Tips for Visiting Paris on a Budget

Although Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world there are ways to see it without spending a fortune. In fact much of the city can be viewed without spending a single Euro. Here are some top tips on how to get the most out of a budget break to Paris.

When to Visit Paris

Most will say spring and summer are the optimum times to visit due to the good weather, however if you are looking to save money off season months between November and April (discounting Christmas and New Year of course) are best. At this time of year airlines offer cheaper flights, cheaper accommodation is easier to come by and you have the added bonus that popular tourist attractions are less busy.

Hungry? Don’t Miss the Markets!

Paris has some of the best food in the world, from Michelin starred restaurants to traditional patisseries and gourmet chocolate shops. You can enjoy the food here without spending over the odds. The city is home to some of the best markets in the world, selling delicious fresh produce; you can pick up fresh seafood, cured meats, breads, pastries and create your own wonderful dishes without the expensive restaurant prices. If prices at the local bars are a little too high, no picnic in Paris is complete without a glass of wine, so grab a bottle of the regions finest, some plastic glasses and find a comfortable spot to watch the world go by.

Have a Parisian Picnic

A fantastic spot to enjoy a picnic and also one of Paris’ top attractions is the Eiffel Tower; it has many grassy areas where you can enjoy your treats whilst relaxing under the shade of one of the most famous monuments in the world. Of course you have to pay to enter the tower and it is true that the views from the top are quite magnificent, the queues however can be extremely long so to experience the Eiffel Tower from ground level can sometimes be more pleasurable. Due to its sheer size, this spectacular feat of engineering is a must see on any trip to Paris.

In Seine

Another stunning sight in Paris is the River Seine which runs right through the heart of the City of Light and of course viewing this in all its splendour doesn’t cost any money at all. If visiting in the winter months wrap up warm and go for a walk along its banks and various bridges all with their own unique charm and personality, to view some of the most impressive images of this great city from a less common vantage point.

Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral

One of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the city is Notre Dame Cathedral, the inspiration for the classic Victor Hugo novel is also completely free to visit. There are of course ways to spend money in the cathedral by paying to climb up to the top of the towers to see the view or to visit the museum but to walk around the interiors of the cathedral costs nothing at all. Notre Dame Cathedral is also host to some fantastic free concerts so it’s worth doing your homework to see if there is anything on whilst your there.

Paris is a beautiful city that should be experienced by everyone at least once in their lifetime and despite it being one of the most extravagant and expensive cities in the world, it is possible to have a great time there without breaking the bank.