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plan a trip to paris on a budget

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Your complete travel guide to visit Paris on a budget

After having lived in Paris and traveled there many times, here's a little guide on what to do in Paris on a budget.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Christelle ambr

Dec 22, 2023

Paris on a budget

Paris the city of love, as some call it. Have you actually asked yourself why people call it the city of love ? I thought it had to do with the love lock bridge, but there are actually several reasons for its name:

  • The Eiffel tower is a famous proposal spot
  • French people are known to be "romantics"
  • The atmosphere, architecture, and overall vibe exudes love
  • Le Mur des Je T'aime is a wall with "I love you" written in 250 different languages
  • The Temple de Sybille (Temple of Love) is located in the Buttes-Chaumont (park)
  • Parisian bistros are known for its intimacy (tables are very close to one another)
  • Parisians are open to PDA (you will very likely see people kissing in the streets)

Couple looking at the Eiffel Tower from a restaurant window

Now back to some more factual information about the city... The capital of France is the most populous city of the country with over 2 million habitants; not to be confused with the region of Ile de France (which is Paris and it's suburbs) which counts over 12 million people.

It has sometimes been referred to the " capital of the world " because it's one of the world's major centres for finance, fashion, arts, gastronomy, science and diplomacy.

Paris is so culturally rich and holds hundreds of monuments that tourists flock to every year. Amongst some of these are the: Eiffel Tower, l'Arc de Triomphe, Le Louvre (museum), Notre Dame (cathedral), Sacré Coeur, Les Catacombes, Statue of Liberty.

Today, Paris has over 30 million tourists per yea r, with flights coming in from all destinations all over the world to its 3 airports.

If you're going to be one of those 30 million, but you have a slightly smaller budget, keep on reading to find out about budget travel in Paris!

Read more:  Where to go in France: the ultimate guide on the 29 best places to see other than Paris

Cobblestoned touristy street in Paris

How to plan a trip to Paris on a budget

Firstly, whether Paris, or any major capital, I think that there are a few basics that stand for budget traveling :

  • Traveling with Worldpackers to get free accommodation (and often food) in exchange of a few hours of volunteer work.
  • Couchsurfing (to stay for free with locals).
  • Housesitting (to take care of peoples' houses and stay in them for free).
  • Hitchhiking (though a bit tough within Paris "intramuros"), taking public transportation, walking.
  • Taking buses, trains , carpooling, (or budget flights) to get to the said destination.
  • Not eating in restaurants (not to worry, French bakeries and patisseries are not  considered restaurants).
  • Avoiding paying entry fees to museums, galleries etc. (Paris has a lot of free cultural activities, and a lot of hidden gems).

In regards to Paris particularly, I have found that planning a little ahead of time helps a lot budget-wise, as many people flock to Paris at all times of the year to visit this beautiful city.

You can find cheap flights on Ryanair (but note that there are 3 airports for Paris) but usually a few months in advance; same as for trains ( Ouigo especially) and buses ( Flixbus ). Last minute (even a week in advance) could be a little pricey.

Accomodation

Since Paris is the type of destination on everyone's bucket list , I would also recommend applying for volunteering positions in advance (more about them below), as well as sending out Couchsurfing requests a week or two in advance.

Hostels are relatively affordable... if booked in advance. I consider anything above 10 euros/night "expensive" for a hostel dorm (but this is perhaps just personal opinion).

The Generator is a go-to hostel to many tourists visiting: it's good quality, clean, decent people, but still at least 30 € for a bed in a dorm. The cheapest dorms I've found were around 23€/night ( Peace & Love Hoste l, Le Coffice Auberge De Jeunesse)

Train crossing a bridge in Paris

Transportation

Since the crisis/pandemic, most prices have risen in Paris- which includes public transportation.

A one way single use metro (bus, and tram) ticket is now 1,90€, but you can buy a pack of 10, day passes and weekly passes.

There's a "Navigo" card that you can top up and use quite freely; I believe that there might not even be any paper tickets available anymore.

The main public transport system is the RATP and always anticipate your travels : metros and buses often do not come on time, and it is quite likely you will be rerouted during a trip (the reasons can be varied from a suspicious bag in a station, someone falling on the tracks, a technical issue... welcome to Paris).

I would recommend walking most places: this is the best way to visit the city, but do beware of your belongings (no phones in back pockets or in jacket pockets that don't close properly). Always have your bag well strapped to you (not just on the shoulder) and properly closed. Paris is overall a safe city, but it is a capital, and certain neighbourhoods are a little more rough than others (more in the tips section).

Where to stay in Paris on a budget

As aforementioned, my first choices would be volunteering in Paris with Worldpackers . This will enable you to save a lot of money , and spend actual quality time in Paris, visiting things you want to see, instead of mindlessly wandering the streets (which isn't bad idea).

Here are the top 3 positions in and around Paris:

1. Farmwork in the South of Paris

Okay so you won't be living like "Emily in Paris" if that's what you had in mind... but for the more nature-lovers, this is perfect. Keep in mind that Paris is a hustle-and-bustle city, so this would be the ideal location to find that little safe haven outside of the big city vibes. 

Your host is Frenchman who works in Paris but lives on a farm, and needs an extra pair of hands to help with the animals, gardening, and handyman tasks. 

Farm for volunteering in Paris suburb

2. Mare aux Coqs in a Parisian Suburb Similarly, this farm needs some help with gardening, but also cleaning and housekeeping. Mare aux coqs means a sort of pond for roosters, and is actually a 5000m2 farm in the town of Neauphlette consisting of three historic farm buildings and a private pond. You will get a shared dorm here but breakfast and lunch, free drinks/beverages, bikes at your disposal, and pick up.  Neauphlette is in the Yvelines - a renowned Parisian suburb, and is quite easily accessible from the centre of Paris (just one local train). 

3.  maison du rocher de fontainebleau.

Even if you weren't volunteering with Worldpackers, you would probably visit Fontainebleu , so might as well kill two bird with one stone!

This guesthouse maintains excellent 5 star reviews as the world is still gardening, cleaning, and some handyman tasks.

Tents in a natural environment. One of the volunteering positions in Paris

If you haven't checked out Worldpackers on social media yet, I suggest doing so. There are often posts of ongoing volunteers in positions so you might just see what these experiences offer in real time! Where to go?  Youtube ,  Tiktok  and  Instagram .

In all honesty, I wouldn't particularly recommend Airbnb unless you are in a group, since prices have sky-rocketed recently.

You can occasionally find good deals on Booking for affordable hotels and hostels, but to really be budget-savvy, go for Worldpackers or Couchsurfing.

Where to eat in Paris on a budget

Eating in Paris can actually be affordable, but this also depends on what you consider as "affordable". 

If you're on the extreme budget, I would recommend sticking to your hosts from Worldpackers for food - they will probably be able to offer you the best home-cooked French meals, or give you the best insiders tips.

If you can spare a bit for eating out, then your main place is going to be bakeries and patisseries . Here, you can find all sorts of sweet and salty delicacies (evidently from all price ranges). Here is a small guide to how much you should pay for what:

  • Plain butter croissant 1-1,50€
  • Pain au chocolat 1-1,50 €
  • Baguette (we have different types- I would recommend the "Tradition") 1-1,20 €
  • Macaron(s) 1-5€  - this really depends on where you go. The most famous (and expensive, and Instagrammable) place is La Durée.  
  • Eclair (au chocolat) 1,50 - 3 €
  • Le Jambon Beurre (a sandwich with basically cheese and ham, but it's a staple) 2,50 - 5€
  • Quiche saumon/epinard (or Lorraine, depends on your taste) 2,50 - 5€
  • Tartelette aux framboises 3 - 5€
  • Paris-Brest (get ready for your mouth to salivate.. it's an Almond-studded choux pastry with rich, nutty praline crème mousseline) 3 - 5€

Coffee and croissant

Aside from patisseries and bakeries, you'll find quite a lot of kebab shops around the city, but the ultimate best isn't a kebab, but a crepe , and not the sweet one.

In the neighbourhood of Grands Boulevards especially, are some of my favourite crepe shops. Fine, they are extra tasty after a night out, but can be enjoyed at any time of the day for roughly 5-7€. A classic one to order would be ham and cheese (you know we like our cheese) but they are quite filling!

You will also obviously find cheap eats when it comes to other types of cuisines like Lebanese or Chinese, but we'll stick to French only.

A little tip I'd recommend for going to "brasseries" (think of like a more casual bistrot) is to go for lunch and not dinner, and get a set menu. They often have "formules" (set menus) where you shouldn't pay more than 15€ for a 2 course (sometimes 3) meal with a drink included. 

Once you visit these brasseries (and my top 3 most affordable picks would be: Bouillon Chartier , Breizh Cafe , La Cantine de la Cigale ), be sure to try out the following:

  • French onion soup (cliché but a must!)
  • Paté (with bread)
  • Steak frites (classic meal, literally a steak and fries)
  • Croque Monsieur (very cliché but it often comes with a nice salad, and a Croque Madame has an egg on it)
  • Steak Tartare (yes it's raw meat but it's quite common and tasty, usually comes with fries and salad)
  • Magret de Canard (duck) Desserts:
  • Creme brulée (need I say more?)

Creme brulée, a "must eat" in Paris

  • Café gourmand (a coffee with an assortment of sweets, usually a mini creme brulée, a mini tiramisu and a mini financier but it can be anything)
  • Crème caramel/Flan
  • Fromage blanc (it's sort of like yoghurt)
  • Tarte tatin (apple pie)
  • Fromage (we usually have cheese before dessert but sometimes it's offered as an alternative to dessert.. and I could write a whole article on French cheese)

I'll stop now because you probably don't want to gain 5kg during this trip! We do have a big food culture and love our gastronomy... eating and drinking and probably one of the best things to do in France, at any time of the year, which takes us nicely to when is the best time to visit Paris.

Little bird eating bread from a restaurant table

Best time to visit Paris on a budget

The obvious answer is to not visit Paris during peak season , which is mainly the summer.

Realistically speaking, Paris is the type of city that will always be full of tourists, whatever the season, so my best advice to you is to just plan a little bit in advance.

Paris is not the most pleasant in the winter , but if you just want to tick the city of your list and be as economical as possible, then give it a shot.

I'd say the best time to visit Paris is in the Spring or Autumn , but probably every other person visiting this capital will think the same.

Full view of the Eiffel Tower

Whatever the season or weather, there are some hidden gems that will forever remain timeless.

All these places are walkable , and completely free . So not only will you get a good workout, a tour of the city, but you'll also save up!:

  • Parc de Belleville
  • Le Moulin Rouge (& Pigalle area)
  • St Michel & Le quartier Latin
  • Pont Alexandre IV
  • Les Invalides
  • Champ de Mars (it's the park under the Eiffel Tower and my favourite is to walk around the rich apartments surrounding the are. Hit up Rue Saint Dominique for picturesque streets with the Eiffel Tower)
  • Les Champs Elysees
  • St Germain des Pres
  • Canal St Martin
  • Parc de la Villette
  • Place des Vosges
  • Jardin du Luxembourg
  • Cafe de Flore
  • Angelina (you'll probably have to enter to try their hot chocolate though.. it's just a must)
  • Being in the metro line 6 when it passes the Bir Hakeim bridge
  • Jardin des Tuileries

This should be a good start! Always remember: you will never be able to see, do, and taste everything when traveling to a new destination, so pick wisely and also go with the flow!

A few handy tips for your trip to Paris 

1. How to deal with Parisians... yes, there is a certain reputation, so my best advice would be to learn a few French words , and put on your best accent. Avoid asking older people for advice as they might not speak English.

2. Keep your belongings safe and out of reach (especially in the metro and whilst walking) and for the love of ... please do not leave your phone or wallet ON the table, even/especially in a restaurant. This is just a no no.

3. You will probably see pick-pockets , or people trying to get you to sign papers saying they're deaf or blind or whatever - DO NOT even make eye contact - they will steal your sh*t while you're signing whatever, especially the kids.

4. Watch out for the bike lanes and always look before crossing . Traffic can be crazy, between the cars, buses, bicycles, scooters, dogs, runners, prams... just have your eyes peeled at all times and stay in your lane.

5. You don't need to pay for water in restaurants - just ask for "une carafe d'eau" (pronounced, "u -nn karaff d'o"), it's tap water and free. Water is fine to drink all over France; it might have a little calcaire but you'll be fine. Bread is usually free too (in restaurants) and don't hesitate to ask for more!

6. There are a lot of homeless people and you do not need to give to every single person you see. Trust me you'll be broke if you do.

7. Don't have too high hopes and expectations - always expect the worst but hope for the best. Some people have been very underwhelmed by Paris. The Eiffel Tower isn't as pretty in real life. Paris has a lot of homelessness and some districts are very dirty and poor. The metro isn't the nicest, especially during peak hours..

8. Museums are free every first Sunday of the month - if you're a museum fanatic, be sure to plan your trip around then!

9. Take public transportation from the airport(s): yes it will take longer but you will save a lot (an RER train ticket from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the centre should be about 10€).

10. Have some money saved up - Paris is one of those cities where you don't exactly want to be counting every penny, so perhaps have a little back up to be as stress free as possible.

Sunny day in Paris: two women reading on chairs in front of a water fountain

I could honestly write a full book about visiting, studying, and living in Paris. I have lived multiple lives in this city, at different periods of time in my life. It will always hold a special place in my heart and I hope that you will create unforgettable memories on your trip there too.

Merci, et à la prochaine!

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Christelle Horn

28 y/o Singaporean/French female traveler. I started backpacking with Worldpackers in August 2020: I said goodbye to my Parisian life and bought a one-way ticket to Mexico. Since then, i've spent 7 months there, backpacked all through Central America, lived in Manchester (UK) for a few months, traveled all around Europe (I have 12 countries left to visit before I would've seen all European countries).. I had a little pit stop in Athens from August22-January 2023 and I resumed my trip on this side of the world with Panama in February, and now I am in South America. My long term goal is to open up a wellness hostel in South America, which is why i'll be traveling all through the continent until I find the right location, or opportunity :)

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Paris on a budget: a penny-pincher’s guide

Alexis Averbuck

Oct 1, 2023 • 10 min read

A Black woman dancing near the Eiffel Tower in Paris

A trip to Paris doesn't have to cost the earth © Westend61 / Getty Images

Alexis recently finished working on Lonely Planet's new Paris guidebook, due to be published in April 2024. Here she shares her expert opinion on how to save money in Paris.

Paris might be home to haute couture, haute cuisine and some legendary luxury hotels, but if you’re still waiting for your lottery numbers to come up, don’t despair. With savvy planning and a bit of local know-how, you'll find a wealth of ways to soak up the French capital without blowing your budget.

Simply walking and people-watching can fill countless days in this dynamic city, with beautiful parks and gardens to explore, awe-inspiring architecture to admire, and markets and boutiques for window-shopping. Fill up on delectable, pocket-priced cuisine, freewheel along the Seine, and prepare to be surprised by just how affordable Paris can be for budget travelers.

Daily costs

  • Fresh baguette: €1.20
  • Glass of wine: from €4
  • Decent bottle of wine in a store: €12
  • Cup of coffee in a café: €3
  • Main course in a bistro: €16–22
  • Two-course bistro menu: from €17
  • Ticket for the Louvre: €17
  • Metro or bus ride: €2.10
  • Hostel dorm bed: from €25
  • Boutique midrange hotel: from €150
  • Studio apartment (including Airbnb): from €125
  • Average daily cost: €100–225

Read more: What I spent on dining, drinks and museums during a weekend in Paris

Winter ice-skating at the Hotel de Ville in Paris

Choose your season wisely (and book well ahead)

Paris has no real low season, although room rates may be somewhat lower in winter (outside of the Christmas holiday peak) and in early spring. Whether you want a hostel bed, a cozy hotel room, or a short-term apartment rental, the earlier you book, the better the deal – places to stay in favored neighborhoods are always in demand.

If you can, avoid local and international school holidays and weekends in spring and summer, when crowds descend and prices soar. Escape to Paris mid-week in May, on the other hand, and you’ll have the cream of the city's budget hotels to choose from.

Pick the right kind of lodging 

Given that Paris hotels (except the top five-star places) are often more serviceable than superlative, you might want to think outside the box. Short-term apartment rentals are very popular and can offer excellent value for money – especially for families. They'll also give you more space and you can save money by self-catering.

Hostels are always a reasonable option. As single hotel rooms are a rare breed in Paris and cost almost as much as doubles, hostels are often better value for solo travelers too. Paris has a hostel to match every taste, from solar-powered hangouts to dorms in centuries-old mansions. Larger establishments often rent out bicycles, serve cheap evening meals, and organize excursions.

The open-air market in the Bastille district is one of the largest and busiest in the city

Choose the right neighborhood for you

Accommodation will be your biggest daily expense, so it pays to be picky when choosing a neighborhood – room rates can vary widely depending on where you stay. The Louvre, Eiffel Tower , and Champs-Élysées areas are generally too pricey for travelers with smaller budgets, but other neighborhoods close to central Paris – particularly Bastille , Montparnasse and the 13e arrondissement – have a wider range of accommodation at lower price points.

Picking accommodation outside the center of Paris may be marginally cheaper, but this is invariably a false economy once travel time and transport costs are considered. There is little joy in ending up in a generic chain hotel that comes with a long slog on public transport to reach the sights, and little in the way of interesting local street life.

Learn the art of the flâneur by walking the streets

Paris is a perfect city for walking, and there’s no better way to experience city life than getting lost in  Montmartre 's winding streets or strolling beside the Seine and its bridges, quays, and gardens, listening to buskers and taking in all the grand architecture. Exploring Paris on foot, like a modern-day flâneur ( saunterer ), is also the obvious budget choice.

If you prefer to wander in the company of a local guide, contact Paris Greeters to arrange a free walking tour (donations are appreciated).

Cheerful friends smiling in Paris by the River Seine

Roll along the Seine

Paris’ self-service rental bike scheme Vélib’ has thousands of conventional and electric bikes waiting at docking stations across the city. The scheme is inexpensive and easy to use, providing you have decent road sense and are comfortable navigating the Paris traffic. If you have a European-compatible chip-and-pin credit card, you can subscribe at any docking station; if not, pre-subscribe online.

Become fluent in Paris public transport

The Paris metro system and the city's RER train and bus networks are all extensive and easy to use. The cheapest and simplest way to use public transport is with a Navigo Easy card. Simply pre-load the card with credit, and fares will be deducted for each ride. For even bigger savings, cut out the initial €2 cost for a Navigo Easy card and use the RATP app on your phone for free.

When traveling by public transport, buy carnets – credits for 10 rides sold at a discount – as this is the cheapest way to ride. You can also buy various passes for unlimited rides across a range of fare zones, valid for various time periods – the handy Mobilis pass covers one day of unlimited travel in central Paris (zones 1 and 2).

However, one disadvantage of using passes is that they are tied to the calendar and the clock. A day pass begins at 12:01am, a seven-day pass always begins on Monday and a monthly pass always begins on the first day of the month, even if your stay doesn't. However, children under four always travel free on public transit, and kids under 10 get tickets at half-price.

A crepe pancake with raspberries made by a Paris street vendor

Find excellent cheap eats all over town

Eating in Paris can easily be enjoyed at the lower end of the spending scale, with a wealth of fine food opportunities at traveler-friendly prices. In restaurants and bistros, ordering the prix fixe menu (two or three courses for a fixed price), the lunchtime formule (a two-course fixed-price meal), or the plat du jour (dish of the day) will be the least expensive option.

To maximize value, ask for the complimentary basket of bread to be refilled when empty and order une carafe d’eau (a jug of water) instead of bottled water. Also, house wines are usually excellent and cost less than well-known brands.

Avoid restaurants near the major sights. Instead, plan your meals in nearby neighborhoods where regular Parisians eat. It pays to reserve ahead even at the most reasonable bistros to get the best service and ensure you get a table.

Browse and snack in Paris’ incredible markets

With Paris’ bodacious open-air street markets and covered markets, you'll be able to find fresh produce, delicious cheeses, olives, charcuterie, and more, at a fraction of the cost of eating in restaurants. For a market feast, head to Marché des Enfants Rouges in the Marais arrondissement – it's a glorious maze of food stalls selling ready-to-eat dishes from around the globe, to take away or tuck into around shared tables.   Paris also has some excellent biologique (organic) markets, such as Marché Raspail (Sunday), Marché Biologique des Batignolles (Saturday), Marché Biologique Brancusi (Saturday) and Marché Biologique Place du Père Chaillet (Wednesday and Saturday).

Snap up bargain-priced unsold items at bakeries and other food vendors via the app Too Good to Go , part of an innovative scheme to help prevent food waste.

Various kinds of cheese for sale at a street market on Rue Mouffetard in Paris

Bypass the restaurants and picnic in style

Buy a baguette from the boulangerie (bakery), stuff it with a chunk of Camembert, pâté, and cornichons (miniature gherkins), and voilà , you've found picnic perfection!   In addition to the markets, it's easy to buy tasty takeaways or bread, cheese, and charcuterie from shops on foodie streets such as Rue Cler (a short walk from the Eiffel Tower), Rue Montorgueil (near the Louvre), and Rue Mouffetard (in the Latin Quarter).

French wine purchased from grocery stores and neighborhood shops is also excellent value – bottles are sold for a fraction of what they cost outside of France (and in Paris' restaurants). Picnic over million-dollar views in a park, on a quayside along the Seine, beneath the Eiffel Tower, or along Canal St-Martin .

Shop for souvenirs and fashion on a budget

Paris' eclectic second-hand and antique markets offer all kinds of finds, and they usually offer great opportunities for people-watching. The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen sprawls over 7 hectares (17 acres) with 11 market zones brimming with an extensive array of bric-a-brac, from vintage jewelry to antique furniture.

Over in Bastille, Marché d’Aligre combines a fresh produce market and an extensive flea market. In the 14e arrondissement, Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves has over 380 curio stalls. If you’re a bibliophile, you'll adore the enormous Marché Georges Brassens , a weekend secondhand and antiquarian book market in the 15e arrondissement.

For clothes, seek out Paris’ many independent vintage boutiques, where you can find anything from consignment haute couture to secondhand blue jeans.

Visitors crowd around the Louvre's main courtyard (Cour Napoleon) in Paris

Save money on attractions with just a little forethought

Museum lovers should try to visit on the first Sunday of any month, when admission to many museums is free – including top sights such as the Musée d'Orsay and Centre Pompidou . Alternatively, check for special free opening times; entry to the Louvre is free after 6pm on the first Friday of the month from September to June. And kids always get into many museums for free.

Timing your stay to coincide with one of Paris' cultural festivals will yield a bonanza of free or reduced-price exhibitions and events. Mark down the dates for La Nuit Européenne des Musées (mid-May), Nuit Blanche (early October), and Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (mid-September).

At any time of year, build days out around any discounts that you’re eligible for. EU citizens aged under 26 years get free admission to national museums and monuments, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Sainte-Chapelle , the Musée National Picasso , and the Musée Rodin .

Don’t forget all of the city’s free attractions – like majestic churches, myriad elegant gardens such as Tuileries , Luxembourg , Bois de Boulogne  and Bois de Vincennes , and the city's historic cemeteries. Be sure to pay your respects to Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, Jim Morrison, and Marcel Proust at the Cimetière du Père Lachaise . 

You'll also have beaucoup chances to heat up your social media feed with selfies at the Trocadéro or along the Pont de Bir Hakeim or Pont St-Louis.

Celebrate Parisian art and history in the city's free museums

Paris' many municipal museums are free! For example, the Musée Carnavalet (Museum of the City of Paris) – set in a historical townhouse at the heart of Le Marais – will help you see how Paris has changed over time, with no entry fee.

The permanent collection at the beautiful Petit Palais is fantastic and free, as is the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris – a chance to see world-class art without as many crowds as the better-known Louvre and d'Orsay.

Visitors admiring the gardens of Versailles palace in Paris

And save on the rest…

For serial sightseers, a Paris Museum Pass is a money-saver. It covers admission to over 50 sights, including the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Notre Dame towers, the Arc de Triomphe , and the Château de Versailles . Alternatively, the Paris Passlib' offers various sightseeing and transit combinations at a discount price, including a Seine boat tour.

Embrace Paris’ joie de vivre, for free

For pocket-friendly entertainment, concerts and DJ sets take place for free (or for the cost of a drink) at venues throughout the city. And busking musicians and performers entertain crowds on Paris’ streets and even aboard the metro, so even the simple act of being in Paris will fill you with pleasure.

This article was first published January 2015 and updated October 2023

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How to Visit Paris on a Budget – 20 Tips to Save Money

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 9, 2024

So how does a person travel to  Paris  on a Budget? We flew directly from  India  where we were traveling on a very tight budget.  

We really had our work cut out for us going from one of the cheapest destinations in the world to one of the most expensive cities in the world. Surprisingly, Paris can be enjoyed while still keeping to the budget. We found many ways to save money when traveling to Paris .

Table of Contents

Budget Travel Tips for Paris

It has many places that you can go to for cheap and reasonable prices.  And many of Paris’ top sites are even free. You don’t have to break the budget when traveling to this grand world city. Here are our tips for visiting Paris on a budget and ideas to help you plan your trip to Paris without breaking the bank.

This post was originally published in 2015 and is in the process of being updated. Some information may have changed.

Budget Transportation in Paris

We took public transport all over Paris to save money. The Paris Metro is fast, efficient and very easy to navigate. It is excellent and will get you everywhere you need to go. You can buy a metro pass for 1-5 days of unlimited travel starting at €14.

When buying a pass, you can choose what zones you will be traveling to. We have a breakdown below. We used the three-day pass when visiting Paris and it worked great. If the three-day pass is too expensive at $30 Euros, you can mix walking around the city and taking the metro or bus.

A 10-pack of metro tickets for 14.50 Euro. This way you’ll only use 3 tickets in one day if you plan your route wisely. The Paris Pass also includes unlimited public transportation: Check out details here.

Transportation zones in Paris

  • Zones 1 to 3 – Travels within in Paris and the close suburbs
  • If you want to travel further, you can get a pass for Zones 1 to 5 – travels within Paris, The close suburbs, to Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports, Disneyland and Versailles
  • Depending on which zones you select, Paris Transport allows you to travel on : metro lines, RER lines (RATP and SNCF),  Ile-de-France bus lines (RATP and OPTILE), except those circulating on Jetbus, Allobus Roissy CDG, tourist excursion and Air France networks, Tramway lines and the Montmartre funicular
  • Hop on Hop off Tour bus  – Starting at only $35 USD you can book the Hop on Hop Off Tour to all the major Paris attractions. It gets you around Paris quickly and easily.

The Seine – River Cruise

When visiting Paris, you must get on the River Seine and see the city from a boat. But you don’t have to book an expensive dinner cruise. There are affordable options.

The Hop on Hop off Batocruise is one way to explore the Seine. YOu can choose a 1 or 2 day ticket starting at about $20 USD. The Paris Pass also includes Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise. If you plan on seeing a lot of Paris attractions, a Paris City Pass is the best way to bundle entries and save Big money. – If you want to combine a metro pass with attractions, museums and front of the line, get a Paris City Pass . It saves time and offers valuable discounts.

We use city passes whenever we are visiting a city for the first time. Don’t want to splurge on an expensive dinner cruise? You can do a 1-Hour Paris Illuminations tour for just $21 with Get Your Guide and you skip the line!

Our #1 Money Saving Tip for Paris, France

Purchase a Paris Pass  You can get it for 2-6 days and it includes all the below and more:

  • Free entry to more than 60 top attractions
  • Free travel on the metro
  • A 1-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour ticket
  • A guidebook in 6 languages
  • Skip-the-line entrance to many of the sights, like Centre Pompidou, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, and more.
  • Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise
  • Wine Tasting – O Chateau
  • Purchase Your Paris Pass Here 

Food Tips – Eating in Paris on a Budget

Our number one tip for saving money in Paris when dining out is to not sit down for coffee at a restaurant. Drink it at the bar while standing. You’ll save the “sitting fee” that many Paris restaurants have.

Sitting down to eat will often cost you a surcharge. If you are watching your budget, stand at the bar to enjoy your beer or coffee. Besides, you will meet more people that way and experience Paris the way true Parisians experience Paris.

Don’t eat at bistros or restaurants

We also eat outside on terraces or coffee shops. This is cheaper than going inside to eat. It is free to sit outside, but if you go indoors you can be charged extra for the privilege of sitting inside. We ate excellent lunches outside for 6.50 Euros.

Paris has amazing restaurants, but many are expensive and will charge you more to sit down. Instead, eat outside at a boulangerie or patisserie. They included a large baguette sandwich, a delicious dessert of our choice, and a drink. Either alcoholic or no alcoholic.

Paris restaurants always supply free filtered water in a bottle, so don’t be sucked into ordering an expensive Perrier.

Choose an attraction and dinner together by booking the early evening dinner cruise along the Seine. 

Shop at the many supermarkets around town and pack your lunch

Paris has many places to picnic and you can buy wonderful gourmet cheeses, cured meats, and fresh breads and fruit for a very reasonable price. We never spend more than 10 Euros on lunch for the two of us and that included wine!

For a low budget, we ate like the rich enjoying good French wine with incredible scenery. The parks of Paris are beautiful.

Have a Picnic for Lunch

We often packed a picnic and eat in a park or along the canal. You’ll find many couples having a romantic lunch in Jardin du Luxembourg. It’s a beautiful way to spend some time enjoying the Paris atmosphere. With fine meats, cheese, and bread, we’d stock up on quick eats at the Carrefour and purchase a good bottle of wine for just a couple of Euros.

Professional Traveller’s tip : Always pack a corkscrew and keep it handy to enjoy your own bottle of wine rather than an expensive glass at a restaurant.

Note : Keep your wine hidden and discreet. Like anywhere drinking in public areas is frowned upon even though everyone does it.

Menu Formule for Dinners

What is a Menu Formule?

It is a fixed-price menu for tourists in the Latin Quarter. This is a great way to save money and keep the budget down when eating dinner. It includes an appetizer, main dish, dessert, and one drink. These meals range from 9 Euro to 15 Euro.

Where to eat Cheap Menu Formule meals

  • The Latin Quarter near Notre Dame and Isle de la Cité
  • Montmartre near Sacre Couer
  • La Rue Cler near The Eiffel Tower all have very reasonable fixed price meals.

Paris Gardens are Beautiful to Explore and They are free

Paris Gardens are beautiful to wander through.

Jardin du Luxembourg – As mentioned above, the Jardin du Luxembourg is filled with sculptures and statues. There are usually free art exhibits hanging on the fences surrounding the garden as well.

The gardens of the Louvre – are completely free to visit and filled with fountains. A Walk through the grounds of the Louvre is almost as impressive as going inside.

Budget Accommodation Tips in Paris

Stay at a hostel in an affordable district.

Choosing the right arrondissement (District) in Paris will make a big difference in the cost of accommodation. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Champs-Élysées are obviously more expensive areas, but places like Montmartre, Montparnasse, The Latin Quarter, and Le Marais are more affordable.

We tend to stay in Montmartre. We like the atmosphere and it has a lot of dining options and shopping. On our first budget trip to Paris, we stayed in the Perfect Hotel and hostel in this charming neighborhood.

Check out these Paris accommodation guides

  • Where to Stay in Paris
  • 21 Best Paris Hotels with Eiffel Tower Views
  • For a list of hotels in the Montmartre area check out Booking.com

Make Sure Breakfast is Included at Your Accommodation

It was accessible by metro and bus. It only cost us 35 Euros per person with breakfast included.

We had a private bath, but you can get a cheaper room for 28 Euros if you share a bath.  The shared bath is quite also clean. The price of a hostel in Paris doesn’t break the bank at all and leaves plenty of money to spare to enjoy the city of lights sites.

Our Hostel, The Perfect Hotel/Hostel included a breakfast of coffee, juice, bread, and chocolate croissant.

When booking your hotel in Paris, make sure breakfast is included in the price. If you can save on any meal, it will help with the budget. We didn’t have to spend any money until lunch. Food can be expensive in Paris, so the more you have included with your accommodations the better.

Recommended Budget Hotels in Paris

Perfect Hotel – Our first budget stay in Paris was at the Perfect Hotel in Montemarte- the location was great, breakfast was included, and great rooms. Check out Availability & Prices on Trip Advisor  /  Booking.com

Hotel de l’Avre – Our first budget stay in Paris was at the Perfect Hotel in Montemart e- the location was great, breakfast was included, great rooms. Check out Availability & Prices on Trip Advisor  /  Booking.com

Apartment Stay and Air B&B

We love staying in Apartments in Paris because we can cook our own breakfasts, pack a bagged lunch, and enjoy a few gourmet meals at home. We would cook great dinners in our apartment and then go out for drinks or snacks afterward.

We felt like we were having the five-star experience on a shoestring budget. Apartments are also a really great deal for families and sharing. Plus, you usually stay in residential neighborhoods so you get a taste for Paris living.

Recommended Air B&B in Paris

Apartment near Sacre Coeur –  This Sacré-Coeur apartment features a living room, a kitchenette, a bedroom equipped with a queen-size bed, and a bathroom with basin, shower, and toilet. It is in a perfect location too!

Museums – How to see them on a budget in Paris

Visit museums after hours.

Many museums in Paris have free and discount days and hours, you just have to know where to look.

Musee D’Orsay

After 4:15 pm on Thursdays, the Musee D’Orsay slashes its prices to €5.50. We went after this time because all we were interested in was the Impressionists exhibit. We did the calculations and decided that 2 hours was more than enough time to take it in. It was a good amount of time to see the main attractions and get a feel for the museum. We even saw most of the other exhibits in that time as well.

Louvre After Hours

The Louvre slashes its prices after 6:00 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays to 11 Euro. If all you want to see is the Mona Lisa and a few of its other famous pieces, this might be the time for you to go and save some cash.

