Touring to Paris on a price range can really feel like a problem — nevertheless it’s additionally an opportunity to expertise the town in a extra genuine, artistic means. Certain, Paris may be dear, with prices for motels, meals, and transport including up quick.
However right here’s the excellent news: with a little bit of planning (and some insider tips I’ve discovered as an area), you may discover one of the best of Paris with out breaking the financial institution. From free museums to good eating decisions and intelligent transport hacks, I’ve gathered all my favourite methods to stretch your euros with out sacrificing the enjoyable.
Right here’s your full information on how to economize in Paris — and nonetheless have the journey of a lifetime.
Salut, I’m Lena – journey planning professional and parisienne since 2006 🩷
📌 200+ handpicked spots I truly love – Get free entry to my Paris map 🗺️
You additionally may like these articles:
Paris on a Finances: 22 Native Insider Suggestions
With out additional ado, listed here are 22 easy insider suggestions on easy methods to go to Paris on a shoestring price range.
#1 Go to A number of the Many Free Museums
→ Right here’s an inventory of 18 Should-See Free Museums in Paris (Native Favorites + Hidden Gems)
Whereas the well-known Parisian museums just like the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay are value each cent, you may take pleasure in a variety of artwork and tradition in Paris without spending a dime.
For instance, the Musée Carnavalet within the Marais district, that’s in regards to the historical past of Paris starting in prehistoric instances. Or the Maison Victor Hugo, devoted to the life and works of the well-known French author.
Extra free museums in Paris:
#2 Know Tips on how to Go to the Different Museums for Free
Aside from the museums in Paris which can be at all times free, you too can go to a number of the metropolis’s most well-known ones — just like the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay — with out paying a cent.
Many Paris museums are free for everybody beneath 18 and for EU residents beneath 26. However even should you don’t fall into that class, there are nonetheless loads of methods to take pleasure in free entry.
Look out for particular occasions like Nuit Blanche or the European Heritage Days, when many main museums open their doorways without spending a dime (dates differ every year, so test earlier than your journey).
And right here’s one other tip: most museums in Paris supply free admission on particular days, often the primary Sunday of the month, and a few even on the primary Saturday night.
It’s at all times greatest to double-check straight with the museum earlier than you go.
#3 Take into account the Paris Museums Move
See all Museums included within the Move right here
In case you’re an artwork lover, the free museums in Paris will solely take you up to now — this metropolis is a paradise for tradition seekers, and it’s exhausting to withstand its many world-class galleries.
Since particular person museum tickets can add up shortly, it’s completely value contemplating the Paris Museums Move. The smallest model covers 2 consecutive days, and it already pays off after visiting simply 5 museums or monuments.
With skip-the-line entry to over 60 sights — together with the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Versailles — it’s one of many smartest investments for artwork and historical past lovers.
→ Click on right here to see all the advantages and present costs.
#4 Use the Metro, Bus, and Tram
Learn our Metro Information right here to know easy methods to get round
Regardless of the place you’re touring, public transportation is nearly at all times probably the most budget-friendly technique to get round — and Paris isn’t any exception.
The Paris Metro is without doubt one of the greatest on the earth: quick, dependable, and inexpensive. It’ll take you nearly wherever you wish to go within the metropolis. In case you’re new to it, take a look at my full information on easy methods to use the Paris Metro for suggestions, maps, and ticket information.
💡 Good to know: You possibly can switch between Metro traces on a single ticket so long as you keep contained in the station. Nonetheless, should you swap to a bus or tram, you’ll want a brand new ticket.
#5 Purchase a Carnet of 10 Metro Tickets+
Observe: Not obtainable anymore in 2025
In case you’re not choosing a journey move (which may nonetheless be a sensible selection relying in your keep), go for a carnet of 10 tickets (€16.90) as an alternative of shopping for single rides (€2.10 every). It’s the best technique to save on public transport.
You should buy them at any Metro station — simply purchase a reusable Navigo Straightforward card (€2) and cargo it with 10 tickets.
Regardless of the place you’re heading, public transportation is the most affordable and most effective technique to get round Paris. The Metro system is protected, dependable, and can take you wherever within the metropolis inside minutes.
