Do’s and Don’ts in Paris: What You Need to Know Before Visiting (2025)

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Wondering what the do’s and don’ts are in Paris? This post has you covered!

Love it or hate it, Paris is a divisive city to visit. Some travelers leave Paris feeling like it is the greatest city in the world, while others report being completely underwhelmed. If you ask me, I’d say that Paris is just a challenging place to visit because there are so many things to do and so many ways to do them wrong – but it’s definitely not overrated. 

I’ll admit that when I first visited Paris, I was fully expecting to hate it. I thought it would be too touristy, too glamorous, and too “overdone” for me to enjoy. I was, it turned out, completely wrong on all fronts. By the end of my first four days in Paris, I couldn’t wait to return and I started to dream of moving here one day. I should note here that I had a local guide to help me navigate Paris for most of my first visits, which really helped!

After a few years living in Ireland, my partner and I finally decided to try our hand at living in Paris in early 2024. Now, I want to share the do’s and don’ts that I’ve collected after years of visiting Paris and months of talking to my guests who are visiting Paris from the US. 

Table of Contents
Do’s and Don’ts in Paris 
The Do’s 
The Don’ts 
About Parisian Culture  
FAQs
Conclusion

Do’s and Don’ts in Paris 

There are a lot of ways to “do Paris” wrong, unfortunately. From innocent faux pas that illicit rude remarks from Parisians to common scams to travel advice, here are my top do’s and don’ts for travel in Paris. 

Do’s in Paris 

You can avoid some Paris nightmare travel stories by following the “dos” of Paris. From saying Bonjour when greeting a Parisian to pacing your itinerary appropriately to learning a little French, here are the things to do to have a good time in Paris. 

Do: Say Bonjour When You Greet Someone 

One of the biggest faux pas that you can commit in Paris is forgetting to say, “Bonjour” or otherwise greet someone before you ask them a question. As small as it may seem to you, skipping the “Bonjour” can seriously offend the person you’re speaking to – sometimes so much that they’ll correct you with a sassy or even irritated, “Bonjour” before answering your question. 

You’ll notice that, later in the afternoon, Parisians will switch to “Bonsoir” or “Good Evening” then “Bonne Soirée” or “Good Evening” even later in the day. If you can remember to switch out your “Bonjour” for a “Bonsoir,” great – but a “Bonjour” is always better than nothing. 

Do: Spend Some Time Just Relaxing

Despite the sometimes overwhelming list of things that you can do while you’re in Paris, set some time aside just to relax and enjoy the pace of visiting a romance country. In my experience, travelers who spend their entire visit to Paris rushing from the Eiffel Tower to the Sacré-Cœur to the Rodin Museum are likely to leave feeling exhausted and a little underwhelmed. (Even if all of those places are wonderful in their own right!)

Instead, find some relaxing things to do in Paris and add them into your itinerary. Spend a few hours laying in the grass on the Champs de Mars, sit in the shade of a tree at the Luxembourg Garden, or sip a wine on a cafe’s terrace and watch the world go by. Trust me, you’ll enjoy it more than squeezing in one more museum! 

Do: Carefully Choose Your Restaurants

It can be challenging to find great restaurants in Paris, both because they’re spread out all over the city but also because Google reviews are only somewhat useful. Good signs at a French restaurant are that the menu is in French, the clientele are mostly speaking French, and the place is busy. Not every great restaurant matches this criteria, but they’re all signs of a good spot. 

For visitors to Paris, I would recommend that you find a blogger or social media account with a list of restaurants they love. Carefully look at the food and decide if it seems like something you’d enjoy (i.e. do you share their taste?). Then, try to go to a few of the spots they recommend. 

Check out this list of my favorite restaurants in Paris for spots that have vegetarian options. A few highlights for any visit to Paris include L’As du Fallafel, Le Florimond, Breizh Café, Au P’tit Grec, and La Maison d’Isabelle.  

Do: Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Paris is safer than most US cities, but, like London or Rome, it’s still a big city where you need to be aware of your surroundings. By looking aware and knowing who is around you, you’ll be able to avoid some of the more opportunist thieves in Paris who are just looking for the easiest target. 

It’s especially important to be aware of your surroundings if you’re wandering around at night as a solo female traveler. Avoid walking alone at night along quiet parts of the Seine, near the Eiffel Tower, or on very isolated streets. You can always call an Uber if you need to get back to your hotel for safety. 

Again, the biggest risk you’ll face is usually petty theft, but assaults do also happen in Paris. By staying alert and aware of your surroundings, you can help keep yourself safe. 

