The French capital Paris attracted more than 35 million visitors in 2020, setting a new record and surpassing the English capital London as the most visited city in the world. As you might expect, overcrowding has become a serious problem. So, here are some of the top tips for avoiding crowds in Paris.
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Travel off high season
Most travelers assume that visiting Paris during spring or summer is the best, but there are several factors that may persuade you instead to choose autumn or winter, outside the high season (from mid-October to mid-March). With it, you can avoid crowding anywhere: wait in shorter lines at museums and popular attractions, less stifling conditions inside places like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, and more space anywhere you choose to spend your time.
Plan your trips to major attractions during weekday hours
Do this especially if you decide to visit Paris during the busiest months of the year, you can avoid the huge crowds by focusing your trips to the main attractions during the morning hours on weekdays, as a large number of visitors tend to book on weekends, which causes suffocating crowding .
Walk
If you are active enough, consider walking between one destination and another, and plan your trip around groups of attractions and attractions within a specific neighborhood or region.
In addition to avoiding crowds on public transportation and the metro, you can enjoy the city on foot, as you spontaneously discover details that you cannot notice when taking the metro, for example.
Avoid public transportation during rush hour
This is so clear that it applies to any big city. Avoid the Paris Metro and public transport system during rush hour, which is concentrated between 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., and from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Book restaurants and tickets for popular shows early
If you want to beat the crowds at your table or favorite show, start booking before you head on for your flight. This is best done months ago if you are really eager to watch a particular gallery, take a famous tour or sample a famous French chef. This is really the only way to avoid some annoying disappointment. In a city that attracts millions every year, you are definitely not alone in spotting these desired places. Plan accordingly.
Avoid the tourist gathering points
Last but not least, one of the most effective ways to avoid crowding with tourists is to get away from the areas where they are most likely to congregate. For example, set out and enjoy a cruise on the Seine, which offers a great overview of some of the most popular sites in the capital. Or, enjoy a trip on the Saint-Martin Channel to see Paris from an amazing view. Or go ahead and explore the Latin Quarter and the region surrounding the Champs-Elysées …
Book in advance to ensure you visit popular destinations in Paris
Enjoy a beautiful trip on Saint Martin
Overcrowding is a big problem in Paris that you should avoid
Fall is an ideal season to visit Paris
The crowds are semi-permanent at the famous galleries in Paris
Avoid the metro and public transportation during prime time
A cruise on the Seine river that gives you a wonderful view of Paris
Visit Paris outside the peak months for a quieter tourist experience
You can discover amazing details when walking in Paris
