Paris Proto Credit Dorinser
Paris has the reputation of being one of the most expensive cities in the world. Of course it is not as expensive as cities such as Tokyo where you can pay nine dollars for a loaf of bread, but it is still up there in the top ten most expensive cities and it is the second most expensive city in Europe, the most expensive European city being Zurich.
However, you can still enjoy Paris on a budget, and here are some money saving tips to help you on your way. First we consider some attractions, then how to eat well and inexpensively, and finally how to save on your travel costs.
Attractions
Paris is renowned for its art galleries and museums, and although many of the smaller ones offer free admission, the more famous ones, which are likely to be the ones you most want to visit, charge for entry. For instance the entry price to the Louvre is from €11 to €15 which might not seem too much for an individual but if you have a number of adults in your party (adults are considered to be from 18 years old) then the entry price can soon mount up. However, if you can time your visit, then you can take advantage of free entry on the first Sunday of the month. You can also get free entry on the first Sunday to a number of other galleries including Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou and Musée Rodin.
Louvre paris – Photo Credit: Ana Lameiro
Notre Dame Cathedral with its gothic famous gargoyles and flying buttresses is a must see attraction and it is the most visited historic site in Paris. You can stroll through the cathedral and grounds for free every day of the week, but normally a fee is charged for access to the North Tower where climbing the 387 steps will reveal one of the great views in Paris, but it is free on the first Sunday of each month between and including October to March.
Notre Dame Cathedral – Photo Credit: Mai
The Palais de Justice on the Île de la Cité also has free admission on certain days as does the Sacré-Coeur basilica near Montmartre.
Eating
Image Uploaded by Yulla
Eating in Paris can be expensive, and it is worth visiting one of the traditional Bistros at least once on your trip, but for every day eating there are some great bargains to be enjoyed if you keep your eyes peeled.
For instance, Le Tribal Café offers free Moules Frites on Wednesdays and Thursdays; Les Trois Frères provides free couscous on Thursday evenings and free oriental soup on Sundays; in markets such as the Marché des Producteurs de Pays in Marais many stalls offer free food tasting; coffee and tea with maple syrup is free in the Abbey Bookshop at Sorbonne; and L’Atelier du Plateau provides a free drink to anyone willing to read a poem on stage.
Travelling
Big Bus Paris – Proto Credit Paul Green
There are many ways of getting to Paris; you can travel bus, car, train, or plane and each has its merits. Travelling by car is not recommended; it is an expensive option and driving in Paris is not easy, parking is worse. Travelling by plane is probably cheaper, but it is a little inconvenient; there are often airport and flight delays. Train is probably the most convenient option, but it can be the most expensive too. The cheapest option is to catch the London Paris bus. You can choose when you want to travel, you can even travel overnight, and it drops you in the heart of the city.
Byline: This is a guest post by Claire Chat a new Londoner, travel passionate and animal lover. She blogs about Pets and Travelling in Europe. If you want Claire to write you specific content, you can find email her here or contact her on Twitter (Claire_Chat).