The City of Light might be Europe’s most visited destination, but it doesn’t need to be the most expensive. Below you’ll find tips for saving on every aspect of your trip, updated in April 2025.

From getting in from the airport to saving on hotels, shopping, and eating out, we’re ready to help you save. On y va!

EuroCheapo’s Paris budget travel guide

Saving on hotels

At EuroCheapo, we’re passionate about affordable accommodations in Europe. Our founding mission has been to help readers find great, inexpensive places to sleep that will also get them closer to the local culture.

Our Paris hotel guide includes more than 100 hotel recommendations (including our favorite cheap hotels in Paris). In the meantime, here’s some quick advice to get you started:

Super cheap hotels in Paris don’t have to equal a boring stay. Just take a look at these guestroom views from Hotel Rivoli as proof! Photo: EuroCheapo

1. Save on transit by sleeping in a central neighborhood

Considering that it’s a world capital, Paris is a fairly compact city. If you have a central starting point, you can get to most of the city’s main sights by foot or a quick Metro ride. The city is divided into 20 districts, called “Arrondissements.”

Numbering starts with the first arrondissement in the center of town, which includes the Louvre, and spirals clockwise out. Here’s a map, in case you need help visualizing it. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central arrondissement, perhaps sticking to 1-9 (possibly skipping the 8th, which is a bit more far-flung and can get pricey).

Choosing a hotel in these neighborhoods (especially near the Louvre, in the Marais, in the Latin Quarter, near the Eiffel Tower, and near the Opéra) will put you in the center of the city. You’ll save on transportation, especially at night, when you would be otherwise tempted to hop in a taxi or Uber to get home.

2. Don’t mind a commute? Save by staying outside the center

That said, if you don’t mind taking the Metro to and from your hotel, you certainly can find cheaper hotels if you’re willing to stay a bit outside of the center of town. The Metro snakes through the entire city, so you’re never really a long ride from one side of Paris to the other.

One of the most convenient lines, Line 1, slices through the center of Paris and comes every two minutes. It’s also fully automated, so it isn’t affected by strikes, which happen frequently in Paris and can shut down the other lines. So, you could stay in an arrondissement like the 11th between Bastille and Nation, which will be cheaper than a more central neighborhood, but you’ll still be able to commute quickly to the center.

3. Don’t be afraid of these super cheap hotels

Some great Paris hotels are really, really cheap (like the Rivoli, pictured above). Many of these are inexpensive because they’ve kept things simple — some haven’t even added TVs to the rooms.

But don’t let that scare you: the simplicity of these hotels doesn’t mean that they are unsafe or uncomfortable. Rather, they give you a great place to stay while saving for the rest of your trip.

• Read more ways to save on hotels in Paris and how to save on hotels in France.

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Getting around

Paris is a big city, with hot spots that aren’t always situated around the corner from your hotel. Here’s how to get to where you need to go, cheaply.

Boarding the RoissyBus at Place de l’Opera, heading for CDG. Photo: Alexandre

4. Take public transit in from Charles de Gaulle airport

If you’re taking a long-haul flight to Paris (especially from the U.S.), you’re probably landing in the Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG). To make the 23 km trek into Paris, you have several options.

If I’m alone or just with one traveling partner, I usually take the RER train or a bus to save on cash (although not everyone at EuroCheapo agrees with me on this point). Here’s some more info on both of these options:

• Take the RER B (regional train)

It can be a bit of a grim entry to the city, but the RER takes 25-50 minutes (depending on your destination and whether or not you get an express train) and costs €13. There’s no need to reserve in advance — you can buy your ticket from one of the many machines that line the walls at the RER station attached to the airport.

These trains stop in Paris at the Gare du Nord, Châtelet Les Halles and St-Michel Notre Dame, among other stops. From here you can transfer to the Metro or possibly just walk to your hotel. (Note: Hold onto your RER tickets! You’ll need them to exit the RER and not being able to fish it out of your pocket is a lousy way to start your vacation! Not that I’ve been there…)

• Take a bus to central Paris

The “RoissyBus” is operated by the city, costs €13 per person, and takes about an hour. It departs from most terminals at CDG and drops you off at its main stop at the Place de l’Opéra.

Buses leave from CDG to Place de l’Opéra every 15 minutes from 6 am to 8:45 pm and every 20 minutes from 8:45 pm to 12:30 am. To get back to the airport, buses leave Place de l’Opéra every 15 minutes from 5:15 am to 8 pm, every 20 minutes from 8 pm to 10 pm, and every 30 minutes from 10 pm to 12:30 am.

5. Be careful with taxis from the airport

Yes, many people do take taxis in from the airport. It will cost you dearly (around €50-70 for a basic car, plus tip and luggage surcharge) and take about an hour, depending on your destination. But wait, there’s more! Extra charges will be added for driving during morning rush hour and on Sundays and holidays.

If you have a small group of people, however, the fare can be worth it. They’re also regulated and trustworthy, so you can feel safe and won’t get scammed (beyond the already high price). Here’s how to save on cabs from the airport and our guide for using Uber in Paris.

6. In general, avoid taxis for short distances around Paris

The starting fare for a taxi in Paris is €7. Thus, if you’re just going a short distance, hoof it or hop on a bus or Vélib’.

7. Buy a multipack or travel pass for Metro and bus tickets

Metro and bus tickets cost €2-2.50 each. We recommend buying a 10-pack, or a “carnet” (pronounced “car-nay”), to save money. Paper tickets are being phased out, so purchase the 10-pack in paperless form and load them onto your Navigo Easy pass. The 10-pack costs €17.35 for adults and €8.65 for children. Alternatively, you can buy a 5-day visitor pass that offers unlimited access to metro, buses, trains, and more for €76.25 per adult and €38.10 per child.

