Paris is a world-class city that everyone should visit at least once in their life. It’s not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but visiting Paris on a budget is possible.
The city isn’t solely geared toward the 1%, and there’s tons of stuff you can do that costs nothing. As long as you’re willing to explore Paris in a way that most aren’t, I’ll show you how to get the most bang for your buck and have an unforgettable trip to The City of Light.
Visit Paris On A Budget
Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
The first thing you’ll need to do is to figure out a daily budget. If you’re frugal with spending money and willing to sacrifice certain luxuries, you can see Paris for roughly $100 USD/day. Aside from airfare, your biggest costs will come from your accommodation and meals. Everything else is reasonably priced for a Western world destination.
You’ll also have to pick and choose what you want to experience in Paris. Some people need to see the city from atop the Eiffel Tower, while others prefer to take a boat cruise along the Seine or eat at a high-end Parisian restaurant. I’d recommend splurging on at least one activity, as it will make the trip all the more satisfying.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Paris?
Ideally, you should visit Paris in the spring (May/June), or fall (September/October). These months have a decent amount of tourists, but not so many that it’s overwhelming. The weather is also ideal, hovering anywhere from 16°C to 23°C, ensuring you don’t overheat. Of note, May is the city’s wettest month, so visit closer to June if you can swing it.
If you’re looking to save more money, the least expensive months are December, January, and February, as the city sees a sharp decline in tourism during the winter. Unfortunately, the chilly weather makes it harder to comfortably explore Paris. July and August are the most expensive months to visit Paris, as the weather is hot, and summer vacationers flood the city.
How To Get To Paris From The Airport
If you’re flying into Paris, you’ll either land at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), or Paris Orly Airport (ORY). CDG is located 30 kilometers northeast of Paris, while ORY is 20 kilometers south of the city. No matter which airport you fly into, transportation is needed to get to Paris, and your budget-friendly option is the train.
CDG to Paris: From CDG airport, take the RER Line B (Blue) train in the direction of Paris (Robinson, Antony, St-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse). This train runs every 15 minutes and takes about 45 minutes to get to the city. A ticket costs 10.30€ ($12 USD) for adults, 7€ ($8.30 USD) for children aged 4 to 9. It’s free for children under the age of 3.
RER Line B @ Charles de Gaulle Airport
ORY to Paris: While this airport is closer to Paris, getting into the city takes longer. This is because there’s no direct line from ORY to Paris. You’ll first have to take the Orylval Metro from ORY to the Anthony Train station and then switch over to the RER B or C line (depending on your destination). The price for this is roughly 12€ ($14.50 USD) and takes around an hour.
IMPORTANT: When using the train (or any public transportation), always be on high alert as it’s a hotspot of activity for pickpocketers. Several scams are run on unsuspecting tourists, so it’s best to be familiar with them so you don’t fall victim. Stay aware of your belongings and be suspicious of any locals that are behaving in an overly friendly and helpful manner.
Budget Accommodations In Paris
Paris is divided into 20 districts known as arrondissements, with some being more expensive than others. Budget-friendly arrondissements include the 10th (Gare du Nord), 11th (Bastille), and 18th (Montmartre).But the reality of visiting Paris is that accommodations anywhere in the city are expensive. To keep on budget, you’ll have to stay outside of the high-tourist areas and swap a hotel room for a hostel bed.
St. Christopher’s Inn – Gare du Nord
Many hostels also offer private rooms, but even the most basic dorm bed starts at $50 USD/night. I’d recommend staying at a modern hostel such as St. Christopher’s Inn (2 locations: Canal and Gare du Nord), as they’re highly social, have excellent amenities, and offer cheap dinners and drinks. Booking through sites like Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda, provide you the best rates, and if you book well in advance you’ll save even more money.
How To Eat On A Budget In Paris
Image courtesy of Instagram
Paris is famous for its world-class cuisine which I’m sure you’ll want to indulge in while visiting. But dining in swanky Parisian restaurants, (and let’s be honest, even mid-level restaurants) can quickly skyrocket your budget.
