When we went to Paris, we found many ways to save money. We had our work cut out for us, traveling from one of the world’s cheapest places to one of the world’s most costly cities. Surprisingly, you can have a good time in Paris while staying on budget.
Traveling to this magnificent world city does not have to be expensive. There are numerous sites to visit that are inexpensive and sensible. Many of Paris’ most popular attractions are even free. Here are some budget-friendly tips and ideas to help you plan a trip to Paris without breaking the bank.
Budget Transportation In Paris
To save money, we utilized public transportation throughout Paris. The Paris Metro is quick, efficient, and simple to use. It’s fantastic and will take you wherever you need to go.
Starting at €14, you can get a metro pass that allows unlimited travel for 1-5 days.
When purchasing a pass, you can select which zones you will visit. We’ve broken it out for you here. When we visited Paris, we used the three-day pass, and it was fantastic. If the three-day pass (30 Euros) is too expensive, you can combine walking and riding the metro or bus.
For 14.50 Euro, you may get a ten-pack of metro tickets. If you plan your journey properly, you’ll only use three tickets in one day.
The Seine–River Cruise
When visiting Paris, you must take a boat ride along the Seine River to see the city differently. However, you do not need to arrange an expensive dinner cruise. Some options are affordable.
One option to experience the Seine is to take the Batocruise. You can get a one-day or two-day ticket for around $20. The Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise is included in the Paris Pass. A Paris City Pass is the ideal method to combine entries and save big money if you intend to see many Paris sites.
When we visit a city for the first time, we buy a city pass. Don’t want to spend a fortune on a dinner cruise? Get Your Guide offers a 1-hour Paris Illuminations trip for just $21, and you skip the line!
Food Suggestions – How To Eat In Paris On A Budget
The best way to save money when dining out in Paris is to avoid sitting down for coffee at a restaurant. Drink it while standing at the bar. You’ll avoid the “seat fee” that many restaurants in Paris charge.
It is common to be charged a fee for sitting down to dine. Stand at the bar to enjoy your beer or coffee if you’re on a budget. Furthermore, you will meet more people and have the opportunity to explore Paris as authentic Parisians do.
Avoid eating in bistros and restaurants.
We also eat on terraces or in coffee shops outside. This is less expensive than eating inside. It is free to sit outside; however, you may be charged for the privilege of sitting inside if you go inside. For 6.50 Euros, we had delicious lunches outside.
Paris has some fantastic restaurants, but many are pricey and will charge you more to sit down. Instead, go to a boulangerie or bakery and eat outside. A large baguette sandwich, a lovely dessert of our choice, and a drink were included. Either you’re an alcoholic, or you’re not.
Restaurants in Paris always provide free filtered water in a bottle, so don’t be tempted to order a pricey Perrier.
Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Paris
Stay in a hostel in a budget-friendly neighborhood.
The cost of lodging in Paris will vary greatly depending on the arrondissement (District) you choose. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Champs-Élysées are more expensive districts, although Montmartre, Montparnasse, The Latin Quarter, and Le Marais are less.
We have a habit of staying in Montmartre. We appreciate the ambiance, and there are many food and shopping alternatives.
Make sure that breakfast is included in the price of your hotel in Paris when making your reservation. It would assist with the budget if you can save money on any meal. We didn’t have to pay for anything till lunchtime. Because food in Paris may be costly, the better, the more you have included with your accommodations.
Museums in Paris: How to Visit Them on a Budget
After Hours Museum Visits
Many museums in Paris offer free or discounted admission on certain days and hours; all you have to do is know where to look.
Musee D’Orsay
On Thursdays after 4:15 p.m., the Musee D’Orsay reduces its rates to €5.50. We went later because we were only interested in seeing the Impressionist show. We ran the numbers and determined that 2 hours would be enough time to get it in. It was enough time to see all of the key attractions and get a sense of the museum. During that time, we also saw the majority of the other displays.
After Hours at the Louvre
On Wednesdays and Fridays after 6:00 p.m., the Louvre reduces its costs to 11 Euro. If all you want to see is the Mona Lisa and a few other iconic works from the museum, now is the time to go.
Let us know in the comments what are your best budgeting tips when travelling to Paris…