Do: Check Google Reviews Before You Dine

While I wouldn’t put too much stock in a restaurant’s rating (so long as it’s over 4 stars) in Paris, I always check within the reviews for mentions of getting “sick” or mentions of “food poisoning.” I’ll often do this even if it’s a restaurant I’ve eaten in before – who wants to get sick on vacation?

I’ve had two family members get sick while visiting Paris, both times we suspect were related to street food. Neither time was overly serious, but it can really put a damper on things! 

If you get sick or injured enough to need a doctor while in Paris, Nancy Salzman is an English-speaking doctor in the 7th (near Invalides). You can book an appointment with her on the French platform DoctoLib. 

Do: Expect Your Hotel Room to be Small

Most hotel rooms in Paris are very small, which can be surprising and unpleasant if you’re used to the enormous hotel rooms in the US. Unless the listing specifically talks about the room being large, it will probably be a very small room with a bed in it and an attached shower. This is especially true of budget hotels. 

It’s not just you, though – most Parisians live in very small spaces! 

I always felt a little claustrophobic in French bathrooms until I moved. I eventually got used to them, but I still find the enormous bathrooms in the US to be pretty luxurious. 

Do: Learn a Few Words in French Before You Go

Just like you would expect people visiting the US to know a few words of English, Parisians expect you to speak a little French because you’re in France. You don’t need to be fluent in French to visit Paris, but you should know a few key words and phrases. 

Here is some basic French to help you navigate during your stay in Paris:

🇬🇧 Hello – 🇫🇷 Bonjour
🇬🇧 Thank you – 🇫🇷 Merci
🇬🇧 Can I please order a _____? – 🇫🇷 Je voudrais + un/une + ____ ?
🇬🇧 Please – 🇫🇷 S’il vous plaît
🇬🇧 The bill/check, please? – 🇫🇷 L’addition, s’il vous plaît?

Don’ts in Paris 

Visiting Paris sometime soon? Here are all of the things to avoid while you’re here, from becoming the victim of petty crime to dealing with the imperfect parts of Paris. 

Don’t: Get Pickpocketed

One of the most common issues tourists (and even some locals) face in Paris is pickpockets. Far from a few lone wolves, the pickpockets in Paris work in teams to steal phones, cash, wallets, and other valuables from unsuspecting people. The metro is one of the most common places to be pickpocketed, but really the thieves can strike anywhere in Paris. 

My dad remembers Paris rather unfondly from a visit when he was in his 20s and had his passport stolen!

Protect yourself by keeping valuables tucked out of sight and reach, avoid overly flashy displays of wealth, and consider wearing a money belt to keep your cash safe (though some would consider this overkill!). Bag slashing isn’t a huge problem in Paris, but a purse with a chain strap will be much harder to steal than one with leather or fabric straps. 

Don’t: Fall for Scams

Paris is a haven for scammers that target tourists in busy areas. Don’t fall for any of their nonsense! The best advice I have to offer is this: if someone in Paris approaches you trying to help, be very wary of them. You’ll probably have better luck with the random person you ask for help than anyone who approaches you. 

That said, here are a few common scams in Paris:

• Clipboard scam: Someone holding a clipboard asks you to sign for some sort of charity. Then, the scammer will demand money or some sort of “donation.” It’s all fake; no one in Paris will approach you asking for a donation. 
• Bracelet scam: A person approaches you and attaches a bracelet to your arm. Then, they demand payment for the bracelet, sometimes loudly. 
• Tip cup scam: In this scam, a person panhandling will place the cup they’re using to collect coins intentionally far from their body in a busy walkway. They’ll wait for someone who isn’t paying attention to kick it over, then demand more money and make you feel bad for hitting the cup. 
• Spilled sauce on your shirt: This is a team scam that’s less common than the first three (but can still happen). Essentially, you’ll be walking down the sidewalk and someone will “spill” something on you. Then, while they’re “helping you clean up” they’ll grab your wallet or other valuables while you’re distracted. 

Don’t: Fall for Tourist Traps

Like most major cities, Paris is home its fair share of tourist traps. The biggest tourist trap of all is probably any overpriced and mediocre restaurant near the city’s major landmarks. Unfortunately, there are very, very few places worth eating that you won’t need to travel to reach – it’s worth your time to search out good food in Paris. 

Other common tourist traps include unofficial airport taxis (official airport taxis have a set rate and will never solicit you in the terminal), signs in front of restaurants claiming (in English) to be the “best in Paris,” and any restaurant where a person is standing outside to usher you inside.

As a general rule, Parisians who aren’t trying to scam you and are proud of their service/restaurant will be indifferent towards you until you start to speak with them. Be wary of anyone who approaches you in Paris. 

Don’t: Eat While Walking

This one isn’t really specific to Paris, but is common in Europe in general. Food and meals are generally meant to be enjoyed slowly and with company, so you will very rarely see Europeans walking while they eat. 