  • If you’re going to the Louvre on regular hours, book in advance at skip the line for a reasonable self guided tour.
  • If you want to visit unlimited museums at anytime, the Paris Museum Pass is an excellent deal for 2,4, or 6 days starting at $77 USD.
  • It gets you into 60 museums and monuments including Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, and Centre Pompidou, Arc de Triomphe

Free Museum Entries

If you are under 25 years of age and an EU Citizen, you get into all museums for free! The first Sunday of each month offers up many free entries to museums and attractions.

Selected Museums that take part in the free first Sundays of each month are:

  • Musée Picasso
  • Musée Rodin
  • Musée D’Orsay

City Museums are Free

You don’t have to only go to the famous museums of Paris, the city museums are filled with important and interesting works of art and they are free! Our guide told us that to find a city museum, look for the coat of arms above the door. There are more than 20 museums in Paris, and one way to tell is by looking for the coast of arms above the door.

Selected free city museums include:

  • Petit Palais
  • Maison de Balzac
  • Musée Carnavalet
  • Museum of Modern Art
  • Victor Hugo Mansion
  •  Check out all the free things you can do in Paris at our post  Free sites and tours of Paris

Free Walking Tours in Paris

Different Companies offer Free City tours that meet in Montmartre and the Latin Quarter. Local Greeters is a well-known free walking tour. Plus, every day at St. Michel in the Latin Quarter and in Montmartre you can join a free walking tour of Paris.

We’ve taken a couple of free walking tours and always learn a lot from the guides. It’s up to you if you want to tip at the end. We usually give the equivalent of €5-€10 USD. There’s even a free pub crawl offered in the Latin Quarter and Montmartre area. If you tip your guide and buy a drink, you’ve got a free tour of the hottest spots in town.

Book Cheap Flights to Paris

By booking in advance and having a flexible schedule, you can get affordable flights to Paris. We use Skyscanner  when booking flights and make sure to look three to five days on either side of our preferred travel dates. You can save a lot if you have flexibility. Just click the arrows to see what prices are on other dates.

Check out flights to Skyscanner  for details. We also have an entire post dedicated to budget travel which will give you other booking ideas.

Take the Air France shuttle from the airport instead of a taxi.

The Air France shuttle takes you to Montparnasse from Charles de Gaulle Airport for 21 – 36 Euros. The train is even cheaper, but you will have to lug your luggage through the metro. Information on Transfers from Orly and Chalres de Gaulle here.

Insider tip: One thing we noticed in Paris is that there are a lot of stairs and tunnels in the metro, so be prepared if you are carrying luggage. If you don’t mind doing that, take the train, it will save a lot of money.

  • Other options for airport transportation is to share a minivan transfer. Private shuttles can cost a lot, but  pre-booking a shared transfer  to/from either airport starts at only $27 Canadian. Shared Minivan Transfers from Roissy CDG and Orly  – It’s the affordable airport transfer to and from the city
  • We have a comprehensive guide to the Cheapest ways to get from Orly and Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airports to Paris .

See the Paris Landmarks for Free

Paris is a city of living art and simply walking through its street is an excursion unto itself. You don’t necessarily have to pay to go inside every famous Paris attraction to enjoy them

  • The Eiffel Tower i s impressive enough to just view it from the many different vantage points in the city.
  • The Arc Du Triomphe is free to visit unless you go upstairs to view the city.
  • The Champs Elysees is an interesting site in its own right. Walking down the street people watching and window-shopping is an event that takes you directly to the Arc du Triomphe.
  • The Louvre has beautiful gardens with works of art scattered throughout and so does the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Eiffel Tower and Seine Cruises combo  – allowing you to skip the line and go right up to the second platform of the tower before heading on a 1-hour river cruise

For Free Views of Paris

If you don’t want to pay to go up the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, or the Montparnasse Tower, go to Sacre Coeur in Montmartre for a great overhead view of Paris. It’s an excellent area to watch street performers and to get lost in the winding streets.

There are several different views of Paris from this mountain but hanging out on the steps of Montmartre is a must-do when visiting the city. Plus, you can tour the Basilica Sacre Coeur for free. While Notre Dame is under renovation, this is a good church to go inside.

Pompidou Modern Art Gallery

Go to the Pompidou Modern Art Gallery and take the escalators to the rooftop bar with your admission ticket to see views of Paris. It’s an affordable meal with outstanding views.

Paris Cemeteries

The Cemeteries of Paris are a great way to spend an afternoon and they are completely free.

Why visit a cemetery in Paris?

Because there are very elaborate tombs. Pere Lachaise is the most famous cemetery with the tombs of Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde, but there are two other famous and free cemeteries to visit in Paris, Montmartre and Montparnasse Cemeteries.

Famous residents of Paris Cemeteries include:

  • Jim Morrison – Cimetiere du Père Lachaise
  • Oscar Wilde – Cimetiere Pere Lachaise
  • Alexander Dumas – Montmartre Cemetery
  • Edgar Degas – Montmartre Cemetery
  • Jean-Paul Sartre – Montparnasse Cemetery
  • Samuel Beckett – Montparnasse Cemetery

Paris 1,2, or 3-Day Hop on Hop us Bus Pass  – If you are in Paris for more than one day, this is a great option for getting around to all the sites. Plus you get a book of discounts.

Catacombs of Paris

Looking for something unique to do in Paris, visit the Catacombs . They’re only 8€ to enter, but it’s 45 minutes of one fascinating and eerie tour. This is one tour I don’t recommend booking in advance or with an online booking agent.

It’s cheaper to enter on your own and you don’t need a tour to appreciate it. Headsets are offered to guide you through the tunnels. The only reason I would book in advance is if you have limited time in Paris and want to skip the line . The Catacombs can be quite crowded. But skip the line tickets cost $39 CAD ($29 USD) so it depends on how much time you have if you want to pay the extra fee.

Free wifi and cheap coffee

At first, we were embarrassed to go into a McDonald’s in Paris, but then we noticed that even the locals go there.

They have great McCafés, and it is cheaper to get a good cappuccino here than in a bistro. Plus you can get it for takeaway to enjoy while strolling the streets of Paris. You don’t have to pay to sit down in a McDonald’s to enjoy a coffee and you can use the toilets for free here. We also pop in to use the WiFi at McDonald’s as it is always free.

Good Paris Travel Resources

Lonely Planet Paris   – Lonely Planet is our go-to guidebook for all destinations and locations. You can download ebooks, apps, or city guides, whatever you need.

Rick Steve’s Paris  – Nobody knows Europe like Rick Steve’s and he gives great tips for Paris travel

Packing Tips for Europe  – We give tips to help you pack smart for European travel for Paris and beyond.

Paris Museum Pass   – Paris is known for its museums. Get the museum pass for front of the line entrance to 60 museums.

Paris Tourism Office   – We always like to visit the official tourism website for any destination. Paris tourism is full of useful city information.

Paris Museum and Attraction Closures  – Museums, attractions and shows are closed on certain days of the week or month. Be sure to check them out before you travel.

Selective Paris City Tours

  • Where to Stay in Paris, the Complete Guide to Neighbourhoods
  • Free Things to do in Paris
  • Three Days in Paris Itinerary
  • Cheapest Ways to get from Orly & Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Paris
  • Paris Closures, When to Avoid Museum and Attractions
  • What to do in Paris at Night
  • Visiting the Catacombs of Paris – An Underground Labyrinth of Death
  • Famous People Buried in the Pere Lachaise Cemetery of Paris

If you are planning a trip to France, make sure to check out our  France Travel Guide!

You May Also Like these Budget Travel Tips

  • How to Travel on a Budget – Our Top Cheap Travel Tips
  • How to Save Money for Travel – 15 Tips to Get You Started Now
  • Best Travel Organizers for Smarter Packing
  • Travel Safety Tips – How to Have a Safe and Healthy Vacation

If you enjoyed these Paris budget tips, save it to Pinterest for future travel planning.

And there you have it. Our favorite things to do in Paris on a budget. As you can see it can be done. Do you have some ideas on how to save money in Paris?

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

20 Best Museums in Paris To Visit in 2024

26 Amazing Things To Do In France in 2024

Ultimate One Day in Paris Itinerary – How to See Paris in a Day

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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42 thoughts on “How to Visit Paris on a Budget – 20 Tips to Save Money”

Thank you so much for the info. We are hoping to travel for the World Cup Rugby this Sept and appreciate your blog and the insights for Paris especially travelling on a budget.

Thank you very much for the tips I really liked your article I always wanted to take this trip

I really enjoyed the setup of this beautiful city, I would one day, love to visit this beautiful and great city.

Visiting Paris is a dream…! Detailed information….Amazing post. Thank you

Thanks a lot for all these information – Im going to Paris after 18yrs from Ontario. Im traveling with an 11 yrs old boy and it will help me to saves a lot.

Great tips!! I could never imagine that it is possible to visit Paris on a budget 🙂 Also, it is good to compare tickets for the tourist attractions to get the best price!

Our trip to Paris was amazing, being my first international trip, I enjoyed it a lot. you haven’t seen Paris until you’ve seen the city at night. Paris is one of the world’s leading cities and so hand in hand with that comes a truly epic nightlife. Large crowds meet in popular Parisian streets .There is more than enough to keep even the most energetic of tourists busy during the day, and Paris by night is no exception. Visitors have the choice between using the metro, the vast bus system, the RER and now even the Vélib Vélib (a communal scheme allowing you to rent bikes to ride around Paris).

Great article ! If you have a budget and you want to visit Paris in an original way, you can still go fot a tour of Paris on a segway ! I assure you it is fun !! We had such a blast !

Thanks for great information from Vogue Travel Hosue.

This Quite helpful blog i got many things to know after reading this. Thank you for sharing this information.

There’s a lot of work in here! Much appreciated. I like the sound of the movie walk, but I doubt I’ll go back. We spent our Silver Wedding there and loved it (the big day was actually out at Giverny at Monet’s garden). Just checking to see what I’d missed 🙂

Enjoyed your Paris budget itinerary. Definitely agree that a great way to save money is to purchase food from a local market (or a Carrefour) and picnic in the park if it’s not raining.

Montemartre is a good budget choice for accommodation (and it’s beautiful), but we also like Plaisance neighborhood near the Pernéty metro station for budget hotels. On your next visit to Paris, consider giving that neighborhood a try.

Thanks for the tip! We’ll definitely give that neighbourhood a try. We liked to check out new hot spots for sure!

Yes, you need to update the entrance fees. BTW Catacombes are 12 euros plus 5 euros headsets. Taking the escalator up to Centre Pompidou is now 5 euros (not free anymore). I would suggest the public Rent a bike service called Vélib’: a week subscription costs 8 euros, bikes are available 24/24 h, there are lanes for bikes all around town.

Hello Planet D. You may want to check your prices for this post. I was just in Paris 2 months ago and the 10-pack metro ticket is now 14euros and the Louvre on Wednesday night is 14euros a think. Otherwise great advise. Thanks.

Thanks I’ll be sure to change those. I appreciate the update!

This post very helps for travel for Paris. Thank you so much, shares the effective blog and more Information. I am satisfied for the blog. It is really helpful. Thanks.

nice blog in Budget Accommodation in Paris

Now I’ve moved back to Europe (Austria) I’m looking into going to Paris later in the year and these tips are great. I especially love the idea of the Menu Formule, which is something similar to what the Spanish have. And yes, museums can be incredibly expensive. Thanks for the information on the reduced rates — like you, I’m fine with just a couple of hours 🙂

I’ve been considering a trip to Europe and Paris is one of the (possible) places in my list. This post has got me ticking Paris as a must visit city! It’s affordable. Thank you for this. You’ve helped me a great deal.

Thanks for the tips! Great to know that Paris can be enjoyed without breaking the bank, its a beautiful city! I visited a few years ago while I was a student and many attractions were free (with a student pass), but am wondering how much I’d have to fork out when I get back one day. Really relieved to know that it’s not too much.

This is the most detailed guide I was discovered for Paris. Even Paris can be visited without spending a fortune. Great job!

Let’s be real! Paris is a very expensive city to visit especially for those first-time travelers, it can be a pocket-exhausting experience. I have been to different places and I realized if someone has no idea about the cheap places to eat, or if one did not do his/her research about cheap transportation or city passes, then be ready to spend more than what you allocated for the trip.

It all boils down to one’s preparation and I agree with the abovementioned tips.

This is a revelation,true enough what’s on my mind is totally different and surprising to what’s your post is all about.

I admit that,All this time,I thought Paris is expensive. I mean no doubt every product that comes from Paris is not cheap,such as their perfume,clothes,anything else.

Reading this post,I must say that I somehow view Paris from a different point.I am hoping that I xould someday visit this place.Guaranteed to follow your tips! 🙂

These are some good tips. Some of them I would never do, but they are still good.

Traveling is some of the most difficult times to be responsible with your spending. That is why I like saving up for all inclusive cruises or resorts. Then everything is paid for and you can go crazy.:-) .-= Ben´s last blog .. The Two Acocunt Simple Budget System =-.

Am going to Paris next Saturday and truly appreciate all the great tips you gave. Also had no idea that there could be a surcharge for sitting in a restaurant. After Paris, heading to Estonia…my fathers first time back since the war. Thanks again for the Paris advice! Cheers!

Have a great time in Paris Charmaine. The surcharge isn’t in all restaurants, but it is in many. Wow, that is going to be a wonderful and emotional trip with your father. I hope that you have an amazing time. I have heard that Estonia is awesome.

Hi again! Well the trip to Paris was more amazing than I could have imagined and am going back in two years with my husband. Estonia was so emtional…..I was so saddened by the damage this tiny country has endured by the Russian occupation. I had been reading a magazine on the plane that stated “World War II ended for Estonia in 1994″….how many us never knew that. However, she is well on her way to recovery. What a home coming it was for my dad and one I will never forget. What an honour it was for my brother and I to be there when he stepped on Estonian soil for the first time in 67 years. As for France, Vimy Ridge did it for me…..so proud to be Canadian! Well more adventures await I am sure. Cheers to all and happy travelling!

Excellent information about budget traveling, especially in such a large city. Great Paris tips. Thanks a lot.

Thanks Axelrod. We always love finding deals and freebies wherever we go!

Although ‘budget travel’ in Paris is still more expensive than my travel budget can manage at the moment, these are some really great tips! And after reading about your Gaudi experience, I also agree that you don’t have to pay to go into every site to experience them.

Great Tips! We are planning to head to Paris and it’s nice to know that you can keep to a budget if you try! .-= Bethany´s last blog ..Somewhere In Time – Dublin, Ireland =-.

Congratulations on winning the tickets…couldn’t have happened to a nicer couple. Thanks for shaeing this valuable advice, the wife and I are planning for a week in Paris soon

Awesome! I hope that you have a great time in Paris and can’t wait to read how your trip goes.

Great tips! Thank you! .-= Gray´s last blog ..Shiny Travel Objects: May 9, 2010 =-.

Wow – great advice and so important! It’s very easy to spend a lot of money in a city with such wonderful, but often expensive, attractions and restaurants. But like any big city, there’s an abundance of free and inexpensive entertainment to be had as well. The two of you are astute travelers to have discovered so much in such a short time there – I can’t wait to read more about your Paris adventure! .-= Trisha Miller´s last blog .. The Write Time =-.

Awesome tips! especially about the museums. We aren’t big museum people but want to see the major ones and the major exhibits. What a great way to do it and save money too! .-= Melanie´s last blog .. May 13, Travel Legends – Fact vs Fiction =-.

Wonderful tips! I didn’t realized that you will get charged extra depending on where you sit in the restaurant. That’s good to know. 🙂 .-= Amy @ The Q Family´s last blog .. San Antonio With Kids: Five Favorite Kid-Friendly Fun =-.

I’m so glad you mentioned the supermarket tip. In countries that have amazing food they also have amazing supermarkets and often with prepared food for great prices. .-= ayngelina´s last blog ..Mexico isn’t all mangos and limes =-.

Great tips! I’ve been there and as much as I could, tried to be cheap. Very similar with many that you mentioned here. We also went to museums in the free day (even though it’s usually jam packed), in the cheap hours, and we bought Paris museum pass that valid for a few days and pretty much used it as much as we could. (we love museums) We stayed at B&B hotel that was only 50 Euro for a room for 2 person with indoor shower.

I like you mentioned McDonald’s for its free WiFi and good coffee. As Ryan had to work on the road through internet, free internet access was crucial to us, and we spent a lot of time in McDonald’s that consistently provide free WiFI through out Western Europe. .-= Dina´s last blog ..Top Things Chosen by Travelers Around the World Series =-.

My best free Paris tip is this – for a great view of the city, skip the overpriced Eiffel Tower and go instead to the Pompidou Modern Art Gallery. You can take the escalators to the rooftop bar without paying for admission. There is a walkway in front of the bar that offers excellent views of Montmartre and that overpriced tower 😉 .-= Alison´s last blog .. Our Ten Year Anniversary =-.

Alison, that is fantastic advice! Thanks for sharing, when we go back we will check it out for sure!

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Paris Budget Travel Guide: 47 ways to save on your trip (2023 Update)

Mar 29, 2023

24 comments

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Worried about what your upcoming trip to Paris might do to your wallet? Fear not, for EuroCheapo has you covered with this definitive list of our top 47 Paris budget travel tips!

The City of Light might be Europe’s most visited destination, but it doesn’t need to be the most expensive. Below you’ll find tips for saving on every aspect of your trip, updated in March 2023 .

From getting in from the airport to saving on hotels, shopping, and eating out, we’re ready to help you save. On y va!

EuroCheapo’s Paris budget travel guide

Table of Contents

Saving on hotels

At EuroCheapo, we’re passionate about affordable accommodations in Europe. Our founding mission has been to help readers find great, inexpensive places to sleep that will also get them closer to the local culture.

Our Paris hotel guide includes more than 100 hotel recommendations (including our top 11 cheap hotels in Paris ), but in the meantime here’s some quick advice to get you started:

plan a trip to paris on a budget

The Hotel Tiquetonne is one of our all-time favorite cheapo sleeps in the center of Paris, with doubles for around $80 if you book in advance.

1. Save on transit by sleeping in a central neighborhood

Considering that it’s a world capital, Paris is a fairly compact city. If you have a central starting point, you can get to most of the city’s main sights by foot or a quick Metro ride. The city is divided into 20 districts, called “Arrondissements.”

Numbering starts with the first arrondissement in the center of town, which includes the Louvre, and spirals clockwise out. Here’s a map , in case you need help visualizing it. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central arrondissement, perhaps sticking to 1-9 (possibly skipping the 8th, which is a bit more far-flung and can get pricey).

Choosing a hotel in these neighborhoods (especially near the Louvre , in the Marais , in the Latin Quarter , near the Eiffel Tower , and near the Opéra ) will put you in the center of the city. You’ll save on transportation, especially at night, when you would be otherwise tempted to hop in a taxi or Uber to get home.

2. Don’t mind a commute? Save by staying outside the center

That having been said, if you don’t mind taking the Metro to get to and from your hotel, you certainly can find cheaper hotels if you’re willing to stay a bit outside of the center of town. The Metro snakes through the entire city, so you’re never really a long ride from one side of Paris to the other.

One of the most convenient lines, Line 1, slices through the center of Paris and comes every two minutes. It’s also fully automated, so it isn’t affected by strikes, which happen frequently in Paris and can shut down the other lines. So, you could stay in an arrondissement like the 11th between Bastille and Nation , which will be cheaper than a more central neighborhood, but you’ll still be able to commute quickly to the center.

3. Don’t be afraid of these super cheap hotels

Some great Paris hotels are really, really cheap (like the Tiquetonne , pictured above). Many of these are inexpensive because they’ve kept things simple — some haven’t even added TVs to the rooms.

But don’t let that scare you: the simplicity of these hotels doesn’t mean that they are unsafe or uncomfortable. Rather, they give you a great place to stay while saving for the rest of your trip.

  • Read more ways to save on hotels in Paris and how to save on hotels in France .

Getting around

Paris is a big city, with hot spots that aren’t always situated around the corner from your hotel. Here’s how to get to where you need to go, cheaply.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Boarding the RoissyBus at Place de l’Opera, heading for CDG. Photo: Alexandre

4. Take public transit in from Charles de Gaulle airport

If you’re taking a long-haul flight to Paris (especially from the U.S.), you’re probably landing in the Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG). To make the 23 km trek into Paris, you have several options.

If I’m alone or just with one traveling partner, I usually take the RER train or a bus to save on cash (although not everyone at EuroCheapo agrees with me on this point). Here’s some more info on both of these  options:

• Take the RER B (regional train)

It can be a bit of a grim entry to the city, but the RER takes 25-50 minutes (depending on your destination and whether or not you get an express train) and costs only €11.45. There’s no need to reserve in advance — you can buy your ticket from one of the many machines that line the walls at the RER station attached to the airport.

These trains stop in Paris at the Gare du Nord, Châtelet Les Halles and St-Michel Notre Dame, among other stops. From here you can transfer to the Metro or possibly just walk to your hotel. (Note: Hold onto your RER tickets! You’ll need them to exit the RER. )

• Take a bus to central Paris

The “RoissyBus” is operated by the city, costs €16.20 per person, and takes about an hour. It departs from most terminals at CDG and drops you off at its main stop at the Place de l’Opéra.

Buses leave from CDG to Place de l’Opéra every 15 minutes from 6 am to 8:45 pm and every 20 minutes from 8:45 pm to 12:30 am. To get back to the airport, buses leave Place de l’Opéra every 15 minutes from 5:15 am to 8 pm, every 20 minutes from 8 pm to 10 pm, and every 30 minutes from 10 pm to 12:30 am.

5. Be careful with taxis from the airport

Yes, many people do take taxis in from the airport . It will cost you dearly (around €50-70, plus tip and luggage surcharge) and take about an hour, depending on your destination. But wait, there’s more! Extra charges will be added for driving during morning rush hour and on Sundays and holidays.

If you have a small group of people, however, the fare can be worth it. They’re also regulated and trustworthy, so you can feel safe and won’t get scammed (beyond the already high price). Here’s how to save on cabs from the airport and our guide for using Uber in Paris .

6. In general, avoid taxis for short distances around Paris

The starting fare for a taxi in Paris is €7. Thus, if you’re just going a short distance, hoof it or hop on a bus. More tips for saving on taxis and Uber .

7. Buy a multipack or travel pass for Metro and bus tickets

Metro and bus tickets cost €2.10 each. We recommend buying a 10-pack, or a “carnet” (pronounced “car-nay”), to save money. These physical tickets are being phased out but, as of writing this, are still available if you ask for them at the ticket counter, which is found in most Metro stations.

To replace the paper “carnet,”  passengers can now purchase the 10-pack in paperless form and load them onto your Navigo Easy pass . The 10-pack costs €16.90 for adults and €8.45 for children.

Note: the Navigo Easy pass currently only works on the Metro lines, so if you need to take an RER to go farther outside of Paris (e.g. Versailles, Giverny, or Disney Paris), you’ll need to ask an agent at the ticket counter for the right ticket.

8. Use CityMapper or Bonjour RATP instead of Google Maps

Google Maps is useful for getting around, as it will calculate routes that include Metro and RER options. However, it does not update quickly when one of the Metro lines is stopped or slowed for strikes, mechanical problems, or other issues — which happens frequently.

Bonjour RATP is the official navigation app for the Paris public transit network, and CityMapper is an alternative that includes bike and scooter options. Both can be used in English and will provide more up-to-date information and alternatives when lines or stations are closed.

9. Relax — the Metro machines are in English.

The ticket machines in the Paris Metro are available for use in English, and they take credit cards as a form of payment.

10. Tickets on the bus are more expensive.

Yes, you can buy your bus ticket from the driver (and make everyone behind you wait), but you’ll pay €2.50 and it won’t cover a transfer. More bus tips .

11. Take a Cheapo city bus tour

There’s no need to pay for a sightseeing bus. Here are seven public bus lines that offer great sightseeing for the cost of a bus ticket!

12. Consider a “Paris Visite” travel card

If you plan to spend a lot of time getting around in the Paris Metro, consider buying a “Paris Visite” travel card , which offers unlimited travel on the Metro and bus system and various discounts from partnering businesses. Adult tickets cost €13.55 (one day), €22.05 (two days), €30.10 (three days) and €43.30 (five days).

However, if you’re not interested in the discounts that are included with this card, opt for the daily unlimited riding pass, the Mobilis ticket , instead. This pass  also permits unlimited travel, but is a little cheaper at €8.45 per day for an adult. The 10-pack carnet (see #7 above) usually serves our needs.

13. Make sure your credit card has a chip!

Thankfully, the majority of American credit cards now employ the “chip and PIN” technology that has been in use throughout Europe for years. If, however, your card is still chipless and uses only a magnetic swipe, you’ll likely have problems in automatic ticket machines in France.  This includes machines in the RER stations at Charles de Gaulle and in Metro stations.

(If your card isn’t working at the machine, head to the ticket window. Old-school American cards will work fine when handed to a cashier for swiping.)

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Choosing a bike from a Velib’ kiosk. Photo: Rachel Ludwick

14. Save by biking around town on V é lib’

Paris’ Vélib’ bike share program was one of the first in the world when it launched in 2007 and remains enormously popular today. With 20,000 bikes in the program available from a whopping 1,400 stations around the city, it’s truly massive. Once you join, you simply head to any Vélib’ station, enter your access code, take out a bike and ride off! Park it at another Vélib’ station, and you’re done.

A one-day Vélib’ pass costs €5 and covers a 30-minute ride (you’ll pay a small charge for going over the 30-minute limit). We recommend buying a 3-day pass for €20, as it covers 60-minute rides AND includes electric bikes (45-minute rides). Read more .

Sights & Attractions

Paris is home to some of the world’s most famous cultural attractions, many of which have their own “cheapo tricks” for saving a few euros.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Visit the Musee d’Orsay on Thursday night to save time — and avoid crowds. Photo: Pierre Blache

15. Get into museums for free

If you are under the age of 26 and a resident of the European Union (this includes non-citizens with student visas, au pair visas, or any visa longer than 3 months), you get free admission to most museums and cultural sites, including the ones we’ve listed below.

If this doesn’t apply to you, most of these museums are also free on the first Sunday of every month. However, you’ll have to beat some serious crowds to get in.

16. Saving at the Louvre

  • Normal admission : €17 when booked online with a timed entry. Closed Tuesday. Be sure to book through the official Louvre ticket site .
  • Tickets are €2 cheaper when purchased at the museum, but entry is not guaranteed — and may be refused due to overcrowding.

17. Saving at the Eiffel Tower

  • Adult admission to the tip-top: €28.30, cheaper for lower level.
  • Save time by buying your tickets online , in advance, and avoiding the ticket line.
  • During peak travel times, online tickets (especially to the top) may be sold out. However, they may still be available at the tower for immediate use. You’ll just have to wait in that ticket line…
  • You can pay a cheaper price (€21.50) if you take the stairs up to the second level, then the lift to the top.
  • If you’re not interested in reaching the top and just want a nice picture, get off at the Metro stop Trocadero on lines 9 or 6, where you’ll find a large public plaza that faces the tower. It is crowded, but not as crowded as the area around the tower itself, and you can snap a picture with the entire structure in frame.

18. Saving at the Arc de Triomphe

  • Regular admission to enter the Arc and see the view from the top is: €13.
  • It is completely free to walk under and around the Arc at the ground level, where you’ll also find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is my preferred option, as you get a great view of the Arc without standing in line or buying a ticket, and you can enjoy cheaper views of Paris elsewhere.
  • Go at night. It’s open until 11 pm (10:30 pm in fall and winter).
  • Access the Arc by taking the underground walkway. You may see other tourists trying to dodge traffic and running across the busy roundabout to get to the center. This is incredibly dangerous — don’t do it.
  • More tips on visiting the Arc de Triomphe

19. Saving at the Musée d’Orsay

  • Regular admission : €16 when pre-booked online, which allows priority entry during your designated time slot, and allows you to avoid the ticket line. Tickets purchased at the museum are €2 cheaper — but you’ll have to wait for tickets and for entry.
  • Closed Monday. The museum closes most days at 6 pm and is “cleared” at 5:30!
  • On Thursdays, however, the Musée d’Orsay remains open until 9:45 pm. Buy a “Late Opening Ticket” to enter after 6 pm for €12.
  • First Sundays of the month are free (but packed)

20. Saving at the Palace of Versailles

  • Buy the Versailles Passport (€21.50; €28.50 on “fountain days”: Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday) for access to all major parts of the palace grounds. €19.50 for Palace only.
  • Pre-booking online is required for entry.
  • Save by picnicking along the Grand Canal just outside the gates.
  • More tips for visiting Versailles

21. Avoid crowds whenever possible

During the high season (May – September) the lines at top attractions can be overwhelming. But it is possible to plan your day so that you show up outside the peak visiting hours.

In general, go first thing or late to the biggest sight of the day, and stick to smaller sights from late morning to early afternoon. You can also use Google Maps, which updates in real time according to how busy a location is. Check out our tips for beating the crowds at top attractions .

22. Culture fanatic? Buy a Paris Museum Card

Tourist cards aren’t always worth the money, but if you plan on spending lots of quality cultural time in Paris’ museums, consider picking up a Paris Museum Pass. The card offers free and discounted admission to over 50 museums and monuments around the city, and it lets you skip the ticket lines! Prices: €55 (2 days); €70 (4 days); €85 (6 days)

Jardin du Luxembourg

Spend a free day relaxing, sleeping or picnicking on the grounds of Jardin du Luxembourg. Photo: Phillip Capper

23. Don’t forget free sights!

The city boasts a long list of places that are free to visit . From museums operated by the city like the Musée d’Art Moderne , Maison de Balzac , and Maison de Victor Hugo (free to visit permanent collections) to most churches and parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg and even an ancient Roman amphitheater ( Aréne de Lutéce ), admission is always free.

24. Take a free walking tour

Free walking tours of Paris’ central sights are available from several tour companies (who do, however, expect a tip at the end). A less publicized option is the Paris Greeters program, in which local Parisians lead you on a free guided tour of their Paris .

25. Save on boat rides

Taking a boat ride along the Seine is an experience that manages to strike us as both romantic and overly touristy. However, these bateaux mouches offer a unique vantage point from which to see the city and can give your legs a break. We recommend the Vedettes de Pont Neuf , as they offer a live (not prerecorded) commentary and great discounts when booked in advance on their website .

  • Read more ways to save on sightseeing in Paris .

Eating and drinking

Paris has some of the best food in the world, but it can get pricey quickly. Here are a few ways to enjoy authentic French cuisine without breaking the bank.

26. Think twice before tipping

Whether you’re dining in a restaurant or enjoying a coffee on a sidewalk cafe, a service charge has already been included in your bill. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t leave a little extra as a nice gesture, but you certainly shouldn’t leave 15-20% of your bill. A simple €1 or €2 is perfectly acceptable as an extra tip in Paris. Here are some more thoughts on tipping .

27. Save on breakfast

The breakfast that will be offered by your hotel will likely be an underwhelming and overpriced affair (think baguette, jam, and hot drink for €8-10). You can get the same thing (but fresher) at almost any bakery or patisserie in your neighborhood. Shop around for breakfast .

Oh, and when you’re in a café, the cost of your coffee depends on where you’re sitting. If you take a seat or stand at the counter or bar, that coffee will frequently be one euro less than if you take a seat at a table. Strange, but true.

28. Water and bread are free in restaurants

No need to order bottled water. The local stuff is great and gets plunked down on your table in a cute carafe, free of charge. If not, just ask for it. Ditto for the bread.

29. Splurge on a prix-fixe lunch

Go heavier at lunch and enjoy a two- or three-course meal with the locals.

Restaurants throughout town offer “fixed price” deals — just look for the chalkboard out front or a sign in the window with the day’s menu (“menu du jour”). With prices that hover between €15-25 for two or three courses, you’ll even have some money left for a little vin (if it’s not already included in the deal!). Here are a few of our favorite Paris lunch menus .

Cheese Market in Paris

Pick up everything you need for a great picnic lunch (or gourmet dinner) at any of Paris’ outdoor food markets. Photo: The LEAF Project

30. Pick up lunch at outdoor markets

Foodies will be in pure heaven in Paris, and not just for the mouth-watering restaurants and to-die-for patisseries.

Don’t neglect the outdoor food markets that overflow with fresh produce and local delicacies. Whether picking up for a Seine-side picnic or stocking up for a long train ride, Paris’ outdoor markets have you covered. Read more about our market shopping tips .

31. Go light at lunch with a baguette sandwich

The city’s bakeries (boulangeries and patisseries) do more than bake bread and pastries. They also do a brisk lunch business, selling hot-and-crusty baguette sandwiches and delicious homemade quiches. Here’s a list of our favorite sandwich shops .

Related: 5 affordable Paris restaurants that locals and tourists love

32. Opt for a light dinner with a crepe or falafel

If you opt for a big lunch, you might want to go a little lighter (and cheaper) at night. Opt for a classic crepe , Paris’ ultimate street food, or grab a tasty sandwich at L’As du Fallafel in the Marais . Check out other ways to eat your way through Paris for less than €20 a day .

33. Head to the grocery store for basics

When you do need to buy a bottle of water, don’t touch that minibar! Head to any of the local grocery stores . A 1.5-liter bottle of water at Monoprix or Franprix costs less than €1. The same rule applies to wine, candy, soda, etc.

And if you can’t find a single bottle, just break up the shrink wrapped plastic on a multi-pack to grab a bottle for yourself. This is common practice in France, so don’t worry about a store clerk chasing you down!

Better yet, bring a refillable water bottle and top it up from the tap. Tap water is perfectly drinkable in Paris, and there are public water fountains all over the city (more on that later).

34. Wine from the supermarket? Oui.

Don’t assume that the wine being sold at the grocery store isn’t up to snuff. Some of it is quite good, and yes, quite affordable. Here are some tips for buying wine in Paris .

