How to tour Paris on a budget?

Paris serves as the gateway to your emotions, provided you have the means to reach it. France consistently secures top positions on various lists of ‘most expensive travel destinations.’ Despite the Euro not being at its most robust state, American tourists still face hefty costs to experience the charm of the City of Light. However, there’s no need for concern; with a handful of straightforward strategies, you can embark on an affordable journey through Paris.

How to Travel to Paris on a Budget

The cost of airfare is often the most significant expense when planning a trip to Paris, but you can employ various travel tricks to find affordable flights.

If you’re in the United States, consider signing up for a credit card that offers travel rewards, including free flights. Be sure to check out my quick guide on how to start travel hacking. Additionally, if you frequently fly with a particular airline, join their frequent flyer program.

I also recommend registering for daily secret flight deals on websites like SecretFlying.com. They frequently offer fantastic deals on flights from major U.S. airports to Paris.

If you reside in Europe or are traveling throughout Europe, use Omio or The Trainline to find budget-friendly tickets. Omio is excellent for bus, flight, and train options across Europe, while The Trainline provides the best prices for train tickets. Both websites offer discounts if you book your tickets in advance, so be sure to purchase your tickets several weeks ahead of your travel date rather than just a few days before.

How to Explore Paris on a Budget

First and foremost, walk! Walking is undoubtedly the most cost-effective option as it’s entirely free, but Paris is also a very pedestrian-friendly city, allowing you to see all the famous landmarks without the need for public transport or Uber/taxis. Follow these steps! Paris boasts so many iconic landmarks, and strolling through its streets and tree-lined boulevards is anything but dull.

However, if your Airbnb or hotel is a bit far from the city center, you may need to use public transportation. No need to spend money on Uber: Paris’s subway system is both affordable and safe. You can also use it late at night without any concerns. Note that the subway doesn’t run 24/7 – it stops before 1 AM (with an extra hour on Friday, Saturday, and the nights before public holidays) and starts again around 5:30 AM.

I recommend downloading the map of the Paris metro system to your smartphone.

A one-way ticket costs 2.10 euros; if you purchase a set of 10 tickets (a “carnet”), the fare is slightly reduced to 19.10 euros. If you’re not a fan of walking and prefer public transport, I suggest buying a Paris Visite travel pass. This pass allows you unlimited rides on the subway, buses, trams, and RER commuter trains for about 10 euros a day. There are various options for this pass, and the longer you stay in the city, the cheaper it gets. You can find the pass options at ticket machines or inquire at any metro station ticket booth – they typically have English-speaking staff.

While you might dream of renting a luxurious suite with a panoramic view of the Seine River and the Eiffel Tower, this would mean spending a significant amount of money. In fact, staying anywhere near the tourist areas in Paris can be quite expensive because these rooms are in high demand year-round. Instead, you should look for more affordable neighborhoods, such as the Latin Quarter (popular among students) or the Marais district. Here are some of the best options for budget accommodation in Paris:

If you’re willing to stay in shared accommodations, Paris offers many hostels that have the advantage of being located in the city center, which is often more convenient than many Airbnb options. Here are some of the highly-rated hostels in Paris:

1. Hostel Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels: Just a 1-minute walk to Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. This boutique hostel features a lovely terrace, hammocks, and a shared kitchen. Dorm beds in small dormitories (4 beds) start at $38 per night, and private rooms start at $106 per night.
2. The Loft Hostel: Located in the 20th district, it offers a terrace, a bar, and private and shared rooms. Dorm beds start at $28 (4-bed dorm), and private rooms start at $108 per night.
3. The People Hostel: Situated in the 12th district, it has a garden, a bar, and a shared lounge. Dorm beds in 6-bed dormitories start at $32, and double rooms start at $93 per night.

For a more local experience in Paris, consider staying in an apartment. There are various apartment rental companies available, such as VRBO, Plumguide, or Airbnb, just to name a few. When I stayed in a Parisian apartment for the first time, I felt like I was living the dream of a Parisian. Opening the classic French shutters in the morning and stepping out onto my small balcony, I discovered a local bakery, cheese shop, a small supermarket, and a pastry shop in one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris, the Marais. With a kitchen, I could prepare a delightful cheese platter using local cheese and French wine, enjoying them while watching the street life from my window. It was a great way to experience Paris like a local.

If you prefer budget-friendly hotels in Paris over Airbnb, please note that many of the more affordable hotels in Paris are located a bit farther from the city center. Here are some excellent budget hotels in Paris. Keep in mind that all these hotels offer breakfast (usually a buffet breakfast) for an additional fee, but you can often find more budget-friendly options at local bakeries for your coffee and croissants.

1. Europe Saint Severin-Paris Notre Dame Hotel: This hotel’s main advantage is its location. Situated along the Seine River in the Latin Quarter, it’s just an 8-minute walk to the Notre Dame Cathedral and a 15-minute walk to the Louvre. The hotel has a restaurant, and there’s a creperie next door. Double rooms start at $108 per night (small room) or $130 per night.
2. Grand Hotel Francais: A boutique design hotel located near Place de la Nation, about a 15-minute walk from the Pere Lachaise Cemetery. The modern rooms have unique designs, and the hotel also features a bar. Double rooms start at $127 per night.
3. Hotel de Sevigne: A small hotel near the Arc de Triomphe (a 10-minute walk), offering modern rooms, some with classic French balconies. Double rooms start at $120 or $125 with a balcony.
4. La Manufacture: An economical hotel situated within a classic 19th-century Parisian building. Some rooms come with balconies. It’s a 5-minute walk to the vibrant Butte aux Cailles neighborhood, known for its many bars and restaurants. Double rooms start at $93, and those with balconies start at $103.

