But for those looking for a more inspired scenario that won’t evoke images of Tom Cruise proposing to Katie Holmes (at the Tower), here are a few romantic spots to consider, depending of course on you and your partner’s style.

Geting romantic in Paris:
• The best romantic hotels in Paris for budget travelers
• Save big on a fun shopping spree in Paris
• Enjoy a romantic meal without blowing your bank account

Proposing in Paris

Paris Luxe

Brides in white flowing dresses with husbands in tow can be seen along the Pont Alexandre III (pictured, top) taking their photos after their weddings — but why not start the engagement there? When we think of Paris, we think of the Champs Elysée, gold-domed buildings and splendid views of the river. The Pont Alexandre III offers it all.

A bridge over the Canal St. Martin. Photo: Sylvain Bourdos

The most ornate bridge in Paris with glowing globe lights and gilded statues, it’s one of the perfect places to get romantic at night as the Eiffel Tower glitters in the distance and the lights of the boats reflect off the Seine. It’s a jolt of old world glam that never seems to die in Paris.

Bohemian Paris

If you like the idea of something less glitzy but more gritty and real, head to the Canal St. Martin and choose one of the arching bridges for your special moment. The neighborhood is known for many artists and bohemian-bourgeois locals that dress shabby-chic with carefully de-coiffed hair.

The pedestrian bridges have a rustic, quaint feeling that evokes Amélie skipping stones along the still water. Local picnickers along the banks of the canal will surely applaud if your partner says yes and then you can share a romantic meal at the trendy Hotel du Nord, ending the evening with a candlelit dinner among the other bohemian lovers that fill the neighborhood.

Fairytale romance

For something a little more whimsical, head to the top of the Parc Buttes Chaumont. Crowning this little man-made hill is a gazebo fit for Rapunzel that, despite the graffiti, can be a splendid place for the question. The views overlooking the park and the rooftops of Paris are simply breathtaking, like looking upon some far-off kingdom where the animals dress you in the morning. You even catch glimpses of the gleaming white Sacré Coeur basilica to the north.

The tip of the Ile de la Cite. Photo: Tom Flemming

If all goes well, have the picnic and obligatory bottle of Champagne ready to celebrate a fairytale engagement.

Historical Romance

As featured in the 2009 film An Education, the tip of Ile de la Cité overlooking the famous Pont des Arts and the Louvre, can be a very intimate spot to say, “I do” while being surrounded by the best of Paris. It has been a popular place for romance ever since the 1600s when King Henry IV brought his lovers here, which is why the square is called Galant-Vert, an allusion to his many mistresses at an old age.

This historical spot, in the shadow of the Pont Neuf, Paris’ oldest bridge, boasts magnificent views and could be the perfect place to slip the ring on his or her finger.

Fit for a King or Queen

Just outside of Paris in Versailles, the possibilities are endless. It’s not free to enter, but if you’re going to make a special trip to the chateau and its gardens, stop over at the Trianon, Queen Marie Antoinette’s private getaway. The aptly-named Temple d’Amour is a beautiful Romanesque gazebo tailor-made for royal wedding proposals.

Afterward, a romantic stroll through the vast gardens is the perfect way for lovers to steal a kiss, like the countless royals that have courted lovers in days long gone.

Related: 8 fantastic day trips less than an hour from Paris

Your proposals?

So what do you think? Do you have any other ideas for places to pop the question? Propose some more locations in our comments section!

The post Proposing in Paris: 5 romantic spots to pop the question appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

For a three-day tour, you’ll have even more liberty to wander a bit and take your time, and we’ve come up with a plan on how to spend three days in Paris.

And once you book your Paris hotel, you can focus on the fun.

More Paris tips
• When is the best time to visit Paris?
• Paris: 50 Ways to save time and money on your trip
• 10 Costly mistakes that tourists make when they visit Paris

The glowing Pyramids of the Louvre. Boris Doesborg

How to spend three days in Paris

You could spend a whole lifetime in Paris and not see it all, but three days is a good amount of time to cover a lot of ground. Here’s our suggested schedule to help you get the most out of your 72 hours in the City of Light.

Day 1: Right Bank

Get your walking shoes on, because day one is all about strolling around to see the major sights on the central Right Bank such as the Louvre, Notre Dame and Marais.

The big ones: the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Pompidou & Notre Dame

Spend the first morning in the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay. After your visit, head north up rue du Louvre through the Les Halles quarter toward St-Eustache church. Enjoy lunch on rue Montorgueil, either stopping in a café or grabbing a sandwich and pastry to go.

