Paris is one of the most interesting cities to visit in the world, full of the best fashion, history and architecture; it is a fantastic place to visit. The ‘City of Light’ is not known however for its value for money, here are some top tips for getting around the French capital on a budget.
Metropolitan Paris
One of the most efficient and cost effective ways of getting around the city is the Paris Metro, the network which is the second largest underground system in Europe carries an estimated 4.5 million passengers a day. There are stops close to all of the major attractions and it is easy to determine which trains are the ones you need.
Paris Transportation
The trains run frequently throughout the day, perfect for those with plenty of sights to see, the first train begins at 5:30am and the last train leaves at 1:15am or on Friday and Saturdays 2:15am. If you are planning to stay out late make sure you don’t miss the last train as you don’t want to have to fork out for an unplanned taxi ride back to your hotel.
Paris Travel Tips
Like any city it is important to stay safe and not take unnecessary risks, avoid travelling alone very late at night. The famous Art Nouveau inspired architecture of the Metro Station is somewhat of an attraction in its own right, to be stood under a famous Métropolitan sign you could only be in Paris.
Purchasing a Paris Visite pass is particularly useful for getting around the city, the pass entitles the bearer to unlimited transport for your chosen number of days and in your city zones required (if staying within the city centre Zones 1-3 will be sufficient to see all the major attractions.) The pass enables access to all Metro, RER trains and city buses making transport to any part of the city easily accessible.
Taxis in Paris
The pass is perfect for those who like to plan in advance; the pass can be bought prior to your arrival in the city and only begins to countdown to expiration once it is used for the first time. This is a great way to sort out your transport before even setting foot in Paris, leaving you more time to enjoy the iconic sights.
However tempting the idea may be, refrain from hiring a car in the city, driving in the centre of Paris is not for the faint hearted and stressful driving and the concern of where to park your hire car in a busy city can be a worry when your only concern should be enjoying exploring your surroundings.
Charlotte writes for new travel site Simonseeks.com and if you are looking to visit Paris you might want to also look at the top rated recommended Paris hotels on Simonseeks, where you can find inspirational travel guides and expert advice.