Note: the Navigo Easy pass currently only works on the Metro lines, so if you need to take an RER to go farther outside of Paris (e.g. Versailles, Giverny, or Disney Paris), you’ll need to ask an agent at the ticket counter for the right ticket.

8. Use CityMapper or Bonjour RATP instead of Google Maps

Google Maps is useful for getting around, as it will calculate routes that include Metro and RER options. However, it does not update quickly when one of the Metro lines is stopped or slowed for strikes, mechanical problems, or other issues — which happens frequently.

Bonjour RATP is the official navigation app for the Paris public transit network, and CityMapper is an alternative that includes bike and scooter options. Both can be used in English and will provide more up-to-date information and alternatives when lines or stations are closed.

9. Relax — the Metro machines are in English

The ticket machines in the Paris Metro are available for use in English, and they take credit cards as a form of payment.

10. Buying tickets on the bus are more expensive

Yes, you can buy your bus ticket from the driver (and make everyone behind you wait), but you’ll pay €2.50 and it won’t cover a transfer. Here are more bus tips for saving on your transportation.

11. Take a Cheapo city bus tour

There’s no need to pay for a sightseeing bus. Here are seven public bus lines that offer great sightseeing for the cost of a bus ticket!

12. Consider a “Paris Visite” travel card

If you plan to spend a lot of time getting around in the Paris Metro, consider buying a “Paris Visite” travel card, which offers unlimited travel on the Metro and bus system and various discounts from partnering businesses. Adult tickets cost €29.90 (one day), €44.45 (two days), €62.30 (three days) and €76.25 (five days).

13. Make sure your credit card has a chip!

Thankfully, the majority of American credit cards now employ the “chip and PIN” technology that has been in use throughout Europe for years. If, however, your card is still chipless and uses only a magnetic swipe, you’ll likely have problems in automatic ticket machines in France.  This includes machines in the RER stations at Charles de Gaulle and in Metro stations.

(If your card isn’t working at the machine, head to the ticket window. Old-school American cards will work fine when handed to a cashier for swiping.)

Choosing a bike from a Velib’ kiosk. Photo: Rachel Ludwick

14. Save by biking around town on Vélib’

Paris’ Vélib’ bike share program was one of the first in the world when it launched in 2007 and remains enormously popular today. With 20,000 bikes in the program available from a whopping 1,400 stations around the city, it’s truly massive. Once you join, you simply head to any Vélib’ station, enter your access code, take out a bike and ride off! Park it at another Vélib’ station, and you’re done.

A one-day Vélib’ pass costs €5 and covers a 30-minute ride (you’ll pay a small charge for going over the 30-minute limit). We recommend buying a 3-day pass for €20, as it covers 60-minute rides AND includes electric bikes (45-minute rides).

Sights & Attractions

Paris is home to some of the world’s most famous cultural attractions, many of which have their own “cheapo tricks” for saving a few euros.

Visit the Musee d’Orsay on Thursday night to save time — and avoid crowds. Photo: Pierre Blache

15. Get into museums for free

If you are under the age of 26 and a resident of the European Union (this includes non-citizens with student visas, au pair visas, or any visa longer than 3 months), you get free admission to most museums and cultural sites, including the ones we’ve listed below.

If this doesn’t apply to you, most of these museums are also free on the first Sunday of every month. However, you’ll have to beat some serious crowds to get in.

16. Saving at the Louvre

• Normal admission: €22 when booked online with a timed entry. Closed Tuesday. Be sure to book through the official Louvre ticket site.
• Tickets are €2 cheaper when purchased at the museum, but entry is not guaranteed — and may be refused due to overcrowding. Take this seriously. When visiting in January 2024, I wasn’t able to get into the Louvre for an entire week due to crowds. I won’t make this mistake again!
• Admission is free on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m., except in July and August.

17. Saving at the Eiffel Tower

• Adult admission to the tip-top: €36.10, cheaper for lower level.
• Save time by buying your tickets online in advance, and avoiding the ticket line.
• During peak travel times, online tickets (especially to the top) will likely be sold out. However, they may still be available at the tower for immediate use. You’ll just have to wait in that ticket line…
• You can pay a cheaper price (€27.50) if you take the stairs up to the second level, then the lift to the top (if it’s available).
• If you’re not interested in reaching the top and just want a nice picture, get off at the Metro stop Trocadero on lines 9 or 6, which is directly across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower. There you’ll find a large public plaza that faces the tower, and gobs of tourists posing for their fridge pick. Warning: There are also likely to be a gaggle of shady characters and shell-game con artists hanging about. (Walk on by…)

18. Saving at the Arc de Triomphe

• Regular admission to enter the Arc and see the view from the top is €16.
• It is completely free to walk under and around the Arc at the ground level, where you’ll also find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Go at night. It’s open until 11 pm (10:30 pm in fall and winter).
• Access the Arc by taking the underground walkway. You may see other tourists trying to dodge traffic and running across the busy roundabout to get to the center. This is incredibly dangerous — don’t do it.
• More tips on visiting the Arc de Triomphe

19. Saving at the Musée d’Orsay

• Regular admission: €16 when pre-booked online, which allows priority entry during your designated time slot, and allows you to avoid the ticket line. Tickets purchased at the museum are €2 cheaper — but you’ll have to wait for tickets and for entry.
• Closed Monday. The museum closes most days at 6 pm and is “cleared” at 5:30!
• On Thursdays, however, the Musée d’Orsay remains open until 9:45 pm. Buy a “Late Opening Ticket” to enter after 6 pm for €12.
• First Sundays of the month are free (but packed and require online reservation).

20. Saving at the Palace of Versailles

• Buy the Versailles Passport (€32) for access to all major parts of the palace grounds, or pay €21 for Palace only. Add another €11 for the musical fountains show.
• Pre-booking online is required for entry.
• Save by picnicking along the Grand Canal just outside the gates.
• More tips for visiting Versailles

21. Avoid crowds whenever possible

During the high season (May – September) the lines at the city’s top attractions can be overwhelming. But it is possible to plan your day so that you show up outside the peak visiting hours.

