Paris on a Budget
Cheap and Alternative Things to Do in Paris, France
Paris, France is known as a city of culture, sophistication, elegance and expense; spending a few days in Paris can stretch most people's budgets. However, there are many sights of Paris – aside from the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and expensive boutique shops – which can be enjoyed for a lot less money; in addition, some of these sights allow a brief glimpse of real Parisian life.
Visiting the Gardens of Paris
Visiting any of the Paris parks and gardens (either in the center of Paris or in some of the smaller, outlying arrondissements) allows the visitor to not only escape the madding tourist crowds of the museums and art galleries for a while but also allows a chance to 'people watch'. It is possible to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Paris parks and speculate on the many individual characters to be found there!
Visit the Jardin Des Tuileries in Paris
Jardin des Tuileries is open throughout the year from early in the morning until the evening; once the domain of Paris' most wealthy residents, who regularly visited, today it is populated by many characters, who come to enjoy the historical gardens and water features.
- Cost: free (if avoiding the expensive cafes)
- Location: 1st arrondissement
- Metro: Tuileries or Concorde.
The Various Attractions of the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris
The Jardin du Luxembourg is the place where many Parisians go to relax; in addition to the garden terraces and the Grand Bassin (popularly used to sail model sailboats), there is the 17th century Palais du Luxembourg, the Theatre du Luxembourg and the 19th century Musee du Luxembourg to enjoy.
- Cost : free (charges apply for visits to the Palais, Theatre and Musee)
- Location: 6th arrondissement
- Metro: Luxembourg.
Book Stores of Paris' Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter of Paris (Quartier Latin) is well known for its literary connections; prior to the Revolution, Latin was spoken here between the many students and professors. Today, it is still the place to go to learn, being the home of the Sorbonne university, College de France and many other academic institutions; consequently many book stores and libraries are located in this area.
Perhaps one of the most famous English language book stores in Paris is Shakespeare and Company which has a wide collection of new and used books, although, in recent years, tourism may have impacted the original delights of this particular Parisian bookstore; however, browsing any book store is a cheap thing to do in Paris – unless buying! There are also many book stalls lining the banks of the River Seine, trading in, primarily, second hand books and 'art' curios.
- Cost: free (unless buying)
- Location: 5th arrondissement
- Metro: St Michel.
Visiting the Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris
Perhaps not the first thing to think of when visiting Paris, the Pere Lachaise cemetery is worthy of a visit for those visiting Paris on a budget, for a number of reasons:
- although a cemetery, this is a place filled with leafy trees, winding walkways and elaborate tombs, invoking a sense of peace and rest within the living, as well as the dead
- there are a huge number of well known artists, writers, actors/actresses and stars buried here including Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Moliere, Balzac, Chopin and, a more recent celebrity, 1960's rock star Jim Morrison of The Doors fame.
- it is one of the world's most visited cemeteries since its opening in 1804 and has over one million graves; plan a visit carefully to avoid missing any particular graves.
- Cost: free
- Location: 20th arrondissement
- Metro: Pere LaChaise, Philippe Auguste or Gambetta.
With a little imagination and planning, it is possible to see an alternative Paris to the more familiar tourist Paris but still enjoy the excitement of visiting one of the world's most famous cities; some other suggestions for visiting Paris on a budget include:
- strolling the famous Champs-Elysees – window shopping only!
- discovering local cafes and restaurants, on small, hidden side streets, often only found whilst wandering; the same can be said for many shops full of hidden treasures
- visit some of the smaller, lesser known Paris museums and art galleries, such as the Orangerie, which has free entry on the first Sunday of each month and exhibits of some of Claude Monet's work.
Other Budget Options in Europe by the Same Author:
The Sights Of Paris on a Budget
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Enjoy Free Time At Jardin Du Luxembourg Paris
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