Is Paris Worth Visiting? 19 Pros & Cons to Consider
Are you trying to decide if Paris is worth visiting? Read on for my full breakdown and tips for Paris!
Paris is one of the most famous and well-known cities in the world. It’s a top tourist destination for people from all over the globe, and with good reason – it’s full of history, culture, and beauty. But… is Paris worth visiting? Is it actually worth the hype?
Well, the TL;DR is that I love France and I adore Paris. It’s truly one of my favorite cities in the world.
However, many people come to Paris expecting a kind of sepia-toned, idyllic fairytale, and are startled to realize that Paris in many ways is a normal big city where regular people live and work.
There’s actually a name for this surprising realization: The Paris Syndrome. While the Paris Syndrome is a clinical, rare, and extreme case of travel disappointment, the general idea of disappointment when expectation does not match reality in the City of Love is one that applies to many people.
However, I think that with realistic expectations and knowledge about the pros and cons of visiting Paris, you can be prepared for what Paris is really like and have a great vacation here!
Is Paris Worth Visiting? 19 Pros and Cons to Consider
So, what are the pros and cons of visiting Paris?
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before we get into this section, I want to state that I think that many of these cons are actually stereotypes, myths, or are blown out of proportion, and just aren’t the big deal that people think they are. That said, there are legitimate concerns people have.
So, in the following sections, I’ll list pros and different perceived cons of visiting Paris, and address whether this is more of a stereotype, or whether it is an actual downside of visiting the city.
I’ll also give a lot of tips for navigating these issues!
1. PRO: Gorgeous Architecture
Okay, let’s start with my absolute favorite part of visiting – the absolutely gorgeous architecture.
Paris is known for its stunning architecture, and it definitely deserves the hype. The city was largely rebuilt in the mid-19th century under the direction of Georges-Eugène Haussmann, who created a master plan for the city design.
This plan featured wide, grand boulevards, building facades constructed of stone and with intricate details, and mandating that no building could be taller than six stories in order to maintain the picturesque skyline.
The doors in Paris are absolutely swoon-worthy.
Of course, not every spot in Paris was re-done in Haussmanian architecture (for example, the Latin Quarter).
Either way, the architecture is simply breathtaking, and in my opinion, is one of the top things that makes Paris so special. Wandering the streets and marveling at the beautiful buildings is one of the top things to do in the city.
2. CON: Is Paris Dirty?
Sometimes people feel that it is not worth visiting Paris because they’ve heard that Paris is a dirty city.
Now, I won’t deny that there is some trash in the streets. However, this varies substantially between different areas of the city, but I’ve never found the streets to be particularly dirty.
A bigger turn-off, in my eyes, is there can be an excessive amount of graffiti in some areas. It stands out so starkly with the otherwise beautiful architecture, which tends to be more jarring for me.
I would say that overall, though, it’s about what I would expect from a big city – some spots are cleaner, some have more trash, and there are some things on the streets here and there, but I’ve rarely felt like the city is just dirty.
My Verdict: Sometimes
3. PRO: Amazing Museums
One of the best reasons to visit Paris is to visit the world class Louvre Museum, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The Louvre features some of the world’s most famous pieces of art, including the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, and Napoleon’s Coronation.
The museum is housed in an old palace, and its ceilings are practically a work of art by themselves. There is no shortage of things to see in this museum, so it’s definitely worth a visit for on anyone’s Paris itinerary.
Aside from the world-renowned Louvre Museum, there are a number of other great museums in Paris that are worth the time to visit.
The Musée d’Orsay is housed in an old railway station and contains a large collection of impressionist art, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Degas.
The Rodin Museum is dedicated to the work of Auguste Rodin and features some of his most famous sculptures, such as The Thinker and The Gates of Hell.
The Carnavalet Museum is dedicated to the history of Paris and includes exhibits on everything from fashion to architecture and is a great free museum in Paris.
The Centre Pompidou is home to a large collection of modern art, including pieces by Picasso and Matisse.
And finally, the l’Orangerie Museum houses a collection of impressionist paintings by Claude Monet, including his famous series Water Lilies.
All these museums are definitely worth a visit for anyone traveling to Paris!
