Paris on a Budget: Money Saving Tips

Some people say it’s hard to visit Paris without blowing your budget – but we put that to the test. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to enjoy the best of Paris, without breaking the bank and also having some to spare. There are plenty of fun things to do in Paris that don’t require any money at all, and as a city as beautiful as it is just open your eyes and look around and you could be entertained for hours. Here is a list of ten top things to do in Paris on a budget. You’ll be surprised at how far your money can actually stretch... Cheap Street Food Although Paris is a gastronomic delight, don’t be scared by the high price points – there are plenty of cheaper eats and just as delicious! From street stall crêpes from Au P’tit Grec, their huge portions will keep you full for hours, or grab one of the best kebabs in the city at Istanbul, in the Marais. Aperitifs Put your feet up after a long day of sightseeing at Café le Baron.11, rue de Châteaudun, in the 9th Arrondissement. Serving a selection of aperatifs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in a tapas style, le Baron offers €5 cocktails, beer and prosecco together with small plates of hors d’oeuvres ranging from handmade mini pizzas to tapenade tartines which are free during happy hour. Marché Bastille One of the biggest markets in Paris, the Marché Bastille runs twice a week and is brimming with fresh and locally sourced food stalls that take over Boulevard Richard Lenoir. Brush up on your bartering skills for the artesan crafts and jewellery stalls, too, selling everything African batiks, cheap jewellery and bags. Thu 7am-2.30pm; Sat 9am-6pm (arts & crafts); Sun 7am-3pm. Paris Panoramas Use your Paris Pass to climb up the top of the Arc de Triomphe’s viewing terrace and gaze down each avenue into the city. It's the best place to admire the taut geometry of Paris's urban plan, devised by Napoleon III's prefect Baron Georges-Eugène Hausmann, who razed the city's medieval slums to lay down broad boulevards. Ô Château Wine Tasting Prepaid wine? Yes! Ô Château has partnered with The Paris Pass to offer introductory wine tasting courses where you can sample French wines for an hour’s course. It’s the best way to learn about the subtle nuances of the French grapes, while on a budget! You can’t beat it for budgeting. Visit the Louvre Visit the Louvre for free and even skip the lines. It’s a great place to while away half a day admiring the vast collections of antiquities, classic art and masterpieces from over 2000 years. Don’t miss the iconic Mona Lisa as well as the Liberty Leading the People. When you’ve done you can take a picnic to the Jardin Tuileries, too, to save even more money. Firmly seated among the most famous places to visit in Paris, you could spend your entire trip exploring the Louvre. It is vast and packed full of masterpieces at every turn. Paris Metro The cheapest way to get from A to B in Paris is on the Metro. It’s a great transport system that links the entire city underground. Luckily, the Paris Pass comes with a free Paris Visite Travelcard, which can take care of all your transport. Avoid taxis where possible as usually they will rip you off! Free wifi If you can’t be without the internet or have an addiction to Social Media then you’re in luck. There are plenty of places in Paris where you can benefit from free wifi in over 260 wifi hotspots across the city, from parks, gardens, town halls and even in museums. Keep your eye out for signs and the Paris wifi logo.