Paris On a Budget
The Louvre, Paris
The city is one of the largest metropolitan areas in Europe, with over 2 million people living in the central city and more than 12 million in the entire metropolitan area. A large part of the city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are world famous monuments and landmarks throughout. It's also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world with about 45 million tourists every year.
Paris's climate is oceanic and relatively mild. The summer months are warm, with average temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees C (60 to 80 F). Spring and fall are mild, but temperatures can be somewhat unpredictable. The winter months can be overcast and cold, but daytime temperatures are usually above freezing. Snow is rare but does happen occasionally.
Sights
While there are no shortage of sights in Paris, do not over organize your visit. The city's atmosphere is something to be experienced. If you find yourself rushing from one attraction to the next, then you will miss what Paris is really about. Make a point of walking between destinations and popping into shops or stores that strike your fancy along the way.The most famous sights in Paris are, of course, the Eiffel Tower, as well as the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the Catacombs, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Pantheon. And with a huge number of art museums, it's not hard to just spend all of your time admiring paintings, but there's more to see of course. Paris is also a city of gardens and wandering on foot allows you to see the neighborhoods in detail.
Neighborhoods
Paris is divided into 20 districts, or arrondissements. They are numbered 1 through 20 and form a clockwise spiral from the city center. Kilometre Zero is Notre Dame, which is at the very center of the spiral. It's is best to pick up a map before you arrive in town, or get one at one of the tourist information centers around town. They are also available at most hotels.Activities
As a large, cultural city, there is really no shortage of activities that you can enjoy during your time in Paris. There are almost always shows, concerts and events going on around town. And if you only have 3 days in Paris, other than visiting the landmarks mentioned above, you should spend some time getting to know the city and its events. Some of the most famous events in Paris include Fashion Week, Chinese New Year, the Six Nations Rugby Tournament, the French Tennis Open, La Fete Nationale, Gay Pride, Bastille Day, and Rock en Seine. Finally, here's a great list of things to do if you have 4 days in Paris.Another popular activity for families is to drive to Disneyland Paris. Here, kids will experience the French version of the American dreamland with plenty of rides, shows, and fun. It's only an hour or so outside of Paris.
Food and Dining
French food is some of the best in the world, and you will find no shortage of options in Paris. If you're on a particularly tight budget, eat a nice meal out at lunch and plan for a picnic dinner. And check out these strategies for saving money on food in Paris, too.You can enjoy a "business man's" lunch which includes a soup or salad, an entree, and a dessert, all for a reasonable price of around 10 to 15 Euros. It's a great way to sample multiple dishes and try some unique French dishes without blowing your budget. Then you can go to the local market and pick up some fresh fruit or produce as well as French cheese and some wine to enjoy a nice dinner picnic as you watch the city light up at night. If money is less of a concern for you, then enjoy dinner out as well, and make sure you sample some of the more unique and exotic French delicacies that are available at some of the nicer restaurants.
Paris is full of a diverse set of restaurants, with everything from traditional French food to modern cuisine, to streetside cafes. Also, you can find some amazing Vegan restaurants in Paris. The city of light offers something for everyone.
Transportation
You can book train tickets to or from Paris connecting to most cities in Europe. Or, you can buy a France Country Pass from Eurail to save money if you plan to make multiple trips around the country, or the rest of Europe.Paris is served by several international airports: Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais-Tille, all of which provide flights to and from destinations all over the world.
Larger bus companies also run from Paris to other major cities around Europe.
Getting Around Paris
Make sure you spend some time walking around Paris. You can cross much of the city in a few hours and the views and diversity of neighborhoods are well worth the effort. If you're hoping to see more sights in a shorter amount of time, then the metro is a good option. It's best to avoid taking the metro for two or less stops though, because you could cover the distance on foot in about the same amount of time.The metro stations are marked with a large "M" sign. There are 16 lines and trains arrive every few minutes. The metro can get crowded during rush hour, but the train frequency does increase to help accommodate the situation.
It's possible to rent a bike in Paris and this can be a fun way to explore the city. It's best to have at least some biking experience though, because navigating the city can be a little tricky. Paris continues to add amenities for bikers, but the traffic can still be challenging.
If you can't efficiently reach your destination by metro, then the bus is a good alternative. It's a complicated system, but is, in general, tourist friendly. There are electronic displays on each bus that tell you where you are and what stops remain. This can be very helpful if you're unfamiliar with the city.
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