35. Fill up your water bottle around town

Paris has more than 800 drinking water fountains located throughout the city where you can easily fill up your water bottle for free. And if you’re a fan of sparkling water, there’s no need to run into the store for a few bottles. The city has just introduced some new fountains that even dispense the bubbly stuff!

  • Read more ways to save on dining in Paris

Paris summer beach

Every summer the banks of the Seine transform into a lively beach scene complete with real sand! Photo: sergio_leenen

Entertainment

There’s always something to do in Paris, and quite a bit of it won’t cost you a dime! (Or, rather, a centime !)

36. Get happy for cheap drinks

Wine might be cheap, but a cocktail in Paris can easily cost you €15. Don’t worry, be happy! Keep your eyes peeled for “Happy Hour” deals (pronounced “‘appy ‘ours”).

You’ll typically see it posted on a sign outside most bars, and they run much later than the Happy Hours you may be used to — sometimes as late as 10 or 11 PM!

37. Enjoy free summer festivals

When the temperatures start to climb, so do the number of free events around Paris . Free entertainment is easy to find on almost every night of the week, including music series like the Paris Jazz Festival (late June through September) to outdoor film screenings like Cinéma en Plein Air (July and August). Head to Parc de la Villette which is packed with culture come summertime.

38. Hit the “beaches” along the Seine

Every summer the Seine and the Canal St-Martin transform into “Paris Plages,” one of Europe’s coolest urban beaches . Yes, in a city hundreds of miles from the nearest stretch of coastline, you’ll find Parisians lounging about in their hottest swimwear soaking in the rays.

39. Get cheap (or free) seats to opera, dance, and classical concerts

Love world-class opera and classical music? Grab a cheap seat at the Opera Garnier and Opera Bastille , and find cheap and free concerts around town by checking out L’Officiel des Spectacles or a Wednesday edition of Le Figaro’s insert “Figaroscope” listings magazine at any newsstand: also available online !

  • Read more ways to save on entertainment in Paris

If you’re looking to return home with suitcases full of souvenirs, here are some methods to do that in a wallet-friendly way.

40. Serious shoppers, don’t forget your tax refund!

Do you plan on doing some serious shopping? Non-EU citizens who spend at least €175 at any one store, may qualify for up to a 12% cash refund! This is available, with different requirements, throughout Europe. Read more in our post about tax refunds .

41. Hit the flea markets for cheapo souvenirs

Paris is home to several fabulous flea markets. Selling everything from new clothing to vintage cookware , these outdoor markets offer unique shopping and souvenir opportunities, often at low prices. Here are some tips for flea market success and a guide to the best flea markets in Paris .

42. “Friperies” offer cheap vintage shopping

“Friperies” are inexpensive secondhand clothing shops where you have to dig through piles of cast-offs to find a vintage pearl. Here are a handful of addresses where Parisians go for a wallet-friendly vintage fashion shopping spree.

  • Read more about saving on shopping in Paris

Miscellaneous

Finally, a few extra points about Paris to keep in mind.

43. Avoid sketchy situations

With millions of tourists visiting every year, Paris also attracts more than its share of con artists and shady types. Fortunately, they’re usually pretty easy to spot. A stranger approaches you to sign something, hold something, pick something up that they’ve dropped… Just say no and walk away from these common Paris scams . No drama. Just move on. No story is better than endlessly kvetching about it later.

If a stranger approaches you speaking French, do not reply with “I don’t speak French” because they will start speaking English to you. It’s better to ignore them and keep it moving.

To avoid pickpocketing, it’s good practice to keep all your valuables in pockets, pouches, or bags that zip, snap, or close! In crowded places, many pickpockets get away with your things before you even realize they were there.

44. Be smart with your phone

Plan on using your smartphone? Either get a sensible data and international calling package from your carrier back home or buy a SIM card in Paris for use in an unlocked phone. It’s simple and can potentially save you nightmarish data roaming charges.

45. Bring a guidebook!

Here’s some retro advice (ironically conveyed via the Web): bring along a Paris guidebook ! Go deeper by studying up on Paris before you get there. Underline away!

46. Find free Wi-Fi

Even with a good international data plan or a SIM card, whenever possible we still appreciate free Wi-Fi. Fortunately, it’s easy to find in cafes, fast food joints (all McDonald’s), parks and museums. When you’re in a Parisian café or restaurant, don’t be shy, ask the waiter for their Wi-Fi password. If you’re a paying customer, they will happily give it to you!

47. Talk to your bank before you go.

Call your bank before you leave to let them know that you’re heading on a trip to Paris. You don’t want them to block your card when they see international charges pop up.

And while you have them on the phone, ask them about foreign transaction and ATM cash withdrawal fees. They might have a partnership with a bank in Paris that avoids ATM fees. (Here are some questions for your bank .)

  • Read more about practical ways to save in Paris

Have tips to add to our list? Please contribute your thoughts on ways to save when visiting Paris in the comments section below.

Note: This article was updated with additional information, research, and fact-checking by Julia Hamilton in Paris in March 2023.

About the author

Tom Meyers

About the author: Tom Meyers created and launched EuroCheapo from his Berlin apartment in 2001. He returned to New York in 2002, set up office, and has led the EuroCheapo team from the Big Apple ever since. He travels to Europe several times a year to update EuroCheapo's hotel reviews. Tom is also a co-host of the New York City history podcast, The Bowery Boys. Email Tom . [ Find Tom on Google Plus ]

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24 thoughts on “Paris Budget Travel Guide: 47 ways to save on your trip (2023 Update)”

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Can you purchase monthly metro passes for Paris .

Craig Nelson

Hi Connie, You can get an unlimited Metro pass with Navigo: https://www.ratp.fr/en/titres-et-tarifs

plan a trip to paris on a budget

When we do citybreaks we tend to do a LOT of walking and don’t use public transport all that much. So for us, Paris’ Metro Carnet (book of 10 tickets) is perfect. Two great things about them:

1: They don’t expire so any leftover tickets can be kept & used for the next time you visit Paris. 2: They’re 10 individual tickets so you can hand tickets to friends who’re travelling with you and you both benefit from the cheaper price per ticket.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Hey Thanks.

I am looking for a guide in france nearby paris. I will be travelling from India can you please help me

plan a trip to paris on a budget

You left out the HOHO buses.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

As ever, a great piece, in need of some updates and quibbles…

#12: The good news is that it’s been several years now since I had a problem with a chip-equipped U.S.-issued credit card in Metro or RER. The machines are apparently able to detect and validate that it is a no-PIN card. Don’t know about debit cards, though; no experience.

#22: Add me to the crowd on the NO side of the Museum Pass. You would exhaust yourself, and get little from the museums if you were to rush about and see enough to pay for the card. And the other reason people give (avoiding lines) can be done by buying tickets online. Even when there’s a €1 fee, which some do, it’s still going to work out better in cost and time.

#48,49: A reminder that T-Mobile USA customers have free unlimited data and texts throughout Europe and 20c/minute phone calls, so for them, a new SIM is not likely to be useful unless they’re planning to talk a lot. And for those who do buy a European SIM…the old days of buying a new one for each country are over; as of last summer, there are no more roaming charges on European SIMs.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Great article, Tom, but I have to disagree regarding the Paris Visite Pass. It’s a poor value compared to the Paris Museum Pass combined with a Navigo or Mobilis ticket.

Steve http://www.travelingprofessor.com

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Great article. Unfortunately, the transportation prices have increased. It now costs (in 2017) 12.50€ to take the RoissyBus, and you will have to pay 1.90€ for a single metro ticket, and 14.50€ for carnet of 10 tickets.

Thanks for the update. We just fixed the prices to reflect the changes.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Visited Musee d’Orsay November last year and we got free admission when we went there at around 5:00pm. We didn’t even know about the “cleared” status 45 mins before the closing time!

plan a trip to paris on a budget

if you are going to Paris, taking note of these amazing budget tips has to be a “must do” for travelers wanting to get the best out of their trip without spending hordes of cash unnecessarily. You’ve truly done your homework and locked down the most cost-effective ways to see the amazing monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre plus how to get around Paris, eat well and get a ton of free stuff so you won’t miss out on anything you’ve come to see. Top marks for presenting such a budget-friendly take, on seeing the magical city of light!

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Great article, it will be a lot of help 🙂 And what about the under 26 rule? If you are 26 or younger, and a citizen of the EU, you get free entrance to some of the museums and landmarks. Do you know which ones and whether there are any particularities to keep in mind?

Hi Liya, Thanks for reading. Here’s an article about free and discounted museums in Paris, including a link to a great list of under 26 discounts. http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-a-list-of-free-and-discounted-museums.html

And the other thing about the 10-ticket carnet: it covers you on those days when you’ve arrived too late in the week for Navigo (it’s not 7 days, it’s specifically Monday-Sunday) or are leaving town on Monday or Tuesday. But the best part is that carrying a few in your wallet is like throwing coins in the Trevi fountain in Rome: It guarantees you’ll return. And in the meantime, when you have friends or children about to make their first trip, a couple of your tickets make a cute bon voyage gift.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

I totally agree with the comments on the Navigo Pass. It is well worth the effort. We often go to Paris for a month. The month pass for zones 1 and 2 as of 1/14 is 67 Euros and a week is 20 Euros. I always advise friends against the Visite Pass – for a few days the carnet of 10 tickets is often better.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Alas, it is no longer true that the first Sunday of the month is always free. You need to recheck each museum’s site you plan to visit. The Louvre, for example, is no longer free from April to September. From their official site:

Accès le dimanche

Des mois d’octobre à mars : Le premier dimanche de chaque mois, l’accès aux collections permanentes est gratuit pour tous. Des mois d’avril à septembre : pas de gratuité les premiers dimanches du mois.

Thomas Meyers

Thanks for the update, Rob. Sorry to see that the Louvre suspends its free Sunday admission during the peak travel season. We’ll update the post.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

I’ll 2nd the comments on Navigo, and also add that you should carefully consider what zones you need to travel through. On one trip, it worked out better to get a card for zones 1-5, and use it for the RER from CDG. On another trip, I bought it for zones 1-2 and used a regular RER ticket to/from CDG.

I also place some value on having unlimited trips and not needing to stop to buy tickets. It felt more native. Saw lots of locals using a card.

Thank you and the others for your comments about the Navigo Pass, and whether or not it’s worth it. We thought this was an interesting topic, so we wrote an entire post on it here:

Is the Navigo Pass a good deal for your trip? http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-navigo-pass.html

Many thanks, Tom

plan a trip to paris on a budget

I have to disagree with the Paris visite pass…for what it costs, you can get the Navigo pass for just as much and you will use it for 7 days, instead of three. Must have a 1 inch square face pic to purchase. The carnet idea went out years ago, you will use at least 8-10 tickets per day, there’s your cost gone in one day, once again best bet is the Navigo pass..think about it – unlimited travel for 7 days for $23…..I don’t use a museum pass either – too expensive, you’d have to get to three museums a day to pay for the pass….you’ll be lucky to sqeeze in 2 museums a day,so might as well pay the entrance fee….Wine, bottles of water, soda at convenient/supermarkets – extremely cheap, compared to what you pay at the café and certainly not at the hotel….. Forget about ordering a cocktail in France – you’ll run thru your drink budget in two days…….Buses 69 and 73 are good for all around sightseeing thru a great part of the town……Take a taxi? Are you crazy??…from the airport (unless the company is paying the bills) Get on the Roissybus – express to the Opera House – 10 euros..go to Terminal 2B to get on, buy ticket from the machine inside or on the bus.

Gonna disagree on the Paris-Visite card.

In most cases, unless you’re going to spend a LOT of your day on transit vehicles you are better off with the carnet of t+ tickets.

And if you’re going to be around for longer, the Navigo Decouverte card (replacement for the old Carte Orange) allows you to buy a weekly Monday-through-Sunday pass for less than the cost of a 3-day Paris-Visite. True there’s a one-time 5€ charge for the card…but you can make that back if you are enough of a user to really need a pass instead of the carnet.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

One tip for young people from EU: National museums (Louvre for example, and so on) are free for people under 26 from the EU. One only needs to show his passport/id card.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Loved this blog, and agreed with most of it.

Here’s my contribution: Wanna never miss a thing in Paris? check my site (www.theparismap.com): it’s a map of Paris, on it are more than 2,400 markers (updated all the time) of all sorts of stuff: attractions, museums, restaurants, shopping etc. It has several cool filters, and more.

It is not a commercial site: no advertisements, no fees. Free for all.

Moreover: if you surf by smartphone while in Paris, you’ll get the GPS marker on map!

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Great tips, thank you! Didn’t know about the first Sunday of the month. Considering visiting Paris in April or so.

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Hotel tiquetonne.

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Best Paris Travel Budget Calculator (2024)

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Planning a trip to Paris can be an exciting yet intimidating task, especially when calculating the overall travel budget.

As someone who has personally explored this enchanting city, I understand the importance of estimating costs accurately to maximize your experience.

From accommodations and transportation to meals and attractions, keeping track of expenses can help you avoid unforeseen surprises and focus on enjoying the city of love.

One tool that can significantly assist in this process is a Paris Travel Budget Calculator.

This calculator provides a simple and efficient way to estimate your daily expenses in Paris, considering elements like accommodation, food, transportation, and various attractions.

Utilizing a Paris Travel Budget Calculator can help you plan your trip more effectively.

By understanding the potential costs, you can prioritize the city’s must-see attractions and hidden gems, allowing you to craft the perfect Parisian experience tailored to your unique interests and preferences.

Ultimately, this practical tool may open doors to unexpected discoveries and create even more unforgettable memories in the city of lights.

A pink cafe on top of the hill in Montmartre Paris

Table of Contents

How to Use the Calculator

Determine the type of accommodations you desire, whether budget-friendly hostels, mid-range hotels, or luxurious resorts.

Consider how much you’re willing to spend on meals – are you a foodie searching for gourmet experiences, or do you prefer casual dining or grabbing meals on the go?

Your entertainment options, transportation , and sightseeing choices will also significantly affect your budget.

Now that you know your travel preferences clearly, you can start utilizing the Paris Travel Budget Calculator.

Begin by entering the number of days you plan to spend in Paris. This will set the baseline for your calculations.

Next, input estimated travel insurance costs and preferred accommodations , aiming for an average nightly rate.

This information can easily be found by browsing  hotel booking websites .

For meals, determine the average daily cost based on your dining preferences. Similarly, include expenses for transportation within the city.

Lastly, don’t forget to factor in the anticipated costs for various attractions and experiences.

Paris is rich in culture and history, so be sure to allocate funds for museum visits , guided tours , or must-see landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or Louvre.

Once you’ve entered all relevant information, the Paris Travel Budget Calculator will estimate your total expenses for the trip compared to your travel budget.

With this information in hand, you can tailor your plans to align with your financial goals and ensure an enjoyable and budget-conscious journey to the City of Light.

Paris Travel Budget Calculator

How to plan your paris travel budget.

Planning your travel budget for a Paris getaway doesn’t need to be daunting!

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you estimate your travel costs and ensure you make the most of your vacation.

1. Big Ticket Items

Start with the big ticket items. This includes your round-trip airfare and accommodation costs.

Be sure to consider the season as prices fluctuate throughout the year, with peak prices often seen during the summer, Christmas , and New Year .

FareDrop logo of a plane on a suitcase

LOOKING TO SAVE $$ ON FLIGHTS?

Check out FareDrop!

Created by full-time travellers Kara and Nate, FareDrop finds deals that save you up to 80% off your flight. Simply enter your home airport and where your dream destinations and you will receive alerts to the app when a cheap flight is available – this includes business class flights too!

2. Daily Expenses

Next, plan out your daily expenses. This should include food, drinks, transport, and entertainment.

Paris has an incredible culinary scene , from Michelin-starred restaurants to charming sidewalk cafes, so plan your food budget according to your dining preferences.

Don’t forget to include costs for sightseeing, like entry fees for museums and attractions.

Also, consider adding a daily budget for unexpected expenses, as having a buffer is always wise.

Add in costs for any day trips or tours you want. Paris is well situated for a number of great day trips, including Versailles , Mont Saint-Michel, and the Champagne region .

3. Travel Insurance

Account for your travel insurance – an essential for any trip – and any shopping or souvenirs you plan to return. Once you’ve accounted for all these categories, you’ll have a rough estimate of your travel budget.

Compare Travel Insurance Policies Here

4. Unexpected Costs

Remember to keep a little flexibility in your budget for unexpected opportunities. After all, you might stumble upon a fantastic local restaurant or find the perfect souvenir at a Parisian market !

A view of the Eiffel tower across a grassy park area

How To Save for Your Paris Vacation

  • Start by creating a dedicated “Paris Vacation” savings account. Regularly contribute a fixed amount to this account – consistency is key when saving for a specific goal. You might be surprised how quickly these regular contributions can add up over several months.
  • Cutting back on non-essential expenses is another effective way to save money. Perhaps you can skip the daily coffee shop visit and brew your coffee at home, or opt for a night in with a movie instead of a costly night out. Small changes to your daily routine can result in significant savings over time.
  • Consider picking up a side gig or freelancing to supplement your income. Online platforms offer many opportunities, from graphic design and content writing to pet sitting or selling handmade crafts.
  • Planning ahead can also help you save on the trip itself. Booking your flights and accommodation well in advance often results in lower prices. Also, watch for discounted entry fees for attractions or tour packages . Remember, every penny saved is a penny more you can enjoy spending in Paris.

Le consulat cafe in montmatre in Paris

How to Travel Paris on a Budget

Accommodations.

Start by seeking out affordable accommodations. Consider options beyond hotels, such as budget hostels, guesthouses, or vacation rental properties. Sites like VRBO can often provide budget-friendly choices in great locations.

Transportations

Transportation in Paris is also key to saving money.

The city’s public transport system is comprehensive and efficient. Take advantage of the Paris Metro, buses, and the Vélib’ bike-sharing program to get around affordably.

If you plan to visit many sites, consider investing in a Paris Visite travel card for unlimited travel within certain zones.

Eating in Paris can be done on a budget while still enjoying the culinary delights the city is famous for.

Skip the expensive tourist-trap restaurants and opt for local bakeries, street food like crêpes, or supermarket delicacies that you can enjoy in one of Paris’s beautiful parks.

Attractions

When it comes to attractions, many of Paris’s iconic sites such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, or the picturesque neighborhood of Montmartre are free to visit.

Many museums, including the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month, while the Paris Museum Pass can offer substantial savings if you’re planning to visit many paid sites.

Remember, part of the magic of Paris lies in its enchanting streets, bustling markets, and riverside ambience.

Take time to wander and explore without a set destination in mind. After all, the best things in Paris – like the sight of the Eiffel Tower lighting up the night or the charm of a quiet cobblestone street – are absolutely free!

plan a trip to paris on a budget

FAQs: Paris Vacation Budget Calculator

How much would an average trip to paris cost.

The cost of a trip to Paris can vary significantly based on factors like travel season, accommodation choices, and personal spending habits. However, as a rough estimate, expect to budget around $200-$300 per day, which includes accommodation, meals, sightseeing, and local transportation. Thus, a week-long trip might cost between $1,400 and $2,100 per person.

How Much Money Would You Need for 3 Days in Paris?

For a three-day trip to Paris , considering moderate accommodation, meals, sightseeing, and local transportation, you should budget approximately $600-$900. However, costs can vary greatly based on individual preferences and choices. Plan ahead for a more accurate estimate, taking into account current prices and your personal travel style.

How do I Calculate My Travel Budget?

To calculate your travel budget, list all potential costs: round trip airfare, accommodation, daily meals, transportation, attractions, and extra spending money. Research current prices for each. Don’t forget travel insurance and potential emergency expenses. Sum these costs to determine your overall budget. Break this down by day for a daily budget. Adjust as necessary based on your overall financial comfort level.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Wrap Up: Paris Trip Planner

Travelling to the awe-inspiring city of Paris should be an adventure that leaves you with unforgettable memories, not financial worries.

My Paris Travel Budget Calculator is designed to help you prepare and budget effectively, reducing stress and enhancing your overall travel experience.

Remember, budgeting doesn’t mean skimping on experiences, but rather making smart choices that allow you to enjoy all that Paris has to offer.

Use my calculator to take control of your vacation finances and then, all you’ll have left to do is pack your bags, hop on a plane, and say “Bonjour” to Paris!

For a complete guide on visiting Paris make sure you check out the Ultimate Guide to Visiting Paris for the First Time.

This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about visiting Paris from the best neighbourhoods to stay, to the best hotels, places to eat and how to get around.

As well as things to do in Paris and my best tips for your first time in Paris.

Recent Posts:

♦  15+ Best Eiffel Tower Tours + Insider Tips ♦  The Ultimate Guide for your first solo trip to Paris ♦  How to spend one day in Paris: The best 24 hour Paris Itinerary ♦  How to spend 3 days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary ♦  Best Hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower view ♦  Paris at Night Time: How to Spend a Perfect Evening in Paris ♦  Language in Paris: Everything you need to know ♦  How many steps in the Eiffel tower? A guide to climbing the Eiffel Tower ♦  Where is Paris? A guide to the Latitude of Paris ♦  Paris Pronunciation Guide: How to properly Pronounce Paris ♦  Visiting Disneyland Paris on a Solo Trip: Is it worth it?

I'm Fiona, the Australian blogger behind Travelling Thirties. Travel has always been my passion since 2007. I created this site to help inspire you to travel the world. In 2010 I moved from Australia to Scotland with $500 and a one way ticket, no one thought I'd last 5 minutes but I lasted 5 years. I share everything from one day itineraries to travel tips and tricks from Australia to Europe that will inspire you to get out and travel. Some of my favourite countries I have been to are France, Finland, Denmark, and England.

Travel Expertise: Europe Travel, France Travel, Christmas Markets, travel planning, itineraries and travel tips

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Salut from Paris is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Traveling to Paris on a budget is both a challenge and an opportunity. In a city known for its high costs, expenses for essentials like hotels, transport, and food can quickly pile up.

However, with some strategic planning and a few insider tips, you can still enjoy the beauty and culture of Paris without overspending.

As a local without big travel funds, I know how to get around town without spending more than I need to. So I wrote this guide for you to share some of my practical tips and strategies to help you manage your expenses effectively in Paris. Here’s to how to save Money in Paris!

Lena Profile Pic Salut from Paris

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

You also might like these articles :

The 14 most charming Arcades in Paris (+ Covered Passages Map)

  • 18 free Museums in Paris (+tips to save on the others)
  • 70+ Free & Fun Things to do in Paris

Paris on a Budget: 22 Local Insider Tips

Without further ado, here are 22 simple  insider tips  on how to visit Paris on a shoestring budget.

#1 Visit one of the many Free Museums

While the famous Parisian museums like the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay are worth every cent, you can enjoy a wide range of art and culture in Paris for free.

For example, the  Musée Carnavalet  in the Marais district, that is about the history of Paris beginning in prehistoric times. Or the  Maison Victor Hugo , dedicated to the life and works of the famous French writer. 

More free museums in Paris:

  • Musée de la vie Romantique ( more Montmartre highlights here )
  • Modern Art Museum of Paris
  • Musée de la Liberation  (more information here)

The Musée Carnavalet in Paris that is for free

#2 Know how to visit the other Parisians Museums for free

Read our article about free museums in Paris to know more.

Apart from the Parisian museums that are always admission-free, you have even the possibility to visit the big and renowned museums like the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay for free. 

Almost every museum in Paris is  free for everyone under 18 and every EU citizen under 26 . But even if you are not falling into this category, you can still profit from free entries. For example, during the  Nuit Blanche  on the 3rd of June 2023  or the  European Heritage Days  on the 16th and 17th of September 2023. 

If this still does not match your travel plans, you’ll be happy to know that most museums are free on a certain day of the month. For most, it’s the  first Sunday of the month , for others the first  Saturday evening . Best check directly with the museum to know what applies.

CHECKLIST for your Paris Trip

✔ Hotel booked?

  • Budget: Hotel France Albion (8.6)
  • Midrange: Hôtel des Arts (9.6)
  • Upscale: Millésime Hôtel (9.2)
  • Luxury: La Demeure Montaigne (9.1)
  • My Favorite: Hôtel Monte Cristo

✔ Tickets booked?

  • Eiffel Tower ( book here )
  • Paris City Pass ( book here )
  • Louvre ( book here )
  • Arc de Triomphe ( book here )
  • Hop On Hop Off Bus ( book here )

🎁🎁 Exclusive 5% off on Seine Cruises – BOOK HERE with our code SALUT5 🎁🎁

Paris Survival Tips

  • Buy your SIM card in advance
  • Get a Travel Adapter
  • Book your airport transfer
  • Download the free survival guide

Fun Activities

  • Explore the Covered Arcades
  • Discover the quaint Bookstores
  • Find Paris Hidden Cocktail Bars
  • Take an easy Day Trip by train

#3 Consider the Paris Museums Pass

See all Museums included in the Pass here

If you are an art lover, the free museums of Paris surely won’t be enough to please your gallery appetite.

Paris is known for outstanding galleries and museums, and paying for each museum easily adds up. Hence, you certainly won’t regret investing in the  Paris Museums Pas s. The smallest pass is valid for 2 days, and you only need to visit 5 museums for the pass to pay off.  Click here to see all the benefits.

#4 Use the Metro, Bus, and Tram

Read our Metro Guide here to know how to get around

No matter where you are traveling to, using public transportation is the cheapest way of getting around in Paris. The Parisian Metro system is fantastic and transports you quickly and save to wherever you are heading to. Read our post about the  Parisian Metro and how it works  to know more.

Good to know:  You can transfer from Metro to Metro on one ticket if you don’t leave the station. But you need a new ticket if you want to transfer to a bus or a tram.

#5 Buy a  Carnet  of 10 Metro Tickets+

If you’re not taking a travel pass (which can be a smart choice), it is cheaper to purchase a carnet of 10 ticket+ (€16.90)  rather than purchasing tickets one by one. (€2.10)

Just go to the ticket counter that you find at every station, buy a Navigo Pass for €2 and charge it with 10 Tickets.

No matter where you are traveling to, using public transportation is the cheapest way of getting around. The Parisian Metro system is fantastic and transports you quickly and save to wherever you are heading to. Read our post about the Parisian Metro and how it works to know more.

#6 Don’t hesitate to discover Paris on foot

Even though Paris is the capital of France, it is a surprisingly small city. Did you know that  walking from the North to the South edge takes only a bit more than 2 hours ? 

When being in Paris, walking is not only cheap, it is also often the quickest way. We easily underestimate the time we spend inside Metro stations, and regularly it’s indeed almost quicker to just walk than taking the Metro for 3 or 4 stations. Especially if you are in Paris on a budget.

The Eiffel Tower and the cycle lane in front

#7 use the Vélib Service

Read our article on  how to use a Vélib  to make the most out of it. 

But talking about the Metro, the price can quickly add up if you use it regularly.  It can be more frugal to rent a bike with Vélib, the Parisian bike-sharing provider with more than 1000 stations all over Paris. If done correctly, you can rent an  unlimited number of rides per day for as little as €5 .

#8 Eat in Restaurants for Lunch

Paris is, after Tokyo, the city with the most 5-Star Michelin Restaurants. And while these restaurants are not easily affordable for most of us, there are tons of good eateries in Paris to enjoy fantastic food .

To save a considerable amount of money, you should  prioritize lunch over dinner , though. A normal brasserie has usually a set lunch menu (starter and main, or main and dessert) for €10 – €13.

But even most gastronomic restaurants are offering a cheaper menu for lunch. You can expect to be able to treat yourself to an exquisite 3-course lunch for between €20 and €30, a meal that costs you easily double if taken in the evening. 

Restaurant Colorova in Paris: Lunch is a good way to save money in Paris

#9 Take Public Transportation from the Airport

Read our complete guide on how to get from the Airport to Paris

The Parisian airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly are both quite a bit outside of Paris and even though it might be tempting just to hop in a taxi, taking public transportation is almost as easy.

The airports are connected by direct line to the center of Paris and since early March 2022,  train rides are capped at €5 . There is simply no cheaper way than sitting 30–40 minutes on a train. 

#10 Affordable Tourist Attraction: a Seine Cruise

Book the best value Seine Cruise here

If you are keen on doing some sightseeing while in Paris or simply want to embrace your touristic adventure, a cruise on the Seine is a great thing to do. It costs around €18 per person and grants you an hour-long relaxation while enjoying the fantastic Parisian Panorama.

A Cruise on the river Seine is  one of the cheapest activities in Paris , and I recommend doing it by night for the added value.  Paris by night , hat’s really something else. 

#11 Don’t pay for Wi-Fi

To be fair, Paris is maybe a bit behind when it comes to free Wi-Fi, but nevertheless, there are still many spots all over town where you can connect your device. You find a list of all public hotspots  here.

But even if you prefer not to rely on the public network, most stores, and shopping malls provide free internet service and so do Mcdonald’s, Starbucks, Prêt à Manger, and many more.

Alternatively, get an affordable eSim here .

#12 Take advantage of Happy Hours

If you like to enjoy a pint of beer or a glass of wine on a sunny Parisian terrace, you are very easily in for spending big.

Paying €10 or even €12 for a pint is no exception, especially in the center of Paris. For not miss out but neither break the bank, watch out for Happy Hours.

Often  between 17h and 20h , bars serve drinks like beer, simple cocktails , and wine at reduced rates.

Happy Hour in Paris on a budget. Bar in Paris with people sitting on the terrasse

#13 Book an Ibis Hotel

Know which are the best 5 Ibis Hotels in Paris

When traveling to Paris, your accommodation is in most cases the biggest cost factor of your entire trip. Frankly, the prices of hotels and Airbnb are horrendous in Paris, and you pay mostly for the location and not much more. Especially if you are looking for budget and even mid-range hotels.

The Best Ibis in Paris is this one: I bis Paris Grands Boulevards Opéra

A viable alternative if you are in Paris on a budget is always an Ibis hotel. The chain offers  no-frills stays that are affordable but provide a good standard .

More than 50 hotels in Paris belong to the Ibis group, and not every location is great, though. However, I put together a list of 5  Ibis Hotels in Paris , that are all perfectly located to explore Paris!

#14 Buy affordable (but good!) lunches from Boulangeries

Whether you are dreaming of a flaky croissant for breakfast or about biting off the tip of an oven-warm Parisian Baguette , Paris is THE place where you can have it all.

Bakeries in Paris are authentic and very affordable places to treat yourself to delicious French specialties. Be it the pain au chocolate , a quiche for lunch, or a jambon beurre (ham and butter sandwich) for dinner, you can hardly be more authentic.

Expect to pay about €1.30 for a Pain au Chocolat and €1.10 for a Baguette. Sounds great, if you are in Paris on a budget, doesn’t it?

Croissants are an affordable Breakfast in Paris

#15 Don’t have Drinks in the Center of Paris

As already mentioned before, going out in Paris can be costly: A pint of beer can go up to €12, and Cocktails even €20. Your best bet to avoid being charged horrendous prices is to avoid the center of Paris and any hip, exclusive or fancy area.

Overall, the  Buttes-aux-Cailles  in the 13th arrondissement is a great area to go for drinks, and a beer will hardly cost you more than €6.

The same applies to the  student bars in the Latin Quarter  and the pubs around  Canal St. Martin and Oberkampf .

#16 Get free Water at Wallace Fountains

When in Paris on a budget, you don’t need to spend any money on beverages when sightseeing. Just bring your bottle and fill it up at one of the  Wallace Fountains  as you go.

The  107 green statue-like fountains  are significant in the Parisian cityscape, and they provide free drinking water for everyone. Initiated by Sir Richard Wallace a good 150 years ago, they are existent (and heavily used) until today. 

Famous Paris Achitecture: The Wallace Fountain

#17 Join a Free Walking Tour

Talking about the Wallace Fountains, there are several free self-guided walking tours that lead you around Paris to discover the fountains and also the history behind them.  You find them here.

If you are not overly passionate about tab water, you can also join a  free walking tour  with Guruwalk. Even though the booking is free, you are expected to  pay-what-you-want after the tour. 

#18 Attend a Free Summer Festivals

As soon as it gets to spring, the festival season starts in Paris. The first major music festival happens each year on the 21st of June, the Fête de la Musique . Free concerts and events are happening all over Paris, some in venues, some just on the street in front of restaurants and bars.

The Fête de la Musique is followed by Paris Plage, the Fnac Music Festival, the free cinema festival at La Villette and many more.

Paris Plage 2022

#19 Have an Apéro by the Seine

One of the favorite activities of the Parisians is to gather and enjoy an Apéro together. In summer, preferably outdoors. Be it in one of the many Parisian parks, on the stairs of the Sacre Coeur, or along the banks of the Seine.

Organizing an Apéro is fairly easy: Just head to the next supermarket and get snacks and nibbles that you like: bread, cheese, cold cuts, grapes, tomatoes, spreads like hummus or tzatziki, chips, olives, and of course, a bottle of wine or some beers. Voilà, you are all set for an outdoor apéro. 

Seine in Summer: if you are in Paris on a budget, stock up in supermarkets and enjoy an outdoor apero along the seine

#20 Free Water and Bread in Restaurants

It is essential to know that you are neither expected nor obliged to order drinks when eating in a restaurant.

You can simply order a carafe d’eau, and you’ll get a free pitcher of tap water . You just need to be precise and ask for a carafe d’eau. If you order a bottle of water or even sparkling water, you’ll be served a branded bottle and obviously be charged for it.

In most cases, the waiter brings a bottle without that you’re even asking for it. However, if you eat in a fancy restaurant, especially in the evening, ordering a real bottle of water is more appropriate. 

Many dishes are served with bread. You’re not charged for it and can even ask for more. 

#21 You don’t necessarily need to leave Tips in Restaurants

I know it feels weird, if not outright rude, not to tip, but tipping in Paris is not necessary. Waiters earn a normal salary and are not paid through tips. Even though they are not making a fortune, they are more or less paid what employees of hotels, supermarkets, or bakeries are.