In general, go first thing or late to the biggest sight of the day, and stick to smaller sights from late morning to early afternoon. You can also use Google Maps, which updates in real time forecasting how busy a location will be. Check out our tips for beating the crowds at top attractions.

22. Culture fanatic? Buy a Paris Museum Card

Tourist cards aren’t always worth the money, but if you plan on spending lots of quality cultural time in Paris’ museums, consider picking up a Paris Museum Pass. The card offers free and discounted admission to over 50 museums and monuments around the city, and it lets you skip the ticket lines! Prices: €70 (2 days); €90 (4 days); €110 (6 days)

Spend a free day relaxing, sleeping or picnicking on the grounds of Jardin du Luxembourg. Photo: Phillip Capper

23. Don’t forget free sights!

The city boasts a long list of places that are free to visit. From museums operated by the city like the Musée d’Art Moderne, Maison de Balzac, and Maison de Victor Hugo (free to visit permanent collections) to most churches and parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg and even an ancient Roman amphitheater (Aréne de Lutéce), admission is always free.

24. Take a free walking tour

Free walking tours of Paris’ central sights are available from several tour companies (who do, however, expect a tip at the end). A less publicized option is the Paris Greeters program, in which local Parisians lead you on a free guided tour of their Paris.

25. Save on boat rides

Taking a boat ride along the Seine is an experience that manages to strike us as both romantic and overly touristy. However, these bateaux mouches offer a unique vantage point from which to see the city and can give your legs a break. We recommend the Vedettes de Pont Neuf, as they offer a live (not prerecorded) commentary and great discounts when booked in advance on their website.

Eating and drinking

Paris has some of the best food in the world, but it can get pricey quickly. Here are a few ways to enjoy authentic French cuisine without breaking the bank.

26. Think twice before tipping

Whether you’re dining in a restaurant or enjoying a coffee on a sidewalk cafe, a service charge has already been included in your bill. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t leave a little extra as a nice gesture, but you certainly shouldn’t leave 15-20% of your bill. A simple €1 or €2 is perfectly acceptable as an extra tip in Paris. Here are some more thoughts on tipping.

27. Save on breakfast

The breakfast that will be offered by your hotel will likely be an underwhelming and overpriced affair (think baguette, jam, and hot drink for €8-€10+). You can get the same thing (but fresher) at almost any bakery or patisserie in your neighborhood. Shop around for breakfast.

Oh, and when you’re in a café, the cost of your coffee depends on where you’re sitting. If you stand at the counter or bar, that coffee will frequently be one euro less than if you take a seat at a table. Strange, but true.

28. Water and bread are free in restaurants

No need to order bottled water. The local stuff is great and gets plunked down on your table in a cute carafe, free of charge. If not, just ask for it. “Une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît.” (“Oon car-aff doe, see voo play”) Ditto for the bread.

29. Splurge on a prix-fixe lunch

Go heavier at lunch and enjoy a two- or three-course meal with the locals. It’ll be cheaper than a big dinner.

Why? Restaurants throughout town offer “fixed price” deals — just look for the chalkboard out front or a sign in the window with the day’s menu (“menu du jour”). With prices that hover between €15-25 for two or three courses, you’ll even have some money left for a little vin (if it’s not already included in the deal!). Here are a few of our favorite Paris lunch menus.

Pick up everything you need for a great picnic lunch (or gourmet dinner) at any of Paris’ outdoor food markets. Photo: The LEAF Project

30. Pick up lunch at outdoor markets

Foodies will be in pure heaven in Paris, and not just for the mouth-watering restaurants and to-die-for patisseries.

Don’t neglect the outdoor food markets that overflow with fresh produce and local delicacies. Whether picking up for a Seine-side picnic or stocking up for a long train ride, Paris’ outdoor markets have you covered. Read more about our market shopping tips.

31. Go light at lunch with a baguette sandwich

The city’s bakeries (“boulangeries” and “patisseries)” do more than bake bread and pastries. They also do a brisk lunch business, selling hot-and-crusty baguette sandwiches and delicious homemade quiches, which can also be bundled up with a drink and dessert for an extra Cheapo-lunch deal. Here’s a list of our favorite sandwich shops.

32. Opt for a light dinner with a crepe or falafel

If you opt for a big lunch, you might want to go a little lighter (and cheaper) at night. Opt for a classic crepe, Paris’ ultimate street food, or grab a tasty sandwich at L’As du Fallafel in the Marais. Check out other ways to eat your way through Paris for less than €20 a day.

33. Head to the grocery store for basics

When you do need to buy a bottle of water, don’t touch that hotel minibar! Head to any of the local grocery stores. A 1.5-liter bottle of water at Monoprix or Franprix costs less than €1. The same rule applies to wine, candy, soda, etc.

And if you can’t find a single bottle, just break up the shrink wrapped plastic on a multi-pack to grab a bottle for yourself. This is common practice in France, so don’t worry about a store clerk chasing you down!

Better yet, bring a refillable water bottle and top it up from the tap. Tap water is perfectly drinkable in Paris, and there are public water fountains all over the city (more on that in tip #35 below).

34. Wine from the supermarket? Oui.

Don’t assume that the wine being sold at the grocery store isn’t up to snuff. Some of it is quite good, and yes, quite affordable. Here are some tips for buying wine in Paris.

35. Fill up your water bottle around town

Paris has more than 1,200 drinking water fountains located throughout the city where you can easily fill up your water bottle for free. And if you’re a fan of sparkling water, there’s no need to run into the store for a few bottles. The city has fountains that even dispense the bubbly stuff!