French breakfasts are traditionally light and can be had at cafés for at little as 5€ ($6 USD) for a croissant and coffee. You can save some money if you skip the café and head to a patisserie to pick up a few pastries. You can then eat them while wandering the city.
Your best value meal will be lunch, with many restaurants offering a 2-3 course prix fixe menu. On average, you’ll spend anywhere from 12€ to 20€ ($14 to $24 USD) on a meal that would cost more than double at dinner. If you want to save money during lunch, you can eat at cafés, and there’s also plenty of restaurants that offer a decent meal for roughly 10€ ($12 USD).
Food markets are another resource you can tap into, and they offer a wide variety from pastries to meats, cheeses and breads, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables. Eating outside the tourist areas is also recommended, as food prices will be less expensive.
Finally, if you’re looking to have a Parisian dining experience, head over to the app store and download TheFork, which allows you to access special offers on over 1,000 restaurants in Paris, potentially saving between 20% to 50% on your final bill.
Getting Around Paris For Cheap
Paris is a big city, and if you want to maximize your time you should consider transportation options to move you quickly from place to place. As you’re doing Paris on a budget, you’ll need to be mindful not to overspend on transportation. This means going with an option that will save you the most money.
The Metro
Image by Seth Wolf from Pixabay
The Paris Metro system is the easiest and fastest way to get around town, boasting 16 interconnected lines and covering 219 kilometers. Its unmistakable logo is scattered around Paris, so you can quickly find the closest station wherever you are. The Metro is open every day from 5:30 am to 1 am, and is extended on Fridays and Saturdays until 2 am.
The t+ ticket for the Paris Metro allows you to use the Metro, the RER line in zone 1, the Île-de-France region’s bus lines (excluding airport shuttle buses Roissybus and Orlybus), trams, and the Montmartre funicular. It can be purchased as a single journey, or as a pack of 10 at any station. The single-journey ticket allows line changing for up to 90 minutes and costs 1.90€ ($2.25 USD). The 10-pack will set you back 14.90€ ($17.65 USD), saving you 4.10€ ($4.85 USD). Children under the age of 10 qualify for a discounted pack of 10 for 7.05€ ($8.35 USD).
Paris Visite Ticket
Those planning to heavily use public transportation might want to invest in the Paris Visite ticket, which gives the ticketholder unlimited use of the Parisian transportation system (trains, trams, buses, and funicular) for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days. It can be purchased at the airport, tourist information points, as well as Metro and RER stations.
There are two cards to choose from, either covering zones 1 to 3 (all the touristy attractions) or zones 1 to 5 (which allows you to travel to Disneyland as well as both airports). The Paris Visite card also provides discounts for Seine boat tours, bus tours in the city, and attractions such as the Paris Opéra.
Here’s the cost breakdown:
Adults: Zone 1 – 3 | Adults: Zone 1 – 5 | Kids: Zone 1 – 3 | Kids: Zone 1 -5 | |
1 Day | 12€ ($14.25 USD) | 25.25€ ($30 USD) | 6€ ($7.10 USD) | 12.60€ ($15 USD) |
2 Days | 19.50€ ($23.10 USD) | 38.35€ ($45.50 USD) | 9.75€ ($11.50 USD) | 19.15€ ($22.75 USD) |
3 Days | 26.65€ ($31.60 USD) | 53.75€ ($63.70 USD) | 13.30€ ($15.75 USD) | 26.85€ ($31.80 USD) |
5 Days | 38.35€ ($45.50 USD) | 65.80€ ($78 USD) | 19.15€ ($22.75 USD) | 32.90€ ($39 USD) |
The Paris Visite card is a good deal if you’re in town for 1 or 2 days, as it covers your airport RER Line transportation, but the 3 and 5-day cards will balloon your budget.
Navigo Card
If you’re in town for more than 3 days, you should opt for the Navigo Card. This contactless card is mainly used by Parisians and comes in daily, weekly, or monthly options. Like the Paris Visite card, it allows for unlimited use of the city’s transportation system.