This being said, tips are, of course, appreciated and if you feel like tipping, please do so. But don’t feel obliged, especially not to give a tip of more than 10%. Even 10% is pretty high. 

As a guideline, most people leave between €1 or €3 on the table when leaving, depending on their bill. Nevertheless, it is not rude if you leave nothing whatsoever.

Attend a readin in a bookstore - winter activities for Paris

#22 Fill up your schedule with free Paris attractions

Read our article with more than  70 free things to do in Paris

There are many free things to do in Paris and if you are a fan of author readings, keep an eye on the event calendar of the beautiful anglophone bookstore Shakespeare & Company.

At the time of writing, readings and events are less frequently as they were a few years ago, but they’re nevertheless wondererfull.

The readings are free of charge and occasionally, they serve you even some wine.

This is only one of the  fun things to do in Paris for free , there are more! Read our article to get the full list. 

Voilà, my best tips to have a wonderful time in Paris. If you combine them with the many free museums , sights and hidden gems in Paris, you are not set up for spending overly much during your vacation in Paris. Bon Voyage!

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PS: Check out these posts, they will help you plan your trip to Paris

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Budget Travel Blog for 9-to-5 employees | Broke Girl Abroad

  • Europe , Ultimate Travel Guides
  • August 1, 2019
  • No Comments

The Ultimate Paris 4 Day Itinerary for Budget Travelers

Writing about Paris is simple… said no one ever.

How does one fit everything the city has into a 4 day Paris itinerary on a budget? I tried.

When all is said and done, Paris is the most visited city on earth for a reason. Some may say it’s overhyped, but I adored it. The food, the art, the architecture and history all rolled into one unforgettable trip. I’m itching to go back.

This 4 day Paris itinerary will show you the biggest sites on a budget, plus a few hidden food gems in the Latin quarter!

4 Day Itinerary Paris for Budget Travelers

Map of paris.

Introduction to Paris

Official Language(s): French

Currency: Euro

Emergency phone number: 112

When to Go to Paris

plan a trip to paris on a budget

September – October

I visited in August, and while it wasn’t super crowded (many Parisians prefer to vacation during this time) it was pretty hot by my standards. Admittedly, I am more heat sensitive than most.

Still, I’d recommend September – October as ideal months, with cooler weather and smaller crowds. If you don’t mind chilly weather, Paris at Christmas is stunning.

Where to Stay in Paris

plan a trip to paris on a budget

St Christopher’s Inns Canal

Yes, folks, you read that right. An actual hostel on an actual canal. This location will put you at roughly a 30-40 minute metro ride to all of the Paris attraction. So not too bad.

Although, if you’d like a spot more conveniently located, St. Christoper’s also has a hostel next to the Gare du Nord stop.

  • $30 - $130 per night
  • 159 Rue de Crimée, 75019 Paris

Transportation Options in Paris

Metro and rer.

Paris and the transportation system can be classified into two systems; the metro for short stops and the RER for longer rides. If you’re planning on visiting Versailles, you’ll likely end up taking both.

Navigo Decouverte

There are several options to pay; single ride, single day pass, multi-day pass, but the best option is likely the Navigo Decouverte. It’s not aimed at tourists, for reason we’ll get into, but it’s a weekly pass for unlimited rides on all metro, RER, and bus lines in all zones 1-5, which includes Charles de Gaulle airport.

Here’s the catch, because there’s always a catch. Although this comes cheap at 27.15 euros and can be bought at the airport, the pass is only good from Monday thru Sunday. So if you start using your pass on Thursday, it’ll be good until Sunday night. Does that make sense?

If you can’t manage to work the Navigo Decouverte into your schedule, don’t sweat it. It’s only 10 euros to get from CDG to central Paris. You could also very easily walk to most of the destinations, and I speak from experience.

The Navigo Decouverte pass can be bought at a ticket counter at CDG. To save a few euros, have a passport size photo on hand.

Where to Eat in Paris

The Ultimate Paris 4 Day Itinerary for Budget Travelers

Café Panis was so nice and in such a charming location  in the Latin Quarter. I had the best cappuccino of my life, and repeatedly returned for breakfast as a result.

  • 21 Quai de Montebello, 75005 Paris

La Fourmi Ailée

La Fourmi Ailée is an absolutely delightful spot to grab an afternoon tea or coffee. The atmosphere is whimsical and relaxed. You can grab a book off of their shelves, or bring your own, and just sip, read and chill in this cute little cafe.

  • 8 Rue du Fouarre, 75005 Paris

BBP Pigalle

Near Montmartre is every craft beer lover’s dream. It’s a fun stop to taste anything and everything they have on tap. Also… the child in me would like you to know that some of the beer names are funny.

  • 1 Rue de Bruxelles, 75009 Paris

La Maison d’Isabelle

Everyone should visit at least one bakery in Paris and grab a few supplies for a picnic. La Maison d’Isabelle makes for a wonderful stop, but if you’re nowhere nearby, just follow your nose to find a sweet little bakery.

  • 47ter Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris

Day 1 in Paris

The Ultimate Paris 4 Day Itinerary for Budget Travelers

Louvre Museum

Pro tip: before your trip to Paris, buy an online ticket to enter the Louvre, and pay a little extra to skip the line. It’s worth it.

Start your day off at the Louvre Museum, right when it opens for better crowd control.

Fun fact: It’ll take you about 4 months to see every single item in this gigantic palace.

While you can’t necessarily expect to see all 35,000 works (I’d be impressed if you did), the museum has compiled a Masterpiece Trail , detailing what to see and how to see it. It takes roughly 90 minutes, depending on your pace.

From there, feel free to wander around for bit then grab lunch at one of the museum cafes.

  • Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
  • Open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, closed Tuesday

Luxembourg Gardens

I loved taking a walk through the Luxembourg Gardens. No matter what time of year you stroll through, they’re beautiful.

Before you leave the museum, grab a snack or two to go if you can and have a mini picnic on a bench and people watch. It’s way fun.

  • 75006 Paris

*Update: Visit this page to stay updated on the restoration process.*

  • 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
  • Open 7:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m. Monday - Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 7:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Day 2 in Paris

The Ultimate Paris 4 Day Itinerary for Budget Travelers

Musée d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay was hands down my favorite of all the museums I saw while in Paris. It’s much smaller than the Louvre and easier to navigate.

If you’re like me, and love nothing more than a fabulous Impressionist wing, you’re in the right place.

  • 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris
  • Open 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - 9:45 p.m. Thursday, closed Monday

Champs-Élysées

Champs-Élysées roughly translates to “Elysian Fields” or heavenly fields, for us heathens. It’s the most recognized street in the world, and fun just to take a walk down and admire everything that’s going on. There are so many shops and restaurants, it’s a great way to spend an evening.

Not to mention the Arc de Triomphe smack dab in the middle of it all. It’s really cool to see up close, but be very careful crossing the streets to get there. It’s a hectic area of Paris, and cars wait for no tourist.

Montmartre district

It’s a bit of a walk, but consider taking in the Montmartre district for a few hours. Most people come here for the iconic Sacré-Cœur, which is admittedly very cool.

But have a look around if you have the time. It’s an artist district, meaning there’s plenty of cool cafe’s and markets to check out.

(Oh, and there’s a funicular in case you don’t want to walk all the way up to Sacré-Cœur. I completely understand.)

  • 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris
  • Open 6 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. daily

Day 3 in Paris

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Take a day trip

On day 3, I’d say it’s time to get outside Paris and explore the fabulous Palace of Versailles.

You’ll find several tours that will take you there, and… they’re expensive. 

Don’t worry! Transportation is pretty easy to DIY, and you’ll save a bunch of cash in the process.

To get to the Palace of Versailles: Begin at the RER stop Saint-Michel Notre-Dame. Take the RER C for 13 stops to Gare de Versailles Château.

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is opulence in its finest form.

Walking through King Louis XIV royal residence really gives you an idea of how the Sun King viewed himself. And let’s not forget the Gardens, where during the his reign, it used more water than all of Paris. Not even kidding. The man was extra.

To return to Paris for our next stop, take the RER C to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, and then switch to RER B for three stops to Denfert-Rochereau.

  • Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles
  • Open Tuesday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Closed Mondays.

The Catacombs of Paris

I tried to schedule this eery stop when there would likely still be light outside, but then again, I’m a coward.

These tunnels are endless, so it would entirely depend on how long you’d want to explore. Me? I’d check the place out for a few minutes then quickly peace out. Up to you.

A reservation in advance is required.

  • 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris
  • Open Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Closed Mondays.

While you’re visiting one of the biggest artistic hubs in the world, might as well see a show, right?

Paris has so many options to choose from; Moulin Rogue, the Opera House, Paris Theater, etc.

If you’re overwhelmed, or don’t know where to start, this site will show you what’s showing during the month of your planned stay.

Day 4 in Paris

The Ultimate Paris 4 Day Itinerary for Budget Travelers

Sainte-Chapelle

Of all the churches I saw in Europe (so… about 15,000), the Sainte-Chapelle was my favorite.

If you can, plan your visit during sunrise or sunset. The second story glass windows are meant to be seen that way (probably). The view is break-taking. I haven’t seen anything like it since.

  • 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris
  • Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Conciergerie

A lesser visited stop is the Conciergerie, where Marie Antoinette spent her final days. The building architecture is every bit as creepy and ghoulish as it’s history.

It walks you through the entirety of the French Revolution and the struggle to establish a democracy.

  • 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris
  • Open 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Eiffel Tower

Is going up the Eiffel Tower a giant tourist cliche? Duh. But I fully endorse it.

Paris is meant to be seen from above. It’s truly something special. Go in the evening or at night, fewer people and prettier views.

Also, after dark, the tower sparkles for five minutes every hour on the hour at night. It’s a beautiful send off.

  • Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris
  • Open 9:30 a.m. - 11:45 p.m.

Cost Calculator

Know before you go.

Whenever you enter a building, say “Bonjour!” Also, round the check up if you’d like to leave a tip. 

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View of the Eiffel Tower from Galeries Lafayette Department Store, a must-see during your 2 days in Paris itinerary

How Much Does a Trip to Paris Cost (On Any Budget)?

There’s no getting around it: a trip to Paris costs a pretty penny.

The City of Lights is not a cheap place to visit, and planning a Paris travel budget will likely require some sacrifice.

That being said, there’s a reason that a trip to Paris, cost aside, is a bucket list trip for so many around the world.

Paris is a captivating, enthralling, endlessly interesting city, with a never-ending list of things to see and do (and some of them won’t even add a penny to your Paris travel budget).

Ready to put pen to paper and plan the less-romantic aspects of your trip to Paris?

Here’s how much a trip to Paris costs.

Hotel de Ville in Paris France, one of the most instagrammable places in Paris

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Table of Contents

How to Use This Trip to Paris Cost Guide

Budget trip to paris cost: $50-$80/day, mid-range trip to paris cost: $120-$150/day, luxury trip to paris cost: $350/day & up, quick reference sheet: cost of popular paris attractions, free things to do in paris, getting to paris on a budget, how to save money on your trip to paris.

Obviously, every traveler and every Paris travel budget is unique–but after traveling to Paris many times on many different budgets, from budget backpackers in our early twenties all the way through more comfortable price points, we’ve put together these estimates to help paint a clear picture of what a trip to Paris costs at several different budget levels.

All of these estimates for the price of a trip to Paris are given in USD unless otherwise stated and are for one person–if you’re traveling in a group, you’ll likely be able to squeeze by on numbers a bit lower than these.

The estimates also assume you’re traveling during high season (summer) or shoulder season (late spring, early fall).

If you are trying to calculate your trip to Paris cost for a winter trip, you’ll likely be able to travel a bit more comfortably–we’ll get into that more below.

Busy cafe in Paris with diners in front of it--experiences like this are an idyllic part of any trip to Paris, cost aside.

Planning a trip to Paris on a budget is completely doable… but it will absolutely come with some sacrifices. 

This is a rough sketch of what a budget trip to Paris will cost and feel like.

Keep in mind that this is a budget trip in the sense of a traveler who is visiting Paris as a standalone destination or as part of a defined trip.

Shoestring backpackers who would like to cut costs by Couchsurfing, avoiding all paid attractions, etc, will, of course, be able to get by on less, but that is not how we would recommend seeing Paris!

Accommodation

When traveling on a strict budget, a hostel in Paris is a must. In high season, you may be able to find a hostel dorm bed for around $20/night.

H owever, if you’d like to be in a decent area and stay somewhere that doesn’t get atrocious reviews, you’ll really need to aim for around $30/night.

Accommodation is one of the biggest budget considerations in any trip, but especially for budget solo travelers in France , who will especially benefit from considering a hostel instead of a hotel.

Odette Cafe in Paris with no people in front, one of the best places to take photos in Paris France

Transportation

A carnet (or set of 10) metro tickets in Paris costs 14.9 Euro (or about $17). Other than walking, this is the best way to manage your trip to Paris’ cost as far as transportation goes.

Keep in mind that RER tickets that take you beyond central Paris–like to the airport or Versailles–cost a bit more and must be bought separately.

When visiting Paris on a strict budget, taxis and Ubers should be avoided.

Eating in Paris on a budget will mean lots of takeaway crepes and sandwiches, quite a few groceries (especially if you have access to a hostel kitchen), and a need to be very careful about your restaurant choices.

If you’d like to splurge on a couple of restaurant meals, we recommend eating out for lunch instead of dinner and choosing a well-reviewed and affordable spot. Bouillon Pigalle and Bouillon Chartier are two we can recommend.

Breakfast will be best picked up from a bakery–fresh French pastries are undoubtedly an excellent way to begin a day, no matter what your budget is.

Kate Storm in a red dress with a bowl of French onion soup on the table in front of her--Bouillon Pigalle is a great pick for lunch during your weekend trip to Paris!

Tours & Attractions

Depending on how strict of a travel budget for Paris you’ve put yourself on and what time of year you visit (ie, how much of your budget you’re blowing on lodging), visiting paid attractions may be quite limited.

At this price point, basically all guided tours of museums and attractions will be out of the question with the exception of perhaps one bucket list spot.

You’ll likely be able to work a few museums into your budget, which generally cost 10-15 Euro for major museums, while small, lesser known museums may be much less expensive or even free.

3 Days in Paris Itinerary: Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Gardens

Most of our trips to Paris cost roughly this much these days, and we consider ourselves mid-range travelers there more often than not.

At this price point, you’ll be able to visit most attractions you would like to see, splurge on a guided tour or two, possibly add in a food tour or day trip of some kind, and eat at restaurants more comfortably,

However, traveling on a mid-range budget in Paris still does require carefully tracking your finances and making some sacrifices when deciding where to splurge or save–without paying attention, it would be very easy to blow a mid-range Paris travel budget.

Kate Storm in a blue and white dress looking away from the camera on a skybridge in Galeries Lafayette, one of the best places for photography in Paris

Depending on whether you’re traveling alone or as part of a larger group, and what time of year you visit, you may struggle to find comfortable lodging on a mid-range budget in Paris.

We recommend booking at least a few weeks in advance if you can, especially during high season, as hotels in the 2-3 star, $100-200 USD range do fill up rather quickly.

While you may need to sacrifice a bit on location (we stayed out in Montmartre for one of our visits partially to save some money), staying near a metro stop will allow you to access the rest of Paris with ease.

Also: be prepared to stay in a very small room! Hotel rooms in Paris are notoriously small, and at this price point, even more so.

Photo of a Parisian Street looking out a window at Hotel Abbatial Saint Germain with red flowers in the foreground--this is a great pick if you're looking for somewhere to spend your weekend in Paris!

A carnet (or set of 10) metro tickets in Paris costs 14.9 Euro (or about $17). 

Other than walking, this is the best way to manage your trip to Paris’ cost as far as transportation goes, but unlike those traveling on a stricter budget, you may want to consider taking a taxi or Uber in from the airport instead of the train if you arrive at an off time or don’t want to deal with the hassle of potentially changing trains with luggage.

On a mid-range budget, you’ll be able to comfortably eat at least one sit-down restaurant meal a day, and also perhaps splurge on a foodie experience if that appeals to you, whether that’s a cooking class, a food tour, or a nice dinner out on the town.

La Maison Rose on Montmartre next to an empty street--definitely a pretty stop along the way during your 2 days in Paris France!

Prioritization will be a big requirement when balancing the cost of a trip to Paris with traveling on a mid-range budget.

You’ll be able to visit most paid attractions that you’d like, though perhaps not every single one, and adding 2-3 guided tours will be possible if that’s something you’d like to prioritize.

If you have your heart set on a particular bucket list experience in Paris, like a dinner cruise down the Seine or a meal at an upscale restaurant, you’ll likely need to cut expenses elsewhere to make it work.

3 Days in Paris Itinerary: Sacre Coeur

While I’m defining a trip to Paris costing $350 and up per person as a luxury trip, the sky is the limit when it comes to luxury travel in Paris. 

With the right funds, you could easily spend $1000 a day, $2000 a day, or more exploring the City of Lights–especially when staying in its luxury hotels.

At $350 per person, though, you’ll be comfortable enough to do just about anything you want to do in Paris (within reason, of course).

Here’s what that would look like.

Pont Alexander III in Paris France

On the lower end of a luxury travel budget in Paris, a four-star hotel in a decent location is an option throughout the year and the luxuries scale from there.

Paris is littered with opulent five-star hotels and glamorous apartment buildings, and with enough of a budget, this is a way to truly splurge in Paris.

Honestly, while you certainly can afford to take Ubers and taxis to get around Paris on a luxury budget, the ever-affordable and reliable metro is still going to be the most efficient way to get around in most cases.

For day trips, however, you’ll have more options on a higher budget, such as booking faster trains at better time slots, arranging for a driver, or taking guided trips with small groups out of town.

Paris Itinerary 3 Days: Getting Around Paris

Paris is the perfect city to linger over long dinners at Michelin Star restaurants, complete intricate wine tastings, and enjoy all manner of luxury dining experiences.

A higher budget will allow for these meals at least some nights, and will undoubtedly be part of a luxury trip to Paris.

If upscale dining is important to you, bear in mind that you’ll want to make reservations as early as possible at the most popular spots.

Paris in Winter: Macaron Baking Class with Le Foodist

Touring the City of Lights without worrying about how much your trip to Paris costs allows for some truly epic experiences: think private tours through some of the best museums on the planet, dining at top restaurants run by gifted chefs, and shopping at the flagship stores of world-famous designers.

Whatever your taste, Paris has something to offer.

Visiting Versailles: Hall of Mirrors

As you start thinking about which Paris highlights are worth the money to you (and which aren’t), here’s a quick snapshot of the prices of visiting some of Paris’ most popular attractions to give you an idea of what kind of investment you’re looking at.

Luckily, you can buy skip-the-line attractions for many places in Paris, including the Arc de Triomphe and Sainte-Chapelle, without paying a penny extra–so we absolutely recommend taking advantage of those deals.

Paris Three Day Itinerary: View of Montmartre

Visiting the Top of the Eiffel Tower: 16 Euros & up

The cost of visiting the Eiffel Tower varies wildly, with different price points depending on whether you want to use the lift or the stairs, whether you want to visit only the second floor or go all the way to the top, and whether you want to skip the line.

Honestly, we don’t recommend going up–it’s a crowded madhouse and doesn’t have the best view of Paris (I mean, how could it possibly when the Eiffel Tower itself isn’t in the shot?).

Timed Ticket to the Louvre: 17 Euros

Be sure to book these tickets in advance–if you try to book for the same day, especially during high season, there’s a good chance that there won’t be any more time slots available.

This price, of course, doesn’t include a tour– here’s the Louvre tour we loved if you’d like to take a look at that. Louvre tours are generally 50 Euros & up, though they do include entrance fees.

Book your visit to the Louvre today! You can get  timed skip-the-line tickets here , book the same  amazing tour we took here , or book another  well-reviewed tour of the Louvre here .

Winged Victory Statue in the Louvre--when calculating your trip to Paris cost, definitely try to budget to see the Louvre!

Arc de Triomphe Ticket: 12 Euros

Now that the rooftop of Notre Dame is no longer available for visits, we can confidently say the top of the Arc de Triomphe holds our favorite view of Paris–we definitely recommend going up if you can work it into your Paris travel budget!

Book your skip-the-line tickets for the Arc de Triomphe  today!

Paris Honeymoon: View of Paris

Sainte-Chapelle Ticket: 10 Euros

Stunningly beautiful and one of the prettiest houses of worship in the world (in my opinion, anyway), this Gothic chapel is definitely worth seeing.

Buy your skip-the-line tickets for Sainte-Chapelle  today!

Stained Glass of Sainte-Chapelle with rear window of stained glass in the center--this chapel belongs on any Paris itinerary, and you should definitely visit during your Paris weekend trip!

Though Paris is generally an expensive city to visit, savvy (or broke) travelers can generally find plenty of ways to save money in Paris–starting with taking advantage of the many, many free things to do in Paris.

Admire the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero.

The most famous viewpoint to admire the Eiffel Tower from, the sprawling balcony of Trocadero, is completely free to visit–and snapping photos here is an incredibly easy and fun way to enjoy Paris (though don’t forget to climb down eventually and search for your own angles on the tower, too!).

Eiffel Tower as seen from Trocadero--this view of Paris is completely free, no need to add it to your Paris travel budget

Stroll through Paris’ many gardens.

Paris is full of gardens and parks just waiting to be explored, starting with the magnificent Luxembourg Gardens and Tuileries Gardens.

Wander the streets of Montmartre.

Exploring the cobblestone streets and pretty, quiet lanes of Montmartre (once you get past the crowded madness of Sacre Coeur and the Place du Tertre, that is) will allow you see some of the loveliest spots in Paris with completely no cost… minus the sacrifice your legs will make to climb up and down those steep hills, that is.

Kate Storm in a red dress in front of La Consulat cafe in Montmartre, one of the most instagrammable places in Paris

Take in an epic view of Paris from the Galeries Lafayette Rooftop.

Want to see Paris from above but can’t work a tour to the top of a monument into your trip to Paris travel budget? No worries.

The 7th-floor rooftop terrace of the Galeries Lafayette department store has a fabulous view of the city, the Eiffel Tower, and the Palais Garnier–and it doesn’t cost a penny to visit.

View of Paris Opera House and Eiffel Tower from rooftop of Galeries Lafayette, one of the best instagram spots in Paris

Step inside the Church of Saint Sulpice.

Notre Dame may be closed indefinitely, but the second-biggest church in Paris is still open, and it is both open and free to visit–it won’t add a penny to the price of a trip to Paris.

The sweeping interior is impressive and beautiful, and it is definitely worth seeing during your trip to Paris.

Interior of Church of Saint Sulpice in Paris--when trying to learn how much a trip to Paris costs, keep in mind that many gorgeous spots like this are free to visit!

Stroll along the Seine.

We especially recommend strolling across the Pont des Arts for lovely views of Il de la Cite, across Pont Alexander III to admire the prettiest bridge in Paris, and across the river from Il de la Cite to enjoy the beautiful bouquinistes as they hawk books and other wares.

Explore Pere Lachaise Cemetery.

Paris’ famous Pere Lachaise Cemetery feels like an odd combination of final resting place and lovely city park, home to ambling trails, gorgeous trees that offer shade, and some very famous graves (Oscar Wilde, Frederic Chopin, and Jim Morrison were all laid to rest there).

The cemetery is free to visit and a lovely way to spend an afternoon in Paris.

Mausoleums in Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Paris France--this cemetery is one of the many free things to see in Paris

Go on a personalized scavenger hunt for hidden Parisian gems.

Did you know that Nicholas Flamel lived in Paris, and you can still see carvings on the front of his former house… which also happens to be the oldest domestic building still standing in Paris?

Or that there is a vineyard and a couple of windmills (not including the Moulin Rouge) left in Montmartre? 

Or that Paris is home to a pet cemetery, or that there’s an incredibly unique building on Avenue Rapp that looks like it belongs in Barcelona?

It may not be exactly the same as being in a museum, but Paris’ streets are free to explore and are absolutely stuffed with incredible things to see–as long as you know what you’re looking at.

Shave some money off your trip to Paris’ cost by spending a day looking for little-known landmarks around Paris.

Close up of the carvings over the door of Nicholas Flamel's house, a great spot to visit when looking for hidden gems in Paris!

We’ve intentionally left out the costs of getting to Paris from this Paris travel budget guide because the costs vary so wildly depending on where you’re coming from.

However, here’s the good news: whether you’re coming from North America, Europe, or somewhere else, Paris is generally very affordable to get to as compared to other cities in the region–in fact, those (comparatively) low prices are a big part of the reason we ended up visiting Paris on our first trip to Europe years ago!

Charles de Gaulle Airport is a huge international hub, and Paris Orly Airport is a solid second option that receives many flights–especially budget flights from within Europe–daily.

Paris is also well-connected to many other European cities by train, so those who are already on the continent will be able to compare prices there as well.

If you are flying in and are able to be flexible with your dates, absolutely take advantage of that and arrange for the most advantageous flight you can–sometimes flying a day or two earlier or later can save hundreds per ticket.

We run all of our flights through Google Flights and take a look at the monthly calendar before booking–it’s an incredibly easy way to know if you can save money on the transportation part of your Paris travel budget.

Second Trip to Paris: Books on Banks of the Seine

Consider traveling in the offseason.

Above all else, this is the number one thing you can do to save money on the cost of a trip to Paris: travel in the offseason.

Paris in November, December, or January is a dramatically cheaper tourist destination than in June, July, or August–and as a bonus, you’ll have far fewer crowds to contend with as well.

The biggest reason for this is the cost of a hotel. Lodging, as we discussed above, is very expensive in Paris, and you can knock a huge percentage off your overall trip to Paris cost simply by traveling when the hotels are a bit emptier (and therefore more in the mood to entice customers).

We’ve visited Paris during the winter twice and adored both our visits–sure, we miss the gardens and liveliness of summer in the city a bit, but it’s a completely reasonable trade-off, and we’d be thrilled to return during the winter yet again.

Winter in Paris: Jeremy Storm and Kate Storm taking a selfie in front of Sacre Coeur while bundled up in coats

Pay attention to free days at museums.

If you’re traveling on a very strict budget in Paris, note that even the biggest of Paris’ museums have limited times in which they are free to enter: for the Musee d’Orsay, it’s the first Sunday of every month, and for the Louvre, it’s evenings on the first Saturday of each month.

Of course, what you’ll save in cash you’ll pay for in increased crowds, but if you are trying to stretch your Paris travel budget as far as possible, it’s worth doing some research on the exact options for any museums you’re hoping to see.

Interior of Musee d'Orsay--if you love impressionist art, definitely add this place to your Paris travel budget!

Don’t go to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

You know what iconic piece of Paris’ skyline is missing from the top of the Eiffel Tower?

… The Eiffel Tower.

Seriously, visiting the top of the Eiffel Tower is one of the most expensive ways to see the Paris skyline, and it comes with the very real deficiency of not being able to see the star of the show while you’re up there.

If it has long been your dream to go, by all means, go and enjoy–but don’t feel like it’s a must-have experience in Paris, either.

For other (less expensive) views of Paris, head to the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre Coeur, Galeries Lafayette, or the Montparnasse Tower, among others.

3 Days in Paris Itinerary: Luxembourg Gardens

Embrace crepes & picnics.

Trying to eat on a budget in Paris?

Be sure to stop at least once (and if you’re on a strict budget, definitely more than once) for a takeaway crepe–fresh, warm, cheap, and delicious, they are an absolute treat and regardless of budget, they’re worth tasting in Paris.

Also, one of the most famous Parisian experiences of all–a picnic–is one of the cheapest ways to eat in the city. Grab a baguette, some cheese, some meat, possibly some wine, and whatever else your heart desires and sit down to eat with a beautiful view.

Keep in mind that there are regulations around picnicking in some parts of Paris–drinking alcohol is prohibited in the Luxembourg Gardens, for example, though word on the street is that locals do so discreetly.

Paris in Winter: Warm up with Crepes!

Decide what bucket list experiences you must have, and budget for them ahead of time.

When carefully calculating how much your trip to Paris will cost, be sure to plan for at least one truly bucket list experience–since Paris the trip of a lifetime for many, the sort of destination that tens of thousands of children dream about visiting, odds are you have at least one thing in mind that you absolutely must do while in the City of Lights.

Whether that’s touring the Louvre or admiring the skyline from the Eiffel Tower or cruising down the Seine, your Paris travel budget will be best served by committing to the experience ahead of time and budgeting for it in a separate category from your daily expenses.

Bring your student ID.

If you’re a student (or an EU resident under 26), you’re entitled to free or reduced admission at many popular sights around Paris, so be sure to keep it handy!

Don’t sit down at a restaurant without doing your research.

In a city as touristy as Paris, there’s no shortage of restaurants that are tourist traps, whether that means mediocre food, obnoxiously high prices, or both.

Before sitting down to eat, give the restaurant a quick Google search to check reviews, and also glance at their menu.

You’ll save yourself plenty of money on your Paris travel budget this way, not to mention avoid disappointing your stomach.

Photo of the Eiffel Tower being framed by leafy trees. Black and red text on a white background reads "How to Budget for a Trip to Paris Cost"

About Kate Storm

Image of the author, Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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Home > Paris Travel Tips > Paris Trip Planner: Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Trip to Paris 2024

Paris Trip Planner: Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Trip to Paris 2024

How to plan a trip to paris, france.

If you’re planning a trip to Paris in 2024, you will want to read this Paris Travel Planner . Paris for first-timers can be overwhelming; there are so many things to see and do! That’s why we want to help with our Paris Trip Planner .

This Paris Trip Planner covers everything you need to know to plan a trip to Paris, including the best time to visit Paris, where to stay, what to do, how to move around, and more.

Do you need help with your Paris trip planning? So let’s get started! Here’s how to plan a trip to Paris, France, you’ll never forget in easy steps that works for any kind of trip — no matter how long you’re going for! Just follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be off to Paris in no time!

Paris Travel Planning

Paris Travel Planner 2024 Content:

  • Best Time to Visit Paris
  • Booking your Flight or Train Ticket to Paris
  • Travel Insurance
  • Where to Stay in Paris
  • Accommodation in Paris
  • How to Get from Paris Airport to City
  • The Cheat Sheet for Your Paris Trip Planner
  • Paris Itinerary Planner
  • What to Eat & Drink in Paris
  • Day Trips from Paris
  • Planning a Trip to Paris: Know Before You Go

There is no best way to plan a trip to Paris, France, but if you follow this step-by-step Paris Planner, you won’t forget the essentials.

GOOD TO KNOW: If you are planning a honeymoon to Paris or a family trip to Paris, you can complete the reading of this Paris Travel Planner with our specific guides:

  • Paris honeymoon guide
  • Quick guide to Paris for kids

1. Best Time to Visit Paris

When is the best time to travel to Paris? “ Paris is always a good idea , ” and there is never a bad time to travel to Paris. The city has beautiful parks and picturesque streets that are great to explore under the sun. It also has some of the world’s best museums and other interesting indoor options when it rains, or it’s too cold to be outside.

TIP: In general, the best time to go to Paris is from May to October, and then December for the Christmas Holidays .

If you are flexible with dates, important things to consider when you are planning a Paris trip are the low /high tourist seasons and the weather in Paris. This is what you need to know:

Seasons in Paris

What is the best season to visit Paris? This graphic below represents the weather in Paris year-round, with average temperatures (in Celsius) and average rainfall (%).

Weather in Paris year round, Best Time to Visit Paris - Planning a Trip to Paris

>>   Spring is a good time to visit Paris. Spring means blue skies, the gardens in Paris in bloom , and animated café-terraces. The city is also famous for its cherry blossoms (check out our favorite cherry blossom spots in Paris ), usually in March and April.

However, temperatures are still fresh (minimums of 4C° to 10C°), with frequent showers. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella and a jacket in your day bag!

Spring Months in Paris

Square du Vert Galant - Paris

>> Summer in Paris comes with longer days and nice temperatures (maximums of 23C° to 25C°). With a long list of summer festivals and cool outdoor activities everywhere, no wonder Paris is one of the best summer destinations in Europe !

However, summer is also the high season in Paris, which means more tourists, long lines to visit the main attractions, and higher prices.

Summer Months in Paris

Canal Saint-Martin Paris

>> Fall is, in our opinion, the best season for a first time in Paris. The colors of the trees are gorgeous, temperatures are still pleasant (maximums of 11C° to 21C°), and there are fewer tourists. In the last couple of years, we could organize outdoor activities until mid-November, with bright and sunny days.

Fall Months in Paris

Stairs of Montmartre - Paris

>> Winter in Paris is not the best time to visit Paris in terms of weather (minimums of 2C° to 7°C and only 4 to 5 hours of light), and sunset in Paris is very early. However, some people love to travel to Paris at Christmas time to see Paris’s decorations and illuminations and the best Christmas markets in Paris .

Paris is also a popular destination for Saint Valentine’s  in February. There are many romantic things to do in Paris !

Winter Months in Paris

Winter in Paris

Tourist Seasons in Paris

>>  The high season in Paris is considered from 1st April to 31st October. It means nice weather and more hours of daylight and many people will tell you this is the best time to visit Paris.

But at the same time, the high season in Paris is not the best season to plan a trip to Paris in terms of budget (best accommodation sold out, higher prices). Also, the city is too crowded with tourists – especially in the summer – while locals are somewhere else on holiday.

>> The low season in Paris goes from 1st November to 31st March, except for Paris at Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Paris . This is the cheapest time to travel to Paris and the best time to visit Paris to avoid crowds. If you decide to travel off-season, you will get a more local experience, and it will be easier to find good deals on accommodation, for example.

In the end, Paris is a movable feast and (sun or rain) you will have a great time!

