Travelling to Paris to experience the gourmet restaurants, exciting nightlife and beautiful art and culture is something most people have somewhere on top of their bucket lists. But going out in Paris can make a serious dent in your travel budget. Visiting this spectacular city of romance is however very possible, as there are many ways to enjoy all its splendours by keeping it low-budget.
The beauty of Paris is that you can walk almost everywhere and most attractions are in close proximity. Also, the public transport in this city is very well organised and is generally not very expensive. Here are some tips with which you can explore Paris on a budget, and still have a top-quality holiday. The first thing you need to do, however, is compare travel packages at online travel websites to find yourself the best possible flight deals and affordable accommodation.
1. Paris by bus
Sightseeing in Paris is generally quite pricey, but for less than two euros you can catch one of the many city busses that drive through Paris. The most popular busline is number 29. It takes you from the historical Gare St-Lazare past the famous Opera Garnier, then continues to the Marais District and then the most beautiful square in Paris: Place des Vosges. The last busstop is the Bastille District. A fantastic and cheap way to see the city!
2. Summer festival Paris Quartier
During the summer months, large parts of the city are transformed into one big summer festival with lots of beach umbrellas and beach mats scattered all over the city parks. Parking off and enjoying the theatre productions and live music festivals is a fabulous, and free, way to enjoy Paris the way the locals do.
3. The bridges accross the Seine
The Seine meanders throught the heart of Paris, and many of the beautiful bridges that cross this river are lit up at night, making a romantic evening stroll along this river a breathtaking, and free, experience.
4. Free museum entrance
Many famous museums in Paris offer free entrance each first Sunday of the month, including Musee national Picasso, Centre Pompidou, Musee du Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Musee national de l'Orangerie and Musee national d'art moderne. A fantastic way to experience Paris' rich cultural heritage, for free.
5. Dancing at the gardens of the Square Tino Rossi
Every evening, from May through to September, the gardens of the Square Tino Rossi are transformed into magical places where you can dance to your heart's content, whether you enjoy tango, salsa or traditional dances. The early parts of the evenings are dedicated to dancing classes, and during the second half of the evening you can show off your newly acquired dance moves, until the early hours of the next morning.
6. Place du Tertre, Mont Martre and the Sacre Coeur
Visiting the Basilique de Sacre Coeur on Montmartre is an experience to remember. The steps leading up to the Montmartre are quite intimidating but there is also a cable car that travels to the top and down. The view from the top is breathtaking! The Place du Tertre is a worthwhile visit. Ths is where all kinds of artists gather and where you can have your portait painted or just see the artists at work. There are a lot of hawkers selling all kinds of memorabilia at great prices so you can also shop to your hearts content.
Martin Wynn