Every summer the banks of the Seine transform into a lively beach scene complete with real sand! Photo: sergio_leenen

Entertainment

There’s always something to do in Paris, and quite a bit of it won’t cost you a dime! (Or, rather, a centime!)

36. Get happy for cheap drinks

Wine might be cheap, but a cocktail in Paris can easily cost you €15. Don’t worry, be happy! Keep your eyes peeled for “Happy Hour” deals (pronounced “‘appy ‘ow!-ers”).

You’ll typically see it posted on a sign outside most bars, and they run much later than the Happy Hours you may be used to — sometimes as late as 10 or 11 p.m.!

37. Enjoy free summer festivals

When the temperatures start to climb, so do the number of free events around Paris. Free entertainment is easy to find on almost every night of the week, including music series like the Paris Jazz Festival (late June through September) to outdoor film screenings like Cinéma en Plein Air (July and August). Head to Parc de la Villette which is packed with culture come summertime.

38. Hit the “beaches” along the Seine

Every summer the Seine and the Canal St-Martin transform into “Paris Plages,” one of Europe’s coolest urban beaches. Yes, in a city hundreds of miles from the nearest stretch of coastline, you’ll find Parisians lounging about in their hottest swimwear soaking in the rays.

39. Get cheap (or free) seats to opera, dance, and classical concerts

Love world-class opera and classical music? Grab a cheap seat at the Opera Garnier and Opera Bastille, and find cheap and free concerts around town by checking out L’Officiel des Spectacles or a Wednesday edition of Le Figaro’s insert “Figaroscope” listings magazine at any newsstand: also available online!

Shopping

If you’re looking to return home with suitcases full of souvenirs, here are some methods to do that in a wallet-friendly way.

40. Serious shoppers, don’t forget your tax refund!

Do you plan on doing some serious shopping? Non-EU citizens who spend at least €100 at any one store, may qualify for up to a 12% cash refund! This is available, with different requirements, throughout Europe.

41. Hit the flea markets for cheapo souvenirs

Paris is home to several fabulous flea markets. Selling everything from new clothing to vintage cookware, these outdoor markets offer unique shopping and souvenir opportunities, often at low prices. Here are some tips for flea market success and a guide to the best flea markets in Paris.

42. “Friperies” offer cheap vintage shopping

“Friperies” are inexpensive secondhand clothing shops where you have to dig through piles of cast-offs to find a vintage pearl. Here are a handful of addresses where Parisians go for a wallet-friendly vintage fashion shopping spree.

Miscellaneous

Finally, a few extra points about Paris to keep in mind.

43. Avoid sketchy situations

With millions of tourists visiting every year, Paris also attracts more than its share of con artists and shady types. Fortunately, they’re usually pretty easy to spot. A stranger approaches you to sign something, hold something, pick something up that they’ve dropped… Just say no and walk away from these common Paris scams. No drama. Just move on. No story is better than endlessly kvetching about it later.

If a stranger approaches you speaking French, do not reply with “I don’t speak French” because they will start speaking English to you. It’s better to ignore them and keep it moving.

To avoid pickpockets, it’s good practice to keep all your valuables in pockets, pouches, or bags that zip, snap, or close! In crowded places, many pickpockets get away with your things before you even realize they were there.

44. Be smart with your phone

Plan on using your smartphone? Either get a sensible data and international calling package from your carrier back home or buy a SIM card in Paris for use in an unlocked phone. It’s simple and can potentially save you nightmarish data roaming charges.

45. Bring a guidebook!

Here’s some retro advice (ironically conveyed via the Web): bring along a Paris guidebook! Go deeper by studying up on Paris before you get there. Underline away!

46. Find free Wi-Fi

Even with a good international data plan or a SIM card, we still appreciate free Wi-Fi. Fortunately, it’s easy to find in cafes, fast food joints (all McDonald’s), parks and museums. When you’re in a Parisian café or restaurant, don’t be shy. Ask the waiter for the Wi-Fi password. If you’re a paying customer, they will happily give it to you!

47. Talk to your bank before you go

Call your bank before you leave to let them know that you’re heading on a trip to Paris. You don’t want them to block your card when they see international charges pop up.

While you have them on the phone, ask about foreign transaction and ATM cash withdrawal fees. They might have a partnership with a bank in Paris that avoids ATM fees. (Here are some questions for your bank.)

• Read more about practical ways to save in Paris

Your tips?

Have tips to add to our list? Please contribute your thoughts on ways to save when visiting Paris in the comments section below.

Note: This article was updated with additional information, research, and fact-checking by Julia Hamilton in Paris in March 2023 and by Paige Bennett in April 2025.

The post Paris Budget Travel Guide: 47 ways to save on your trip (2025 Update) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

From art nouveau to art deco

Swedish architect Alfred Grenander designed the showpiece entrance hall to Wittenbergplatz U-Bahn station (routes U1, U2 and U15). It is a wonderful piece of art nouveau design, far too good to merely dash through. One can trace how Grenander’s work as an architect developed over the years by visiting his various stations around Berlin.

Krumme Lanke (U1), built 17 years after Wittenbergplatz, is a good example of Grenander’s later work: a superb essay in art deco and one that with its curved lines and “bridge-of-a-ship” look includes early elements of streamline moderne. (Londoners might note the similarity with some of Charles Holden’s designs for the Piccadilly Line. There’s surely a book just waiting to be written: From Krumme Lanke to Southgate).

A hint of the exotic

From Krumme Lanke it is just a 10-minute walk to the nearest S-Bahn station at Mexikoplatz (S1), which as fine an example of German Jugendstil as you’ll see anywhere in the German capital. On the S1, it is just a short ride (three stops) from Mexikoplatz to Lichterfelde West, which is another flight of fancy — the S-Bahn station is in the style of a Tuscan villa.

You’ll also find Italian accents at the Hackescher Markt S-Bahn station (S5, S7, S9, S75). It’s a much fussier design than Lichterfelde West, and in our view altogether more successful. It’s a neat piece of Italian Renaissance with Moorish overtones.

