Understanding the Cost of Visiting Paris: Budget Tips and Travel Expenses

Everybody loves Paris, including us. The French capital boasts a cultural richness and status that few other cities can match. It exudes elegance, exquisite cuisine, and artistic flair. With a touch of grit, it possesses a vibrant personality that attracts millions of visitors each year.

Whether you opt for a day trip to Paris or plan an extended stay, you are bound to encounter breathtaking views of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. You’ll indulge in delicious cuisine, explore the only vineyard in Paris, or venture into the eerie Catacombs before marveling at the Louvre Museum after hours. There’s an abundance of experiences waiting for you. Therefore, it’s understandable to question: Is Paris expensive to visit?

In this guide, we will directly address that question. Your expenses during a Paris vacation can vary significantly based on whether you’re traveling on a low, mid-range, or luxury budget. We’ll provide estimates to help you prepare for your trip. With our extensive experience from five visits to Paris, we believe we can offer some valuable insights.

Accommodation Costs in Paris

It’s undeniable that accommodation in Paris can be pricey, especially if you’re not simply taking a day trip. If you stay longer, this becomes a key expense.

The novelty of Paris attracts many travelers, especially to iconic locations like the Eiffel Tower, resulting in hotel rooms that can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per night. However, if you manage to book well in advance, you may find more affordable options as well.

On average, hotel room rates in Paris hover around $130 per night, which is reasonable compared to other cities in Western Europe. The primary concern is Paris’s popularity, as reasonably priced accommodations tend to book quickly. This iconic city lures many to pay more for “landmark views,” contributing to its reputation for being costly.

Hotel prices also fluctuate based on location. Staying in the city center will likely increase your total accommodation costs. Yet, if you’re willing to be a bit farther away and use the Metro for a “day trip” of around 20 minutes into the center, you can significantly cut costs. Consider neighborhoods like the 14th, 10th, and 13th Arrondissements for more budget-friendly options.

Budget Accommodation

A challenge for budget travelers is to minimize accommodation expenses. Although there are many mid-range options available, there’s a shortage of true budget accommodations in the city center. Thus, accommodation will likely be the largest expense of your trip to Paris.

If you’re open to staying in hostels located in the more distant Arrondissements, you might find some fantastic deals. Dormitory-style setups in hostels often provide communal areas, such as kitchens, which can cut down your food expenses significantly. Here are some budget options:

• UCPA Sports Station Hostel Paris: $30 per night.
• Beau M Paris: $35 per night.
• Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels: $40 per night.

Mid-Range Accommodation

Mid-range hotels are plentiful throughout Paris, and these choices are highly sought after due to their balance of comfort and reasonable rates. Consequently, planning becomes crucial to secure your ideal accommodation, as competition is high.

Here are examples of mid-range hotel prices in Paris:

• Hotel Eiffel Blomet: $240 per night
• Hotel 31: $220 per night.
• Hotel Eden Opera: $200 per night.

Luxury Accommodation

Paris is filled with luxury accommodations, many of which offer stunning views of iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower or the Seine River. Splurging in the expensive central area is well worth it if you desire proximity to major attractions. Luxury accommodations also provide superior views, facilities, and a more refined experience overall.

While luxury accommodations can be steep, they are worthwhile for travelers with additional room in their budgets:

• Le Parisis: $400 upwards per night.
• Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel: $450 upwards per night.
• Hotel Lutetia: $2,000 upwards per night.

Getting There: Flying to Paris Costs

Your most significant expense will likely be the flight to Paris. Depending on your departure location, costs can range from $40 to $1,000. Here are some example fares:

• New York to Paris: $400-600
• Los Angeles to Paris: $500-700
• London to Paris: $100-200
• Rome to Paris: $100-150
• Dubai to Paris: $400-600
• Sydney to Paris: $800-1,000

Flying within Europe is the most economical option. Flights from the US typically range between $400-700, influenced by whether you’re departing from the east or west coast. The Middle East, such as Dubai, offers comparable fares, while Oceania remains the costliest around $1,000.

Heads up for those traveling within Europe: Paris has strict regulations regarding short-haul flights when there are overland alternatives available. Consider researching train routes before booking short flights within mainland Europe.

