How to Visit Paris on a Budget

Knowing how to visit Paris on a budget is a must; the city can be expensive. We share how to save on accommodation, travel and attractions whilst in the city of light.

Why visit Paris?

Paris is one of those cities you can stroll around endlessly without ever getting fed up of it. The French capital also boasts some of the world’s famous museums, including the Louvre, the Pompidou Centre and the Musée d’Orsay, not to mention iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

If you want to take a break from viewing attractions, you can sit in any one of Paris’s elegant cafes and sip a coffee or nibble on something light. There are plenty of things to do in Paris to keep you busy.

Paris as an Olympic host

Of course, Paris is set to host the 2024 Olympics, which begin on 26 July and finish on 11 August. If you’re planning to visit the city at that time, you can expect prices to be high, possibly higher than usual as Paris looks to capitalize on the tourism the event will generate. 

Unfortunately, tickets for Olympic events are expensive and are only on sale from the official Olympics site. Taking seats towards the back of a stadium can save you money, but the view won’t be as good. Events that feature action out on the roads, such as walking, marathons and some of the cycling, are opportunities to pay much lower prices on the tickets or even see some of the event for free. 

One of the most popular sports at the Olympics is athletics. Events such as the 100 meters sprint aren’t just exciting to follow, but they’re also perfect for a spot of Olympic betting. Noah Lyles (USA) is looking the top contender for the 100 m and 200 m in the men’s, and in the women’s, Sha’Carri Richardson is going to prove a tough nut to crack in the race.

Swimming is another popular even. In front of his home crowd, Leon Marchand is looking good to take gold in more than one individual event and in a team event.

How to Visit Paris on a Budget

Save money on Accommodation in Paris

When looking in Paris for cheap accommodation, the best option is to stay away from the most sought-after areas, such as Champs Élysée, Louvre and Opera Garnier.

Chains such as ibis Budget and Hotel F1 operate in lots of different areas of Paris, and you’ll find reasonably priced accommodation there. If you don’t mind sharing a bathroom, booking at a Hotel F1 can save you some money.

In terms of neighborhoods, accommodation in the Montmartre and Bastille-Republique and some of the surrounding neighborhoods are reasonably priced.

You can also find hotel rooms in the area around the main train stations of Paris — Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Montparnasse and Gare de Lyon — at a fair price.

If you do want a place within walking distance from the Eiffel Tower, check out Hotel Eiffel Capitol for affordable, comfortable rooms.

Saving money on attractions in Paris

Often, you have to pay to get into the attractions, but there are opportunities to see some of Paris’s major attractions for a little less or for no cost at all. There are plenty of free things to do in Paris but also many day trips and attraction cards that can help you save money.

Museums

The good news is that on Saturday evenings, you can enter the Louvre for free. The bad news is you’ll have to get there early before the opening time to make the most of it. 

Paris’s generosity doesn’t stop there when it comes to free entry. On the first Sunday of each month, more than 50 museums in the city open their doors for free. It’s a great chance to explore the Pompidou Centre or the Musée d’Orsay. 

The Eiffel Tower

If you book a couple of months in advance, you won’t be able to save money on the ticket, but you’ll be able to beat the queues. One way you can save money, however, is to walk the 704 steps to the second and pay just €10 for your ticket.

You don’t have to go all the way up to the Eiffel Tower for stunning views of Paris though. The roof terrace of the Galeries Lafayette department store offers panoramic views for free. For just €5 euros, you can ride to the top of the Pompidou escalators and also catch an amazing view of the city. 

Save money on food in Paris

There are plenty of Paris foods for you to enjoy and one of the best parts of visiting the city, is to try as much local food as you can.

• Boulangeries (bakeries): There are plenty of local bakeries in Paris, so you can enjoy sandwiches, quiches and pastries are affordable prices, no matter where yo are staying in the city. We recommend these items as a quick and easy breakfast, brunch or lunch, as you see all the sights. 
• Supermarkets: The local chain supermarkets in Paris are Carrefour, Monoprix and Franprix. You can use these stores to get lunch deals and easy dinners, especially if you manage to get a hotel or airbnb with a microwave. 
• Prix Fixe (fixed price): Many restaurants in Paris offer a fixed price lunch menu, meaning you can try French cuisine without paying dinner prices. Most offer several courses and can be a great way to visit Paris on a budget. 

Where to eat in Paris on a budget

There are some cheap restaurants in Paris, so you can enjoy a meal without overspending. These are just some of our favorite:

Bistrot Lee: This Korean restaurants has a chic decor but also tasty, authentic Korean dishes as affordable prices. Try the mandoo dumplings and enjoy some bibimbaps too. 

Au Petit Fer A Cheval: Located in Marais, this is another great place for a salad or sandwich. In the colder months, they even have heat lamps outside for you to still sit outside to enjoy your lunch. 

Greek Traitor: For something a little different, h had to this popular greek spot in Rue Monge. 

Bouillon restaurants: There are a few of these restaurants in Paris and they offer affordable and authentic French dishes as well as some great deals. 

Les Progres: The perfect sport for steak frites on a budget, however, go here for the terrace and avoid during the winter; the smoke free zone is small here.