Although Paris is the capital of France, it’s surprisingly compact. Actually, you possibly can stroll from the northern to the southern edge in just a bit over two hours!
Strolling in Paris isn’t simply free — it’s typically the quickest and most satisfying technique to get round. We are likely to underestimate how a lot time we spend navigating Metro corridors and ready for trains, so for brief distances (three or 4 stops), strolling can truly be faster.
Plus, while you stroll, you get to soak within the environment — the cafés, the store home windows, the hidden courtyards — all these little Parisian moments you’d miss underground.
#7 use the Vélib Bikes
Learn our article on easy methods to use a Vélib to take advantage of out of it.
However let’s be trustworthy — should you’re taking the Metro a number of instances a day, the fee can add up shortly.
An excellent budget-friendly (and enjoyable!) different is Vélib’, Paris’s public bike-sharing system. With greater than 1,000 stations throughout the town, it’s a straightforward technique to get round whereas seeing extra of Paris above floor.
In case you plan it proper, you may experience limitless quick journeys for as little as €5 per day. Simply seize a motorcycle, take pleasure in your experience, and drop it off on the subsequent station — it’s that straightforward (and really Parisian).
#8 Eat in Eating places for Lunch
Paris could also be identified for its Michelin-starred high quality eating — second solely to Tokyo — however you don’t have to lay our a fortune in Paris to take pleasure in nice meals. Town is stuffed with incredible bistros, brasseries, and neighborhood gems that serve scrumptious meals at affordable costs.
In case you’re watching your price range, make lunch your most important meal. Most brasseries supply a set lunch menu (entrée + most important or most important + dessert) for round €10–€13, which is unbeatable worth in Paris.
Even high-end eating places typically have particular lunch menus for a fraction of their dinner costs — assume €20–€30 for a refined three-course meal that might simply value double within the night.
#9 Take Public Transportation from the Airport
Learn our full information on easy methods to get from the Airport to Paris
Each Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) airports are situated nicely outdoors the town, and whereas it may be tempting to simply seize a taxi after touchdown, public transport is commonly simply as simple — and much cheaper.
Every airport is straight related to central Paris by practice, making it easy and environment friendly to succeed in the town with out the stress (or value) of site visitors.
Practice fares have been are round 14€ a technique which makes this by far the most cost-effective and most sensible technique to get into Paris. Sit again, loosen up, and also you’ll be downtown in about 30–40 minutes.
Necessary to know: the usual €2.50 metro ticket that’s legitimate for journey inside Paris does not cowl airport routes.
#10 Reasonably priced: A Cruise on the Seine
TIP → E-book one of the best worth Seine Cruise right here
If you wish to take pleasure in some sightseeing with out breaking the financial institution, a cruise on the Seine is without doubt one of the best-value experiences in Paris.
For round €18 per individual, you get a soothing hour-long experience previous most of the metropolis’s most iconic landmarks. → E-book this cruise for one of the best worth Seine Cruise right here
It’s stunning any time of day, however at night time it’s actually particular — the monuments glow, the reflections dance on the water, and also you’ll perceive precisely why Paris is named the Metropolis of Mild.
#11 Don’t pay for Wi-Fi
TIP → use this very inexpensive eSim card
To be truthful, Paris isn’t precisely main the race without spending a dime Wi-Fi, however you’ll nonetheless discover loads of spots throughout the town the place you may join. Town maintains a community of public Wi-Fi hotspots — you may test the complete record right here.
In case you’d relatively stick to personal connections, no worries: most cafés, eating places, and buying facilities supply free Wi-Fi too. Chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Prêt à Manger are at all times dependable choices for a fast connection (and possibly a espresso break when you’re at it).
Simpler resolution: get this inexpensive eSim.
#12 Reap the benefits of Joyful Hours
In case you love stress-free with a pint of beer or a glass of wine on a sunny Parisian terrace, be warned — it could actually get dear quick. Paying €10–€12 for a pint in central Paris is, sadly, fairly regular.
However there’s a straightforward technique to benefit from the vibe with out overspending: Joyful Hour. Most bars supply discounted costs on drinks like beer, wine, and easy cocktails, sometimes between 5 p.m. and eight p.m.
