20 Budget-Friendly Tips for Visiting Paris and Saving Money

So how does a person travel to Paris on a Budget? We flew directly from India where we were traveling on a very tight budget.

We really had our work cut out for us going from one of the cheapest destinations in the world to one of the most expensive cities in the world. Surprisingly, Paris can be enjoyed while still keeping to the budget. We found many ways to save money when traveling to Paris.

Budget Travel Tips for Paris

Paris offers many attractions at low or no cost. Furthermore, many of the city’s top sites and experiences are free, allowing you to enjoy this magnificent metropolis without overspending. Here are our tips for visiting Paris on a budget that can help you plan your trip effectively.

Budget Transportation in Paris

We utilized public transport throughout Paris to save money. The Paris Metro is efficient and user-friendly, providing excellent coverage to all major attractions. Unlimited travel passes for 1-5 days start at €14.

When purchasing a pass, you can select your travel zones. Below we have provided a breakdown of the zones. We found the three-day pass very effective while visiting Paris. It’s worth noting that if the three-day pass seems pricey at €30, walking combined with some metro or bus trips is a practical alternative.

Additionally, a 10-pack of metro tickets is available for €14.50, allowing you to use as few as 3 tickets daily with effective route planning. The Paris Pass also incorporates unlimited public transportation: Check out details here.

Transportation Zones in Paris

• Zones 1 to 3 – Traveling within Paris and nearby suburbs.
• Zones 1 to 5 – For further travel, encompassing Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports, Disneyland, and Versailles.
• Selected transportation options include: metro lines, RER lines (RATP and SNCF), Ile-de-France bus lines (RATP and OPTILE), tramway lines, and the Montmartre funicular.
• Hop on Hop off Tour bus – Starting at just $35 USD, it’s an easy way to see all the major attractions.

The Seine – River Cruise

A trip to Paris isn’t complete without cruising the River Seine. However, expensive dinner cruises are not necessary. There are many affordable options instead.

The Batocruise provides options for 1 or 2-day tickets starting at around $20 USD. The Paris Pass also includes a Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise, making it an excellent choice if you plan to see multiple attractions. For a combined metro pass with attractions, museums, and skipping the line, get the Paris City Pass to save time and money.

If you prefer not to splurge on a dinner cruise, consider a 1-Hour Paris Illuminations tour for only $21, making it a budget-friendly experience!

Our #1 Money Saving Tip for Paris, France

Purchase a Paris Pass for 2-6 days. This pass includes:

• Free entry to over 60 top attractions
• Free travel on the metro
• A 1-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour ticket
• A guidebook in six languages
• Skip-the-line access to major sights, including Centre Pompidou, Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre Museum.
• Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise
• Wine Tasting at O Chateau
• Purchase Your Paris Pass Here

Food Tips – Eating in Paris on a Budget

Our top tip for saving money while dining in Paris is to avoid sitting down at restaurants. Enjoy your coffee standing at the bar to save the “sitting fee” that many establishments impose.

Sitting down can lead to extra charges, so consider enjoying your drinks standing to meet locals and experience Paris authentically.

Don’t Eat at Bistros or Restaurants

Opt for dining outdoors at terraces or cafés, which are typically less expensive than indoor dining. We enjoyed delightful lunches for around 6.50 Euros outside.

While Paris is famous for its fine dining, many restaurants come with a hefty price tag. Instead, grab a delicious baguette sandwich, treat yourself to a dessert, and choose your drink, all from a boulangerie or patisserie.

Always remember that Parisian restaurants offer free filtered water, so avoid ordering pricey bottled water.

Shop at Supermarkets and Pack Your Lunch

Picnicking is a delightful budget-friendly option in Paris. You can purchase gourmet cheeses, cured meats, fresh bread, and fruits at reasonable prices. We frequently spent no more than 10 Euros for lunch for both of us, inclusive of wine!

With a small budget, we savored the high life, enjoying good French wine amidst the scenic beauty of Parisian parks.

Have a Picnic for Lunch

Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the city’s many parks. Jardin du Luxembourg is an ideal spot frequently filled with couples having romantic lunches. With delicious provisions from Carrefour and a good bottle of wine for a couple of Euros, it creates a perfect afternoon outing.

Insider’s Tip: Always keep a corkscrew handy to enjoy your wine rather than purchasing a costly glass at a restaurant.

Note: When drinking in public spaces, maintain a discreet approach, as public consumption of alcohol is often frowned upon.

Menu Formule for Dinners

What is a Menu Formule? It offers a fixed-price menu for tourists in the Latin Quarter. Enjoying an appetizer, main course, dessert, and a drink, these meals range from 9 Euro to 15 Euro.

Where to Find Cheap Menu Formule Meals

• The Latin Quarter near Notre Dame and Isle de la Cité
• Montmartre near Sacre Coeur
• La Rue Cler near The Eiffel Tower often offers reasonable fixed-price meals.

