However, costly mistakes lurk around every (picture-perfect) corner. If you hit a snag that sets you back €20, €40, or even €60, well, it still stings.

Related:

• Top budget hotels in Paris
• Best time to visit Paris
• 50 do’s & don’ts in Paris

10 Paris mistakes to avoid on your trip

Here are a few tips for avoiding everyday costly mistakes when visiting Paris, many of which could be applied to visiting other cities in Europe, as well.

1. Buying a bottle of anything at dinner

When dining out in Paris, go for a carafe of wine (cheaper) and water (always free). There’s no need to plunk down €60 for a bottle of wine for a normal dinner, trust me — a €12 carafe will be perfectly fine for the casual wine drinker. Remember, this is France — the wine is good.

And tap water, I insist, is perfectly fine to drink, so don’t splash out on costly Evian (especially when it only costs a euro at the supermarket).

Related: Why you should never buy water in Paris

2. Paying for the hotel’s lackluster breakfast

Why spend €10-€15 for some coffee and croissants? Even with those cute little jars of marmalade, it’s a still a rip. Head to a café or just pick up some pastries at the local bakery and save a significant amount of money each day. The same bakeries are delivering the baguettes and croissants to your hotel — so save by going straight to the source. You might as well get them fresh from the oven!

Most bakeries have a spot where you can stand, mingle with the locals, and enjoy your breakfast. If they don’t, either keep looking around for one that does, eat it outside on a park bench, or head into a cafe where you can order the same thing at the counter.

Plus, you get to practice your French: “Bonjour, un cafe et un croissant, s’il vous plait.”

3. Waiting until the last minute to book

Whether it’s airfare, your hotel, or a TGV train ticket, it’s best to book early. TGV trains, in particular, are much cheaper when they first go on sale three months before the date of departure. Eurostar tickets to London are also cheapest when they go on sale six months in advance.

When should you book that hotel? It’s an oft-discussed topic (and we address it in detail here), and a lot depends on where you’re going and when you’re visiting. If you’re heading to a less visited destination or traveling during a slower period, you could wait and probably score last-minute deals. However, if you’re traveling to Paris during the peak summer or early fall travel season, your best bet is to book in advance (especially if you hope to book a specific hotel). Many of Paris’ best budget-friendly hotels are small properties that are quite popular — and they fill up fast.

Related: 10 best budget hotels in Paris (book early!)

4. Spending silly amounts for a cup of coffee

If you go to the terrace of a really, really nice café like the Café de la Paix (pictured above, facing the Opera Garnier), prepare for a hefty bill. The view might be great, but it’ll cost you — €6 for a cup of coffee, for example, at the Café de la Paix. Those €6 coffees can add up fast!

Instead, consider going around the corner to a smaller, more out of the way café where they’ll charge you €2-3 to sit outside and people watch (or €1 to sip at the counter).

5. Handing over money to anyone on the street

Don’t hand over cash to anyone unless they’re your waiter, taxi driver, tour guide, or selling you something. Anyone who stops you in the street and asks for money is a panhandler or scam artist. Sure, they might sport an official-looking badge or ask you to sign a petition — but they are not working for a charity. They come in all forms — some seem legit, others clearly do not — but handing over cash is a sure-fire way to throw money down the drain.

Oh, and the guys you’ll see playing three-card monte? Or trying the ring trick? No, no — you know it’s a scam, right? Keep on walking.

6. Tipping too much

And in that same vein, don’t tip 15-20%. Please don’t. Servers are paid a respectable salary in France and do not live off of their tips. You’re cheating yourself out of money by giving someone a bonus. That’s not your responsibility. Though a few euros for good service is certainly always appreciated, you don’t need to break out the calculator.

Related: When (and when not) to tip in Paris

7. Changing money at an exchange counter

Don’t ever expect to get a good deal at currency change counters. Almost all will be profiting handsomely off of the transaction by either offering a lousy exchange rate, a hefty service charge, or both. “No service charge!” the sign screams — okay, check out the exchange rate. “Best exchange rate, guaranteed!” its competitor beckons — check out the service charge.

You are better off just hitting the ATM and paying a few dollars in fees to the banks instead of losing out big to the money changers.

8. Ordering fancy drinks without looking at the price

Going out at night can add up quickly if you don’t follow the happy hours (here are my favorite cheapo happy hours). A pint of beer or, especially, a fancy cocktail can set you back €9, €12, even €15 in some places.

If you want a good drink and are willing to spend for it, do some research first on websites like 52 Martinis to make sure you’re going to a place where they know how to make good cocktails!

9. Packing poorly

If I had a dollar for each tourist I’ve known who’s arrived with the wrong clothes or shoes, I’d be on vacation right now. Pack wisely and be prepared for the weather (and yes, it’s okay to pack an umbrella) so that you needn’t spend extra money — and time — buying clothes at Monoprix when you already have the same things back home.

Related: 10 Packing tips for a two-week European jaunt

10. Using your smartphone data

When you turn on your cell phone from back home in Europe, prepare for charges. We have plenty of tips on how to avoid a huge phone bill. In short, get a data plan if you plan to use it abroad and stick to Wi-Fi when possible, or buy a SIM card in Europe to use in your phone including one of these SIM Card deals in France.

Fortunately, Paris has abundant free Wi-Fi networks available to anyone to use. So, turn off your data and settle down in a park or other public space, and look for the “Paris_WI-FI_” network. Now hop on Skype, Facebook or Instagram for free! (Or you could work. But who wants to work? You’re in Paris!)

Share your tips!

