So, you've got this burning desire to experience the magic of Paris but without burning a hole in your pocket, right? Well, you've landed in the right place! We're ready to spill the beans on how to make the most of the City of Lights without breaking the bank. We're talking wallet-friendly attractions, cool freebies, where to snag budget bites, crash pads that won't empty your piggy bank, and more. Get set for a Parisian adventure that's big on experience and light on the wallet. Let's dive into the art of exploring Paris on a budget!
Top budget-friendly attractions in Paris
The Expiatory Chapel is a serene spot in Paris, away from the main city area. Built as a penance for Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, it's a peaceful escape with a touch of historical drama. Perfect for a quiet moment away from the Parisian buzz.
This former royal palace turned prison is all about Gothic vibes. The Conciergerie hosted some big names during the French Revolution, like Marie Antoinette. Now, it's like a time capsule, giving you a glimpse into France's tumultuous past.
Not the one in Rome, but the Parisian version! Housing the remains of notable figures, from Voltaire to Marie Curie, the Pantheon is a majestic mix of architecture and history. Stroll through, soak it in, and maybe nod respectfully at the big names.
Sainte-Chapelle is like a jewel box, but for stained glass lovers. Tucked near Notre-Dame, this chapel is a visual feast. The colorful windows tell biblical tales in breathtaking detail. It's like walking into a kaleidoscope of history and art. Pro tip: visit on a sunny day for an extra dose of magical hues.
The Picasso Museum is not just a gallery; it's like peeking into Picasso's creative brain. Housed in a beautiful mansion, it's a treasure trove of the artist's works, showcasing his evolution. From paintings to sculptures, it gives you an intimate look at the man behind the masterpieces.
Home to the Mona Lisa's mysterious smile and the grandeur of the Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a maze of cultural wonders. Prepare to be awestruck at every turn!
Budget shopping in Paris
You don't need a vault of gold to score chic finds in Paris. This guide will give you details about budget-friendly shopping havens, from vintage treasures to local markets. Get ready to strut the Parisian streets in style without maxing out those credit cards. Let the budget-friendly shopping begin!
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Chinemachine
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Kilo Shop
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Eline Vintage
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Free'P'Star
Ever been to a shopper's paradise? Le BHV/Marais is just that. From fashion to home goods, it's a budget-friendly haven in the heart of Paris. Get your dose of trendy finds without the splurge guilt.
Open from 10 AM to 8 PM
Best budget-friendly dining in Paris
Paris is a destination for gourmands, and it is a travesty if you cannot sample the best of French cuisine on your Parisian holiday. The Michelin Star restaurants can be tempting, and travelers should definitely visit at least one during their vacation. But, eating out at fine dine restaurants can be expensive and also time-consuming, especially if you are on a budget trip. The best option to save on food expenses is to visit boulangeries or bakeries, patisseries, cafes and street food stalls for resonably priced yet authentic food. Here are some of the top budget eateries in Paris.
Crepes are the best French food you can eat on a budget and that is wholesome! This restaurant serves up amazing sweet and savory crepes, with lots of options for vegetarians as well. Located in Montmartre, it offers quick service and their 12 Euro lunchtime menu is a big hit!
It is one of the top-rated budget eateries in Paris and offers delicious Middle Eastern food. People queue up outside the restaurant to get their famous falafel, but it’s worth the wait. Try their falafel plates, falafel sandwich and mezze plates with hummus and freshly baked pita!
You might as well be transported to a little alley in Tokyo when you enter Higuma. The cozy hole-in-the-wall restaurant near Louvre offers an authentic menu of lip-smacking Ramen. A filling and cheap bowl of Ramen is sure to keep you pumped for a full-day of sightseeing in the city.
Finding good French food in Paris is not a tough task, but finding good cheap French food is not easy! This cafe on Rue Saint-Sabin close to Bastille offers great options all under 10 Euros. Their service is quick and the staff gives you recommendations that cannot go wrong.
A boulangerie or a bakery is your best bet in Paris for a cheap eat! The bakeries churn out fresh breads multiple times a day and you can be assured of a tasty fresh meal at any time. This is one of the best bakeries in Paris, their baguette sandwich and pain au chocolate are irresistible.
Cheapest areas for long-term rentals in Paris
Affordable accommodation in Paris
1. Auberge de Jeunesse HI Paris Le d'Artagnan
Experience budget-friendly comfort with a touch of adventure. This youth hostel blends affordability with a lively atmosphere, making it a hub for like-minded travelers. Sleep tight without breaking the bank.
Starting from €23.10 per night.
2. Generator Paris
Chic meets budget at Generator Paris. Stylish dorms and social spaces create a trendy vibe. It's not just a hostel; it's a hub of youthful energy, offering affordable luxury with a side of Parisian flair.
Starting from €27.07 per night.
3. St Christopher's Inn Canal
Overlooking the Canal, this St Christopher's Inn blends budget-friendly stays with vibrant social scenes. With a bar, a terrace, and a laid-back vibe, it's the perfect base for exploring Paris without burning a hole in your pocket.
Starting from €29.87 per night.
4. JO&JOE Paris - Gentilly
Quirky and affordable, JO&JOE Paris - Gentilly is not your typical hostel. With funky design and a communal spirit, it's a budget-friendly playground for social butterflies. Embrace the unique atmosphere without sacrificing comfort.
Starting from €30.73 per night.
5. BVJ Opera-Montmartre
Stay in the heart of Paris without breaking the bank at BVJ Opera-Montmartre. This budget-friendly hostel is a cozy retreat, blending historic charm with affordability. It's a haven for travelers looking to explore the city on a shoestring
Starting from €31.00 per night.
Hacks for exploring Paris on a budget
Now that sightseeing in Paris on a budget is taken care of, here are a few more ways to save money on your Paris vacation. Make these your holy grail and you won't be lamenting by the end of your trip!
- Grab a Citypass: A travel pass is undoubtedly the best way to explore Paris on a budget. The pass offers many benefits including free entry to attractions, immense savings up to 50% on entrance tickets and the convenience of free transport.
- Use Public Transportation: Paris is a sprawling metropolis and is spread across more than 105 sq km. A major chunk of travel expenses is often transportation and the best way to enjoy a budget Paris holiday is to use the fantastic public transportation system. Use the metro, RER, tram and the bus to the fullest! Here's everything you need to know about public transportation in Paris.
- Hop on Hop off around Paris: One of the most common Paris tips and tricks that veteran travellers will vouch for are the Hop on Hop off tours. A hop on hop off tour as the name suggests allows you to explore multiple stops on a tour vehicle with a single ticket.
- Visit the Free Attractions: Some of the best ones are Jardin d'Acclimatation, Jardin des Tuileries, Parc Monceau and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Explore the art and history of Paris at its free museums like the Paris Modern Art Museum and Musee Carnavalet.
- Travel during the off-season: Paris is glorious during the summer but if you are keen on budget travel to Paris then you might want to consider traveling in the off-season, which is the winter season. Off-season comes with a lot of advantages – low prices on accommodation, lower airfares, cheap fares in public transport and most importantly, fewer crowds at the attractions.
Budget your Paris trip
While there are many ways to budget your trip, we find this online tool reliable and easy to use. As per BudgetYourTrip, here's what a budget trip in Paris would look like:
- The average daily price for traveling in Paris is €5.92
- The average price of food for one day is €11
- The average price of a hotel for a couple is €38
On the whole, the average daily cost per person, per day on a budget should cost you €59
Use this tool to plan and estimate the budget for your Paris trip before you go!