It’s the proper time to unwind, people-watch, and soak within the Parisian environment — with out draining your pockets.
#13 E-book an Ibis Resort
→ The Finest Ibis in Paris: Grands Boulevards Opéra
When touring to Paris, lodging will seemingly be your greatest expense — no means round it. Resort and Airbnb costs within the metropolis may be shockingly excessive, particularly should you’re hoping for a central location.
Actually, you’re typically paying extra for the deal with than the facilities, significantly within the price range and mid-range classes.
A viable different if you’re in Paris on a price range is at all times an Ibis resort. The chain affords no-frills stays which can be inexpensive however present a very good customary.
Greater than 50 motels in Paris belong to the Ibis group. Nonetheless, not each location is created equal — some are incredible and central, whereas others are fairly removed from the principle sights or in much less charming neighborhoods.
I put collectively this record of 5 Ibis Motels in Paris, which can be all completely situated to discover Paris.
The Finest Ibis in Paris is that this one: Ibis Paris Grands Boulevards Opéra
#14 Purchase Reasonably priced (however good!) Lunches From Boulangeries
Whether or not you’re dreaming of a flaky croissant for breakfast or the easy pleasure of biting right into a heat, crusty baguette, Paris is the place to do it.
Bakeries in Paris are each genuine and budget-friendly, providing a number of the greatest meals experiences within the metropolis with out breaking the financial institution. From a ache au chocolat within the morning to a quiche for lunch or a basic jambon-beurre sandwich for dinner — it doesn’t get extra Parisian than that.
Anticipate to pay round €1.20 for a baguette and €1.40 for a ache au chocolat. Not dangerous for somewhat style of heaven — and ideal should you’re visiting Paris on a price range.
#15 Don’t have Drinks within the Middle of Paris
As talked about earlier than, going out in Paris can get dear — a pint of beer can simply value as much as €12, and cocktails can hit €20 or extra in stylish or central spots.
To take pleasure in Parisian nightlife with out blowing your price range, skip the flamboyant districts and head to neighborhoods the place locals truly exit.
The Butte-aux-Cailles within the thirteenth arrondissement is a superb selection — a beer there’ll not often value greater than €7. The identical goes for the coed bars within the Latin Quarter or the energetic pubs round Canal Saint-Martin and Oberkampf.
You’ll discover nice vibes, truthful costs, and a way more native crowd.
#16 Get free Water at Wallace Fountains
When visiting Paris on a price range, there’s no have to spend cash on bottled water whereas sightseeing. Merely convey your individual bottle and refill it at one of many Wallace Fountains scattered throughout the town.
These 107 iconic inexperienced fountains are an integral a part of the Parisian streetscape and supply recent, free consuming water all yr spherical.
They have been put in greater than 150 years in the past by Sir Richard Wallace — and so they’re nonetheless doing their job superbly in the present day. A small, sustainable, and really Parisian technique to save just a few euros!
#17 Be part of a Free Strolling Tour
Talking of Wallace Fountains, do you know there are a number of free self-guided strolling excursions that take you round Paris to find these historic landmarks and the fascinating tales behind them? You will discover just a few nice ones right here.
And if faucet water trails aren’t fairly your factor, you may at all times be a part of a free strolling tour with Guruwalk as an alternative. The excursions are technically free to e book — you merely tip your information what you want on the finish.
It’s a enjoyable, versatile, and budget-friendly technique to discover Paris with an area contact.
#18 Attend a Free Summer season Festivals
As soon as spring arrives, pageant season kicks off in Paris — and it begins large. Yearly on June 21, the town comes alive for the Fête de la Musique, a nationwide music celebration with free live shows and performances in each nook of Paris.
From road corners and café terraces to live performance halls, music fills the air nicely into the night time.
However that’s just the start. The summer season that follows brings Paris Plages, the Fnac Dwell Competition, and the open-air cinema at La Villette — all free and all quintessentially Parisian.
#19 Have an Apéro by the Seine
Considered one of Parisians’ favourite pastimes is the apéritif — or just, “Apéro .” When the climate warms up, you’ll see folks gathering open air in all places: in parks, on the steps of the Sacré-Cœur, or alongside the banks of the Seine, chatting, laughing, and watching the sundown with a drink in hand.
