Paris: Things Travelers Say

“If I Ever Come Back, I’ll Never Do This Again”

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. But talk to people after their trip, and you’ll hear a very honest truth:

“Paris wasn’t the problem. The way I planned it was.” Here are the things visitors most often say they would never do again if they came back to Paris. If this is your first visit, this list can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

1. I would never try to see everything in one day

This is the number one regret. Trying to fit the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Montmartre, shopping, and museums into one day

Constant rushing

No time to enjoy the city

After the trip, many people say: “Paris is not a city to rush through.”

2. I would never visit the Louvre without a plan

Louvre Museum is incredible, and overwhelming.

The museum is massive

Walking in without a plan is exhausting

Many people miss the highlights

A very common reflection: “Next time, I’ll only focus on the must-see artworks.”

3. I would never go to the Eiffel Tower without a ticket

Eiffel Tower looks easy to visit, until you arrive without preparation.

Long ticket lines

Summit tickets sold out

Time wasted waiting

What people later say: “Next time, I’ll book my Eiffel Tower ticket in advance.”

4. I would never visit the Eiffel Tower at sunset again

Sunset looks magical online, but reality is different:

It’s the busiest time of day

Long elevator lines

Crowded viewing platforms

Many visitors later admit: “Next time, I’ll go early in the morning or at night.”

5. I would never eat at tourist restaurants again

Especially near major attractions:

Overpriced menus

Average food

Fast, impersonal service

What travelers learn: “The best food is usually one or two streets away.”

6. I would never be afraid of the Paris metro again

First-time visitors often avoid the metro because it looks confusing.

They buy the wrong tickets

Use taxis unnecessarily

Spend more money than needed

Later realization: “The metro is actually easy, Navigo cards make everything simpler.”

7. I would never use taxis or Uber for everything

Another common regret:

Heavy traffic

High costs

Slower than the metro

What people say afterward: “Public transport is faster and more practical.”

8. I would never eat on the busiest street in

Montmartre is charming, but:

The most crowded streets are full of tourist traps

High prices, average quality

A common lesson learned: “Next time, I’ll walk a little further for better food.”

9. I would never assume Paris is always expensive

Many visitors are surprised to discover:

Bakeries and supermarkets are affordable

Pharmacy and skincare products are great value

You don’t need luxury restaurants to eat well

After the trip, people say: “Paris can be affordable if you know where to go.”

10. I would never think Paris is only about famous sights

Some of the best memories are not planned:

Sitting at a café watching people

Walking along the Seine

Wandering without a strict plan

What visitors often realize too late: “The magic of Paris is in the small moments.”

11. I would never try to photograph everything

Another honest confession:

Taking photos nonstop breaks the experience

Being present matters more

A simple realization: “Sometimes, putting the phone away makes Paris more beautiful.”

12. I would never expect to understand Paris on my first trip

One sentence sums it up perfectly:

“Paris isn’t a city you finish in one visit.”

People enjoy Paris much more the second time because they:

Stress less

Plan smarter

Slow down

Final Thought:

Paris Isn’t Difficult,  Rushing It Is

Most people don’t regret visiting Paris. They regret trying to do too much, too fast, without the right information.

If this is your first time:

Take it slow

Choose fewer activities

Leave room for spontaneity

Paris rewards those who slow down.

Discover everything you need to know about transportation in Paris on our "Paris Transportation Explained: How to Get Around the City" blog.