What mistakes have you made in Paris that you wish you could go back in time to do over? Let us know so we can help Cheapos have a better (and more affordable) Paris vacation.

The post Paris: 10 costly mistakes that tourists make appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

It’s a weekly ritual for many Parisians, but there’s no reason that the casual tourist can’t stock up on a few snacks or picnic supplies as well.

Here’s our guide on how to tackle the often intimidating world of outdoor food markets, along with a few of our favorite picks.

Related: 50 Ways to save time and money in Paris

Where and when

There are dozens of markets all over the city on different days of the week. It’s best to consult the city’s official guide for the nearest one or check out Secrets of Paris which has extensive listings. They usually open early in the morning, by 7 am and begin closing around 1 pm, though it all depends on the market.

Many shoppers want to head to the famous Raspail Market or to one of the fancy organic markets — but the prices usually keep me away. Instead, head to some of the more budget-friendly ones.

The most popular markets are the Marché d’Aligre open daily except Monday. The covered market attached to the outdoor stalls houses a beer stand, cheese shops, and a specialty olive oil store. The market on Richard Lenoir by Bastille, open on Thursday and Sunday, is enormous and full of every imaginable food product. Real Cheapos will head to the Belleville market on Tuesday and Friday to brave other Parisians looking for some of the cheapest produce around. Here’s a guide to our favorite

Preparing for a trip to the market

Come to the market ready, armed with the necessities. First, don’t come too hungry or else you’ll want to buy too much. Be smart about it!

Do come with enough bags to carry everything home. Markets are still using small colored plastic bags for individual items, but it’s best to have a larger canvas bag or basket to put everything in afterwards. Having ten plastic bags cutting into your fingers is not the lasting impression we want at the market.

Related: 10 Tips for shopping at Paris markets

Also come with spare change. While some market vendors do accept credit card, most prefer cash. It’s best to have lots of loose change to get as close as possible to the right amount, because busy sellers don’t have time to do lots of math when the clients are queuing — but they are really, really good at fast math.

Market etiquette

So once you arrive at the market, where do you begin? I like to do a few laps to spot the items I want, to check out prices, and to enjoy the atmosphere before I start buying. Some merchants will be cutting up pieces of fruit to sample while others will beckon you to their stalls. Be friendly, but don’t feel pressured to buy anything you don’t want.

Related: 10 French phrases to help you save

When you approach a stall to purchase, don’t immediately touch anything. Most of the cheaper markets (read: any that I go to), allow you to choose your own tomatoes and lettuce. You take what you want in a plastic bag and they weigh it, then you pay for all of your items.

Some sellers, however — and you’ll know which ones I am talking about — are a bit fussier. At these more pristine stands, food will be a bit more orderly and the seller will choose for you. It’s normal, and if you see them putting a bad apple in the bag, you can speak up about it. They’ll weigh it and you’ll pay. Just be careful if you’re not aware of how heavy a kilo is. It’s better to say you want a few handfuls of spinach than a kilogram, which may not end up fitting into your shopping bag.

Buying produce

When it comes to the food, there are things to remember. The French are into seasonal eating, so strawberries in February will be costly since they are coming from a greenhouse somewhere. In the springtime, the market sellers are practically giving them away. So look for items that match the season, and also those that were grown in France, which haven’t traveled so far and are thus probably relatively seasonal.

Related: Shopping success at outdoor food markets in France

Of course some items are never grown locally — limes, pineapples, or bananas — so don’t go crazy. Buy what you need, and as little or as much as you want. You can just buy five apples if that’s all you want from a stand. That’s five less that the sellers will have to worry about at the end of the day.

Fresh seafood at a stand at an outdoor market in Paris. Photo: Erica Firment

Other foods

Markets are also full of stalls selling cheese, seafood, eggs, meats, wine, bread, pastries, prepared foods, even pizzas and coffee. Plan on going for lunch and walk away with a baguette, slices of cheese and ham, and a bit of fresh fruit, but bring an extra bag for a few bottles of wine or packages of olives for later.

Again, there’s no reason to buy ten kilograms of cheese. Just get a little slice of two or three cheeses to experience them — the cheese monger will usually indicate how much he or she is going to cut, and you simply say more or less.

Final tip: Shop like a local!

If you are in Paris for a while (or even a few days), try to create a rapport with market vendors you appreciate. My veggie guys always throw in a few extras since I’m a faithful client, and that bit extra helps make the experience that much more enjoyable. Heading to the market is a much better way to engage with Paris than just stopping by Monoprix – and it’ll end up being cheaper! Now let’s get out there and shop. Here are a few of our favorite places…

A guide to the best markets for Cheapos

Marché Bastille
Métro: Bastille or Richard Lenoir
When: Thursday and Sunday, 7 am -2:30 pm

One of the biggest and most popular markets in the city, this is a must-for anyone who wants to stock up on produce with the rest of Paris. Seemingly endless stalls of fruits, vegetables, and cured meats dominate the market, while several stands selling prepared dishes like fresh paella and sandwiches are great lunch options

Marché d’Aligre
Métro: Ledru-Rollin
12th aar
When: Tuesday – Sunday, 9 am -1 pm

A local market that guidebooks made famous, Marché d’Aligre attracts those interested in a more sedate market experience without sacrificing quality — or quantity for that matter. The unique feature is a covered section with specialty products like flowers, olive oil, and craft beer.

Marché de Belleville
Métro: Belleville
When: Tuesday and Friday, 7 am -2:30 pm

In the culturally diverse Belleville, this market is popular among the neighborhood’s many Asian shoppers. Marché de Belleville may not be the most photogenic market, but the cheap prices and plentiful produce make it a solid option for budget seekers.