Afterwards, walk down rue Montorgueil and turn left at the bottom, past the underground mall called Les Halles, and meander towards the Pompidou Center. Turn right on rue Renard (or rue Beaubourg depending on where you reach it). Head towards City Hall (Hotel de Ville), and cross the river towards Notre Dame.

Free culture, vintage shopping and tasty falafel in the Marais

After a quick visit to the church, head back to the Right Bank and wander the Marais. The old Jewish neighborhood also houses some of the city’s best free museums like the Victor Hugo House and the Cognac-Jay Museum. Be sure to check out the stellar Musée Carnavalet (currently under renovation) and the stunningly beautiful Place des Vosges, designed to be the royal palace under Henry IV.

The Marais is also the place to try your hand at vintage shopping, so don’t be afraid to rummage through some of the piles of scarves to find the one that matches your taste. Once you’ve had enough of exploring, grab a falafel at night on rue des Rosiers followed by ice cream for dessert at Amorino or Pozetto.

Evening options

During the evening, either head to the Eiffel Tower or take a boat cruise starting at Pont Neuf. Depending on the evening, the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay are also options.

Bustling rue Mouffetard in the Latin Quarter lined with cafes, crepe stands and food shops. Photo: Wally Gobetz

Day 2: Left Bank

On the second day, you’ll spend most of your time on the Left Bank, taking more time to explore than in the 2-day itinerary.

Sights and crepes in the Latin Quarter

Start at St-Michel and the fountain of the archangel slaying Lucifer. Walk south to Luxembourg Gardens via Boulevard St-Michel. After a stroll through the gardens, head up rue Soufflot towards the domed Panthéon. The jewel-box church, St-Etienne du Mont, just behind Panthéon, is worth a quick visit.

Then head over to rue Mouffetard for several lunch options. Consider a takeaway crepe with ham and cheese (a classic!). Be sure to check out the old Roman ruins at the Arènes de Lutèce, and maybe grab a quick €2 mint tea at the Mosque just down the street.

Boutique shops, macarons and historic churches in St-Germain

Afterwards, digest on a stroll west along Boulevard St-Germain or along the cobblestone banks of the Seine (or a Metro ride to be quick—line 10). Back towards St-Michel, take rue Saint-André des Arts and explore the boutiques and shops in this well-traveled part of St-Germain. Head up rue de Seine towards the St-Sulpice church—also worth a quick visit for some beautiful Delacroix paintings—and splurge on macarons on rue Bonaparte (Pierre Hermé or farther north at Ladurée). Regardless of which macarons you try, visit the St-Germain church, one of the city’s oldest.

Napoléon’s tomb and ancient military artifacts

If you’re not too tired, head down the street to Les Invalides and check out the old 17^th-century military hospital that today houses Napoléon’s tomb and a great collection of wartime artifacts from the Middle Ages to World War II. The big draw is that even non-history buffs can appreciate the museum because everything’s translated into English (€8 entry, free to walk through the main courtyard).

Evening options

Head back to St-Germain for dinner or take this time to head up the Eiffel Tower while everyone else is enjoying their steak-frites. Back-ups for the evening are the boat cruises along the Seine, the Louvre (Wed, Fri) or the Musée d’Orsay (Thurs).

An iconic view of Sacre Couer from the Eiffel Tower. Photo: Steve Wilde

Day 3: Montmartre and Grands Boulevards

Your final day can be used for any shopping or dining spots you haven’t touched upon yet, or museums you still wanted to fit in. If you’ve planned nothing, take a leisurely stroll around Montmartre and the iconic boulevards.

Opera with a view

Start around the Opéra area and, if you have some spare cash, take a visit of the gorgeous interior (€9). Afterwards, just around the back of the Opéra, take the escalator to the top of Galeries Lafayette for a panoramic (and free) view of the city.

Explore and shop amid beautiful passages and arcades

Resist shopping and walk east along Boulevard Haussmann to the regal covered passages to explore before or after lunch. Walk south through Passage des Panoramas to get a sense of what these 19^th-century shopping malls looked like.

Once you arrive at the other end, exit, turn right and then take the first left onto rue Vivienne. Walk a few blocks and turn left into the Galerie Vivienne (near restaurant le Grand Colbert). Soak it up and browse some of the old books and be sure to look up and down at the gorgeous ceilings and the mosaic floors. Continue south from the exit of the galleries through the Jardin du Palais Royal and its designer-filled arcades.

Related: Shopping Tips for Paris: How to save on a fun shopping spree

Grab an affordable Japanese lunch

Once hunger hits, explore rue Saint-Anne for lunch. The neighborhood is known for its cheap Japanese food (just in case you were sick of duck and cheese). After a quick bite, take nearby Metro line 14 at Pyramides to Madeline, switch to line 12, and head up to the stop called Abbesses to explore Montmartre.

