If you’re worried about what state your upcoming trip to Paris might leave your wallet in, you have nothing to fear! Whilst Paris can be one of the most expensive cities in Europe, it doesn’t have to be – as long as you know how! There are several simple ways you can save money in Paris, from saving on hotels, to getting around and saving money on the most popular sights and attractions, including when you begin your renew E111 application, you can make your trip to Paris as affordable (or not so) as you wish with ease, and here’s how!
- 1. Utilise Public Transport
Like anywhere, a great way to save money in Paris is by making the most of public transportation. Whilst you might have to wait a couple of minutes for the next bus or train, taking public transport is the most cost-effective way to travel around Paris, whether it is to and from the airport or to a restaurant in the city centre. The RER B train into Paris, for example, is just €9.10 including a transfer onto the Metro, where a taxi will cost you at least €50 either way.
- 2. The Paris Museum Pass
When you travel to Paris, you are likely to want to visit the multiple museums the city boasts – and for good reason! Paris is home to a number of iconic museums including The Louvre (€10), The Centre Pompidou (€18) and Musée d’Orsay costing €9 per ticket. Whilst the prices to visit these museums are relatively low, for these three alone, you will be spending €37 in the first couple of days of your trip to Paris. In order to save, we strongly suggest considering the Paris Museum Pass. Whilst this pass will cost you €54 for four days’ worth of visiting museums, it will grant you admission to more than 50 museums and popular sights in and close to the heart of Paris, which is yet another simple way to save money!
- 3. Choose An Affordable Hotel
You might want to stay in the best luxury hotel in Paris such as La Meurice or Ritz Paris, but it will come with a price! In order to save money in Paris, opt for a less expensive hotel such as Hotel Ekta, with rooms available from £79.00 per night. Though £79.00 may seem a little pricey still, Hotel Ekta is just a 2-minute walk from the he Champs-Elysées and a 6-minute walk from Charles de Gaulle Étoile RER A station, which is perfect if you plan to see the other amazing sights Paris has to offer.
- 4. Take Advantage Of Free Wi-Fi
Whilst your hotel may have Wi-Fi, more often than not you will have to pay to have access to it. Depending on the duration of your stay in Paris, you might be happy to pay up to €20 to check your location into Facebook and update your Instagram, but know that you don’t have to pay. There are numerous cafes and restaurants that offer free Wi-Fi access in Paris, and you can look out for the Wi-Fi symbol in store windows too.
- 5. Book Eiffel Tower Tickets In Advance
When you plan your trip to Paris, many people will tell you to book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance, and it’s easy to see why! Not only when your book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance will you save time queueing to get them at the kiosk surround by excitable tourists when you arrive, but it will save you money too.
There are several ways to save money in Paris; these are just 5 of the most effective ways to save money on your next visit. From choosing an affordable hotel to buying the Paris Museum Pass so you can visit as many of the best museums in Paris as you desire, and remember to avoid taking taxis short distances!