Transportation Costs in Paris Once You Arrive

Transportation expenses in Paris can be manageable unless you opt for private taxis. In fact, given Parisian traffic, this is not an efficient choice. Walking or using the Metro is the most effective way to navigate the city. Metro tickets are available at just a few euros for single journeys, allowing you to explore the city for a minimal cost. The Metro stations are conveniently located throughout the city, including connections to Charles De Gaulle Airport.

While Paris does have sprawling suburbs, the main tourist areas are quite compact. You’ll never be more than a 20-minute Metro ride from attractions. If you stay centrally, walking everywhere becomes a viable option.

If you embark on a day trip, such as to the Palace of Versailles, you can take advantage of other public transport options. Paris has a comprehensive bus and train network that connects it to surrounding cities and attractions. Renting a car is also an option, but it can be a daunting experience given Paris’s notoriously chaotic driving conditions. Just search for images of the Arc de Triomphe roundabout to understand the traffic situation.

Metro

The Metro is the most efficient way to explore Paris, costing just 2.10 euros for a single ticket. The city features over 380 stations, providing extensive coverage. The Metro operates until just before 1 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday, with extended hours until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Acquiring tickets is straightforward; ticket machines at every station accept both cards and cash. If you prefer, you can also purchase multi-day tickets for unlimited travel. Be prepared for crowds around ticket machines and Metro cars in tourist-heavy areas. Nonetheless, these crowds can enhance safety, though remain vigilant during busy hours.

Train

Gare du Nord serves as Paris’s primary railway hub. Although trains aren’t commonly used for city travel, they are highly effective for accessing nearby cities. From Paris, you can easily reach destinations like Lille, London, or Rome. Day trips to various locations in Northern France are also within reach.

All train tickets can be purchased from machines at Gare du Nord, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to car rentals.

Car Rental

A brief note on car rentals: for most travelers, renting a car in Paris is not advisable. This is mainly due to the challenging traffic and the efficiency of public transport. However, if you’re an experienced driver familiar with European cities and plan to take multiple-day trips, a rental car may be advantageous. For those unfamiliar with Paris, it’s best to rely on trains and the Metro.

Budget Travel Style: $5-10

When experiencing Paris on a budget, anticipate daily public transportation costs of around $5-10. This allows for accommodation in less central areas without compromising your exploration.

Mid-Range Travel Style: $5

Interestingly, factor in around $5 for transportation expenses for a mid-range travel style, as central accommodations will facilitate easy walking to major attractions.

Luxury Travel Style: $5-20

For those indulging in a luxury travel experience, expect transportation costs to remain under $5 if you plan to walk primarily. However, it’s worth allowing for the occasional Uber or taxi ride ($20-30) for convenience, especially in inclement weather or late-night travel.

Food Prices in Paris

Your food budget will naturally be substantial during your visit to Paris, renowned as a hub for exceptional cuisine. Whether you opt for adventurous dishes like escargots or indulge in delectable macarons, French food is sure to delight. Let’s break down potential food costs based on travel styles.

Budget Food: Less than $20 a day

Assuming you’re staying in self-catered accommodations, you’ll primarily rely on groceries and home-cooked meals, which can comfortably keep your daily budget around $20 with some flexibility.

Mid-Range Food: Around $45 a day

Calculating for a mid-range trip, expect food costs to be around $45 a day. This assumes that breakfast is included with your accommodation, and you’d be spending around $20 per meal for lunch and dinner.

Luxury Food: Upwards of $100 a day

For luxury dining, anticipate a budget exceeding $100 daily. This allows for an upscale dining experience, including breakfast, casual lunch, and a more extravagant dinner.

Cost of Activities in Paris

When planning a trip to Paris, it’s likely that you already have a list of iconic landmarks and museums you aim to visit. The Mona Lisa, Notre Dame Cathedral, Seine River, Louvre Pyramid, and Eiffel Tower are just some of the attractions worth your time, hence visitors often allocate a significant budget for sightseeing.

Paris offers a diverse range of activities for various budgets, and many of these do not require spending money. For budget-conscious travelers, consider exploring stunning parks or marveling at exquisite Gothic architecture without entering buildings. For mid-range travelers, unique experiences such as Seine River cruises can enhance the visit, while luxury travelers can indulge in cabaret performances, exclusive tasting experiences, and skip-the-line tickets at museums.

