If you’re contemplating a trip to Paris, an expert has shared a list of things “no-one tells you” about the City of Love that might influence your decision to head there. Tonya Bullock, from Crossroads Travel Agency, who has visited the French capital eight times, took to TikTok to share her insights.
She began by highlighting that while most Parisian shops and restaurants accept card payments, it’s wise to carry some Euros in cash “just in case”. She also noted that unlke some destinations, tipping is not considered obligatory as a service charge is typically included in any bill.
If you’re planning to indulge in authentic French breads and pastries, meanwhile, Tonya recommends bypassing the “Instagram hype” and seeking out local, independent boulangeries instead.
Regarding the city’s numerous museums, Tonya revealed that entry is free on the first Sunday of every month, while EU residents under 26 can enjoy free admission at all times. “Many museums offer evening hours – smaller crowds and magical light,” she added.
Naturally, Paris’ most iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower, offers another “magical” experience. Tonya suggests catching the tower as it “sparkles every hour after sunset – but only for five minutes”. As an alternative, however, she recommends visiting the “less crowded” Notre Dame Cathedral towers or those of Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre to get that perfect city view.
Additionally, you can take in the cityscape free of charge from the rooftop at Galeries Lafayette – a posh department store located on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement of Paris.
And regarding the Arc de Triomphe monument, the expert advises visitors to “use the walkway tunnel” and avoid attempting to cross the Champs-Élysées avenue street.
Further tourism advice concerned the Louvre Museum – where queues can be “skipped” should you utilise the “lesser-known” Carrousel entrance underground, according to Tonya.
When eating out, meanwhile, she offers a straightforward suggestion to help you save more money. “Water is free in most restaurants and cafes,” she said. “Ask for ‘une carafe d’eau’ [a carafe of water]’.”
Nevertheless, she continued: “Coffee culture is different – espresso is standard, whereas cappuccinos are “mostly for tourists”. And when it comes to your meal, you are better off dining inside any restaurant as outside seats tend to be “pricier”.”
Writing in response, one TikTok user sought additional guidance from Tonya, asking: “What is the best thing to carry your money/ID/cards to prevent pickpocketing?”
To which she disclosed: “The biggest thing is try to keep items on your front! NEVER wear your backpack on back or have a basic purse on shoulder. Keep things out of your back pockets too.”
Whilst another individual queried: “How do I tell who are locals? I’m totally clueless. I’ve seen multiple posts saying they dress to blend in and not stand out.”
Tonya advised: “I’d say fashion is a big one. We always like to play a game while sitting outside at a brasserie to identify if the person walking in front of us was Parisian or an American tourist. Not hard and fast rules but: no shorts/capris no athleisure layers – scarves, blazers, heavy jackets, etc.
“Especially when temperatures start to get a little cooler it’s crazy how they bundle up. For where to eat, I’d avoid anything near a major tourist attraction – all the restaurants will mark up and not good. Find a boulangerie off the beaten path that is literally just a counter – the best ones will typically be busy in the morning and mostly speaking in French.”
