Traveling to Paris for the Olympics: how to save on travel and tickets to competitions
Paris remains a leading tourist destination, attracting millions of people every year. At the same time, the flow of tourists may be overwhelming in the summer, as an influx of sports fans is expected to come to the Olympics.
It is expected that ticket prices for individual public transportation will almost double from July 20 to September 8. Representatives of the French government said that prices will temporarily cost 4 euros (approximately $4), compared to the current initial price of 2.15 euros, Nerdwallet writes.
The publication publishes recommendations on how to save money if you are traveling to Paris this summer for the Olympic Games. It is noted that tickets for such popular sports as gymnastics and swimming tend to sell out quickly. Now, the only official way to buy tickets to competitions such as women's rhythmic gymnastics is through expensive hospitality packages.
Currently, such packages start at 495 euros (about 540 US dollars) - and that's just for the qualifying rounds. For the women's all-around gymnastics final, the cheapest packages available cost 3750 euros (more than 4000 dollars).
At the same time, ticket prices for golf, rugby, and other events start at 24 euros (about $26). Also, if you are planning to visit Paris after the Games, tickets for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games (August 28 to September 8) are usually even cheaper. Prices start at 15 euros or about $16.
As planned by the organizers, the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games will be held outside the stadium for the first time and will take place along the Seine. Moreover, there are free ways to watch the event. After all, tickets are required only for certain viewing areas, but not for all. Anyone can watch for free from the upper embankments of the Seine.
In addition, some sports are free to watch. For example, you'll need tickets to a reserved viewing area at the finish line of the Olympic marathon, but standing along most of the route is free. Cycling and triathlons also offer free viewing areas. There are also "celebration zones". This is a set of about 30 free places in Paris where giant screens will broadcast the events.
Tourists are warned that the Olympics have provoked a rise in housing prices in and around Paris. During the Games, vacation rental rates are 40% higher than in the previous two weeks. However, if you don't mind being on the outskirts of the city, you will save money, as the average rental price in Paris for two weeks of the Games is $619 per night. At the same time, affordable rental prices in the suburbs are only $302 per night.
Moreover, staying outside the city may make more practical sense for some fans. After all, out of 35 Olympic venues, about a dozen are located in the Paris region, but not in the city center. In addition, several venues are not located near Paris. For example, sailing competitions will be held on the Mediterranean Sea in Marseille.
Prices for catering services are also expected to rise. Instead, fans are advised to bring fruit, cheese and a baguette from one of the city's markets. Be sure to check the opening and closing times of the markets before you go, especially at outdoor markets where opening hours may be limited.
At the same time, public transportation prices are expected to rise, and traveling by car probably means spending time in traffic. A bicycle may be a better way to get around, and one option is Vélib' Métropole, the city's bike-sharing service. It has a fleet of 19,000 bikes (including several electric options) and nearly 1,500 docking stations throughout Paris. Single trips of up to 45 minutes cost 3 euros. There are also subscriptions available from 5 to 20 euros.
Whether you're going to Paris for the Olympics or not, it's always best to bring an appropriate credit card when traveling internationally. Most importantly, pay with one that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. Otherwise, these fees can add up to 3% of your purchases.
Travelers are advised to consider cards that offer reward points by travel category or additional travel perks, such as automatic elite status at a hotel or airline brand you prefer.
One of the most picturesque cities in France attracts tourists from all over the world. TravelWise writes about this city and its UNESCO monuments.
