Budget Friendly Paris

Jet-setting to Paris on a budget can seem like an impossible dream but you can see this cosmopolitan city on a budget. Paris is known for wonderful cuisine, exquisite wine, high-end shopping and historically rich museums but there are plenty of things to see and do that are budget friendly.

When you are planning your trip, try to travel during "shoulder season" which is April, May, September, or October. These months are between low and high seasons and are wonderful times of the year to visit this cosmopolitan city. The weather during shoulder season is agreeable for most people. Airline and hotel prices are not as high as during these months and you will not find the long lines and crowds you see in June, July, and August, which are the highest travel times for Paris.

You may be able to save even more if you can find a travel agent that works with air consolidators. These airfares can save you money off the prices you see on the internet and even hundreds of dollars if you are traveling during peak seasons.

The 7th and 8th districts of Paris are favorites among tourist because of the Champs E'lysees and the Eiffel Tower; the price tag for rooms is quite high. Why not consider getting off the beaten path and enjoying the charm and character of the other districts in the city. Paris has an efficient andaffordable public transportation system which allows you no problems in getting around the city by bus, metro, or train. The city is broken into these districts or "arrondissements".which are numbered 1-20 and laid out like a snail shell. Starting on the north side of the Siene River in the center of the city is the 1st district, and then going clockwise is the 2nd district, and then clockwise again is the 3rd district and so on. There are affordable hotels in all the districts. Keep in mind you are in Europe which is rich with history, most hotels are often old buildings androoms are tendsm to be small. Here are some top picks for great budget hotels in the excellent locations around Paris.

1. Hotel La Villa St Germain des Pres with 39 rooms, hi-speed internet and steps from everything, a winner, located in the 6th district.
2. Hotel Verneuil with 26 small guest rooms, a romantic hotel located in the 7th district.
3. HôtelLa Manufacture with 57 well decorated rooms and a short walk to the Latin quarter, this hotel is an excellent buy, located in the 13th district.
4. Libertel Quartier Latin offers cozy slip-covered headboards and floor to ceiling bookcases, located in the 5th district
5. Hotel Victoires Opera features rich woods and warm colored rooms amid wine shops and cafes in the 2nd district.
6. Hotel Axial Beaubourgcharming 39 room hotel with exposed beams and a modern medieval charm in the 4th district,

You can save money by taking the train into the city from the Charles De Gaulle airport and using the metro service or a taxi once you are in the city. With this in mind, remember to pack light as you may be carrying your bags to a metro stop or train in the city. The fastest train from Charles de Gaulle is the RER B train which runs north-south through Paris, stopping at Gare du Nord and also at Challet les Halles, the “super” exchange station with 4 metro lines, as well as many other stations. The RER B trains can be caught at Terminal 3 and Terminal 2C and 2E.  You can purchase a metro and train pass before you leave and save time and money. The Paris Pass offers passes that include unlimited metro, bus, and train travel in Paris as well as include admission to most of the museums and tourist attractions in Paris. You will also be able to download maps to help you navigate the metro stops throughout the city. www.parispass.com

Seeing people sitting out at sidewalk cafes everywhere it can be tempting to grab a table and eat in cafes and restaurants every meal. If you choose to do this you can easily break your budget in a few days. The cheapest way to enjoy Paris and keep yourself satisfied is to visit the great bakeries, fromageries, and food carts that are found on literally every street in Paris. Most hotels offer breakfast included or for a small charge. Enjoy your breakfast and coffee at your hotel each day then as you venture around the city keep an eye out for interesting food vendors or markets. When you are ready for lunch, grab a delicious fresh baguette, some cheese, tomatoes, and fresh, cheese, tomatoes, and fresh fruit. Take your bounty to one of the many parks or outdoor areas and enjoy your lunch people watching. If you decide you aren't in the mood for putting together your own lunch, there are many food vendors that sell ready made baguette sandwiches and also crepes. The sandwiches and crepes are delicious and once you try them you will be back again.

When planning for dinner, ask locals while you are out for recommendation. Let them know you want something that is not touristy. Most locals are happy to tell you their favorite restaurant and many will give you tips on places to see in the city. Avoid restaurants and cafes very near to big sightseeing attractions as these are almost always over-priced.

Just remember by planning off-season, and staying in smaller hotels Paris can be affordable and definitely will be one of the most memorable trips you will ever take.