11 Things NOT to do in Paris
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
However just like in all major tourist destinations you might encounter difficulties that might ruin all the wonders that the capital offers. Here is our selection of 11 things NOT to do in Paris:
Buy Single Rides For The Metro. Rather than buying individual tickets , go for the day passes , it is the most economical solution. If you stay in the center of Paris , you could buy the pass for one day for € 10 ($ 11.50) , € 17 ($ 19.30) for two days , € 23 ($ 26) for three days and € 33 ($ 37.50) for five days. Also, if you feel adventurous, you could buy the pass for the center, outskirts and airport . Note that the vending machines take only coins or credit cards .
Go To The Louvre Museum On A TUESDAY. Unfortunately many tourists do not know that the Louvre is open everyday, except Tuesdays! Remember also that twice a week (Wednesday and Friday), the museum closes at 9:45 pm instead of 6 pm.
Stay In Marne-la-Vallée If You Go To Disneyland. The Disneyland Park is located in the east area of Paris, in Marne-la-Vallée precisely. You will find many hotels in and around the park, but remember that there is nothing to do in Marne-la-Vallée besides Disneyland. If you also want to visit Paris is much better to look for a hotel in the center and take the RER line(a type of metro) going directly to Disneyland in 45 minutes journey.
Try To Enter The Louvre From The Glass Pyramid. Yes, the pyramid is really appealing and distracting but the entrance is located under the structure of the pyramid.
Pay Per Each Museum. If you are interested in visiting all the beautiful museums that Paris has to offer then you should not pay separately to enter each one. It is much more convenient to buy the Paris (museum) Pass which includes the entrance to the most important museums. www.parispass.com
Cross Walk The Streets That Skirt The Arc de Triomphe. Please do not even think about doing this, it is extremely dangerous. You are unable to access the Arc de Triomphe from the outside, you have to use the underground passage.
Believe that It is Easy To Get Into a Nightclub On The Champs Elysées. The Champs Elysées is one of the hottest and expensive area of Paris. If you want to get into a nightclub on the Champs Elysées, forget to do so in jeans and sneakers. You have to be very chic, very patient, and possibly know someone. But DEFINITELY give it a try!
Miss The Pleasure Of a Cruise on The Seine in Bateau Mouche. It is a truly unique experience, as well as romantic, to be able to cross the Seine aboard a Bateau-Mouche. You can also dine with the background of a spectacular view of Paris. Really a shame not to take advantage of it. The best time is at sunset.
Go to Châtelet-les Halles on a Saturday afternoon. This market place/ shopping center is amazing and it is situated in the heart of Paris. However It would really be a catastrophe and not enjoyable if you go on a Saturday afternoon as it is full of people, considering that even the halls of the mall are small and tortuous. And if you just can not help it, watch out for pickpockets since in crowded places they could be lurking.
Drive In The Center. It is a really bad idea to go to Paris by car and venture out to the city streets. Especially at rush hour or for a night out. Finding parking is an adventure and private ones cost a fortune. Take public transportation.
Speak English. When you speak to a Parisian and maybe you even speak a little French, he/she most likely will not understand or will pretend not to understand you. Do not make the mistake of trying with English! Persevere in patience and in the end you will understand.