Cost Cutting Strategies For Europe

Spending time in Europe’s big cities can be expensive.  Yet, there are ways to visit these great cities without breaking the bank.  This is a five part series on budget tips and money-saving ideas for five of Europe’s most popular cities!


  • Paris
    The time of year that you visit Paris greatly influences the price you will pay for accommodations.  Parisian rooms are priciest during mid-January’s fashion week, Easter through June, September, October and Christmastime.

    The best value hotels are in the 11th, 12th, 18th and 20th arrondissements.  Hotel Beaumarchais in the 11th, for example, is a 32 room boutique hotel painted in sunny colors and rooms start at $147 per night.

    Restaurants at hotel training schools are open to the public by reservation and serve meals from $16.  You can also save money by buying picnic fare at supermarkets.  Remember that they are rarely open on Sundays and holidays.  A great money saving tip is that drinks are half price at bars along Canal Saint Martin in the 11th arrondissement from 6 to 9 nightly.

    The Louvre, Orsay and Rodin museums and other popular ones are free the first Sunday of each month, and discounted admission is available on Wednesday and Friday nights.

    The Paris Museum Pass pays for itself if you see at least four museums in two days.  An added bonus is that you won’t wait in lines.

    Locals lead free city hikes!  They know the history of each neighborhood, the out of the way and surprising spots, local anecdotes, streets and residents that make up the essence of the city.  On foot, by bike, during the day or in the evenings, these walks are a unique opportunity to experience Paris with the locals.

    Buy a book of ten Metro tickets for $14.53 vs. $18.66 for 10 single passes at the stations.  The Carte Orange is an unlimited weekly bus/express train/subway pass ($19.14) that’s cheaper than the Paris Visite Card ($36.16 for five days).  However, the Visite includes trams, regional trains, several bus systems and a funicular.  Another option is the about 14,000 free or low cost rental bills available to tourists and locals in the summer.

Of course, another great way to see Paris on a budget is to book one of Virgin Vacations great Paris trips!  With airfare, accommodations and some activities included, it is a wonderful way to experience the City of Lights!

Stay tuned for the next blog where we discuss money saving tips for Amsterdam!

Note*
These are the current prices that were provided by the current sources: European Travel Commission, Parisinfo.com, French Government Tourist Bureau, Paris Convention and visitors Bureau

Posted by on 04/20 at 11:17 AM

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