You’ll need to present photo ID to obtain the card, and it costs a non-refundable 5€ ($5.90 USD). The card is then loaded with your weekly option (Navigo Semaine) or monthly option (Navigo Mois). The weekly option runs from Monday at 12 am to Sunday at 11:59 pm, with the monthly option running from the 1st of the month to the last day of the month. These times are set, so if you arrive in Paris mid-week, you’ll be overpaying for days you missed. Also, there are no discounted prices for children.
Having said that, it makes more sense to go with the Navigo Card if you’re in the city for more than 2 days, and if your trip starts on a Sunday or Monday.
Here’s how the Passe Navigo pricing breaks down:
Navigo Week Pass | Navigo Month Pass | |
All Zones | 22.80€ ($27 USD) | 75.20€ ($89.10 USD) |
Zones 2 – 3 | 20.85€ ($24.70 USD) | 68.60€ ($81.30 USD) |
Zones 3 – 4 | 20.20€ ($23.95 USD) | 68.60€ ($81.30 USD) |
Zones 4 – 5 | 19.85€ ($23.50 USD) | 66.20€ ($78.45 USD) |
Comparing the Navigo Card to the Paris Visite ticket, you can see that Navigo is a lot cheaper if you’re staying in Paris for more than 2 days.
Paris Visite Ticket | Navigo Card | |
All Zones | 3 days = 53.75€ ($63.70 USD) | Weekly = 22.80€ ($27 USD) + 5€ ($5.90 USD) card fee = 27.80€ ($32.90 USD) |
If you arrive mid-week, you can purchase a Navigo Day Ticket (Navigo Jour) which costs 7.50€ ($8.90 USD) + the 5€ fee for the card itself.
Use Your Legs
If you’re anything like me, you prefer to explore a new city on foot, and Paris is one of the best cities to do just that. While public transportation is convenient for getting to places quickly, the only way to truly soak up the city is to walk it. Walking gives you exercise, connects you with the city and its inhabitants, and allows you to discover things you’d otherwise miss if you were shuttled around town. While visiting tourist attractions can be fun, walking through Paris provides you with a unique experience. For this reason, I’d recommend using the Metro only once or twice per day.
Rent A Bicycle in Paris
Another budget transportation you can look into is renting a bicycle. Half-day rentals hover around 12€ ($14.15 USD) and you can explore over 700 kilometers of dedicated bike paths and routes. You should also check with your hostel, as they may offer free bicycles or work with a local company to give you a reduced price.
Do The Google
Do yourself a favor before you get to Paris and download an offline Google map of the city. Offline maps work without data or Wi-Fi, which is a godsend if you get lost. Offline maps also come in handy for navigation, helping you get to points of interest from your current location.
Free Things To Do In Paris
Paris has plenty of free things for budget travelers. Here are 14 ideas you can use when planning your trip:
1. Walking Tours
Walking tours are common in any tourist town and Paris is no different. The best way to join one is to inquire at your hostel, which can register you with your tour of choice. The most popular itineraries take you to tourist attractions, but there are also tours that focus more on food, history, and art. While walking tours are free, it’s common practice to tip your tour guide for their service.
2. Visit Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Montmartre is a historical arrondissement in the northern part of Paris. Situated on a 130-meter tall hill, it’s mainly known for its artistic history. Several notable artists including Vincent Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, and Pablo Picasso have all lived in Montmartre. Cobblestone streets line the bohemian village, and there’s plenty of cafes and boutique shops for you to explore. Montemartre is capped by the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which is the highest point in Paris, and the second-most visited tourist attraction. There’s plenty of panoramic photo opportunities to be had here, and entry to the Basilica is free. However, if you want to explore its dome and crypt, you’ll have to pay 8€ ($9.45 USD).
3. Parks
Jardin du Luxembourg
Thoughts of Paris usually conjure up images of big city life. But did you know Paris has nearly 500 parks and gardens that can be explored? These parks are open to the public and are a much needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The best part is they’re scattered evenly around Paris, so you never have to go too far to find one. The top parks you should check out are Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Tuileries, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Parc Monceau, and Square Jean XXIII.
