Costs being the same, is it better to take the Eurostar to paris on like the last train out of london (gets into Paris ~23:17 at night) Or first thing in the morning the next day (Gets into paris at ~10:17 in the morning). I'll put some context behind it so you can answer better: I'll be in london Monday Tuesday Wednesday. I'll be in Paris Thursday Friday Saturday (one of these 3 days will probably be dominated by Versailles). I'll be taking an evening train to Caen saturday night. The long story short, I have 2 days to spend in paris and if I get in the night before I'll be there bright and early and could hit major museums before crowds. The only thing I'm worried about is what is Paris like at night? Is the underground reasonably safe? I'm not sure where my hotel will be but it will probably be between Paris Nord and the major museum district. Also on the note of hotels: if I get in at midnight, will a hostel/smaller hotel even be open? I know sometimes they close up for the night and I wouldn't want to get stranded on the streets of Paris overnight (though I can think of plenty of worse places to spend the night). Thanks!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
The first weekday Eurostar leaves London at 06:25 and arrives in Paris at 08:50. My advice would be to either take that one so you get into Paris as early in the morning as possible or take the last train the night before. I would book a hostel or hotel room in Paris in advance and ask when you book how late you can get in. If you use common sense and keep an eye on your bags, riding the metro late at night is safe.
Posted by
OP
Baltimore, MD
47 posts
I think I am going to Leave on the 7pm train out of London, gets in around 10:20pm. So the question becomes, does anyone know any hostels or hotels that are reasonably priced, near Paris Nord or the Louve and will be open at that time? (I will definitely be booking in advance.)
Posted by
San Francisco
14800 posts
Hi, Whenever I am in Paris, I stay at Gare du Nord. Coming on the Euro-Star and getting in at Paris Nord, you have several hotels both 2 and 3 star right across from the station, anywhere from 65-150 Euro for a single, and also restaurants, pizza, Parisian, Chinese, etc. Across the street from Gard du Nord is the Kyriad on Rue de Saint-Quentin. At 40 Rue de Saint-Quentin is New Hotel. At the end of the block is a Comfort Hotel, a 3 star. The reception is open round the clock at these hotels. Between the two Kyriad is more recommenable. One of the most expensive hotels is on Rue Dunkerque, the street parallel to the station, is Hotel Termnius Nord. I find staying at Gard du Nord safe, (I know the area), very convenient as regards to the public transportation by bus, Metro and RER to CDG and to the sites, especially coming from England, northern France, and back from Germany at Paris Est.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If you want to stay in a hostel, you can't do better than any of the three MIJE hostels in the Marais. They are renovated 17th-century private mansions and Rick Steves calls them "the best budget accommodations in Paris." They're all within easy walking distance of the St-Paul metro station. Fourcy, the one I've stayed in, is the closest. Take metro line 5 from Gare du Nord to Bastille and transfer to metro line 1. Go one stop to St-Paul. You can get a single room for €49.00 plus €2.50 for a one-year membership fee. There is a free simple continental breakfast.