Does anyone have some budget minded tips, or intersting out of the ordinary things to do. I'm there in a couple of weeks w/ my teen daughter for a long weekend. We're staying at a 5* on Champs Elysees. We are totally on a budget but happened to get our hotel really cheap!! We were thinking of doing the major touristy thing and taking a city tour as an overview and using the rest of out time rechecking out thing. Also, what does one carry around town to hold cameras, snacks etc. I thought just a small backpack would be good as i was steering away from the ol' fannypack!!<BR>Thanks for anything anyone can throw my way!!<BR>

We always take a backpack for cameras or a change of clothes if we are daytripping. It also allows you to take along ponchos or umbrellas as well & store any purchases you might make along the way. Go to the Eiffel Tower first thing in the morning (before the tour buses), precede that by having breakfast on the 'Rue Cler'. Use the metro for transport as it is only about $1 US each time you get on (including transfers) & is very easy. I would skip the tour & explore myself. For a long weekend I would probably skip the Louvre as that can be very time consuming & instead hit the Marmottan or some of the smaller museums. The plastic 'Art Smart/Sense' maps (I think they are called) are very good as they indicate all tourist spots & metro spots & are of course waterproof. They can be found @ all major bookstores. Of course stop by the Arc & Notre Dame as well.

Hi,<BR>I was wondering how you got a 5* hotel for cheap in Paris?<BR>I would love to know!

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When in a city for a short stay I really recommend bus top tour (especially with live commentary) to get an overview and then revisit places. At least you get a feel for the place. My favorites for a short stay would be Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Musee Rodin, Cluny and certainly a walk around the Seine & Blvd St Michel - be sure to stop for a fantastic New York Sundae at Cafe de la Depart at St Michel & Seine (also a great pizza restaurant across the street). Another area that's a lot of fun is the Marais. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

For cheap hotel deals even in Paris try www.wotif.com and choose Paris - see what they come up with. <BR>

I agree with Nancy's suggestions, but, I would add, visit Sainte Chapelle. So many people overlook this wonder. Sainte Chapelle is very near Notre Dame, and is probably the most beautiful site you will see in Paris, which says volumes. My other suggestion, is to make time to see this beautiful city after dark. One of the most beautiful vantage points is the courtyard of the Louvre. From there, you can see the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomph, and the Champs Elys&eacute;es. The admission to Sainte Chapelle is minimal, the view is free. <BR>We (my husband) always carrys a backpack with the camera,umbrella, etc. However, he puts the "important" things, passport, credit card, in a more secure place, such as his jacket pocket, or a waist pack. Hope this helps, enjoy your trip in this beautiful city!!!

nothing is cheap in Paris. stay in your 5* hotel and look outside the window to amuse yourself in a CHEAP way.

Mia mia mia, you need advice on what to use for carrying your "cameras, snacks, etc."? Well, maybe you should do what AHA suggested and just stay in the hotel.

THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT INFO SO FAR!! VERY USEFUL INFORMATION...EXCEPT FOR THE ONE ABOUT STAYIN IN MY ROOM....HAHA...NIIIICE!!!!!<BR>I HAVE A FULL ZONE METRO PASS, IS IT PRETTY EASY TO GET INTO THE CITY FROM CDG???<BR>

The big department stores (Printemps and Galleries Lafayette) have nice cafeterias where you can have a good lunch for modest amount.<BR><BR>The department stores are also great for views. The observatory atop La Samaritaine, just a few blocks east of the Louvre is particularly excellent. The others also have rooftop decks.<BR><BR>If you can budget a side trip, take the commuter train to Versailles. The tour is very well worth it, particularly the more expensive one that takes you to many more rooms.<BR><BR>Enjoy.<BR>

Ok, 36 hours before blast off. It looks like we'll have a little bit of rain. A couple of quick questions. As far as blues/jazz, is there anywhere you could take a mature 14 year old. And also, if you could pick one restuarant to try, what would it be??<BR>THX ALL !!

Don't know if there is an age requirement but I really enjoyed Caveau de la Huchette on rue de la Huchette in the 5th. The night I went they had jazz and swing music. Fun just to watch the dancing.<BR><BR>For a good "cheap" restaurant try Cafe du Marche at the corner of Champs du Mar at rue Cler. Good variety, good prices, good people watching.