4. Explore Paris on Film
“Inception” filmed at Pont de Bir-Hakeim
Hollywood has long had a love affair with Paris, and one thing that film buffs can do for free is visit locations of their favorite movies. From classics such as “Charade” and “Last Tango in Paris”, to more recent films like “Inception”, “Midnight In Paris”, and “Mission Impossible: Fallout”, you can spend an entire day hunting down locations if you wanted. One of the most famous film locations for tourists is the Shakespeare And Company bookstore which is located in the heart of the city.
5. Jim Morrison Haunts
Fans of the legendary rock band The Doors know that their electrifying lead singer Jim Morrison spent his final years in Paris, and there are a few places you can visit if you want to walk in his footsteps. The apartment building he allegedly died in is located at 17 Rue Beautreillis and steps away you can find a bar he frequented, Vins Des Pyrénées. While Jim was American, he was buried in Paris and can be found in Père Lachaise Cemetery.
6. Père Lachaise Cemetery
Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Paris. While some might think it slightly morbid to explore, it’s a very beautiful and peaceful place to spend time (and also amazing for photography). Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, the cemetery is the final resting place for notable French citizens, and famous people such as Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Frederic Chopin, and Edith Piaf. It spans 45 hectares and is filled with a mixture of funerary art, monuments, tombs, and ornate statues. If you decide to visit, I’d recommend downloading this PDF map to help navigate your way.
7. Free Museums
Paris has a ton of museums and a lot of them can be explored at no charge. These include Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Musée Bourdelle, Maison de Victor Hugo, and Maison de Balzac. Additionally, on the first Sunday of every month, some of the most popular museums are free. This includes The Louvre, Musée Picasso, Musée d’Orsay, and Musée Rodin. If you’re under 26 and a member of the European Union, The Louvre is free for you year-round. Tourists from any country can visit The Louvre for free on Saturdays between 6 pm and 9:45 pm.
8. Stroll Along The Seine
A favorite pastime of Parisians is to spend some downtime by the Seine River. Walking along the water gives you some great views of the city, and helps you collect your thoughts. You’ll pass by people unwinding with a book, hanging out with loved ones, and enjoying a bite. So grab a baguette, some cheese, and a bottle of wine if you feel the need to decompress.
9. Eiffel Tower
Image by maykeloenning from Pixabay
The Eiffel Tower is the number one tourist destination in Paris, and what immediately comes to mind when most people think of the City of Light. Its sheer size makes it easy to spot, but there’s nothing quite like experiencing it up close. The only time you’ll have to pay for The Eiffel Tower is if you want to go to the top of it. Visit Place du Trocadéro for the best photo ops, but be prepared to jockey for position, as it’s usually rammed with people. You can then head down through the Jardins du Trocadéro (Trocadéro Gardens), walk across the Pont d’Iéna bridge, and see it up close up. The Champ de Mars park on the other side of the Eiffel Tower is another prime photo location where you can relax and take in the view.
10. Galeries Lafayette Hausmann
Image courtesy of Instagram
If you love architecture and fashion, head over to Galeries Lafayette Hausmann. This art nouveau department store was built in 1912 and offers the best fashion brands in Paris. It’s topped with a steel-framed stained-glass cupola, which rises 43 meters high. The entire building is an awe-inspiring work of art, and not only great for shopping but photography as well. A suspended bridge called The Glasswalk hangs over the atrium and provides shoppers with free photo ops. The store also hosts a wine tour masterclass, catwalk shows on Fridays and Saturdays, and a macaron baking class. However, keep in mind that these activities cost extra.
11. Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a Roman-inspired arch designed by Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Paris. It was commissioned by Napoleon to celebrate the French army’s achievements and took 30 years to build. Construction of the Arc was completed in 1836. Measuring 45 meters long by 22 meters deep, it rises 50 meters above street level and is located at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle. Like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe is free to visit, but you’ll have to pay 13€ ($15.40 USD) if you want to go to the top of it. Rising high above the city gives you spectacular 360° views of Paris, including the Champs-Elysées which is connected to Place Charles de Gaulle.
