How to Save Money in Paris

1. Visit At The Right Time

The Eiffel tower view with cherry blossom in spring

Before you even land in Paris, one way you can save money is by traveling during the off-season! Summer is the most expensive time to travel followed by Spring and December when prices skyrocket due to the Christmas season.

So if you want to save some money, the best months to visit would be anywhere from the end of September to the beginning of April (except for December as I mentioned earlier) since flight and accommodation prices are lower during these months.

How to Save Money on Accommodation

Accommodation is where you’ll probably spend most of your daily budget and how much you spend will largely depend on the type of accommodation and the neighborhood you choose.

Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere between 100 € – 150 € for budget hotels, up to 300 € for midrange options, and upward of that for luxurious stays.

2. Stay in Hostels

One way to save money on accommodation is to stay in hostels. Paris also has several of them so you can find one for less than 100 €.

However, don’t expect much—they typically offer minimal amenities and are quite small, especially if you choose a private room.

If you’re okay with sharing, dorm rooms are a cheaper option. Just make sure you book well in advance to have more options.

3. Choose the Right Neighborhood

Another way to save money on accommodation in Paris is to avoid central arrondissements or areas near popular attractions.

For instance, areas near the Eiffel Tower like the 7th and the 16th arrondissement, the Louvre area in the 1st arrondissement, and the Champs-Élysées are a lot more expensive compared to neighborhoods in the 17th, 19th, or 20th arrondissements.

Even if you don’t want to stay that far out, you can find affordable options in Montmartre, Le Marais, Pigalle, Bastille, the Latin Quarter, or the 13th arrondissement.

Of course, some streets in these areas, particularly tourist-heavy ones might be pricier, but these neighborhoods are generally much cheaper than the more central options.

I also wouldn’t worry about getting around if you stay outside the central arrondissements (from the 1st to the 9th) because Paris’ public transportation is very well connected so you can easily get around.

You could also consider staying in the suburbs, but make sure you factor in the time and cost of commuting to see if it’s worth the savings.

How to Save Money on Transportation

4. Use Public Transport

As I mentioned earlier, Paris has a well-connected and efficient public transport system that’s also affordable, so you won’t spend much on getting around.

The easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to navigate the city is by metro! A single T+ticket costs just €2.10 and it’s even cheaper when you buy a Navigo Easy Pass and load it with a carnet of 10 tickets for 17.35 € instead of 21 €. You can also purchase these tickets directly on your phone by using the IDF Mobilités App.

And if you’re traveling with children, those between 4 to 11 years old pay half the fare, while those under 4 ride for free. You can check out my previous article for all the details on how to use the Paris metro.

Apart from the T+ tickets, there are other options to pay for the metro, though not all of them are worth it.

For example, the One-Day Navigo Travel Pass costs €8.65 for 2 zones and €20.60 for all 5 zones, which might not be worth it depending on how often you plan to use public transport.

It’s best to do the math for your itinerary to see if you’ll get your money’s worth. Another pass to avoid is the Paris Visite Pass. While convenient, it’s significantly more expensive than other transport options.

If you’re staying for a week and plan to visit places outside of Paris like Disneyland or Versailles, consider getting the Navigo Découverte Travel Card.

I have a detailed article explaining the different zones and available transportation passes in Paris that you can check out later.

Paris also has a well-connected bus system, which is a great alternative to the metro if you prefer buses. The fares are the same as the metro.

5. Walk When You Can

Another way to save on transportation is by walking. Paris is a very walkable city, with many attractions close to each other.

Always check your map apps to see if you can walk to your destination instead of spending on a metro ticket!

6. Consider Biking

If you enjoy biking, this is another option to consider. Paris has become increasingly bike-friendly with several new bike lanes added in recent years, and bike rentals are quite affordable.

You can rent a Vélib for €3 for single use or €5 for 24 hours. And there are multiple stations around the city, so you can pick up one almost anywhere!

7. Avoid Taxis and Uber

Unless you’re traveling late at night, it’s best to avoid taxis and Uber, as they are much more expensive than public transport.

best way to get from Charles de Gaulle to Paris by bus.

8. Save Money When Getting From Airports to the City Center

Many people think taxis or private pickups are the only ways to get from the airport to the city center, but there are budget-friendly alternatives!

Instead of spending €70 on a private transfer from Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can take the RER B for just €11.

If you’re coming from Orly Airport, consider the Orlyval and RER B combo for €14.50 or metro line 14 for only €10.30.

Unless you arrive late at night, I’d recommend using public transportation—it’ll save you a significant amount of money!

How to Save Money on Food

Paris, and France in general, are known for having some of the best food in the world, and I completely agree!

We also have plenty of Michelin-star restaurants, but as a budget traveler, you may be wondering if you can find cheap eats in Paris!