Marché Barbès
Métro: La Chapelle
When: Wed,  7 am – 1 pm, Saturday,  7 am – 3pm

Marché Barbès has all of the hustle and bustle of a North African souk, so don’t go bother being too polite. Shoppers shove and snake their way through this dense market where you can find random collections of food items — potentially expired butter, for example — but don’t worry, those are just “sell-by” dates. Right?

Marché Maubert-Mutalité
Métro: Maubert-Mutalité,
When: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday,  7 am – 2:30 pm

The Left Bank has markets, too, and this tiny one, not too far from Notre Dame, is one of the oldest. Go to Marché Maubert-Mutalité for the fresh produce and other random goods hawked here, like scarfs or binoculars. The market’s backdrop is a textbook example of French shopping with a boucherie, charcuterie, poissonnerie, fromagerie, and boulangerie all lined up nice and neatly.

The post Paris: Tips for shopping at the best outdoor food markets for Cheapos appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Let’s break down the pass, and try to make it comprehensible. The website, in typical French style, doesn’t make it extremely easy at first glance, but the multiple options aren’t too complicated to follow.

What is the Passlib’?

The Paris Passlib’ is actually a combination of several existing Paris passes into one mega-pass:

• The Paris Visite pass: which offers unlimited access to the Metro and public transportation +

• The Paris Museum Pass: which offers free entry to many of the city’s big museums and galleries +

• The Paris Passlib’ card (the new addition): which covers an hour-long boat cruise and a day-long sightseeing bus tour.

All of these passes are available in 2-, 3-, and 5-day options (see prices below).

There is also another option, the “Passlib’ Mini” that excludes the Paris Museum and the Paris Visite passes, so essentially it’s just a boat ride and a one-day bus tour, plus the chance to upgrade to a visit to the Eiffel Tower  (see below).

Passlib’ prices

The cost of the new Passlib’ varies depending on your age and the duration of the pass. (See all pass options on the Passlib’ website):

Adults:

• Paris Passlib’ Mini – Adult: €40
• Paris Passlib’ 2 Days – Adult: €109
• Paris Passlib’ 3 Days – Adult: €129
• Paris Passlib’ 5 Days – Adult: €155
  + Eiffel Tower (second level): €15 extra

Youth: (EU members: 12-25; non-EU: 12-17 years)

• Paris Passlib’ Mini – Youth: €35
• Paris Passlib’ 2 days – Youth: €65
• Paris Passlib’ 3 days – Youth: €70
• Paris Passlib’ 5 days – Youth: €90
  + Eiffel Tower (second level): €15 extra

Children (4-11 years)

• Paris Passlib’ Mini – Child: €26
• Paris Passlib’ 2 Days – Child: €35
• Paris Passlib’ 3 Days – Child: €39
• Paris Passlib’ 5 Days – Child: €47
  + Eiffel Tower (second level): €15 extra

Skip line at Eiffel Tower

And on top of all of these choices, you can add a €15 supplement to access the Eiffel Tower’s second level without waiting in line. While it seems attractive, remember that another ticket is required to reach the top of the tower, costing an additional few euros.

Usually, tourists can book a time slot to go up the tower in advance, but often dates and times are sold out months in advance, or it ends up raining on the day of your reservation. This addition with the Paris Passlib’ changes all of that.

The verdict?

Is it really worth it? It depends. For a 2-day pass for an adult, at €109 (without the Eiffel Tower), you’ll get the following items, which would normally total roughly €117.15:

• Paris Visite: €18.15/2 days
• Paris Museum Pass: €48/2 days
• Bus tour: €32/day tour
• Boat tour: €14/1 hour tour
• Paris Passlib’ book: (a map) maybe valued at €5.

So you save a bit, but the real question is, did you want all of that?

Paris is an entirely walkable city, and most tourists can get by just fine splitting a carnet (a booklet of 10 Metro tickets) over a few days.

The museum pass for two days will require some intensive museum-going in order to make it worth it, and what if the weather’s great and you just want to picnic or stroll? Also, children under 18 get in free to museums anyway, and the Paris Visite is cheaper for them.

And what about that bus ride? Do you want to sit on a bus for a whole day? If it’s your first time to Paris, maybe, but then to sit on a boat as well? It could be a bit of overkill. Could you just have spent €1.80 on a public bus and toured the city like the locals?

The argument for…

The pass certainly does group everything together in one package, and the addition of the Eiffel Tower line-hop is attractive, as long as too many people don’t purchase this same option.

If money is no issue, the pass is a solid way to prepare a family trip without too much fuss, while ensuring activities for the whole family.

If money is an issue, but you want to pack in as much sightseeing and visits as possible, the card could work in your favor if you plan accordingly: Spend one day on a bus, then two days crisscrossing the city in the Metro to visit the most expensive museums for free. It could work.

The argument against…

For budget travelers looking to really explore Paris, the pass may create a stress to spend time doing things that you may not have wanted to do in the first place. In the interest of “getting your money’s worth,” you may forgo exploring the streets of Paris in order to heap on museums and vehicle tours around town.

Don’t forget that some of the city’s best museums are free (the Carnavalet, the Victor Hugo house) and the boat and bus rides could be overkill for those who like to walk (or take a Velib’ like the locals). In a city where sitting in a café and watching the world go by constitutes an activity in my book – and at only €2-3 for a coffee on a terrace – it’s difficult to consider the pass a great idea.

