One of the beauties of Paris is that it’s extremely easy to travel around. With a great public transport system and a patchwork of closely knitted together neighbourhoods, getting from A to B within the city should only cost a couple of Euros at most. Here’s five ways to save money whilst getting around Paris:
1. Rent a bike
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Vélib’ bikes are the go-to mode of transport for locals and adventurous visitors. With more than 20,000 bikes available to rent across Paris, finding one to rent is the easy part. Depending on how long you’re staying in the city, buy a 1-day or 7-day ticket. During this time you can discover the city on two-wheels, without the hassle of pre-booking or running to make a train’s departure time. Keep in mind that the first 30-minutes of each trip are free of charge, whilst each 30-minute block thereafter charged. Learn the system and do as the Parisians do, ride a bike for 30 minutes then swap it for another at a Velib station. The 30-minute free clock starts again. Score!
2. Grab a Paris Visite Pass
Save money on transport whilst exploring Paris and the surrounding Ile-de-France region with a Paris Visite Pass. Allowing unlimited travel on the Metro, bus and RER, you can pre-purchase your pass online before landing in France. If Versailles, Disneyland and Charles De Gaulle Airport make an appearance on your itinerary then this little ticket will become your new, money-saving best friend.
3. Walk the walk
Take advantage of Paris’s 20 connecting neighbourhoods and explore the city on foot. In the space of a couple of hours you can wander past the Tuileries Garden, the Notre Dame, the Louvre and even have time to stop for a coffee. With metro stations located on almost every second block, if time is running out then hitch a train to you’re next port of call.
4. Skip the taxi
Like most places, taxis in Paris can be expensive. Calling and booking a taxi in advance involves an extra fee, and if there’s an accident, congestion builds up fast in a city where single lane roads are common. For guaranteed cheap travel, opt for the Metro or use your feet.
5. DIY dining cruise
Ignore the expensive river cruises along the Seine where champagne is at hand and a three-course meal is served. Instead opt for a one-hour boat tour with Vedettes du Pont Neuf, and create a simple but just as fun DIY experience. Pack your own picnic and once the boat has docked find a perch on the riverbank to devour creamy cheese, chewy baguettes and smooth wine. Easy and cheap!
(Featured image: Dustin Gaffke)
