Which tourist traps should I steer clear from while in Paris? (first-timer)?

Answer 1

The big name "nightclubs" like the Moulin rouge, the Crazy Horse and the Lido are the most absurd rip offs aimed at tourists. Since I notice in another question that you will be traveling with your sister and you're both 20 somethings, I doubt you'd be attracted to such places to begin with.

On a more prosaic level, you should steer clear of any place that makes a big deal of the fact that "English Spoken Here" or "Tourists Welcome" or "We have English Menus." Any place that's any good doesn't need to advertise and it especially doesn't need to work to attract tourists. Fact is you can't swing a cat without hitting a tourist in Paris.

On a practical level, consider what you might want to buy when shopping in Paris and make sure you know what prices for the same item are in your home country. The international market place is such that a bottle of French perfume might cost less in New York than in Paris. Make sure you really want to haul something back home or, if you ship it back, that the costs don't eliminate any bargain aspect.

Answer 2

1. if taking a taxi, always go for the official one. Some do for cash in the hand, but can be more expensive.
2. in the metro, pay attention, there are pickpockets
3. In tourist areas ( like Eiffel tower, Montmartre) there are a lot of African people trying to sell you stuff. You need to be firm when you say no ;-)
4. Moulin Rouge, Paradis Latin are not tourist traps, they are shows. If you do not like cabaret then don't go there. Diner is very expenssive, but you can book for the show only.
5. service ( 15%) is always included. Tips are not mandatory.
6. If you can read french, get the book ' Paris pas cher'. Means cheap Paris. You will find all the adress of factory outlets for anything you like
7. you could stay for a full year in Paris and still miss stuff, make sure you prepare your trip