“Is Paris worth visiting?” It’s a question I’ve heard more times than I can count—usually from someone planning their first trip to Europe and unsure if the city lives up to the hype.
After 11 visits, I can tell you: it depends.
For some, Paris is everything they dreamed of—mornings with flaky pastries, long walks by the Seine, and art that stirs something deep. For others, it feels overrated—crowded, overpriced, and, at times, a little too polished for its own good.
This is a real take. No sugarcoating.
But I’ll be honest—Paris is my favourite city. And while I understand why it isn’t everyone’s favourite city, I think the city deserves a second look, maybe even a slower one.
I’ll share both sides of the story: the beauty, the struggles, and why I keep coming back. Maybe you’ll see something in Paris that speaks to you, too.
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The Charm of Paris: Why So Many Fall in Love
The First Time I Saw the Eiffel Tower
I’ll never forget standing on Pont Alexandre III, the Eiffel Tower in the distance. It didn’t feel real—like I had wandered into someone else’s dream.
That moment taught me something I’ve felt every visit since: Paris knows how to make a first impression. It just appears—quietly stunning—and leaves you a little changed.
Paris Has a Way of Slowing You Down
There’s something about sitting in a café with nowhere to be. You sip slowly, watch the world pass by, and realize you’ve forgotten to check the time.
Wandering through Ile Saint-Louis, the historic Le Marais or the tres chic Saint-Germain without an itinerary has become one of my favourite ways to experience Paris. These small, unhurried moments are what slow travellers live for.
A Museum for Every Mood
Paris doesn’t just have museums—it has moods disguised as buildings.
Yes, the Louvre is iconic. But the quieter spaces—like the Musée Cognacq-Jay or Carnavalet in Le Marais—often leave the deepest impression on me. They’re personal, thoughtful, and less rushed. I always leave feeling like I’ve uncovered a bit more of the Parisian culture.
The Romance of the Everyday
It’s the little things: a local carrying a baguette tucked under one arm, a tiny dog trotting behind them, a kiss on each cheek, and always—a book in hand.
I like to walk early, before the city fully wakes up. Along the Seine or through Jardin du Luxembourg, the stillness is soft and golden.
That’s when it happens. When the city isn’t trying to impress you—and you’re not trying to tick off a list—you begin to fall for Paris.
Not for what it is, but for how it makes you feel.
But Let’s Be Honest: Paris Isn’t for Everyone
Why Some People Say Paris is Overrated
I get it. Some travellers arrive in Paris and feel… underwhelmed. The Eiffel Tower? Beautiful, but surrounded by crowds. The Louvre? Majestic, yet exhausting. Long lines, packed metros, and overpriced coffee near the monuments can chip away at that dreamy image many arrive with.
And if you visit during peak season, it can feel more like navigating a theme park than exploring a city. Paris is romanticized so heavily in film and on social media that the real thing sometimes falls short—especially if your experience is limited to only the “must-sees.”
The Paris Myth vs. Reality
I’ve learned that the secret to loving Paris is not to expect it to entertain you. If you spend your entire trip moving from landmark to landmark, you’ll likely find yourself surrounded by other tourists doing the same thing. And that’s when the city starts to feel like a postcard instead of a place.
Instead, balance the highlights with places that aren’t on every list. That’s when you start to notice the heartbeat of the city—the quiet rhythm of daily life.
If you’re not sure where to begin, my ebook Experience Paris: Finding the Joy of Slow Travel is filled with ideas to help you see Paris differently. It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing less—with intention.
The truth is, Paris isn’t a city to conquer. It’s a city to simply be in.
Language Barriers and Rushed Service
Then there’s the stereotype of “Parisian rudeness.” I’ve experienced the occasional brisk waiter or curt shopkeeper—but I’ve also had heartfelt conversations, kind smiles, and thoughtful gestures from locals.
What helped? Starting every interaction with “Bonjour.” It’s small, but it matters. It signals respect, and it changes the tone instantly.
Cultural differences are part of the experience. What may feel cold to some is simply a different pace of service and interaction. The best thing I’ve learned is to let go of my own expectations and adapt to the place I’m in.
We travel not to bring our world with us, but to step into someone else’s—and sometimes, that means shifting our perspective.
Paris will meet you where you are, if you let it.
Is Paris Worth Visiting More Than Once?
The Beauty of Returning
I’ve lost count of how many corners of Paris I’ve walked, and yet, with each visit, the city somehow feels new again. That’s one of the reasons I keep coming back—Paris reveals itself slowly.
Every time, I choose a different neighbourhood to get to know. I let myself wander side streets, linger at cafés I’ve never noticed before, and revisit familiar places with fresh eyes.
I’ve been in spring, when cherry blossoms scatter petals through the Jardin des Plantes. In autumn, I’ve found warmth in the golden tones of the city’s trees and café windows. And I’ve returned twice during the Christmas season, when the lights, markets, and quiet hush over the city bring a kind of stillness I love.
The more slowly I travel through Paris, the more deeply I connect with it. Beyond the big sights, there’s always more to discover—if you’re willing to look closer.
You Don’t Have to Love Paris on Your First Try
If your first visit left you uncertain, you’re not alone. Paris doesn’t always make it easy. It can feel a bit distant at first, like someone who doesn’t smile right away.
But when you slow down, do a little less, and stop trying to fit the whole city into one trip, something shifts.
For me, it happened in the quiet of a weekday morning at Place des Vosges, with nothing planned and nowhere to be. Or while chatting with the owner of a tiny bookshop in the Latin Quarter. These were the moments that softened my heart toward the city—and always makes me fall a little deeper in love.
Sometimes, Paris isn’t love at first sight. But it might just be a love that lasts.
Final Thoughts
Paris is perfect for travellers who crave beauty—who prefer wandering over rushing, and moments over checklists.
To me, Paris isn’t just a destination—it’s a mood, and a way of being. And that’s why it will always have a place in my heart.
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