The answer is yes! And you don’t have to eat fast food every day. You can enjoy good food at a decent price.

9. Don’t eat at Social Media famous restaurants

First, avoid social media famous restaurants! In my experience, many of these spots are overhyped for their aesthetics and not for their food quality.

If you see a restaurant covered in fake flowers or packed with Instagrammers taking photos, it’s likely a tourist trap with overpriced and mediocre food. Of course, there are a few exceptions to this!

Instead, look for quieter local spots where Parisians actually eat. The food is usually more authentic and reasonably priced.

10. Don’t eat near popular attractions

Another tip is to avoid restaurants near major tourist attractions like the Louvre, Sacre Coeur, and the Eiffel Tower, or those along the Champs-Élysées.

These restaurants know they’ll always get tourists no matter what, so the food tends to be average at best and overpriced.

But if you walk just 10-15 minutes away from these attractions, you’ll find more authentic Parisian eateries.

You can also find good and affordable meals in less touristy areas like Châtelet—I’ve had delicious meals there for just €13.

11. Eat Street Food

Another great way to save money is by opting for street food over sit-down restaurants. Paris has a growing street food scene with plenty of options.

You can get a Jambon-beurre (ham and butter sandwich) at a bakery for under €5, a slice of quiche Lorraine for around €4, a Croque Monsieur for €6, or a savory galette (a type of crêpe filled with an egg, ham, cheese, etc) for around €10.

These affordable options are all tasty, filling, and perfect for lunch. And you get to enjoy some French food for cheap.

12. Go on a Picnic

Ok, you can’t come to Paris and not picnic once—that is if you’re visiting in the warm months! And you can do so on a budget!

Just go to a bakery and pick up a baguette, a few fruits, a bottle of wine, and other snacks from a supermarket, and head to a park or even on the banks of the Seine for a memorable picnic.

13. Take advantage of the Lunch Formula

If you want to treat yourself to a fancy meal, opt for lunch instead of dinner. Many restaurants offer a lunch formula, which includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert at a lower price than dinner.

14. Don’t Buy Bottled Water

Another way to save money at restaurants is by asking for tap water instead of bottled one. In many places, they’ll automatically bring tap water, but if they don’t, don’t hesitate to ask.

Even when out exploring, you can get free drinking water at the many drinking fountains around the city. Just be sure to carry a reusable water bottle.

15. Don’t Tip Away All Your Money

This may be surprising, especially if you’re from a country where tipping is customary, but in Paris, tipping isn’t mandatory. The service charge is already included in your bill, and servers receive a regular salary.

Unlike in the U.S., where tipping is expected to be around 20% of the bill, tipping in Paris is more of a gesture of appreciation.

If the service and food were excellent, you can leave a small tip, but it’s entirely optional. And if you choose to tip, tip any amount you feel like and not a certain percentage of your bill.

Parisians typically leave €1 to €5 for a €30-40 meal —or nothing at all if the service wasn’t great.

16. Save money on drinks

You can also save money on drinks by taking advantage of happy hour deals. Happy hour in Paris usually starts around 6 pm and ends at 8 pm, though some places extend it until 10 pm.

How to Save Money on Activities

There is so much to do in Paris that if you pay for most activities, you could quickly burn your budget.

But the good news is that you can still enjoy the city without spending a lot—or even without spending anything, so I am going to show you how to save some money on activities.

17. See Landmarks From The Outside

Paris is like an open-air museum, so even if you don’t pay to enter famous attractions, you can still appreciate their beauty from outside.

For example, you can admire the Eiffel Tower from various viewpoints, with Trocadéro being one of the most popular.

You can also walk around the Arc de Triomphe and see the eternal flame of the unknown soldier all for free if you skip the climb. The Louvre Museum is also impressive from the outside.

18. Take Advantage of Free Entrances or Reduced fare Days

I understand that you may not want to just see the attractions from outside. So if you’d like to actually enter some, there are ways to do so without breaking the bank.

Most museums in Paris offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month, including the Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, and Musée Rodin, so you can take advantage of that! The Louvre on the other hand is free on the first Friday of the month after 6 pm, except in July and August.

If you’re set on climbing the Eiffel Tower but want to save money, consider taking the stairs instead of the elevator. It’s almost €10 cheaper! €27 for the stairs versus €35 for the elevator if you go up to the summit.

Some museums also offer discounted tickets on certain days. For example, the Musée d’Orsay offers a nighttime ticket on Thursdays for €12 instead of the usual €16.

Statue of liberty in Orsay museum — *Statue of Liberty in Orsay Museum*

19. Explore The City’s Charming neighborhoods

You can also easily spend an afternoon exploring one of Paris’s neighborhoods without needing to pay for entry anywhere. Montmartre is perfect for this, as every street is as charming as the next.

