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.

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.

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.

When you’re visiting Paris and “hitting the sights,” you shouldn’t spend half of your precious time waiting in lines. If you follow a few simple tips, you could curtail those lines and large groups and spend more time strolling the streets and relaxing in cafés after a day of successful sightseeing.

Here are seven ways to beat the crowds:

1. Sacre Cœur

The Sacre Cœur Basilica atop the Montmartre neighborhood is a gleaming white monument that attracts visitors like moths to a light, especially on weekends and during the summer. But head to the church at night–it’s open until 11 p.m. every day. At night, not only do you get a spectacular view of the city from the highest point in Paris, but you can wander the church without herds of camera-toting tourists behind you. (Speaking of which, there are no photos allowed!)

Oh, Mona! Photo: Stew Dean

2. Mona Lisa and the Louvre

Visiting da Vinci’s famed Mona Lisa at the Louvre is a must, especially for the first-time Parisian experience. But the crush of people in front of this tiny painting can be unbearable, especially on the first Sunday of the month when museums and monuments are free.

Visiting the Louvre first thing in the morning or during one of its nocturnal openings (Wednesday and Friday from 6-10 p.m.) will allow for a much more pleasant (if more expensive) experience, hopefully devoid of the crazy, snapping crowds.

3. Bakery

Getting the best baguettes and pastries in Paris can be difficult if you go during “rush hours.” While there’s rarely a wrong place to grab an éclair or loaf, there is a wrong time. Avoid the bakeries at lunch time and during the evening rush hours. For example, my favorite bakery has a line out the door at 6 p.m. every night, even during the winter. I drop by early in the morning for fresh pastries or later in the afternoon before the rush hour traffic arrives.

4. Department stores

Exploring department stores in Paris can be a rewarding treat. Not only is the merchandise fun to browse, but the stores themselves are works of art. If you show up on the wrong day or time, however, even an hour at the Galeries Lafayette or Printemps stores can leave you exhausted.

During the twice-annual sales, “soldes” in French (during the late summer and early winter), the stores become veritable havens for bargain hunters. No store is safe at these times. During the rest of the year, Saturdays are an agoraphobic shopper’s worst nightmare, as well.

If you need a breather, take the escalators to the top floor. The observation deck atop the Galeries Lafayette is free and offers a unique view of Paris.

5. Metro

While the Metro is never ideal for those inclined to panic attacks, the absolute worst time to ride are during rush hours, around 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Parisian work days typically start around 10 and end around 6, so to avoid the rush, either get to the Metro station earlier or, well, walk. During the rest of the day, finding a seat shouldn’t be a problem. During the rush hour, however, you might not be able to squeeze into the train at all.

6. The Conciergerie and Sainte Chapelle

The Conciergerie and Sainte Chapelle are two extremely popular tourist attractions, both located on the Ile de la Cité near Notre Dame. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the crowds lined up on the sidewalk, making Marie Antoinette’s prison cell and Louis IX’s stain-glassed chapel feel like Space Mountain at Disney World.

Weekends, again, are bad times to go. Also, if visiting on the “first free Sunday of the month,” remember that the word “free” speaks to everyone. You’ll save some money, but you’ll lose lots of time, so weigh the pros and cons.

7. Eiffel Tower

Ascending the Eiffel Tower is an experience cherished by more than 6 million tourists each year. Unfortunately, most of them will also remember waiting upwards of an hour in line to take the elevator to the top.

There are ways around this, however. The most intrepid and athletic tourists can hike up to the first level by foot and then catch the elevator from there, bypassing the lines at the base of the tower. For those of us with less stamina, remember that the tower is open late into the evening, until 12:45 a.m. during the summer and until 11:45 p.m. the rest of the year. While other tourists are grabbing dinner, take advantage of the shorter lines!

The post Paris: 7 ways to avoid crowds at sights, stores and more appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

As an elegy to the echoing void the thief left behind, I’ve compiled a list of these artists’ residences and studios, peppered with a little ear-popping gossip, of course. Paris has always inspired artists. Often, though, it was their very own “room with a view” that spurred them on to dizzying (and sometimes scandalous) heights.

There are so many places I want to show you that this week I’ll take you on a stroll through Montmartre. Next time we’ll visit the other great Parisian hotbed of modern art, Montparnasse and St-Germain.

Come on, Cheapos, a-façading we will go!

Pablo Picasso
13 Place Emile-Goudeau, Le Bateau-Lavoir (1904-1909)

Picasso’s view of the Sacre Coeur

Named “le Bateau-Lavoir” because of its resemblance to the laundry barges on the Seine, this former piano factory (pictured, at top) was converted into artist studios around 1880. Rent was just fifteen francs, noise and chaos abounded and newspapers served as table linens.

It was here that Picasso met Georges Braque, who was living on the other side of the hill. “Notre pard,” Picasso took to calling the six-foot boxer, race car driver and dancer, a phrase he pinched from “Les Histoires de Buffalo Bill.” A tight bond was formed, and Cubism took flight. Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”—considered by many art historians to be the first modern painting—was painted here.

