Glittering Paris is one of the top cities in the world, and offers up some of the most romantic, cultural and historical things to see and do. However, as a big sprawling metropolis, things don’t often come cheap, and if you’re limited by your budget, Paris may seem a far-off dream.
However, it doesn’t have to be this way - getting to Paris can be surprisingly cheap, and just like other huge cities there is plenty to do for free or on a limited budget.
Getting there
You might think that flights to Paris are expensive, but there are plenty of low cost carriers that go there with no added frills. Simply search around online on cheap flight websites and the various budget carriers for the best offers.
Getting around the city
Take a map with you and wander around on foot - you’ll be surprised at what you’ll find around every corner - you may even discover a few hidden street cafes and hot spots this way!
However, to get from one side of the city to the other by foot wouldn’t be for the faint hearted, and as such you should make use of the city’s Metro. It’s much cheaper than other transport systems such as the London Underground, and you can pre-purchase unlimited tickets from around €10 per day.
Sightseeing
Many of Paris’ landmarks are free or cost little to enter, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which was the inspiration for Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame. For a fee of €8 you can climb to the top of the tower for inspiring views of the city.
Strolling the banks of the River Seine is also a free attraction, which you’ll undoubtedly do many times throughout your trip, and just across from Notre-Dame is the Jardin des Plantes which is free to enter and is home to around 10,000 species of plants. The foliage in the garden was the inspiration for painter Henri Rousseau’s famous tropical rainforest paintings.
You can also visit the Eiffel Tower for free - admission is €13 to climb to the top, but you can wander about underneath to get those all-important souvenir snaps. The Louvre is also free every first Sunday of the month.
Shopping
When you think of Paris you probably think of expensive boutiques, designer labels and extortionate prices. However, the city’s most famous flea market, the Marche aux Saint-Ouen offers up a slightly different experience.
With over 2,500 stalls you’ll discover hidden trinkets, old antiques and second-hand clothes, all for bargain prices, so you have no excuse for coming home empty handed!
Plus, if you’re visiting in January or July, this is when Paris has its sales, and many stores will offer clothes with up to 75% off their original prices!
Eating out
As the French are so renowned for their amazing food, you may think you have to pay an arm and a leg to eat out, but the truth is there’s loads of bistros, cafes and restaurants to eat out in that won’t eat into your budget.
Try La Choppe near Chateau Rouge, where if you visit on a Friday or a Saturday you’ll be given free couscous when you buy a drink. For something more hearty, Ala Biere near Colonel Fabien has a fixed-price menu which offers sausages, steaks and hand cut French fries. You’ll also find plenty of street food including crepes, which you can get with a range of fillings to try.
(Photo via wallpaperpin.com)
Getting there
You might think that flights to Paris are expensive, but there are plenty of low cost carriers that go there with no added frills. Simply search around online on cheap flight websites and the various budget carriers for the best offers.
Getting around the city
Take a map with you and wander around on foot - you’ll be surprised at what you’ll find around every corner - you may even discover a few hidden street cafes and hot spots this way!
However, to get from one side of the city to the other by foot wouldn’t be for the faint hearted, and as such you should make use of the city’s Metro. It’s much cheaper than other transport systems such as the London Underground, and you can pre-purchase unlimited tickets from around €10 per day.
Sightseeing
Many of Paris’ landmarks are free or cost little to enter, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which was the inspiration for Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame. For a fee of €8 you can climb to the top of the tower for inspiring views of the city.
Strolling the banks of the River Seine is also a free attraction, which you’ll undoubtedly do many times throughout your trip, and just across from Notre-Dame is the Jardin des Plantes which is free to enter and is home to around 10,000 species of plants. The foliage in the garden was the inspiration for painter Henri Rousseau’s famous tropical rainforest paintings.
You can also visit the Eiffel Tower for free - admission is €13 to climb to the top, but you can wander about underneath to get those all-important souvenir snaps. The Louvre is also free every first Sunday of the month.
Shopping
When you think of Paris you probably think of expensive boutiques, designer labels and extortionate prices. However, the city’s most famous flea market, the Marche aux Saint-Ouen offers up a slightly different experience.
With over 2,500 stalls you’ll discover hidden trinkets, old antiques and second-hand clothes, all for bargain prices, so you have no excuse for coming home empty handed!
Plus, if you’re visiting in January or July, this is when Paris has its sales, and many stores will offer clothes with up to 75% off their original prices!
Eating out
As the French are so renowned for their amazing food, you may think you have to pay an arm and a leg to eat out, but the truth is there’s loads of bistros, cafes and restaurants to eat out in that won’t eat into your budget.
Try La Choppe near Chateau Rouge, where if you visit on a Friday or a Saturday you’ll be given free couscous when you buy a drink. For something more hearty, Ala Biere near Colonel Fabien has a fixed-price menu which offers sausages, steaks and hand cut French fries. You’ll also find plenty of street food including crepes, which you can get with a range of fillings to try.
(Photo via wallpaperpin.com)
(This post was written by Alexandra Hepworth)
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