A Guide to Planning a Budget Trip to Paris
As one of the most popular destinations in Europe, Paris offers a wealth of experiences, including incredible museums, breathtaking architecture, tantalizing cuisine, and beautiful parks. However, exploring Paris can be costly if you’re not mindful of your budget.
Paris ranks as one of France’s priciest cities, and it can quickly lead to overspending if you’re not careful.
Here are my top tips for traveling to Paris on a budget, ensuring you have a wonderful trip without draining your wallet.
Budget-Friendly Tips from a Local
Discover effective money-saving strategies for exploring Paris. If you need more assistance while planning, take a look at my Paris Trip Planner.
1. Travel to Paris During the Off-Season
To save money in Paris, consider visiting during less crowded times of the year. Traveling in the off-season typically results in lower accommodation costs, which are often the most significant expense on your trip.
Avoiding peak tourist season can also lead to cheaper flights and train tickets.
Prices for food, public transportation, and entry to attractions remain consistent throughout the year. To find the best transportation deals, you can compare options here.
For budget travel, aim for a visit between mid-November to mid-December or from mid-January to March. You can find further insights and advice on the different seasons in Paris.
2. Avoid Tourist Hotspots for Accommodation (and Book Early)
While Paris can be quite expensive, you can save money by choosing to stay in budget-friendly neighborhoods. Head out of busy areas to secure more affordable hotel rates.
However, don’t book hotels too far outside the city, as relying on public transport might make your transfers lengthy and tiresome.
Instead, consider staying in affordable neighborhoods like Montparnasse or Belleville.
Be sure to book your accommodation well in advance since hotel prices tend to rise closer to your travel date.
Check out recommendations for the best Arrondissements to stay in Paris. Make sure not to miss suggestion #5!
3. Take the RER or Metro from the Airport to Central Paris
Upon arrival in Paris, you’ll need to choose how to reach your destination. To save money, I recommend using public transportation.
Your options depend on the airport you arrive at: the RER B (regional train) and the Metro.
If you land at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), the RER B train is your only choice, taking approximately 40 minutes to reach the city.
At Orly Airport (ORY), you can take Metro Line 14, which will get you to the city center in about 30 minutes.
You can also use the RER B from Orly after transferring at Antony station via the OrlyVal (an airport Metro). However, this route is more expensive.
4. Choose a Taxi Over Uber from the Airport
While public transport is the most cost-effective way to reach the city from the airport, you may prefer a more comfortable option if you have heavy luggage or are traveling with children or elderly individuals.
In such cases, opt for taxis over Ubers. Taxis have fixed prices for airport rides, while Uber fares can surge during peak times, resulting in potentially higher costs.
5. Embrace Free Activities in Paris
One of the best ways to save money in Paris is by participating in its many free activities.
Parks, churches, and cemeteries often have no entrance fees. Notable sites to visit include the Jardin des Plantes in the Latin Quarter, the Basilica of Sacré Coeur in Montmartre, and Père Lachaise Cemetery.
There are also numerous free museums in Paris, such as the Musée Curie and the Museum of Modern Art. More famous museums like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and the Pompidou Centre offer free entrance on the first Sunday of each month.
A fantastic and no-cost activity in Paris is strolling along the Seine River, where you can enjoy beautiful views and iconic landmarks.
6. Take Advantage of Self-Guided Walking Tours
I’ve compiled a series of self-guided walking tours designed to help you explore some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Paris without spending a dime.
Dive into the bohemian charm of Old Montmartre, discover the heart of Paris at Ile de la Cité, or wander through the captivating Latin Quarter—the choice is yours!
If you’re interested in a themed experience, consider this Paris chocolate tour, which provides a delightful journey through the world of chocolate in the city.
For more structured guidance, Civitatis offers popular free guided tours. Join this tour for a look at Paris’ highlights, or opt for this alternative tour that uncovers the city’s darker history. A tip for the guide is appreciated at the end.
Put on your comfy shoes, grab your camera, and prepare to explore!
7. Purchase a Paris Tourist Pass
If you plan on visiting multiple museums during your stay, consider investing in a Paris tourist pass.
This pass is often a more economical option than buying tickets for each attraction individually. Additionally, it allows you to skip the lines at most venues.
The Paris Museum Pass is available for 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days, granting you access to over 60 museums and attractions, including the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and Versailles.