Final thought

For those seeking the structure and the serenity of a travel pass, the Pass Parislib’ could work well. Just be sure you know why you’re purchasing it and be certain that it will really offer you experiences that you want during your visit to Paris.

The post Paris Tourist Cards: Should you buy the new Paris Passlib’? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are 16 such reasons to visit Paris in 2016, when honestly the cheese and wine should be enough to convince even the most hesitant traveler.

1. UEFA Euro Finals

June 10-July 10, 2016

The football – I mean, soccer – event of the year will take place in Paris, with 24 teams hitting the field for the UEFA Euro Championships. If you don’t care about sports, there’s still something in it for you since David Guetta will be playing a free concert at the Eiffel Tower on June 9th. Yes, free!

2. Disneyland Paris’s first half marathon

September 23-25, 2016

Big news at Disneyland Paris: In addition to closing many attractions for renovations, the theme park will host its first half marathon in September. How will it stack up to the races in the American theme parks? We’ll see…

The Right Bank of the Seine may soon be car-free if the city gets its way. Photo: Chris Chabot

3. Berges of the Rive Droite

After the successful renovations along the Left Bank, the city is looking to pedestrianize the Right Bank as well. This means even more wonderful car-free strolling along the Seine, if all goes well.

4. Art will be in full bloom

There are plenty of exhibits at the city’s many iconic museums from the Louvre to the Pompidou Center. There will be a Contemporary Chinese exhibit at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, while the Impressionists have their turn at the Musée Jacquemart-André (March 18-July 25, 2016). The list goes on and on and on, so it’s best to plan a trip and see for yourself.

Related: A list of free and discounted museums in Paris

5. Les Halles will be finished

I hate predicting things, but according to their timeline, much of the construction around Les Halles will be finished and the new structure should be complete. Since these things tend to take longer than expected, I’m skeptical, but one can hope.

The Ritz in Paris will finally open after renovations in 2016. Photo: Tom Flemming

6. The Ritz will REALLY open

Again, according to their PR team, the Ritz should open in early 2016. While cocktails at the Hemingway Bar might not be on every Cheapo’s list, a visit to the renovated hotel, Chanel’s former haunt, is still a fun thing to do while passing through Place Vendome. (If you need a place to stay that’s a bit more affordable, you can check out EuroCheapo’s 10 favorite budget hotels in Paris.)

7. Divas in concert

Yes, 2016 is the year of the diva in Paris. Concerts featuring some of the world’s best leading ladies will take place this year, including Celine Dion (June/July 2016), Rihanna (July 30, 2016), and Adele (June 10, 2016). Most of the shows sold out in minutes, but expect people to start reselling their seats closer to the dates.

8. Temperatures on the rise

This year was the UN’s global climate conference in Paris, called COP21. But if this summit doesn’t work out and world leaders can’t agree on how to end climate change, we can expect warmer temperatures to be the norm in Paris. Paris Plage might become a year-round thing!

The famous bookshop Shakespeare and Co now has a cozy cafe. Photo: Ib Aarmo

9. Shakespeare and Co. and Bob

The iconic bookstore famous worldwide to English-speakers, Shakespeare & Co. has recently opened a new café next door. Run by Marc Grossman, owner of Bob’s Juice Bar and Bob’s Bake Shop, the café features pies, brownies, cookies, and other fresh pastries to pair with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. With views of Notre Dame just across the river, it’s well worth the visit.

Related: The most enchanting bookstores in Paris

10. Escape the 2016 presidential campaigns

If there is any reason to come to Paris in 2016, it’s to escape the US presidential campaign that will no doubt take over every media outlet (even more than it already has). In Paris, you’ll be able to sit in café, go for a stroll, browse the boutiques, and forget all about who-said-what at the last Clinton-Trump debate (just speculation!).

11. Musicals galore

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s infamous musical “Cats” has been prolonged through July. How can you come to Paris and not hear “Memories” sung by cats… in French? If feline singers aren’t your thing, maybe glamorous monarchs are. “Marie-Antoinette et le Chevalier de Maison-Rouge“, a musical dedicated to Marie Antoinette and one of her alleged trysts, might just do the trick. The cast recording has already been introduced in France, and now the stage show is on its way.

Scooter share may soon be coming to Paris. Photo: Curt Smith

12. Scoot through Paris

You know the Velib’ and the Autolib’, but Paris in 2016 might have its own scooter share. The mayor has the Scootlib’ in mind as a name, but one entrepreneur hopes to introduce his version, called Cityscoot, sometime in 2016. Nothing is confirmed, but it’s a distinct possibility.

13. New Musée de l’Homme

After extensive renovations, the new Musée de l’Homme, located just across the river from the Eiffel Tower, is open for business. It’s dedicated to all sorts of anthropological and cultural discoveries. They even have a new café/restaurant to check out in between sightseeing.

14. Things will get back to normal

The concerts, the film festivals, the races, the July 14th fireworks, the markets—there’s something every month, so there’s really no reason not to come. The tragic events of November 2015 have only made Paris even stronger, and possibly safer.

The beautiful Bataclan music venue plans to reopen in 2016 after the tragic events of November 2015. Photo: here

15. The Bataclan will reopen

Recent news reports have said that the owners of the Bataclan venue will push to reopen in 2016. Following the terrible events at the venue in November, the city won’t be held down. The city’s motto, “Tossed in the waves but never sank“, couldn’t ring more true. No word yet on who may eventually headline the first concert.

