A traveler who describes herself as a former “certified Paris hater” has posted a video with tips to help tourists fall in love with the French capital, just as she has.
The video is titled ‘Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Paris (I Hated My First Visit)’ and was posted by Raimee Iacofano (@raimeetravel), from Michigan, to TikTok, where it has earned 256,000 likes to date.
In the video, the 30-year-old first explains that there are multiple entrances to the Louvre that can help tourists avoid the “crazy queues” at the gallery’s Pyramid entrance.
The experienced traveler also advises tourists to be careful when buying their metro ticket.
He notes that visitors are asked which zone they want to travel through and comments that most will only need a ticket for Zone 1, where the main tourist attractions are located.
like him clip playsRaimee warns tourists to “be prepared to get strange looks” if they order oat or almond milk in their coffee. She remembers: ‘I asked in a cafe what kind of milk they had and they said ‘cow’.’ However, he adds that he has discovered that in Europe “regular milk” does not “actually upset your stomach.”
It may be popular, but Raimee advises against visiting the city’s famous Shakespeare and Co bookstore, explaining that “it’s a great bookstore” but not one worth standing in long queues for.
When it comes to eating out, Raimee recommends walking “five to ten blocks from any major tourist site” to find “better and cheaper” food, but also explains that “the best way to have a good time in Paris” is “Do as the locals do.” She advises going to a “local market,” “buying some cheese, a cheap bottle of wine and a baguette and just kicking back and people-watching.”
Raimee Iacofano (pictured above in Paris) describes herself as a former “certified Paris hater” and has posted a video with tips to help tourists fall in love with the French capital.
Raimee’s video is titled ‘Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Paris (I Hated My First Visit)’. To date it has obtained 256,000 likes.
Finally, for any tourist visiting the Eiffel Tower, the traveler says she believes the view from the second level “is much better” than the view from the third level.
Raimee separately explained to MailOnline Travel that part of the reason for her initial dislike of Paris was that she had high expectations.
She said: ‘I had high subconscious expectations about Paris before visiting for the first time. All our lives, we’ve been told that Paris is this magical city of love, delicious food, art and history.
‘And while it’s definitely all of those things, I made the mistake of only visiting the super touristy places in Paris on my first trip there.
“I found myself pushing through crowds, constantly saying no to scams, and eating overpriced food that just wasn’t good. I remember feeling like I was in an amusement park and swore I would never go back. I was a sworn enemy of Paris.
How did he manage to win her over in the end?
She revealed: “Fate brought me back to Paris for a month-long work trip and I had no choice but to give the city another chance. This time, I spent time in neighborhoods outside of the tourist areas, meeting locals who They showed me around and I experienced what it feels like to live in Paris.
‘That’s what convinced me. I wasn’t checking places of interest off a list. I lived the Parisian life away from the crowds, eating the best local food and walking the beautiful streets to work every day. I finally understood why this is said to be one of the largest cities in the world!’
The traveler recommends that visitors “go even a little off the tourist route”
Raimee (left and right) says: ‘I finally understand why this is said to be one of the greatest cities in the world!’ She believes that the view from the second level of the Eiffel Tower “is much better” than the view from the third level.
What are Raimee’s favorite things to do in Paris?
She said: ‘I love buying a baguette, cheese and wine at a local market and going for a picnic in a park or by the Seine. I also love walking around the Canal St Martin and Montmartre neighborhoods and just visiting any restaurant or shop that looks attractive.’
Raimee revealed that she loves staying in Le Marais or Canal St Martin and also has some restaurant recommendations.
Raimee said: ‘I love it Le Barav in Le Marais. Get the cheese and meat board and you can get a glass of wine for just €5 (£4.16/$5.39). “If you come from the United States, that is a lot.”
Do you find the locals welcoming? It’s a resounding ‘oui’.
“Honestly, yes,” Raimee said. “I’ve never had a really bad experience with Parisians. I met a lot of locals who were excited to show me around town, and some made fun of me for wanting oat milk with my lattes! I wouldn’t say I felt better received by Parisians compared to other cities or countries, but I still didn’t experience the ‘rudeness’ that people so often associate with this culture.’
What are the biggest mistakes tourists make when they come to Paris?
Raimee commented: “I think when you have too high expectations for Paris, or any destination, it’s a big mistake.
‘It is better to go through an experience with neutral feelings and an open mind.
‘I also think that if you only visit Paris to see the main sights, you won’t experience the true magic of the city that you will find in the small alleys and neighborhoods outside the city center. If you get a little off the tourist trail, you’ll have a much better experience in the city.’
Sticking out like a sore thumb is another mistake.
Raimee added: ‘Be respectful. Don’t be loud. Try to blend in and do what the locals do! You are in another culture and in one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world. Make sure you respect him and his people.”