These budget-friendly hotels offer a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Paris without breaking the bank.

French fashion is undeniably tempting, and high-end fashion in Paris can lure you into the most expensive boutiques, making a significant dent in your wallet. However, the secret to French style isn’t about cost; it’s about creativity and control. By shopping at pop-up markets instead of high-end fashion districts, you can find unique and stylish items that won’t require taking out a personal loan to afford.

Here are some budget-friendly shopping tips for experiencing Parisian fashion:

1. Flea Markets: Paris has several fantastic flea markets, such as the famous Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, where you can hunt for vintage and second-hand clothing, accessories, and more. These markets offer unique finds at affordable prices.
2. Pop-up Markets: Keep an eye out for pop-up markets and street vendors in different neighborhoods. These markets often feature local designers and artisans who offer one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items at reasonable prices.
3. Discount Outlets: Look for fashion outlet stores in and around Paris, like La Vallée Village, which offers discounted designer brands and high-quality items at a fraction of the original price.
4. Thrift Shops and Second-Hand Stores: Explore thrift shops and consignment stores, which can be a treasure trove for unique fashion pieces at budget-friendly prices. Popular areas for vintage and second-hand shopping include the Marais district.
5. Sample Sales: Keep an eye out for sample sales by local designers and brands. These events offer the chance to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices.
6. Local Boutiques: Explore smaller, independent boutiques in less touristy neighborhoods, where you may find stylish and unique clothing without the high-end price tags.
7. Affordable French Brands: Look for French fashion brands that offer more affordable options, such as Zadig & Voltaire, Sandro, Maje, and Comptoir des Cotonniers.

By exploring these alternative shopping options in Paris, you can embrace French style and find creative and budget-friendly ways to enhance your wardrobe with distinctive fashion items without breaking the bank.

Cuisine is a significant aspect of Parisian culture, and luckily, it can be one of the more budget-friendly pleasures during your journey in the City of Light. While indulging in luxurious French cuisine can deplete your savings, you can find classic and delicious French food at affordable prices in small cafes and bistros.

1. Cafes and Bistros: Paris is known for its charming street-side cafes and bistros. You can often find affordable, set-menu options, known as “formules,” which include a starter, main course, and dessert. These menus offer a cost-effective way to enjoy traditional French dishes. Keep an eye out for the “plat du jour,” which is the chef’s special of the day and is typically budget-friendly.
2. Creperies: Paris has numerous creperies where you can savor both sweet and savory crepes at reasonable prices. Whether you prefer a classic ham and cheese crepe or a Nutella and banana crepe for dessert, you’ll find options to fit your budget.
3. Bakeries and Pastry Shops: French bakeries, or “boulangeries,” offer an array of delicious, budget-friendly items. Croissants, baguettes, quiches, and sandwiches are readily available. Pair these with a coffee from a local café for a simple and affordable meal.
4. Street Food: Look for food stalls and street food vendors scattered around the city. You can enjoy items like falafel, crêpes, and kebabs at a reasonable cost. Rue des Rosiers in the Marais district is famous for its falafel shops.
5. Market Food: If you happen to visit one of the local markets, such as the Marché d’Aligre, you can sample fresh produce, cheese, and even prepared dishes at reasonable prices. It’s a great way to experience Parisian market culture and cuisine on a budget.
6. Fast Food Chains: While it might not be your first choice, international fast food chains like McDonald’s, KFC, and Subway are present in Paris and can offer budget-friendly meals if you’re in a hurry or on a tight budget.
7. Picnics: As mentioned earlier, buying items from local supermarkets and having a picnic in one of Paris’s beautiful parks or along the Seine can be an affordable and delightful dining experience. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of French wine, some cheese, and baguettes to complete your picnic.
8. Set Menus: Many restaurants offer set menus during lunch hours, which are often more affordable than dinner options. These menus typically include an appetizer, main course, and dessert.

Paris offers a variety of dining options for all budgets, and with a little exploration and an open mind, you can enjoy delicious French cuisine without breaking the bank.

Sightseeing in Paris can become costly, especially if you have to pay $15 or more for each adventure. While there are numerous must-see attractions in Paris, planning ahead can help you save money. Many of the city’s museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month, and there are various sightseeing passes that bundle discounted entrance to multiple attractions.

1. Museum Pass: With the Paris Museum Pass, you can skip the lines and gain access to over 60 museums and monuments in Paris and its surrounding areas, including the Louvre, Orsay Museum, and the Pompidou Center. You can choose from 2-day, 4-day, and 6-day options. During the validity period of the pass, all the museums included in the pass can be visited for free, and you can skip the lines!
2. Paris Attraction Pass: The Paris Attraction Pass covers 80 attractions and sights, including hop-on-hop-off bus tours, Seine River cruises, historic sites, skip-the-line access to most attractions, Paris experiences, and a variety of walking tours. You can select from 2-day, 3-day, and 4-day passes. Depending on the number of sights you plan to visit, the Attraction Pass can save you a substantial amount of money and includes a broader range of Paris attractions than the Museum Pass mentioned above.

By utilizing these passes, you can explore the city’s cultural and historical treasures and popular attractions without emptying your wallet. These options are not only cost-effective but also offer the convenience of skipping long lines at busy tourist spots.