Paris, France, is pricey, but it’s worth it.
Have you ever dreamed of visiting Paris? If you’re like most people, the answer to that question was yes—and probably before you were old enough to understand the amount of money that a trip there would cost. But it doesn’t have to be that way, as long as you know where to go and what to do once you get there. In fact, you can save lots of money and enjoy yourself just as much by taking advantage of these Paris travel tips and deals I’ve come up with after three years living in the city!
Paris is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world, among all the cities. With good reason, it ranks with New York City, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and London. Paris has a fantastic reputation that precedes it when it comes to culture, art, history, and romance. You can virtually hear the sultry, exotic music playing in the background when you see the Eiffel Tower. Is Paris really worth it, given that it is also one of the most costly cities in the world to visit?
Yes, and we sincerely hope you’ll pardon us for being so direct. For a number of reasons, the cost of travelling to Paris is worthwhile. The Eiffel Tower isn’t the only focus. It has to do with the distinctive architecture that conveys the city’s complete outlook. Paris is in many respects the epitome of places that come to mind when you think of exotic, European-style locations.
Its reputation as the most romantic city in the world is well-deserved. The rooftop exhibits a high level of artistic authenticity, from the cobblestone paths to the opulent aromas emanating from your usual French bakeries.
It’s the kind of thing you have to be there to experience, in a very “Romantic” way. You two won’t regret going there for a week with your loved one!
The sights:
For any self-respecting tourist, it may be impossible to miss the Eiffel Tower, but the $19 cost to get to the top and the long lines will fatigue you before you get to the famous vista.
Instead, follow the example of the Parisians and visit in the evening with a picnic to enjoy while watching the sun set and admiring the tower lit up at night, sparkling for 10 minutes every hour.
Simply climb Montmartre and sit on the steps of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica to enjoy a spectacular view of Paris.
The museums:
The museum passes (two, four, or six days) may not save you much unless you intend to spend the majority of your time in museums, which, granted, is conceivable among the dozens of wonderful museums in Paris.
The Louvre and all the other big museums are free on the first Sunday of every month, so try to plan your visit to coincide with that day. Students, keep your ID card with you at all times.
Consider visiting a few smaller, free museums. Le Musee Carnavalet has a lot to offer: it recounts the rich history of Paris from the Revolution to the present and is situated in the lovely Marais area. While this is going on, treasures from Paris in the 1900s all the way back to antiquity are on display at the Petit Palais, a stunning piece of architecture in the centre of Paris.
The gates enclosing the Luxembourg Gardens hold free outdoor shows with beautiful large-scale photographs from all around the world for photography enthusiasts. And don’t forget to visit the park, where Parisians spend their summer weekends relaxing by the fountain, tanning, and listening to free music.
The sounds:
Paris is home to two opera theatres of international renown. However, if you book early and don’t mind craning your neck a little, there are tickets for $11 and $16. Good seating is still excessively pricey. Last-minute tickets, especially for prized seats, can also be very affordable for the under-28 population. These are available for purchase 15 minutes before the concert begins. The Opera Bastille has 62 standing-room only seats available for $8, which go on sale as soon as the doors open, usually 90 minutes prior to showtime.