Paris in the springtime

Pere-Lachaise

If you're an art, music, theater, literature, or history buff, you can pay your respects to the men and women who contributed to your passion at Père-Lachaise cemetery. A maze of winding cobblestones, headstones, statues, and hanging trees, many of the greatest artists, musicians, and minds are buried within its walls. A favorite stop for many Americans is Jim Morrison's grave, but don't forget to say hello to Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, or Chopin, among many others. The cemetery also provides a quiet retreat from the sounds of the city. (Paris Tourist Office/Fabian Charaffi )

Cafe in Paris

The city is full of people from all over the world rushing to get around, and there's something very satisfying in leisurely watching them scamper. For the price of a café au lait, you can grab a front-row view at some of the best spots in town and sit for hours while others flutter about.

Many of the cafes also serve food, and it's wise to have a big lunch at one of these spots, because dinner can be pretty expensive. If you get hungry later on, you can always snack on a nutella crepe or a ham-and-cheese baguette from a street vendor. (Photo: Paris Tourist Office: Eric Lefeuvre)

Luxembourg Gardens

Spring can be a delightful time in Paris, and one of the best ways to shake off the last remnants of winter is to have a picnic in the park. Luxembourg Gardens is probably the most well-known of the public green spaces in the city, and it has been attracting visitors for more than 300 years. It provides a place on the Left Bank for people to eat, play, nap, read, or paint in the middle of a busy day. Here, you can nibble on a baguette while getting a firsthand glimpse of Parisians at play. (Photo: Paris Tourist Office/David Lefranc)

Eiffel Tower

With blooming flowers, pleasant weather, and fewer visitors, spring is a lovely time to visit the "City of Light." You can explore the city like a local, and since it's not yet high season, you can also experience it on a budget.

The first step to visiting Paris this spring is booking a plane ticket, and here are a few simple tips on how to do exactly that. (Photo: Paris Tourist Office/Amelie Dupont)

Musee du Louvre

Paris is the cultural capital of France, featuring museums overflowing with art and history. Many are free on certain days of the month such as the first Sunday, and quite a few are free year-round.

However, if you want to see a lot of museums and skip the lines, you can purchase a Museum Pass starting at €30 for two days. This pass is a great value if you plan on seeing many museums during your visit. (Photo: Paris Tourist Office/David Lefranc)

View of Eiffel Tower

If you prefer traveling on a bundled package, Gate 1 Travel offers spring vacations starting at $599 from New York City for airfare, a four-night stay, and breakfast. However, this is only one of the many options for planning a trip to Paris, and many other package operators offer tours, excursions, and meals. Shop around to find what may make your trip to Paris a dream come true.

To start planning, take a look at our Paris guide for inspiration and ways to save in the city. (Photo: Paris Tourist Office/David Lefranc)

Paraguay Metro

Paris is a walking city, but you can save your feet, especially in colder weather, by taking the Metro for as little as €1.40 (about $1.84; check XE.com for current exchange rates) per ticket. For longer stays, buy a book of 10 ("carnet") single-use tickets for €10.90 or a weekly Carte Orange (in French only) pass, which allows unlimited travel in zones 1 and 2 for €16. You must purchase the Carte Orange at the Metro station and have a passport photo ready to affix to the pass. For a one-week pass, travel is only valid from Monday through Sunday, so buy the pass at the beginning of the week to make the most of your money. (Photo: Paris Tourist Office/Amelie Dupont)

Market of Mouffetard

From secondhand clothes and antique furniture to gourmet cheese and fresh flowers, Paris has it all when it comes to shopping. And most of it can be found at one of the many open-air or covered markets located all over the city.

Typically open on weekends, these markets offer everything from well-worn knick-knacks to original artwork, and after spending a day exploring the many vendors, you will gain an insight into Parisian life and may even walk away with several unique discoveries. (Photo: Paris Tourist Office: Amelie Dupont)

Cruise on the Seine

The River Seine cuts through the very heart of Paris, connecting most of the major downtown attractions while providing a scenic and leisurely way to view the city. The batobus offers eight different stops along the water, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Champs-Elysées, and you can hop on and off at will for €11 per day. The two-day ticket for €13 is a better deal for those with the extra time to spare.

There are also many options for river cruises, which can include commentary and dinner. (Photo: Paris Tourist Office/David Lefranc)

Paris hotel

From the budget-conscious to big-time spenders, Paris can accommodate anyone from any walk of life. Low-cost hotel rooms average €83 per night, which is much less than hotel prices in other big cities like New York or London. Since spring is low season, it's also a more economical time to stay and many hotels offer discounted rates.

If you want to live like a local while saving a little extra cash, you can rent an apartment. Most properties are completely furnished, and cost less per night than a hotel room, depending on location. (Photo: Paris Tourist Office/Amelie Dupont)