Spandau station

Architect Rainer Rümmler was responsible for the design of many West Berlin stations during the second half of the last century — a period when the U-Bahn network was progressively extended. One of our favourites is Rathaus Spandau at the western extremity of the U7. It was Rümmler’s local station as it happens for he lived in Spandau. The underground platforms are a great spot to sit and relax for an hour — the space has the feel of a monumental crypt with its polished stonework, restrained use of colour and striking lighting.

Beyond Berlin

Station hopping in search of architecture and design is of course a sport not reserved only unto Berlin. We are surely not the only visitors who have ridden the Prague metro out to Rajská zahrada merely to view the railway station. This blue-themed glass structure is a striking piece of postmodern design.

The post Notable Architecture and Design in Berlin’s S- and U-Bahn Stations appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Think Before You Go Unlimited

The Paris Visite pass is an unlimited pass designed for tourists that offers all-you-can-ride passes of 1, 2, 3 and 5 days as well as local/airport bus combos.

But Paris is a very walkable city, and you might end up resorting to public transport less than you think. Be sure to do the math before you go for this easy option as you may end up spending more than necessary for convenience.

Buy a Carnet

If you don’t need an unlimited pass but expect to make at least 5 round-trips during your visit, plan ahead to save money by purchasing a carnet of 10 tickets (€13.30) that you can buy in any Métro station, a considerable savings over the regular €1.70 ticket price. These tickets are good for rides with one transfer within a 90-minute period on the Métro, bus, or bus/tram.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to use them for a combined Métro/bus or Métro/tram transfer. Use this handy tool for planning your route ahead of time to make the most of the transfer bonus.

Never Buy Your Tickets on the Bus

You can buy single tickets on the bus for €2, and unlike, say New York City bus drivers, Paris bus drivers will give change, and happily make the rest of the bus passengers wait while they do.

But in addition to paying about 30% more for a single ticket, tickets bought on the bus are good for one leg only; you are not allowed to make transfers, which means you could end up paying €4, or more than double the price of a regular ticket, if you need to transfer.

The post 3 Ways to Save Money Riding the Bus in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

I’ve learned two important lessons about travel in Barcelona and Spain in general: 1) It will cost more than you think, and 2) It will take longer than you planned. With these golden rules in mind, I offer some tips for saving minutes while visiting Barcelona.

1. Know your restaurant and make a reservation.

This is especially true if you have food allergies or a special diet. There are many places to get the scoop on where to dine in Barcelona, from right here on EuroCheapo to sites like Yelp. Find something that looks appetizing in your neighborhood and book a table. This will save you lots of time wandering around looking for a place that fits your budget, has a menu you like and isn’t packed.

Don’t be afraid to ask for directions. Photo: Bastian

While booking a table is a good idea any night, it’s an especially wise move Thursday-Saturday when the locals go out. Also keep in mind that Sunday lunch is a popular time to eat out and plan accordingly.

2. No reservation? Eat “early.”

If you can’t make a reservation then just get there early. People in Barcelona eat lunch at 2 p.m. and dinner between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Get there at 1 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. and beat the rush.

3. Grab lunch “to go” or at the bar.

Sitting down for lunch is a lengthy affair that can take hours. Service can be slow, and meals are served in courses stretching out the experience. This is something most of us love about Spain, the focus on enjoying one’s food, but if you’re short on time then it’s best to skip it.

Instead grab lunch in a cafe or simply get something to go and eat on a park bench.

In a cafe, if you sit at the bar you will get faster service as you are right in front of the barman. Most cafes serve sandwiches and salads plus an array of beverages.

What’s more, eating in a cafe is sure to be cheaper than sitting down for lunch in a restaurant. A sandwich and drink may set you back €5 where a “menu del dia” midweek at a restaurant will cost double or triple. Cafes and bakeries also have sandwiches ready to go around lunch time, so grabbing one of these on a sunny day will save you bundles of time.

4. Ask for directions.

Barcelona is a big city and it’s easy to get lost. While Barcelona locals are not known for being super friendly, they are sure to help the lost traveler as best they can. Just ask.

When I was recently in Dublin I was struggling with a map and a local came over and said, “Need directions?” I thought I was hallucinating. That sort of thing is not going to happen in Barcelona, but if approached, people will help.

All geese and no tourists in the courtyard of Barcelona’s cathedral in January. Photo: Ben in CHI

Getting lost can take a lot of time out of your day plus make you feel frustrated and tired. Many people speak enough English to give directions in Barcelona so don’t let the language scare you off.

(P.S. A friend of mine always goes into hotels to ask for directions when she is lost in any European city. She figures they should know!)

5. Visit off season.

From May to August Barcelona is swimming with tourists. Everything is more crowded in the center of town and at popular monuments. If you want to experience Barcelona with less of a wait, come in the fall or winter.

Sure, it may rain and it might not be great swimming weather. But on the flip side, attractions will be easier to get into and hotels will be less expensive, offering low-season rates.

6. Understand and use the Metro.

Barcelona’s transportation system is really quite good. It’s on time (for the most part) and connects all points of the city. It is quite often the fastest way to get around because cabs are subject to traffic jams, as is the bus.

Get yourself a Metro map at the tourist information center in Pl. Catalunya and study it a bit to see where you can make transfers from one station to the next. It’s not hard once you get used to it.

Also, have a multi-ride Metro card (I recommend the T-10 for short visits to the city) for the Metro and bus. This will save you time in that you will not have to line up to buy a ticket every time you get on public transportation. (Read more in our “Getting Around Barcelona” article.)

Your time-saving tips?

What other ways have you saved time in Barcelona? We’d like to hear any additional tips! Share with us in the comments section.