16. Because Paris needs YOU

Businesses are urging Parisians to go back to their restaurants and terraces, and back to the way of life that makes this city so great. We’re all urging tourists to do the same. It’s never been so important to come to Paris, to support local businesses, to keep the city moving forward.

Paris needs you to come, to visit its museums and monuments, to eat its macarons and baguettes. 2016 is a pretty good time to start.

The post Paris: 16 reasons you should visit in 2016 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Incorporated into the city of Paris in the late 19th century, Montmartre was a district known for its bohemian spirit and, of course, cheapo liqueur and entertainment. Think absinthe, can-can dancing, and cabarets. It was the spot to be back in the day.

Related:
• The Best budget hotels in Paris
• Free walking tour of artists’ studios in Montmartre

Walking tour of Paris Montmartre

While much of its original bohemian spirit might be hard to find today, the streets of Montmartre are still worth exploring, and we’ve got some of the best budget options to plan out your day. Read on for our walking tour of Paris Montmartre neighborhood.

Getting there and getting started

Getting to Montmartre by the Paris Metro is easy. Either take Metro line 12 to Abbesses to get halfway up the hill, or take Metro line 2 to “Blanche” to start on the main boulevard, lined with the adult shops that give the neighborhood a bit of, well, let’s call it “flare”. Opting for the latter allows you a quick photo op with the Moulin Rouge before heading up rue Lépic.

Note: Avoid getting off the line 2 at Anvers, as this is where most of the buses and tour groups head up.

Climb to religious heights

The Sacre Coeur basilica, officially opened after World War I, is the crowned jewel of the district – it’s hard to miss. The area around the front of it is a buzz of activity as tourists photograph the city below after visiting the inside of the spectacular church (which is free to visit!).

After taking time to visit the church (note that photography inside is not allowed!), get a little perspective on the situation and escape the crowds by climbing the church’s 300 steps to the dome for just €8. The stunning views of the city are well worth the climb and fee.

Browse art on display

At the Place de Tertre, just west of Sacre Coeur, you’ll be confronted by the full brunt of the tourism industry in Montmartre. Waiters at the cafés dress in kitschy get-ups while beckoning you into their eateries to serve escargot and onion soup (no joke). It’s all fine, but far from memorable.

It’s the artists on the square that people come to see – and sometimes with good reason. These artists are vetted by the mayor’s office, which means they’re the real deal, actually producing their own work, sometimes in front of you. OK, it’s very touristy at times, but while some of the art may be a bit too “out there”, some of it is actually worth the often elevated price tags that come with them.

Cheapo tip: Don’t be afraid to negotiate on prices. These guys are prepared for it.

Release your inner designer

Located at the base of the hill dominated by Sacre Coeur, is the Marché Saint Pierre, an often overlooked attraction that is one of our favorite shopping districts in Paris. This giant fabric market is full of every sort of cloth and print imaginable. You don’t need to have a project in mind to wander the rolls and swatches of textiles.

If you need some artistic inspiration, the adjacent Halle Saint Pierre (they like Saint Peter up here) holds temporary art exhibits that are bit edgier and contemporary. Entrance costs €8.50 for exhibits, but the main gallery is free. Either way, it’ll be less crowded than the Louvre, for sure!

Load up on baguettes, sandwiches and decadent pastries at Grenier à Pain. Photo: jean-louis Zimmermann

Paris’s best baguette

When it comes to cheap eats, we love a good baguette sandwich in Paris. Fortunately, in Montmartre, you’ll find the Grenier à Pain (38 rue des Abbesses) which has won the prize for the best baguette in Paris twice. That’s no small accomplishment.

Armed with your sandwich(es) and hopefully a pastry or two, you can picnic in front of Sacre Coeur after making the ascent, or hide away in the green Square Suzanne Buisson by Place Dalida on your way up the top.

Coquelicot bakery has been a Montmartre staple since 1978. Photo: Marko K.

Quick and affordable lunch

For a coffee and croissant, or a simple affordable lunch, Coquelicot bakery is where everyone heads (24 rue des Abbesses). Located on Rue des Abbesses, a street choc-a-block with cafés, note that many of these eating options can be pricey, while the food is only so-so. At Coquelicot, the pastries are pretty spot-on, and we go crazy for Le Tigré, a financier cake full of chocolate ganache.

The lunch menu features omelets and a burger for under €7, and they also have a pretty copious brunch for under €20 — a rarity in Paris these days.

With rooms starting at $120 and excellent user reviews, Hotel des Arts is a cheapo favorite. Photo: EuroCheapo

Stay in the neighborhood

If you want to stay in Montmartre, there are plenty of options. From the Hotel Audran and Hotel des Arts to the lovely Ermitage Sacre Coeur, there are definite perks to staying in the district. It’s accessible to most of the sights in the northern end of the city and is a quick metro ride on line 12 to the center to reach the Louvre, the Latin Quarter, and other attractions. (See all recommended budget hotels in Montmartre.)

Even though Montmartre has scrubbed up a bit since its days as an artists’ haven, there are still plenty of quaint streets and cute areas to discover during a day wandering this historic district.

Your favorite Montmartre spots

Do you love exploring Montmartre? Tell us your favorite spots in the comments section below!

The post Paris: How to spend a perfect (cheapo) day in Montmartre appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If I could do it all again, however, there are a few things I wish I had known that could have made my first Paris experience a little richer.

So if you are going to Paris for the first time, heed my words. My mistakes are for your benefit. Along with these 50 do’s and don’ts and rookie mistakes, here are tips based on my experience to keep in mind when visiting Paris.

