Paris - how expensive is this place?

DH and I are planning a trip to Paris later in the year, probably October.

We have $$ set aside for flight and hotel so that is not an issue right now.

Question is, people keep warning me how expensive Paris is. We are def going, it is a life long dream, but I want to start saving more now if need be.

We will probably spend 4 or 5 days there.

For those of you who have been there, how much would you budget for spending money, food, etc?

So far the only things I know I want to see are Versailles, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Sacre Couer, Catacombs, Louvre, etc.
We will prob have an easy breakfast (coffee and croissant?), lunch at a cafe type place but would like decent dinners. Probably one spurlge dinner. And Lots of Wine for sure . Not planning on doing any real shopping other than souvenirs.

For background, we have been to London 3 years ago which was $$$$$ and we were just in Italy, France and Spain last year which was $$. Just adding this to mean that I expect to spend a lot in Paris, just not exactly sure how it compares to these other places

Re: Paris - how expensive is this place?

I don't remember Paris being any more expensive than Manhattan but that was when the dollar and euro were similar.

What makes Paris expensive is the amazing shopping. You'll want to shop shop shop.

In regards to dining and sightseeing, it isn't bad at all. The food portions are just tiny.

Re: Paris - how expensive is this place?

I went about 6-7 years ago, and I don't remember it being insanely expensive. Prices were just a little higher than what I was used to paying in NYC.

My favorite meals in Paris actually turned out to be the simplest and cheapest things- croissants, pastries and fresh bread with cheese.

Re: Paris - how expensive is this place?

I don't recall Paris being more than say Rome.

London always stuck out to me as uber expensive.

With the way the Euro is now ALL European cities have gotten more $$$ so while Paris is $$ no more so than Seville, Florence etc.

Re: Paris - how expensive is this place?

Paris is the most expensive European city, followed by Rome. Prepare to spend some $$$$, but you will have the most amazing time in your life. Nothing compares to Paris!

Re: Paris - how expensive is this place?

It is similar to NYC. But you can save money if you get cheap food like you said croissants or crepes. You can go to a cheese place and have a picnic lunch. Cafes are reasonably priced. Go to a supermarket and get meals there. I did it when I was student and did fine. IMO, London is the most expensive European city.

Message edited 1/22/2010 1:38:40 PM.

Re: Paris - how expensive is this place?

Thanks!

I will try to set aside based on what we paid this past year in Rome, Florence, etc.

Exchange Rate is the killer :( but it is what it is.

Re: Paris - how expensive is this place?

Posted by olechka1911

Paris is the most expensive European city, followed by Rome. Prepare to spend some $$$$, but you will have the most amazing time in your life. Nothing compares to Paris!

Re: Paris - how expensive is this place?

We were in Paris 2 years ago and yes, it was VERY expensive! But that was also when the Euro was crazy!

I would say though, that most of our expenses went to food. And will say that we didn't eat fancy by any means. Local cafe's and such, but it was expensive!

Re: Paris - how expensive is this place?

Posted by baghag

I went about 6-7 years ago, and I don't remember it being insanely expensive. Prices were just a little higher than what I was used to paying in NYC.

My favorite meals in Paris actually turned out to be the simplest and cheapest things- croissants, pastries and fresh bread with cheese.