Paris Olympics 2024

Olympic Rings Hotel de Ville - Paris

The Summer Olympics 2024 will be held in Paris and France from Friday, 26 July to Sunday, 11 August 2024 . This will be the biggest event ever organized in the country, so expect more visitors than usual (=book everything NOW!).

If you are planning a trip to Paris around these dates, check out our Paris Olympics 2024 Guide so you don’t miss anything on such a historical event.

Best Time to Visit Paris: Our Tips for your Paris Trip Planning

Be flexible with your dates. Flexibility is key, especially if you are planning a trip to Paris on a budget. Flight tickets or train tickets to Paris will be more expensive:

  • During the school holidays in France ;
  • During holidays in France or Europe;
  • Weekend trips (Friday to Sunday);
  • During special events like New Year’s Eve or Saint Valentine’s Day.

If you are a museum lover visiting Paris for the first time, the best time to go to Paris will probably be the first weekend of the month when you can visit many museums in Paris for free. Some of these museums have this offer all year round, while other museums are only free during the winter months.

2. Booking your Flight or Train Ticket to Paris

train station in Paris

Flight Tickets to Paris

Paris has three airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) , north of Paris; Paris Orly (ORY) , south of Paris; and Paris-Beauvais (BVA) . Despite its name, Paris Beauvais is not in Paris but in the city of Beauvais (80 km north of Paris, in the Hauts-de-France region).

If you are traveling to Paris from somewhere overseas, you will probably land at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) . Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is used mainly for flights to /from Europe and North Africa, while Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA) is mainly for Ryan Air flights.

Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport are more or less at the same distance from Paris, so if you are traveling from Europe, you can choose whatever flight (or flight company) you like. We don’t like Orly Airport (ORY) that much, so we always try to book flights from /to Paris Charles de Gaulle. But this is just our opinion.

Lately, we like to book our flights with Omio , a search engine for all major forms of transport that is very easy to use! It has different filters – time, number of scales, departure time – so the research and booking process is straightforward – Click here to buy your flight tickets to Paris with Omio

Train Tickets to Paris

If you live in Europe, high-speed trains are a good and definitely a more eco-friendly option for your trip to Paris. Here are some of the main European destinations served from the stations in Paris.

  • Gare du Nord: London (Eurostar), Brussels, Cologne, and Amsterdam (Thalys)
  • Gare de l’Est: Germany, and Luxembourg
  • Gare de Lyon: Switzerland (Geneva, Zurich), Italy, and Catalunya (Girona, Barcelona)
  • Gare d’Austerlitz: Western Spain.

We like and recommend Omio to book train tickets from /to Paris. The website is straightforward to use, it is written in English, and it proposes interesting promotions from time to time – Click here to buy your train tickets to Paris with Omio

Our readers from the UK and Australia, however, prefer  Trainline , probably because it has its headquarters in the UK. Trainline is also in English and works more or less like Omio.

So there’s the Omio team and the Trainline team, but you should always find the same information and ticket prices in both sites.

3. Don’t Skimp on Travel Insurance

Don’t skimp on Travel Insurance when you plan your trip to Paris 2024. Since anything can happen while traveling, the best thing you can do for yourself is to be insured.

Before going through other aspects of your Paris planning, ensure you are completely covered before traveling to minimize the financial risks of theft, loss of luggage, or flight cancellation.

SafetyWing has super affordable plans for budget travelers for long and short trips. While marketed as “Nomad Insurance,” you can get it for as little as five days. You can sign up for SafetyWing insurance even if your journey has already started! – Click here to get a quote for your next trip to Paris.

HeyMondo is another option for your Paris trip. It offers travelers insurance that combines medical and travel-related coverage for single trips (leisure and business trips), annual multi-trip, and extended stays (with COVID-19 coverage included). Use this link to get a 5% off .

You can also compare plans, prices, and coverage with Travel Insurance Master , a comparison site that will find the perfect fit for you amongst the world’s leading programs. Travel Insurance Master is also the best place to look for senior travelers .

Schengen Area Travel Insurance

For those who require a visa to enter France or any other Schengen country , travel insurance covering repatriation and medical expenses is compulsory. The necessary visa to enter Europe will not be issued unless you provide proof of suitable coverage – Buy your travel insurance with HeyMondo

4. Where to Stay in Paris

Planning a trip to Paris for the first time can be challenging, especially when it comes to deciding which area you want to stay in Paris.

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (=districts of Paris), which are also administrative divisions. In each Paris Arrondissement , there is a town hall (Mairie), a mayor and elected officials, a council, a politician, and so on. Of course, each division is still subject to the city’s overall policy and the mayor of Paris, the socialist Anne Hidalgo.

To find your bearings in Paris , there is a little trick: the 1st Paris arrondissement is in the center of Paris, then the other Paris arrondissements are located forming a spiral turning clockwise, to finish in the 20th in the east. Check out our Districts of Paris Guide to learn more about the Arrondissements of Paris.

Map of Paris by Arrondissement

Where to stay in Paris? The best area to stay in Paris very much depends on the sort of trip you’re planning. Check our suggestions below for sightseeing, luxury, family, and first-time trips to Paris.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

5. Accommodation in Paris

Hotels in Paris

So you got your train or flight tickets for your Paris trip, and the countdown starts! In the previous chapter, you have more or less decided where to stay in Paris (the Arrondissement of Paris). The next step of your Paris travel plan is to book accommodation in Paris.

Hotels and Hostels in Paris

Hotels can be so much more than a simple place to rest your head, and a city like Paris cannot disappoint in terms of accommodation: your Paris hotel can be just as memorable as your sightseeing!

When it comes to booking your bed in Paris, the best site to search and compare different accommodation options in Europe is Booking.com because you have everything from hostels to luxury hotels. What we have found quite regularly on Booking.com is that you can get a room in a small hotel for the same price as a hostel. Research makes all the difference!

Click here to book your hotel with Booking.com

>> For a top Paris experience, stay in a hotel with views of the Eiffel Tower or, even better, in one of the fabulous historic hotels of Paris . All these hotels are gorgeous and the beginning of a five-star Parisian experience!

>> Truth be told, these historic hotels are not for all the pockets. But there are many unique themed hotels in Paris that certainly know how to give their guests a memorable and colorful stay for less money. If you plan a trip to Paris in the summer, consider one of the Paris hotels with a pool for the warmest days.

>> For those people traveling on a budget, we hand-picked the  best hostels in Paris (with dorms but also private rooms). You will be surprised at how cute our proposals are, but in a city like Paris, it could not be otherwise!

Check out these lists of best hotels in the most popular neighborhoods in Paris:

  • Best hotels near the Louvre Museum
  • Best hotels in Le Marais
  • Best hotels in the Latin Quarter
  • Best hotels in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Furnished Apartments in Paris

For a much more local experience, consider renting an apartment in Paris . This is definitely a much more local option than a hotel or a hostel, plus you can even cook some of your meals to save money. And there are some apartments with Eiffel Tower views too!

If you decide to rent an apartment in Paris, we recommend Booking.com , which also does  apartment rentals for travelers with excellent service. With Booking.com, you can have all your hotel and apartment bookings under the same dashboard, plus their customer service is excellent – Find the Best Apartments in Paris with Booking.com

GOOD TO KNOW: Furnished apartments are very requested in Paris, especially in tourist areas. For this reason, apartment owners prioritize bookings for longer stays rather than just a weekend.

Accommodation in Paris: Our Tips for your Paris Trip Planning

>> Book in advance for more options and better prices.

>> Avoid Famous Places in Paris  if you are traveling on a budget.

>> Consider one of the best hotels near Gare du Nord for late arrivals or early departures from this train station. They are good, safe, and cheaper than in the most popular neighborhoods.

>> Check out our Hotel Recommendations in our articles by Paris Arrondissement .

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6. How to Get from Paris Airport to the City

Transportation to Paris City

If you don’t live in Europe, you will probably fly to Paris. There are currently 153 air companies flying to Paris so that you can fly to the City of Light from anywhere in the world!

There are two airports near Paris: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY). You have different options to get to Paris, depending on which airport you land at.

Best Transportation Options from Paris Airports to City

Our personal recommendation is to pre-book with Welcome Pickups , a reliable and top-rated private transfer service. Your driver will wait for you outside of the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name, plus a bottle of water and a map of the city. Welcome Pickups have introduced strict safety protocols to protect drivers and guests.

>> Full list of transportation options from CDG Airport to Paris

>> Full list of transportation options from ORY Airport to Paris

7. The Cheat Sheet for Your Paris Trip Planner

Seine River in Paris

The next step of your Paris plan is to decide what to see and do. If this is your first trip to Paris, the lists below cover the main attractions and the most iconic things to do in Paris.

>> 50 Iconic Things to Do in Paris

>> Paris Checklist

>> Best Rooftop Bars in Paris

>> Best Cabarets in Paris

>> Top Things to Do in Paris at Night

>> Most Beautiful Covered Passages of Paris

>> Best Seine River Cruises in Paris

>> Famous Buildings in Paris

>> Famous Paris Landmarks

TIP: Check out the best Paris combo tickets , good combinations of 2-3 Paris tickets & tours that make you save time and money!

8. Paris Itinerary Planner

Berges de la Seine - Paris

If you are planning a trip to Paris for the first time and need some inspiration for your Paris travel plan, these Paris itineraries for one day to a week will be helpful.

>> One Day in Paris Itinerary

>> Two Days in Paris Itinerary

>> Three Days in Paris Itinerary

>> Four Days in Paris Itinerary

>> Five Days in Paris Itinerary

>> Six Days in Paris Itinerary

>> One Week in Paris Itinerary

Layover in Paris

If your vacation includes a layover in Paris, it is possible to get a glimpse of what the city offers before your next flight.

If your top priority is to see the Eiffel Tower , it is possible to have a quick ride from the airport to the city center to check it out from your bucket list. Head here for the best ways to go to the Eiffel Tower from Charles de Gaulle Airport, or check out this article for the best ways to go from Orly Airport to the Eiffel Tower.

With a long layover in Paris , you can consider a short itinerary to see some of Paris’ main sites. Check out how to spend a layover in Paris , with some proposals for short itineraries and our best tips.

TIP: This Paris layover tour from the airport always gets the best ratings!   

9. What to Eat & Drink in Paris

Bistros of Paris

When you travel to Paris, be sure to learn about French food in Paris and the best things to eat in Paris. If you’re not trying the food, you are far away from getting to know the culture. We have hand-picked our best food articles for this Paris Trip Planner 2024.

>> Paris Food Guide

>> Where to Eat in Paris

>> French Wine Regions near Paris

>> Famous Foods to Try  in Paris

>> Best Bistros in Paris

>> Best Cheap Eats in Paris

>> Best Parisian Cakes (born and perfectioned in Paris!)

>> Best Desserts in Paris

If you are looking for restaurant recommendations, this blog also lists the best restaurants in Paris by district .

10. Day Trips from Paris

If you have an extra day or two, don’t hesitate to go beyond Paris. Check out the ultimate list of best day trips from Paris , featuring historic cities, seaside towns, world heritage wonders, and adventures in the great French countryside.

Versailles is the most popular day trip from Paris. Home to the Kings of France between 1662 and 1789, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most important landmarks in French history, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage. The Gardens of Versailles are beautiful to see too! Check out our Versailles Quick Guide to get the most out of this wonderful place.

Disneyland Paris is a must for families visiting the French capital. Check out how to get from Paris to Disneyland Paris and this Disneyland Paris crowd calendar for the quietest days in Mickeyland!

For a more local feeling, there are many picturesque small towns near Paris very easy to reach by train.

11. Planning a Trip to Paris: Know Before You Go

Best way to see the Louvre

Check out our Paris insider tips for your first time in Paris.

>> Most of the hotels and hostels in Paris offer free Wi-Fi for their guests. You can also get a prepaid SIM card for your trip, which will allow you to communicate with other numbers in France and keep you connected to the internet all the time. Here are the best prepaid SIM cards for France (and how to get them).

>> Paris is one of the most visited cities on this planet. In 2018, 17.95 million international overnight tourists visited the city mainly for sightseeing and shopping. Read how to avoid the longest lines in Paris’ main attractions .

>> The Parisian Metro is nearly 115 years old, the second oldest metro after London’s tube system! The metro now serves 6 million out of 10.5 million people in Paris. Learn how to navigate the Parisian metro with our Paris Metro Guide .

>> Arguably the most famous museum in the world, the Louvre Museum is also the biggest! Indeed, it would take 100 days to see all of the art in the Louvre Museum. Learn how to get the most out of the Louvre in 2 hours or less .

>> The Parisian style is simple, chic, and beautiful. Parisian’s motto is ‘Less is More,’ with a minimum of versatile and easy-to-combine items. If your Paris planning includes making the perfect packing list, check out our suggestions for men and women on what to pack and what to wear in Paris to blend in with the local crowd.

>> One week before leaving for Paris, check out this post about the Paris strikes 2024 . Just in case…

Consider a Paris Tourist Pass

Lines to visit the main Paris tourist attractions are guaranteed. Long lines. If you are planning a Paris trip and you want to visit most of its famous sights, you may want to consider a Paris Tourist Pass for you Paris trip plan.

The  Paris Museum Pass offers visitors direct access to 55 of Paris’s top attractions and museums in Paris. The Paris Museum Pass is available for 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days. If your schedule in Paris is tight and you don’t want to spend your time waiting in line, the Paris Museum Pass is for you.

There are other interesting tourist passes for visiting Paris; check out our Paris Pass Comparison for the full list.

So there you have it, how to plan a Paris trip 2024 you’ll never forget. Go on reading this Paris travel blog 2024 for more information and the history and culture in Paris.

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About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., we’re elisa, norbert, valérie, and cédric, four travel bloggers and friends living in paris. quirky explorers with a preference for the local side of our city and its lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & our best tips learn more about us.

Never Ending Footsteps

The Cost of Travel in Paris: A 2023 Budget Breakdown

Paris at sunset from an apartment balcony, with the Eiffel Tower in the distance

As the saying goes, Paris is always a good idea , and this couldn’t be truer, regardless of your budget.

Paris is a city that lives up to the hype, giving visitors passionate adventure with a dash of classic elegance and a smidge (ok, more than a smidge!) of historical prestige. It’s a place that has most wishing they could stay forever but if you know where to go and what to do, you can leave one of the most iconic cities in the world with a sense of triumph. And then, of course, it’ll be time to begin planning your next trip back.

As you put together your itinerary, be sure to allocate time to aimless wandering. The cafes and boutiques that line practically every street make getting lost fun, and — if I’m being honest — pretty easy. But don’t fret — you’re usually one turn away from a bus stop or metro station.

I’ve visited Paris a handful of times in my life and getting lost , or rather, stumbling upon something I hadn’t planned for, was always the highlight of my trip. There is so much to see in this beautiful French city and part of its charm is its surprises.

With that said, there is also a lengthy list of things to see, do and eat while you’re on your Parisian escape (I managed to put together a 6,000 word guide to the best things to do in Paris !). The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are two of the most iconic attractions, but there’s so much more to see. The Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte Chapelle, and the Conciergerie are stunning, historical, and close in proximity to each other, making it easy to stroll from one to the next. 

Eating in Paris is an activity in itself. Parisian fare coupled with impeccable views are a trendy must-do while you’re in town. Rooftop bars like Terass en Haute and 43 Up on the Roof are an amazing excuse to sip above the city life.

I’ve been recording every single cent I spend in the countries and cities I travel through because I want to give my readers a realistic and accurate look at how much you can expect to spend in each country you visit.

Today, it’s Paris’ turn.

So, let’s get started! Here’s how much it costs to travel in Paris:

plan a trip to paris on a budget

How to Save Money on the Cost of Accommodation in Paris

As always with travel, it’s possible to cut your accommodation costs down to zero if you have the time and patience to seek out an offer.

Couchsurfing  exists in France — and, of course, Paris — and allows you to stay with a local for free, sleeping on their sofa and enjoying a local’s insight into life in their country. It’s not the most comfortable of living situations, but if your budget is tight, it’s worth sending out a few requests to hosts to see if anything comes of it. You can search for potential hosts on the Couchsurfing site .

Housesitting  is another option. This is where you’ll take care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, and usually look after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you do have that freedom, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while.  Trusted Housesitters  is one of the best sites for getting started with housesitting.

I’m suspecting, though, that for most of you, you’re not interested in the free accommodation and just want somewhere clean, safe, and affordable to rest your head each night. If that’s the case, there are several options available for you.

The first of these are  hostels . In Paris, you’ll come across hostels all over the country, finding them on tiny islands, in large cities, and even in the national parks. They’re one of your best options for saving money.

Hostels in Paris  are on a par with the rest of major cities in Western Europe, and you can expect to spend around  €25 a night for a dorm bed  for a well-reviewed hostel in Paris, with the price increasing to slightly about €35 a night for the absolute best of the best.

When it comes to private rooms in hostels, you can expect to spend around  €50 a night  for a clean, basic room in a good location, so if you’re travelling with friends or with your partner, you may find it cheaper to grab some privacy over settling for two beds in a dorm room. €100 a night will get you an exceptionally well-reviewed private room in a hostel or hotel.

If you’re an older traveller and put off by the thought of nights spent in hostels, you shouldn’t be! Private rooms are usually very quiet and clean, and most hostels are modern, safe, and centrally located. They tend to have a little more personality than generic hotels, and the staff are fantastic at offering kickass travel advice. As long as you check the reviews of any hostel before booking it to make sure nobody refers to it as a party hostel, you’re all good to make a booking there.

I use  HostelWorld  to find the cheapest hostels, as they tend to have the greatest number of listings at the lowest prices.

And, of course, there are always hotels, which will usually start at around  €50-€150 a night  for a decent, clean, mid-range property in a central location. I always use  Booking , as they have the most accommodation options for the cheapest prices.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

The Cost of Accommodation in Paris

Hôtel des Arts Montmartre ( $125 a night): This boutique hotel is bright, clean and reasonably priced. But perhaps its most notable feature is the chunky spiral staircase that leads to the slightly funky and totally modern rooms. If you’re lucky, you might get to share your space with views of Paris rooftops or Montmartre from your suite. The hotel holds prime real estate in Montmartre, an authentic village in the middle of Paris, which most agree is the best area in the city. Moulin Rouge and Place du Tertre are a measly five-minute walk away. If you’re wanting to venture outside the hotel’s circumference, the 24-hour concierge is overly helpful in making your stay topnotch. 

La Matissia – ( $219 a night): With a bit of Parisian glam and prime real estate, La Matissia sparkles in this city. With a full kitchen, spacious living areas and brightly lit rooms, the apartment style suites allow guests to pretend to be Paris residents during their stay. The location is perfect allowing access to the city without the noise. Its proximity to many attractions such as La Cigale Concert Hall and Pompidou Centre encourages guests to save on transportation by walking. For those wanting a bit extra, the communal terrace is gorgeous while complimentary water, tea, coffee and snacks are scrumptious. 

Monsieur George Hotel & Spa- Champs- Elysees – ( $390 a night): The dark sophistication makes it easy to fall in love with the romance floating about the hotel. The boutique hotel’s mysterious vibe is perfect and hard to ignore with the dramatic deep colors, glass roofs, a hidden room in the garden shelter and timeless décor leading guests through the residence. This unique and fascinating gem stays intimate with only 46 rooms. To keep up with the conspicuous aura, the spa is in the old, vaulted cellars in the basement. A variety of treatments are available with a goal to rejuvenate and calm the energies of those who need it. When it’s time to eat, deliciousness is not far away. Galanga is a treat among treats. Enjoy the delectable food but don’t skip the bar, it’s renowned for its craft cocktails. 

THE AVERAGE COST OF ACCOMODATION IS $245 PER DAY

plan a trip to paris on a budget

The Cost of Transportation in Paris

Paris is one of the major airport hubs in the world, making travel to and from simple and cheap. 

  • Round trip from London- $69
  • Round trip from Rome- $42
  • Round trip from NYC- $381
  • Round trip from Amsterdam- $194
  • Round trip from Hong Kong- $529

If you are trying to get somewhere- anywhere, really- in Paris, chances are you won’t have any problems. The public transportation system is effective, thorough and cheap. 

Metros are the most common form of transportation with 16 lines and nearly 300 stations. For a single ticket expect to pay $2 but you will get the most bang for your buck if you go with Paris Visite Pass which allows unlimited travel between various means of transport throughout the city. Prices start at $16 and can be purchased for 1, 2, 3 or 5 consecutive days. Keep in mind, you choose the zones you want access to (there are five) and the days. For example, if you choose access to all zones for 5 days, you will pay $88 for an unlimited pass. I purchased this ticket and got more than my money’s worth.  

The RER train network, Transiliens (regional trains) and trams are also a part of the city’s transportation network and apply to the unlimited Paris Visite Pass. The RER and Transilient share many connections making it easy to hop on and off during your route. 

Buses are everywhere in Paris making it a common way to travel with a view. There are 64 bus lines which make it easy to get where you’re going during the daytime. But when the sun sinks, the night rider takes center stage. Noctilien is a night bus service that has 47 stations and runs from 12:30 to 5:30 am. When it comes to tickets, it’s still easy and cheap. The buses are included in the transportation system. 

Bicycles take on a new romantic characteristic when pedaled through Paris. Velib’ Metropole is the most popular and convenient option for renting a self-service bike with docks scattered across the city. Electric bikes are available so riders can charge the Parisian hills and lengthy distance between attractions with ease. Once you subscribe to a pass with options of a 24-hour pass starting at $6 or a 7-day pass starting at $18, you can add trips for as little as $1 to $2- with the electric option being a bit pricier. Keep in mind, Paris is a busy metropolis with unnerving one-way streets and hectic traffic to match. If you are not experienced in urban cycling, stick to park paths like Bois de Boulogne or Bois De Vincennes to ensure a safe ride while still experiencing the outside perks (and parks). 

THE AVERAGE COST OF TRANSPORTATION IS $17 PER DAY

plan a trip to paris on a budget

How Much Does it Cost to Eat in Paris?

Don’t worry, it’s not all croissants and escargot. Although if it were, I promise you it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Paris cuisine is rich in style and romantic in ambiance. Meals are thought of as a celebration rather than an obligation, and with that celebration comes a lot of pride. Fresh and natural ingredients are cared for and used to create dishes that burst with flavor and spirit. With that said, there are also simple foods that live at the heart of every Parisian. 

Baguettes, long loaves of bread sometimes layered with meats and cheeses, are a staple that can (and are) eaten at any meal and cost as low as $1. Macaroons are small pastries shaped like a cookie and usually just as colorful in taste as they are in sight cost anywhere from $1 to $4 depending on the bakery. Eclairs, Paris’ version of donuts usually come filled with creamy goodness yet still (somehow) manage to be light on the gut- expect to pay $3 per eclair. 

A typical breakfast consists of a baguette with jam, a croissant (even the tastiest ones are only $2), a coffee and a walk- it’s usually consumed on the move. Parisians are good at walking and eating in the a.m. but when they dine-in, they pay for their seat. A to-go espresso costs $1 while sitting inside costs $2 and an outside spot -for the same drink- will cost $3. If you want a fancier pick me up, cappuccinos will set you back $6. 

Lunch is a big deal here and will typically be your most expensive meal. Made up of three courses, known as the formule, you can eat authentic and varied cuisine for under $30 or opt for the dish of the day for $18. Cafes across the city set the stage for a leisurely meal as patrons bask in the culture from noon to 3 pm every day. It’s all about the slow experience of indulgence. Expect to see French cheese and oysters on nearly every menu around town.

Dinner is less fussy and less expensive at $22 per meal, not including a drink. Steak frites are a common menu item while duck confit is more of a treat (and rarity) due to the intensive preparations- I’m talking days of marinating. But if you can find a good one, you won’t regret it. 

When it’s time to drink (and there will be many times to do so in Paris), wine is your most popular and cheapest option. At the grocery store, a bottle can be as little as $3 while a bottle in a restaurant will start at $22. Pints of beer in a bar are pricey starting at $8 and cocktails run for $12; but keep in mind, happy hour is a big thing here. From 6 to 8 pm, most bars and restaurants throughout the city offer deals on both food and alcohol. 

If you wish to cook your own meal, you won’t want to skip over the French market. In Paris, you can find a market on nearly any given day selling fresh goods from vegetables, meats, cheeses and olive oil. The most famous market in Paris is Marché des Enfants Rouges which has been trading staples since 1628. You can get a pound of various fruits and veggies for $5 and a pound of fish for approximately $12. 

Craving a quick meal? Street food is a standard way to experience the city without the high price. Falafel, kababs and crepes are ready to wow patrons on the streets of the capital. Easily accessible and highly regarded, meals are cut in half starting at $6. 

AVERAGE COST OF EATING OUT IS $45 PER DAY

plan a trip to paris on a budget

The Cost of Activities in Paris

Strolling by foot in any given direction while visually taking in the wonder is probably the most common way to peruse the city, and for good reason. But don’t miss out on the must-sees during your walkabout. 

Arguably the most famous street in the world, Champs-Elysees, it is a bustling experience every visitor should trek. Shopping, cafes, architectural marvels, people watching- it’s all there on the famous Parisian thoroughfare.

It’s easy to bear witness to the hustle and bustle of the famous metropolis but the Paris we know today is hovering about an invisible city. The catacombs are tunnels upon tunnels of stored bones of nearly 6 million remains. It’s an eerie yet fascinating experience. Admission starts at $29 for no audio guide and goes up to $35 with an audio guide. 

If you are a lover of books and the arts, you’ll want to get lost in the Centre Georges Pompidou, a massive library and home to one of the top modern art museums in the world, Musée National d’Art Moderne. Guided tours of Centre Pompidou masterpieces start at $5 while the Face aux oeuvres tour will set you back $29.

Paris’s offerings are nothing shy of spectacular and extensive. See below for a list of diverse activities within the city.

  • Louvre Skip the Line Access Private Guided Tour – $125
  • Paris Sightseeing Guided Bike Tour – $42
  • Paris Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show with Champagne Only or Dinner – $124
  • Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise – $112
  • Eiffel Tower Skip the Line Ticket – €75

If you have the time and crave multiple experiences, the Paris Pass is a terrific option for you. It offers admission to more than 60 attractions including the Palace of Versailles and Arc de Triomphe and entrance to the Louvre Museum, Pompidou Centre and more. You can choose between a 1-day or multi-day pass. As if that weren’t enough savings, you get a 1-day hop on, hop off bus tour and discounts at various restaurants around town. Starting at €124 , it’s a score. 

THE AVERAGE COST OF ACTIVITIES IS $62 PER DAY

plan a trip to paris on a budget

The Cost of Travel Insurance in Paris

If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Paris. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re more affordable than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Paris?

Accommodation:  $245 per day Transportation:  $17 per day Food:  $45 per day Activities:  $62 per day

Total amount spent per day: $369

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[Photo of Paris via: Karen Mandau/Shutterstock]

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Perfect 2 Days in Paris Itinerary + Budget Guide

paris at sunset from Seine River Cruise

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .

Are you looking to visit the City of Lights soon, but only have time for a short 48 hour visit? If so, you’re in luck! Below you’ll find the perfect 2 days in Paris itinerary to make the most of your time without burning out.

Is 2 days in Paris ideal?  Technically, no, as there is so much to possibly see in this beautiful iconic city.  However, sometimes life only gives you a couple days, and you’ve got to take them. 

Seeing Paris is totally worth it, even if just for a day! 

I actually just did a similar short stint in Paris with my husband while in town for a wedding.  Due to how we scheduled our travels , we only left ourselves two whole days for sight-seeing even though we wished we could do more.  After my planning mistakes in London last year, I was very nervous about jam-packing our schedule. This time, though, I worked hard to make a better plan while also scheduling in downtime. I’m happy to say it ended up being an amazing trip and we both fell completely in love with Paris. 

This goes to show that a 2 day itinerary for Paris is 100% doable.  It just takes a little strategy and realistic expectations.  You certainly don’t need to try to “do it all” to feel like you got enough out of your trip.  There is so much more to experiencing Paris than museums and tours, after all. So let’s get into it now and talk about how to plan the perfect 2 days in Paris itinerary.

Planning Your 2 Days in Paris

Getting to paris.

First off, I recommend building a travel day into your schedule that is completely separate from your 2 full days in Paris.  Factoring in travel days is honestly one of the best things I’ve ever done when planning a trip. It helps prevent travel burnout and meltdowns, and preserves your sanity and sightseeing motivation. 

Ideally, you’d think you could do some sight-seeing on your arrival day. However, it’s all too often that the many variables of travel get in the way.  For that reason, it’s nice to leave this day open. 

If you fly into Paris, you’ll likely land at Charles de Gaulle Airport.  From there, you can catch a taxi, bus, or more commonly, the RER B train to Gare du Nord.  From Gare du Nord, you can take the Metro to the station closest to your lodging.

Getting Around Paris

Paris is extremely walkable, and we certainly got our steps in during our visit.  However, staying in the Marais, we were too far out from the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees and opted to take the Metro instead.  The Metro, or Paris’s underground subway system, is cheap, easy to use, and usually arrives in less than 5 minutes. 

You can buy tickets at machines for 1.90€ each or 14.90€ for ten tickets (we went through two sets of ten). I highly recommend utilizing the Metro to give your feet a break.

sign for the metro - 2 days in Paris Itinerary

Where to Stay

There are many great neighborhoods to base yourself in Paris, with some being closer to tourist attractions than others.  What I learned from staying very close to heavy tourist areas on a recent trip to Italy , is that I’d rather be a little further removed from that scene.  Picture crowds, lots of tour groups coming through, and street hawkers trying to sell you hats and light up Eiffel Towers every time you walk by.  It gets old very quickly.

We stayed in a lovely flat in the Marais, and fell in love with this neighborhood.  There are more Parisians, the scene is more chill, and there are plenty of good shops, restaurants, and cafés.  If given the chance, I would absolutely choose to stay in this neighborhood again.

view from window in the marais - 2 days in Paris itinerary

2 Days in Paris Itinerary

Arrival in paris.

While I don’t recommend planning much sight-seeing upon your arrival in Paris, you still gotta eat. Plus, you’ll probably be pretty hungry by the time you get your bearings after all that travel.

If you are staying close to the Marais, I highly recommend checking out Glou .  It is very atmospheric, with tables right on the sidewalk where you can watch the world pass by. It also has romantic views, with a small park and the lovely Picasso Museum across the way. We enjoyed their menu, with my excellent fried octopus dish and my husband’s delicious ribeye.  Obviously, we couldn’t eat this without a little wine too.

Glou was the perfect intro to Paris, and a welcome place to slow down for a couple hours after a long travel day. We liked it so much, we actually popped in here for wine two more times during our stay!

Picasso Museum accross from Glou - 2 days in Paris Itinerary

2 Days in Paris Itinerary: Day 1

Every morning in Paris should be started by finding a café for coffee and probably also a croissant or pain au chocolat if you know what’s good for you.  These places are everywhere, so just hit up the one where you see the most locals and move along.

Now it’s time to start exploring Paris ( said like Paree ). I like to start a lot of my trips with a walking tour if I can.  They really help with getting oriented to a new city, while also educating you about each sight.  Since we were being cheap, we did Rick Steves’ self-guided Historic Paris Walk using his free Audio Europe app.  The only price to pay is listening to all of Rick Steves’ cheesy jokes ( nothing’s free, right? ).

colorful shops in Paris

That being said, it’s a scenic walk, and it takes you through the Île de la Cité passed the Notre Dame Cathedral, Île Saint-Louis, down the Seine and the many vintage book stands, etc.  Rick Steves suggests using 4 hours for the walk.  However, the app has not been updated since the fire at Notre Dame, which unfortunately is closed to the public indefinitely. Since you can’t go inside, this probably shaves about an hour off the tour. If you’re like us, and don’t actually enter any sights, it’ll probably be closer to two hours.

If you don’t want to do a self-guided tour, there are plenty of group tours available as well.  A popular company is Take Walks , which we used for two tours in Italy and had great experiences both times.

view of Notre Dame

Crepe Break

You’ve just done a bunch of walking and burnt off some calories, which means you can take a crepe break.  There is an awesome take-away stall in the Marais called La Droguerie that makes them fresh and puts them in a cone for you to eat and walk. 

I caution you though – if you are like me and bad at eating neatly, you may want to be a little weary of the whole walking and eating thing.  I got the banana and Nutella crepe, and ending up wearing some of it on my outfit.  From now on, I think I’ll just eat them standing in one spot, since I can barely even handle eating sitting down.

Plan a visit to the Louvre Museum on your first day, and absolutely purchase your tickets in advance.  The lines to buy tickets on site are horrendous and will unnecessarily waste time during your precious 2 days in Paris. 

Once inside, you’ll likely see another obnoxious line going across the main lobby.  We didn’t know it at the time, but this is the current line for the Mona Lisa ( or Joconde in French ) during renovations.  It must have been recently relocated, because our maps of the Louvre showed it being somewhere else entirely.  We spent a good hour wandering all around trying to find it.  Finally, when we circled back to the lobby, it clicked what that huge line was actually for. 

Louvre Museum in Paris

I would estimate this line to be at least an hour, maybe two, and we chose not to deal with it on our visit.  With only a 2 day Paris itinerary, we didn’t want to waste precious time waiting in long lines.  Plus, it’s the Louvre – there is plenty of other world class artwork all over the building to look at without a crazy line.  For example, there are a number of other Leonardo da Vinci paintings to admire and loads of sculptures, including the famous Venus de Milo.

Right outside the Louvre is the Tuileries Garden that you can check out for free if you want.  We passed on it, since we were exhausted after wandering all around the Louvre looking for the Mona Lisa. 