Paris Gardens are Beautiful to Explore and Free

The gardens in Paris provide free access to stunning landscapes perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Jardin du Luxembourg – This garden features various sculptures and sometimes hosts free art exhibits. It’s a lovely oasis in the heart of the city.

The gardens of the Louvre are accessible without any charge and are adorned with fountains, offering a beautiful promenade that rivals any indoor experience.

Budget Accommodation Tips in Paris

Stay at a Hostel in an Affordable District

Selecting the right arrondissement (district) significantly impacts accommodation costs. While areas near the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Champs-Élysées are pricey, Montmartre, Montparnasse, The Latin Quarter, and Le Marais are more budget-friendly.

We often stay in Montmartre for its charming ambiance, which provides various dining and shopping options. On our first budget trip to Paris, we stayed at the Perfect Hotel and Hostel in this delightful neighborhood.

Make Sure Breakfast is Included at Your Accommodation

Considering breakfast is included in the room rate is a smart move that can save extra money during your stay. Our hostel charged us only 35 Euros per person with breakfast included.

While we had a private bathroom, more affordable rooms were available for as little as 28 Euros with shared facilities that were quite clean and manageable.

The value of accommodations in Paris allows ample budget for exploring this beautiful city.

Recommended Budget Hotels in Paris

Perfect Hotel – Our initial budget stay in Paris at Perfect Hotel in Montmartre offered a convenient location and inclusive breakfast. Check out availability & prices on Trip Advisor / Booking.com.

Hotel de l’Avre – Also a wonderful budget option, conveniently located with breakfast included. Check out availability & prices on Trip Advisor / Booking.com.

Apartment Stay and Air B&B

We appreciate staying in apartments in Paris since they allow us to prepare our breakfasts, pack lunches, and enjoy gourmet meals at home. Cooking our dinners provided a five-star experience on a modest budget.

Additionally, apartments are typically more affordable for families or groups, offering a true taste of Parisian life in local neighborhoods.

Recommended Air B&B in Paris

Apartment near Sacre Coeur – This lovely apartment features a living room, kitchenette, a bedroom with a queen-size bed, and a bathroom. It is well-situated in the city!

Museums – How to See Them on a Budget in Paris

Visit Museums After Hours

Numerous museums in Paris offer free or discounted entry on specific days and at certain times; it’s simply a matter of knowing where to find them.

Musee D’Orsay

After 4:15 pm on Thursdays, the Musee D’Orsay offers reduced admission at €5.50. This is a great option if you’re keen on seeing the Impressionist collection.

Louvre After Hours

For visits to the Louvre, prices drop to €11 after 6:00 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. If you’re primarily interested in the Mona Lisa and a few other highlights, this timing can save you cash.

• If you’re planning a regular visit during peak hours, book in advance to skip the line for a self-guided experience.
• For those wanting unlimited access to museums over various days, the Paris Museum Pass is a stellar value, starting at $77 USD for 2, 4, or 6 days, covering 60 museums and monuments including the Louvre and Orsay.

Free Museum Entries

EU Citizens under 25 can enjoy free museum entry! Moreover, many museums waive their fees on the first Sunday of every month.

Participating museums for free entries include:

• Louvre
• Musée Picasso
• Musée Rodin
• Musée D’Orsay

City Museums are Free

Don’t miss out on exploring city museums that are rich with art and history, completely free of charge! To identify city museums, look for the coat of arms above the entrance; there are over 20 to discover.

Notable free city museums include:

• Petit Palais
• Maison de Balzac
• Musée Carnavalet
• Museum of Modern Art
• Victor Hugo Mansion

Free Walking Tours in Paris

Various companies provide free city tours meeting in Montmartre and the Latin Quarter. One of the well-known options is Local Greeters. Additionally, you can join a free walking tour every day at St. Michel in the Latin Quarter and in Montmartre.

Having participated in several free walking tours, we always learn a lot from knowledgeable guides. It’s customary to tip, and we typically offer about €5-€10. A free pub crawl is also available in both Montmartre and the Latin Quarter, making it an inexpensive opportunity to visit lively spots.

Book Cheap Flights to Paris

For budget-friendly flights to Paris, consider booking in advance and being flexible with travel dates. We frequently use Skyscanner to check flight options, exploring three to five days on either side of our desired travel period to save significantly.

Check out flights to Skyscanner for complete details. Additionally, we feature an extensive post on budget travel with more booking tips.

Take the Air France shuttle from the airport instead of a taxi.

The Air France shuttle offers a ride to Montparnasse from Charles de Gaulle Airport for between 21 and 36 Euros. While the train is cheaper, be prepared as you’ll have to carry your luggage through the metro. Check out information on transfers from Orly and Charles de Gaulle here.