1. Parisians are people too

Parisians aren’t Martians: Parisians were always some sort of mythical people to me before coming to this city. They were classy, elegant, cultured — nothing like me.

Now I realize that, in fact, Parisians are just as clumsy, sloppy and ignorant as the rest of us. I am so much more comfortable now that I know.

Related: 5 Things to relax about before coming to Paris

2. The city is more than just the Eiffel Tower

The city extends beyond the Latin Quarter and Saint Germain: This one might just be me, but I had a very limited geographical view of Paris. Anything beyond the center was suburbs. Even as an exchange student, I remember finding the Canal Saint Martin once and feared I had left the city limits. If I knew how big the city was, I might have explored more. I’ve since made up for the lost time.

3. Walking tours offer orientation

I should have booked a walking tour. I don’t think I ever did a proper walking tour in Paris — funny now considering I give them. The orientation would have really helped me make sense of the city. Taking a tour would definitely be on my list of things to do if I were in Paris for the first time again.

Related: 11 Specialty tours in Paris worth booking

4. Café culture needs to be experienced

Sitting in a café alone is no issue: As a newbie in Paris, I thought only cool people sat alone at cafés. I had no clue about Parisian café etiquette. You just don’t do it in the US. Dining alone? What’s wrong with you? I would have spent more time reading or just people watching, had I known. I wasted so much time looking for benches to sit on when I could have just bought a coffee for €2.

5. Learn at least a few French words

I should have paid attention in French class: I took about four years before visiting Paris for the first time, and I couldn’t understand a word. I know I was young and naive when I studied French, but if you’re a bit older and wiser, heed my warning. Pay attention and get a few bits of language down. It makes all the difference. Bonjour, merci, au revoir…

Related: 10 French phrases to help you save during your trip

6. Everything tastes better from local markets

The supermarket is not the only place to buy food. I distinctly remember buying butter and onions at the supermarket, and not much else. Had I known how fresh and affordable the veggies at the outdoor markets were, I would have eaten healthier.

To that end, I wish I knew that specialty shops are not all that more expensive. I was afraid of the cheese monger. The butcher was a no-go zone. The baker couldn’t understand me when I said, “baguette.” Life was tough for a student in Paris so many years ago. But now I know (and speak) better. Specialty shops are not much more expensive than grocery stores, and what’s more, the products are better. I’ll never buy cheese from Franprix again.

7. Good wine is really affordable

I also would have liked to know that €3 wine is not exceptional. It was a revelation. I wish I hadn’t spent so many years drinking really mediocre bottles of wine thinking I was getting a deal.

Related: 6 tips for buying wine in Paris

8. Know a bit of Parisian history

I wish I knew some history before arriving. I came to Paris knowing what I saw in the movies, which isn’t much. Why are all of these buildings important? Why did Paris become such a major capital? Who were the famous people living here? I knew nothing. I’ve since overcompensated, and my friends hate me for sharing stores about King Henri IV while walking down the street. But at least I can now put the city and its attractions into a context, which I find gratifying.

9. It can be hard to share stories back home

Other people won’t understand what it’s like here if they’ve never visited: I remember coming back from Paris and not being able to share my experience with anyone. It was even worse after studying abroad. I thought my friends and family would be enamored with my stories.

But no. No one really cared because no one around me had been to Europe. Travel is a very personal thing, and only others who traveled would understand that. I know that now. I wouldn’t have wasted so much time trying to tell people how cool Paris was, which ended up sounding like I was just trying to justify my own experiences. Silly Bryan.

Your advice for first-timers?

Is there anything you would have liked to know before coming to Paris? Share your stories in the comments below.

The post Paris: 9 things I wish I had known before my first trip appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Even with a stronger dollar, very few made-in-France goods are really “affordable” to begin with. Even Parisians pay an arm and a leg for some of these fashionable and sweet-smelling products so associated with the French capital.

So before you start compiling a list of all the très Français items you wish to stock up on, here’s a sanity check to keep your expectations — and your budget — in line. After all, it might just be cheaper to buy these at home!

1. Luxury bags and accessories

Whether it’s a Chanel clutch or a Louis Vuitton handbag, people come to Paris, the heart of it all, to stock up on these luxury goods. The problem? They’re not really much cheaper here than back at home. It’s just more fun to say, “I got this in Paris.”

Budget option: If you do stock up on some of these fancy items during your trip and you’re not a citizen of the European Union, don’t forget to get a tax refund. That alone can make these items much more affordable. However, note that you must spend a minimum amount during your trip.

2. Fashion

Same goes for the clothes. Yes, designers are a dime a dozen in Paris, but that doesn’t mean their goods are any less expensive. Things might actually be cheaper at home from a department store during a sale. Visit the Gaultier and Givenchy shops, but don’t expect to leave with any steals. Even during the twice-annual sales (“soldes”), their prices aren’t going to budge too much.

Budget options: Try a vintage shop, maybe, and even then you’re still not guaranteed a good price. Also, follow our cheapo-friendly fashion itinerary, buy your lingerie for less here, and if all else fails, pick up high-end designers for less at these big chains.

3. Perfume

The perfume capital of the world, tourists so often think that fragrances for men and women flow freely from Paris, but that’s not the case. Your best bet is to wait until you pass through the duty free shop at the airport (although, to be sure, it is much less elegant!). What you will find in Paris’s perfumeries are some more unique scents that aren’t available in department stores in the US. Very cool, but again, no deals to be had.

Budget option: You could just stop for free samples along the Champs-Elysées or visit the free Perfume Museum.

