Feb 7 2010

Cheap Travels

There’s no denying that a trip to Paris is often going to be an costly affair – especially when the euro remains such a strong money. But do you think that keeps budget tourists away from this famously expensive city?

Au contraire!

Budget-conscious tourists know that just about any situation can be pretty cheap if you’re being sharp, and that includes Paris. In addition to saving money by staying in appartamenti economici parigi and eating on the cheap in Paris, there are also ways to save money on many of the city’s attractions. Yes, some of the “must-do” things in Paris will cost you money, but if you play your cards right by taking benefit of the many free attractions and activity in Paris for most of your trip, then inserting a few higher-priced tickets into your visit won’t feel like such an economic burden.

These activities are permanently considered “free things to do in Paris” – there’s never an admission fee, no matter what time or day of the year.
Notre Dame Cathedral – That’s ok, the famous cathedral is always free to enter. You’ll pay a cost to go up the tower or visit the treasury, but not to enter the church itself.

Eiffel Tower Views – Sure, taking the elevator to the top costs just a penny, but there’s no additional cost for enjoying a sight of one of the world’s most traditional building. Bonus points if you’re picnicking in the open green areas around the tower – cheap eats and a great view? Priceless.

Paris Greeters Tours – The Paris Greeters are residents who you can contact, on the website, for short tours of certain parts of the city, and it’s entirely without charge.

Seine River – There’s no fee for a get a breath of air along Paris’ famous river, or for perusing the legendary bookseller carts that line up along the river’s edge on the Left Bank.

Steps of Sacre Coeur – A lot of people would argue that the steps in front of the Sacre Coeur church atop Montmartre offer some of the best landscape in the city, and it’s a view you’ll enjoy for free.

Paris Flea Markets – Sure, doing any shopping will set you back a few euro, but walking through Paris’ many outdoor markets and enjoying the people-watching they offer won’t cost a thing.

Fragonard Perfume Museum – Not only is this great perfume museum without charge to visit, the guided visit is free, too.

Versailles Gardens – A visit to the Versailles palace will cost you, but it’s worth visiting and the fabulous and large gardens are gratis (except on Sundays).

Galeries Lafayette Fashion Shows – Each Friday from March to December the popular Paris department store has a open fashion show.

Parks and Green areas in Paris – There are too many to list here, but Paris is full of parks, gardens, squares, and open green places that are free to enjoy. Some of them have extras depending on the season, too, including free summer cinema at the Parc de la Villette and free puppet shows at the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Cemeteries in Paris – Not only do the aged Paris cemeteries like Pere Lachaise and the Montparnasse Cemetery let you get some quasi-celebrity sightings with all the famous people buried in them, they’re just creepy-cool places to walk in.

Paris Plage – When the city turns the banks of the Seine into a beach every summer, it’s open to the people free of charge.

Free Concerts in Paris – Many of the churches in Paris regularly host free concerts, whether it’s an organ performance at Notre Dame or Saint-Eustache, classical or blues concerts at the American Church in Paris, or choir rehearsal at Sacre-Coeur. The days of the week differ, but if you’re curious ask at the tourist information department to know what’s going on while you’re in town.

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