Although most Europeans would simply find the practice annoying, I’ve heard of Parisians passive aggressively confronting people eating while they walk. Instead, I’d recommend that you grab a bench at a local green space or park and eat there – this is generally perfectly acceptable. 

It’s easy to find parks and green spaces using Google Maps – literally just look for the patches of green. Paris is full of parks of all sizes, which are perfect for a quick stop to eat a sandwich or croissant. 

Don’t: Eat at Restaurants Near the Monuments and Tourist Attractions

I once explained the central conundrum of Paris to someone like this: the monuments in Paris are set all over the central part of the city along the river, so there’s no single “center” like you might find elsewhere. The best restaurants are set at least several blocks away from the monuments, if not further. 

Therefore, you’ll need to travel a lot every day if you want to both see the monuments and enjoy great food.  

Avoid any restaurant with a menu in seven languages with a “pusher” outside driving people into the restaurant. It’s probably going to be an overpriced tourist trap that will have you (falsely) believing that French food is overrated. 

Don’t: Be Surprised if Paris Isn’t Perfect

Paris has done an amazing job of cultivating a reputation for being picture perfect and beautiful at all times. The problem is that it’s just not entirely true. 

Paris is a large city and it has lots of large city problems, just like anywhere else. The city can be dirty, locals can be unfriendly, people who may be houseless are often visible on the streets, and some restaurants serve terrible food. 

There’s actually a term for grappling with the imperfections and realities of the City of Light: Paris Syndrome. The phenomenon is, essentially, an extreme form of culture shock and the term is most closely associated with Japanese tourists, though anyone could hypothetically experience it. 

By managing your expectations before you go, you can prevent the feelings of disappointment that some feel when they first arrive in Paris. 

Don’t: Rent a Car

Paris is a city made for walking, biking, taxis, taking the metro, or even gliding along the river on a river cruise. It is not a city where you’ll want to rent a car. Not only is it harder to get around in a car than on most other forms of public transit, you’ll face near constant issues when trying to park, navigate traffic, or drive around the Arc de Triomphe. 

Should you need to drive somewhere outside of the city, I’d rent the car just before you leave Paris and return it immediately when you get back. 

Don’t: Overdress or Underdress if You Want to Fit In

Parisians are famous for their effortless style, which is generally chic and thoughtful with lots of pieces that they mix and match. You might not be able to emulate this when you’re packing, but generally you should try to look nice without overdoing it.

When you visit the Louvre, you might notice the crowds of tourists that are dressed in all of the biggest designer names you can think of: Dior, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, and Louis Vuitto (among others). These designer-clad people are tourists, but there are so many that you’d be forgiven for assuming some of them are Parisian. 

If dressing head to toe in designer clothes is your normal style or something you just feel like doing, go for it! However, Parisians are famous for their tasteful, not-overdone fashion, so if you want to fit in, go for something much more minimal. 

Please don’t feel like you must have designer clothes to visit Paris. If you really want to fit in, I’d recommend buying a few pieces of clothing after you arrive then styling it like you see Parisians doing.  Or, just wear the clothes you already have and try to look put together while you’re walking around.

Don’t: Stay Outside of the City (on a Short Trip)

If you only have a few days in Paris, I recommend that you stay somewhere central in the city. Luckily, there are a number of great budget-friendly hotels in Paris, many of which are set near metro lines or within a short walk of an interesting street or landmark.  

As a general rule, I’d recommend trying to stay within a 20 minute walk of a landmark and the River Seine. This way, you’ll be central enough to walk somewhere interesting, but you needn’t be steps from the Louvre (unless you want to be). 

It’s true that you can save some serious cash by staying outside of the city, but a 45 minute metro ride will make it feel like a big chore to get into Paris. The tradeoff just isn’t worth it, especially for a weekend in Paris or another short trip. 

For the record, I recommend spending three to seven days in Paris for your first visit. 

Don’t: Sit Around in Your Hotel

If you get tired in Paris, do your best to get out and relax in the city instead of in your hotel. There are plenty of chill activities to enjoy, from sitting on a terrace and watching people walk by to putting your feet up in a local park. 

The city of Paris isn’t just for running around, you can find plenty of ways to rest and recharge without retreating to your room. Plus, unless you opted for a luxury hotel room, your room is probably going to be small and a little uncomfortable anyway. 

Don’t: Visit the Louvre Just to See the Mona Lisa

The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous paintings in the world, and understandably many visitors come to Paris with hopes of seeing it in person. It famously hangs in the Louvre Museum, which is one of the largest museums in the world. Every year, about 7.5 million people visit the Louvre, and seeing the Mona Lisa is a stop for most of them. 

