Tips for Visiting Paris on a Budget

Eiffel Tower
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Scott G. Sink draws upon more than 30 years of experience in his role as senior executive vice president and practice leader for the energy and marine division at the Birmingham, Alabama-based McGriff, Seibels & Williams, Inc. An avid traveler, Scott G. Sink enjoys visiting foreign countries with his family and counts Paris, France as one of his favorite destinations. 

Although Paris is regarded as a lavish city renowned for its palace hotels and gourmet restaurants, it is possible to visit the French capital on a budget. For starters, it's possible to find relatively cheap airfare if you book at least six months in advance. Resources like TripAdvisor and Epinions can also be useful in securing flight and hotel vacation packages. Once in the city, consider using public transportation. For instance, a 10-pack of metro tickets cost less than 15 Euro and can be used to travel throughout the city and its nearest suburbs as well as Disneyland and Versailles.

If you are so inclined to eat at reputable restaurants, stand and eat at the bar rather than wait for a table as sitting down to eat often comes with a surcharge. Eating outside at a patisserie or boulangerie is another alternative. 

In regard to lodging, consider more affordable districts outside of the heart of the city where it's possible to purchase rooms for as little as 28 Euro per night. Some hostels even include breakfast, which can help you save your money for attractions or other dining options later in the day. 

Paris boasts numerous free attractions, including Sacre Couer and the Notre Dame Cathedral. There's also free annual events like the Paris Music Festival, Open-Air Cinema at La Villette, and European Heritage Days.