4. Champagne

Another luxury item, Champagne isn’t starkly cheaper in Paris than back home. Bottles still run €40, €50 and €60 depending on the brand – not much cheaper than what you can find in America. Granted, the selection is far greater, so it’s definitely a different experience.

Budget option: For a much more budget-friendly (and still exquisite) option, consider trying some of the French crémant, any bubbly white wine not issued from Champagne. Some of it is really, really good, and quite affordable. Read more wine-buying tips.

Prepare to shell out many euros for a classic French meal like this one at Chez Michel. Photo: Kent Wang

5. Quality French fare

This is France! French food should be cheap, right? Not always. If you are looking for a good, quality, authentic French meal, you might have to open your wallet a little wider. Classic bistros, formerly local places with homey, traditional cooking, are becoming rarer as they’re replaced with less authentic options that heat up pre-made meals. Meanwhile, most of the remaining old-fashioned gems have gotten expensive. (Of course if you’re happy for a bit of frozen duck heated in the microwave, you can still find that for cheap.)

Budget option: Try one of these prix-fixe deals from a classic bistro at lunch time or be prepared to splurge a bit for a nice dinner.

6. Flea market finds

Talking about shopping at the “puces” (flea markets) in Paris conjures up images of finding tiny treasures for mere euros. To be fair, there is a lot of cheap stuff at the flea market, but probably the stuff you’d actually want will take some serious digging. Furthermore, it can get quite pricey at the markets, especially since certain halls cater to high-end antiques and oddities that cost thousands of euros.

Budget option: You might want to check out the Marché Vernaison, which tends to have more affordable objects, before wandering too far into the rest of the market. Also, follow these tips for flea market success.

7. High kicking entertainment

The can-can! The cabaret! Paris is just lousy with dance halls dating back to the 19^th century where topless women dance and merriment abounds. Yes, that’s all true, but it’s not cheap.

Tourists looking to take in a show at the Moulin Rouge are often surprised by the €90+ price tag. While it’s not insanely expensive (have you seen Broadway ticket prices recently?), it’s just not what many travelers might be expecting. You’ve been warned. A night out can-can ruin your budget!

Your budget surprises?

Have you been surprised by any other prices while visiting Paris? Share with us in our comments section below!

The post Paris: 7 popular items that cost more than you think (and simple ways to save on them) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Depending on where you are in Paris and how nice the restaurant is, you can find prix fixe lunch menus ranging from around €14 all the way up to €40. You can also encounter a range of quality—it’s possible to find a great meal for under €20, as well as a lackluster one for much more.

Here are some tried-and-true prix fixe options that are guaranteed to be delicious as well as affordable.

Robert et Louise: €14 for 2 courses

64, Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003
3rd arrondissement
Website
Metro: Saint Paul or Hotel de Ville

Nestled into the picturesque Rue Vieille du Temple in the trendy Marais, Robert et Louise is probably one of the best lunchtime deal around. Choose from a variety of appetizers like escargot or sausage and two featured main courses like beef ribs or duck confit for the incredibly reasonable price of €14. Then walk around the Marais to digest!

Related: A Cheapo Day in the Marais

Le Pré Verre is one of the best deals in Paris. Photo: Ming-yen

Le Pré Verre: €26 for 2 courses, wine & coffee

8 rue Thénard 75005
5th arrondissement
Tel: +33143545947
Metro: Maubert-Mutualité or Cluny-La Sorbonne

In the lovely Latin Quarter, Le Pré Verre boasts one of the best prix fixe deals in town. For €26, you’ll get a starter, a main, a glass of wine and a coffee to finish it off. The chef here is praised for his work and ever-changing creative menu options.

A La Bière: €14.50 for 3 courses

CLOSED

104 ave Simon-Bolivar, 75019
19th arrondissement
Tel: +33142398325
Metro: Bolivar or Colonel Fabien

Update: Unfortunately, the restaurant has closed.

Chez Marie Louise: €14 for 3 courses

11 Rue Marie et Louise, 75010
10th arrondissement
Website
Metro: Goncourt

Come to Chez Marie Louise for a tasty three-course meal and then have a stroll around the lovely neighboring Canal St-Martin. There are a couple tables outside if you’d like to enjoy the weather, otherwise, the inside is cozy and sunny. Food is classically French with a modern twist.

Related: Cheap hotels in Canal-St-Martin

Café Constant: €17 for a worthy splurge

139 rue Saint-Dominique 75007
7th arrondissement
Website
Metro: École Militaire

Okay, so Café Constant is a little more expensive than the other selections, but it’s well worth it. Spend a few extra euros for a truly amazing and classically French meal. You can choose a main course with a starter or dessert. With romantic decor, an amazing location near the Eiffel Tower and decadent food, this is the ultimate prix fixe experience.

The post Paris Lunch Deals: 5 tasty and affordable set menus appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Many of the French capital’s cheapo-friendly hotels have upped the style stakes recently, refurbishing their lobbies and rooms and adopting a decidedly dapper feel. Here are just a few polished picks from our list of Paris hotels.

Mama Shelter

109, rue de Bagnolet
Neighborhood: Père Lachaise-Belleville
Doubles: €89 to €199

Want real style bang for your buck? Then look no further than this award-winning hotel designed by Philippe Starck. Slick rooms decked out in Starck’s signature tongue-in-cheek style feature iMacs, free Wi-Fi and microwaves, making Mama Shelter a no-brainer for those looking for a complete boutique hotel experience.

