Public Transport

There is a bewildering array of discount travel passes available (see Tickets), so be sure to study them to find the best one for you. Visitors can buy one-, two-, three- and five-day passes (called a Paris Visite ticket), with options for different zones and savings on the entrance fees to some sights.

• www.ratp.fr

Hostels and Camping

It is perfectly feasible to find acceptable accommodation in central Paris for €40–50 per night. Even cheaper options include the following hostel groups.

• www.cheaphostel.com

FUAJ

• 01 44 89 87 27

Camping du Bois de Boulogne

• 01 45 24 30 00

• www.campingparis.fr

St Christopher’s Inn

• www.st-christophers.co.uk

Bed-and-Breakfast

Several companies offer rooms with Parisian families on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Most are located either centrally or close to a metro station, and can cost as little as €30 per person per night, if sharing.

Alcove & Agapes

• 01 44 85 06 05

• www.bed-and-breakfast-in-paris.com

Good Morning Paris

• 01 47 07 28 29

• www.goodmorningparis.fr

Cheap Eats

For a coffee or snack, standing at the bar is cheaper than sitting down. In restaurants, the prix-fixe (fixed-price) menus offer good deals and the plat du jour (dish of the day) is usually inexpensive. If you want to sample fine dining, do it at lunchtime when it’s often cheaper.

Cheap Seats

Half-price theatre and concert tickets are available for same-day performances only from kiosks at Place de la Madeleine. Cinemas usually offer discounts in the mornings, and on Wednesdays.

Cheap Treats

Several attractions, including museums such as the Louvre, Musée Picasso and Musée d’Orsay, are free on the first Sunday of each month. Early evening admission for the various nocturnes (late-night openings) is also cheaper. The Paris City Passport, available from tourist offices, offers reductions for certain sights, shops and tours.

Paris Museum Pass

This gives unlimited visits to over 60 museums and monuments throughout Paris. There are two-, four- and six-day options but it is only a cheap deal if you visit many attractions on consecutive days. They are on sale at participating museums, tourist offices and the Espace du Tourisme Ile de France in the Carrousel du Louvre (

99 rue de Rivoli, 75001

• www.parismuseumpass.fr

Breakfast

Most hotels charge separately for breakfast and what is on offer varies widely. You can save money by opting out and choosing a small snack in a café or boulangerie instead.

Churches

Although church interiors are free, there may be a charge for towers, crypts etc. If passing a church, take a look to see if any free or inexpensive lunchtime or evening concerts are being advertised.

Concessions

Remember that since 2009 state-run national museums have been free all year round for everyone under 18 and for those under 26 who are from the EU (ID may be required). Other groups, such as senior citizens, also enjoy special rates.