Schedule a climb or elevator up the Eiffel Tower in time for golden hour.  The cheapest option is to climb the stairs to the second floor, and it’s also a huge time saver with hardly any line at all. Plus, it’s a pretty rewarding experience, especially if you’re afraid of heights like me.  I’m not gonna lie when I say I ran up the steps and pretended the ground wasn’t real…

You could also take the elevator to either just the 2 nd floor, or continue your journey all the way up to the top ( these are two different tickets ).  The second floor has an amazing view, and arguably even better than the top, as it’s close enough to the ground to pick out some buildings and monuments. Elevator tickets book up well in advance, so be sure to reserve them online before your trip!

view of Champs de Mars from Eiffel Tower

After this would be a great time to do a starlight Seine river cruise, as Bateaux-Mouches and other such tour companies are only a 15 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. Bateaux-Mouches leaves twice an hour until 10:30 p.m. during high season, and you can pretty much show up and buy tickets on the spot.  One perk I really liked about them is how long their boats are, with plenty of space on the top deck to enjoy the stunning city views. 

Tip – The left side of the boat will give you both the best views of Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Plan your cruise around 10:00 p.m. to catch the Eiffel Tower shimmering on the hour.

Eiffel Tower lit up at night

2 Days in Paris Itinerary: Day 2

If you want, you could spend the first part of your day touring the Musée d’Orsay when it opens at 9:30 a.m., and then walk or Metro over to the Arc de Triomphe.  It’s about a 2 mile walk, mostly right down the famous Champs-Élysées, versus a 25 minute Metro ride. You could also do things in reverse order, and start with the Arc de Triomphe to get some pretty photos in the morning light before all the crowds. The drawback is that the shops and restaurants on the Champs-Élysées may not be open yet, so this could be more fun to do in the afternoon.

However, if you are like me and get museum fatigue, maybe you’d like to pass on the Musée d’Orsay in favor of a slower morning. Remember, there is more to Paris than hopping between monuments and museums.  Plus, I personally prefer not to do back to back museum days, so we opted to sleep in a little before heading out for crepes.  The best creperies generally do not seem to open until late morning anyhow. 

If you decide to go the crepe route, BREIZH Café is a great sit down establishment in the Marais to check out. The have seating right on the street for people watching, and serve delicious sweet and savory crepes.

teal plate with white mug of coffee sprinkled with cinnamon

If you didn’t go in the morning, it’s Arc de Triomphe time now. From wherever you are, walk or take the Metro to the Charles de Gaulle – Étoile station, and get your signature selfie in the middle of the Champs-Élysées.  Follow this up with a stroll past the luxury shops on the Champs-Élysées until you’ve had your fill.  I largely ignored these, since peaking into stores I can’t afford is a waste of my precious time.

If you have time and energy, make the 15 minute walk over to Place du Trocadéro for a lively atmosphere and breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower.  This is the perfect place to picnic with some takeout food, or perhaps a baguette with fromage and rosé.  Finish off with some macarons, which you can purchase at a nearby shop called Carette.

brunette girl in pink sweatshirt standing in front of arc de triomphe on champs elysees

End your 2 days in Paris itinerary with a proper slow-paced Parisian dinner at a nice restaurant like Chez Mademoiselle in the Marais.  We had a lovely experience there, although clearly our 7:00 p.m. reservation was an early dinner on Paris time.  No one else entered the place for at least another half hour!  We did not get an appetizer, but instead ate the wonderful bread that every Paris establishment provides no matter what you order. 

We sipped on various wines, which were all delicious, just like all the wine we consumed in France and Italy.  And believe me – we almost always ordered the cheapest wine on the menu.  For dinner I devoured the incredible and well-portioned tartar duo.  My hubby inhaled their fish dish, apparently a white fish called turbot, which he loved.

tartar duo and side salad at Chez Mademoiselle

Dessert was the kicker.  We ordered the chocolate mousse to split between us, even though we were almost full.  What we weren’t expecting was the entire jar of whipped mascarpone cream that was brought out with it.  I presume we were supposed to top the chocolate mousse with a dollop?

They didn’t know who they were dealing with, though, because we definitely tried ( unsuccessfully ) to eat the whole jar.  But after they took it away, we still weren’t quite finished. While waiting for our check, a waiter brought us over complimentary limoncello to top off our night.  Need I say more? This was obviously an awesome date night spot, and the perfect place to complete our 2 days in Paris itinerary. 

tiramisu and marscapone cream at glou - 2 days in Paris itinerary

This is where your romantic and memorable 2 days in Paris itinerary comes to a close.  Hopefully, you got a good taste of the city and the opportunity to do as the Parisians do, even while going full tourist at their famous sights.  Just remember that it’s okay to pace yourself and focus in on seeing a few key places.  It’s impossible to squeeze everything into 2 quick days while still doing it justice.  Paris is a place one could easily be drawn back to, so might as well start saving for your return trip when you get home!

The perfect Paris travel guide and itinerary for your upcoming trip to the City of Light.  Read for amazing tips on things to do in Paris, as well as cool places to go and delicious local food to eat, like crepes and croissants.  This 2 day Paris Itinerary will ensure you see top sights like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees and Louvre, and other incredible places in Paris!

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Weather & Climate

The Airports of Paris

Neighborhoods to Know

Driving in Paris

Paris Public Transportation

Tipping in Paris

Day Trips From Paris

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Best Paris Parks & Gardens

Best Museums in Paris

Cabaret in Paris

Live Music in Paris

Shopping in Paris

Bastille Day in Paris

French Dishes to Try in Paris

The Best Restaurants in Paris

Where to Eat With Kids

Nightlife in Paris

Craft Beer Bars in Paris

Your Trip to Paris: The Complete Guide

Paris Guide: Planning Your Trip

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Planning a trip to Paris? Congrats. Before you go, it's essential to learn a bit about when to visit, what to see and do, where to stay and eat out, and how to get around. Whether you're embarking on a first-time visit or already know the city well, this at-a-glance guide will help you take the necessary steps to plan your trip with ease—and enjoy the capital fully once you're there.

Planning Your Trip

  • Best Time to Visit :  Generally, the best time to visit Paris is between late spring and late summer, when outdoor activities, lively events, and nearby day trips allow you to experience the city to the fullest. The winter holiday season is also a festive and cheerful time to go, but cold weather may detract some.
  • Language:  French is the official language in Paris. Many speak English fluently or somewhat fluently, but make sure to use polite greetings in French.
  • Currency:  The Euro (€) is the official currency  .
  • Getting Around:   Paris is easy to navigate by metro, bus, and commuter-line trains (RER lines).
  • Travel Tip:  If you do choose to visit Paris in high season (roughly April to early October), try getting up early to visit museums and other attractions; if possible, avoid big-ticket attractions like the Eiffel Tower on weekends.

Things to Do

Paris is home to many globally-renowned attractions, including the Eiffel Tower ; Notre-Dame Cathedral ; and the Louvre , the largest museum in the world . It's impossible to see and do it all during a single trip, but we recommend experiencing at least a few of the city's most iconic sights and museums during a first visit. You should also make time to get a taste of France's world-famous cuisine; attend an annual festival or gallery opening; and explore the city at night , when it's arguably at its most enchanting.

  • See our guide to the 30 best sights and attractions in Paris, including museums, and monuments.
  • Explore Paris in a more local way by getting to know some of the city's residential neighborhoods , and choosing among a few of its weird and offbeat attractions .
  • Consider taking one or more day trips outside of the city to expand your horizons and get some fresh air. The Chateau de Versailles , Monet's Gardens at Giverny, and Chartres Cathedral are easily accessible by train and doable in a day.

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on the best things to do with kids in Paris , Paris' best art museums , and the top shopping districts in the city .

What to Eat and Drink

As the capital of France, Paris is globally renowned for its excellent and creative cuisine—not to mention its fine French wines. There are 122 Michelin-starred restaurants in the city  , and with classic brasseries , mouth-watering patisseries , and open-air markets to boot, there are so many delicious ways to "eat your way" through the capital.

Even though Paris itself doesn't produce much wine of note these days, it's still a great place to learn about—and taste—some of the finest French bottles. Spend an evening at one of the city's best wine bars, or learn more about the history and production of wine at the Musée du Vin. Care for a creative and beautiful cocktail in an intimate setting? These secret bars in Paris offer a stimulating and intriguing evening out on the town. And if beer is more your speed, head to one of the best craft breweries in the capital .

To hone in on the best places to eat out, see our complete guide to dining in Paris , as well as features on the most romantic restaurants in the capital , dining out while vegetarian or vegan , and the best budget-friendly French restaurants to try.

Where to Stay

There are hundreds of hotels in Paris, which can make it a pretty daunting task to choose the "right" one. The best approach might be to first get an overview of the different Parisian districts and neighborhoods ("arrondissements" in French) and decide which one is most suited to your tastes, budget, and travel requirements.

When choosing a hotel, you'll want to decide whether you value design and boutique-style charm over the reliable, predictable comforts offered by international hotel chains such as Marriott and Sofitel. Some travelers would happily forego creature comforts such as large elevators, bathtubs, and spas in favor of more design-focused boutique establishments with perhaps fewer amenities. Finally, rental apartments can provide a more local experience; equipped with small kitchens, they can potentially save you money since you'll be able to cook at home some of the time.

Read our full guide to choosing the right accommodations in the capital , then browse recommendations on the best hotels in Paris and the best boutique hotels in Paris.

Getting There

Paris is one of the most popular destinations in the world, which makes it relatively easy to access by air and rail. You should be able to find competitive deals on airfare, lodging, or vacation packages—provided you compare prices and book several months ahead of your trip. A major hub for most international airlines, Paris is served by three major airports:

  • Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport is Europe's busiest international hub and the largest airport in Paris. It's located roughly an hour northeast of the city; central Paris can be easily accessed via the RER B commuter line train, as well as by coach or taxi.
  • Orly International Airport is located roughly ten miles south of central Paris and is a secondary hub for Air France. It's an excellent option for connecting to or from Paris and other European destinations, and can feel degrees less stressful than CDG. The RER line B train connects from Orly to central Paris.
  • Paris-Beauvais/Tillé is located around 50 miles northwest of Paris and is served by numerous budget airlines, including Ryanair, Air Moldova, and Blue Air. This can be a good option if you're after ultra-low fares for flights from within Europe; on the downside, it will take extra time and expense to get to central Paris.

See more about the major airports of Paris in our full guide, and read up on the pros and cons of taking a taxi to and from the airport .

Culture and Customs

  • While most locals in Paris speak some English, it's always recommended to learn some basic French travel expressions ahead of your trip. Polite greetings, questions, and expressions of gratitude will enrich your experience and smooth communication with Parisians, who often value efforts made by travelers to use a few words in French.
  • It's customary to tip in Paris, but the practices are likely different from the ones you're familiar with in your home country. See our complete guide to tipping in Paris for some useful advice.
  • The city is generally quite safe for travelers, although pickpocketing and scams targeting tourists remain a significant problem. See our full guide to staying safe in the French capital for more information.

Money Saving Tips

  • Make sure to book flights and hotels well in advance to get the best deals, especially if you plan to go in late spring or summer when prices are at their highest.
  • To save on getting around the city by public transport, consider buying the Paris Visite Pass . The pass, which can cover one or several days in the capital, offers unlimited use of metro, bus, trams, and RER trains. It also comes with discounts on select attractions and restaurants.
  • Take advantage of the city's free museums, including the Petit Palais, Musée Carnavalet (Museum of Paris History) and the Modern Art Museum of the City of Paris.
  • Annual events , such as Paris Museum Night and Nuit Blanche, open many of the city's top museums and art collections to the public for free.
  • In the summer, free public events such as Seine-side beaches (Paris Plages) and open-air cinema can help to moderate the high cost of airfares and hotels. They're also a lot of fun. Meanwhile, many other summer festivals, such as the Jazz Festival at the Parc Floral, are inexpensive ways to enjoy a day of live music or other performances.
  • If you choose to take a taxi, make sure it has a visible meter and an illuminated "Taxi Parisien" sign on the rooftop. Otherwise, you may become an unwitting victim of "unofficial" taxis that inflate fares for tourists.
  • Instead of eating out in restaurants for every meal, consider staging a Parisian-style picnic instead. Stock up on French bread, pastries, quiche, and cakes at a neighborhood bakery, and get the rest of your picnic items at a local market or supermarket.
  • Learn more about how to make the most of a trip to the capital on a tight budget by exploring the best free things to do in Paris .

Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau . "Euro, the European Currency."

Pascale Filliâtre, Atout France . "7 Tips for a Successful Visit to the Louvre." June 15, 2018.

MICHELIN Guide . "Paris Restaurants."

Getting Around Paris: Guide to Public Transportation

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France Guide: Planning Your Trip

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Paris' Pont des Arts: The Complete Guide

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The Champ de Mars in Paris: The Complete Guide

Cairo Guide: Planning Your Trip

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Dublin Guide: Planning Your Trip

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Paris Budget Travel Guide: 17 Tips to Save Money

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Paris on a budget: Costly mistakes to avoid making

Visiting Paris on a budget? This post is for you! Yes, it’s possible to see all the top attractions in the city of lights without breaking the bank.

For many, Paris is the trip of a lifetime and it can be a very expensive city without proper planning. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to have fun in Paris, even on a tight budget.

Today I’m sharing tips on how to visit Paris for families on a budget, including tips for where to stay in Paris and things to do.

After visiting the city a couple of times now, both during the low season (winter) and high season (summer), I’ve learned several savvy tips to help you enjoy an incredible trip to Paris without blowing your budget.

To make our summer trip to Paris more affordable, I booked a hotel near the Arc de Triomphe through Booking.com . This helped us save money and was the perfect location for exploring Paris.

There’s really no shortage of fun things to do in Paris, including exploring its museums, attractions, and going on self-guided walks.

To make your Paris trip more enjoyable, here are some costly tourist mistakes to avoid.

Table of Contents

Where to stay in Paris for first-timers?

When visiting Paris for the first time, the best neighborhoods to book your hotel accommodations are:

  • The 7th Arrondissement – Near the Eiffel Tower and the BEST neighorhood for first-timers.
  • Montmartre (The 18th Arrondissement) – A quiet and romantic area of Paris.
  • South Pigalle (The 9th Arrondissement) – Great for travellers on a budget.
  • Le Marais (The 3rd & 4th Arrondissement) – Central location and one of the hippest districts in Paris.
  • Saint Germain (The 6th Arrondissement) – A classic Parisian neighorhood.
  • The Latin Quarter (The 5th Arrondissement) – Popular with tourists and students.
  • Champs-Élysées (The 8th Arrondissement) – Lots of excellent restuarants and shops near here.

PRO TIP: If you’re visiting Paris on a budget, you can find accommodations in South Pigalle , located around Saint-Georges. This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris.

I stayed here with my sister when visiting Paris in the winter months. They have affordable restaurants too, which makes this a win-win for budget-conscious travellers.

Below are the best affordable hotels in Paris:

  • Hotel Marignan – Located in the Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)
  • The Helussi Hotel – Located in the 9th Arrondissement
  • Hotel Eiffel Turenne – Close to the Eiffel Tower
  • Libertel Gare du Nord Suede – Located in the 10th Arrondissement
  • Hotel de Roubaix – Just a 5-minute walk from Centre Pompidou in Paris

Related Posts:

  • 12 silly mistakes to avoid making in Paris
  • 6-day Paris itinerary for first-timers
  • Paris Pass review: Is it worth it?

Paris on a budget: Costly mistakes to avoid making

Sightseeing in Paris on a Budget

Paris is home to some of the most famous monuments, churches, and museums in the world.

From seeing the Mona Lisa and French sculptures at the Louvre to marveling at the beautiful gothic architecture at Notre Dame Cathedral, there is something for everyone to experience in Paris!

The best way to save money on sightseeing is to:

  • Visit free attractions and museums in Paris
  • Take advatange of free museum days (the first Sunday of every month)
  • Use a Paris sightseeing pass, such as the Paris Pass , Paris Museum Pass , or the Paris Explorer Pass . (If you buy the 4 or 6-day Paris Pass, you’ll also receive the Paris Museum Pass for FREE!)

Use the Paris Pass

Paris is a big city and there’s lots of fun things to do and see. It can be challenging to plan an itinerary and determine which attractions are worth spending your money on.

Getting the most bang for your buck is my #1 priority when planning a vacation and the Paris Pass was rated the #1 Paris tourism pass by TripAdvisor .

They’re also recommended by Expedia and the Paris Pass currently has a rating of 4/5 on TripAdvisor .

With the Paris Pass, you can save time, money, and enjoy stress-free sightseeing. But don’t just take my word for it. Check out these reviews.

paris pass reviews

What is the Paris Pass ?

The Paris Pass can be a great option for anyone who wants to visit the most popular attractions and save money.

The Paris Pass is a pre-paid tourism card that includes free entry to over 35 popular attractions and tours in Paris, including a 1 day Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour and River Cruise on the Siene.

You can choose a 2, 3, 4 or 6-day pass duration for your trip.

If you choose the 4 or 6-day pass , you’ll also receive the Paris Museum Pass , which includes free entry to over 50 museums and monuments in Paris, including the Louvre , Musee d’Orsay , and Centre Pompidou .

HURRY! Save up to 10% off the Paris Pass until March 5th. You have 2 years to activate the pass.

Paris on a budget: Costly mistakes to avoid making

PRO TIP:  Buy the pass online to   save extra money off the retail price. To buy the Paris Pass, click here to go to the official website.

Is the paris pass right for me

How to buy your Paris Pass:

STEP 1: Choose which pass duration you want to buy (2, 3, 4 or 6 day). You can click here to purchase your Paris Pass from the official website.

If you want to visit the museums, such as the Louvre, choose a 4-day or 6-day Paris Pass.

  • 4-day Paris Pass and receive a 4-day Paris Museum Pass.  
  • 6-day Paris Pass and receive a 6-day Paris Museum Pass. 

Why you should consider buying the pass online:

  • When you buy the pass online, you can take advantage of online discounts .
  • They offer a 365-day money-back guarantee , so you can get a full refund just in case your plans change.
  • You can activate your pass anytime within two years from the date of purchase.

STEP 2: Download your mobile pass instantly using the Paris Pass App.

If you prefer a physical pass, simply print your pass and guidebook at home. Links and easy-to-follow instructions for both options will be in your confirmation email.

STEP 3: You now have FREE access to any of the 75+ top Paris attractions included for the duration of your pass.

How to activate the pass : It will activate once you visit your first attraction and can then be used on consecutive calendar days for the number of days purchased. 

You’ll also receive a free guidebook , which is included with your purchase. Use this book to help you easily plan your itinerary.

Other ways to save money on Paris attractions:

Paris Pass – If you’re just interested in visiting museums and monuments , you may want to consider getting the Paris Pass instead.

Paris Explorer Pass – If you’re just interested in visiting the Eiffel Tower and doing tours in Paris , then you may want to consider getting the Paris Explorer Pass instead.

Paris Museum Pass – This pass included free entry to over 60 museums and monuments in and around Paris.

NOTE : If you buy the 4 or 6-day Paris Pass, you’ll receive the Paris Museum Pass for FREE!

Either way, there’s NO reason to pay full price for attractions when you can save money with one of these three tourism passes. This is the best way to sightsee in Paris on a budget.

Some attractions require reservations

Some of the city’s most popular attractions, such as the Louvre Museum require reservations.

One of the most common mistakes tourists make when visiting Paris is waiting in long lines to buy attraction tickets.

If this is your first time visiting Paris, skip waiting for hours in lines by buying your tickets in advance.

PRO TIP : Many of Paris’s top attractions offer a separate line for people who have purchased tickets in advance.

The line for people who already have tickets is SHORTER, which means you can quickly get inside the museum and enjoy more sightseeing.  

Popular museums and attractions that require reservations:

  • Sainte-Chapelle
  • La Conciergerie
  • Palace of Versailles
  • Orangerie Museum
  • Louvre Museum
  • Eiffel Tower Guided Climb
  • Château de Malmaison

If you’re using a sightseeing card, such as the Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass , you must purchase your pass first.

Then you can choose the date, time, and number of people to reserve your time slot.

Not using the Paris Pass? – Where to book your attractions?

If you’re not using the Paris Pass, then I recommending using GetYourGuide to buy tickets for museums, tours, and attractions.

You can purchase individual attraction tickets and they offer a good refund policy so I feel safe booking with them.

If you purchase tickets directly through the attraction, they usually offer NO refunds. But with GetYourGuide, you can get a refund if you cancel within the cancellation policy.

This can give you peace of mind in case your plans change or you’re unhappy with your experience.

For Paris Pass holders , you can skip the long ticket lines and get fast-entry at popular attractions in Paris. This includes museums such as the Louvre and Centre Pompidou. Why wait hours in line when you can save time by using the Paris Pass?

Paris on a budget: Costly mistakes to avoid making

Don’t pay full price for tourist attractions

If you’re visiting Paris on a budget, you don’t have to worry about skipping all the popular attractions due to the high ticket costs. Below are some tips on how to save money while sightseeing in Paris.

Take advantage of free museum days

Free the FIRST Sunday of the month – You can save money by visiting museums for free on the first Sunday of each month.

Keep in mind that these free museum days are always EXTREMELY busy , so I suggest arriving at least 30 minutes before the popular museums open.

Free for students and anyone under 26 years old – National museums are free for all persons under 26 from the Europeaon Union. Proof of identity is required (EU passport or EU identification card).

Aside from this, you’ll have to pay to get into the main museums, monuments, and attractions.

Instead of wasting time waiting in long ticket lines, getting a skip-the-line sightseeing pass is essential. Below are some good options.

Save money with one of these Paris sightseeing passes :

Paris Pass : The Paris Pass is sightseeing card offering FREE admission to over 35 attractions in the city.

Choose from 2, 3, 4, or 6 consecutive-day durations. You can visit as many attractions as you want within that time.

If you buy the 4 or 6-day pass, you’ll also receive the Paris Museum Pass for FREE! The Paris Museum Pass includes free entry to over 50 of the city’s museums and monuments.

BEST FOR : Those who want to see and experience as much of Paris during their trip.

Paris Explorer Pass : With the Explorer Pass, you can pick 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions to visit from their list of the top Paris sights, tours, and must-sees.

Some of these attractions include Disneyland Paris, Eiffel Tower Elevator Guided Tour, Louvre Ultimate Experience, and a gourmet five-course champagne lunch at Mordu.

BEST FOR : Those who want to tick off a few favorite attractions from their Paris bucket list.

Paris Museum Pass : With the Paris Museums Pass, you have FREE admission, (without waiting in line), to over 50 museums and monuments in Paris and the Paris region. You can choose from a 2, 4, or 6 day pass.

BEST FOR : Those who want to visit the popular museums and monuments in Paris, but aren’t interested in tours or other attractions.

Check out the FREE things to do in Paris

Paris on a budget: Costly mistakes to avoid making

While many of the top attractions in Paris cost money to visit, there are lots of free things to do if you’re on a tight budget. Some of my favorite free things to do in Paris include:

Notre Dame Cathedral – While you have to pay to go up and see a view from the towers, it’s free to enter the church.

If you’re using the Paris Pass or the Paris Explorer Pass , you can visit the towers for free. NOTE: Notre Dame Cathedral is currently closed due to the 2019 fire.

Basilica Sacré-Coeur – You have to pay to go up and see a view from the dome, but it’s free to enter the church. If you’re using the Paris Pass or the GO Paris Card, you can visit the towers for free.

Jardin du Luxemburg – This is one of my favorite free gardens to visit in Paris. The perfect spot to have a picnic!

Watch the Eiffel Tower light show in the evening – Parc du Champ de Mars is a good spot to check this out.

Take a stroll through Cimitière du Père Lachaise (Pere Lachaise Cemetery) – Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde are some of the famous graves in this old cemetery.

Musée Carnavalet – Free to visit the permanent collection, but you’ll need to reserve tickets in advance.

Musée de la Vie Romantique – Free to visit the permanent collection.

Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris – Free to visit the permanent collection. A small donatation is recommended.

River Seine – Take a scenic walk along the river seine in Paris.

Free museum days in Paris – Most museums are free on the first Sunday of each month. This includes The Louvre,  Musée Rodin, Musée Picasso, Musée d’Orsay, and others.

Staying in Paris on a Budget

For first timers in Paris, choosing where to stay can be a little overwhelming. There are 20 Arrondissements (neighborhoods) in the city.

The 1 st and 7 th Arrondissements are popular neighborhoods for first time visitors to stay, however they can be quiet expensive. This is because you’ll find attractions such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower here.

Instead, I recommend staying in the 4 th Arrondissement (Le Marais) if you’re looking for a classic feel of Paris .

Here are some costly mistakes to avoid when booking your hotel and travel accommodations:  

Plan ahead when booking your accommodations

Just like with any major city, planning ahead can help ensure that you get the best choice and value.

If possible, I recommend checking prices for flights and accommodations at least three months in advanced, especially in you’re traveling during peak season (June, July, and August).

I like using Booking.com to find deals on hotels in Paris. This is because Booking.com will tell you exactly what you’ll pay.

Some hotels and other third-party booking websites advertise low prices, but don’t mention that extra fees or tourist tax that will be added to your bill upon checkout.

Booking.com will tell you the actual price so there will be no surprises!

Planning ahead also means deciding which month is the best time for you to visit Paris. I have been to Paris both in the summer and winter months. Each season has its pros and cons.

I personally recommend visiting during the shoulder season (spring or fall) because the weather will be nice and museums will be less crowded. However, winter and summer are still good times to visit.

Avoiding booking your hotel outside of Paris

I know those affordable hotels near Paris Disney sound tempting, but unless you’re spending every day exploring the Disney Park, it’s not a good idea to stay there.

Commuting into the city every day can get very expensive and it takes up a lot of precious sightseeing time. I don’t recommend it.

Instead, you’ll want to stay in central Paris to make the most of your trip. The metro makes it easy to get around the city, so don’t stress too much about trying to stay next to your favorite museum or monument.

Stay in one of the affordable neighborhoods of Paris

Below are some of the best neighborhoods in Paris to stay on a budget:

  • 3rd arrondissement
  • 4 th arrondissement
  • 10th arrondissement
  • 18th arrondissement
  • 20th arrondissement
  • The Latin Quarter
  • Saint Germain des Pres

Food in Paris on a Budget

Paris is home to some of the best food and restaurants in the world. Keep in mind that each restaurant sets their own hours, so I recommend checking ahead to see when places are open or closed.

Also, many of the popular restaurants fill up quickly, so you may want to make reservations in advance.

Tipping in restaurants – Is it rude to tip in France?

Most bars and restaurants include a service charge already, so you don’t need to tip. However, if you are happy with your service, it’s always nice to leave a 5% or 10% tip.

Order tap water at restaurants

There is no need to pay for bottled water in a restaurant, unless you actually want to order bottled water. Instead, just ask for tap water (it’s free). Paris tap water is safe to drink.

You can say this to your server, “ Une carafe d’eau s’il vous plait ”, which means ‘a jug of water please’.

I would also avoid ordering soda pop or sparkling water at restaurants.

It’s not uncommon for drinks like Coke or Perrier to cost more than a glass of wine in Paris restaurants.

Take advantage of happy hour drink specials

Ordering alcoholic drinks in Paris can get expensive, however many restaurants offer discounts on beverages during their happy hours.

A more budget-friendly option is to take a break from sightseeing in the afternoon and enjoy a drink on the patio before dinner. This is a fun way to relax and people watch in Paris without spending too much money.

Take advantage of pre-fix specials

Many restaurants and cafes in Paris offer fixed-price combos . For example, for lunch you might be able to get 1 starter + 1 main dish + 1 drink for a set price.

This is usually cheaper than ordering from the regular menu, which is a great way to save money when dining out. You’ll definitely want to take advantage of these great lunch specials!

The Latin Quarter area in Paris offers fixed 3-course meals that are much cheaper than the standard 3-course menu offers.

You’ll see this listed on the menu as “ Une Formule “, which is a set menu.

  • “Entrée + Plat = 15€”
  • or “Entrée + Plat + Dessert = 20€”.

Find the cheap eats in Paris

Eating at restaurants in Paris can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are lots of great cheap eats that you should consider trying in Paris.

As a vegetarian, many traditional French restaurants tend to be heavy on the meat dishes.

I found the best way to eat vegeterian and stay on budget was to dine at Italian restaurants ( hello endless pizza and pasta! ), eat plenty of crepes, visit bakeries or boulangeries for a baguette, eat ethnic cuisine (falafels, Asian food, and so on).

Where to eat in Paris on a budget? Below are some of my favorite spots to eat well on a budget in Paris:

Ristorante Al Caratello – While this is not the cheapest option, it’s my absolute favorite restaurant in Paris. If you’re looking for delicious Italian food, friendly service, and affordable prices, then head straight to Ristorante Al Caratello. Portions are big and it’s located right in the beautiful Montmartre neighborhood.

La Droguerie – Whether you prefer sweet or savory crepes, this is the best place to enjoy affordable crepes in Paris. I ordered the Nutella Banana crepe and it was delicious!

Paris on a budget: Costly mistakes to avoid making

L’As du Fallafel – This is a popular lunch spot for cheap eats in Paris. The falafels are huge, so don’t forget to bring your appetite.

Eric Kayser – This lunch spot is super popular with the locals. Everything is fresh, delicious, and affordable. For around 10 Euros, I was able to enjoy a veggie sandwich, a drink, and a dessert. There are many locations around Paris.

PITAYA saveurs thai – If you like Thai food, this is a good lunch or dinner option. Portions are generous and affordable.

Noodle Panda – Near the Arc de Triomphe, you can enjoy yummy Chinese food at Noodle Panda. It’s a cheap and popular spot with the locals.

Paradis Marguerite – This was one of our favorite meals in Paris. Almost everything on the menu is vegan, but my carnivore boyfriend loved his meal.

Paris on a budget: Costly mistakes to avoid making

Josse Philippe – Montmartre is a great neighborhood to find cheap eats in Paris. If you’re craving a sandwich, look no further than Josse Philippe. This place offers some of the best cheap sandwiches in the city.

Kozy – This cute café is the perfect spot to grab breakfast in Paris. Whether you want a croissant or a breakfast quiche, this place is affordable and delicious.

Framboise – For a sit down crepe option, I highly recommend Framboise. They have some of the best savory and sweet crepes in the city.

Pizzeria Popolare – Head to Pizzeria Popolare and see why the locals love this place! For only 5 Euros, you can enjoy a delicious margherita pizza. Italian food is the way to go if you’re looking for cheap eats in Paris.

McDonald’s – Yes, that’s right. At first I thought it was silly to visit McDonald’s in Paris. But even the locals go there. This is a great option to enjoy FREE Wi-Fi, cheap coffee, and to use the public bathrooms.

Avoid eating at restaurants close to tourist attractions

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in any city is eating at restaurants located near tourist attractions. Not only are these restaurants expensive, but they tend to offer mediocre food at best.

To eat in Paris on a budget, walk a few blocks away from tourist attractions. Don’t be afraid to head down a side street and follow where the locals eat. This is where you’ll find the best food and value.

Paris on a budget: Costly mistakes to avoid making

Make lunch your biggest meal of the day

Brunch and dinners are usually much more expensive than lunch menus. It’s not uncommon for the same lunch meal to cost twice the price for dinner.

Most restaurants offer a pre-fix lunch menu, which can be very affordable. If you’re hungry in the afternnon, you can grab street food (such as a crepe) and enjoy a light dinner.

Get take-away food and have a picnic

At casual restaurants in Paris, if you get your food to-go (“à emporter”), it’s usually cheaper than eating at a table (“sur place”).

When you order your food, the person at the counter will ask, “Sur place ou à emporter?” This means “Are you going to eat it here (sur place) or take it away (emporter)?”.

The sur place price will be slightly higher. If it’s a nice day, save money by taking it to-go and having a picnic in the park, Jardin des Tuileries , or sit by the Eiffel Tower and enjoy a fun picnic.

Lots of people have picnics in Paris, especially in the summer. You can buy bread, cheese, meat, olives, wine, or whatever you want from a local grocery store. Just don’t forget to bring a wine opener !

If you have access to a hostel kitchen or Airbnb, there’s quite of few grocery stores in Paris.

Have breakfast a cafe instead of your hotel

If your hotel doesn’t offer free breakfast, they might charge up to €15 per person for a continential breakfast of juice, coffee, and croissant. This isn’t good value.

Instead visit a local cafe to have the same option for less than €10. Some boulangeries even offer breakfast specials where you can get a coffee and pastry for a discount.

Have your coffee at the counter in the cafe to save money . This is usually much cheaper than sitting down at a table.

If you don’t want a pastry for breakfast, consider going to McDonald’s. While this isn’t your typical French breakfast, it’s cheap and filling.

Getting Around Paris on a Budget

The best way to save money is to wear comfortable shoes and walk to each attraction. Even though Paris is a big city, it’s very walkable.

Another afforable and quick way to get around is to ride the public metro. I know their metro system might seem a little intimidating for first-timers, but it’s really straightforward once you get the hang of it.

PRO TIP: Watch a video on YouTube of how to use the public metro system in Paris. This helped us a lot.

The RER train is the regional train system. The RER will take you to both airports and to day trip destinations such as Versailles .

If you prefer to be comfortable and relax, you can ride the  Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour , which is a great way to get familiar with Paris for first-timers.

Avoid taking a taxi to get around the city

With the convenient and affordable Paris Metro, there is no reason to take an expensive taxi in the city. If you are insistent on hiring a driver to get to and from the airport, then I recommend using Uber or a private shuttle car.

How to get from Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) to city centre of Paris:

ONLY get inside official taxis and verified airport transfers. An official taxi will have an illuminated rooftop sign and a meter. The sign will read “ TAXI Parisien “.

You’ll find regular taxis located in the official taxi queque. Follow the signs posted in the airport arrivals to the taxi queques.

A taxi from Charles De Gaulle airport to Paris will cost around €50 to €55 . There will be an additional 15% automatically added when traveling between 5:00 PM and 10:00 AM daily, as well as all day Sunday and all holidays.

A taxi from Orly airport to Paris will cost around €30 to €35 . This airport is closer to the city, so the fares will be less and the ride will be shorter.

