Known as one of the most expensive cities to visit is the capital city of France, the ‘City of Love’: Paris. Over 30 million tourists visit Paris each year, but not all of them have exorbitant amounts to spend during the visit. One might ask how to have a cheaper vacation in this luxurious city? This article will help every Paris-visitor-wannabe to experience this wonder. Listed below are the budget-friendly tips for a trip to Paris.
10 Have An Extensive Preparation
It is necessary to prepare thoroughly for the trip. To have a well-planned itinerary, the tourist must know Paris first. List the attractions close to each other to avoid expensive transportation. A well-planned itinerary will also help the tourist suppress itself from spending with the things that are not written in the itinerary. Watch videos or read blogs about a budget-friendly trip to Paris and take note of the essential details like accommodation, places to eat, etc.
9 Pick The Right Place To Stay
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, and cheaper hotels are located in the 10th to 20th arrondissements. Tourists shouldn't worry about the division of these districts because it's not that far from each other. People can go to another district by afoot. Cheap hotels near the center of Paris include Au Royal Mad Hotel, with prices ranging from $40 per night. St Christopher's Inn is more affordable, at $22 per night. The lowest price for hotels near the center is $19.
8 Transportation In Paris
Again, it is better to book a hotel where almost all of the attractions are close to each other. This way, tourists will not have to take the metro to places. It is also better to pack comfortable shoes and take walking tours. For solo travelers, join the Paris’ Vélib’ bike share program by availing a pass depending on how many days the tourist will stay in Paris. Tourists can go to any station, present the access code, then freely take a bike.
7 Transportation Tickets
For tourists who need to take the bus or metro, it costs €1.90 each, but it is better to buy ten packs which cost €14.90. There are two types of ticketing booths in Paris, and packs of tickets are sold in white ticketing kiosks. To have an unlimited bus and metro ride, availing of the "Paris Visite" travel card is an excellent option. The price depends on how many days the tourist will use the card, but it ranges from €12.30 to €38.35.
6 Food Markets
Going to outdoor food markets will make tourists save more, may it be for picnic or hotel stock, food markets are worth spending for. The best time to go is during the afternoon because vendors offer their products at a discount. Check the prices first by going around before picking the best product. Also, check the products for the freshest merchandise. Accordingly, buying bulk orders is way cheaper than going back every day.
5 Affordable Meals
There are a lot of ways to have affordable meals in the city. If tourists can afford light food, sandwiches are perfect as lunch, and a crepe will do for dinner. Food trucks are also all over the city, and some serve American-style food. If breakfast is not included in the hotel fee, try going to cafés, and choose a seat at the counter to have a cheaper coffee. It's also great to get fresher food in bakeries.
4 Paris Gardens
Yes, there are many free things to do in the city. Admire the gardens in Paris and enjoy the luxury of rest while observing the people and feeling the fresh air. Stroll around Jardin du Luxembourg and see some statues. Sometimes, art exhibits are also displayed here to admire the artworks freely. Another garden is in Louver, the Jardin des Tuileries, featuring impressive fountains and sculptures.
3 Enjoy Free Events
Plenty of events are held in Paris every month, and these are freely open to the public. Just like summer festivals wherein people are entertained freely. These events are Documentary films, the Paris Jazz Festival, the European Night of Museums, several concerts in all genres, etc. It depends on what month the tourist is visiting the city. These events are held every month, so tourists must not worry because they will undoubtedly experience these free events.
2 Visiting The Popular Attractions
Most of the famous attractions worldwide can be seen in Paris; visiting these places will be less expensive when tickets are purchased online in advance. Some are even free, especially when it is the first Saturday or Sunday of the month. When visiting the Eiffel Tower, it is less expensive once tourists walk to the second level. For museum visiting, wait for the first Sunday of the month because admissions are free. It is also cheaper to avail of the Paris Museum Card. This is for tourists who are into museums.
1 Free Walking Tours And Sights
Take advantage of the attractions and museums that offer free admission 24/7. Museums that are freely open to the public are Maison de Balzac, Maison de Victor Hugo, and Musée d’Art Moderne. Parks are also open as well as most of the churches and rooftops. The perfect time to visit the rooftops in Paris is before sunset; it gives a picturesque view of the twinkling city lights and slowly fading sun, especially the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette.