Five tips to save money on a trip to Paris
Between museum visits, restaurant meals, exploring the city and romantic strolls, a visit to Paris can quickly prove to be particularly expensive. Fortunately, with a bit of ingenuity, you can enjoy the French capital without breaking the bank.
In this article, we share with you our advice on how to organise a stay in Paris while keeping costs down.
Choosing the right accommodation
Accommodation in Paris generally represents a large part of a traveller's budget, given the high prices charged in some areas. We advise you to choose the location of your accommodation carefully to take advantage of low prices. Some arrondissements, although a little more out of the way, are perfectly well served and will enable you to find accommodation at a lower cost.
For example, you could look for accommodation in the 11th, 14th and 20th arrondissements of Paris. These districts are within easy reach of the main tourist attractions, making them an excellent option for exploring the city with ease. Just make sure you book accommodation close to the metro and you're all set!
Exchanging currency before you leave
Although card payments are widely accepted in France, we still advise you to exchange your pounds for euros before you leave to take advantage of lower exchange rates.
Online bureaux de change allow you to do a foreign currency exchange more cheaply while benefiting from 0% commission. For even more convenience, you can even have your travel money delivered straight to your home, so you don't have to go to a physical bureau de change.
Favour public transport and walking
To explore the city easily, you may be tempted to take a taxi or Uber. Although this solution is particularly practical and fast, it is often expensive. To keep your costs down, consider using public transport instead! The city as a whole is very well served, with a wide network of metros, trams and buses that will take you easily to all parts of the city.
You should also bear in mind that many places in Paris are accessible on foot. Put on your best shoes and walk whenever possible to limit your expenses.
Book my tickets online
A visit to the Eiffel Tower, a trip on a bateau-mouche, a museum or a show at the Moulin Rouge... These paid activities offer a real experience of the city, but can quickly add to your expenses. To save on ticket prices, consider booking them online. That way, you can take advantage of low prices and, in some cases, avoid queuing.
Don't forget to ask about cultural passes to save on entrance fees. The Paris Museum Pass, for example, gives you access to numerous cultural sites around the city for several days.
Avoid shopping in tourist areas
Want to take a few souvenirs home with you after your stay in Paris? Be aware that prices are generally higher in tourist areas. Stalls located near the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, the Sacré-Coeur or the Champs-Élysées, for example, will often be much more expensive than elsewhere.
For souvenir shopping, head for the Saint-Ouen flea market, the shops in Belleville or the 18th arrondissement, or rue de Rivoli, where you'll find much cheaper shops than in the tourist areas.