Now, it’s not that I don’t want you to see the Mona Lisa – I just find that people who go to the Louvre to only see the painting and get out tend to be disappointed by the experience. The painting is smaller than you might be imagining, and there’s an enormous crowd waiting to see it. 

Instead, I suggest that you make a plan to see other exhibits while you’re at the Louvre so that your entire experience isn’t limited to the Mona Lisa. Check out the extensive collections of jewelry, Persian artifacts and artwork, or the statues of Michaelangelo. Or, just make a goal to see some of the masterpieces in the Louvre. 

And, if you do want to visit the Louvre, buy your tickets early. They often sell out, especially since the museum started limiting visitors in 2022. When you book, you’ll get an assigned entry time – be sure to arrive on time or a little early for your appointment. 

Don’t: Visit in August, If You Can Avoid It

Most of the city of Paris goes on holiday in August, a fact that is well known by locals but took me by surprise a few years ago. I was staying in a family member’s apartment when we had an electrical problem around August 2. We went out looking for an electrician only to be told that our best bet was to try again in September when the electricians were back in the city. 

Luckily, my dad was able to tell us how to fix it, with the help of some hardware store employees. 

But yes, August is a rough time to visit Paris because many of the workers are out of town, leaving restaurants and other businesses shuttered for the month. It’s also still the heat of summer, which can be challenging in a city without much air conditioning. You can still have a great time in August in Paris, but truthfully it’s just not the best time to visit. 

About Parisian Culture  

There are a few hallmarks of Parisian culture that are good to know before you go. Of course, you’ll always want to greet someone with a, “Bonjour,” and avoid being too loud in public spaces. Meals are meant to be enjoyed slowly with friends – not eaten on the go – and waiters generally won’t rush you to finish (so you’ll need to ask for the check). 

The culture around hospitality is different than in the US, where people tend to be friendly and work for tips. You can expect that the people working in hotels, restaurants, and at tourist attractions probably won’t be overly friendly, especially if they don’t speak English. The peak season in Paris is also very busy for hospitality workers, so they can get burned out by July. 

Finally, you’ll enjoy your trip to Paris more if you can be open-minded, humble, and willing to speak a little French. Remember that there are rude or curt people everywhere, so try to let any unsavory comments roll off your back. 

There’s nothing worse than realizing you lost a whole day of your trip to obsessing over a situation where someone was unkind to you. Try to just let negative things go and be curious and compassionate towards everyone you encounter. 

FAQs: Do’s and Don’ts in Paris 

Finished the list of do’s and don’ts in Paris and still have more questions? Here are the answers to common queries from other travelers. 

What should I be careful of in Paris?

The biggest things that you should be careful of in Paris are pickpockets, scams, and tourist traps. Unfortunately, a number of people in Paris tend to prey on tourists, so you’ll need to be vigilant as a traveler. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight, and be wary of anyone who approaches you on the street. 

What not to wear in Paris as a tourist?

You can wear whatever you want as a visitor in Paris, but some fashion choices will immediately flag you as a tourist. That’s OK, you are a tourist! However, if you don’t want to look like a tourist, opt for stylish and laid back outfits and avoid sportswear, loud designer labels, flip flops, athleisure clothing, baseball caps, and adventure clothing. 

The idea here is to avoid both overdressing AND underdressing, as both will make you stand out immediately as a tourist. 

What do people wish they knew before going to Paris?

Many travelers leave Paris wishing they’d had different expectations. Paris is beautiful, yes, but it’s also a large, dirty city that people actually live in. Accordingly, you’ll need to bring all of your big city smarts when visiting Paris, including things like avoiding tourist traps, steering clear of scams, and taking care to buy the right metro tickets. 

What is proper etiquette for Paris?

There’s no single answer to “proper etiquette” in Paris, but here are a few things to remember: always greet everyone with, “Bonjour,” and remember to ask for the bill at the end of your meal. Keep your voice down in public places, avoid over- or under- dressing, and try to speak as much French as you can (the idea is to let the other person switch to English first). 

Conclusion: Do’s and Don’ts in Paris

Paris is an incredible place to visit in the world, full of incredible landmarks, stunning architecture, and fabulous food. Still, there are plenty of ways to get it wrong while traveling, especially as a first time visitor.

By taking care to follow basic Parisian etiquette rules, carefully selecting restaurants, and trying to do things as the locals do, you can avoid many of the pitfalls of Paris travel. It also always helps to speak a little French, even if Parisians switch to English almost immediately. 

If you do make a mistake while traveling in Paris, try to learn from it and just let it go. There’s nothing that will suck the joy out of your trip quite like obsessing over a negative interaction or little mishap. Be like Taylor Swift and just shake it off!