4. Con: Are Bathrooms Hard to Find?
Public bathrooms in France are MUCH less common than they are in the United States. Often, you have to pay to use the toilets, even in restaurants or at sites like the Eiffel Tower.
There are also free public bathrooms “pods” on the street. These pods are exactly what they sound like – freestanding little rooms right on the sidewalk.
However, lines for these move very slowly (the pods run a disinfect cycle between every visitor) and they are often not very clean, and often out of order. Seriously, expect 1 in 3 to be kind of nasty inside.
My Verdict: Absolutely true
Tip: Always take full advantage of the bathrooms at any of any museums or big monuments (Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe), or restaurants you visit.
I’ve recently heard about the Toilet Finder app, and while I’ve yet to personally test it out in Paris, a quick browse of the app indicates that many toilet locations are pinned throughout Paris. It would definitely be one to try out!
5. PRO: Beautiful Parks and Gardens Everywhere
For a big capital city, Paris has a lot of greenspace. And a lot of BEAUTIFUL greenspaces.
Each of the different parks and gardens of Paris comes with its own unique charm and features. Some of the most famous parks in Paris include the Jardin de Luxembourg, the Jardin de Tuileries, and the Champs de Mars.
The Jardin de Luxembourg is located in the 6th arrondissement near the Senate building, and is noted for its lovely green lawns, fountains, statues, and palace.
The Jardin de Tuileries is located next to the Louvre Museum and is famous for its green chairs surrounding basins and fountains.
The Champs de Mars is the park leading up to the Eiffel Tower, providing great views of the tower from below.
I love strolling the gardens and parks of Paris – it’s one of my favorite things to do and for sure a great reason to visit the city.
6. CON – Is Paris Expensive?
Paris is known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world. While there are some affordable options, in general, Paris is not a cheap destination.
The reason for this high cost of living comes down to a few factors. Firstly, Paris is a popular tourist destination, so demand for housing and other services is high. Secondly, the city has high taxes, which drives up prices on everything from food to transportation to entertainment.
However, one nice thing is that the prices already include the tax and tip. This means that restaurant meals end up being much less than you’d expect if you’re coming from the US, where tax and tip are added on top of the menu prices.
My Verdict: True. However, while Paris can be expensive, with a little bit of planning you can find ways to enjoy the city without breaking the bank. For example, instead of eating in restaurants for every meal, try putting together an easy picnic – I do this AALLLLL the time in Paris.
There are also a variety of cheap hotels in the city to keep accommodation costs on the lower side.
Plus, passes like the Paris Museum Pass and the Navigo Metro Passes can help you save money on attractions and transportation.
7. PRO: Delicious Food and Pastries
Boulangeries (bakeries) are a big part of the French culture, and for good reason. The bread is some of the best in the world – I’m legit drooling just thinking about it.
You can find a boulangerie on almost every corner in France – be sure to try some of the classic French breads, like baguettes, croissants, and pain au chocolat, and some of the more fancy pastries like millefeuille, Paris-Brest, tarte aux fraises, or macarons.
And know that true French baguettes are nothing like the American counterpart of “French bread.” Baguettes in France are crusty and crackly on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside and absolute heaven paired with butter or cheese.
Honestly, it’s almost worth going to Paris just for the carbs!
8. PRO: Iconic Monuments
As you walk through the streets of Paris, you cannot help but be in awe of the impressive monuments you find around the city.
The most famous of these is, of course, the Eiffel Tower, which was constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair and has since become an iconic symbol of Paris. Another well-known monument includes the Arc de Triomphe, which was built to honor the soldiers who fought in the French Revolution.
And of course, no visit to Paris would be complete without a stop at either the Place de la Concorde or Place Vendome – two of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe.
9. Con: Is Paris Safe? Are There Scams?
Paris overall is a very safe city and you are unlikely to encounter violent crime. Pickpockets are a concern in crowds and at main tourist sites, but a little precaution goes a long way.
Additionally, there are a few scams and pushy behavior that you may encounter in Paris.
The first is the bracelet scam. This one happens mostly at Sacre Coeur in Montmartre, where men will come up to you, quickly weave a bracelet from string onto your wrist without asking, and then demand payment. If anyone tries to start a bracelet, or if they ask you to hold their string, say no forcefully and walk away.
