This post is about my experiences and opinions from Paris. I’ve been there twice for a few days. I can tell you, it is not my favorite city. If you want to know more, here’s the story.
What I don’t like about Paris:
- Safety
- I really didn’t feel safe. Walking in the metro you hear the announcement about making sure to keep your stuff safe. Paris is known because of the pickpockets. I found myself always looking around and keeping my bag close and constantly controlling my stuff. The city is overcrowded and there are a lot of nationalities.
- The mess
- It is a huge city with a lot of tourists so it makes sense that there is a lot of trash, but it is a famous tourist destination so you expect it’s better taken care of. The trash cans are full and the trash is laying on the streets everywhere, you can even make some rat friends.
- It is overrated
- Don’t hate me for this. There are things that I like about Paris, but in the end it is just a city like a lot of others. It didn’t amaze me as much as I expected.
Tip: Don’t put your wallet and phone in your pocket, rather put it in your bag and keep it close. Be careful with the backpacks and don’t wear an opened bag.
What I like about Paris:
- Architecture
- There are a lot of lovely buildings with beautiful architecture and a lot of meaning. Several bridges and of course the Eiffel tower.
- The city of lights
- It’s safe to say that Paris is the city of lights and the atmosphere at night is amazing. I really enjoyed the evening and night walks through the city.
- Sights
- I was happy with the fact that all of those famous sights didn’t disappoint me. They are all just like you see on the internet, big, beautiful and breathtaking.
Getting around the city is quite easy with the metro. You can easily follow the google maps. A single ticket is 1.90€. Hotels are quite expensive but you might be lucky if you look good. Last time in Paris we were at the total end of the city, yet we paid around 100€ per night. Nothing else was available. You can’t forget to try croissants, baguettes and macarons.
Tip: For a real experience buy croissants in a bakery.
Things to see
My personal favorite was Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. It had beautiful views and even more beautiful architecture. Of course you can’t miss the Eiffel tower and Arc de Triomphe.
Fun moments I had with souvenir sellers on the streets. They are always walking around trying to sell souvenirs or also water and alcohol. Interesting to see was how fast and easily they packed their stuff when they heard police sirens.
Tip: If they stop you and you want a souvenir from them, negotiate as hard as you can.
Lastly, the people. French are mostly speaking French. When we talked English we got mostly understood but they never spoke English back, only in the hotel. People there are very proud but to tell the truth I didn’t really have any interactions. Only once I got stopped because I had an open bag, the man was really nice to chase me just to tell me about it. So remember BE SAFE.
Note: People will speak French to you, even if they know you don’t speak French.
- If you are looking for more unique places to see in France, read my post Unique Holidays in France