Costs for activities can fluctuate widely, so let’s categorize them into budget, mid-range, and luxury experiences.

Budget Activities: Free

To significantly lower your trip costs, focus on free activities and enjoy landmarks from the ground. By prioritizing walking tours over sightseeing cruises and choosing to admire the Eiffel Tower from a distance, you may find that costs can effectively be minimized.

Here are some wonderful free activities:

• Strolling through the Tuileries and enjoying free entry into the Louvre Museum on select dates.
• Admiring the Eiffel Tower from Place du Trocadero.
• Visiting Petit Palais and other city museums with no entry fees.

Mid-Range Activities: $50 a Day

Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, you likely have certain must-see attractions in mind. Activities such as visiting Versailles or seeing masterpieces at the Louvre will typically cost around $25-40 each, allowing for a mid-range budget of about $50 daily for activities.

Luxury Activities: $150 a Day

Paris boasts a selection of luxurious activities; for instance, you could opt for a champagne cruise or a Moulin Rouge show with skip-the-line access to major museums. Such high-end experiences generally begin at around $100 each, so budgeting $150-200 allows for either one extravagant activity and a couple of mid-range experiences.

Total Cost: What To Budget for a Weekend in Paris

Now that you’ve considered the various budgets for accommodation, food, activities, and transportation, you’re probably wondering how these figures compile for a weekend in Paris, whether you’re on a tight budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget.

Budget: Weekend in Paris

Excluding flights, anticipate a budget of approximately $65-80 daily for a budget weekend in Paris, broken down as follows:

• Hostel accommodation: $35 a day
• Public transportation: $10 a day
• Food (self-catered from groceries): $20 a day
• Optional activities: $15 a day

Mid-Range: Weekend in Paris

Again, excluding flights, budgeting around $320-350 daily for a mid-range weekend in Paris is reasonable, broken down to:

• Hotel accommodation: $220 a day
• Public transportation: $5 a day
• Food: $45 a day (including breakfast and casual dining)
• Activities: $50 a day for river cruises and Eiffel Tower visits

Luxury: Weekend in Paris

For a luxurious weekend, expect a budget of approximately $800 a day without flights, broken down as follows:

• Hotel accommodation: $500 a day
• Public transport or taxi: $5-20 a day
• Food: $100 a day (including breakfast at the hotel, a casual lunch, and a fine dinner)
• Activities: $150-200 for high-end experiences like the Moulin Rouge

Top 5 Ways To Save Money in Paris

Fortunately, understanding the average costs of a trip to Paris doesn’t mean you have to accept these prices blindly. There are numerous strategies available to reduce your expenses, contingent upon how much research you’re willing to do ahead of time.

If you’re short on time and need quick advice, here are five money-saving ideas for your Paris trip. Utilizing these tips can significantly enhance your budget.

1. Eat Outside and Dodge the Sitting Fees

Did you know that many Parisian restaurants impose extra charges for sitting indoors? This practice is reminiscent of the coperto system in Italy. To avoid an inflated bill, opt for outdoor seating or bar standing for drinks. Check the menu for any fees associated with indoor dining and seek out takeaway options where possible.

2. City Museums Offer Free Admission

Another way to save is to take advantage of the fact that many city museums in Paris are free. Focusing on free attractions not only lowers your budget but often results in a much less crowded experience, particularly compared to high-profile locations like the Louvre. Highlights include:

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

If you’re keen on the Louvre, consider visiting during designated free days or off-peak hours. Both Musee d’Orsay and the Louvre offer discounted access after hours, along with free entry on the first Sunday of each month.

EU citizens under 26 have free access to many museums! Make sure to verify eligibility for any offers available to you here.

3. Create Your Own Walking Tour

Exploring a city on foot is inherently less expensive. Develop your own walking tour to minimize costs while taking in iconic Parisian landmarks. For example, you might walk from Notre Dame Cathedral to the Louvre Pyramid, through Tuileries Garden, and to the overlook of the Tour Eiffel.

This personalized route allows you to tailor your experience based on fitness levels and interests, making it both fun and educational. Furthermore, due to the city’s compact size, navigation won’t be a challenge.