Say goodbye with fondue and a stunning vista from Sacre Couer

Explore some of the best bakeries in Paris on rue des Abbesses while following in Van Gogh’s footsteps towards his residence at number 54 rue Lépic. Wander the picturesque streets up towards the Sacre Coeur Basilica for a visit to one of Paris’ newer, but iconic churches.

Finish the evening with a glass of wine at a café and/or dinner at nearby Relais de Gascogne or fondue at Refuge des Fondus

Depending on the time, watch the lights of the city come alive as the sun sets over the city while seated on the stairs in front of the Sacre Coeur. It’s the perfect way to say “au revoir” to the City of Light.

Your Paris tips

How would you spend three days in Paris? Share your tips in the comments below!

The post How to spend three days in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Around the rest of Paris, however, it’s good to have a few suggestions for when the urge hits. Prices vary widely but expect to pay €3-7 for a takeaway crepe. Restaurants are a bit pricier, at €8-15 for a savory crepe, though look out for set menus that score you a savory and a sweet for decent prices.

Related: 8 Great meals in Paris for €10 or less

The best Paris crepes to try during your trip

Market Crepes: Top Pick

Head to the Marche des Enfants Rouge for the city’s most over-stuffed crepes at Chez Alain Miam Miam. Alain takes his time making each item fresh, grating the cheese onto a freshly prepared buckwheat crepe and loading it with salad, meat, and fresh herbs. The line can wrap around the market, with waits exceeding thirty minutes, but no one walks away disappointed having spent only €7. If he likes you, he may throw in a few sweet crepes for dessert. Take the portable meal to the nearby Square du Temple and embarrass yourself as you try to get it into your mouth.

Latin Quarter Crepes

If you’re meandering through the Latin Quarter by the Pantheon or you just had a pint in one of the student-friendly bars on rue Mouffetard, head to Au Petit Grec (66, rue Mouffetard, 75005). They heap ingredients onto a wide variety of crepes, including seasonal ones like the Savoyard, which offers a thick mountain of cheese and potatoes. Prices hover around €5-6 for the savories. I’ve never had room for a sweet crepe afterward, but they look just as good.

Marais Crepes

On rue des Rosiers in the Marais neighborhood, right down the street from famed L’As du Falafel, there is a blue façade that serves up traditional crepes called La Droguerie — perfect for something that’s not falafel while strolling rue des Rosiers (56 rue des Rosiesr).

Around the corner, you’ll quickly find Princess Crepes (3, rue des Ecouffes, 75004). Keep your eyes peeled for a storefront that resembles a geisha’s dollhouse topped with whipped cream. This tiny store puts a kitschy, nontraditional, Japanese spin on the crepe — and you won’t break the bank while indulging with each creation somewhere around €5. The ice cream is a welcomed touch.

Restaurant Crepes

For a sit-down crepe experience, everyone always buzzes about Breizh Café (109 rue Vieille du Temple) in the Marais. Don’t get me wrong, they’re excellent, but between needing a reservation and fighting all of the “foodie” tourists that go there, it can get kind of frustrating. And at €12-16, it’s not the cheapest.

You have other choices when it comes to crepe restaurants that don’t require reservations. For example, on Ile Saint Louis the tiny Café Med (77 rue Saint Louis en l’Ile) serves up no-frills crepes that hit the spot. Sure it might not feature high-end ingredients, but a good old ham, cheese, and egg crepe doesn’t need anything fancy.

Several other restaurants serve up crepes with a fork and knife for around €10 or less. On the Right Bank, West Country Girl (6 Passage Saint Abroise) is a favorite for those like baker/writer David Lebovitz. On the Left Bank, La Crepe Rit du Clown (6 rue des Canettes) is an easy go-to when you need a crepe fix. Little Breizh (11 rue Grégoire de Tours) is another solid address with some more gourmet options, right in the heart of Saint Germain, and it’s been on food writer Patricia Wells’ radar.

Sitting down to a buckwheat crepe with a cup of cider for lunch. Photo: Neil Conway

Tips for eating crepes

Remember crepes are savory or sweet. Savory varieties are best served on a buckwheat crepe and filled with ham, cheese, or egg, but each creperie has its own set of concoctions. Some get crazy with fish, potatoes, various cheeses, and Bolognese sauce (students love it). The buckwheat, however, means they are generally gluten-free but don’t depend on it.

Sweet crepes are made of flour and can contain fruit, Grand Marnier, honey, or Nutella among other items. You can even just eat a sweet crepe on its own, or nature, as the French say. Your best bet is just to try several of them and judge for yourself.

Hungry yet? What are your favorite spots in Paris for crepes? Tell us in the comments!