Braque’s view

11 Boulevard de Clichy (1909-1912)

As more money rolled in, Picasso was able to move downhill to Clichy. Southern exposure and northern light filled the top floor of the new spacious digs, making it a perfect studio. Here Picasso fell under the spell of the stunning view of Sacré Coeur, the bewitching redheaded model Fernande Olivier and a monkey called “Mamina.” Picasso and Braque’s relationship and experimental fragmenting continued to flourish, both racing back and forth to each others’ apartments.

Georges Braque
48 rue d’Orsel and 101 rue Caulaincourt, Hôtel Roma (early 1900s)

The then brand-spanking-new, curvaceous-but-yet-angular Sacré Coeur helped kick off Cubism by rousing both Picasso and Braque. Both were driven to paint the Neo-Byzantine stunner in all her fragmented beauty. Braque could see Sacré Coeur’s powder-white towers and turrets from his window, but from the back side of the hill.

Feeling brazen, he asked the owner of his building on rue d’Orsel to post a sign stating that there were “Cubists on every floor!” But he could back it up. Cubistas. (Just saying.)

Modigliani
13, Place Emile-Goudeau Le Bateau Lavoir (1906) and 7 Place Jean-Baptiste Clément (1906-1907)

Modigliani’s House

Here Modigliani started experimenting with sculpting heads with railroad cross-ties stolen from the Barbès-Rochechouart Metro Station, which was still under construction at the time. His very public and spirited fusses with girlfriends Beatrice Hastings and Jeanne Hébuterne at Place Emile Goudeau are still legendary with the locals. Cool down at the Wallace Fountain with my favorite view, located in the middle of the square.

What’s up next?

Stay tuned for next time, when we’ll head across town to see the Left Bank digs of these artists and more! What happens when Picasso meets his new infatuation Eva Gouel? Will he stay or will he go on to leave Montmartre for Montparnasse?

Like sands through the hourglass, Cheapos, so are the nail-biting days of our lives!

The post Paris Walking Tour: Famous artists’ studios in Montmartre appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But aside from just generally watching your wallet or purse, there are a number of scams typically used on tourists in Paris. They should know it’s not so easy to con a Cheapo!

Here are a few of the most typical scams to watch out for:

1. “Free” bracelets at Sacre Coeur

Most days, as tourists start to walk up the steps to reach Sacre Coeur, they face a veritable gauntlet of men trying to trick them out of a few euros. This scam involves someone tying a string bracelet onto your wrist and then refusing to let go until you “pay” for the souvenir.

While these men can be aggressive, they are fairly easy to avoid. Often if you speak French they just leave you alone – a simple “non, merci” should do the trick. (Read more tips for visiting Sacre Coeur.)

2. “Did you drop this gold ring I just found?”

I don’t really understand how this one works, but it must, because so many scammers still do it. It starts like this: as you’re walking along the street, someone approaches you and asks, “Excuse me, did you drop this gold ring?” When you say, no, that’s not mine, the person then tries to foist the ring on you, saying it must be worth a lot of money.

Since he or she is in the country illegally, the person can’t possible sell the ring, but you as a respectable tourist should have no problem. Can you just give him or a her a little money (not even the value of the ring)? Of course, in reality the ring is worthless. Be on the lookout for this scam in the Jardin des Tuileries and the Champs de Mars, near the Eiffel Tower.

3. “Do you speak English?”

As foreigners in a strange land, we’ve all needed to ask for assistance at some point. So when someone asks if you speak English, the logical response is: “Yes, I do! How can I help?” However, the next step on the part of the asker is to hold up a card with a poorly written sob story asking for money.

This isn’t so much a scam as a clever way to engage with tourists before begging for some spare change. It’s up to you whether or not to part with a few euro coins. These alms seekers can be found in pretty much all the major tourist districts, and are especially abundant in the square facing Notre Dame.

Don’t panic!

As the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy would tell you, don’t panic! Like in any big city, it is important to remain on one’s toes in Paris, but that shouldn’t prevent you from having a good time. Just keep on eye on your belongings and use common sense and you should be fine!

Tell us your scam story

Have you witnessed or been the victim of a scam in Paris, or in any other city while traveling? Tell us about your experience–and what you’ve learned from it!

The post Paris: Smart tourists know these 3 scams appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

There are plenty of other places where you can see the city from above, and for cheaper than a ticket up the crowded tower. Here’s a list of my other favorite birdseye hot-spots that will allow you to take in the majesty of Paris.

Climb Notre Dame’s tower

Perhaps my favorite views of Paris are from the towers of Notre Dame. There’s something  serene about looking down on the surrounding waters of the Seine and watching all the tiny people scurrying around in front of the cathedral. There is one drawback: only a certain number of visitors are allowed up in the towers at a time, so the wait can be considerable. Also be prepared to climb the 387 stairs.

Access to the towers is outside the cathedral, around the corner to the left of the entrance (if you’re facing the cathedral). Tickets cost €8, and you must pay in cash. From October 1 to March 31, the towers are open every day from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. From April 1 to September 30, the towers stay open until 6:30 PM, and from June through August until 11:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. The last group enters 45 minutes before closing.

