Every little girl dreams of visiting Paris, France. The antique buildings and cobblestone roads are reminiscent of a fairytale. When asking travelers about Paris, many will say it’s a highly overpriced vacation. What travelers don’t know is that there are simple and accessible ways to save money in one of the most spectacular cities abroad.
Many people only consider a hotel stay. Hotels in Paris are not cheap. Decent hotels in Paris run approximately $200 per night. Generally, that’s not in a college student’s budget. Rather than blowing your money on an average hotel, book a hostel! You may have to share a room and a bathroom with a few other people, but trust me, the price you pay and vibe throughout the hostel makes it all completely worth it. I stayed at the 3 Ducks Boutique Hostel-Eiffel Tower for $40 per night. This place was absolutely adorable. It had a lovely courtyard, complimentary breakfast, and a bar open until 2 a.m. The atmosphere throughout this hostel is delightful; everyone is extremely welcoming and friendly. Another way I saved money, was traveling with my S’well water bottle. This allowed me a free water refill at the hostel rather than having to buy bottled water.
The Eiffel Tower is an obvious must see. The incredible architecture is something everyone has to experience in person. Forgo having dinner at the top of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy a magnificent experience on the Champ de Mars for free. All you need is some fruit, cheese, wine, and a baguette. Picnic while the sun is setting. Enjoy the Eiffel Tower in the sunlight, take in the breathtaking sunset behind the tower, and watch as the tower lights up at night. This intimate experience is something you will never forget; all of this for a fraction of the price for dinner on top of the tower. For a dinner like this, keep your attire trendy and simple. I chose a strapless jumpsuit. This fashion piece was perfect for a picnic as well as many other adventures throughout my trip. It’s super easy to pack and is great for the warm weather during the day as well as the cooler weather during the evening.
Paris is an incredibly vast city and nearly impossible to see everything on foot. The city is full of bike riders; they have their own lane. Many streets offer Vélib’ bikes you can rent for the day for only 1.50 Euro. Renting bikes is an easy and low budget way to pass through and visit many attractions. Vélib’ provides you with a lock so you are able to lock up the bike and walk around as you please. Save money on Metro tickets by using a bike. My Longchamp bag fit nicely in the basket of the bike and made it easy for me to bring along my camera and other valuables.
Have tips on traveling throughout Paris on a budget? Leave a comment below!
