We recently returned from our first trip to Paris and unfortunately it was a mixed experience for us. There were definitely some highlights, but overall we left feeling disappointed.
We did enjoy certain areas like the Latin Quarter and Place de la Concorde, and we did meet some very friendly locals along the way. There were moments where the trip felt really special.
However, food was a major letdown for us. Out of the entire trip, we only had one truly good meal at Le Jacqueline. Everywhere else was average at best, and we even had issues with incorrect orders and uncomfortable tipping situations. One restaurant even added a tip to our card without permission. Another popular spot, Bouillon République, was very disappointing for us despite the long queue and good reviews.
Crowds and tourist behavior also made things difficult. Even when we booked early time slots for attractions like the Palais Garnier and the Palace of Versailles, the entry experience was very chaotic. Long queues, pushing, and people blocking staircases for photos made it stressful rather than enjoyable.
We also had issues with scammers and aggressive street sellers, especially near the Eiffel Tower. As soon as we left the area, we were repeatedly approached and followed by people trying to sell souvenirs, drinks, and photos, which really ruined the atmosphere.
On top of that, we noticed issues with cleanliness in some parts of the city, including strong odors, cigarette smoke, and unpleasant conditions in certain streets, which affected our overall comfort during the trip.
We understand this may not represent everyone’s experience, and it is possible we were just unlucky during our visit. The city has beautiful areas and some genuinely lovely people, but overall our expectations based on the bucket list hype were not fully met.
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