart, budget-friendly trip, see our Paris Guide Bundle and our guide to 125 Paris hotels. If you want great food with a trusted local, book a Devour food tour.