4. Be Tactical With Accommodation

Accommodation is a prime area where you can save considerably. Consider choosing accommodations that offer self-catering options or are located within walking distance of attractions.

A strategic choice is to select a hotel that includes breakfast. With breakfast covered, you eliminate the stress of finding morning meals and can venture out ready for the day. This allows for a leisurely lunch while you’re sightseeing, freeing you to search for the best deals rather than settling for a quick meal due to hunger.

5. Buy a Paris Pass

A Paris Pass serves as an economical way to access multiple attractions. This digital pass is stored on your phone and grants entry to over 85 sites in Paris for free, including the Louvre, plus experiences like cheese and wine tastings. Two-day passes start at around $150 per person, so assess your travel plans to determine if this is a suitable option for you.

If you’re neither an EU citizen nor under 26, this pass becomes a favorable choice as it provides significant savings on attractions, which can otherwise add up.

*Planning for the Paris Olympics*

The Paris Olympics are approaching, running from the 26th of July 2024 to the 11th of August 2024, with millions of tickets available for sale. The city will buzz with activity during this event, impacting accommodation availability and pricing.

Traveling during the Olympics requires strategic planning. While it’s still possible to secure hotels and tickets, acting quickly is essential.

Note that prices will likely surge during this period. For those seeking an authentic Parisian experience and not focused on sporting events, it might be wise to avoid traveling during the Olympics. The typical costs could increase dramatically, and you may miss out on leisurely sightseeing opportunities.

To ensure a more manageable experience, be proactive in booking accommodations and attractions or selecting alternative travel dates.

Visiting Paris Cost: FAQs

Are you feeling better equipped to understand the costs of your prospective trip to Paris? Knowing what to expect allows for better budgeting.

How much does a meal cost in Paris?

A basic meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs around $20 per person. However, you can easily keep this bill under $10 with choices like water and takeaway options. Alternatively, a lavish three-course dinner for two can cost around $80, so prepare your budget accordingly if you enjoy fine dining.

Is Paris more expensive than New York?

Overall, Paris stands slightly cheaper than New York, which tends to have higher accommodation costs and stricter tipping norms.

Is Paris expensive to eat and drink?

Dining and drinking in Paris can be expensive if you frequent tourist-heavy establishments; however, savvy travelers can reduce costs by opting for breakfast included with accommodation and purchasing groceries for lunch.

Is Paris more expensive than London?

Paris and London exhibit similar costs regarding accommodation and food, with options to economize by staying in less touristy areas. Both cities boast an array of free and paid activities.

So, Is Paris Expensive?

In our experience, Paris can certainly be costly, especially compared to other European cities. This is to be expected as you’ll be immersing yourself in one of the world’s most vibrant cultural environments. Booking round-trip flights during peak season and splurging on luxury accommodations or extravagant experiences can quickly elevate costs.

Nonetheless, one common misconception is that saving is impossible. Paris, while easy to overspend in, also presents numerous opportunities for budget-friendly choices.

Understanding what to anticipate from each budget category—budget, mid-range, and luxury—is pivotal. A bit of research can go a long way toward tailoring a Parisian experience that aligns with your financial expectations. With our insights, you can stretch your dollars further, ensuring an unforgettable visit to this magnificent city, regardless of your budget.

Plan Your Trip To Paris With Our Resources

• 20 Best Museums in Paris To Visit
• Ultimate One Day in Paris Itinerary – How to See Paris in a Day
• 24 Best Day Trips from Paris
• 21 Best Paris Hotels with Eiffel Tower Views
• 3 Days in Paris: The Best Paris Itinerary for Your First Visit

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Travel Planning Resources

Are you looking to plan your next journey? Utilize the tested resources from our travels.

Flights: Start finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner.

Accommodations: Discover the best prices on hotels through Booking.com for Europe and TripAdvisor for the rest of the world.

Apartment Rentals: Find competitive prices with VRBO.

Travel Insurance: Never travel without it!

• Safety Wing – For occasional travelers.
• Medjet – Offers global air medical transport and travel security.

Activity Booking: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, and private guides? Try Get Your Guide.

For additional trip planning assistance, check our Resources Page, where we highlight trusted companies for travelers.