The second is the gold ring scam, where the scammer will pretend to have found a ring and then ask if you’d like to buy it. The ring is a fake. Don’t fall for this.
The third, and the one I have encountered over and over and over again, is the petition-signing scam. It’s usually run by younger teenagers or children, and they ask you to sign a petition on their clipboard. If you sign, they’ll demand money, sometimes forcefully, as a donation to their cause. They may also pickpocket you.
Honestly, sometimes even saying a polite “Oh I’m sorry, no thank you” will be seen as encouragement, so I usually just ignore, or just say a confident “no” and continue on.
The last one is the begging woman with a note. Usually they ask “speak English?” and then hold up a note written in English about why they need money. I’ll admit, this one makes me uncomfortable because some people could be legitimately on the streets.
From everything I’ve read, though, this is a scam and you should just say no and keep going. At this point, I usually pre-emptively say “no” or ignore if someone holding a scrap of paper asks if I speak English.
My Verdict: Yes, there are definitely scams, but they usually occur in specific places in Paris. The vast majority of these scams happen around Sacré Coeur, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and near the Chatelet/Les Halles metro station.
My biggest advice is now you know what to expect with some of these scams, say no confidently and move on, and don’t let it bother you. You know that someone is going to ask you to sign a petition. Just say no, keep walking, and don’t give it another thought.
10. PRO: Impressive Haute Couture and Street Style
Paris is known for its high-end fashion brands and haute couture. The city is home to some of the most famous fashion designers in the world, and you can find people walking down the streets dressed in the latest creations from Chanel, Dior, Prada, and more.
And Parisian street style is just as impressive as the runway shows. You can see locals wearing everything from designer clothes to simple jeans and a T-shirt.
The stereotype of well-dressed Parisian women is so strong that you might be a little surprised that Parisian men also dress exceptionally well.
Honestly, I don’t know how they do it, but it’s really true that no matter what they’re wearing, Parisians always look stylish.
11. CON: Do Parisian Smoke a Lot?
Unfortunately, Parisians are well-known for their love of smoking, and it’s not uncommon to see people lighting up on the street or in restaurants.
Although the rate of smoking is decreasing over the past few years, a full 30% of French people smoke cigarettes (!!!). That number is just so crazy to me.
So yes, there will be times when you’ll smell cigarette smoke on the street.
My verdict: True. It’s not like you’ll constantly be enveloped in a haze of cigarette smoke, but sometimes you will smell it.
12. PRO: Scenic Bridges Over the River
The Seine is a river that runs through the heart of Paris, and it’s one of the things that makes the city so special. The river is lined with beautiful bridges, and each one has its own unique charm.
Some of the most famous bridges in Paris are the Pont des Arts, Pont Neuf, Pont Alexandre III, and more, and many of these make for fantastic photo spots in Paris.
The Pont Alexandre III bridge was built in the late 1800s and it’s decorated with intricate gold details. This is the fanciest bridge in Paris and is gorgeous! Strolling along the river is a very romantic thing to do in Paris.
13. CON: Is Paris Crowded?
Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and with good reasons, as we discussed above. However, this popularity also comes with a downside- Paris can often be very crowded.
The streets of Paris can be full of people, especially in the summer months when tourism is at its peak. Trying to visit the most famous tourist attractions in summer in the middle of the day can feel like you’re packed wall to wall with strange.
Public transportation can also be extremely crowded during rush hour, and occasionally you’ll have to wait for another train before being able to board.
My Verdict: It really depends heavily on when you visit and what attraction you’re at. But the top sites in Paris can definitely be crowded.
Tip: There are a few ways to avoid the crowds in Paris. One is to visit in the winter, spring, or fall (although fall has become an increasingly popular time to visit Paris).
Another is to visit the most famous attractions first thing in the morning before crowds show up.
And finally, another is to explore all the hidden gems and less popular spots around the arrondissements of Paris. There is so much more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre!
14. PRO: It’s easy to visit nearby cities from Paris
Thanks to its central location and well-developed transportation system, it’s easy to visit nearby cities like Mont St Michel, the Normandy coast, the chateaux in the Loire Valley, Strasbourg in the Alsace region of France, Bordeaux, and even international cities like London and Brussels.
