1. The French are a very passionate race and watching them go about their daily lives is one of the most enjoyable things you can do. Get yourself comfy outside one of the city's omnipresent cafés, sit back and watch the world go by.

2. The French capital has some best-kept parks in the world, and it doesn't cost a thing to pull up one of the free chairs and relax for a while. Jardin du Carrousel before Le Louvre is adorned with endless statues, Jardin du Luxembourg lies in front of a palace of the same name, while the view of the Eiffel Tower from Parc du Champ de Mars is unforgettable.

3. Drink prices in Paris are notoriously expensive and don't really favour the budget traveller. On the other hand, prices of bottles of wine do. So before hitting the town, hit the local 'supermarché' for a cheap bottle of plonk!

4. All of Paris' big museums are free on the first Sunday of the month. This includes the Louvre, Museé d'Orsay, Museé Picasso, Museé National d'Art Moderne, Museé de l'Histoire de France and Museé Rodin. Other municipal museums such as Museé de l'Histoire de Paris and Crypte Arhcéologique de Notre Dame are free every Sunday morning between 10am-1pm.

5. A trip on the metro costs €1.25. Rather than paying for 10 single journeys buy a 10-ticket pass (carnets) for €8.38. If you plan on staying for more than 3 days, buy a Carte Orange for €15. They cover zones 1 and 2.