Depending on which attractions you’re interested in, you might want to explore other pass options. For cost comparisons, check out this guide on the best tourist passes in Paris. If you’re only interested in a few popular sites, explore this list of Paris bundles that come with enticing discounts.
8. Explore on Foot or Use Public Transportation
One of the best ways to explore Paris on a budget is by walking instead of using any form of transport.
Walking is free—and allows you to see every attraction in the city at a leisurely pace. Plus, you’ll discover charming spots that you might otherwise miss with private or public transport.
If extensive walking isn’t for you, opt for public transportation instead. The bus and Metro systems are much cheaper than taxis or Uber and can take you anywhere in the city.
If you plan to utilize the Metro frequently, check out the best Paris metro tickets available for tourists.
9. Drink Tap Water
One cost you might not have considered is buying bottled water. To save money, bring a refillable water bottle. You can refill it for free almost anywhere. Tap water in Paris is safe to drink, and there are over 800 fountains across the city where you can fill up (some even offer sparkling water!). To find their locations, check out this article.
You can also request tap water at restaurants, cafés, and bars. Instead of ordering bottled water, simply ask for “une carafe d’eau,” which is a jug of tap water.
By opting for tap or fountain water, you’ll save money and reduce reliance on single-use plastics, embracing a more eco-friendly travel style.
10. Opt for Lunch Set Menus
A highlight of any trip to Paris is indulging in its exquisite cuisine. You’ll likely want to dine out each day, especially for lunch.
For a satisfying yet budget-friendly meal, look for the “menu du jour,” which is a fixed two- or three-course offering available at many restaurants.
These menus typically range between 15 and 20 euros, making them a much better value compared to standard dinner prices.
Drinks are usually not included, so to save even more, consider ordering a “carafe d’eau” instead of bottled water or choosing a “pichet de vin” (a quarter, half, or full liter jug) of house wine. Bread is often included with these meals.
11. Have Picnics in Paris
A wonderful way to save money in Paris during the warmer months is to enjoy picnics. Locals love to gather with friends and family in the sun for outdoor meals.
You can save money by purchasing local specialties such as cheese, charcuterie, wine, and baguettes at markets to prepare your picnic.
Once your picnic basket is packed, all you need to do is choose a lovely spot to enjoy your meal. Check out our post on picnics in Paris for a list of the best locations.
12. Look for Affordable Lunch Options
Fortunately, Paris boasts an array of affordable dining options. From quaint bistros to bakeries and food trucks, you’ll find plenty of delicious cheap eats in Paris.
Crêpes (and savory galettes) are a quintessential French dish that you can enjoy for just a few euros. Check out this list of my favorite crêperies in Paris. You’ll even find vendors selling sweet crêpes for an on-the-go treat.
13. Order Coffee at the Counter
You might be surprised to learn that in Parisian cafés, the price of coffee varies based on where you consume it.
If you sit at a table and order coffee from a waiter, you’ll pay more than you would if you order and consume it at the bar. The higher price accounts for table service, while ordering at the counter saves you the extra cost.
Unless you’re looking to relax and enjoy the ambiance while sipping coffee, head directly to the bar to save some money.
If you need tips, here’s our guide on how to order coffee in France.
14. Skip the Hotel Breakfast
While breakfast is the most important meal of the day, breakfast at hotels in Paris can be quite pricey.
When booking your hotel, ensure that breakfast is included in the room rate. If it isn’t, consider dining outside of the hotel. Paying extra for hotel breakfast can increase your costs by over 30 euros per day.
Instead, why not stop by a boulangerie or café, and grab a takeaway coffee and croissant? You can enjoy a typical French breakfast for about 5 to 7 euros.
15. Take Advantage of Happy Hour Deals
While on vacation, you might want to enjoy an apéritif before dinner (spoiler: there are many delightful French drinks to try). Paris is filled with trendy bars where you can sip drinks with your travel companions.
Whether you prefer beer, wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic beverages, always check for Happy Hour specials, which often feature drinks at half price (look for Happy Hour signs on the menu). You can enjoy affordable drinks while snacking on delicious food.
Many bars in Paris offer Happy Hour daily, with some even extending offers into the evening for post-dinner drinks.
So there you have it: ways to explore Paris on a budget. Do you have any additional tips for a budget trip to Paris?
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About WORLD IN PARIS
As a quirky explorer of Paris, I strive to uncover lesser-known sights and share fresh ideas and tips to represent the best of the City of Light! Read more about me.
