Is Paris Worth Visiting? Insights From a Frequent Visitor

Paris, France, is one of the most visited cities in the world. It’s also one of the most popular cities for people to talk smack about whether they’ve been or not.

If you’re planning a trip to Paris for the first time, you’ve likely heard the kind of commentary I’ve grown used to during our time living just outside the city. 

It’s full of rude French people.

It’s dirty.

It doesn’t get close to the romanticized version of it in your mind.

I’ll address all of those concerns and more in my take on whether Paris is overrated from our own experiences visiting the city. 

As I’ve already mentioned, we’ve lived just outside of Paris in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a charming suburb in its own right. We’ve visited countless times. While opinions are always subjective, ours comes with quite a bit more experience. 

Is Paris worth visiting?

Paris is worth visiting as one of the most culturally significant, delicious cities in the world. Visiting Paris is on travel bucket lists for a reason. It’s an incredible city to be a tourist in, with quite a bit going for it.

Much like New York City in the United States, you just need to know how to navigate a place that has developed a reputation for not being as welcoming as other hot spots.

I’m here to help.

It’s easy to get to Paris.

Paris has two major airports. If you’re coming from the United States, you’re likely arriving from Charles de Gaulle Airport, but Orly Airport has consistently good deals to Paris if you’re already in Europe.

It is easy to find great deals to Paris from wherever you are and easy to get into the city from either of the major airports upon arrival.

If you’re able to watch flights for a while, it’s even easier to score a good deal. We’ve flown to Chicago from Paris and back again for less than it used to cost us to travel from San Diego to Chicago.

Note: Avoid any urges to fly into Beauvais-Tillé Airport. It’s known as the third major airport in Paris, but it’s nowhere near the city. Sadly, it’s the Ryanair hub in these parts, so we don’t take advantage of budget flights on that one.

You can visit whenever you can.

There are times of year when Paris is busier than usual, namely the summer months and around the winter holidays, but the city is a year-round destination.

Its mild climate means it won’t ever be too cold to do anything. The summers have been getting hotter, but heat waves typically break within a few days. (If air conditioning is important to you, stick with the big hotels instead of short-term rentals.)

Spring means plentiful blooms. If you arrive around Thanksgiving through Christmas, you’ll be treated to the city’s many Christmas markets. They’re festive and fun with booths that take credit cards, something I can’t say about the German markets.

The one thing you should always pack is rain gear.

We rarely use umbrellas for the persistent drizzle that happens throughout the year, but a solid rain jacket and weatherproof shoes have been essential for travel in France. 

Walking around town in wet socks is nobody’s idea of a good time.

It’s easy to get around Paris.

The French love to troll the social media accounts of their public transit options, but the fact that they have so many options to make fun of is pretty nice for them.

Getting around Paris is easy thanks to its extensive RER and Metro systems.

The Metro, which serves the city and nearby suburbs, has over a dozen lines with more in construction and over 300 stations. Trains are frequent and affordable.

The RER, the regional train we lived off of in our adopted ‘burb outside of Paris, also runs throughout the city and connects travelers to both airports and Disneyland Paris. Both systems are integrated, so tickets that work for one will work for the other.

READ MORE: Want to learn more about our move to France? Read this post.

I haven’t even gotten to the buses, trolleys, and walkability involved with moving through Paris. It’s one of the easiest cities to get around for sure.

It doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think.

Now that we’ve been to London and cities throughout Switzerland and Scandinavia, we can say with confidence Paris is far from the most expensive city in Europe.

I wouldn’t even put it close to the top.

You can certainly drop some coin if you feel like it by sticking to luxury macaron breakfasts at Ladurée or any one of the fine dining establishments in the city.

You can also be more budget-friendly about it and indulge in the best crêperies, kebab shops, and prix fixe lunch deals around the city. 

If you want to balk at $22 for a three-course lunch in Paris, try it first and then talk to me about it. I’m coming off of $16 burritos in Chicago here.

The best attractions around the city aren’t nearly as expensive as what you’ll see in big cities like New York City or my hometown of Chicago.

The Louvre, one of the most impressive museums in the world, costs less than $25. You could spend days there alone. 

You don’t need to spend a ton of money here to have a fun, meaningful time. I wrote a whole guide about it to dispel those rumors further.

The food in Paris is SO good.

If you want fine dining, France has more three-star Michelin restaurants than anywhere else in the world, with a majority of those eateries in Paris. 

If you want a more casual meal, there’s a lot of that, too. I’ve gotten into some of this already, but you are going to eat well in Paris.

Parisian cuisine emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from local markets.

That’s why menus can change on the dime. They run out of things regularly, sometimes right after you sit down at your table. Just roll with it and take their recommendation. 