Romance and music in Montmartre

Many visitors to Paris rave about the views from outside Sacré Coeur in Montmartre, especially at sunset. My opinion: it’s really difficult to make out any of the landmarks from that high up, and the Eiffel Tower and setting sun are completely hidden from view by trees and buildings.

Still, you can’t beat the atmosphere, with a rotating set of semi-English-speaking musicians performing on the church steps nightly. This vantage point is free and thus worth taking a moment to enjoy after touring the basilica.

Institut du Monde Arabe: Freebie!

Okay, so from the top floor of the Institut du Monde Arabe you can only vaguely see the Eiffel Tower through the corner of the glass building. It is, however, a great place to gaze out over the Seine and Notre Dame. On a clear day you can see Sacré Coeur and the Arc de Triomphe. There’s also an outdoor café/restaurant, although it’s a little pricey.

The institute is located at 1 rue des Fossés-Saint-Bernard; opening hours are 10 AM to 6 PM, every day except Monday. Entrance is free.

Commanding views from the Tour Montparnasse

The Tour Montparnasse, the blight of the Paris skyline, is actually one of the best places to see the rest of the city. Take Europe’s fastest elevator to the 56th floor, which has floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides of the building and offers spectacular views in all directions. From there, walk up to the roof on the 59th floor for outdoor viewing. At €10.50 it costs almost as much as going to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but the expense is well worth it.

The Tour Montparnasse in located in the Fifteenth Arrondissement outside Montparnasse station. From October 1 to March 31, the tower is open Sunday to Thursday from 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 AM until 11:00 PM. From April 1 to September 30, the tower is open every day until11:00 PM. The last elevator leaves a half hour before closing.

Majesty (and a museum) at the Arc de Triomphe

For views of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe can’t be beat. It’s not a bad place to see the Grande Arche at La Defense or the Champs Elysées either. You can look all the way down Paris’s most famous avenue to the Place de la Concorde and the Jardin des Tuileries beyond. If you decide to walk up, there are 284 stairs, with a small museum dedicated to the history of the monument about three quarters of the way up.

Tickets cost €9. From October 1 to March 31 the monument is open from 10 AM to 10:30 PM; closing time is 11 PM April 1 to September 30. The last entrance is 30 minutes before closing.

What do you think?

What is your favorite spot to view the City of Light? Tell us about it below!

About the author: Liz Webber is a freelance journalist living and working in Paris. She has previously worked for the International Herald Tribune and Budget Travel.

The post Paris: Where (else) to find the best views appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here’s a list of our top five favorite free attractions.

1) Père Lachaise Cemetery

Frédéric Chopin, Guillaume Apollinaire, Honoré de Balzac, Édith Piaf… This cemetery is a “who’s who” of famous names, and not all of them French (Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and other expats are buried there as well). Bring flowers to leave graveside or just stroll the cobblestone paths and well-landscaped grounds. Better yet, take a virtual tour on the cemetery’s web site. Check out Baron Haussmann’s mausoleum! Very schmancy.

Open: Monday through Saturday 8 AM to 6 PM and on Sundays from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Note: When sundown occurs before 6 PM, the cemetery closes at dusk.

2) The Seine and Islands

Man, if this river could talk! It has certainly seen its share of history, revolution, and passing love interests. Take a walk along the Left Bank and browse the local bookseller wares. The Seine’s stream flows to name a few). Cross the Pont-Neuf bridge for an added plaisir and visit Île de la Cité. Behind Notre Dame, cross the Pont St. Louis to visit the charming Île St. Louis.

3) The Eiffel Tower

Now, wait: Before you get all worked up, yes, it costs €11.50 to ride the elevator to the top of the tower. But, it costs rien de tout to take one of those novelty photos where you look like you’re giving it a pinch or kissing its pointer. And, here’s an added bonus: Each night at sundown, the Eiffel lights up the sky until 1 AM (2 AM during the summer months). Each hour on the hour after sundown, there’s a ten-minute light show, too.

4) Victor Hugo House

We first fell in love with Hugo when we read Les Misèrables (we finished it–we swear). Jean Val Jean is like a personal hero. Today, you can visit all permanent collections in Hugo’s first home—at the Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée, which sits proudly on the gorgeous Place des Vosges in the Marais. Hugo lived here from 1832 to 1848. The collections, which are free to visit, showcase an impressive array of ancient Chinese pottery, original furnishings and beautiful classical paintings. Just don’t steal any bread.

Open: Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5:40 PM.

5) Sacré-Coeur Basilica

Sit on top of the world, or at least Paris, when you trek up to the glistening white “Sacred Heart” basilica, perched 420 feet above the City of Lights. While it costs €5 to climb up the spiral stairs of the famous white dome, there’s no charge to walk through the gorgeous Byzantine-style Basilica, built in 1875 after the Prussian and German invasions. Afterward, you’re free to traipse through the picturesque streets of Montmartre.

Open: Daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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