How to Explore Paris on a Budget – Insiders Tips

Can "Paris" and "budget" really go together? With a bit of planning, absolutely. Our years in Paris have shown us that some of the city's best offerings — baguettes, wine, art, and culture — are both affordable and quintessentially Parisian. Simple adjustments like choosing a boulangerie breakfast over the hotel spread, opting for prix-fixe menus at restaurants, and using the Metro instead of taxis can keep costs down. A few well-chosen strategies can go a long way in helping you experience the City of Light without overspending.

Cheap Seats Into Paris – Buses & Trains

Paris on a budget starts at the airport. The ultimate ways to save money getting from the airports into Paris (since we don't recommend hitchhiking!) are to use the bus or the RER trains.

While they're less convenient than a private airport transfer or a taxi, they certainly do save money. If you're planning to use the buses or the RER train, pack lightly — you'll need to maneuver your luggage through the Metro, so keep your baggage to a minimum. Make sure you can handle all your suitcases on your own. We've explored the possibilities and present you with complete information in our guide.

Budget Accommodations

While Paris offers no shortage of high-end hotels, budget options are still to be found. It's possible to find comfortable, affordable rooms in good locations for around 150€ per night. For couples and families staying a week or more, a budget-friendly family hotel with a bit more space is a great choice. Family hotels can offer additional amenities, like larger rooms and access to nearby parks or metro lines, for a more relaxed and economical stay. Our guide to affordable Paris hotels includes well-rated options across the city, from charming budget stays to family accommodations, all with plenty of Parisian character.

Now let's get to the areas of Paris we like to stay in! It's nice to know that there are good budget hotels to be found in all areas of Paris. We especially like the neighborhoods around the Eiffel Tower in the 7th and the 15th. As you go south from the Tower into the 15th the area is not as touristed, it's more local and a great place to make your base.

Another new favourite area for us spans parts of the 3rd and 11th Arrondissements, on the border of Bastille and the Marais. There are a lot of good Paris-on-a-budget hotels in the area. Here are some things to keep in mind —

• Most Paris hotels are much smaller than North American hotels. Many American travelers rate Paris hotels poorly because of the small rooms, not aware that almost all Paris hotel rooms are compact.
• The majority of Paris budget hotels (and even most 4-star hotel in Paris) do not have a valet or doorman, so get used to carrying your bags yourself.
• The elevators are small in the majority of Paris hotels, often not big enough to hold one person plus their bags. Get used to cozying up and to sending your bags up or down on their own.

The Free Museums of Paris

Paris, of course, has some of the world's greatest museums and the cost of entrance tickets can add up. But, a budget-conscious tip is to save money by visiting some of free museums in Paris. Most of the City of Paris museums are free including Le Petit Palais, Musée Carnavalet, and the Paris Museum of Modern Art. Read our guide to discover even more free museums.

More Paris-on-a-Budget Tips

A Parisian Diet

If you adopt a Paris diet, you'll not only save money, you'll eat better as well. Head to the boulangerie for a baguette at around 1€, or pick up a fresh croissant for your morning bite. Cheese is also a bargain, and paired with a bottle of Bordeaux, often priced around 15€, you've got yourself a meal that's both affordable and authentically Parisian.

Cheap Thrills

For budget-conscious sipping, skip the pricey coffees and soft drinks at tourist-heavy cafes along the Champs-Elysées or in Saint-Germain. Instead, venture off the main boulevards to local bars for a lovely and affordable glass of wine. In Paris, enjoying a good glass of wine doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. You gotta a love country where wine costs less than soda pop!