Paris - the city of museums, galleries, fashion, culture, art, creators, and more! It is difficult not to have 'love at first sight' with this beautiful city. Anyone who visits Paris is mesmerized by its extensive views during the day and sparkling lights at night. However, visiting this grand city might be a little out of budget. Backpackers and solo travelers try to avoid this magnificent town because of this belief.
But! What if I tell you that it's all a myth?
Oui! You heard it right. Everything is possible in the City of Love, from inexpensive accommodation to budget-friendly sightseeing. So pack up your bags and get ready for a cost-effective vacation in Paris because these budget travel tips to Paris will make you fall in love with the city even more.
Saving on Accommodation
There is no doubt that being a high-end tourist destination, Paris offers some of the best world-class accommodation options. However, for backpackers or on-budget travelers, here are three ways that will help you save a few extra bucks.
Choose the Central Neighborhood
Paris is a reasonably small city, considering it is the world capital for many territories, and is divided into 20 districts. These districts are known as 'Arrondissements.' The districts are numbered starting from the inside ring and moving towards the outside. I recommend choosing your accommodation in districts 1 to 9 for the best savings and prices. This will be a better way for you to quickly access popular tourist destinations, as most of them are located close to the center.
Give Airbnb Listings a Look. There are numerous accommodation options available on Airbnb. You might end up finding a better deal than any other inexpensive hotel or guest house.
Hack #1: Try to avoid District 8; it is more on the expensive side!
Enjoy Hostel Hospitality
You can also get together with the traveler's community by booking your accommodation in a hostel. While these are significantly inexpensive, they are also very cozy, and you get a chance to learn about the Parisian culture more closely. Hostels are always the first choice of many international backpackers. It's also an excellent way to meet and socialize with people from different backgrounds.
Free Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is an entirely free-of-cost accommodation option. However, it is a less popular alternative to the two mentioned above. In this, the tourist or backpacker is welcomed by locals in their home for a stay. You can enjoy their exclusive hospitality and local guidance for the rest of your trip! Nothing could educate you about the city than the insights of its residents. The most used website is couchsurfing.com; you can find hundreds of local hosts in Paris.
Inexpensive Places to Eat in Paris
Like many expensive accommodation options, Paris also has numerous budget dining places. The only trick to saving money when it comes to food is to know where you are going and if it is worth it. The town has so many excellent restaurants, but many are expensive. Going to Patisserie and Boulangerie (the local Bakeries) is always a better idea. Not only are these affordable options, but they also serve a large variety of delicious regional food. From baguette sandwiches to chocolaty éclairs, they have got it all. Each penny counts, so why not enjoy the local food while you spend less.
Fun Fact: Many restaurants in Paris charge a "Sitting Fee," which means you will have to pay an additional charge if you take a seat. What is the best way to avoid this? Stay at the Bar and remain standing near the counter.
A Pass for Everything!
This stunning town offers pass services for almost everything! This comes in handy, especially when you are a budget-loving traveloholic.
Treat Yourself with the Paris Pass.
Paris Pass is the best option for tourists staying in the city for 2 to 6 days. It offers the following services:
- Free Metro Access and Use
- Quick Entry in Places like the Louvre Museum, Centre Pompidou, and more!
- Free Entry in over 60 Top Popular Tourist Attractions
- 1-Day Ticket for Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
- Sightseeing in Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise
- Guidebook for the City in 6 Languages
- Wine Tasting Session- O Chateau
Metro or Local Bus Service
The best way to save money and travel to the city is to use public transport. You can also get passes for using these every week, which will reduce your expenses. Additionally, you can choose the areas you wish to travel to while getting a pass. Lastly, they are quick and efficient alternatives to cabs and private taxis.
Enjoy the Bikes
Vélib is the city's Bike Share Program, which is also one of the world's first. It was started in 2007 and has become a popular option for commuting through the city. You can buy a pass for this as well. Around 1,800 stations all over Paris are open for this service. Apart from the cost-effective charges, you might have to pay additional fees if you delay the return.
Sightseeing in Paris (on a Budget)
As mentioned above, there is a pass for almost everything! This includes a pass for visiting popular museums and tourist hotspots. Always remember, getting a ticket entrance for these places is both expensive and time-consuming. So avoid standing in long queues, and get yourself a pass. But this is not the only way of saving while traveling in Paris:
Save Money During Tourist Season
Paris becomes the go-to tourist spot from the start of May to September. This means you will face higher prices and crowding in almost every part of your trip. Similarly, every attraction in the city also has high-footfall hours. Therefore, avoid making your bookings in these peak months or hours. You should be early at the top popular sites; this way, you will have enough time to enjoy every part of it. Reserve the smaller or less popular destinations for the afternoon after taking a break.
The Free Sites
Several locations in Paris are open for tourists without any entrance fee. You should definitely check these out. Some of these are:-
- Musée d'Art Moderne
- Maison de Balzac
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Aréne de Lutéce (the Roman Amphitheatre)
- Maison de Victor Hugo
Quick Tip: In Paris, major museums are open for free on the first Sunday of every month. However, this offer only stays valid between October and March.
Walking Tour- A Free Option
The tour agencies from the city also host multiple walking tours for interested travelers. These are free of cost for everyone interested in participating and getting a closer look at the town.
So, these were some of the best budget travel tips to Paris. If you are all prepared to spend a dreamy vacation in Paris and are looking for more tips, here is the list of 26 best things to do in Paris in 2024, and here are some places where you can find the best Eiffel Tower views in Paris.
Happy Traveling!