Paris is home to world-class chefs, culinary schools, and a level of creativity with their food that suggests they know better than you. Let them lead.

You don’t need to eat French food if you don’t want, either.

I’m good with housing a baguette for lunch and calling it a day, but sometimes a girl needs some diversity in her menu.

Paris is where we go for that. We’ve had great ramen, Korean barbecue, sushi, and Mexican street tacos in Paris. 

I want to emphasize that last point. 

You can have delicious tacos in France. (El Cártel del Taco is our favorite for now.)

I’m not talking about the burrito panini things that French people pass off as tacos in kebab and “taco” shops. I’m not sure what those are other than heartburn-causing.

The point is, I have a long list of restaurants pinned in my phone that cover any and every type of food you could need or want while in Paris.

I mean, you should definitely start with French food, but if you want a lobster roll from a celebrity chef, I know where to point you.

There’s an emphasis on leisurely behavior.

I’ve heard some tourists complain about the lack of check-ins by servers in Paris. That’s a product of the city’s strong café culture, not some attempt at ticking you off.

French people generally value leisurely dining and the enjoyment of food. 

I’d say they work hard to then relax hard, but they generally take their work/life balance pretty seriously, too.

If you’re planning a traditional French meal at lunch or dinner, don’t expect to be out of there within the hour. When you make a reservation at 7pm, that table is yours for the rest of the night. 

They will never rush you out and never hand you the bill. You have to ask for it when you’re ready to go. That’s not rude. I’d say it’s pretty welcoming, actually.

That does mean you need to plan your food stops wisely. You may need to prioritize how you go about your day if there’s lots of eating involved. 

If you’re ever in a rush, a simple ham, butter, and cheese sandwich at a boulangerie or falafel wrap from a corner kebab shop are never a bad idea.

The sweet treats are unmatched.

I never had a sweet tooth until we moved to France. 

You know we’ve traveled a lot, too, and we’d been to France before living here. 

It’s different when you’re surrounded by all of these bakeries and markets and specialty shops with their beautiful treats on full display.

A hollowed-out croissant overflowing with crème brûlée filling will do that to you. Fresh fruit covered in Chantilly cream will do that to you. Pistachio anything will do that to you.

The French are very good when it comes to eating, but they’re especially good about their sweets. Paris goes next level with it.

You will find a different type of sweet treat on every major corner, from the best chocolate eclairs, the best cinnamon rolls, and the best truffle creams.

When I say “the best,” I mean like, in your life.

This is also the city that gave us the crookie. They don’t need your thanks. They already know. 

The landmarks are iconic.

It’s become cool to get on social media upon your first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower and audibly yawn and complain about how basic it is. 

How did y’all get so jaded?

My mother is not easily impressed, but when she saw that tower for the first time she was as wowed as they come.

“I can’t believe I’m here,” she said.

The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame can have that effect on people. That’s because they’re iconic. They’re legendary, and not only because they’ve been depicted in various forms of media over the years.

These places are historically significant, and Parisians are deeply proud of them no matter how many times they complain about tourists surrounding each one.

I think they secretly like it. 

Paris feels important.

This city is steeped in history. It’s been a muse for countless artists, particularly among the Impressionists, but it’s inspired literary greats like Victor Hugo, Ernest Hemingway, and Gertrude Stein.

It’s a global hub for cultural pursuits, cuisine, fashion, and philosophy. Its legacy as a center of intellectual and artistic pursuits is hard to beat.

I know all of this sounds a little overblown, but try thinking of a shortlist of cities that have had big cultural impacts on society. You’d be a fool to leave Paris off that list.

The art scene is one of the best in the world.

Obviously I’m not going to defend the Mona Lisa as the best piece of art in the world. It gets enough attention as it is. Am I going to say you should ignore it on trips to the Louvre?

Of course not.

Everyone needs to see Mona at least once in their lives, by the way. You can judge her from there.

The Louvre itself is incredible. I’ve been three times now and have uncovered new things each time. For art enthusiasts, it doesn’t get better than Paris, and it’s more than just the Louvre.

The Musée d’Orsay and its collection of Impressionist art, the quirky Palais de Tokyo, and the Musée Rodin with its impressive gardens are all fantastic. Monet fans shouldn’t miss the Musée Marmottan Monet. 

Paris attractions offer something for everything.

I’ve already talked about the art, but there are museums and attractions in Paris for even the most niche interest areas. 

There’s the Paris Sewer Museum if you’re fascinated by waste. The Museum of Hunting and Nature sounds pretty macabre until you get to the unicorn horn.

The Paris Catacombs ARE, in fact, quite macabre, and the Musée Edith Piaf is dedicated to a legend.

There is so much to do and so much to see when it comes to this city’s museum scene that you’ll only scratch the surface even with a full week in Paris.