Also in our guide: One sure way to save time before you arrive in Barcelona is to take our advice when hunting down an affordable hotel. Our editors have visited, inspected and reviewed the best budget hotels in Barcelona, all of them central, clean and cheap. Read more in our Barcelona guide.

The post Barcelona: 6 ways to save time when visiting appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Traveling about Rome can be an adventure at times. With over 100 bus lines, tram routes and two metro lines, it’s no wonder that maneuvering Rome’s public transit system can leave a visitor utterly confused.

As many visitors are only stopping through Rome for a short while, there’s no real need to “master” the system and learn all the lines. In our hotel guide to Rome we have an article about Rome’s transit system. But this post is a quick-and-friendly guide to how to use the bus and metro system–and where to go!

Buying a bus or metro ticket in Rome

The first thing you’ll need to know is where to buy a bus or metro ticket. A ticket or biglietto can be bought at any tobacco shop (tabacchi) in Rome. Simply look for the big “T” sign. Tickets can also sometimes be purchased at newsstands and in machines at some bus stops and in all metro stations.

Some buses and street trams are also equipped with ticket machines, though this is risky: I wouldn’t wait to get on the bus to figure out whether you’ll be able to buy a ticket. Unlike in other cities, the bus drivers in Rome do not sell bus tickets. Therefore, it’s best to secure a ticket before hopping on a bus.

Penalties: If caught without a ticket, you will be fined by a bus inspector who hops on and off buses at random. If busted, you’ll pay €51 (if you pay on the spot) or €101 (if you pay later). It may seem like they never check tickets, but believe me they do. So don’t get caught without one!

Ticket prices

A single ticket costs €1 and is good for 75 minutes on buses and trams and one trip on the metro line.

If you plan to ride public transportation all day, consider buying a biglietto giornaliero (a day ticket) for €4.

A weekly pass (biglietto or tessera settimanale) costs €16 and is good for unlimited use on the buses, trams and metro lines for one week.

Note: Keep in mind when buying your tickets that a good chunk of the sights you’ll be seeing can be covered on foot as most of them are located in the centro storico (the historic city center).

Important: You must validate your tickets once you are on the bus or tram. Stick your ticket into the little yellow machine on the bus or tram. It will print the expiration time on your ticket, then spit it back out. If you fail to validate your ticket, you can be slapped with that hefty little fine mentioned above.

Major Transportation Hubs

Figuring out which bus or metro to take can be a little tricky, especially if you don’t have easy access to the Internet. Never fret. There are several major transportation hubs (or terminals) throughout Rome where there will be at least one bus or metro line that will get you to where you need to go. These hubs include:

1. Termini train station

Termini train station is the city’s main train station and largest hub. Many buses and trams leave from here. It’s also where both Metro lines (A & B) connect.

Favorite lines from here:

Bus 40 leaves from Termini and will take you into the city center and near some pretty major sights such as: Piazza Venezia, Largo Argentina (near the Pantheon), Chiesa Nuova (near Piazza Navona) and St. Peter’s Square.

Bus 90 will take you near the Italian University- La Sapienza.

Bus H will take you to Trastevere.

Metro A line, dubbed the “linea turistica” (the tourist line), passes through Termini train station and heads to important sights such as: Spagna (Piazza di Spagna and Villa Borghese), Barberini (Piazza Barberini, Palazzo Barberini and the Trevi Fountain), Ottaviano – San Pietro (St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums), Cipro (the Vatican Museums), San Giovanni (the street market on Via Sannio and the San Giovanni in Laterano church) and Flaminio (Piazza del Popolo).

Metro B line will take you to Colosseo (the Colosseum) and Circo Massimo (Circus Maximus).

2. Piazza Venezia

Piazza Venezia also has several buses that will get you where you need to go. These include:

Bus 87 and 571 will take you to the Colosseum and the San Giovanni area.

Bus 44 will take you near the Gianiculum hill and there are several buses that will take you along Via del Corso and Via dei Condotti (two famous shopping streets in Rome) and towards Piazza del Popolo.

ATAC – Rome’s public transportation website

Rome’s public transportation system, ATAC has a pretty decent website. Go to the upper right hand corner to change the site into English. Insert your point of departure (street name) and your point of destination (street name) and it will give you the best route to take, including which buses to take and where to get off. It also gives a friendly little map that you can print off showing you where the bus is supposed to let you off.

Happy travels roaming about Rome!

The post Rome: A practical guide to Rome’s bus and metro system appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Just ask and you shall (hopefully) receive:

1. Water at meals

All meals, from the ritziest restaurant to the lowliest donor kebab, should come with a free pitcher of tap water. Even an espresso comes with a glass of room temperature hydration.

If you don’t have a pitcher when your food comes, simply ask for “une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plait,” and don’t hesitate to ask for refills.

2. Bread at meals

Bread is also a staple at the table, so don’t hesitate to ask for it. In typical restaurants, mustard, salt, pepper and bread will be put on the table before you receive your meal. Of course there are many exceptions, but if you’re having a sit-down meal, asking for bread (“le pain, s’il vous plait”) will surprise no one. This is the birthplace of the baguette, after all.

3. Maps

Tourists hitting the streets of Paris with their guidebook maps are often disappointed by the missing streets and tiny Metro maps printed inside the cover of their books. Fortunately cartography is a big business in Paris. Metro maps, in both large and small formats, can be obtained for free at most Metro stations. (Simply ask for “un plan de Metro, s’il vous plait.”)

And the Galeries Lafayettes, one of Paris’ famed department stores, prints free city maps (“plan de Paris”) that can be found in the reception areas of most of Paris’ hotels and hostels, along with other major tourist sights.

4. Samples

This one’s delicate. Free samples are abundant in Paris – if you know when to ask. Many chocolate shops will offer a taste if you linger long enough, but play your cards right. If the shopkeeper can tell you’re going to buy something, he or she will have fewer qualms about offering up a sample to help you decide. And sometimes not.

