7 Places To Travel That Are Like Paris but Way Cheaper
If you ask the 10 people you’re closest to about cities they dream of one day visiting, you’ll probably hear Paris at least once. One of the most historically and culturally significant cities in the Western world — and the world, in general — Paris is home to some of the planet’s best pastry, cheese, cafes, museums and fashion houses and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.
There are plenty of reasons to visit Paris, but only one that keeps most people away — the expensive city’s high cost.
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The good news is that there are cities from North America to Africa to Europe that can deliver a Parisian experience at a fraction of the cost. GOBankingRates spoke to travel experts who dished on their favorite vacation hotspots that mimic Paris without parroting the price.
Montreal
The first Paris-lite destination is a Canadian city within driving distance of much of the American Northeast and Upper Midwest — in fact, it was founded by the French, and French is still the official language.
“There are many similarities between Paris and Montreal,” said travel expert Alexandra Dubakova, CMO of budget travel and walking tour site FreeTour. “Both were founded by Europeans, and, like Paris, Montreal has a strong European feel in terms of culture, history and architecture. Both have a very rich artistic heritage, and there are galleries and museums to visit.
“The neighborhoods in Montreal are walkable, very pedestrian friendly and have interesting areas you can explore on foot. You will get vibrant food with local ingredients and numerous outdoor dining options. A one-week visit to Montreal for two will cost around $2,923, while the same trip to France will cost around $3,484.”
Budget Your Trip backs those numbers up almost exactly — including local transportation only, not airfare — which makes $3,484 the baseline budget for a one-week Parisian vacation for two.
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Amsterdam
The second option requires a transatlantic flight, but still saves you money in a city that shares many cultural commonalities with Paris.
“Famous for its world-recognized art galleries, Amsterdam offers the same travel experience as Paris,” said Dubakova, who previously worked in the solo travel safety and the travel insurance sectors and has traveled to places like Indonesia, Montreal, Albania, Paris, Amsterdam and Greece. “It provides a similar nightlife — active and safe, with a strong artistic presence, museums and pedestrian-friendly cities. There are also the Amsterdam canals, which offer a similar experience to the Seine River view in Paris, adding a romantic touch.”
She placed the cost of a two-week trip at around $2,168.
Morocco — Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech, Specifically
Mounir Salek is the founder and CEO of IGoMorocco, a travel agency that has served thousands of clients since 2010. He has more than 20 years of experience as a professional travel advisor. The country he specializes in is home to a trio of underrated cities with Parisian flare, where two weeks cost less than one week in the French capital.
Casablanca
Big-screen fame made Morocco’s largest city a household name worldwide.
“Casablanca, Morocco’s economic hub, blends modernity with tradition,” said Salek. “Its iconic Hassan II Mosque and Art Deco architecture remind me of Paris, but everything is much cheaper. The city’s vibrant markets, lively nightlife and diverse culture make it a great, budget-friendly alternative to Paris.”
Budget Your Trip says a two-week vacation to Casablanca for two costs $1,988, about $1,500 less than Paris for twice as many days.
Fes
Morocco is also home to another enticing urban center without as much name recognition as Casablanca.
“Fes is an ancient city full of history, offering a rich cultural experience similar to Paris,” said Salek. “Its medina, Fes el Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with maze-like streets and stunning buildings. Living and travel costs here are much lower, so you can enjoy its historic charm without spending a lot.”
A couple can spend two weeks in Fes for just $1,485.
Marrakech
Then, there’s a vibrant and colorful landlocked city south of Casablanca.
“Marrakech, known for its colorful markets and historic palaces, captures the allure of Paris with its lively culture and beautiful architecture,” said Salek. “The city’s gardens and bustling medina offer a unique experience. Despite its luxurious feel, Marrakech is affordable, providing an exotic, enriching escape at a fraction of the cost of Paris.”
Here, a two-week trip for two costs just $1,914.
Barcelona and Seville in Spain
Lucia Polla, a travel expert specializing in Southern Spain and the founder of the travel blog Viva La Vita, has firsthand experience with France’s capital city and two gems in her adopted homeland that foster a similar feel.
“After dreaming for years about Paris, I finally visited the City of Light,” she said. “Strolling its romantic streets, I was enchanted but also strained by the costs. Now residing in Southern Spain, I’ve discovered Barcelona and Seville, which give me my Paris fix without draining my wallet.”
Barcelona
Polla said Barcelona’s “artsy vibe” reminds her of Paris more than all the other things the two cities have in common.
“Gazing up at Gaudí’s magnificent Sagrada Familia, with its soaring spires and intricate carvings, made me feel like I was outside Notre Dame,” she said. “Meandering through the cobblestone streets of El Born, filled with boutiques, cafés and street musicians, took me right back to walking around Montmartre. As an art lover, I adored exploring the Picasso Museum’s outstanding early works by Pablo, which span his formative years as a young artist in Barcelona. It evoked memories of getting lost in the endless galleries of the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay.”
Two people pay an average of $2,334 for a one-week trip to Barcelona, according to Budget Your Trip.
Seville
Polla said Seville “transported” her to Paris with its “regal Moorish architecture.”
“Touring the breathtaking Alcázar palace with its ornate courtyards and gardens felt like a royal retreat in Versailles,” she said. “Climbing the Giralda Bell Tower and taking in the sprawling cityscape below reminded me of climbing the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views.”
Even cheaper than Barcelona, Budget Your Trip says a one-week vacation for two to Seville costs just $1,869.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Places To Travel That Are Like Paris but Way Cheaper