12. Walk The Avenue des Champs-Élysées
After the Arc de Triomphe, you can parade down the most expensive street in the world, the Champs-Elysées. High-end brands are the name of the game here, and you can find pretty much every recognizable one from Chanel, to Hugo Boss, and Louis Vuitton. Spanning almost 2 kilometers between the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde, it’s a good 45-minute walk if leisurely strolling. The street also has many patios where you can grab some food or drink and watch the world go by.
13. Roman Ruins
Did you know that Paris has Roman ruins? Two of the most important sites you can explore are the Arènes de Lutèce (Roman amphitheatre) and Thermes de Cluny (Gallo-Roman thermal baths). The amphitheatre was built in the 1st century A.D. and held 15,000 spectators. The baths are believed to have been built in 3rd-century Roman Paris or Lutetia, and are part of the Musée de Cluny, a museum dedicated to Paris in the Middle Ages.
14. Paris Bridges
Pont Alexandre III
Bridges are an important part of Paris. The Seine River cuts through the city, making them the only way to access certain areas. There are 37 bridges in total, but some have more significance than others. One of the most recognizable is the extravagant Pont Alexandre III, which was built during the Belle Epoque and decorated in art nouveau lamps, cherubs, nymphs, and golden-winged horses. Pont Neuf (which translates to “New Bridge”) was built in the early 1600s, making it the oldest bridge in Paris. Other notable bridges you should check out are Pont des Arts (Love Lock Bridge), Pont de Bir-Hakeim (double-decker bridge), and Pont Marie (built in the 1600s).
Budget SIM Card For Paris
Paris has over 260 public Wi-Fi hotspots that you can tap into while in the city. These areas are marked by “Zone Wi-Fi” signs and can be found at tourist attractions, parks/gardens, and on various streets. Wi-Fi is also present in most restaurants and cafés.
However, if you like to stay connected or want faster speeds, pick up a SIM card. Paris internet is expensive, so there’s only one SIM card you should look for to stay on budget: the 15GO Carte Connect from SFR. It costs 15€ ($17.70 USD) and provides you with 15 GB of data and 5€ worth of calling credit. Once activated, the card lasts 30 days and is rechargeable.
The 15GO Carte Connect SIM card can be purchased at the airport inside the Relay store. Steer clear of any of the other SIM cards from Orange, Free, and Bouygues. These are France’s large telecom companies and charge a lot more, as they include calling and texting credits. In Paris, all you need is data, offline Google maps, and you’re set. Also, don’t forget to unlock your phone before getting to Paris so that you can use a foreign SIM card.
Paris On A Budget Breakdown
At the beginning of this article, I mentioned you can limit your spending to roughly $100 USD per day. Now that we’ve covered all the expenses, let’s take a look at how everything breaks down.
Expense | Cost |
Hostel Accommodation | 42.40€ ($50 USD) |
Breakfast | 4.25€ ($5 USD) |
Lunch | 12.75€ ($15 USD) |
Dinner | 12.75€ ($15 USD) |
Entertainment | 16.95€ ($20 USD) |
t+ Metro Ticket | 1.90€ ($2.25 USD) per ride |
DAILY TOTAL | 91€ ($107.25 USD) |
Airport Transportation (extra) | 10.30€ ($12 USD) per ride |
SIM Card (extra) | 15€ ($20 USD) |
Bottom Line: Enjoy Paris
Meticulous planning can help you enjoy Paris on a budget, but don’t forget to appreciate the trip. If that means you need to eat an extra mille-feuille, do a wine and cheese tour, visit the Palace of Versailles, or take in a show at the Moulin Rouge, by all means, indulge. This is Paris, one of the greatest cities on the planet! If you’re not sure you’ll ever return, you might as well make every minute count. But for those that are working with limited funds, understand that you can still have a great time in Paris without breaking the bank.
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