Friday 28 February 2014

Top Reasons to Visit Paris on a Budget

Words: Lindsay Bradley

Paris is not just for lovers - it’s for everyone! It’s a city full of culture that’s ideal for those on a budget. If you’re looking for a weekend city break here are five reasons why Paris should be at the very top of your list of places to visit.

The Eiffel Tower
The most iconic monument is of course the Eiffel Tower. There are several floors to the tower with each floor providing information on the history of its construction along with restaurants and shops. With its popularity, it often means that at peak times it gets very busy so instead of wasting your afternoon queuing up for the lifts, why not take the stairs and be rewarded with some breath-taking views of the city.

The Metro
In big cities, there is always the issue of getting around. Luckily, Paris' metro system is ideal and cheap to use. You can get a day pass and see some of the best Paris has to offer, for example the Arc De Triomphe and the Notre Dame are both free to view, although you can pay a small fee to see extra. If architecture isn't of interest then perhaps a walk through one of Paris' gardens would be better. Jardin des Tuileries is a grand public park near The Louvre and is popular for its large fountain and majestic setting.

The Louvre
If art is your thing then you must look at one of the world’s largest and most famous museums - The Louvre. The Palace was once home to several French Kings before it became a museum.  It’s free to EU residents under the age of 25 and free to all visitors on the first Sunday of each month. You can spend an entire day at the museum and still struggle to see everything! There is something for everyone to enjoy from ancient Egyptian sculptures to the illustrious Mona Lisa.


Food and Drink
Breakfast is something that the French excel at so instead of settling for hotel fare why not discover some of the many patisseries and cafes? They provide an affordable and delicious breakfast, making you feel a part of Parisian life. Paris is not just about croissants and coffee either, why not try a tartine (lengthways sliced French bread with jam) with fruit juice? The city is also the place to go in the evening as most bars and restaurants come alive and the majority have a happy hour. Why not treat yourself to a steak au poivre alongside the odd cocktail or three?!

Live Music
Paris is an ideal location for lovers of live music. Many up-and-coming French bands play in cafes and bars. In addition, popular UK and US bands frequently play live shows in small venues such as Café De La Danse in Bastille for a fraction of the price. 

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