While it’s definitely not central, this neighborhood exudes hipster cool and is near the Père Lachaise cemetery and many of the city’s hottest new-wave bistros. Besides, with its swank restaurant menu created by Michelin-starred chef Alain Senderens, a laid-back little pizzeria, a hip cocktail bar featuring international DJs and a roof-top lounge, not to mention the free in-room movies and video games, you may never get back out the door.

Sleek, chic and boutique, the Jeff Hotel is an affordable option in a neat part of the ninth arrondissement. Photo by EuroCheapo.

Jeff Hotel

53, rue Richer
Neighborhood: Grand Boulevards
Doubles: €70 to €110

It’s tough to beat this small 2-star hotel for its prime location near l’Opéra Garnier. Most of the rooms have been remodeled in pleasing shades of warm gray, dusty purple and muted putty. Hardwood floors, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and sleek baths give these rooms, some with spectacular views, an attractive, modern feel.

The Pink Hotel brings boutique style dressed up in, you guessed it, pink! Photo provided by the hotel.

Pink Hotel

20 bis, rue Dugommier
Neighborhood: Gare de Lyon
Doubles: €69 to €389

Recently renovated, this small boutique hotel offers 15 modern, clean rooms with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, toiletries in the bathrooms and yes, tasteful pink accents throughout. A large elevator, air conditioning and a breakfast room round out the amenities you’ll find at this friendly spot a stone’s throw from the Bastille and Gare de Lyon train station.

Note: Although the Pink Hotel’s rates fluctuate wildly, it’s often possible to book a room for under €100

Fresh, funky rooms come decked out with kitchenettes at Le 300, which overlooks the lovely Viaduc des Arts. Photo by EuroCheapo.

Le 300

11, rue Moreau
Neighborhood: Bastille
Doubles: €84 to €135

Another pick not far from the Bastille area is this gem of a hotel offering guests the convenience of in-room kitchenettes and the trendiness of a boutique-style atmosphere. Rooms, or “studios” as they’re called, are decorated in fun, vibrant colors, with modern furnishings and views on the elevated Viaduc des Arts garden. The bright breakfast room, with its outdoor patio in summer months, also has a view of this pretty, tree-studded park. The location, while not central when looking at a map, is actually very convenient, with access to three different Métro lines.

At the Grand Hotel Leveque, you can find comfortable, affordable rooms without sacrificing style. Photo by EuroCheapo.

Grand Hôtel Lévêque

29, rue Cler
Neighborhood: Near the Eiffel Tower
Doubles: €95 to €170

This solid value-for-money sleep is undergoing a floor-by-floor facelift. For a stylish stay, opt for the “Superior” rooms, with their voguish wallpaper and luxe furnishings. Bathrooms feel spa-like with complimentary toiletries and a pleasant, modern aesthetic. The reception and breakfast room are equally sleek. For a left-bank base close to the Eiffel Tower, this place, on a charming market street, is a bargain-seeker’s winner.

Want more?

Check out our guide to cheap hotels in Paris for clean, quality, cheapo-friendly hotels and hostels reviewed by our experts. If you’ve got questions, or even your own recommendations, feel free to leave a comment below.

The post Paris: 5 Budget hotels with boutique style appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here’s our handy cheat sheet for what you can expect to pay for some basic items in Paris, as well as tips for finding a cheaper alternative.

Cup of coffee: €2.50+

While a simple espresso generally will cost around €2.50-€3 when sipped seated at a café, anything fancier (latte, café crème, etc.) is going to tack on an extra euro or more in price. Cafés in central Paris also increase their prices for other basic items because they know tourists will pay.

When grabbing a coffee at a touristed café (or any café, for that matter), stand at the bar with the locals and pay half the price. For a leisurely café experience, why not venture to a spot along the Canal St. Martin in the 11th arrondissement where prices should be more reasonable?

Ticket to the Louvre: €15 (at museum) or €17 (online

That full-price admission ticket for the Louvre’s permanent collections doesn’t even include the €6 audio guide.

For a cheaper alternative, visit the museum on Wednesday or Friday evening from 6 PM to 9:45 PM for €6 and download the free Louvre app from the Apple store before you go. Better yet, aim for the first Sunday of the month when museum admission is free (although crowds can be a problem later in the day).

Many other museums also offer reduced rates for evening admission and most participate in the free first Sundays.

Lunch at a restaurant: €15+

Even at lunchtime, a main course at a moderately-priced restaurant in a touristy neighborhood will probably run upwards of €15 — and that doesn’t account for wine or other beverages.

Instead, pick up a prepared sandwich at a boulangerie for about €5 or go for the “formule” that includes a sandwich, dessert, and drink for €5-€7. For a really cheap alternative, pick up a €1 baguette, a €3 bottle of supermarket wine (still tasty even though it’s so cheap!), and some cheese and find a spot for a picnic.

Pint of beer in a bar: €6

Even when compared to New York or London, I find alcohol to be pretty expensive in Paris at even the diviest of bars.

However, in supermarkets, it’s fairly cheap. Since drinking in public is legal in most places in Paris (and even in places where it isn’t, most cops will turn a blind eye if you’re discreet about it), you can opt for a less expensive night out by picking up a bottle of wine or a couple of beers at the nearest Franprix and finding a place to sit along the Seine.

If you do want to order a beer at a bar, try a pint of French-made 1664. But to really feel like a local, ask for “un seize” (meaning “16” – the first part of the beer’s name in French).

Add your tips

How have you kept your expenses low in Paris? Have some tips to share? Please add them in our comments section below!

The post Paris Prices: What you can expect to pay—and how to pay less appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.