Learn How to Visit Paris on a Budget

As the number of tourists visiting Paris continue to grow, so are the ways visitors can save big during their trip. When diving into the figures, taking a frugal approach to Paris becomes absolutely necessary.

Paris, also known as the City of Light is a dream for many travelers around the world. But what if you could experience its magic without spending a fortune? From sipping coffee near the Eiffel Tower to exploring world-class museums and charming streets, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Paris on a tight budget.

How to Visit Paris on a Budget

Despite being known as one of the most expensive cities to explore in Europe, visiting Paris doesn’t have to break the bank. From avoiding known tourist traps to shopping strategically, a little preparation goes a long way. Now that this city is no longer shrouded in mystery, everything users need to know can be found online.

Unfortunately, uncovering quality information is harder than most people think. Thanks to the staggering amount of visitors this city hosts annually, the internet is flooded with tips on how to survive Paris. While many of these warnings are redundant, a few of them have the potential to help users save big.

To showcase what visitors actually need to know, we compiled this list of the best ways to save in Paris. Preserving your budget doesn’t mean being miserable, so none of these tips sacrifice the basic amenities.

Going on vacation means indulging in at least a little bit of luxuries, so learn which ones to do without. There’s more to this gorgeous city than most visitors imagine, so discover how to explore strategically to rake in the savings!

1. Travel Smart: How to Find Cheap Flights to Paris

Airfare can be one of your biggest expenses, but with a few tricks, you can land great deals:

• Book early: Try to book flights 2–3 months in advance.
• Use flight comparison sites: Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights can help you track price drops.
• Fly midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays usually offer cheaper fares.
• Consider nearby airports: Flying into Beauvais or Orly can sometimes be cheaper than Charles de Gaulle.

You can sign up for airline newsletters and use fare alerts to get the best Paris flight deals.

2. Choose Affordable Accommodation in Paris

You don’t need to stay in luxury hotels to enjoy Paris. Some budget-friendly accommodation options include:

• Hostels: Great for solo travelers or students. Check out Generator Paris or St. Christopher’s Inn.
• Budget hotels: Look for Ibis Budget or HotelF1 chains.
• Vacation rentals: Airbnb or Booking.com apartments often have kitchen facilities, perfect for saving on meals.
• Stay outside the city center: Arrondissements like the 19th or 20th offer cheaper stays while being well-connected by metro.

Book early during peak seasons (spring and summer) to secure low prices.

3. Save on Food: Eat Like a Local in Paris

Paris is full of affordable food options beyond fancy restaurants:

• Boulangeries (bakeries): Fresh croissants, baguettes, and sandwiches cost just a few euros.
• Street food: Try crepes, falafel in Le Marais, or kebabs from local vendors.
• Picnics: Buy cheese, fruit, and wine from a local market and enjoy a picnic by the Seine or in Luxembourg Gardens.
• Prix fixe menus: Many restaurants offer affordable set lunch menus between €12–€18.

Tap water in Paris is safe to drink, refill your bottle instead of buying new ones.

4. Explore Paris Attractions for Free (or Almost Free)

Many of Paris’s best sights are free or inexpensive:

• Stroll along the Seine River and cross the famous bridges.
• Visit free museums: The Museum of Modern Art and Maison de Balzac are free year-round.
• Free first Sundays: Major museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are free on the first Sunday of each month.
• Admire iconic landmarks: Eiffel Tower views, Montmartre, and Notre Dame’s exterior are all free to enjoy.

Get the Paris Museum Pass if you plan to visit multiple attractions, it saves money and time.

5. Use Public Transportation Like a Parisian

Avoid taxis and Ubers, Paris’s Metro system is one of the best in the world.

• Buy a carnet: A pack of 10 Metro tickets is cheaper than buying singles.
• Get the Navigo Easy Pass for unlimited weekly or daily rides.
• Walk or cycle: Paris is pedestrian-friendly and has bike rentals (Vélib’).

Walking between nearby attractions can help you discover hidden gems.

6. Shop Smart and Souvenir Wisely

You don’t need designer stores to find something special:

• Visit flea markets: Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen offers affordable vintage finds.
• Local boutiques: Small shops often have unique gifts at better prices.
• Supermarkets and Monoprix stores: Great for inexpensive French chocolates and wine.

Avoid souvenir shops near major landmarks as prices are often inflated.

7. Enjoy Free or Cheap Entertainment in Paris

Check out free cultural events on sites like Paris.fr or Time Out Paris.

• Street performances: Watch talented artists at Montmartre or along the Seine.
• Free walking tours: Many local companies offer tip-based tours of the city.
• Public parks: Relax in Jardin des Tuileries or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
• Budget nightlife: Visit happy hours in local bars or enjoy open-air concerts in summer.

8. Visit Paris in the Off-Season

If you want to save big, plan your trip between November and March:

• Lower airfares and hotel rates.
• Fewer crowds at attractions.
• Enjoy winter charm — hot chocolate at cozy cafes and sparkling Christmas lights.

January and February are great for shopping during Paris’s official sale season (Les Soldes).

Best Ways to Save While Visiting Paris

Tip #3: Take the Airport Buses – Instead of getting ripped off by ambitious cab drivers, tourists have two options when arriving at the airport. The first is the “RoissyBus”, which takes tourists from any terminal to the Place del’Opéra for just €12.50 per person. It only takes 60 minutes, and leaves every 15 minutes from 6am to 8:45pm. From there, buses leave every 20 minutes from 8:45pm to 12:30am.

For those who want a classier option, Le Bus Direct buses can’t be beaten. It costs €17 per person(€30 round-trip), and takes users directly to various tourist attractions. These transport fees are noticeably cheaper than a taxi, so arrive at your destination in style!

Tip #2: Claim Your Refund – Unbeknownst to most visitors, big purchases qualify for surprisingly advantageous refunds. Non-EU citizens who spend €175 or more at any store are entitled to a 12% cash refund. This is available at a number of locations, so always ask the employees before making a major purchase. These refunds can add up quickly, which allows tourists to maximize their buying power in Paris!

Tip #1: Take Advantage of the 1st Sunday Deals – On special days, a wide array of attractions and museums are free to visit. Every first Sunday of the month, visitors can tour all the major museums without paying an entry fee. The Louvre is also free during the first Sundays, and tourists under the age of 26 get in without charge on Friday evenings.

To avoid lines at this revered attraction, enter through the Carrousel de Louvre entrance to skip right to the ticket counter. There are plenty of ways to save on the major attractions, so ask around to find out the most advantageous times to visit!