Europe: Round-the-World Travel Destinations

Budget Scale: 1-5

1-least expensive; 5-most expensive
5– There is no getting around that Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world. It isn’t the most friendly backpacker destination, so you’ll have to get creative to add it to your RTW itinerary.

Indie Travel Scale: 1-5

1-not a good Indie Travel destination; 5-a great Indie Travel destination
2– The high costs and plethora of tourists makes having an indie experience in Paris somewhat difficult, but not impossible if you follow our tips below.
Indie Travel Tips
When travelers head to Paris for the first time, the main sites should definitely be visited. It’d be a crime to go to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower or Louvre. But what if you’ve been there before or want to add it to part of a larger itinerary? What can you do to have the best indie travel experience?

• Visit the African quarter near Montmartre.
• Wander around the flea market at Clingancourt.
• Head to the Bercy Village in the 12th arrondissement on the weekend. This is where the Parisians come to relax.
• Check out Aligre Market, which is surrounded by great wine bars and restaurants.
• Explore Canal Saint Martin and its trendy bars and cafes.
• Check out some lesser known museums like:
  • Museum of Decorative Arts
  • Museum Gustave Moreau
  • Musem of Fairground Arts

Why you should add to your RTW travel list

• Nowhere else does the finer things in life so well
• No one cooks better than the French
• Make funny faces at the gargoyles on Notre Dame Cathedral
• Learn how to beat the lines at the Louvre
• Take a boat ride down the Seine
• It never gets dark in the City of Light
• See how much wine you can enjoy in a night
• Eiffel Tower. Tall, cool, made of triangles, and what else is more Paris?

Why you should not add Paris to your RTW travel list

• It’s very expensive and difficult to do on a budget.
• It’s impossible to get away from all the tourists as Paris is one of the most touristy cities in the world.
• The people can be a bit rude at times.

Are you heading to Paris? What do you need to do?

• Buy an international plane ticket to/from Paris
• Book a Paris hostel
• Book a Paris hotel
• Talk to travelers on the Europe message boards
• Read travel articles on Paris

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