By Courtney Traub
Paris Travel Expert, about.com
[post_ads_2]Paris can be an incredibly expensive city-- it is, after all, a world center for luxury goods, gourmet restaurants, opulent palace hotels and the like. As a result, you may (logically) assume that seeing Paris on a budget isn't realistic, or would amount to a miserable, pauper-like experience. Luckily, a visit to Paris doesn't have to break the bank. It's entirely possible to eat well, find clean and decent accommodations, and enjoy discounted and free attractions while still having the sense that you're living it up in one of the world's most gorgeous cities. A (fun) budget Paris vacation doesn't have to belong to the realm of fairy tales, after all: read on to find out why.
Finding Cheap Flights or Trains to Paris
Transatlantic
airfare has skyrocketed in recent years due to fuel price hikes and
other economic woes among carriers. Train tickets to Paris can also be
very expensive. Booking several months ahead of your trip to Paris is
crucial if you want to secure a good fare, especially if you're traveling from overseas.
When booking a flight, you should also explore airfare/hotel package deals, as these can sometimes offer significant savings.
- Consult TripAdvisor for a quick and reliable overview of vacation packages to Paris (book direct).
- Epinions is also a great resource for making a decision on a travel package to Paris.
Finally, need to book a place to stay in August? Many places are full, so look well ahead. Read reviews, find deals, and compare prices on hundreds of hotels at Trip Advisor.
Traveling During Low Season is Best
Nearly everyone fantasizes about visiting Paris in the spring or summer months.
But low season has its charms and advantages-- namely much lower fares. Consult our detailed, season-by season tips on when to go to Paris for more information on the pros and cons of traveling to the city of light in a given time of year.
Getting Around: Transportation and Tours[post_ads_2]
Paris has an excellent public transportation system,
and tickets and passes are relatively inexpensive. Hop-on, hop-off bus
tours are also fairly accessible options for getting around and touring the city.
I also recommend using the Paris public bus system--
many of the lines have very picturesque routes, and more autonomous
travelers may do well this way. Consult these resources for budget
transport and tour options:
- Paris Metro Tickets and Passes: Which to Buy?
- All About the Paris Visite Transport Pass
- Ground Transportation From Paris Airports
- Paris Bus Tours
- Using Paris City Buses
Budget Sightseeing in Paris: Best Options?
Despite
its reputation as a center for luxury, Paris prides itself on being
accessible. Dozens of free museums, annual events and other attractions
are in store for the budget-conscious Paris visitor.
Not to mention that many of the city's most impressive monuments and sites, including Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre Coeur, or even the banks of the Seine, can be visited free of charge.
You
can take in opulent settings without spending a fortune. Try reserving
tea at the Ritz Hotel or at the nearby Angelina-- it'll set you back a
few dollars to order tea or hot chocolate at these hallowed places, but
in exchange you can soak up a little luxury and still stick to your
budget.
Discount cards like the Paris Museum Pass, bus or boat tours and using public transport intelligently can also help immensely. See more:
- Top Free Paris Sights and Attractions
- Free Paris Museums
- Top Free Annual Events in Paris
- Top Paris Cathedrals and Churches
- Top Paris Parks and Gardens
- Exploring Paris Neighborhoods by Foot
- Paris Boat Tours
- Paris Bus Tours
- The Paris Museum Pass: Info and Where to Buy
Eating Out on a Budget in Paris: Easier Than it Seems
[post_ads]Paris
may be known for its high number of Michelin-star gourmet restaurants,
but it also offers plenty in the way of delicious, inexpensive fare. The
trick is knowing where to go, since quality and price don't necessarily
line up in Paris as you'd expect. You can afford to splurge on one or
two nice meals if you manage to nosh on cheap and delicious Paris street food for a few meals, or even stock up on goodies at a local Paris food market and stage a picnic or two. Also check out our guide to student-friendly cafes in Paris for a list of cafes and brasseries offering inexpensive coffee, food and drinks, and, often, free wi-fi to boot.
Check out these resources for budget gullets:
- Top Budget Restaurants in Paris
- Top Fast Food Options in Paris
- Eating Out With Kids in Paris
- Guide to Traditional Paris Food Markets
- Top Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Paris
- Restaurant Discount Card from TheCityCase
Budget Shopping in Paris: Chic Style for Less
It
may be one of the world's reigning capitals of fashion, but this
doesn't mean shopping in Paris has to cost an arm and a leg. Consult our
at-a-glance-guide to budget shops in Paris to find out how to make a steal, Parisian-style, on clothes or home items. You might also make time for a pleasant whirl at a Paris flea market-- and come up away with a couple of unexpected treasures in the process.
Budget Accommodations in Paris[post_ads_2]
Paris
has hundreds of hotels, and in the budget to mid-range many are just as
comfortable and pleasant as more luxurious counterparts (minus the
glitz). Apartment rentals in Paris have become another popular option--
and will save you a lot of money on eating out assuming the apartment
comes furnished with a kitchen. If you're really cash strapped, you
might even consider a stay in a Paris hostel or find accommodations by couchsurfing.
Read more:
- Where to Stay in Paris: Complete Accommodations Guide
- Top Mid-Range Paris Hotels
- Top Budget Paris Hotels
- Top Paris Hostels
Budget Nightlife in Paris
Check out our guide to the top Paris nightlife districts to find info on where to head for inexpensive drinks and revelling in the city of light.
Need More Tips? See About.com Budget Travel Guide Mark Kahler's helpful and concise piece on cutting down on costs while in the city of light.