When you stroll through outdoor markets, merchants are all too eager to have you taste their pineapples and mangos, so just say “Merci!” and taste away. Cheese shops will also be fairly willing to cut you a sliver if you ask to taste the difference between two choices, if you’re clearly going to purchase some fromage.

5. Toilets

While there are many free public bathrooms that look like small space pods located throughout the city, bathrooms are also available with any purchase at a café. If you purchase a café or a Perrier at the café bar (remember, it’s cheaper at the bar than at a table), you can ask for the bathroom without worries.

Note: If the bathroom door looks like it is coin-operated, simply ask for the “jeton” (token) from the server and he or she will hand you a silver coin that will open the door.

6. ATM withdrawals (for Bank of America clients)

Free money? Well, almost. If you want to avoid paying pesky bank fees, you can withdraw without charge from the BNP Paribas bank if you have a Bank of America account. If this applies to you, you will curtail any travelers’ checks or foreign exchange fees that have troubled travelers for so many years. (Read our guide to ATM bank fees for Americans abroad.)

7.  Wi-Fi

I’ve said it once and I’ve said it again: paying for the internet in Paris is a scam. With Paris’ public Wi-Fi program, and the various wireless networks available in cafés and McDonald’s, there is no reason to drop a dime to check your email.

For more information, read my previous post on where to find free Wi-Fi in Paris. Trust me, it still works as long as you have a smart phone or laptop.

Your favorite free things in Paris?

What other freebies have you found in the City of Light? Tell us, Cheapos, in the comments section.

The post Paris: 7 things that are always free in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Tourist Pass vs. Passe Découverte

Vendors will often push you to buy a tourist pass, which is a convenient way to enjoy the metro, RER (regional trains that head to the suburbs), buses, and the funicular up Montmartre. But a 5-day tourist pass (excluding transport to outer zones like Versailles or Charles de Gaulle airport) will set you back €28.90. To extend the pass into the outer zones will cost you nearly twice as much.

If you want to save money, buy a “Passe Découverte.” You’ll only pay €23.85 for a full week of metro and bus transport inside zones 1-2. To travel further to airports or to Versailles will cost a few euros more.

Don’t let the French ticket salesperson dissuade you – anyone can buy the pass even though it is intended for “locals.” The card itself costs €5 and then a weekly charge-up costs €18.35 (think Oyster Card in London or Metro Card in New York). Certainly a better deal. And once the card is purchased you can continue to use the “Passe Découverte” over and over again – just make sure you print an ID photo at home to paste onto it! You will get fined for having a pass sans photo.

Related: Is the Navigo pass a good deal for your trip to Paris?

Individual Tickets?

Otherwise, if you are just here a few days, a “carnet” for €14.90 will get you ten tickets at a discounted rate. So two passengers can each enjoy five rides for a bargain price instead of buying tickets individually (at €1.90 each).

Just note that they are phasing out paper tickets and switching to a new card, Navigo Easy. Paper tickets will expire in 2021, so don’t hold onto them too long.

For more details check the city transportation site (in English).

Airport Travel and Beyond

Unfortunately, tickets outside of central Paris (beyond zones 1 and 2) for the airports remain an annoying expense. But tickets on the regional railines, called the RER, to Charles de Gaulle airport (€9.40) and Orly (€10.2) are still much cheaper than a €50-60 taxi ride.

There are buses that will take you to the airport if you feel like lugging your baggage to them. One for Orly (€6.60) leaves from Denfert Rochereau, not quite centrally located. The Roissy Bus to Charles de Gaulle leaves from the more central metro station Opéra (€9.40).

A special Air France bus is a convenient mode of transportation (€15-19 one way) if you live near one of the departure sites. Check their website for details. Or go here for more info.

Cheapo tip: One other destination outside of central Paris worth mentioning is Versailles, and a roundtrip bus ticket here costs a mere €6.10.

Words of Wisdom

The Paris metro closes a little after midnight on weekdays and around 1 AM on the weekends depending on the line. Don’t tempt fate if you are depending on it to get you home.

Also, American credit cards will usually not work in ticket machines for trains, so bring cash and queue up at the ticket booth. And no matter where you use your tickets, keep them for the duration of your voyage. Fines are common for those who try to get a free ride or who throw away their tickets after putting them through the machine!

The post How to save money on Paris transportation appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Since moving to Madrid, I’ve spent a lot of time arriving in and departing from the Barajas International Airport. I’ve been in all four terminals and have learned the hard way how to make getting to the airport a stress-free experience. To make your arrival or departure as glitch-free as possible, follow the tips below.

1. Getting to the airport: Use the Metro

Getting to the airport from the city center is a cinch. Most locals hop on the Metro, switch to Line 8 (pink) at “Nuevos Ministerios” and arrive at their desired terminal.

Why do most locals take the Metro? It’s cheap! At just €2 (€1 for the ride and €1 for the airport tax), it’s a much better option than shelling out upwards of €20 for a taxi ride. The Metro can take between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on which part of the city you’re coming from. If I’m traveling light, I always take the Metro. If I can’t carry my bags, then I know it’s time to hail a cab.

2. Budget extra time for long lines

When flying from Madrid to other European destinations, I normally arrive at least two hours early, and when traveling to the U.S., I arrive a little more than three hours in advance. If I’m leaving out of Terminal 1, I always give myself some extra time because of the long indoor walk to the terminal from the Metro.

Why so much time in general? Lines. If you’ve spent some time in Madrid, you know that Spanish people embrace lines and they don’t get upset waiting in them. The airport is no exception. Security lines are a breeze compared to the check-in lines. The worst lines are for Ryanair flights when you’re checking baggage, or flights to Newark, JFK or any other U.S. destination. Prepare to wait for almost an hour to check in.

