Paris vacation ...budgeting?

Question

I am going to paris with 3 friends in May. So far we have an apartment we are renting for a week. I am having trouble putting together a budget for food and attractions.We are young and very excited to really get out there and do alot but we want to do it as cheap as possible. What is a good amount of money to budget for a week of food and attractions? Our apt does have a kitchin so we will buy food from the supermarket to cut the price.

Answer 1

Paris is actually one of the least expensive major European cities.

You'll find that walking is the best way to get many places and the Metro is simple to navigate and inexpensive to use. Late at night when the Metro doesn't run there is a system of special night buses. However, taxis are also relatively inexpensive. Paris is a very compact city and the areas that visitors are interested in can be found in a fairly small area on either side of the Seine (which bisects the city).

Eating is one of the great pleasures to be had in Paris and you shouldn't be afraid to explore and experiment. while it's possible to spend vast amounts of money on three star rated restaurants, you'll also find that even modest little neighborhood cafes can turn out food that will thrill and amaze you.

Try to avoid anyplace that makes a point of advertising that they speak English or have English menus. Seek out places away from the main tourist spots.

In most cafes you'll see a chalkboard with the day's specials. these are almost always very good value for money. Even if you can't speak a word of French just point to something on the board. The worst that can happen is that you'll have a very funny story to tell your friends at home about how you ordered pig's feet or sheep's head.

Take advantage of the many street stands selling crepes, gyros, or sandwiches. A crepe with ham and cheese (jambon et fromage) makes a nice light lunch.

There are also a lot of little shops selling sandwiches, mini-pizzas, and quiches. There's an excellent chain called "Nils" which sells Scandinavian type sandwiches. Highly recommended.

But don't skip real sit down restaurant meals. There are a lot of places where you can eat for quite reasonable prices. Here are a couple of restaurant websites. Check out the menus so you have an idea of what prices are like:

http://www.restaurant-chartier.com/www/visit/atable.php

Chartier is a classic cheap eat that was originally a soup kitchen for workingmen.

http://www.lecoupechou.com/Three-Menus-22-,-25-and-32-_a96.html?PHPSESSID=17d8ae5ee71ea0e209cf3313d06d8e58

La coupe Chou is a well known place in the Latin Quarter.

Please notice the use of the word "menu." In France, this word means "fixed price meals" or "specials." What Americans call a menu is called "La Carte" in French.

Going out at night can be a bit pricey. You'll find that many clubs have an entrance fee that includes the first drink. Americans, who are used to doing their drinking out and downing a half dozen drinks at one place will be surprised to see that many people in France nurse that first drink. A check of the prices will give you good reason to emulate them.

Of course, there are some great free things to do at night. Check out the website of the city of Paris which lists some special events. http://www.v1.paris.fr/EN/

My personal recommendation is for a bar called Aux Trois Mailletz at 56 rue Galande in the 5th arr. Its casual, friendly and with people of all ages. There's a piano bar on the main floor and various singers. Its a really pleasant place. If you go there look for a tall Franco-African with a shaved head who sings opera called Yves. (he knows where the good parties are). And there are several old guys who hang out at the tiny bar who are actually Greek. Strike up a conversation an (assuming all three of you are young ladies) and I bet they'll buy you a drink. (Don't worry...they're harmless).

Anyway, the bottom line is that you should be able to get by very comfortably for something like $100 a day per person and can easily reduce that to as little as $40 a day.

Answer 2

You can get lovely food from the local bakery or the market and have a splendid picnic meals. It is definately worth it to go to outside markets, even if it is just to see and take in the smells. Supermarkets are okay but little neighbourhood shops are a real find and most sell sandwiches and quiches in addition to pasteries, which can fill you up nicely. Do avoid the tourist type cafes and restos--they are really not that good and a waste of money. When going out, it helps to pack water and snacks so that you won't end up overpaying at museum cafes and such out of sheer hunger. Do sit down and enjoy a coffee at a nice shop though. It won't break your budget.

Also, you mentioned you were young. Most attractions offer student discount prices and entrance fees. So don't forget to take your student ID card with you. Get an International Student card (ISIC?) if you can. And lastly, you can easily get around by foot and metro in Paris. So get a weekly metro pass or a discounted booklet of tickets and a good pair of walking shoes. It is absolutely possible to have fun on a budget there. Enjoy!

Answer 3

If you plan to buy food and cook yourself, try to find "ED" stores. It is cheaper than other food stores and they propose different things (vegetables, meat, drink...). Also if you have a small budget, during the lunch eat the famous "jambon-fromage" (ham-emmental cheese) in a boulangerie. Paris is an expansive city but it is also a student's city. So if you go in the area of University you can find some places with good prices.
If you want to move in Paris the best is to buy a subway ticket for the week. The subway is safe but you have to be careful to pick-pocket. Just take an eye to your bag and wallet...

Have a good trip and enjoy

Answer 4

According to what you are saying, you have a limited budget. So this is what I suggest: Coming in May is a good idea, as weather is OK so you can move around on foot if you like and in metro when needed. Going to see the usual monuments, going to party in the evenings, and eating well in ok restaurants will cost around 50 euros per day. So I'd say have a budget of 500 for your week, keeping some money aside in case of emergency. Good luck and enjoy my lovely city!

Answer 5

Of course it depend on what kind of attractions you want to do. If u have any idea, try to find web site with the price to make an idea.

Answer 6

hotel f1. cheap and cheerful. if all you're doing is sleeping and showering then for 30 euro a night is fair. they tend to be on the outskirts but have good metro and trams into the centre.

Answer 7

quite expensive there, but ok if you eat sandwiches