Another good option is to take a private transfer between Paris and CDG Airport . or Orly Airport . I did this when traveling with my sister so we didn’t have to worry about fumbling with our luggage on the Paris Metro.

Taking public transportation from the airport to Paris:

The Bus or RER is the cheapest way to get to and from Charles De Gaulle Airpot. The airport has two train stations on the B line of the RER.

The journey time is approximately:

  • 25 minutes from Gare du Nord
  • 28 minutes from Châtelet-Les-Halles
  • 35 minutes form Denfert-Rochereau.

Get to know the Paris metro system

Once you learn how the Paris metro system works, it’s easy to navigate and get to any point you desire in the city.

You can save money by purchasing a book of 10 (“carnet”) tickets for 18.60 €. This is cheaper than buying single metro tickets which costs €1.90 .

Make sure to keep hold of your ticket until you have completed your journey, as you may be asked to show it if tickets are being inspected .

If you are planning to use the public transportation system a lot, consider getting Paris Visite travel pass .

This is a card that gives you unlimited travel on all of the public transport networks: the metro, tramway, bus, RER and SNCF Transilien networks. It’s valid for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days .

Falling for common tourist scams in Paris

Like with any major city, it’s essential that you keep an eye on your belongs at all times.

Pickpockets know where to operate in the city and you don’t want to run the risk of having your wallet or phone stolen. Here are a couple of other scams you should be aware of:

The string or bracelet scam

People may ask if you’d like a “friendship bracelet or ring”. They will tie it so tight that you can’t remove it and then demand money from you.

Keep an eye out for these people (usually males) near popular museums and the Montmartre area.

Petition scams

This is usually around popular monuments, such as the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. Mainly run by young girls, they are often holding a clipboard (or a piece of paper) and ask you “D o you speak English? ”

From my experience, these girls can be extremely aggressive and they are not afraid to grab your arm to get your attention. Firmly reject any petition and continue on your way.

If you stop and sign the petition, there are French words on the paper that usually say you have to give 1,000 euros or you will face a penalty.

They work in groups, so more people will come and demand money from you or pickpocket you.

Always remember to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

Paris on a budget: Costly mistakes to avoid making

Do you need to speak French?

You don’t need to be fluent in French to survive your holiday in Paris, but it does help to know a few key words. Here are a few French words you should know:

  • Bonjour – Hello / Good day (this is a polite way to greet others before 6:00pm)
  • Bonsoir – Good evening (this a polite way to greet others after 6:00pm)
  • Merci – Thank you
  • S’il vous plait – Please
  • Pardon – Pardon / Excuse me (say this if you need to pass someone, especially on the Paris Metro)
  • Excusez-moi – Excuse me (say this to get your waiter’s attention or you need to pass someone in a crowded area)
  • Sur place – For here (say this if you want to dine-in)
  • à emporter – Take away (say this if you want your meal to-go)
  • Une carafe d’eau s’il vous plait – A jug of water please (always free in restaurants)
  • L’addition s’il vous plait – the bill please

Paris on a budget FAQs

How much should you budget for paris.

Your daily budget should be around €184 per person for your vacation. This is how much spending money you’ll need for a day in Paris. Based on the expenses of other visitors, this is the average daily price. (Price are in EUROS).

What does a week in Paris cost? A vacation to Paris for one week will cost an average of €1,286 per person. ( Source )

When is the best time to visit Paris on a budget?

The cheapest times to visit Paris is in early December (before Christmas), January, and February. The weather is cold and the gardens aren’t in bloom, but it’s the perfect time to enjoy the city with less crowds.

Ready to plan your adventure to Paris? See what hotel deals are available in the area thanks to Booking.com

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About Eden Ashley

Eden has an MBA and a degree in Psychology. She wants to show you how to use simple tools to help you take back control of your spending so you can live a more authentic and abundant life. When she is not writing, Eden enjoys traveling and exploring the outdoors. Click here to learn how to create a better budget!

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How to Spend 5 Days in Paris

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France on a clear summer day

Paris . It’s one of my favorite destinations in the entire world and a city that would take a lifetime to see.

I’ve been to the city more times than I remember — I even moved there for a while — yet I’ve barely scratched its surface.

Understandably, planning a trip to Paris is hard. Just when you think you’ve seen everything the city has to offer, you find new attractions, new cafés, or new markets to explore (not to mention visiting Disneyland Paris ). There are layers to this city — which is partially why I love it so much.

Most travelers seem to visit Paris for around three days before moving on. They see the highlights, snap some photos, and move on.

While three days is better than nothing, I think you need more time than that. Ideally, I think you should plan on spending at least five days in Paris in order to see the bare minimum of what the City of Lights has to offer. There’s just too much to do.

To help you plan your trip to Paris and figure out what to see, what to do, where to stay, and where to eat, here’s my suggested itinerary for a five-day visit (and some other suggestions in case you decide to spend longer there!)

Paris Itinerary Highlights

Day 2 : Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, & more!

Day 3 : The Palace of Versailles, Père Lachaise Cemetery, & more!

Day 4 : Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Holocaust Museum, & more!

Day 5 : Paris Catacombs, Rue Mouffetard, Musée de Cluny, & more!

Where to Eat : My Favorite Restaurants in Paris

What to See in Paris: Day 1

The iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France on a bright and sunny day

For paid tours, check out Take Walks . They are my go-to walking tour company when I want something more in-depth and informative. They have all kinds of walking tours (as well as museum and food tours ). There’s something for every interest!

However, if you want to follow my own walking tour, here’s my suggested route for an “orientation walk” around Paris:

Start at the Champs-Élysées and see the Arc de Triomphe. There isn’t usually a line, and you’ll get sweeping views of the city to start your day. Stroll down the Champs-Élysées and through Place de la Concorde, where you will see the Luxor Obelisk, which the French stole from the Egyptians. It’s over 3,000 years old and stands 75-meters (246 feet) tall. This square was also where they guillotined people during the French Revolution (1789-1799).

Walk down the Champs-Élysées through the Jardin des Tuileries, a beautiful garden that was once home to a palace that burned down in the 1800s. Stop and admire the Louvre before continuing down Rue Rivoli and crossing into the original section of the city on the Île de la Cité. This is where the Romans built their original settlement, (called Lutetia, which was the basis for the modern-day city of Paris.

Enjoy the Pont Neuf and the statue of Henry IV. This stone bridge, the first in Paris, was built in 1578. Stroll to my favorite church of all time, Sainte Chapelle, with its incredible 12th-century stained glass. There’s usually a line, so book tickets in advance (11.50 EUR). You’ll skip the huge line (sometimes the wait is over an hour).

After that, head to the underground Roman ruins and then visit Notre Dame, the world’s most famous Gothic church. It was damaged in a fire in 2019 and is still closed, however, you can still admire the building as it’s still being repaired.

Next, head south toward the Latin Quarter. This area is rather touristy but if you get off the main drag, you’ll find yourself in a labyrinth of alleys and café-lined squares that are far away from the local tourist hangouts.

Visit the Pantheon and honor France’s most famous dead citizens before heading west toward the Jardin du Luxembourg, where you can relax and watch life go by. There’s great people-watching here, and it’s one of the best parks in the city.

After that, head north to see Saint Sulpice. If you’re into The Da Vinci Code , you’ll be looking for symbols and hidden meanings throughout this church. If symbols don’t interest you, just marvel at how grandiose this place is.

By this time, it should be late in the afternoon and a perfect time to stop in a café, order some wine, and relax the Parisian way.

What to See in Paris: Day 2

people waiting to get into the louvre museum

If that’s not your thing, there are plenty of impressionist period gems like Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, and other masters. Nevertheless, the museum is worth seeing, and I spent about five hours exploring all the masterpieces and marveling at the old royal palace. You could easily spend more time if you’re an art buff too. If you’d just like to see the highlights, expect to spend a couple of hours.

Timed skip-the-line tickets cost 17 EUR. Post-Covid, you definitely want to get these as they often run out of tickets as, to deal with the crowds, they have started limited the number of visitors per day.

You can also take a guided tour around the Louvre (which also skips the line) if you really want to dive into the incredible art in this museum. You’ll learn much, much more this way.

Musée du Louvre, 1st arrondissement, +33 1 40 20 53 17, louvre.fr. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and weekends from 9am–6pm, and Fridays from 9am–9:45pm. Closed Tuesdays. Admission is 17 EUR. They also offer free admission for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month October-March and on Bastille Day (14 July). Admission is also free for EU residents under 26. To avoid the massive lines, enter via the Carrousel du Louvre entrance and you’ll get right to the ticket counter. You can also skip the lines if you have a Paris Museum Pass .

iconic clock at musee d'Orsay

1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 7th arrondissement, +33 1 40 49 48 14, musee-orsay.fr. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday-Sunday from 9:30am–6pm and Thursdays from 9:30am–9:45pm. Closed Mondays. Admission is 17 EUR (or 9 EUR after 4:30pm every day but Thursday). It’s free on the first Sunday of the month. Be sure to buy tickets in advance so you can skip the long line.

Musée de l’Orangerie Finish off a wild museum day with this Monet showcase. The museum displays eight tapestry-sized Nymphéas (water lilies), housed in two plain oval rooms. Monet painted these images later in his life, and each one represents a different time of day and season. There’s a bottom floor that shows other works too. It’s a beautiful museum.

Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, 1st arrondissement, +33 1 44 50 43 00, musee-orangerie.fr. Open Wednesday-Monday from 9am–6pm; last entry at 5:15pm. Closed Tuesdays. Admission is 12.50 EUR and is free on the first Sunday of the month.

Budget travel tip: Get the Paris Museum Pass . This pass covers over 50 museums and attractions in Paris. It covers all the museums above, so getting this pass and using it to see all the attractions listed in this article will save you a ton of money. A two-day pass costs 55 EUR, a four-day pass costs 70 EUR, and a six-day pass costs 85 EUR. Plus, it will let you skip all the long lines that these attractions have.

NOTE: People will say “That’s too much to do in a day! Those museums take a day each!” And they are right. These museums can actually take DAYS to see. But, if you’re short on time, you can see the highlights of each in a very long day. Or don’t and take your time in each museum. This itinerary is just a mere suggestion anyways!

What to See in Paris: Day 3

the golden gates at the palace of versailles

It takes a full day to really enjoy a trip here. Spend the day exploring the château, get lost in the surrounding gardens, and soak up the extravagant lifestyle of France’s former monarchy. Make sure you see the estate of Trianon (known as Marie Antoinette’s estate) as well, which includes a fake peasant village created to provide scenic views and fresh milk and eggs for the Queen.

Versailles is massive and beautiful so don’t rush your visit. Most people see the Palace first, then the gardens, and then Marie-Antoinette’s estate. If you do everything in reverse, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds. Additionally, go on a weekday to avoid the worst of the crowds.

If you really want a deep dive, take a guided tour of Versailles with Walks. You’ll not only skip the line (which will save you a ton of time) but you’ll get an expert local guide who can really bring the history to life.

Place d’Armes, Versailles, +33 1 30 83 78 00, en.chateauversailles.fr. Open Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5:30pm with the last entry at 5pm. Closed Mondays. “The Passport” ticket gives you admission to all the palace tours (grounds, Trianon Palaces, and Marie Antoinette’s estate), the Musical Fountain Show, the Musical Gardens, and the exhibitions for 28.50 EUR (21.50 EUR during the low season).

Guided tours with GYG that skip-the-line cost 55 EUR. I highly recommend a guided tour because there’s not a lot of signage in the building so you don’t really get any context around what you are seeing.

The cobblestones and mausoleums of the Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris, France

Built in 1804, it’s named after Louis XIV’s confessor, Père François de la Chaise (1624–1709), who lived in a house near the cemetery. Initially, the locals considered the cemetery too far from the city so administrators devised a plan. They moved the remains of Jean de La Fontaine (fabulist) and Molière (playwright), two of Paris’s most famous artists, to Père Lachaise, hoping that people would want to be buried near France’s famous heroes.

It worked, and today it’s the city’s most iconic graveyard — and the most visited cemetery in the world. Just make sure you’re out before it closes at 5:30pm.

Guided tours cost 20 EUR and last three hours. I recommend taking a tour if you can. There’s not a lot of signage here so you don’t really get any information about the cemetery without a tour.  

What to See in Paris: Day 4

the Eiffel tower on a sunny day

Afterward, have a picnic on the grass and enjoy the sunshine and the views. It’s one of my favorite things to do in the city.

Champ de Mars, 7th arrondissement, +33 8 92 70 12 39, toureiffel.paris. Open daily (9am–midnight) during the summer, with slightly shorter hours during the rest of the year. Admission is 18.10-28.30 EUR per person, depending on how high you go. You can also pay for direct access to an elevator that takes you to the top for 35 EUR.

Wander Rue Cler Located near the Eiffel Tower, this street is filled with good Parisian eateries. You’ll find cheese, meat, bread, vegetable, and chocolate stores to explore. I never walk away from this street without a pile of food and wine.

Whenever I’m here, I eat my way through this street and then buy more for later. It’s one of my favorite streets in Paris.

Paris Sewer Museum This tour is definitely an off-the-beaten-path attraction and isn’t too far away from the Eiffel Tower. You’ll learn about the interesting history of Paris’s sewer system .

You may be put off by the idea of a “sewer tour,” but don’t be. It doesn’t smell down there and you’ll learn how modern Paris came to be. Before there was a suitable drainage system, waste from the city just ended up in the river. It then spread disease and polluted the entire area, putting the entire city at risk. It wasn’t until the city developed a complex sewer system that it was able to overcome diseases, boost trade, and develop into the world-class city that it is today.

Pont de l’Alma, Left Bank, opposite 93 Quai d’Orsay, 7th arrondissement, +33 1 53 68 27 81, musee-egouts.paris.fr/en/. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am–5pm. Admission is 9 EUR.

Les Invalides (The Tomb of Napoleon) Also known as Hôtel National des Invalides, this enormous complex was built in 1670 by Louis XIV as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Nowadays, it’s home to several museums and monuments, including the Musée de l’Armée (the Military Museum of the Army of France) and Napoleon’s tomb. It is one of the most comprehensive history museums I’ve ever visited, and you’ll need at least three hours to see it properly.

While military history may seem boring, this museum is really a history of France, the Revolution, and Napoleon. It is fascinating and incredible in its depth. I cannot recommend it enough.

Place des Invalides, Musée de l’Armée, 129 Rue de Grenelle, 7th arrondissement, +33 810 11 33 99. Open daily from April through October (10am–6pm; Tuesdays until 9pm), and 10am–5pm from November through March. Admission is 14 EUR.

The Museum of the Shoah (The Holocaust Museum) Despite having an excellent exhibit on France, anti-Semitism, and the Holocaust, the Museum of the Shoah never draws a lot of people. It’s a real shame, as the information and collection here is really great and in-depth. I’ve been to many Holocaust museums, and this is one of the best and most detailed in the world. I highly recommend it.

17 Rue Geoffroy l’Asnier, 4th arrondissement, +33 1 42 77 44 72, memorialdelashoah.org. Open Sunday–Friday 10am–6pm and Thursdays from 10am–10pm. Closed Saturdays. Admission is free and a free guided tour is given at 3pm (in English) on the second Sunday of every month.  

What to See in Paris: Day 5

The old bones and skulls of the dark Catacombs in Paris, France

1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 14th arrondissement, +33 1 43 22 47 63, catacombes.paris.fr. Open Tuesday–Sunday 9:45am–8:30pm; last admission at 7:30pm. Closed Mondays. Check the website before you go — the Catacombs are sometimes closed without warning or explanation. Admission is 18 EUR for last-minute tickets sold the day of. The audio guide is 5 EUR. Advanced tickets are 29 EUR (including the audio guide).

Rue Mouffetard This pedestrian street is filled with cafés and shops and has an outdoor market. It’s great to just wander down or for sitting in front of a café and watch Parisian life go by. Make sure to stop by the nearby Place de la Contrescarpe too. There are some good and inexpensive restaurants in the area, making it a nice place to stop for a while and watch life go by.

Musée de Cluny The Cluny Museum, also known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages, is the finest surviving example of medieval architecture in Paris. Built in the 15th century, it was the former home of the abbots of Cluny and now houses Roman and medieval art, including many architectural fragments found during excavations around the city.

The museum also contains the adjoining rooms of a Roman bath, which the abbey was built over. It is by far one of the most interesting history museums in the city and worth every euro of the admission fee!

6 Place Paul Painlevé, 5th arrondissement, +33 1 53 73 78 16, musee-moyenage.fr. Open Tuesday to Sunday 9:30am–6:15pm. Closed Mondays. Admission is 12 EUR and free on the first Sunday of every month.

Bibliothèque Nationale de France One of the grandest libraries in the world, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France was founded in 1368 by Charles V. Stop in for a quick visit and be sure to take a peek at the old rotunda of the art library and the 20-foot globes in the permanent collection. The collection is massive at over 40 million items, including some 15 million books and over 5,000 manuscripts from Ancient Greece.

Quai François Mauriac, 13th arrondissement, +33 1 53 79 59 59, bnf.fr. Open Monday from 2pm-8pm), Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-8pm, and Sundays from 1pm-7pm. Admission is free.

The famous Sacre-Coeur on Montmartre in Paris, France on a bright and sunny summer day

In the evening, the stairs near the church fill up with people watching the sunset, chatting, and drinking. There are usually lots of buskers here too making it one of the best places in the city to soak up the city in the evening.  

Where to Eat in Paris

A cafe in Paris, France with people mingling outside on the sidewalk

  • Café Père & Fils — Café Père & Fils is a Parisian brasserie and coffee shop with outdoor seating for lunch and drinks.
  • Florence Kahn — This perfect little shop has a blue mosaic shopfront. They make really delicious sandwiches — try the pastrami.
  • ISTR — ISTR is extremely trendy and usually busy for dinner, but I highly recommend its happy hour, when the wine and oysters are cheap.
  • King Falafel Place — Some of the best falafel in Paris. There’s usually a line but it moves quickly.
  • La Crêperie des Artes — This tiny to-go crêperie is the best in all of Paris (in my opinion). Cheap, delicious, and large portions — you can’t go wrong here.
  • Le Dit Vin — The prices are reasonable, there is a large wine selection, and the menu changes daily depending on what’s fresh. It’s one of my absolute favorite spots in the city
  • Pizzeria Popolare — Some of the best pizza in Paris. Get there early. The line is LONG.
  • Juveniles — An awesome bistro near the Louvre with a rotating menu in a compact space.
  • Robert et Louise — This place serves lots of meat and roasts from an open fire. It’s a hearty meal. Great wine selection too!

If you want even more places to eat and drink in Paris, get my city guide which features a complete list !

Admittedly, even with five days in Paris , you’ll barely scratch the surface of the city. It’s just too massive, nuanced, and layered. The history, the architecture, the charm — it’s unlike any other place in the world.

However, you will still be able to see many of the highlights and get a sense of just how amazing Paris really is. But want to get away from the crowds? Want other suggestion? Here’s a list of off-beat attractions , unique walking tours , and day trips from the city .

Paris is best explored slowly. It’s a city meant to be unraveled, discovered. There’s so much that just pops up that you want to be like a local and just let your day unfold unexpectedly. Meander in the gardens and parks, take a long lunch, watch that band, sit by the Seine, and linger over that bottle of wine. Live your best life in Paris.

Use this suggested itinerary as your starting point and see where your trip takes you. I promise it won’t disappoint!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!

Book Your Trip to Paris: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Three of my favorite places to stay in the city are:

  • St. Christopher’s Canal
  • 3 Ducks Hostel
  • Les Piaules

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here are my favorite hostels in Paris .

And, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of the city .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
  • Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
  • Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Need a guide? Paris has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks . They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company.

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Paris? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Paris for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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How much does a trip to Paris Cost?

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How much money should you budget for your trip to Paris?

How much does a weekend trip to paris cost.

  • How much does a five-day trip to Paris cost?
  • How much does a one-week trip to Paris cost?
  • Hostel Prices
  • Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Paris

When it comes to exploring Paris, travelers typically find themselves budgeting between $93 and $723 per day for solo adventures and $187 to $1,446 if you're traveling as a couple. Now, that's a broad range, but the typical trip, on average, is $251 (€232) per person per day. This average cost covers sightseeing, accommodation, meals, and transportation, all from our large repository of travel expenses from previous visitors. Keep in mind, though, your personal spending might vary a bit based on your own level of luxury, travel style, and chosen activities. However, if you're visiting the highlights with some savvy planning, chances are your spending will vibe right around this average cost. For more details, check out the breakdown of expenses by category, plus the breakdown on accommodation and activity prices below.

For budget travelers in Paris, planning for around $93 (€86) per day should cover essentials such as accommodations in hostels and budget hotels, affordable meal options, local transportation, and engaging in various activities. If you're a mid-range traveler, setting aside around $251 (€232) per day would allow for more comfortable stays in typical hotels, dining at regular restaurants, and exploring a diverse range of popular attractions. Luxury travelers, on the other hand, should consider a daily budget of approximately $723 (€668) to accommodate higher-end hotel stays, dining at nicer restaurants, and indulging in more exclusive private tour options. It's important to note that these price ranges are derived from our extensive travel cost data for Paris, which is based on valuable insights from other travelers as well as hotel and tour data provided by travel companies. For a more detailed breakdown of travel costs, you can refer to our comprehensive travel cost data for Paris .

On average, travelers spend around $754 per person during a three-day trip to Paris. This average includes expenses for sightseeing, hotels, food, and local transportation. To align with this average price range, consider opting for mid-range hotels and dining at mid-level restaurants, while also allocating funds for entry tickets to popular attractions. For those seeking a more budget-friendly approach, it is possible to find lower-cost accommodations, dine at less expensive restaurants, and explore free activities. Also, many visitors choose to spend a higher travel budget, as Paris offers a range of high-end hotels and restaurants for those seeking a more luxurious experience.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

How much does a five day trip to Paris cost?

With five days in Paris, you can expect to spend about $1,257 total, not including transportation to and from the city. It's possible to stay close to this daily average by booking mid-range hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. It's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities if you want to spent less money.

How much does a one week trip to Paris cost?

Most visitors spend between $653 and $5,063 for a one week trip to Paris, with the average being $1,759 . This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to have a more in-depth experience in Paris. Also, one week allows you to be more flexible with your time and money, so you can potentially save money on some aspects of your trip while spending more on others.

Hostel Prices in Paris

With more than 40 hostels in Paris, the average price is $33 per night for a dorm bed. The cheapest hostel costs $2 and the most expensive is $101. Usually popular with younger travelers, hostels are a great way to save money while also being social. But not all hostels are the same, and we've analyzed the prices of both dorms and private rooms to find the average prices and best places to stay. You can see more details about the hostel prices in Paris here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Paris.

  • $20 for a dorm bed at St Christopher's Inn Canal in Paris more details
  • $44 for a dorm bed at FIAP Paris in Paris more details
  • $45 for a dorm bed at Caulaincourt Montmartre by Hiphophostels in Paris more details

Hotel Prices in Paris

Based on our calculations from available hotels in the Paris, the average price for a hotel room is $126 per night. To save money, or if you're planning a more luxurious trip, it's important to look at hotel prices based on the overall star-rating as well as guest reviews. Also, prices can vary by amenities and location. Check out more details from our analysis of hotel prices in Paris here , and below is a breakdown of hotel prices by star-rating.

Maison Armance

La chambre du marais.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Should you do a tour in Paris?

Many visitors enjoy the convenience of booking tours and activities while they visit, and Paris has a wide array of things to do. These activities often include knowledgable guides and unique experiences. Tours range in price from $21 for the Eiffel Tower Reserved Access Tour and optionnal Summit by Lift to $784 for the Visit to the Castles of the Loire Valley .

  • Paris in a Day - Private Experience Viator $ 287
  • Paris in a Day - Private Experience: $287
  • Parcours Bois de Vincennes - Segway Tour of Paris: $65
  • Great Women of History walking tour: $50
  • Latin Quarter Paris - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour: $111
  • Paris - Historic City Center Walking Tour: $143
  • 2 hours discovery tour of Versailles on electric 2 wheels : $83
  • Historical Paris Walking Tour to Vibrant Food Market: $210
  • Guided Electric Scooter Tour of Paris: $72

More for Paris

If you're planning a trip to Paris, France, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Step-by-Step Timeline for Planning a Trip to Paris (+ PDF Checklist)

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Planning a trip to Paris, especially if it is your first visit to the City of Light, requires a lot of research and careful attention to detail. After all, it would be a huge disappointment to show up at the Louvre only to find that the museum is closed, or that you don’t have the timed-entry tickets you need. Likewise, no one wants to spend three hours waiting in line for the opportunity to ascend the Eiffel Tower. These trip mishaps, among others, can be avoided with a good Paris trip planner.

Sure you can hire a travel advisor to do it for you, but with a little guidance, we can point you in the right direction and give you the tools you need to plan an amazing trip to Paris! Luckily my past experience as a travel agent building itineraries for families and developing relationships with local suppliers put me in a good position to plan my own trip this spring. And regular readers know that I’m a bit obsessive when it comes to research and trip planning.

So I figured why not share my Paris trip planning process with you, along with an easy-to-follow timeline and handy downloadable Paris trip checklist [see below] . And when you are ready to start planning, also be sure to check out my complete, detailed 5 days in Paris itinerary .

Bateaux on the river Seine in paris

Your Guide to Planning a Trip to Paris

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

When Should you Start Planning?

How early should you start planning a trip to Paris? If you are visiting Paris during the high season, I would recommend that you start planning at least six months in advance to find the cheapest airfare and the best hotel rates. This is especially true if you are visiting with a family and require a family room or suite and want to stay in a centrally located hotel or apartment.

Luckily Paris is a big enough city that it isn’t impossible to plan a last-minute trip, you just need to be a bit more flexible on your budget and expectations. Ideally, you will start planning a trip to Paris at least three months in advance before prime tickets to the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre have been sold out.

How Long Should you Spend in Paris?

If this is your first time in Paris, I would recommend a minimum of five days, including your arrival day. Ideally, you would spend a week and have more downtime, plus time for a day trip from Paris, but you may also want to include a visit to a neighboring city like London or Amsterdam to round out your stay, or some time in the South of France.

For our spring break trip , we spent six nights in Paris and continued on to Venice (this was part of a celebratory graduation trip for us.) Even with six nights, our days were pretty busy and we aren’t planning any day trips. Spending a week in Paris is entirely doable.

Step 1: Establish your Paris Vacation Budget

Paris apartment buildings on the outside

Before you even get too far into planning your Paris trip, you need to figure out your Paris vacation budget so that you don’t get sticker shock when you start looking at the cost of hotels or apartment rentals.

Keep in mind that hotel rooms in Paris aren’t large and families will need a large suite or two rooms. Many times, they are better off with an apartment rental. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of great Airbnb options in Paris due to crackdowns on that service, at least not in the city center.

I put together an entire guide to Paris apartment rentals with many different options, but you can start by looking at options on VRBO .

We have broken down what an average family trip to Paris costs in a separate post that provides an excellent guide for airfare, accommodations, activities, meals, and transportation. Use this as a guideline when determining your budget, based on your own travel style and party size.

I would strongly encourage you to invest in travel insurance for your trip to cover trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss or theft, and medical emergencies. Trust me, I’ve already had to cancel one Paris trip!

Step 2: Research and Book Airfare

Air France Plane in CDG

For international flights, I try to book my flight tickets about six months before my trip, especially if I’m trying to use airline points or miles as those seats disappear quickly. Once you have your vacation dates in mind, I would recommend setting an alert using an app like Hopper or signing up for membership for a flight fare sale alert service like Dollar Flight Club .

If you are willing to try a budget airline, the new Play Airlines is offering cheap flights to Paris from the United States through Reykjavik. Or, if you have champagne tastes, La Compagnie is a business class-only airline offering flights from Newark to Paris. Personally, I find either Delta or Air France the most reliable.

Step 3: Figure out Where to Stay in Paris

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements or neighborhoods. The inner circle, or those closest to the center of the city’s main attractions, are the lower numbers. There is a lot of discussion of the best places to stay in Paris and the best fit for you may depend on your travel style and comfort walking and taking the Metro.

Paris arrondissement

However, it is frequently recommended that first-time visitors stay in the 6th Arrondissement, or the Saint Germain des Pres neighborhood. This posh central Paris neighborhood on the Left Bank near the Latin Quarter is very popular, and can also get pretty pricey. If you are looking for a bargain, you can stay further out or try the 3rd or 4th Arrondissement on the Right Bank, the Le Marais neighborhood.

If you are looking for an apartment, you will find the most inventory in the 7th Arrondissement, near the Eiffel Tower. And if you are looking for luxury hotels and designer shopping, the classic 8th Arrondissement, home to the Champs-Élysées, is where to look, although this might feel too touristy for those looking for a more “authentic” neighborhood.

Whichever neighborhood you pick, it helps to book early, approximately three to six months in advance. Be sure to check out my guide for renting an apartment in Paris , but for now, here are a few recommended hotels:

  • Hotel Espirit Saint Germain
  • Relais Christine
  • Citadines Apart’hotel Saint Germain des Pres
  • Hotel Relais Saint-Germain

Step 4: Develop your Paris Itinerary

Now comes the heavy lifting! It helps if you start researching your trip a few months before by browsing Pinterest, checking out blogs, and watching YouTube videos. You can even pick up a guidebook for a good overview of what there is to do.

Talk to your travel companions and start whittling down a list of your must-dos! Keep in mind that there are so many things to do in Paris that you simply can’t fit it all into one trip. And the easiest path to a miserable trip is overscheduling.

You also don’t want your trip to be only museums in Paris. Give yourselves time to sit in a cafe and drink a bottle of wine, walk through the Tuileries garden, stroll along the Seine, enjoy a local market, and maybe participate in an activity like a macaron-making class, perfume making, or a painting workshop. You may even want to take a food tour to experience some of Paris’ amazing cuisine.

Consider whether or not you would like to add a day trip to your itinerary. If you have more than five days in Paris, you can easily add in a day trip to the Loire Valley , Disneyland Paris , Versailles , Normandy , or wine tasting in the Champagne region. See the Paris family tours worth booking.

Louvre museum glass pyramid

Check museum opening times

The first thing to do is to look at the major tourist attractions you want to see and make a note of the opening time, closing time, and days they are open. In Paris, major museums are closed on certain days and you need to work your itinerary around that. While you are researching this information, make a note of how long you should expect to spend at each attraction to give yourselves enough time and don’t overcrowd your days.

Here are some examples of top attractions in Paris:

  • Musee d’Orsay – closed on Mondays, open late on Thursdays
  • Musée Rodin – closed on Mondays
  • Palace of Versailles – closed on Mondays
  • Louvre Museum – closed on Tuesdays, open late on Wednesdays
  • Centre Pompidou – closed on Tuesdays
  • Musée de l’Orangerie – closed on Tuesdays

Map out your days

One of my top tricks for planning our trips involves Google Maps. I will open a Google Map and search for each attraction that I want to visit. Then I will “star” or save each place so that when I zoom out and look at the map, I start to see a visualization of the different places that I want to go.

This allows me to group together certain attractions that I can do on the same day, and my itinerary starts to take shape. I also like to map out how long it takes to either walk from place to place or take public transportation / Uber.

Understanding the proximity between different attractions and when these attractions are open will help you begin to plan out your days.

Step 5: Book Tickets and Tours

As you are researching what places you want to see, you may also want to think about how you want to see them. Sure it is possible to explore all of Paris on your own, but will you get more out of it by taking a tour?

Some of the Paris tours that are worth spending for include:

  • Louvre Tour – the Louvre is the largest museum and impossible to explore it all in one visit. Why not tour it with an art historian that can not only explain what you are looking at but also know how to navigate the massive art museum so that you see the highlights and avoid crowds as much as possible? We booked an evening tour of the Louvre with Take Walks to see Mona Lisa at the quietest time.
  • Food Tour – a food tour is a great way to explore a neighborhood in a new city and experience the local cuisine in a way that you wouldn’t find on your own (plus get insider tips on restaurants). We booked a food tour of the Le Marais neighborhood with Devour Tours .
  • Eiffel Tower – you can buy tickets on your own for the Eiffel Tower, but if they are either sold out or you want to learn more about the history behind the Tower, you may want to consider a guided tour. We booked a combo evening tour that included a river cruise with a glass of champagne and an Eiffel Tower tour with The Tour Guy . (you’ll receive 5% off when you book through this link)
  • Ile de Citê – even though the Notre-Dame Catherdral is still under repair, there is much history to explore and learn on the Ile de Citê. We booked a walking tour with LivTours from the Pont Neuf that included skip-the-line access to Sainte Chapelle.

Paris Museum Pass

If you decide to go it on your own, there is still some planning to do. If you plan on visiting many museums, you will likely benefit from investing in a Paris Museum Pass (note: this is different than the Paris Pass.)

The Paris Museum Pass provides you with entrance to over 50 museums and monuments in the Paris area and allows you to skip the ticket lines. The Paris Museum Pass (PMP) is available in 2, 4, or 6-day options, and is valid for subsequent days after the first activation. You can purchase the PMP online and pay to have it shipped via DHL to your home, or you can wait until you arrive in Paris and pick it up at the airport or at other locations around town.

Louvre Tickets

Even if you have the Paris Museum Pass, you still need a timed-entry ticket to enter the Louvre, unless you are taking a tour. If you have a Paris Museum Pass, you can book an entrance time without having to pay for the ticket IF you have the serial number on your Pass. This means if you want to book before you arrive, you either have to pay to have your Pass shipped to your home OR you have to buy tickets to the Louvre.

If you do not have a Paris Museum Pass, you can purchase individual, timed-entry tickets to the Louvre online on the official website. Some other museums and attractions also require timed-entry tickets, such as the Museé de l’Orangerie and the Palais Garnier Opera House.