Once through security, check your watch. If you’ve taken my advice, you’ll most likely have time for a café con leche or a bit of browsing in the duty-free shops. Make sure to check the monitors, as there are no PA announcements to let you know that a flight is boarding.

3. Ready to board. Ready to wait in another line.

If you haven’t gotten used to lines by now, don’t worry: You’ll really understand the concept after you reach the boarding area. Don’t get nervous if you see a long line starting to form before boarding has begun. As I said before, the Spanish love lines. Most flights are still boarded by rows, but lines are customary.

4. The easy part: Arriving at Barajas

The difference between arriving and departing from Barajas is that, upon arrival you don’t have to wait in any lines! The only wait you’ll have is for your luggage. Terminal 4 has the longest luggage retrieval wait time.

If for some reason your bags don’t arrive, walk to the customer service desk (hopefully there isn’t a line). Here you give them your information, identify the brand and color of your luggage, fill out a form with your address and they’ll deliver it to you, for free.

5. Go to town!

Once you have your luggage, you can either take a cab, bus line 200 or the Metro. Again, I most always opt for the Metro. Take line 8 (pink) to “Nuevos Ministerios.” From there you can hop on Line 10 and be in the city center in about 10-15 minutes.

For more information about getting to the airport, check out our Madrid city guide.

Have you been to Barajas?

Have you recently flown into or out of Madrid’s airport? Tell us about your experience in the comments section.

The post Madrid: 5 tips for passing through Madrid’s Barajas International Airport appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Museum Tip: The Articket

If you love museums and only have a few days in Barcelona, then you will want to make sure to  squeeze in visits to the MACBA, CCCB, Picasso, Miro, MNAC and La Pedrera museums.

But it will cost you: Entrance to the Picasso Museum is €9. The Miro Museum? €8. How about MACBA, the contemporary art museum? €7.50 for adults. The national art museum, the MNAC, will set you back €8.50. As you can see, visiting all these museums really adds up.

To see the best of Barcelona’s art offerings and still be able to afford lunch, consider purchasing the Articket, which covers all the museums mentioned above. At €22, it’s a real steal. You have six months to use the ticket from the day of purchase and you can visit each museum on the ticket once. There are seven museums covered by the Articket, so if you visit them all you save around €40 … not too shabby! The Articket is available at any of the museums or at the tourist information center.

Whenever I have friends come to visit, I recommend that they get the ticket. To date, only one friend has managed to see all the museums offered on the Articket. Still, if you see only three of the seven museums, you have still saved big. However, if you aren’t much into art and would rather visit history and science museums, the Articket is not for you.

Transit Tip: The T-10 and 50-30 Metro passes

Another easy way to save is by buying a T-10 or 50-30 Metro card. Instead of buying one-way tickets for a little over €1 each, buy the T-10, which gives you 10 trips for about €7. You can buy the T-10 in all Metro stations at the automatic ticket sellers.

Also a good deal is the “50-30,” which allows riders to take 50 rides in 30 days. Clearly, this is only a good deal if you are staying in Barcelona for a few weeks and plan to take the Metro a lot. The 50-30 costs just over €30, so the value is high.

Keep in mind when buying Metro, bus, and train tickets that you should always purchase your pass in the Metro station and not on the bus. The bus will only accept small change and will not issue anything more than one-way tickets. However, you can use your T-10 or 30-50 Metro ticket on the bus, train, light-rail, Metro and tram throughout the city, which makes getting around the Catalan Capital just that much easier. Visit the official Barcelona transportation site for more information.

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A street sign

1. “Sortie”

Exit signs are clearly marked by the word, “Sortie,” which can also mean “military action” or “flight.” Think about that as you fight for your turn on the escalators at the Printemps department store during sale time! (And once you get on, remember to stand on the right, pass on the left!)

2. Digital signs of the times

Most metro stations are now equipped with digital countdown clocks indicating the next two incoming trains. If the first train looks too crowded and the next is only a moment behind, it may help you decide whether to give the first a pass. (By the way, Paris is on the 24-hour clock format. 19hr = 7 PM.)

The green cross.

3. Street smart

You’ll find the iconic blue street signs on the sides of buildings, usually at intersections. Just above the name of the street, the signs will also list the “arrondissement” (1-20) that you’re in. Often they’ll include a historical tidbit, too, about the person or event the street is named for.

4. Pharmacy signs

Pharmacies are easily recognizable by their flashing green cross signs, dressed in neon and super cool LED. In each neighborhood at least one remains open through the night (and a closed pharmacy will post a sign directing you to the nearest open pharmacy).

French pharmacists are licensed to diagnose and treat minor illnesses without doctors’ prescriptions. (Eye opener: this is also where you’ll pick up contact solution, eyedrops, and contact lens cases. Grocery stores don’t carry them.)

A happy hour sign

5. Green man walking

Always wait for the pedestrian crosswalk green man to give the signal to walk. However, note: On many of the wider streets and boulevards you’re supposed to cross in two stages, waiting for a second set of signals to indicate when it is safe to continue the rest of the way.

6. “Happy Hour” signs

Poking out of nearly every nook and cobblestoned cranny, chalkboard signs with their seductive hand-written descriptions still have a commanding presence in the city. Happy Hour specials and fixed-price set meals tempt passersby from restaurant doors, terrace tabletops, and windows. (Cheapos, the “formule” is normally the cheapest version of the fixed-price menu.)

7. Banner Day

Keep your eyes peeled for banners stretched over streets announcing free concerts, festivals and “brocantes” (itinerant flea markets). Need eyeglass repairs? Look for neon spectacle-shaped signs.

8. Sign, sign everywhere a sign

You’ll find countless publicity signs for department stores, movies, and museum expositions on classic Parisian “Morris columns” (rotating cylindrical billboards) and plastered on poles, café windows and Metro station walls. Take note, Cheapos—spontaneous planning just got easier!

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