That’s OK. It’ll welcome you back.

Note: If you plan on visiting several museums during your stay, check out the Paris Museum Pass to see if it’d be a worthwhile investment for you. It typically pays off around the fourth museum.

Parisians aren’t rude. You are.

OK, sometimes they’re rude. That’s true of any city, though. If you think the flat affect in Paris is bad, you’ve probably never been to Germany, Croatia, or Switzerland.

Americans are just used to more smiling. I’ve found that Europeans as a whole just aren’t as smiley.

Once you get a cute dog around them, they’ll smile all big and goofy. Kimmy has had that effect on French people, at least.

Let’s get back to why you’re being rude. 

It’s a “bonjour” when you enter an establishment or want to ask someone something, a “merci” as thanks, and an “au revoir” as your goodbye. Throw in a “bonsoir” if it’s the evening.

Assuming everyone in Paris knows English is a mistake, too. Many people do, especially of the younger generation, but many don’t.

Many are actually embarrassed that they don’t speak better English, so if you come in with English right off the bat, it’s already awkward. 

Just start with a “bonjour.” That’s it. You’ll likely butcher the pronunciation and they’ll quickly show you how much English they know.

If you come in hot with your touristy questions without any kind of greeting, they will still likely respond, but not politely. At this point, they’re not being rude. You were. You came in without warming them up all greedy with their time.

Paris is friendly to American tourists who lead with manners.

It’s a fashion capital, but you can relax about that.

I never feel pressure to dress up in Paris. I don’t typically roll out in leggings and hoodies, but I could. Times have changed. Paris has changed, and that’s not a bad thing.

Paris is still a fashion mecca, and if you want to doll yourself up, you should. If you want to go casual and learn about its place in history, you can throw on your favorite jeans and a tee and hit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, one of my favorites.

Nobody cares what you’re wearing. They’ll know you’re a tourist as soon as you whip out that smartphone to get directions to the next spot. I never understood why visitors to places need to blend in so badly. 

You will always be a tourist here, just like you’re a tourist anywhere else. That’s not a bad thing. Travel is a privilege.

As long as you’re being respectful, as in covering that booty if you’re visiting one of the city’s many churches, wear what you’re comfortable in.

You should definitely start with comfortable footwear, though. You’ll be doing a ton of walking.

Paris has great green spaces.

If it’s a beautiful day out, spending time in any one of the city’s expansive parks is a great alternative to Paris museums. The Luxembourg Gardens are lovely and atmospheric. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a great option for ditching the tourists. 

I don’t tend to do much lounging on Paris trips because I move through life with a high level of FOMO. One of these days, I’m going to spend several hours doing as the locals do. 

That’s hanging out, book in one hand, chosen beverage in the other, whiling away some hours in the sun. It’s pretty idyllic, I’m sure.

There are sparkling water fountains.

This is one of those weird things I probably saw on Instagram once and fixated on until I was able to find one myself.

Paris has lots of potable water flowing freely throughout the city for you to fill that oversized water jug with, but they also have free sparkling water fountains.

I would NOT recommend the location in the 10th arrondissement as the park was full of sketchy dudes during our visit, but you have options.

This map gives you an overwhelming visual of all of your water options in Paris, including the bubbly kind.

Paris is a city of neighborhoods.

Many tourists stick to the big ticket items in the 1st (the Louvre) and 7th (Eiffel Tower) arrondissements and call it a day. There are 20 total arrondissements to explore in Paris, though.

Each one has its own unique character and attractions. On the political side, each has its own mayor and district council. 

Fun fact: In 2020, the people of the smallest four arrondissements (the first through the fourth) voted to consolidate as “Paris Centre.” This reduced the total number of official arrondissements with voting power to 17. As the four retained their postal codes, most Parisians still refer to these four arrondissements by number. 

Chicago operates similarly. Neighborhoods are represented by aldermen elected by people within that district. Much like Paris, it’s a city of neighborhoods. 

In Paris, the lines can blur somewhat, especially in the historic center, but there are points where you can see more obvious changes from one arrondissement to the next.

The best way to see this happen is by taking a long walk around the city.

It can be touristy, but it doesn’t have to be.

I’ve already mentioned taking a walk between arrondissements to get away from the main tourist activity. Honestly, that’s the best way to lose some of the crowds if you’re feeling overwhelmed by what’s happening at the Eiffel Tower. 

There are so many corners of the city to explore that offer visitors peace, even in the dead of summer when tourist activity is at its highest. 

Pack a picnic for any of the city’s less-traveled green spaces. Visit the local markets. Stop by a café that may not come with an Eiffel Tower view, but is just as charming. 

That said, the city’s main attractions are consistently busy because they have something to offer. Unless you’re of the jaded sort, there is something to be said about standing in front of Notre Dame. It’s spectacular. 