Note: This post was updated in April 2016 with new listings and current information.

The post Paris Crepes: The best crepe stands and creperies 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.

But where should you stay in Paris to travel in style but without breaking the budget? Don’t worry, EuroCheapo has got you covered.

Related: Our review of the new Generator Hostel Paris

Paris hip hostels guide

Smack dab in the middle of a charming neighborhood, Village Hostel is an affordable and cozy find. Photo: EuroCheapo

Monmartre

Village Hostel

20 rue d’Orsel
Shared room rates from €30
Read Full Review

Village Hostel is friendly backpacker’s haunt in the heart of the much coveted Montmartre neighborhood. With a relaxed vibe and plenty of common spaces, this is a great spot to meet other travelers or cozy up with book and a café au lait. Charming and modern, Village Hostel reflects the bohemian roots of its surroundings, and includes nice touches like a book corner, impressionist-style fresco paintings and a pub that showcases artwork. Selling points include a terrace with views of the Sacré Coeur, and the attached “Bazaar Pub” that has reasonable prices and a pretty decent happy hour.

Hip spots nearby:
•  Soul Kitchen: A cozy and chic restaurant in the heart of Monmartre. Try the delicious baked goods in the afternoon or the confit de canard!
•  Le Bleu Club: The newest spot to go out in Paris—a night club in Barbès to see and be seen.
•  Glass: A hip new cocktail bar from the owners of Candelaria.

Guests will enjoy bright (and never boring) rooms with ensuite bathrooms at The Loft Hostel. Photo: Courtesy of hotel

Belleville

The Loft Hostel Paris

70 rue Julien Lacroix
Shared room rates from €35
Website

The Loft Hostel Paris is definitely a hip spot. With colorful walls, fresh, geometric patterns, floor-length windows and high ceilings, you might feel more like you’re staying in an artist’s loft than a budget hostel. Outside of the well-decorated bedrooms, the Loft Hostel also boasts a friendly lounge bar and an outdoor patio so you can unwind in style. While you could spend all day chilling out here, don’t forget that you’re in the heart of one of Paris’s trendiest neighborhoods: Belleville. Wander around and explore the charming cafés and funky bars, or take a short walk to what is surely Paris’s hippest park—le Parc des Buttes Chaumont.

Hip spots nearby:
•  Le Rosa Bonheur: One of Paris’s best kept secrets, this chic bar is located inside le Parc des Buttes Chaumont.
•  Cafe Cherie: A classic cafe that is perfect for a break. Take a seat in one of the red chairs on the terrace and enjoy an espresso while watching the world go by.
•  Le Perchoir: A new bar in the 11th that has a stunning rooftop patio. Have an aperitif here with friends before a fun night out.

The stylish and always social communal area of Oops! Hostel offers free Wi-Fi access. Photo: Dan Cunningham

Left Bank

Oops! Hostel

50 Avenue des Gobelins
Shared room rates from €34
Website

Oops! Hostel is a quirky, quiet hostel near the Latin Quarter with funky interiors and all the perks (free WiFi, breakfast, linens… the works). As you enter Oops! from the busy streets of Place d’Italie, you’ll find a modern oasis with bold colored wallpaper and chic furniture. With no more than five beds per room and attached bathrooms, you’ll have more privacy here than at most Paris hostels. If you manage to score a room on the top floor, you’ll be able to enjoy one of the elegant balconies, which have tables and chairs looking over the Latin Quarter—perfect for that evening bottle of rosé to make you feel like a true Parisian. Lots to see and do in Paris? Oops! Hostel is probably the best value for its central location, with direct metro lines nearby to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Marais, Arc de Triomphe, Monmartre and the Champs Elysées.

Hip spots nearby:
•  Shakespeare and Co. : Paris’s famous independent, English-language bookstore. Grab a book and read on the Seine.
•  Le Piano Vache: A cozy little pub with great jazz music and all sorts of vintage photographs and posters on the walls.
•  Sugarplum Cake Shop: Your spot for delicious coffee and patisserie. Bonus points: super-friendly, English-speaking staff!

The view of Canal St-Martin from a top bunk at Peace and Love Hostel. Photo: Chrissy Hunt

Le Canal St-Martin

Peace and Love Hostel

245 rue la Fayette
Shared room rates from €27
Website

If all you need for your stay in Paris is a bed, a bar and a great location, then Peace and Love Hostel is the perfect spot for you. Located in the heart of Canal St-Martin, this hostel is situated away from the iconic tourist spots of Paris, and in the thick of the local nightlife. But don’t worry, you’ll still be just a five minute’s walk from two of Paris’s biggest train stations: Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord, as well as major metro stations. Peace and Love Hostel is the ideal place to meet young travelers. Grab a pint at the ground floor pub, and you’ll be sure to find some companions for a great night out. Don’t expect too much space though—although recently renovated, this hostel focuses more on the social aspect of traveling than the comfort!

