If you enjoy cabaret and some scintillating performances, then the famous Moulin Rouge is the ideal place. You will find this red windmill topped venue on Boulevard de Clichy in Pigalle (18th arrondissement).
The current Moulin Rouge show, called "Feerie", is done on a grand scale and there is plenty of theatrics, acrobatics and Doriss Girls dressed in quite stunning costumes. The show has 4 main sections which revolve around different stories. One deals with a beautiful priestess in Indonesia, while the circus scene is particularly entertaining. You also get to see some traditional French Cancan which is always enjoyable.
A night out at the Moulin Rouge is by no means cheap, though it is worth a visit. The 9 PM show will set you back 97 Euros and the 11 PM show 87 Euros (you also get a half bottle of champagne). A ticket that includes dinner (140 Euros to 170 Euros) starts at 7 PM followed by the 9 O'clock show. Dress smartly and try and get to the show about 30 minutes before time. Also remember that cameras not allowed inside the Moulin Rouge. Please be cautious about taking children under 18 as this can be considered more adult-oriented entertainment.
Entertainment galore, the Moulin Rouge in Paris has all the ingredients for an unforgettable evening.
No matter what the event, getting last minute tickets is not one hundred percent guaranteed, but definitely worth a shot. If you're in Paris and unexpectedly decide you just have to attend a concert or take in an opera, here are a few options.
If it is last minute theater tickets you are after, then make a beeline to Place de la Madeleine or to the Tour Montparnasse area where you will find booths selling half price tickets (valid for performances on that particular day). The booths are generally open from 12.30PM to about 8PM though they close at around 4PM on Sunday.
As for the opera, you can either try your luck online (www.operadeparis.fr) or head to one of the venues (Opera Garnier, the Bastille or Le Chatelet) and queue up (from about 10AM) to see if there are any last minute seats available. If your attempts prove unsuccessful, remember to check back at the opera about 1 hour before the show starts to see if anyone has returned tickets.
Another final option is that outside most sold out shows you do get a few people trying to sell their tickets at the price they bought it at because they have had to cancel at the last minute, while you will find others selling tickets at black market prices. Beware of forgeries though and be careful that they don't take your money and leave before handing you the ticket.
As you can see, getting seats at the last minute in Paris depends on luck, fate and just how determined you are. Happy ticket hunting!
If you're heading to Paris and wondering how much to put aside for your daily budget, here is a rough guide that will hopefully give you an idea of general costs in the capital.
If you have bought your airline ticket and booked accommodation, the next big money drainer is going to be food. Prices vary widely on the kind of restaurant you go to and what district it is in. On average, breakfast will cost about 5 Euros, lunch 15 Euros and dinner 20 Euros. A stop at a cafe will be about 2 Euros, while some decent wine will come to about 10 Euros. If it is your first visit to Paris do try to at least one authentic French style meal which adds to the whole holiday experience.
Try and stick to restaurants in "touristy" areas such as Champs Elysees and Saint Germain des pres which are a bit cheaper. Beware of sodas as they are priced at a premium and stick with some good old fashioned water. Another thing to keep in mind is that most bills include service charge so you do not have to give an added 15% (though leaving some small change is a nice gesture).
As for travel, walking and using the metro or the bus instead of taxis will save you a lot of money. A metro / bus ticket is about 1 Euro, though you can save by buying a "carnet" of ten metro tickets or by deals such as the "Paris Visite" pass. While some museums / attractions are free, others will cost around 10 Euros.
Budget concerns aside, remember that it may be some time before you next visit Paris, so don't be overly frugal and prevent yourself from having a truly memorable holiday.
Heading to Paris and worried about currency conversions and using ATMs? Well read on and hopefully your burdens will be lightened.
For a start, ATMs in Paris do have an English language option and most credit cards will work in the ATMs, though it is probably a good idea to check with your bank beforehand as well as inquiring about the transaction and / or interest charges on foreign currency exchange. Time permitting, open a separate credit card account and deposit some spending money in it which you will exclusively use for your trip.
While ATMs are convenient in converting currency, they do not always come through in a pinch and if you have traveled before you know that sometimes things don't always go as planned. A good backup plan is to have some Euros and / or travelers cheques with you.
Without changing all your money, just get enough to use for taxis, at restaurants or for an emergency. You can also get your home bank to convert currency to Euro before you leave which will save you a little money and the trouble of finding a counter at the airport.
Basically, the safest and most cost effective way of converting currency in Paris is by ATM, but do also carry some Euros, just in case!
If you're a first time visitor to Paris, it does help to have some background information before you visit. Here are a few things worth noting before you embark on your holiday to that beautiful and romantic city.
The layout
Paris is divided into different "arrondissements" or districts, which spiral out from the center of the capital. Thus the 1st arrondissement is the most central, while the 10th arrondissement is further away. These districts each possess a unique character and provide a whole different experience altogether.
Getting around
Without a doubt, Paris is best explored by foot. The many attractions and districts are walking distance from each other and give you a chance to soak up the Parisian atmosphere. Those pressed for time can make use of the city's well connected metro or bus services. If you are on a budget then it is worth buying a "carnet" of ten metro tickets or even a "Paris Visite" pass which gives you unlimited use of most public transport services.
What's worth seeing?
Apart from the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum which are high on everyone's list, other interesting attractions include the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Pantheon, the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre Coeur and of course the Moulin Rouge which only caters to adult visitors. Check ahead before visiting museums or galleries since many of them tend to be closed on either Monday or Tuesday. Do try also to make time to stop at a sidewalk cafe which is a wonderful experience altogether.
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