From Paris to Rome: 12 Travel Hacks That Will Save You a Fortune

Paris and Rome. Just hearing their names conjures images of timeless romance, stunning history, and incredible food. But for many, a trip to these iconic cities also brings to mind one thing: a hefty price tag. The good news is, you don’t have to break the bank to have the European vacation of your dreams. By adopting a few clever travel hacks, you can experience the best of the City of Light and the Eternal City without emptying your wallet.

Here are 12 essential travel hacks to save you a fortune on your journey from Paris to Rome.

 

1. Travel During the Shoulder Season

 

The biggest secret to saving money on flights and accommodations is to travel during the “shoulder season”—the periods just before and after the peak summer rush.

• Best Times to Go: Visit in late March to May or from September to October. The weather is still beautiful, the crowds are smaller, and prices for flights and hotels can be up to 40% cheaper.

 

2. Master the Art of Picnicking

 

Dining out for every meal in Paris and Rome can be incredibly expensive. Instead, embrace the local culture by having a gourmet picnic.

• The Hack: Head to a local market (Marché in Paris, Mercato in Rome) or a supermarket. Buy a fresh baguette, some local cheese, cured meats, and a bottle of wine. It’s an authentic, delicious, and budget-friendly meal. Popular spots include Marché des Enfants Rouges in Paris and Campo de’ Fiori in Rome.

 

3. Opt for Public Transportation over Taxis

 

Taxis in both cities are a quick way to drain your budget. The metro systems are efficient, clean, and incredibly affordable.

• The Hack (Paris): Buy a carnet (a pack of 10 metro tickets) or a weekly Navigo Découverte pass for significant savings.
• The Hack (Rome): Purchase a Roma Pass for unlimited public transport use and free entry to some attractions.

 

4. Take Advantage of Free Museum Days

 

Many of the world-class museums in Paris and Rome offer free admission on specific days.

• The Hack: The Louvre in Paris is free on the first Friday of each month after 6 p.m. (excluding July and August). In Rome, most state-run museums and archaeological sites are free on the first Sunday of the month. Check specific museum websites for a full list of free days.

 

5. Book Accommodation Outside the Tourist Center

 

Staying right next to the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum will cost a fortune. Choose a neighborhood that’s a little further out but well-connected by public transport.

• The Hack (Paris): Consider staying in a more affordable arrondissement like Montmartre or Le Marais.
• The Hack (Rome): Look for lodging in areas like Trastevere or near the Vatican. You’ll get a more local feel and save a lot of money.

 

6. Hydrate for Free

 

Don’t waste money buying bottled water. Both Paris and Rome have an abundance of free, public drinking fountains.

• The Hack: Carry a reusable water bottle. In Rome, you’ll find ornate drinking fountains (nasoni) on almost every street corner with fresh, potable water.

 

7. Ditch the Tourist Traps for Plat du Jour

 

Restaurants right next to major tourist sites are almost always overpriced.

• The Hack (Paris): Look for signs advertising a Formule or Plat du Jour (dish of the day) at lunchtime. This is a fixed-price menu that offers a starter, main, and sometimes dessert for a fraction of the à la carte price.
• The Hack (Rome): Go a few streets away from a major landmark and look for an Osteria or Trattoria where locals are eating. They often have menù del giorno (menu of the day) options.

 

8. Walk as Much as Possible

 

Walking is not only free, but it’s also the best way to truly experience these cities.

• The Hack: Plan your days by grouping nearby attractions together. For example, in Rome, you can easily walk from the Spanish Steps to the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. In Paris, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Latin Quarter are all within walking distance of each other.

 

9. Use Free Walking Tours

 

Free walking tours are available in most major European cities and are a fantastic way to learn about a city’s history from a local guide.

• The Hack: Look up free walking tours in Paris and Rome. The guides work on a tip-only basis, so while you should absolutely tip what you can afford, it’s still a fraction of the cost of a private tour.

 

10. Fly with Budget Airlines for the Transfer

 

If you’re flying from Paris to Rome, budget airlines can offer an incredibly cheap option.

• The Hack: Look for flights on carriers like Ryanair or Vueling. Remember to check baggage fees, as these can add up. Sometimes, a train might be a more scenic and equally cost-effective option.

 

11. Take the Overnight Train

 

For the journey from Paris to Rome, an overnight train saves you money on both a hotel room and a travel day.

• The Hack: You can travel from Paris to Rome via a night train, often with a connection in a city like Milan. You’ll wake up in your new destination, ready to explore, and you’ve saved on a night’s accommodation.

 

12. Use Free Wi-Fi

 

Roaming charges can be a fortune. Avoid them by only using free Wi-Fi.

• The Hack: Most cafes, museums, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi. Many cities also have free public Wi-Fi networks in major squares and parks. Just download your maps and directions for offline use before you head out.