Hip spots nearby:
•  Ten Belles: A super-hip cafe  just off the Canal with amazing coffee and two freshly-made sandwich options each day.
•  Jules et Shim: The best bi-bim-bap you’ll find in Paris, with a cute interior to boot. Grab a meal to-go and have a picnic on the Canal!
•  Le Comptoir General: An eclectic and eccentric bar and venue that has it all—couches for lounging, a dance floor to get down, a tiki bar for tropical drinks (fresh-squeezed ginger juice, anyone?), a snack bar and even a thrift store upstairs.

The post The hippest hostels in Paris: Affordable lodging with style appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Louvre

Visit late on Wednesdays or Fridays

If you must, go on Wednesday or Friday night, preferably from 6-9:45 PM. We sound like a broken record saying it, but it’s the truth. And on Friday nights, anyone under 26—anyone—can get in for free. It’s the best time to meander the halls, free from school children, families and tour groups that clog the galleries during the day. Afterwards, there’s still time for a drink or dinner just north around rue Montorgueil. Don’t try to beat the crowds and get there early. Resign yourself to the nocturne. (closed Tuesday)

The Eiffel Tower

Go up the elevators around dinner time

Oh, you wanted to go up this thing? OK, let’s do it, but prepare for crowds no matter what. As long as the elevators are working, the wait shouldn’t be horrible, but why waste even one hour waiting in a line with so few precious days in Paris? Aim for dinner time, again, or even later in the summer when the sun stays out until 9, 10, even 11 PM. From June to September, the last lift to the top is at 11 PM (10:30 the rest of the year), so plan accordingly. Again, groups of children and feuding families will probably be at dinner around 8 or 9, so this is your time to strike. The advantage is that in the summer, heading up around 8 or 9 PM means you’ll get to see Paris as the sun sets, and by the time you reach the top, night should fall and the lights will be twinkling. (open daily)

Montmartre & Sacre Coeur

Aim to get there before midday

This lively area can feel a little overwhelming on the weekends when tourists and locals alike walk the streets that zigzag the old artists’ district. To visit the neighborhood and basilica, just try and get there before noon in order to sneak into the church before a huge line forms, especially during the peak tourist seasons. Once the afternoon hits, especially on the weekends, families and groups find their way up the hill, and by evening, the church is closed for visits. Though hardly ever will you find a line to walk up the 300 steps to the basilica’s dome—maybe climbing up the hill is enough for most people. (open until 8 PM May-September, 5:30 PM October-April)

Notre Dame Church & Bell Tower

Be in line by 10 AM during the high season

There are two components to Notre Dame—the church (free) and the bell towers (€8.50). If you want to go up the towers, you’ll have to get up early (be there around 8:30 for a 10 AM opening in the high season). If you’re traveling with someone, one person can hold the line while the other walks to nearby Huré (1 rue d’Arcrole) for some pastry to eat in line.

If you want to visit the church (free) getting there before 10 AM is usually your best bet, as groups don’t typically enter until a bit later. The church sponsors visits at 2 PM in several languages, which means stay away if possible! But the line to get in, even if it wraps around the square in front of the church, usually advances quickly, since there are no tickets to purchase. (open daily)

The Catacombs

Don’t go too late because final entry time is 4 PM

Same advice as for the towers of Notre Dame—early is key. Although the several million Parisians housed in the old mine shafts don’t really care what time you arrive. The later you get there, the more you risk not making the final cut when the last visitors are allowed in at 4 PM. Get there at 8:30 AM if you can, and you’ll hopefully be among the first group of 200 to descend. (€8, closed Mondays)

The post Paris: A guide to beating the crowds at the top tourist attractions appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Recently images from the new book have been making waves across social media sites, particularly Muratyan’s map of Paris that replaces arrondissements with New York neighborhoods.

The Café Francais, in Bastille. Photo: SSedro

For those who know both cities, the comparisons are uncanny, so I thought it might be fun to see which ones are spot-on and which ones seem like a stretch:

1. Bastille – Bowery, East Village: Spot on.

The young, artsy, still up-and-coming Bastille neighborhood where the Revolution ceremoniously began (well, for some) reflects the same vibe you get walking through the gentrifying East Village – although Bastille is much better serviced by the subway system.

2. Marais – West Village, Chelsea: Spot on.

The quirky gay-friendly Marais has all of the vivacity of Chelsea and the West Village, with pricey boutiques to match.

