Paris for Pennies: How to See the Tour Eiffel on a Budget
Oh, well. Paris! The city where love never ends, where romances are more arduous than everywhere else, where the wines are always fine and where arts feel at home! Paris!
For many people, even for some living quite near France, Paris is a dream that can never come true and the main motivation behind the fact that they never actually walk on Champs Elysees is related to their budgets. However, what you will really want to know is that Paris can be accessible if you make the right choices.
Arc de Triomphe in Paris (Creative Commons)
Budget Tips for Paris
There are many things you can do to travel on a lower budget to Paris. For instance, if you choose to book your hotel in advance, you can really reap some great offers. The same thing goes for flights as well, since there are offers that start as low as £30 and even less. Also, you may want to stay away from eating out too often because this can really drain you of a lot of money. There are many small shops and pastry shops that will offer you a taste of France and which are not as expensive as the central-situated restaurants. If you want to pamper yourself, you can do it once and it will be definitely worth it, but if you are on a budget, you may want to stick to that “one time”.
What to See in Paris?
Well, there is little not to see in Paris because everything is spectacular, grand and stunning. Of course, the Champs Elysees and the Tour Eiffel are absolute musts and it is simply not admissible to go to Paris and not take a walk there. But Paris is about much, much more than that. In terms of museums, do not miss out on Louvre and Musee d’Orsay. Remember to inquire beforehand, because there may be certain circumstances under which you can actually visit the Louvre for free.
Eiffel Tower (Creative Commons)
As for churches, whatever you do, do not forget about Notre Dame de Paris and about the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur. Their beauty is bound to amaze you and you will definitely keep them in your head and in your heart for a very, very long time from now on. Also, if you want a bit of history and architectural splendor blended together, go to the Gare d’Orsay. Its haunting feeling and its harmonious architecture will win your heart.
And whatever you do, don’t forget about the palaces! Paris may not be a monarchy any longer, but they do preserve their palaces as if all the great minds of the past would be still living there. Walk on the same pavement stones as Napoleon and Marie Antoinette and you will want to turn back time and live in those ages as well!
