For many travelers leaving the United States for the first time, Paris tops the list of “must-see” cities. It’s for good reasons – Paris is one of the most beautiful, historic, artistic, and bustling cities in Europe. If you’ve set your budget for your trip to France, don’t be caught spending more than you expect. It can also be one of the most overpriced cities in Europe. Skip these six staples of overpriced Paris; your budget will thank you later.
Boutique Hotels
You may spend most of your Parisian budget on the hotel, so do spend plenty of time shopping around before you make your final decision. Price out different locations, as you’ll find that hotels with a view of the Eiffel Tower will most certainly cost you more than a smaller bed and breakfast closer to Sacre Coeur.
Soda
I found that I could get a cup of coffee or a glass of wine more cheaply than a bottle of soda. Be wary when ordering it in restaurants for just that reason.
Cabs
When you can, walk, take the Metro or utilize city buses (or even open-top tour buses with hop on-hop off options) instead of pricey cab rides. As an added bonus, you won’t need to worry about communicating with the driver if you don’t speak French.
Food With a View
You might like to eat your meal outside overlooking the Notre Dame Cathedral (I did it; I get the appeal). However, your food will have a much bigger price tag than comparable dishes in a restaurant that’s off the beaten path.
Museums
It’s hard to describe a museum of such splendor as the Louvre as overpriced, but in fact, you can often get a better deal on your entry if you shop around. For instance, the Louvre is free on the first Sunday of the month, so if you plan your trip well, you can save your 10€ per adult. Save money by purchasing a Paris Pass if you plan to fill up on museums while you’re in Paris.
Artwork
The center of so much art and culture throughout Europe, it seems like a great idea to purchase artwork as a memento from your trip to Paris. Unfortunately, many tourists have the same idea, and salesmen are capitalizing on it. Instead of spending the money on expensive artwork, take plenty of pictures or consider a small piece from the Place du Tertre in Montmarte, where many artists sell their work in the street.
If you’ve traveled to Paris, where did you save (or choose to splurge) in order to avoid overspending on your entire vacation?