Paris is expensive, but fun is still cheap. Don’t let a miserable exchange rate stop you from enjoying yourself to the fullest. Follow these tips to master the art of frugality in the City of Lights. I originally created this list for a friend of mine. He found it helpful. Hopefully, you will, too.

1. Neighborhood wander - can be FREE if you don’t use public transportation. Which neighborhood? Depends on how you feel that day. I would ABSOLUTELY visit the Quartier Latin, regardless of the duration of your stay. And don’t be afraid to go past the millions of tourists crowding around the St. Michel fountain. It GETS BETTER around [m] Cluny/La Sorbonne.

2. Wander the métro - I love the métro. I’m not sure how long you’ll be in Paris, so it might not be worth it to get a weekly pass, but if you will be there for more than 3 days or so, and arrive before a Thursday, buy a Carte Orange Hebdomadaire (weekly métro pass)! There are some pretty awesome lines and stations. Par exemple, line 6: it’s mostly above ground, so you’ll get great views of the parts of Paris that most people don’t see, all for 1,50 E!

3. Explore the numerous parks found in Paris. FREE. They are all beautiful; you just have to find your favorite! Start with the Jardin de Luxembourg [m]Luxembourg. It’s filled with local people and meticulous flower gardens.

4. Walk by the Seine. FREE. What’s more romantic than the smell of fresh urine next to a polluted river surrounded by rude tourists and booksellers selling useless junk? Seriously, it can be quite nice in the evening in some parts of town.
5. Enjoy a Parisian baguette while people-watching. You knew one of them had to involve bread!