If it’s super crowded, take a quicker look and move on, but don’t dismiss these places just because other people want to see them, too.

There’s a reason for that. There’s a reason you’re here.

READ MORE: If you really need to get away, Paris is a great base for day trips. Read about one of my favorites.

Paris is safe.

I know I mentioned sketchy park dudes earlier, but that’s about as bad as it’s gotten on our many visits to Paris. 

Safety is one of the most common worries of people planning to travel to Paris. Thanks to media depictions of cars set ablaze during “constant” protest activity in the city, many people think that’s the reality for most people here.

It’s just not.

There are certainly parts of the city that are safer than others. This is true of any big city. That doesn’t change the fact that Paris is MUCH safer than most metropolitan areas in the United States and many European cities.

There are cities in France itself that are more dangerous than Paris, and even those are known more for petty theft than violent crime.

As with travel in any well-touristed city, common sense rules apply.

If you’re on a crowded Metro, keep an eye on your bags. Make sure purse zippers aren’t easily accessible. Purse snatching and pickpocketing are an issue, even if I’ve never seen it happen myself.

I’ve never felt unsafe navigating Paris on my own, but I’m also not doing so late at night. Stick to well-lit areas. Don’t flash your valuables. 

If you’re worried about visiting Paris due to persistent terrorist threat warnings on government sites, I’d urge you to have some perspective on the matter. 

Think about where you’re coming from. 

If it’s the United States, are you worried about daily gun violence where you live? It’s a much bigger problem than comparatively low levels of violence in Paris. 

Let’s be real. As a former teacher, I was more worried about safety in my American classroom than at any point during our time in France.

Honestly, it’s been hard to deprogram from a default of locating exits at festivals, movie theaters, and grocery stores, after growing up in the U.S. 

A Word About Paris Syndrome

I’ve seen some blogger guides talk about “Paris syndrome” in terms of the disappointment one feels after visiting a city that doesn’t meet their high expectations.

While there’s certainly something to be said about that — I felt it on our trip to Mexico City, a place so overhyped it was doomed to fail — that’s not what Paris syndrome is.

Paris syndrome was coined by a Japanese psychiatrist in the 1980s after he observed actual psychiatric symptoms from tourists returning home from the City of Light.

These tourists were experiencing hallucinations, aggression, and even vomiting after visiting a city they found drastically different from their romanticized expectations. Some researchers have likened it to post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

This isn’t a case of, “I thought it’d be prettier.”

This is an extreme reaction, often as a result of undiagnosed mental health conditions or a susceptibility to culture shock. These people were becoming physically ill.

Researchers have also found that cases of documented Paris syndrome may have actually been Stendhal syndrome. This one is kind of the opposite.

Stendal syndrome presents with feelings of paranoia and heart palpitations when you’re overwhelmed by what’s in front of you.

It’s an intensely positive reaction to what you’re visiting, not Paris syndrome.

Real Paris syndrome highlights the impact of cultural differences in a new environment, especially one that you hold in such high regard. It’s certainly not limited to Japanese tourists, and it’s certainly not limited to Paris.

It’s also extremely rare.

You don’t have to vibe with Paris, but that doesn’t mean you’re suffering from Paris syndrome. Saying so is super dramatic, inaccurate, and honestly dismissive of folks with real mental health concerns.

What cities in France are worth visiting besides Paris?

I’ll indulge you here because we’ve seen so much of the country at this point.

France has many cities worth visiting outside of Paris, especially if you want to make use of the many high-speed trains that originate there.

With more time in Paris, you can plan a trip to cities like Bordeaux and Lyon or explore the Normandy region. You can travel to the sunny coast of the French Riviera.

The Loire Valley and its many castles, charming Alsace, and the bubbles of Champagne are all worth a visit. France is deliciously diverse. It all starts with Paris, though.

Paris will always be a good place to visit.

It’s not only an iconic city in Europe. It’s a bucket list city for many.

Despite the criticisms about how Paris is overrated, the city is a resilient beast that will be around long after the haters.

It’s quickly risen to the top of one of my favorite cities in the world, and the more we visit, the more true that becomes.

Planning more travel in France? Check out these guides:

• A Review of Le Golf National for Olympic Play
• A Holiday Guide to Strasbourg at Christmas
• How to Spend a Charming Day in Antibes
• Planning a Day in Monaco on the Riviera
• Plan a Weekend on the Riviera in Nice

Don’t miss these destinations nearby while you’re here:

• Should You Visit Lausanne? Read My Guide
• An Honest Guide for Versailles Travel
• Why You Should Plan a Trip to Montpellier
• Is Venice Worth the Trip? Read My Thoughts
• A Detailed Trip Planner for Poland Visits

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