Photo by Paul Deetman
This is a contributed post today
Paris is known as the city of lights, love, and more photo-worthy moments than your camera roll can handle. Who’s to blame? Almost everyone knows how picturesque Paris is, well, how picturesque it has the potential to be at least.
For a lot of people, it’s the ultimate dream destination, but if it’s your first time visiting, there are a few things to know that no romantic Instagram reel or Emily in Paris binge-watch will prepare you for. You have to keep in mind that Paris syndrome exists, so it’s best to be realistic about this trip.
Yes, sure, Paris is magical, but it’s also a real city with its quirks, challenges, and surprises. But knowing how to navigate them can make your trip feel a little less like chaos and a little more like the dream you signed up for.
Skip the Taxis and Embrace Public Transport
Now, for starters, you should really forget about hailing a cab or summoning an Uber, because Paris traffic is no joke. Just think about it; sitting in a taxi while the meter climbs higher than the Eiffel Tower is nobody’s idea of a good time. It’s way too stress-inducing in general. So, instead, take the metro or hop on a bus. The metro, in particular, is fast, cheap, and takes you just about anywhere in the city without the gridlock drama.
But, the downside: the metro can be, cramped. Basically, you’ll want to think shoulder-to-shoulder during rush hour, with a side of accidental eye contact that lasts just a bit too long. But once you get past that, it’s an efficient way to zip around. And if you’d rather enjoy the view than stare at subway tiles, buses are another solid option.
Don’t Drag Your Luggage All Over Town
Want to know what else is a major mistake? Well, it’s dragging luggage through Paris. Well, when it comes to any major city, it’s honestly a terrible idea. So, the cobblestones are unforgiving, the hills will have you questioning your life choices, and the pickpockets are lurking, waiting for an easy target. But on top of that, most stores, attractions, and even cafes don’t allow large bags, leaving you stuck awkwardly juggling your stuff or, worse, getting turned away.
But seriously, save yourself the trouble and look for luggage lockers. For example, luggage storage Gare du Nord is perfect for anyone arriving by train. You can stash your bags safely and explore without the literal baggage. Plus, let’s face it: nothing ruins that Parisian aesthetic quite like lugging a suitcase through a crowded square.
Bonjour Isn’t Just a Greeting
Now this might be the biggest mistake that first-timers (and even repeat visitors) make when visiting. So, in Paris, not saying “bonjour” is practically a crime. You can walk into a shop, café, or even a convenience store without greeting the staff, and you’re likely to be met with icy stares or, worse, passive-aggressive service. Yeah, Paris is known for that, but it’s mostly due to the lack of greetings.
It’s a small word, but it’s a big deal in French culture. So, saying “bonjour” shows respect and sets the tone for the interaction. You don’t need to know much French beyond that and maybe a quick “merci” or “s’il vous plaît.” The effort counts, and it’s the difference between getting the grumpy side of Paris and the slightly warmer one.
Security Staff aren’t There to Make Friends
Paris security personnel are efficient but friendly. Well, not so much. At tourist attractions, stores, and even some public places, bag checks, and scanners are common, and the staff doing them can be... direct. Basically, think of quick commands, sharp tones, and an overall vibe that says, “Move it along.” It makes you feel like you're dealing with TSA at the airport (to put it simply).
But don’t take it personally, it’s just how things work. Basically, security checks are just part of the deal in Paris, and they’re there to keep everyone safe
Security Checks are Everywhere
Speaking of security, expect to go through airport-style checks at most major attractions. Again, this is only the major attractions, so not the small-scale obscure ones (but there still might be depending on what it is). For example, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, some smaller museums, and even some shopping centers require bag scans and metal detectors. It’s nothing to stress over, but it does mean longer lines.
But what’s the key here? Well, ideally, just pack light and be ready for the extra step. Realistically speaking, trying to juggle too many things while pulling your bag off the scanner belt isn’t exactly the Parisian vibe you’re going for.