Insider tip: Be ready for numerous stairs and tunnels in the Paris metro if you’re carrying luggage. If you’re up for it, taking the train is an economical option.

• Additionally, consider minivan transfers for affordable airport transportation. Pre-booked services to/from the airport start at only $27 Canadian.
  Shared Minivan Transfers from Roissy CDG and Orly – a cost-effective solution.
• We offer a detailed guide on the Cheapest ways to travel from Orly and Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airports to Paris.

See the Paris Landmarks for Free

Paris is a living art gallery, and simply strolling through its streets is an experience unto itself. You don’t need to pay for every well-known attraction to appreciate their beauty.

• The Eiffel Tower is impressive from various vantage points around the city.
• The Arc Du Triomphe is free to visit, unless you choose to go upstairs to take in the views.
• The Champs Elysees provides an enjoyable atmosphere with opportunities for people-watching and window-shopping.
• The Louvre boasts stunning gardens filled with art installations, and the same can be said for Jardin du Luxembourg.

For Free Views of Paris

Montmartre

For those looking for a stunning overhead view of Paris without paying to ascend the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, or Montparnasse Tower, Sacre Coeur in Montmartre offers breathtaking vistas. It’s also a great spot to see local street performers and explore charming alleyways.

Spending time lounging on the steps of Montmartre is a must, and you can enjoy a free tour of the Basilica Sacre Coeur. While Notre Dame undergoes renovations, exploring this church is an excellent alternative.

Pompidou Modern Art Gallery

Visit the Pompidou Modern Art Gallery and take the escalators to the rooftop bar using your admission ticket for stunning city views, combining an affordable meal with breathtaking sights.

Paris Cemeteries

The cemeteries in Paris provide a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, all completely free of charge.

Why visit a cemetery in Paris?

You’ll discover intricate tombs that tell fascinating stories. Pere Lachaise is the best-known cemetery and the final resting place of Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde, yet Montmartre and Montparnasse Cemeteries are also worth a visit.

Famous Residents of Paris Cemeteries Include:

• Jim Morrison – Cimetiere du Père Lachaise
• Oscar Wilde – Cimetiere Pere Lachaise
• Alexander Dumas – Montmartre Cemetery
• Edgar Degas – Montmartre Cemetery
• Jean-Paul Sartre – Montparnasse Cemetery
• Samuel Beckett – Montparnasse Cemetery

Catacombs of Paris

For a unique Paris experience, visit the Catacombs. Entry is just €8, offering an intriguing and eerie underground tour. However, booking in advance is not necessary, as visiting on your own is often simpler.

Consider obtaining a headset for guided assistance through the tunnels. The only reason to book in advance is if you’re pressed for time and wish to skip the line, particularly during peak hours when it can be busy. However, keep in mind that online tickets may incur an added charge.

Free Wi-Fi and Cheap Coffee

While it may sound cliché, we found ourselves frequenting McDonald’s in Paris; even locals do! They offer great McCafés, with cappuccinos often more affordable than in bistros. You can enjoy your coffee while walking around or utilize their free toilets and WiFi while you take a break.

Good Paris Travel Resources

Lonely Planet Paris – Your go-to guidebook for all Parisian attractions and locations. Access a variety of ebooks, apps, or city guides to suit your needs.

Rick Steve’s Paris – Renowned for his Europe insights, Rick provides excellent travel tips for exploring Paris.

Packing Tips for Europe – Find helpful packing advice tailored for European travel, including insights for Paris.

Paris Museum Pass – Experience Paris’s rich culture with a museum pass that provides front-of-the-line access to 60 museums.

Paris Tourism Office – The official tourism site packed with valuable city information and resources.

Paris Museum and Attraction Closures – Check for any scheduled closures before your trip to ensure a smooth experience.

Selective Paris City Tours

• Where to Stay in Paris, the Complete Guide to Neighbourhoods
• Free Things to do in Paris
• 21 Best Paris Hotels with Eiffel Tower Views
• Three Days in Paris Itinerary
• Cheapest Ways to get from Orly & Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Paris
• Paris Closures, When to Avoid Museum and Attractions
• What to do in Paris at Night
• Visiting the Catacombs of Paris – An Underground Labyrinth of Death
• Famous People Buried in the Pere Lachaise Cemetery of Paris

If you’re planning a trip to France, ensure to check out our France Travel Guide!

You May Also Like these Budget Travel Tips

• How to Travel on a Budget – Our Top Cheap Travel Tips
• Cheapest Ways to get from Orly & Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Paris
• How to Save Money for Travel – 15 Tips to Get You Started Now
• Best Travel Organizers for Smarter Packing
• Travel Safety Tips – How to Have a Safe and Healthy Vacation

If you found these Paris budget tips helpful, consider saving this post for future travel planning.

And there you have it. Our favorite ways to enjoy Paris on a budget illustrate that it is indeed possible. Would you like to share your tips for saving money in Paris?