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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]What did you wish you knew about Paris that caught you off guard while you were there, and what would you do differently if going a second time?

From talking to a few people, this is what I noted down:

The subways smell of pee. 
Lots of trash everywhere so be prepared for the sticker shock when going from US. Its not the oh so romantic vibe when you get on the subway.
Beware of pickpockets, train ticket scams, bracelet and flower scams in touristy areas and druggies, gangs near metro and avoid groups of men.
Gare du Nord is not a safe area to stay but inter city trains go from there including Eurostar.
Avoid arrondissement 10,18,19 and 20 - I think 19 was Montmartre and 10 is Gare du Nord
You need a metro pass just for sections 1 and 2 to cover the major city highlights.
Eiffel tower climb is not all that great. Better to climb Arc de Triomphe at night.
Or better yet the best view is from Montparnasse since you won't see the eye sore when you are on top of it.
You will need half a day for Louvre and half a day for Petit palais and grand palais.
Do Notre dame, Sistine Chapel together and club with River seine cruise.
Batobus is a scam with wait times so long you're better of on your own on the subway.
1 day for Versailles and book tickets in advance.
Club Layafayette galeries with Le Marais
Skip the Luxembourg gardens - its just a park
Skip Sacra Couer unless you absolutely need to feel old Paris - too touristy and unsafe neighborhoods now.

Anything else?

[/quote]

It would be pretty tough to do Notre Dame and the Sistine Chapel in one day... [/quote]

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