Le Marais is another beautiful neighborhood worth exploring. You can start with either of these two areas and extend to the Latin Quarter if you have time.

I have detailed articles on what to do in Montmartre, things to do in Le Marais, and where to go in the Latin Quarter, so you can check them out later.

20. Take a Free Walking Tour

If you prefer not to explore on your own, consider taking a free walking tour. I have a few good ones I recommend. This one if you want to learn about the history of Paris or this free walking tour of Montmartre.

Keep in mind that while these tours are advertised as free, they are tip-based. You give what you think the tour was worth at the end.

21. Consider getting a museum Pass

If you plan to visit several museums, it might be worth getting a museum pass.

Depending on how many museums you want to visit, the pass could save you money compared to buying individual tickets. You can check it out here and calculate if it’s worth it for your itinerary.

22. Visit Free Museums

In addition to the museums I mentioned earlier, several museums in Paris are free to visit all year-round.

Some of the best include the Carnavalet Museum (focused on the history of Paris), the Petit Palais (the Fine Arts Museum of Paris), and the Bourdelle Museum. You can check out my complete list of free museums in Paris here.

You could mix in a few of these free museums with a couple of paid ones to fill up your itinerary.

But if you’re an EU resident under 25 or under 18 years old, you can visit most landmarks in Paris for free.

view of the Eiffel Tower from Galeries Lafayette — *View of the Eiffel Tower from Galeries Lafayette*

23. Enjoy Paris Views For Free (or Cheaper)

Many people think you have to pay a lot to enjoy the beautiful views of Paris, but that’s not true!

There are many free and cheap viewpoints to enjoy. If you’re specifically looking for Eiffel Tower views, there are several free options like Passerelle Debilly, Avenue de Camoëns, Trocadero Square, Rue Saint Dominique, and many others.

And if you want to get a view of the entire city for cheap, you can buy this ticket to the Arc de Triomphe for €16 or the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre (purchasable on-site) for just €8, instead of paying €27 to go up the Eiffel Tower.

Or better yet, go to Galeries Lafayette or Printemps Haussman rooftops to enjoy the views for free!

24. Visit Churches

Another free activity in Paris is visiting its beautiful churches. Besides Sacré-Cœur, others worth seeing include Saint-Étienne-du-Mont in the 5th arrondissement, Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church in the 6th, La Madeleine Church in the 8th, and Église Saint-Eustache in the 1st arrondissement.

view of the Louvre from a Seine Cruise — *View of the Louvre from a Seine Cruise*

25. Take A 1 hour Seine Cruise

Another common activity in Paris is cruising on the Seine, and I highly recommend not missing it.

You’ll see several landmarks along the way, including the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, a replica of the Statue of Liberty, and the Eiffel Tower.

While a dinner cruise might sound romantic, if you’re on a budget, this simple 1-hour Seine cruise is more than enough — especially if you’re not celebrating a special occasion. It costs around €20, compared to €100 for a dinner cruise.

26. Visit Paris Parks and Gardens

Plus all of Paris’s parks and gardens are free to visit, so take some time to explore them as well!

How to Save Money on Shopping

Paris is a shopper’s paradise, but it’s easy to get carried away and blow your budget on purchasing souvenirs and other items.

However small those may be, the cost can quickly add up if you’re not careful! So here are some tips to help you shop smart in Paris.

car free day on Champs-Élysées avenue — *Car-free day on Champs-Élysées Avenue*

27. Avoid Expensive Shopping Streets

There are some iconic streets in Paris where shopping can get very expensive.

Streets like the Champs-Élysées, Place Vendôme, Avenue Montaigne, and Rue Saint-Honoré are perfect for a stroll or window shopping, but most items there are unaffordable if you’re on a budget.

For more reasonably priced shopping, head to the smaller streets in Le Marais, visit the Les Halles Mall in Châtelet or check out Bercy Village. You’re much more likely to find affordable options in these areas.

28. Check Out Vintage Shops, Flea Markets, and Covered Passages

Paris also has several vintage stores and flea markets, where you can hunt for unique pieces without spending a fortune.

Covered passages like Galerie Vivienne also offer a unique shopping experience with a mix of boutiques and vintage shops.

29. Take Advantage of Sales (Soldes)

If you’re in Paris during the summer or winter sales, known as Soldes, you can score some fantastic deals.

Discounts can go up to 60% in many stores, including some luxury brands, so it’s the perfect time to shop if you want to save.

Final Thoughts on How to Visit Paris On a Budget

Exploring Paris on a budget is absolutely possible with a little planning and the right tips.

From choosing affordable neighborhoods to enjoying free attractions and being smart about food, you can experience the best of Paris without overspending.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

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Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips