^Cheap City Breaks in Paris for Couples : Walk around the city
Paris is a beautiful city with plenty of romantic and affordable options for couples. It’s not really cheap though. You can now start saving up for your next trip, you can see how much money there will be in a year’s time with this savings calculator. Saving up for a trip offers several advantages, both financial and personal. Here are some of the key benefits:
-
Financial Security: a. Avoid Debt: Saving for a trip allows you to avoid going into debt by using credit cards or loans to fund your travel expenses. b. No Interest Payments: When you save up in advance, you don’t have to worry about paying interest on borrowed money, which can be costly.
- Budget Control: a. Better Planning: Saving for a trip encourages you to create a budget and stick to it, helping you track your expenses and prioritize your spending. b. Reduced Overspending: Knowing how much money you have available helps you avoid impulsive spending, ensuring you don’t exceed your budget.
-
Peace of Mind: a. Financial Peace: Saving for your trip in advance reduces financial stress and provides peace of mind, knowing that you have the funds to cover your expenses. b. Emergency Fund: Having saved money can also serve as an emergency fund, allowing you to deal with unexpected expenses during your trip without major disruptions.
If you do not have the time to save up and wanted to go soon, here are some tips for planning a budget-friendly city break in Paris:
Travel Off-Peak: Traveling during the offseason, which typically falls between November and March (excluding Christmas and New Year), can save you a significant amount on flights and accommodations.
Accommodation: Look for budget-friendly accommodations like boutique hotels, guesthouses, or Airbnb rentals. Consider staying in neighborhoods like Montmartre or the Marais, which can be more affordable than the city center.
Free Attractions: Many of Paris’s most famous attractions are free to enter, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the Luxembourg Gardens. You can also enjoy the beautiful cityscape by walking along the Seine River or exploring the charming streets.
Museum Pass: If you plan to visit several museums and monuments, consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass, which offers access to numerous attractions at a discounted price.
Picnic in the Park: Instead of dining out for every meal, pick up fresh bread, cheese, and wine from local markets and enjoy a romantic picnic in one of Paris’s many parks or along the Seine.
Free Events: Keep an eye out for free events and exhibitions happening in the city during your visit. Paris often hosts open-air concerts, street performances, and art exhibitions.
Eiffel Tower: While going up the Eiffel Tower can be expensive, admiring it from the Champ de Mars park or from Trocadéro Gardens can be just as romantic and cost-effective.
Day Trips: Consider taking a day trip to nearby attractions like Versailles or Giverny. These trips can offer a change of scenery without breaking the bank.
Discount Cards: Look into the Paris Pass or the Paris Card, which offer discounts on various attractions and activities in the city.
Plan in Advance: Booking flights and accommodations well in advance can often lead to better deals. Also, check for online discounts and deals on attractions and tours.
Café Dining: Paris is known for its sidewalk cafes. While dining at Michelin-star restaurants can be costly, you can still enjoy delicious French cuisine at more affordable local cafes, less of the high-end ones or Starbucks.
Paris is a culinary paradise, and you can enjoy delicious food on a budget if you know where to look. Here are some affordable dining options and places to eat in Paris:
- Boulangeries and Patisseries: Start your day with a fresh croissant or pain au chocolat from a local bakery. These are not only delicious but also very affordable.
- Street Food: Paris has a variety of street food vendors selling crepes, falafel, and sandwiches. The Marais district, in particular, is known for its excellent falafel shops.
- Cafés: Parisian cafés are a great place to enjoy a leisurely meal without breaking the bank. Opt for a “formule” or set menu to get a complete meal at a reasonable price.
- Market Stalls: Paris has many vibrant open-air markets where you can find fresh produce, cheese, and prepared foods. Try some local cheese and baguette for a simple yet delicious meal.
- Les Bouillons: These traditional French bistros offer hearty meals at reasonable prices. They often serve classic dishes like French onion soup, coq au vin, and beef bourguignon.
- Le Comptoir du Relais: This cozy bistro offers a daily-changing fixed-price menu that can be a great value for a high-quality meal.
- Le Relais de l’Entrecôte: If you’re a fan of steak frites, this restaurant specializes in it. They have a limited menu, which helps keep the prices down.
- Chez Gladines: This restaurant serves hearty Basque cuisine at affordable prices. Try their famous duck confit or Basque-style omelets.
- L’As du Fallafel: Located in the Marais district, this famous falafel shop offers delicious and affordable Middle Eastern food. It’s a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.
- Lunch Menus: Many restaurants offer more affordable lunch menus compared to their dinner options. Take advantage of these prix-fixe menus for a taste of French cuisine without the high price tag.
- Picnic in the Park: Buy fresh ingredients from local markets or supermarkets and have a picnic in one of Paris’s beautiful parks. The Luxembourg Gardens and Canal Saint-Martin are great spots for this.
- Fast Food with a Twist: Try French fast food options like “croque-monsieur” (grilled ham and cheese sandwich) or “quiche” from bakeries and takeout shops.
- Crepe Stands: Crepes are a budget-friendly option in Paris. You can find sweet and savory crepes from street vendors throughout the city.
- Food Trucks: Keep an eye out for food trucks and pop-up stalls, which offer a range of international cuisine at more affordable prices.
- Buffet-Style Restaurants: Some restaurants offer buffet-style dining for lunch or dinner, allowing you to eat as much as you want for a fixed price.
While dining in Paris can be expensive, these options should help you enjoy the city’s culinary delights without breaking the bank. Remember to explore local neighborhoods and ask for recommendations from locals for hidden gems that offer delicious, budget-friendly meals.
Remember that the key to enjoying a budget-friendly city break in Paris is to plan ahead, make use of free and affordable activities, and prioritize your spending on the experiences that matter most to you as a couple. Paris is a city that can be enjoyed on any budget, and its romantic atmosphere is sure to make your trip memorable.
