That’s why no trip to the city is complete without attending at least one show.

Even the most casual observers are familiar with Broadway, the glitzy home of “Wicked,” “The Lion King” and “The Book of Mormon.” (And, indeed, I wrote a post last week about how to score cheap seats to Broadway shows.) But some of the best shows take place in smaller theaters — where tickets are a fraction of the cost and, sometimes, the stars are shining just as bright.

Related: Best cheap hotels near Broadway theaters

Broadway, Off and Off-Off: What’s the difference ?

Theater in New York City falls into three categories: Broadway, Off Broadway and Off-Off Broadway. And while it’s true that the flashy mega-musicals like “The Lion King” and “Wicked” are all playing on Broadway, the distinction has nothing to do with show’s content or quality. It’s all about the theater.

Broadway shows are performances taking place in one of 39 venues officially designated as Broadway theaters and ranging in size from about 600 to 1,900 seats. Most, but not all of them, stand around Times Square.

But ask someone about the term “Off Broadway” and you’re likely to get a blank stare or even concern about seedy theaters in dangerous parts of town — which couldn’t be further from the truth. It simply refers to smaller theaters all around the city, each with roughly 100 to 500 seats.

Then, there’s a third designation, “Off-Off Broadway.” The nonprofit Theatre Development Fund describes them as “more adventurous” offerings in “small or unorthodox” theaters seating fewer than 100 people.

Off Broadway: High quality and cheaper seats

Mega-shows perform on Broadway because they need the larger stage to accommodate larger casts. Not to mention larger audiences paying larger prices to cover larger production costs. But it doesn’t mean they’re better shows.

Some of the best in New York City — actually, some of the best in the world — perform Off Broadway with smaller casts and smaller budgets in smaller theaters. One good result is smaller ticket prices as well. But another is a wider variety of shows. When you don’t need to attract so many people paying top dollar, you can afford to produce whimsical comedies, risqué dramas or philosophical pieces with more of an edge.

What does all of this mean for Cheapos?

Don’t focus only on Broadway! You can have a great evening of theater Off Broadway. And you may still catch some notable stars or even see the next big Broadway hit.

Not long ago, I sat just off the stage in an intimate, eight-row theater for the final Off-Broadway performance of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.” For more than two hours, I laughed relentlessly through one of those whimsical comedies as stars David Hyde Pierce, Kristine Nielsen and Sigourney Weaver led a phenomenal cast through racy routines, philosophical rants and some of the finest acting you’ll ever see. Laughing just as hard, a couple of sections over, was the legendary Meryl Streep. A few months later, the show moved to Broadway, where audiences paid far more to sit in a theater over twice the size. The show eventually won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play.

For business reasons, most Off-Broadway shows will never make the trip to a larger, Broadway theater. But many are just as good artistically — if not better. Some may disagree, but for my money, Off Broadway is where the real action is.

The post Head Off Broadway for Great Shows and Cheaper Tickets appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. Falafel in the Marais

It’s a no brainer that I’d always choose to eat before anything else. And with 10 euros I’d definitely head to “L’As du Falafel” in the Marais and grab a falafel sandwich with spicy sauce for just five euros. 34 rue des Rosiers, 75004

2. Splurge on a good bottle of wine

If I was in a really good mood, I’d head to one of my favorite wine shops and grab a special bottle of wine for less than 10 euros. Keep in mind that spending three euros on a bottle of wine at the supermarket is not a stigma when you’re on a budget, and the results are always surprisingly pleasant. For special occasions I head to “le Verre Volé” for something fun in the seven to 10 euro range. 67 rue de Lancry, 75010 OR 38 rue d’Oberkampf, 75010

3. A trip to the catacombs

Studies show that those who live in a city rarely visit its sights, but a 10 euro bill can take you almost anywhere in Paris. A visit to the Catacombes, the underground passageways with artistically arranged medieval bones, is one of the city’s most stunning attractions. Guards check your bag on the way out, so don’t try to steal any femurs. 1 Place Denfert-Rochereau 75014, Web site

4. Hot chocolate at Angelina

Some of the best hot chocolate in Paris can be had for less than 10 euros. With its accompanying bowl of whipped cream, a hot chocolate at Angelina is decadent and delicious, if you can brave the crowd. 226 rue de Rivoli, 75001, Web site

5. Used book and a seat at a cafe

Sitting in a café with a good book is the quintessential Parisian experience. A used book at the Gibert Jeune bookstore will cost just a few euros, even many English books. Just look for the sticker that says “occasion” and you should easily have two euros left for an espresso at any café. Various locations (with yellow awnings) at Place St-Michel, 75005

6. Climbing the towers of Notre Dame

Visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral is free, of course, but climbing the 387 steps to the top of the towers will set you back a few euros. It’s easy to fall in love with Paris as you stand next to a medieval gargoyle looking over the city’s rooftops. 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, 75004, Web site

7. A tour of the Palais Garnier

Going to Versailles takes time and the train ticket alone costs about 10 euros. When I want a less pricey “regal” experience, I head to the Palais Garnier for a day-time tour of the city’s historic opera house. The late 19th-century gilded wonder leaves both visitors and Parisians floored. 8 Rue Scribe, 75009. Normal admission, €9, Web site

8.Pink Flamingo pizza

A good take-away pizza is hard to find in Paris, but Franco-American pizzeria Pink Flamingo does a fantastic pie. A take-out Dante pizza will cost just €9.50 and is topped with fresh basil and tomato. Flagship location: 67 rue Bichat, 75010, Web site

9. Tickets to the Comédie Française

Whether you speak French or not, going to the theater can be a memorable event. Many rush tickets are available in Parisian theaters; the opulent theater at the Palais Royal is one of the city’s best deals. You can see classic French theater by the prestigious Comédie Française for under €10, if you don’t mind a less-than-perfect seat. Just show up at the theater before the show starts to see what tickets are available. 38 rue de Montpensier, 75001, Web site

10. Splurging at the bakery

Okay, so half of this list is food-related, but if I’m going to splurge I’m going to do it right. An amazing bakery, “Du Pain et Des Idées,” serves up “escargots,” which are essentially pastry swirls. The chocolate pistachio escargot is simply delicious. At just €1.90 each, you can try all of the varieties, if you and your waistline approve. 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010

The post Paris: Top 10 things to do for Less than €10 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.