PARIS ON A BUDGET: HOW I DID IT (AND YOU CAN TOO)
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Paris is the kind of place that doesn't need an introduction. It's beautiful. It's iconic. It's… kind of expensive, right?
I used to think so too-until I actually went. I spent a week in Paris on a budget, and I'm here to tell you: you can do it without giving up croissants, Eiffel Tower views, or museum marathons. All it takes is a little planning and some savvy know-how.
Here's everything I wish I had known the first time I visited, updated with tips from my latest budget trip-plus links to help you do it yourself.
Getting There: Flights That Don't Cost Your Entire Travel Budget
Flights were the single biggest hurdle for me. But with a little flexibility, I found round-trip tickets for just under $1000 for 2 people. Even that is a bit higher than some of the best deals out there, though.
If you are flying from a major city like New York, you can find round-trip tickets for under $400 pretty easily.
Tips that worked for me:
- I used Google Flights and set price alerts a few months in advance.
- Flying out on a Tuesday and back on a Wednesday shaved off nearly $100.
- I flew into Orly Airport, not Charles de Gaulle-less hectic and often cheaper.
👉 Best times to book: January, February, or early November. Not as warm, but fewer crowds and better deals.
🛏 Where I Slept (and What I'd Do Again)
Hostels with Personality
I stayed at Le Village Montmartre and honestly loved it. I splurged a bit so Liz and I could have some privacy and we got a double room. However, for about €35-€45/night, you can get a clean bed, lockers, and an awesome vibe (loved the atmosphere!).
- Dorm beds: €20–€45 in low season.
- Private rooms: Around €90–€200 if you want privacy but still access hostel vibes and kitchens.
- Others I looked into: JO&JOE Paris Nation and Generator Paris are also solid picks.
🗺️ Where to look: Montmartre, Belleville, the 11th–13th arrondissements. Still central, but cheaper and way more local-feeling.
🥐 Eating Well (Without Spending a Fortune)
This was one of my favorite parts-Paris is a snacker's paradise.
Bakery Magic
Breakfast? Always from a boulangerie. A croissant and espresso for €3 beats any café sit-down version.
One morning, Liz and I grabbed a still-warm pain au chocolat from a local spot and ate it on the grass in the Square Louise Michel in front of the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur while watching the city wake up.
It cost €1.60 and felt priceless.
Lunch Formules
Go for the formule midi at lunch-set menus that are way cheaper than dinner.
I had a two-course lunch at a bistro in the Latin Quarter for like €16. Duck confit, glass of wine, and chocolate mousse. Heaven.
- Look for lunch specials posted outside bistros-usually €13–€20.
- Tip: Bouillon Pigalle serves full meals for under €20 in a beautiful Art Deco space.
Markets & Picnics
A €10 Monoprix run = cheese, baguette, fruit, and a €3 bottle of wine.
I picnicked in Luxembourg Gardens, Place des Vosges, and along the Seine-some of my best meals in the city.
Check out:
- Marché Bastille (Thurs & Sun)
- Marché des Enfants Rouges
🥤 Order hack: Always say “une carafe d'eau” at restaurants. Free tap water. No need to buy bottled.
🎨 All the Free Things I Loved
Museums That Cost €0
And yes, you can go to the Louvre for free the first Friday night of the month (after 6 PM) if you're under 26-or just want to brave the crowds.
Neighborhood Wanders
Montmartre was my favorite to get lost in-cobblestone lanes, artist squares, and little bakeries. Bonus: views from Sacré-Cœur's steps are free and epic.
Other spots I loved:
- Canal Saint-Martin: Chill, trendy, great bakeries.
- Le Marais: Elegant, historic, and always lively.
- Latin Quarter: Student buzz and old-world charm.
🚇 Getting Around Paris Cheaply
Walk First
Seriously-so many landmarks are walkable from each other. I clocked 15k steps a day and barely noticed because I was too busy gawking at the architecture.
Metro Tips
- Use the Navigo Easy card. It's cheap, reloadable, and gets you around effortlessly.
- Starting in 2025, everything will be flat fare-no more confusing zones!
- I also used my credit card with tap on the metro (make sure yours has no foreign fees).
Vélib' Biking
For €5, I unlocked unlimited short bike rides across the city. Loved biking along the Seine early in the morning before the crowds.
Check it out: velib-metropole.fr
📅 When to Go for the Best Value
I've been in early March as well as November. Light jacket weather, minimal crowds, and prices that didn't hurt. 10/10 would do again.
💸 What I Spent (aside from a few splurges)
🎯 I spent under €80/day on budget focused days-without ever feeling like I missed out.
🧠 Quick Tips That Made a Difference
- Bring a reusable bag for groceries (you'll get charged otherwise).
- Download Citymapper for transit-it's a lifesaver.
- Don't skip parks-they're more than green space. They're local life, free museums, and picnic heaven.
- Always say "bonjour" when you enter a shop or café-it's expected and sets the tone.
Paris Is for Everyone
You don't need a five-star hotel, Eiffel Tower dinner, or a Louvre fast-pass to fall in love with Paris. Some of the best things-sunsets by the Seine, a flaky croissant at sunrise, getting lost in Montmartre-are either free or nearly so.
Travel smart, stay flexible, and savor the little things. Paris will reward you for it.
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The post Paris On A Budget: How I Did It (And You Can Too) appeared first on Travel Off Path.
2025-04-21T14:02:18Z
