Save Money in Paris

Q: I read your very interesting article on saving money in Rome. As I will be visiting Paris later this year with friends, I would appreciate some similar information on the French capital. - Adrienne Barden

A: Cost-cutting in Paris has become an obsession with the travel community, so there is plenty of information available. The reason for this is that French capital is still very expensive for most visitors. Here are some of the most important tips. The first one is that if you are staying longer than a week, you should look at renting an apartment from one of the many rental organisations or via craigslist. A hotel room will be your biggest cost, and flat rentals remain surprising reasonable. This also means that you will be able to cut down on the second highest cost, food and drink, by doing your own thing at home. If you are dining out, rather make lunchtime your main meal of the day as you will find excellent three-course “meal of the day” lunch menus on offer for reasonable prices. Remember that sitting down in a cafe will double the cost of your drink, so rather stand at the bar. While the most famous tourist attractions are on the left bank of the Seine, including the Eiffel Tower, the right bank has been transformed into the mecca of art, fashion and food. So head for districts in the 2nd, 9th and 10th Arrondissement to escape tourist prices and discover what's really hot. Buy a weekly Metro card or join the Velib bicycle rental scheme. Use the free Internet Wi-Fi spots in parks, libraries and public buildings. And make full use of the free entry to a host of museums in the city by getting a list of all the free attractions from publicity offices. (17 May 2009)