3. Latin Quarter – Greenwich Village, NYU: Stretch.

50 years ago it would have been true, but besides being student neighborhoods, the Latin Quarter feels much more like a tourist trap than the Village. It’s a place where students occasionally study and party, with none of the urban campus vibe of NYU where thousands of students actually live.

4. Montmartre – Gramercy: Spot on.

Severely gentrified since its Belle Epoque bohemian days (think Moulin Rouge) Montmartre, much like Gramercy Park, is a charming place that most people just look at with so few possessing the keys (read: money) to truly access this neighborhood.

5. Passy – Upper West Side: Stretch.

Young people live in and like the Upper West Side. Some young people live in Passy, but no one likes it.

Tourists stream down the Champs-Élysees. Photo: Caribb

6. Champs Elysées – Times Square: Spot on.

Both are equally avoided by locals. At all cost.

7. Arc de Triomphe – Washington Square: Stretch.

We get the similarities, but the Beatniks and students at the Washington Square arch have nothing in common with the Napoleonic greatness of the military-inspired Arc de Triomphe.

8. Choissy – Chinatown: Spot on.

Porte de Choissy is Paris’s liveliest Chinatown, though New  York’s version is even more vibrant.

Taking in Times Square. Photo: Ed Yourdon

9. Saint-Germain – Upper East Side: Stretch.

While they share similar qualities like museums and old rich people, Saint-Germain has many redeeming ones for locals, including great restaurants, boutiques, and endless café culture. The Upper East Side has redeeming qualities as well.  Just give me a few minutes…

10. Louvre – The Met, Union Square: Stretch.

Two big museums, OK, it was necessary. But I’m not sure about the Union Square comparison aside from the skateboarders.

11. Opéra – Theatre District: Spot on.

Locals and visitors alike flock to the area around the Opéra for a night of ballet, music, or comedy in one of the many smaller venues that fuels Paris’s theater scene. Even though theaters are found all over the city, the majestic Opéra Garnier and its little brother the nearby Opéra Comique are two of the most popular.

Your comparisons? So urban dwellers, what do you think about the comparisons between these cities?

The post Paris vs. New York… The neighborhood showdown appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So with Rolleiflex firmly in hand, channel your inner-glamour puss and look this way!

(If you haven’t already seen our first list of “Iconic Spots in Paris for the Perfect Photo Ops,” make sure to check those out, too!)

1. Pont Alexandre III
Metro: Champs-Elysées- Clemenceau, 7th arrondissement

Raise your hand if you haven’t seen English singer-writer Adele’s sulky-smooth, newly released “Someone Like You” video, and if not, then get thee to a computer. Pack a hanky!

Directed by Jake Nava, the Alexander III Bridge makes a cameo appearance like no other pont to date. In the tear-jerker video, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais (and the Petit) along with Les Invalides and Place de la Concorde. And yes, the La Grande Roue (Ferris Wheel) keeps on turning!

How to get the look: If you want the Eiffel Tower in the shot, photograph it on the Belle Époque beauty’s upstream right bank side of the bridge.

Note to fashionistas: Adele’s fetching black A-line coat with asymmetrical gold zipper is from Moschino’s fall 2010 runway line. I think she scored the very last one. Now who feels sorry for Adele? And the diva’s wild windswept hair? Not a problem, as the damp river air will merrily take care of that for you without a charge. I have been there!

2. Shhhh! Mural at the Centre Pompidou
Place Georges Pompidou
Metro: Rambuteau or Hotel de Ville, 4th arrondissement

I recently stumbled upon a massive mural one recent Sunday afternoon while making my way to the Beaubourg (aka, the Pompidou Center) to buy more reporter notebooks. Neatly tucked behind the Stravinsky fountain, “Shhhh” was created by graffiti artist Jef Aerosol back in June 2011.

Measuring in at an impressive 350 square meters, it was created with spray paint, stencils, and plenty-o-scaffolding, along with the mayor’s stamp of approval and commission. The massive mural’s message? “Stop, look and appreciate the city,” according to the artist. It certainly stopped me in my tracks. Flâneurs, while strolling out and about the city, keep your eyes peeled for street art. It’s everywhere.

3. Le Passe-Muraille
Place Marcel Aymé, at rue Norvins and rue Girardon
Metro: Abbesses, 18th arrondissement

In hilly Montmartre, you’ll find Le Passe-Muraille (“Walker-Through-Walls”). The captivating bronze sculpture is a tribute to novelist Marcel Aymé.

Based on his book by the same title, the main character wakes up one morning with the fantastical ability to walk through walls. At first it’s all fun and games, until his newly-acquired gifts lead him into headlong into harm.