Plus, the Palace of Versailles is only 30 minutes away from the city center and is a must-see for any visitor to Paris.
15. PRO: The Metro System
If you’re looking for a convenient and affordable way to get around Paris, the metro system is definitely the way to go.
With over 300 stations spread throughout the city, it’s easy to find a station close by no matter where you are. And with trains running every few minutes, you never have to wait long for a ride.
Plus, tickets are relatively cheap compared to other transportation options in Paris.
Tip: You must have your current metro ticket on you for the duration of your time in the metro system. Occasionally, officials will be checking passengers for tickets and you can be fined if you don’t have the right one.
I like to keep all my unused metro tickets in a little pocket of my purse, and then when I pull one out to use for a ride, I keep that ticket in my pants pocket while I’m in the metro system. Then when I exit, I toss it in trash – this helps me keep track of my tickets.
16. Con – Is there the Smell of Pee?
An unfortunate experience of visiting Paris is that sometimes, you can smell pee. This happens most often in metro stations (but varies considerably between stations – some are nice, and some have some smelly areas).
My Verdict: Yes, on occasion
17. PRO: French is a Beautiful Language
One of my favorite parts of visiting France is listening to all the French being spoken! French is such a lyrical and poetic language and it’s really a treat to hear it being spoken as you walk down the street.
18. CON – Does Anyone Speak English?
While official stats say that only 20-30% of French people speak English, I’ve found that most French people that you will interface with as a tourist in Paris speak English quite well. So, I’ve found that the “myth” that French people don’t speak English very well is very unfounded.
While many people can speak English with you, it is polite to go into a conversation by asking “do you speak English?” instead of assuming that they do.
My Verdict: You will find plenty of French people that speak English
19. Con: Are Parisians Rude?
There is definitely the stereotype that Parisians are rude, and perhaps in some ways this could be true. Parisians do tend to be more aloof and arrogant than people in other countries, and even more than people in other cities in France.
Some of this is just due to France having a different culture than many other countries. French people by nature tend to keep more to themselves, and it is not culturally normal to walk down the street and smile at people.
In other ways, I would say that Parisians are more polite than in other countries. When you enter a shop or store, everyone always says “bonjour.” When you leave, everyone always says “goodbye, have a good day.” Always.
Other uses of polite language are very common in French.
French people also appreciate when foreigners respect and appreciate their language. So, asking politely, “excuse me, do you speak English” is generally going to be more well-received than just walking up to someone and speaking in English, without saying hello, please, or thank you.
My Verdict: Are there rude people in Paris? Absolutely. There are rude people in every city and country around the world. But I would not classify Parisians in general as rude.
In general, I’ve rarely come across anyone who was rude to me in France. While most people aren’t going to be super warm and immediately welcoming, I’ve had interactions with dozens and dozens of French people and had 99% positive or neutral interactions.
Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Paris
Eiffel Tower
Louvre
Arc de Triomphe
Champs Elysees
Notre Dame
Sacre Coeur
Montmartre area
The Montmartre neighborhood is a charming area to explore and discover (and includes the Sacré Coeur Basilica mentioned above)
Walk the Seine River
Jardin de Tuileries
Top 5 Hidden Gems in Paris
Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Parc Monceau
Rodin Museum
Marché d’Aligre or Marché Saxe-Breteuil
These are two open air markets that locals love!
Opera Garnier
A Few Other Tips for Visiting Paris
Paris Museum Pass
There are two city passes available in Paris: the Paris Museum Pass and the Paris Pass.
The Paris Pass is more expensive, and in my opinion, not worth it.
I do think that the Paris Museum Pass is a good value and can save you time and money, so I do recommend that one.
The Arrondissement System
Paris is made up of 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods). Each one has a different feel and vibe. Here’s a handy map of the arrondissements:
So, Is Paris Overrated?
I 100% think that Paris is worth visiting – it’s an incredible city unlike any other in the world. Of course, there are some cons to visiting – no place is perfect, and there are some downsides to the city.
However, I really think that just being prepared and knowledgeable about both the pros and the cons of the city will help you have a great vacation in Paris. If you’re trying to decide if you should visit Paris, I definitely say yes!
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