A Trip to Paris Isn’t Worth It for Americans Anymore

Surveys Show Costs and Concerns Are Changing Minds

Paris used to be the trip Americans saved for years to take. The Eiffel Tower, the cafes, the croissants at sunrise.

But recent surveys suggest something is shifting. Rising costs, tripled tourist taxes, political tensions, and crowds so thick you can barely see the Mona Lisa are making travelers reconsider.

The city just had a record-breaking year for tourism, yet Americans are increasingly sitting this one out. The reasons go beyond money, and the math tells a surprising story.

Tourist Taxes Tripled in 2025

Starting January 1, 2025, the tourist tax in Paris saw a significant increase.

A new additional tax of 200% for the benefit of Île-de-France Mobilités was introduced, aimed at funding public transport. Previously, the tax ranged from just €0.25 a night for basic accommodations to €5 for high-end hotels.

Now, the new rates range from €2.60 per person per night for 1-star stays to €15. 60 per person per night for luxury accommodations.

That money goes toward metro upgrades and infrastructure left over from the 2024 Olympics.

January 2026 Brings Another Hike

The City of Paris has published its updated tourist tax schedule, effective for all stays beginning January 1, 2026.

Nightly surcharges now rise by between €0.50 and €4 depending on the property category, meaning a five-star business hotel will levy €9. 20 per adult per night, while mid-range properties will charge €6.60.

A week-long stay for a consultant in a four-star hotel will cost roughly €46 more than in 2025.

The city expects to raise an additional €180 million annually from these fees.

60% of Americans Skipped Overseas Travel

In 2025, 60% of Americans had not traveled internationally, which was even higher at 75% among lower-income Americans.

More than two in five international travelers (43%) say the rising cost directly affected their overseas travel plans. Almost one-third (28%) cited economic uncertainty and reduced disposable income as the main reasons.

Instead of flying to Europe, Americans hit the road. More than half of respondents said most of their 2025 travel was in a car.

72% Expect to Be Treated Worse Abroad

72% of surveyed travelers believe U.S. tourists will be perceived more negatively abroad in 2025.

Some travelers already report experiencing anti-American hostility and political confrontations overseas.

One California-based traveler described how they experienced much more negativity, while a Wyoming tourist reported having numerous arguments about American policy with people they did not know.

Forums and travel sites are flooded with Americans asking whether they should cancel.

Some Paris Hotels Changed Their Policies

French luxury hotels report an unprecedented 20% drop in American bookings.

Exclusive establishments in Paris have quietly implemented new reservation policies requiring European credit cards for confirmation.

American visitors describe being seated in less desirable restaurant sections or facing longer waits for service. Not every traveler reports problems, but the perception alone is enough to give some Americans pause.

Paris Hit 38 Million Visitors in 2025

Paris received 38 million visitors in 2025, up 12% year on year. Walking through central Paris now feels like navigating a theme park.

The Métro is overcrowded, especially on lines leading to tourist hubs.

The crowds are partly thanks to the post-Olympic boost and a newly restored landmark drawing visitors from around the world. Good luck getting a quiet moment at Sacré-Cœur.

Notre Dame Expects 40,000 Daily Visitors

With almost 40,000 visitors expected every day, it is possible to visit Notre Dame spontaneously, but long waiting times are to be expected.

The cathedral reopened on December 8, 2024 after five years of restoration following the devastating 2019 fire.

Notre Dame cathedral is expected to welcome between 12 and 15 million people a year once it is reopened, compared with 10 to 12 million before the fire.

Entry is free, but you will wait two to three hours without a reservation.

The Dollar Is Actually Strong Right Now

Since January 7, 2025, the exchange rate has been $1 to €0. 97–98.

Europe is an incredibly screaming buy as a tourist destination, according to Delta’s president. Economists expect the euro to fall to or even below parity with the U.S. dollar.

On paper, your coffee and croissant should cost less than they did a few years ago. But that assumes everything else stays the same.

Flights and Hotels Ate Up the Savings

A strong dollar only helps if other prices hold steady. They did not.

Direct flights to Paris for summer dates run approximately $2,000 per person.

Mid-range travelers can expect to spend €265 per day, covering 3-star hotels, casual restaurants, museum visits, and metro passes.

When you add triple tourist taxes to inflated airfare, that favorable exchange rate disappears fast.

Americans Are Choosing U.S. Cities Instead

When asked which destinations delivered their best memory of 2025, Americans pointed close to home.

A trip to a U.S. city topped the list (21%), followed by beach getaways (19%), small towns (13%), hometowns (12%) and national parks (7%). More than three in four Americans (77%) plan to travel in 2025.

Seven in 10 Americans (70%) intend to travel domestically, and 28% plan to travel internationally. The math is simple: a road trip costs less and comes with no jet lag.

Paris Still Makes the Dream List

Despite all the hesitation, Paris has not disappeared from American wish lists.

Respondents expect destinations like New York City (21%), Italy (14%), Paris (13%) and Japan (12%) to become the biggest destinations of 2026.

More than 81% of American and Canadian travelers ages 35+ told surveyors that they still intended to travel internationally into 2026. The desire is still there.

Whether the budget and the welcome will be is another question.

This article was created with AI assistance and human editing.

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