There’s no sugar-coating it; Paris is an expensive destination, and if your travel style is more on the high-end side, even a short trip can cost a lot. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t do Paris on a budget. With the right planning and sensible choices, you can explore the City of Lights without spending a fortune, even as a solo traveler.
The main expenses during any trip include accommodation, transportation, activities, and food. We’ve gathered a few tips on all four categories, like where to stay in Paris on a budget or the best places to eat in Paris on a budget, to help you plan a trip that doesn’t require months of savings.
Paris on a Budget: Accommodation
Although Paris has a reputation for being expensive, you don’t need to sacrifice charm or safety if you know where to stay in Paris on a budget.
Hostels: Great for solo travelers and groups, hostels like Generator Paris and St. Christopher’s Inn offer dorm beds and private rooms at low rates.
Budget Hotels: For many, the best hotels in Paris on a budget can be found in the Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement). A good idea is to look for 2-star hotels or chains like Ibis Budget or HotelF1.
Airbnb & short-term rentals: Renting a room in someone’s apartment can be cheaper than a hotel, especially with kitchen access to save on food.
Couchsurfing: For adventurous travelers, Couchsurfing lets you stay with locals for free.
University dorms: Some organizations, like the UNME (Union nationale des maisons d’étudiants), manage student and university accommodation and rent out dorm rooms to students traveling during the summer holidays at affordable prices.
Paris on a Budget: Transportation
Getting around Paris doesn’t have to cost much if you know the right passes and travel hacks, and you’re willing to cover some distance on foot.
Metro and Bus: The Paris Metro is efficient and inexpensive, and has a very extensive network. Buy a “carnet” (pack of 10 tickets) or a multi-day travel pass like the Paris Visite or Navigo Découverte.
Walking: Central Paris is very walkable, and many major attractions are within a 30-minute walk of each other. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and make frequent stops.
Biking: Use the Vélib’ bike-share system for cheap and flexible travel. Make sure to stay on the bike lanes and be cautious of traffic.
Rideshares and carpooling: Apps like BlaBlaCar can be handy for longer trips to or from Paris on a budget.
Paris on a Budget: Activities
Even in an expensive city like Paris, many of the best experiences are free or low-cost.
Free walking tours: Join a tip-based walking tour like those from Sandemans or Discover Walks to get a historical overview and local insight.
Parks: Relax in one of the many beautiful green spaces around the city that are free to enter, like Jardin du Luxembourg, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, or the Tuileries Garden.
Explore charming neighborhoods: Stroll through Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, or Le Marais to soak in the Parisian atmosphere without spending a cent.
Museums: Many museums, like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month. Alternatively, consider the Paris Passlib’, the Paris Official City Pass, which allows you to visit multiple attractions in a short time at a lower cost.
Paris on a Budget: Food
You can eat well in Paris without splurging, especially if you know where to go and what to look for.
Bakeries (Boulangeries): Grab a fresh baguette sandwich, croissant, or quiche for a few euros.
Street food: Crêpes, falafel, and kebabs are tasty and cheap.
Picnic: Shop at local markets like Marché Bastille or a supermarket and feel like a local on a riverside picnic; a great way to taste local cheeses without spending a fortune.
Fixed-price menus: Many bistros offer affordable “formule” lunches, usually a starter, main, and dessert for a set price.
Ethnic cuisine: Head to neighborhoods like Belleville or the 10th arrondissement for affordable Asian, African, or Middle Eastern cuisine.
Bonus: Disneyland Paris on a budget
If visiting Disneyland is a non-negotiable, with a bit of planning and savvy choices, you can enjoy a magical and affordable day trip.
Buy tickets in advance: Purchasing tickets online ahead of time is often cheaper than at the gate. Look for dated tickets or seasonal promotions.
Use public transport: Take the RER A train from central Paris to Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy instead of expensive transfers or taxis.
Visit on weekdays: Weekday tickets (especially Tuesday to Thursday) are usually cheaper, and the park is less crowded.
Skip the Park Hopper: Choose just one park (Disneyland Park or Walt Disney Studios) for the day to save money.
Bring your own snacks: Prepare sandwiches and snacks and enjoy a picnic in the area located between the Disney Parks Car Park and the entrance to the Disney Parks.
Sensible souvenir shopping: Buy small souvenirs outside the park or set a strict limit beforehand to avoid overspending in the shops.
TLTR? Quick Q&A for Paris on a budget
How much should I budget for a trip to Paris?
Budget and mid-range travelers spend an average of €100 to €250 per day in Paris. This includes accommodation, food, attractions, and transportation.
Can you do Paris cheaply?
Yes, you can explore Paris without spending a fortune, even if you don’t get to see and do everything. Avoiding the high season is a good idea if you’re looking to save money. The best time to visit Paris on a budget is in November, January, and February, when the weather is colder and there are no major holidays or events. Also, the best place to stay in Paris on a budget is the Latin Quarter, which has many budget hotels and apartments.
What is the cheapest way to travel in Paris?
You can plan 2 days in Paris on a budget by booking your flights well in advance. You can also choose a hostel as your accommodation, or a hotel that is not in the city center. To see the main attractions in Paris on a budget, you can book a Paris Passlib’, the Paris Official City Pass, which combines multiple experiences and monuments at a lower price.
How much money do I need for a Paris trip?
The budget you will need for a trip to Paris depends greatly on your travel style, accommodation choices, and spending habits. Even if you’re traveling on a tight budget, spending less than €100 per day for accommodation, food, and one or two attractions is unlikely given the city’s prices.
How to travel around Paris cheaply?
Although Paris is a big city, the cheapest way to get around is on foot. The city center is always crowded and safe to walk around, even at night. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes and include multiple stops from one point of interest to the next to get some rest in between.
Is 500 euros enough for 3 days in Paris?
With proper planning, you can spend 3 days in Paris with a budget of 500, including flights. You can cut down on the main expenses, like accommodation, food, and attractions, by staying at a hostel, choosing casual places for lunch and dinner, and limiting attractions that require a ticket.
