Paris, the city of love right? WRONG. Try again.
P.S: Don't make plans to go to Paris for Valentine's Day.
Last year I had a chance to check Paris off my bookmark folder and I've gotta say, it's kind of overrated. Many people romanticize Paris because of the typical tourist stereotypes and partially because of "Emily in Paris". Sorry to pop your bubble like this but I want to make sure you are spending your money on destinations that are worth visiting. So, why do I think Paris is overrated?
Arriving in Paris
I arrived in Paris via train from London. The train ride was a short two-hour journey. Upon arriving, I got into a cab and made my way to my hostel. When I stepped out of the train station, at first it felt like a royal architectural version of New York. That's because the streets were somewhat dirty and a bit sketchy.
During My Stay
So now that I'm in Paris, my hostel wasn't quite ready so I started looking for some lunch. Across the street, there was this cute little cafe but the menu was all in French. I utilized Google translate and found something to eat for myself. I only knew basic words in French so I tried my best to communicate with the waitress, but it felt like she wasn't having it. Unless someone was bilingual or trilingual, it seemed that all the Paris people were rude towards tourist. It could be cultural but one thing I know for sure is that in the U.S. the hospitality industry does whatever it can to accommodate and give the best experience to tourists.
Places I went to in Paris
Champs-Élysées
Eiffel Tower
Disneyland Paris
Ferry through Port de Suffren
Versailles Palace
Luxembourg Garden
Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise
Louvre
Cabaret Show
Paris Pros/Cons
Pros: Croissant hands down. Can't compare them to even the best in the U.S.
Eiffel Tower when it lights up. French cuisine for those who are fans.
The line to see Mona Lisa ->
Cons: The city of Paris is not clean. The language barrier is a thing, and if you don't speak French, Parisians are not the most welcoming people. You will be scammed in Paris, especially when you will try to buy any souvenirs. Thanks to my Pakistani negotiating skills, this man tried to sell me two key chains, a hat, and a tote bag for 80 euros ($80 at that time) and I told him that I was only going to give him 27 euros or I would leave. After like ten minutes we agreed to 30 euros and I let him know that he was robbing me, but I'll take it because I'm on my vacation.
But Why is Paris Overrated?
It's because all the hype around Eiffel Tower is very underwhelming. I couldn't even go to the top because all the tickets were sold out two days ahead.
It was busy, all the tourists were taking pictures in the middle of the road, and drivers were honking at them.
I saw Mona Lisa too, but there was a long line to see her and we couldn't even get close to her.
In my opinion, French people weren't very accommodating in any matter. I remember, we had this tour booked for Louvre and we were 20 mins late. They didn't let us join the group and denied us our refund for our tickets.
Lastly, they smoke A LOT of cigarettes. Like A LOT. Even inside a restaurant. Some people may like it, but it's definitely not my thing.
In The End
If Eiffel Tower fascinates you as much as it did to me, go ahead and book your ticket, but personally, if I ever have to go back to Paris, it will be for a specific reason. I think there are better and more welcoming places to visit other than Paris.
Until next time, Peace❤️
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