Paris is expensive. There’s no getting around that fact.
From airfare to brutal hotel prices, the City of Love isn’t kind on your wallet. But, we have a way to beat that. In fact, we have a way for you to grab the most luxurious aspects of a Paris trip–experiences you may not be able to afford in cash–and get them for free.
PARIS FAST FACTS
- City of Light: Sounds romantic, right? Wrong. Paris’ nickname doesn’t stem from its ethereal glow. It’s because of the streetlights installed centuries ago to help combat the shocking uptick in violent crime in the city.
- Short-term tower: The famous Eiffel Tower was never meant to last. It was given an initial lifespan of 20 years beyond its unveiling at the 1889 World Fair. It wasn’t popular with artists, who protested its construction.
- No stopping ‘em: There are no stop signs in Paris. The city operates under the basic rule that the driver to the right has the right of way.
- The ultimate souvenir: Winners at this year’s Olympics will take away an extra special medal–one infused with iron that was once part of the Eiffel Tower.
- Le babel fish: Every metro worker will be equipped with an automatic translation device for the duration of the Olympics to allow them to effectively help international visitors.