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Niagara Falls is a beautiful place, but it can be hard hitting on your wallet. Although you can visit on a budget, it’s going to take some careful planning and research on your part.

There are a variety of hotels to choose from and these range from reasonably priced economical motels to 5 star luxury hotels. If you want to stay at a hotel with a view of the Falls, then expect to pay a lot of money. Not only will you have to pay a high price for the rooms, but you’ll probably have to pay a high parking fee as well.

A more economical choice is to stay at one of the mid-range hotels a couple of blocks from the falls. These are priced anywhere from $75-150 per night, depending on the season, and usually include free breakfast and free parking. You can also stay further away from the falls and save even more money, but the distance can be a disadvantage.

photo credit: Janine Curry

Viewing the falls is free, but you will have to pay for everything else. You can find coupon booklets at most hotels and stores. One of the best things that you can do is to collect some of these booklets when you first arrive and then plan your trip accordingly. There are some combo tickets that can help you save money, too, if you want to visit more than one attraction.

Eating can present challenges because there are few budget-friendly options in Niagara Falls. Even a hot dog can cost as much as $5. In touristy areas, don’t expect to find many restaurants that offer free refills. Buffets offer affordable options, but many people aren’t too keen on eating at them. You might also do well to visit small pizzerias, although they will still set you back more money than they probably would at home.

One option is to visit a grocery store and prepare your own sandwiches for lunch and only dine out for dinner. If you have driven to Niagara Falls, then taking a cooler with you and filling it up with soft drinks and other food items is an option as well.

For souvenir shopping, try to stay away from the Clifton Hill area. On the plus side, though, if you are American then stopping at the duty-free shop on the Canadian side can offer some good discounts. In addition to alcohol and other products, they also offer souvenirs at prices that are considerably lower than what you might find near the falls.

It is definitely worth visiting Niagara Falls, but being wise about where you shop, eat, and stay can save you a lot of money. At the same time, there are some things not to be missed either, such as a ride on the Maid of Mist, which could be a once in a lifetime experience. Save money on your hotel and on your dinner, and instead, use it to create a memory that will last a lifetime.