Is it possible to visit Paris on a budget? Ah, Paris – the City of Lights, romance, and…expensive croissants? While the City of Love can sometimes feel pricey, fear not, budget-conscious traveler! With a little planning and savvy exploration, you can experience the magic of Paris on a budget. This article breaks down everything you need to visit Paris in a budget-friendly way.
Take your pen and paper and list these tips from food, free activities and budget accommodations!
If you are also interested in visiting Disneyland on a budget, then read our previous article here. For other travel essentials read this.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, and if you use these links to buy the recommended products, we earn a small commission. Rest assured that it does not affect you as a customer.
Paris on a Budget for budget travelers.
Traveling to Paris on a budget is feasible by following our tips and recommendations. These are tried and tested ways to plan for a Parisian vacation without breaking the bank. My family had a vacation in Paris twice and we followed our budget-friendly itinerary to save money while enjoying a true Parisian experience.
Eating in Paris on a budget:
Where to eat in Paris on a budget? You do not need to eat in cafes and restaurants near major tourist attractions. The key to finding affordable bistros is to navigate small streets in Paris. You can find a lot of affordable local restaurants, cafes and bakeries in every corner of Paris if you are willing to explore!
- Skip the tourist traps: By moving away from major streets and attractions, you can find bakeries, markets and small cafes where you can still enjoy Parisian foods without overspending.
- Steer clear of overpriced cafes near major attractions. Instead, venture into local neighbourhoods and hunt for “boulangeries” (bakeries) for fresh baguettes and pastries.
- Pick up picnic ingredients at a “marché” (market) like Marché Bastille or Marché Monge, enjoying a delicious and scenic lunch in a park, like Jardin du Luxembourg or Square René Viviani.
- Embrace “plats du jour”:
- Many restaurants offer a fixed-price lunch menu (“plat du jour”) at a fraction of the à la carte prices.
- Look for small bistros with handwritten menus, often tucked away on side streets.
- Crepes and falafel to the rescue
- For quick and budget-friendly bites, street vendors offer savory and sweet crepes for around €5, while falafel wraps can be found for even less or the same affordable price.
- Don’t forget to grab a “pain au chocolat” (chocolate croissant) for breakfast – they’re cheaper from bakeries than cafes.
- Self-catering magic
- If you’re staying in an apartment with a kitchen, take advantage of grocery stores and local markets.
- Try Parisian cheese, charcuterie, fresh fruits, and bread for a delicious and authentic Parisian experience.
- Skip bottled water
- Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it. You save a lot by refilling a reusable bottle instead of buying it every time you need to drink. This is a simple way to save but is easily forgotten.
- Take advantage of happy hour:
- Many bars and cafes offer discounted drinks and snacks during happy hour, typically between 5-7 pm.
Top Things to Do for Free in Paris
Below are some of our recommendations to visit Paris on a budget or for free. Museums and activities can be costly, but if you happen to visit Paris on some of the days they are offering free admission, then try our tips below.
- Museum Marvels: Many museums offer free entry on specific days or evenings. Catch the Louvre for free on the first Sunday of the month or enjoy the Musée Carnavalet’s permanent collection any day. Several smaller museums like the Maison Victor Hugo and Musée Picasso have free admission as well.
- Parks & Gardens Galore: Paris boasts magnificent green spaces like Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Plantes, and the Tuileries Gardens, perfect for picnics, leisurely strolls, or people-watching. Don’t miss the stunning panorama from Sacré-Coeur on Montmartre Hill – the climb itself is free! As of writing this article, these are the free places in Paris to visit. Always check the Paris tourism website for any updates.
- Walking Tours & Historical Gems: Get your bearings and learn about Parisian history with free walking tours offered by companies like SANDEMANs New Europe. Alternatively, explore historic neighbourhoods like the Marais or Latin Quarter on your own, admiring the charming architecture and hidden squares.
- Artful Evenings: Several museums host free concerts or events on certain evenings. Check the websites of the Musée d’Orsay and the Philharmonie de Paris for upcoming schedules. Additionally, many churches offer free classical music concerts.
Hidden Gems: The Parisian Secret Spots You Don’t Want to Miss:
Paris is not all about luxury. Of course we all want to visit famous attractions, but hidden gems in the Parisian city are also worth exploring especially if you are visiting Paris on a budget. Below are our recommendations on the things to do and places to visit in Paris on a budget.
- Canal Saint-Martin
- Escape the crowds and stroll along the picturesque Canal Saint-Martin, lined with cafes, bookstores, and vintage shops. Enjoy a picnic by the water or rent a canal boat for a unique perspective.
- Shakespeare and Company
- Browse the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore, a haven for bibliophiles with a charming history and friendly atmosphere. Attend a free reading or poetry slam for a truly Parisian literary experience.
- Passage Jouffroy
- Step back in time with a stroll through the elegant Passage Jouffroy, a covered arcade showcasing beautiful 19th-century architecture and unique shops.
- Promenade Plantée
- Walk along the “Coulée Verte René-Dumont,” a converted railway line transformed into a green promenade offering stunning city views and hidden gardens.
Remember, budget travel is about appreciating the small things and embracing the local atmosphere. With a little planning and resourcefulness, you can explore Paris like a true Parisian, experiencing its charm and beauty without breaking the bank!
Bonus Tip: Learn a few basic French phrases – locals will appreciate the effort and it is fun learning a new language!
Best places to stay in Paris on a budget:
Booking.comPlanning for a vacation in Paris might be a bit scary especially if you are thinking of accommodations. Yes, Paris is expensive but this does not mean that you cannot find a budget-friendly place to stay in this city.
You can find hostels or a dorm bed in the city of Paris. Hostels are budget-friendly alternatives to expensive hotels. If you are a solo traveller or a couple then you might want to consider this type of accommodation to save money.
Budget hotels are another option. If you want more privacy and a room on your own then you can consider budget hotels. Especially if you are a family budget traveller then this type of accommodation might as well do for you.
Airbnb is another option if you want to have a kitchen and cook your own food while on vacation. If you are visiting Paris on a budget then look for Airbnb that is not on famous streets and well-known tourist spots.
There are also “shared Airbnb” like you have your own room but the kitchen, sala and bathrooms are shared.
Other tips: If you are travelling in groups or with other families, then you can get Airbnb and divide the cost accordingly. And if you are a solo traveller, then dorm-type accommodations or shared Airbnb might as well be a good option.
To sum it up, Paris on a budget itinerary is possible if you are willing to explore streets with affordable cafes and restaurants and discover hidden gems. The secret sauce of experiencing Paris without spending much is to stay away from famous streets and attractions. And you can visit Paris on a budget by sticking to your budget plans. Taking advantage of happy hour in bars, opting for bakeries and cafes on the streets and refilling your water bottle are just a few of the many ways you can save while on your Parisian tour.
Explore the beautiful French city by walking, taking advantage of the free tour offered by SANDEMANs New Europe, or by buying a travel card that offers unlimited travel on public transport are the best ways to travel to Paris on a budget.
You can read our Disney Land Travel Tips in this article.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, and if you use these links to buy the recommended products, we earn a small commission. Rest assured that it does not affect you as a customer.
