Making the Most of Your Euros in Paris

Making the Most of Your Euros in Paris

Paris has never been cheap and we know you're going to be looking for some tips on how not to break the bank. Who better to ask than travelers on www.Fodors.com Travel Talk forums?

Get Around Wisely

Paris is definitely a walking city—take the opportunity to learn the word flâneur (one who strolls)—but when your feet get tired, take the métro or bus instead of a taxi.

"We bought a book at a newspaper stand that had all of the bus routes in it. Very easy to use and it saved us so much time. We also bought the carnet of tickets at metro station. Metro is also great but we wanted to see things outside." —Tdudette

Think with Your Stomach

There are so many ways to eat well in Paris but still save money: eat picnics, spend your restaurant euros at lunch instead of dinner, have your latté at the counter instead of at a table.. You'll save money and probably have a more authentic Parisian experience, too.

"Never buy bottle water at a restaurant: ask for tap water. Lots of savings there." —4totravel

"I would second the suggestion to reste au comptoir' in a cafe, vs. sitting at a table. You will save a few coins, and it's a great experience." —petitepois

"There are a number of sandwich shops that sell wonderful sandwiches (goat cheese, tomato, lettuce, and a variety of meats) for takeout for about 4 euros. Pick one up and have a picnic in the park." —FrankS

"I think my big meals of the day will be late lunches and the plat du jour, but most certainly I will go to a couple of nice dinners, within reason." —mahya

Save money on lodging. Why not rent an apartment instead of shelling out large sums on a hotel? The built-in perk is the money you'll save if you use the kitchen—even just for breakfast. And if you do opt for a hotel, choose your neighborhood with budget in mind.

"People will get much more for their money by staying away from the exact center of the city. It is all very well to want to see the Eiffel Tower from your hotel window or to be a 5-minute walk from the Louvre or Notre-Dame, but that adds a lot of money to the travel expenses." —kerouac

"Having breakfast and snacks at home [in your rented apartment] will also save quite a bit." —nytraveler

Note that the jury's still out on whether a Museum Pass will save you money—but everyone agrees it'll save you time because with it, you don't have to wait in lines.

"A two-day pass will cost you 30EUR . If you plan on visiting more than 3 or 4 places in the two days, you will break even. Even if you don't break even, (in my opinion) the advantage is you get to skip the long lines."—Dejais 04/08