The statue was created by actor and sculptor Jean Marais, who starred in Jean Cocteau’s classics “Beauty and the Beast” and “Orphée.” Cheapos, perhaps it’s time to bust a move?

4. Hôtel de Ville
Metro: Hôtel de Ville, 4th arrondissement

Calling all incurable romantics, this one is for you. Here is Paris’s City Hall is where Robert Doisneau staged his legendary photograph, “Le Baiser de l’Hôtel de Ville,” for LIFE magazine in 1950. After spotting Françoise Delbart and Jacques Carteaud smooching, he requested a little replay action for his camera, and the rest was kiss-tory in the making.

Granted, the cooing couple’s relationship only lasted for nine months, but one can still dream about me and my boo and my boo lip locking, all up in the back (near the fountains) because the pigeons keep flocking—pinching from Beyoncé.

5. I’m waiting for the (meat) man on rue Lepic
Boucherie des Gourmets, 18 Rue Lepic
Metro: Abbesses or Blanche, 18th arrondissement

Meet my new boyfriend. Okay, so he’s a little stiff, but he’s never let me down. Whenever I’m out of sorts or suffering a bad hairdo, he’s there for me. With his wolf calls, he’s never failed to make me smile (except when the shop is closed on Mondays!).

Cheapos, you can find eye-catching, funky signage like this all over Paris. Backdrops for photo-ops abound! Boulangeries, fromageries, and pâtisseries, along with cafes and even pharmacies hire artists to create signs, murals or window displays of their own. Most are creatively fun, a few inevitably fall into the category of exquisitely beautiful, but each and every one contributes a little something more to the city’s evolving vistas!

Take one from Hemingway, Cheapos: “There is never any ending to Paris and the memory of each person who has lived in it differs from that of any other.”

The post Paris: 5 more spots for the perfect photo ops appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

This week, let’s go fabric shopping in Paris. Whether your place is in need of a supreme makeover, with some classic French upholstery retouches, or you’re on the make for material worthy of a wedding (New Yorkers, I’m talking to you!), Paris has what you need.

One of my favorite textile districts is in Montmartre. Here at the foot of Sacré Coeur, you’ll find a whole slew of fabric and notions shops. So, Cheapos, are you ready to bolt?

Textile bliss in the Sacré Couer’s shadow.

Let’s meet outside the entrance of the Abbesses Métro station. After strolling a block downhill (east) on rue des Abbesses, we’ll make a right at rue des Martyrs, and then a quick left at rue d’Orsel.

Ode to Jouy

Skinny rue d’Orsel is lined with a row of funky clothing shops and studios, and it’s here that I find daily inspiration. Their vitrines always make me smile.

Maybe it’s because of the close proximity to the textile district, but the designers here play with the entire spectrum of fabrics in ways you wouldn’t imagine. I recently saw a lingerie line made of rosy toile de Jouy in one shop, while another shop fashioned an evening gown out of a fetching material patterned with cat heads. Hiss-tory in the making!

A shop window rocks on.

You Got the Notion

As we move our way along rue d’Orsel, fabric and notions shops will start popping up around rue de Steinkerque. This is where I typically lose my heart and my hard-earned euros. I’ve been known to spend hours in these shops, picking up supplies for holiday window decorations and dinner party costumes.

Do you have a button fetish, too? Easily unraveled by the mere sight of countless spools of yarn, ribbon and thread? Let’s not forget patches, pom-poms and tassels, along with bonnets, spangles and furbelows. This shiny sequined land is your land, my friend!

All in Stitches

“Oh, the possibilities are (m)endless,” is what I always say as I enter the doors of grand magasins de la couture. Eyes well up with tears. (Actually, I do recommend packing eye drops. The dust particles are never kind!) Both the Marché Saint-Pierre on 2 Rue Charles Nodier, and the Tissus Reine at 5 Place Saint-Pierre (with its 50 miniature mannequins!) are definitely worth a peek.

Here’s the system: If something catches your eye, flag down a clerk with a ruler. They’ll measure it out for you, and hand you a receipt to give to the cashier. Also check the bins outside the shops, where you’ll often find discounted remnants or “coupons,” pre-cut lengths of fabric. Typically the coupons are about three meters (a little more than three yards).

Dressed up on rue d’Orsel.

Ready for a break? For inspiration and homemade quiche, let’s pop by the one of my favorite art museums: Halle Saint Pierre at 2 rue Ronsard. Similar in spirit to Baltimore’s American Visionary Art Museum, this international gem features both contemporary and historic works by self-taught and outsider artists.

Housed in a former 19th-century market, HSP is a bustling cultural hive, boasting a café with a stunning view of Sacré Coeur as well as one of the best (and most fun) art bookshops in the whole city. And speaking of fabric, according to Directrice Martine Lusardy, a textile-themed exhibit entitled “Carnets-Livres” will open in the café’s gallery on July 15, 2011. Admission is free. How spool is that?