It’s simple to hitch in: simply pop right into a grocery store and seize just a few necessities — baguette, cheese, charcuterie, olives, chips, possibly some hummus — and, after all, a bottle of wine or just a few beers. Discover a good spot, unfold out your picnic, and voilà — you’re residing like a real Parisian.
#20 Free Water and Bread in Eating places
It’s good to know that in Parisian eating places, you’re not anticipated to order drinks should you don’t wish to. Merely ask for a “carafe d’eau” (faucet water), and also you’ll be introduced a free pitcher of faucet water — no questions requested.
Simply ensure that to specify carafe d’eau, as a result of should you ask for eau minérale or eau gazeuse, you’ll be served a bottled model and charged accordingly.
In lots of informal eating places, the waiter will convey a carafe mechanically, however in fancier locations, particularly at dinner, ordering bottled water is extra customary.
And right here’s one other little Paris insider tip: bread is at all times included together with your meal — freed from cost. Don’t hesitate to ask for extra in case your basket runs empty!
#21 Don’t Tip in Eating places (you may although)
💡 Tip: bookmark my Paris Tipping Calculator to have it helpful in Paris
I do know — it could actually really feel unusual, even rude, to not go away a tip. However tipping in Paris is just not anticipated in the best way it’s in another nations. Tipping remains to be a pleasant gesture although, even when the waiters earn a common wage — they’re simply not counting on tricks to make ends meet.
Their pay is similar to different service jobs like resort workers or store assistants.
That stated, suggestions are at all times appreciated, particularly for pleasant or attentive service. Simply don’t really feel pressured — even 10% is taken into account beneficiant. Most locals merely go away €1–€3 on the desk, relying on the entire invoice.
And should you don’t go away something in any respect? Don’t fear — it’s not impolite.
#22 Plan in Free Paris Sights
Learn our article with greater than 70 free issues to do in Paris
There are many free issues to do in Paris, and certainly one of my favorites is attending an creator studying on the iconic Shakespeare & Firm — the town’s most beloved English-language bookstore.
Occasions aren’t fairly as frequent as they as soon as have been, however after they occur, they’re completely value it. The readings are free to attend, typically intimate, and typically even include a glass of wine — very Parisian!
And that’s only one instance. Paris is stuffed with great free actions — take a look at my full record to find extra methods to benefit from the metropolis with out spending a cent.
Wrap up
Paris doesn’t must be costly — not even shut. With somewhat planning and some native tips, you may expertise every part that makes this metropolis magical with out draining your pockets.
From wandering the cobbled streets of Montmartre to visiting world-class museums without spending a dime, having fun with set lunch menus, or sipping a €5 wine throughout joyful hour — one of the best issues in Paris don’t at all times include a price ticket.
Bear in mind: stroll every time you may, benefit from free museum days, and don’t underestimate the easy pleasure of a picnic or apéro alongside the Seine.
So whether or not you’re a first-time customer or returning for the tenth time, preserve this in thoughts — Paris rewards curiosity, not luxurious. You don’t want deep pockets to fall in love with the town, simply an open thoughts, a pair of comfortable sneakers, and a little bit of savoir-faire.
Parisienne since 2006 🩷
Professional in: Parisian Life &
French Tradition, Journey
Planning, Crochet & Meals and Drinks
Be part of me on Fb for updates and information about Paris.
NEW: The Salut from Paris Journey Information:
If my Paris insights assist you plan your journey, please think about supporting me. Merci! ❤️ ☕
Should-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to remain on-line whereas in Paris. I used GigSky for my travels.
- You seemingly want a journey adapter to plug your gadgets.
- Journey Insurance coverage – should you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is an efficient choice.
- In case your flight is delayed and even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Excursions & Sights:
- I e book excursions & actions by Get Your Information or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets may be cheaper on the official web page, however they’re typically offered out.
- I really like the GoCity Journey Passes for simple planning
- I take advantage of Tiqets for Seine Cruises as a result of with my code SALUT5 we get 5% off
Flights & Transportation:
Accomodation:
- Motels in Europe I largely e book by Reserving.com (test opinions fastidiously)
- Trip Leases by Airbnb or VRBO
