Budget Vacations: Paris vs. New York

New York City’s streets are packed with visitors and, if our Forums are any indication, Paris remains an unfailingly attractive vacation option. While you could easily spend a month’s mortgage in one night in either one of these two culture capitals, many of both cities’ most pleasurable experiences are priceless.

5 Fun and Free Things to Do in NYC

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for a spectacular view of the East River and seaport. Do it before October 13 for a chance to see the New York City Waterfalls exhibit.| Rate this free experience
Educate thyself with a summer performance at Shakespeare in the Park. | Explore Central Park
Explore MoMa on Friday between 4 and 8 PM, when the entry fee is waived. | Rate this free experience
Ride the Staten Island ferryto see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the southern tip of Manhattan from the water. | Rate this free experience
Marvel at Grand Central Terminal’s spectacular main concourse; the ceiling painted with night-sky constellations is one of the city’s treasures. | Rate this free experience

Talk travel in the Forums: What is your favorite free thing to do in New York City?

5 Fun and Free Things to Do in Paris

Get a feel for Paris past and present at the Musée Carnavalet, where you can see a collection of old signs, relics from bars and cafés, and paintings of what the city looked like before it was fully developed. | Rate this free experience
See a free concert during Paris Plage, in late summer, when free nightly pop and rock concerts fill the quays of the Seine with music.
Walk the poetic streets of St-Germain as you become what Parisians call le flâneur: “one who strolls or loiters.” | Explore St-Germain
Park yourself for some people watching at Jardin Luxembourg, which even has some handy reclining chairs for your enjoyment. | Rate this free experience
Take in some fine photography at the Maison Européene de la Photographie, a perennial favorite for pros and amateur photographers alike, which is open free on Wednesdays from 5 to 8. | Rate this free experience