Still Waxing Fabrics?

Bolting down rue d’Orsel.

Well, then make a beeline to the nearby Barbès neighborhood (located just a hop, skip and a jump from Halle Saint-Pierre) for fantastical African cloth. I’d start the spree at Megawax on the corner of rue Polonceau and rue des Poissonniers.

Then head up Poissonniers a few blocks and walk up and down rue Doudeauville, where you’ll find still more jam-packed cloth shops. Here I always find conversation-provoking patterns. I’ve bought cloth patterned with prints of umbrellas, chickens and eggcups, along with water bottles, mobile phones and factories.

Tip: Most of the fabric is precut at six meters (about six-and-a-half yards). Keep your eyes peeled for the €10 piles of cloth! Each one is enough to make at least two shirts. Now we’re talking cheap-o-ra-ra! Happy Hunting, Cheapos!

The post Fashioning Paris: Where to shop for fabric appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

North African nations of the once-mighty French empire, including present-day Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, still maintain important links with France, especially concerning immigration and cultural exchange. Today these communities are an integral part of the Parisian scene. Unfortunately, however, it’s cultural tensions with these groups that receive most of the media attention.

Food for thought

For better or worse, cultures often become defined by their food, and the Maghreb countries are no exception. While there could be a magic carpet hidden amongst the fabric stores of the Barbès neighborhood, let’s focus on the couscous, mint tea, and orange blossom pastries that await Paris-bound travelers.

Here’s my Cheapo-friendly tour of where to experience the tastes of North Africa in Paris:

Mint tea

Mosquée de Paris
2 bis, Place du Puits de l’Ermite, 75005
Web site

For the best mint tea in Paris, head to the Mosquée de Paris in the Latin Quarter. The building was inaugurated in 1926 and is the third-largest mosque in Europe. While most non-Muslims cannot enter the building freely, the café connected to the religious monument offers a taste of the Maghreb.

Mint tea (€2) flows plentifully while an assortment of North African pastries awaits you. Sitting in the blue-and-white tiled courtyard, watching the sparrows flit among the foliage, you forget that you’re in the heart of Paris, or even in Europe for that matter.

Art and cultural exhibits

Institut du Monde Arabe
1, rue des Fossés-Saint-Bernard 75005
Web site

To experience some more culture, head to the Institut du Monde Arabe, which since 1987 has been hosting art, photography and cultural exhibits stemming from Arab nations. For just €6 (€4, reduced), the exhibits are yours to roam. If money is an issue, the rooftop terrace and café offers sublime views of the city and the Seine–and access via the elevator is absolutely free.

Algerian couscous

Les 4 Frères
7, Boulevard de la Villette 75010
Web site

When hunger hits, a steaming plate of fluffy couscous and stewed vegetables is a sure-fire cure. Restaurants all over the city propose the North African specialty. My favorite is Les 4 Frères, located just up the street from the Belleville Metro station. The restaurant offers some of the cheapest and tastiest traditional Algerian fare in the city. A plate of couscous with either chicken, beef, or lamb is only €7.20–a small price to pay for a veritable feast. Don’t hesitate to try a pastry or two – they’ll bring the platter to the table and let you decide.

North African pastries

Bague de Kenza
Various locations
Web site

If we’re going to talk pastries, there is definitely a one-stop must-see for any serious sweet tooth. The Bague de Kenza chain offers some of the best Algerian pastries in the city. Feast on flaky pastries rife with almonds, orange blossom, honey and pistachio. There are six locations in Paris, so there’s no reason to miss out on one of their fig-glazed or honey-enrobed delights.

Outdoor market

Barbès market
Boulevard de la Chapelle
Open: Wednesday and Saturday

Since picnic season is upon us, a trip to an outdoor market is always helpful when shopping for affordable fruits and veggies. One of the most exotic (and least expensive) is the Barbès market situated just south of the Montmartre district and open every Wednesday and Saturday. As with most Parisian markets, after noon the vendors start unloading their goods at much lower prices, often selling baskets of produce for just a euro or two.

The crushing crowds along the Boulevard de la Chapelle will transport you out of Paris and into a Moroccon souq, with shouting vendors hawking their produce to a diverse crowd of North African Parisians. Be warned, it’s not for the agoraphobic.

Your suggestions?

Even if you’re still planning that North African adventure, let us know where in Paris you find your inspiration. Where is the best place to find tastes from across the Mediterranean? Share your advice in the comments section.

The post Paris meets North Africa: Tastes of Morocco and Tunisia appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.