Catacombs Tickets

If you plan on visiting the Catacombs, it is also HIGHLY recommended that you purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance. It isn’t uncommon to find two to three-hour waits to enter the Catacombs during high season.

Eiffel Tower Tickets

Tickets to the Eiffel Tower are another thing that you need to do in advance. Tickets typically go on sale 60-90 days before the date of your visit. It isn’t always exact so you need to keep checking to see when ticket sales open up for your dates. Tickets do sell out, especially during prime season, so you need to do this in advance.

Decide ahead of time if you want to purchase tickets to the second platform only, or if you want to go all the way to the top. If tickets aren’t available, you can either buy them through a third-party provider or try to get same-day tickets when you are there. Same-day tickets are available while supplies last until three hours before the visit time for lift tickets, or last minute if you are willing to walk up the stairs and only want to go to the second floor.

Paris Opera Garnier

Other Attractions

To save time waiting in long lines, you can also book a timed-entry ticket to go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. And if you don’t have a Paris Museum Pass, you can purchase skip-the-line tickets for attractions like the Musee d’Orsay , Musée de l’Orangerie, and the Palais Garnier opera house if time is of the essence.

One more ticket you need to book in advance is for L’Atelier des Lumieres . They do not sell tickets at the door and you need a timed-entry ticket to get into this very cool digital art gallery.

Step 6: Arrange Transportation

Paris Metro entrance

Paris is known for its strikes, particularly transportation strikes. While you can certainly take the train or bus from the Charles de Gaulle airport into the center of Paris, the best way is to consider booking a car transfer in advance — just in case! Particularly if there is also a taxi strike because then finding an Uber is going to be a nightmare. Strikes are another good reason to stay in a central location so that you can walk if the Metro isn’t running and cabs or Ubers aren’t available. Both WelcomePickUps and Blacklane offer similar pricing in Paris.

If you are staying out in Montemarte or one of the further Arrondissements, you will be spending a lot of time on the Metro (when choosing a place to stay always check out the closest metro stations!) and you may want to consider purchasing a pass. Different options are available depending on when you arrive and how long you are staying. You can purchase the Navigo Decouverte pass at the airport or train stations, but make sure you bring along a passport-size photo or you’ll need to use one of the photo booths to take one.

If you will be taking a regional train to another city or country, make sure you reserve your tickets and seats in advance. European train routes typically open up for ticketing about 90 days prior to departure. I typically use Rail Europe to book train tickets for Europe as it allows you to see all the different train line options.

Step 7: Make Dining Reservations

Parisian cafe

Like when visiting any big city, you are going to be happier if you plan your dining, at least as much as possible, in advance. This is especially true if you hope to indulge in a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant as the best restaurants can be tough to even get a reservation for! Being hangry is a recipe for disaster when it comes to bursting the chill vacation mood.

With a little advance planning that can be avoided. Just keep in mind that in France, lunch typically runs from 12-2 pm. Don’t be surprised to walk in at 1:30 and be turned away. Plan your day accordingly or settle for dining at a cafe.

Dinner hour typically begins around 7-7:30 pm through 10 or 11 pm. But again, this is to give time to enjoy the meal, not to arrive at 10:30. Reservations for dinner are highly recommended if you don’t want to spend extra time walking here and there looking for an available restaurant that meets your tastes. I would recommend booking fine dining restaurants at least a month in advance and you can book your other dining a couple of weeks before you depart.

Luckily many restaurants accept online reservations through their website or through The Fork (the French version of Open Table.) Don’t be surprised if you are required to leave a credit card with a hefty cancellation fee for fine dining establishments.

There are plenty of wonderful food options to choose from in Paris but if you need a little help guiding your selection, I typically turn to one of the following:

Step 8: Final preparations

We have made it to the final one to two weeks before your departure! Hooray, the trip is almost here but there is still so much to be done. Since you are traveling to Paris, I would recommend signing up for the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . This lets the State Department know that you will be in France and they can get in touch with you via text or phone if there is an urgent event that impacts U.S. travelers (e.g. a terrorist attack, pandemic, strikes, etc.)

Of course these days, you also need to check to see what travel restrictions are in place by checking the Embassy website. As of February 12, 2022, fully vaccinated U.S. travelers no longer need to present a negative COVID test, but this is subject to change of course and from mid-March 2022 visitors don’t need to obtain a French Vaccine Pass to enter cultural sites, museums, theatres, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, or cafes. 

Money matters

Next, it is time to take care of money matters. I usually recommend going to your local bank to request Euro before you depart. Many times it takes 3-5 business days to get delivered. I typically withdraw 300-500 Euros and if I need more, I visit a local ATM. It pays to know in advance if your bank is affiliated with any French banks to avoid extra fees. Be sure to request denominations of 50 Euro and under otherwise you may have trouble getting change.

You should also contact your credit card company to let them know that you will be traveling overseas so they don’t put a block on your card.

Communication concerns

Before you depart, figure out how you are going to communicate from abroad. Many wireless companies now offer affordable international calling or data plans. For example, with Verizon, I pay $10 per day (only on days that I use it) for wireless data, and the data I use counts against the same limits I have at home. If you haven’t used this plan before, you do need to activate it before you leave. We usually keep one phone turned on when needed and otherwise use WiFi.

It is also a good time to download any apps that you might need while you are in Paris, as well as any movies or entertainment you want for your offline travels. A few apps I would recommend include:

  • Uber – widely available in Paris
  • Google Maps – download a Paris map for offline access
  • Google Translate – very helpful when perusing menus or asking for help
  • Airline app – for connection/gate information, mobile check-in and boarding passes, and entertainment options
  • XE Currency – for currency conversion
  • Travel phrase book – I use Fodor’s Travel Phrases, French version
  • The Fork – for making and changing dining reservations on the fly
  • Next Stop Paris from RATP – build itineraries, offline maps, tickets, and more
  • Oui.Sncf – if you are traveling around France by train
  • Paris Metro – navigate the Paris Metro
  • Voice Map – purchase and download Paris audio walking tours from Join Us in France

Button up the details

Before you leave, print out multiple copies of your itinerary and store them in separate places. I also like to email copies to trusted friends and save a version in the Cloud (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.) so that I can access it if my paper copy gets lost. Also, make sure to print out and organize any tickets or vouchers that are required for your entrances or tours, or save these to your phone’s mobile wallet.

While you are at it, take a picture of everyone’s Passport and make sure those are stored on your phone and in the secure Cloud. Print out a copy to carry with you so you don’t need to carry originals with you when out and about (leave those in the hotel safe.) Just remember that you will need to show ID with your vaccine pass to enter attractions and restaurants so be sure to keep your IDs on you for that.

Before you start packing, double-check that you have your seat assignments and your seats haven’t been reshuffled since booking. At that time you can make sure everyone’s passport info, Known Traveler Numbers, and frequent flier numbers are all added to your flight record so that check-in is simple and easy.

Make sure everything is prepared at home by arranging pet or house sitting, stopping your mail or deliveries, setting the thermostat to a low and steady temperature, and setting any timers for your lights or smart home devices. You may also want to alert your home security company that you will be away.

Download your Paris Trip Planning Checklist

Ready to get started? Download and print this ready-made checklist timeline for planning your trip to Paris.

Paris vacation countdown checklist

Download your Paris Vacation Countdown Checklist Here

Now all you have left to do is pack, but that is the subject of another post! We wish you an amazing trip to Paris. Au revoir!

PIN THIS FOR LATER

Step by step guide to planning a Paris trip

Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

Find this useful? Share it!

Publish Date: November 25, 2022

4 thoughts on “Step-by-Step Timeline for Planning a Trip to Paris (+ PDF Checklist)”

Next time– I’m doing this itinerary when we head to Paris. Last one was a bit of a dud, the one before was fun, but kids were itty bitty.

Love this step by step guide! So helpful!

Having a successful trip definitively takes planning. The better you plan the better your chances are to get the best deals and experiences you want. Love this step by step guide with what to do, when!

Great step by step planning. I am definitely saving this for future reference as I expect to go to Europe in 2021

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The 2024 Paris Olympics Insider Guide to Saving Money on Travel

Sally French

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The 2024 Paris Olympics are a few months away. And if you plan on watching the action in person, make travel plans now.

Here’s your guide to traveling to Paris, snagging tickets and saving money (including watching certain events for free).

How to purchase Paris Olympics 2024 tickets

Across all events, there are about 10 million tickets up for grabs, but purchasing tickets to certain events can be a challenging sport in itself. Some tickets on the official Paris Olympics 2024 website have already sold out.

More tickets will be released regularly in the weeks leading up to the events. As of mid-February, about 2 million tickets are either available for purchase or have yet to go on sale.

Prices vary depending on the event and specific seat. According to Paris 2024 event organizers, 45% of tickets sold directly through them cost less than 100 euros.

NerdWallet analyzed 125 ticket prices in mid-February for 13 sports where tickets were still available. While average ticket prices (based on the least expensive ticket within the venue) were 101 euros (about $109 at the time of writing) based on NerdWallet’s analysis, some sports are far cheaper. Golf had the lowest average ticket prices at 24 euros, or about $26.

Of the 13 available sports at the time of NerdWallet’s analysis, here were average ticket prices by sport, sorted by least expensive to most expensive:

Golf: 24 euros.

Football: 32 euros.

Rugby Sevens: 63 euros. 

Water polo: 66 euros.

Rowing: 90 euros.

Boxing: 100 euros.

Canoe Sprint: 108 euros.

Handball: 121 euros.

Weightlifting: 125 euros.

Canoe slalom: 132 euros.

Taekwondo: 134 euros.

Basketball: 159 euros.

Athletics: 224 euros.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

The Olympic Games opening ceremony will take place for the first time outside of a stadium. Instead, it'll occur along the Seine. (Concept art courtesy of Paris 2024)

The most expensive Olympic ticket to purchase? As of mid-February, the opening ceremony. Although prices start at 90 euros, when we looked, the cheapest available ticket was 2,700 euros (about $2,925). There is a chance more tickets will be released in the future.

Hospitality and travel packages for the Olympics

If you’re willing to splurge, you might still be able to buy tickets to sold-out events with a hospitality or travel package sold through the official Paris 2024 site.

Hospitality packages are VIP tickets that include extras like access to an exclusive lounge with refreshments and your own hospitality support staff. Travel packages add a hotel room.

But they’re not cheap. For women’s artistic gymnastics, hospitality packages for qualification rounds start at 495 euros (about $540) as of mid-February. The cheapest available packages for women’s gymnastics all-around finals cost 3,750 euros (more than $4,000).

Can I buy Paris Olympics tickets on resale sites?

Buy tickets from third parties at your own risk. It might be best to wait until organizers launch their official resale platform, which is expected in spring 2024.

Free and affordable ways to watch the Olympics

plan a trip to paris on a budget

A map of the Olympic Marathon course.

Opt for sports that don’t require a ticket: Not every sport requires a ticket. For example, you could stand along the Olympic Marathon route, which weaves past spots like Hôtel de Ville (Paris’s city hall) and the Seine, for free. Even for a spot at the finish line stands, tickets are relatively affordable, starting at 24 euros (about $26).

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Concept art for one of the many celebration zones, where it's free to watch the events on a large screen. (Concept art courtesy of Paris 2024)

Visit fan zones: Head to one of roughly 30 “celebration zones.” These free-to-visit venues at major sites around Paris will include giant screens streaming the events. Many are just outside the stadiums.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Tickets for the Paralympic Games, such as the concept art for wheelchair rugby displayed here, can often be cheaper. (Concept art courtesy of Paris 2024)

Buy tickets for the Paralympic Games: Ticket prices for the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 are generally far lower. The least expensive tickets start at 15 euros (about $16).

Watch the opening ceremony for free: For the first time, the Summer Olympics opening ceremony will not take place in a stadium. Instead, the parade of athletes will be held on the Seine, offering a unique opportunity to stand along the water and watch without tickets.

Upper and lower quays, typically used as two tiers of walkways, border the Seine. While the lower quays will be blocked off to ticket holders, anyone can watch from the upper quays for free. Organizers expect hundreds of thousands of spectators.

Booking 2024 Paris Olympics accommodations

plan a trip to paris on a budget

The Paris Olympic venues are spread far and wide, so it can make sense to book lodging near the events you’ll watch.

Don’t wait to book, as hotels are filling up, and many are already sold out.

Even if you’re not entirely sure of your plans, consider booking now to lock in a rate with a flexible cancellation policy.

Prepare for inflated prices

plan a trip to paris on a budget

The Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace. (Photo courtesy of Hilton)

Of the rooms that are still available, brace yourself for expensive rates. For example, the cheapest available room at the Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace during the night of the opening ceremony costs 1,947 euros (more than $2,100). Meanwhile, the same property costs 203 euros (about $220) on some nights in mid-March.

Consider vacation rentals

Consider nontraditional lodging if hotels are sold out (or just not your style). France is Airbnb’s second-largest market after the U.S., according to vacation rental analytics company AirDNA.

But just as hotels are seeing huge demand, so are vacation rentals. Demand for short-term rentals during the Paris Olympics is 156% higher than demand for the two weeks before the games and rates are 40% higher during the Olympics versus the two weeks prior.

Where should I stay?

Most of the action will occur in the heart of the city, so accommodations near tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower or Grand Palais can make sense. Major hotel chains that may be familiar to U.S. travelers such as Hilton , Hyatt and Marriott have a high concentration of properties in the city center.

If you are planning on attending events at Olympic venues outside of Paris city limits, you can probably score more affordable lodging nearby. For example, average available nightly rates for vacation rentals in the suburbs are $302, according to data analyzed on Feb . 15 by AirDNA, compared to the $619 nightly rates within Paris proper.

Some locations aren’t anywhere near Paris. For example, the football tournament will be played at six stadiums throughout France: Bordeaux, Nantes, Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille. Check your event tickets to ensure you stay in the right city.

Getting to Paris for the 2024 Olympics

Two main international airports serve Paris: Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport. The best airlines to fly into France include:

Air France .

Delta Air Lines .

American Airlines .

JetBlue Airways .

The region has a few other smaller airports, though they primarily serve budget airlines. If you book a budget airline, beware. Some budget European airlines are worth it given the steep discounts, but the extra fees can add up.

To save money on international flights , consider flying from your home airport to other European cities, and then getting to Paris by train or a connecting flight (just leave enough time for that international layover ). It also works with award flights to Europe , where availability can be limited.

For example, your home airport might have cheap flights into London. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to fly into London and then hop on the train to Paris. The Eurostar route between London and Paris takes about two-and-a-half hours.

In general, NerdWallet recommends booking international flights two to eight months out.

What are France’s entry requirements for Americans?

Tourist visas are not required in France for Americans staying 90 days or fewer. Vaccinations are not required.

Ensure your passport hasn’t expired . For U.S. travelers flying in Europe's Schengen area (which includes France), your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of your entry. If it’s not, renew your passport now.

Getting around Paris

plan a trip to paris on a budget

The Paris metro crosses Pont de Bir-Hakeim. (Photo by Getty Images)

Paris is relatively easy to navigate. The city center is walkable, so most tourists are better off skipping the rental car.

For spots too far to walk, public transit is generally reliable and more affordable than a taxi. For example, it costs just under 12 euros (about $13) to go from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris by train, but it costs between 56 and 65 euros ($60 and $70) by taxi.

As far as getting between venues, event organizers say they are working to increase public transport availability. Details are still to come, but plans include increasing capacity and adding shuttle buses between competition venues that are less easily accessible.

But French government officials have said prices for individual public transit tickets will temporarily rise between July 20 and Sept. 8. Valerie Pecresse, the president of the Île-de-France region, said in a video posted to social media that single metro journeys will temporarily cost 4 euros (up from the current price of 2.15 euros).

Tools such as Google Maps can help you navigate public transportation and walking directions. Even if you’ve skipped the international phone plan , you can still download offline maps.

» Learn more: How to get around Paris during the 2024 Paris Olympics

Other ways to save money while in Paris

Always follow the rules for smarter European travel . Here are additional, France-specific tips:

Understand tipping culture: Tipping in France is not expected, so you won’t need to budget for that additional 15%-20% tip at restaurants as you’d likely do in the U.S.

But it’s generally the norm to round up bills for restaurants, coffee shops and taxi rides (so you leave the change as a tip). Tips for workers such as tour guides and housekeeping are also generally appreciated.

Use the right travel card: As with all travel, bring the right card to Europe . Choose one that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees , which can add up to 3% simply because you swiped it outside the U.S.

Travel insurance can be a hugely underrated card benefit, saving you from purchasing a separate travel insurance policy . Travelers looking to level up their experience might prioritize credit cards with Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck fee credits. Beyond those perks, consider cards that offer bonus points on travel categories such as hotels, airfares or restaurants.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express are two popular premium travel cards, each of which offers benefits like this to varying degrees and comes with a nice welcome offer.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

on Chase's website

The Platinum Card® from American Express

on American Express' website

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

• 10 points per $1 spent on Chase Dining, hotel stays and car rentals purchased through Chase.

• 5 points per $1 on air travel purchased through Chase.

• 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining not booked with Chase.

• 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

• 5 points per $1 spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 spent per year.

• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

plan a trip to paris on a budget

Cyprus Mail

A complete guide to planning a trip to Europe from India

H ave you been dreaming of exploring the charming streets of Paris, indulging in creamy gelato in Rome, or cruising through the picturesque canals of Venice? Planning a trip to Europe from India can be an exciting venture that promises unforgettable experiences and cultural immersion. With its diverse countries and cultures, Europe has something for every traveler. From the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the historic Colosseum in Rome, the breathtaking Swiss Alps to the vibrant nightlife in Amsterdam, Europe is a treasure trove of unforgettable sights and experiences.

To plan the perfect European adventure, it’s important to consider factors such as budget, time, and interests. There are a variety of options for travel, from budget hostels to luxury hotels and trains to flights. Researching visa requirements and transportation options is also crucial. With careful planning and organizing, you can create an itinerary that suits your budget and interests, whether exploring museums and galleries, indulging in delicious local cuisine, or experiencing vibrant nightlife. There are various Europe tour packages that you can alter according to your needs.

So, why wait? Let’s start this journey together and discover how to plan the perfect European adventure that will leave you with memories and fun moments that will last a lifetime.

1. Research your destination

Before you dive into the planning process, take some time to research and decide which European countries and cities you want to visit. Europe is a big continent with many cultures, cuisines, and landscapes to explore. Consider your interests, art, history, culinary delights, or outdoor adventures, and choose destinations that align with your preferences.

2. Set a budget

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: budgeting. Traveling to Europe from India can be a significant investment, so setting a realistic budget for your trip is essential. Consider factors such as airfare, accommodation, meals, transportation within Europe, sightseeing, and souvenirs. Remember to get currency exchange rates and plan for unexpected expenses. Europe tour packages come in various budgets, making it easier to select according to your preferences.

3. Explore Europe tour packages

One of the easiest ways to plan your European getaway is by exploring European tour packages that are altered for Indian travelers. These packages often include flights, accommodations, transportation, guided tours, and sometimes meals, making planning seamless and hassle-free. Look for packages that cover your desired destinations and offer flexibility in itinerary options.

4. Obtain necessary travel documents

Before you jet off to Europe, ensure you have all the necessary travel documents. Indian citizens typically require a valid passport, Schengen visa (for most European countries), and travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Be sure to apply for your visa beforehand to avoid any last-minute stress.

5. Plan your itinerary

Now comes the fun part of going on the trip: planning your itinerary! Plan your days in each destination, considering travel time between cities and attractions. Research must-see landmarks, museums, restaurants, and hidden gems you want to take advantage of. Balance your itinerary with iconic sights and off-the-beaten-path experiences to immerse yourself in the local culture.

6. Book flights and accommodations

Once you have put together your travel itinerary, it’s time to start planning the logistics of your trip. You’ll want to begin by booking your flights and accommodations. As you book your flights, watch for special deals and discounts offered by airlines that fly from India to major European cities. This can help you save money and make the most of your budget.

A bed-and-breakfast might be the perfect choice if you’re looking for a cozy and comfortable place to stay. On the other hand, if you prefer a more modern and communal atmosphere, a hostel could be a great option. You might consider a boutique hotel with unique decor and personalized service if you want something more upscale.

No matter your preferences, taking the time to select your accommodations carefully can help ensure that your trip is comfortable, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

7. Pack smart

Packing for a trip to Europe requires careful consideration of the weather, local customs, and planned activities. Pack flexible and easy clothing that can be layered for varying temperatures. Don’t forget essentials like comfortable walking shoes, a universal adapter, a travel-friendly backpack, and any necessary medications or personal items. Remember to leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs!

8. Stay connected

Staying connected while traveling in Europe is essential for navigating unfamiliar cities, staying in touch with loved ones, and sharing your adventures on social media. Consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan from your Indian service provider to access data and make calls at reasonable rates.

9. Embrace cultural immersion

One of the most rewarding aspects of traveling to Europe is immersing yourself in its rich cultural tapestry. Be open to trying new foods, learning basic phrases in the local language, and engaging with locals to gain insights into their way of life. Respect cultural norms and customs, and always ask for permission before taking photos of sensitive areas or individuals.

10. Stay safe and be mindful

Europe is a beautiful and popular destination for tourists from around the world. While exploring various countries and cities, remaining vigilant and cautious of your surroundings is crucial. Although it is generally considered a safe place to visit, it is always better to be prepared to ensure an enjoyable and safe trip.

To avoid any unfortunate incidents, keeping your belongings safe and secure at all times is essential. Be cautious of scams and pickpocketing in tourist areas, as these are common occurrences in busy and crowded places. It is also advisable to avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods, as this could risk your safety.

In case of any emergency, it is recommended to trust your instincts and seek help from local authorities or hotel staff. They are usually well-equipped to handle any situation and can provide you with the necessary help and support.

Planning a trip to Europe from India is an exhilarating journey filled with endless possibilities. You’ll discover a world of wonders, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. By researching your destination, setting a budget, exploring European tour packages, and embracing cultural immersion, you can make the most of your European adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, embark on this epic journey, and get ready to experience the magic of Europe firsthand! Your European Adventure Awaits!

DISCLAIMER – “ Views Expressed Disclaimer : Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the official position of any other author, agency, organization, employer or company, including NEO CYMED PUBLISHING LIMITED, which is the publishing company performing under the name Cyprus-Mail… more

Politics latest: Election 'definitely coming in May'; warning for Chancellor Jeremy Hunt as budget looms

A Labour frontbencher tells Sky News he thinks the election is "definitely coming" in May; Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is facing warnings of real-term cuts to NHS funding as he gears up for the budget. Listen to a budget-focused edition of the Sky News Daily podcast as you scroll.

Tuesday 5 March 2024 10:45, UK

  • 'This election is definitely coming in May' - Labour frontbencher
  • Hunt warned of £2bn real-term cuts to NHS funding
  • 5p cut in fuel duty to be extended, Sky News understands
  • Galloway's by-election win 'not a good day for the country', minister claims
  • Target Town: The key constituency on the route to power
  • Budget 2024 : What to expect  | How to watch  | Why Hunt is willing to sacrifice public spending |  Podcast: Are tax cuts a vote winner?
  • Electoral Dysfunction: 'People in this country feel like nothing works' - Is it time we went to the polls?
  • Live reporting by  Faith Ridler

There's been a lot of speculation over whether Jeremy Hunt could announce further tax cuts when he delivers his budget tomorrow.

The chancellor said yesterday he has a "plan for growth" and wants to move towards a "lower tax economy" - hinting at a possible pre-election giveaway.

Among the changes being speculated on is another 2p cut to National Insurance, just months after the rate was slashed from 12% to 10%.

Analysis by the investment platform AJ Bell reveals that cutting the NI rate to 9% would mean an annual saving of £124 for someone on £25,000, all the way up to a saving of £377 for anyone earning more than the £50,270 threshold.

A fall to 8% would be worth almost £250 to someone on £25,000, with a maximum saving of £754.

You can read more on this in our Money blog below:

By Gurpreet Narwan , political correspondent

Britain's electoral map could look dramatically different after voters go to the polls this year.

Labour is on course for a majority but in parts of the North of England and the Midlands, the battle is by no means straightforward.

Here, there are a number of traditional Labour strongholds, where voters are more likely to be white, working class and to have voted leave in the referendum.

Grimsby is one such example.

It turned Conservative for the first time since the end of the Second World War in 2019, with many people at the time feeling a cultural rift with the Labour Party.

This constituency has now been combined with Cleethorpes, where the Tories have been in power since 2010.

You can read more from Sky News below:

On Wednesday, the chancellor will rise to his feet in the Commons to deliver what will likely be the final budget before the general election.

Jeremy Hunt will set out the state of Britain's public finances, and will announce how government funding will be allocated for the year ahead.

The contents of the budget are a closely guarded secret until the chancellor delivers it in the Commons, but you can read our round-up of what he could announce here .

Sky News will have live coverage of PMQs at 12pm, followed by the budget immediately after at 12.30pm. 

We will have live analysis of what it will mean for you, your family, and businesses with our expert team of political and business correspondents.

And we will, of course, have full coverage right here in the Politics Hub.

Watch the Budget 2024 on Wednesday  from 12.30pm on Sky channel 501, Virgin channel 602, Freeview channel 233, on the  Sky News website  and  app  or on  YouTube .

One year ago, Rishi Sunak made five pledges for voters to judge him on.

The prime minister met his pledge to halve inflation by the end of 2023, leaving four pledges outstanding.

However, he is faring less well with his other pledges.

It has been confirmed the UK is now in recession, which means the PM's pledge to grow the economy is not being met.

With the general election approaching, how is Mr Sunak doing on delivering his other promises?

You can see the progress for yourself below.

Our deputy political editor Sam Coates has been chatting to the Sky News Voters Panel about the new MP for Rochdale, George Galloway.

The group, who all voted Conservative at the 2019 general election, were asked what they made of the extraordinary by-election - and what they make of Mr Galloway himself.

"They have some pretty strong views," Sam explains. 

Terry, who is now leaning towards the Liberal Democrats, says: "He always has been a rabid example of the worst kind, to me, of [politician] that you can have. 

"He plays to a very, very narrow audience. His comment 'I despise Rishi Sunak', well George Galloway, I and a lot of people in this country despise you, your politics and the processes you try and pervert our political system to.

"The sooner you are gone the better."

Sam says it is "so rare in politics that there is someone who leaves an imprint on voters the size that George Galloway does".

"He is somebody who is a big figure, who gets noticed, who has been noticed, and that matters in this upcoming general election campaign.

"Not just about George Galloway, but I think what we saw on Friday was a sense that Rishi Sunak wants to talk about George Galloway, because he knows as painful as George Galloway will be for the whole political system, it will be more painful for his opponent Sir Keir Starmer." 

Sam also points to another finding from the Voters Panel, which concerns what the voters believe Mr Galloway was doing when he was trying to get elected.

He says: "There is a sense that some politicians are campaigning on the basis of pitting some communities against each other.

"George Galloway, for the record, denies that. He says that he wasn't just going after the Muslim vote in Rochdale... and actually he has different messages for different communities.

"But there's a sense at its core that there's a little bit of that going on in our politics more generally."

Following the Rochdale by-election, Sky’s political editor Beth Rigby, the Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, Jess Phillips, and former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson, discuss what George Galloway’s win means for parliament. 

They examine the fallout from the by-election and ask why politics is not working for many people. 

They also look ahead to this week's budget – predicting what Chancellor Jeremy Hunt might pull out of the bag. 

A thought-provoking conversation with a healthy dose of fun. 

Email Beth, Ruth, and Jess at [email protected], Tweet Beth @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. 

Warning: some explicit language. 

👉 Listen above then tap here to follow Electoral Dysfunction wherever you get your podcasts 👈

The Sky News live poll tracker - collated and updated by our Data and Forensics team - aggregates various surveys to indicate how voters feel about different political parties.

Labour is still sitting comfortably on a roughly 20-point lead, averaging at 43.8% in the polls, with the Tories on 24.0%.

In third is Reform UK on 10.5%, followed by the Lib Dems on 9.5%.

The Green Party stands at 6.1%, and the SNP on 3.2%.

See the latest update below - and you can read more about the methodology behind the tracker  here .

How much has your MP received in donations, earnings and gifts since the start of this parliament?

How much money has each of the political parties declared in donations?

What have All Parliamentary Party Groups received in benefits in kind?

And who are the sources of the money and resources that go into our political system?

The multi award-winning Westminster Accounts tool, created by Sky News and Tortoise Media, lets you explore all of those questions.

Use the quick start version below - toggle the drop down menu on the right to filter by donations, earnings and gifts - or head to the  full site  to explore in greater depth.

By Faye Brown , political reporter

The spring budget on 6 March is likely to be the last major fiscal event before the next general election, expected later this year.

The Tories have been hinting at further tax reductions in a bid to woo over voters as the party continues to languish behind Labour in the polls.

But as the country enters a recession, questions remain over whether there is enough so-called fiscal headroom in the Treasury's coffers to make such a move.

An income tax cut, a National Insurance cut, vape duty, fuel duty, help for first time buyers, ISA overhaul and child benefit reform have all been talked up in recent weeks.

Read more about what has been discussed below...

Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow paymaster general, has just claimed that this year's general election is "definitely coming in May".

He tells Sky News the Conservatives are "planning for May".

"My challenge today to Rishi Sunak is name that date."

To note, for a May election to take place, Mr Sunak would need to call the election towards the end of this month or the start of April.

The most likely date, if it will take place in May, is 2 May - the same day as the local elections.

However, Mr Sunak previously said it is his "working assumption" that the election will take place in the second half of 2024.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

plan a trip to paris on a budget

IMAGES

  1. How to Visit Paris on a Budget: 7 Top Tips

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  2. Trip to Paris Costs (2024)- See Paris on a Budget

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  3. Paris Travel Budget And Itinerary

    plan a trip to paris on a budget

  4. Planning a trip to Paris, France? Find here a complete guide to Paris

    plan a trip to paris on a budget

  5. Paris Travel Tips: Let’s Plan a Trip to Paris

    plan a trip to paris on a budget

  6. A Travel Guide for How to Visit Paris on a Budget

    plan a trip to paris on a budget

VIDEO

  1. Two day trip plan in Paris-where to visit what to do #travel #voyage #trip

  2. France trip: Paris, Nice, and Cannes

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  5. VLOG: Travel Preps, Travel with me to Paris, Air France Business Class

  6. Road to Paris

COMMENTS

  1. Paris Getaway Deals

    Book great fares from United States to Paris. A world of adventure awaits. Discover great round-trip fares to Paris Start your adventure today.

  2. Visiting Paris on a Budget: Money-Saving Tips & Tricks

    Paris can be an incredibly expensive city.It is, after all, renowned for its luxury goods, gourmet restaurants, opulent palace hotels, and the like. Because of this, you may (logically) assume that seeing Paris on a budget isn't realistic, or would amount to a miserable experience that'd leave you feeling like a pauper.. Luckily, however, that's all a myth: a visit to Paris really doesn't have ...

  3. Your complete travel guide to visit Paris on a budget

    How to plan a trip to Paris on a budget. Firstly, whether Paris, or any major capital, I think that there are a few basics that stand for budget traveling: Traveling with Worldpackers to get free accommodation (and often food) in exchange of a few hours of volunteer work. Couchsurfing (to stay for free with locals).

  4. Paris on a budget

    Paris on a budget: a penny-pincher's guide. Alexis recently finished working on Lonely Planet's new Paris guidebook, due to be published in April 2024. Here she shares her expert opinion on how to save money in Paris. Paris might be home to haute couture, haute cuisine and some legendary luxury hotels, but if you're still waiting for your ...

  5. Paris Budget Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    A Paris Museum Pass is the most affordable way to see them all as it provides access to over 50 museums in Paris and the surrounding region. A two-day pass costs 52 EUR, a four-day pass costs 66 EUR, and a six-day pass costs 78 EUR. It's a must if you're going to see at least 3 museums while in the city.

  6. Travel Budget for Paris Visit Paris on a Budget or Travel in Style

    How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Paris cost? A one week trip to Paris usually costs around $1,759 (€1,626) for one person and $3,518 (€3,251) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. A two week trip to Paris on average costs around $3,518 (€3,251) for one person and ...

  7. How to Visit Paris on a Budget

    Food Tips - Eating in Paris on a Budget. Stay standing when eating in Paris. Our number one tip for saving money in Paris when dining out is to not sit down for coffee at a restaurant. Drink it at the bar while standing. You'll save the "sitting fee" that many Paris restaurants have.

  8. Paris Budget Travel Guide: 47 ways to save on your trip (2023 Update)

    12. Consider a "Paris Visite" travel card. If you plan to spend a lot of time getting around in the Paris Metro, consider buying a "Paris Visite" travel card, which offers unlimited travel on the Metro and bus system and various discounts from partnering businesses. Adult tickets cost €13.55 (one day), €22.05 (two days), €30.10 ...

  9. Best Paris Travel Budget Calculator (2024)

    The cost of a trip to Paris can vary significantly based on factors like travel season, accommodation choices, and personal spending habits. However, as a rough estimate, expect to budget around $200-$300 per day, which includes accommodation, meals, sightseeing, and local transportation.

  10. Paris on a Budget: 22 Easy Strategies for Cost-Saving

    It costs around €18 per person and grants you an hour-long relaxation while enjoying the fantastic Parisian Panorama. A Cruise on the river Seine is one of the cheapest activities in Paris, and I recommend doing it by night for the added value. Paris by night, hat's really something else.

  11. The Ultimate Paris 4 Day Itinerary for Budget Travelers

    It's much smaller than the Louvre and easier to navigate. If you're like me, and love nothing more than a fabulous Impressionist wing, you're in the right place. 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris. Open 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - 9:45 p.m. Thursday, closed Monday. Website.

  12. How To Visit Paris On a Budget

    Metro. By far the cheapest, easiest way of moving through Paris is via the metro. The service runs every day (including public holidays) and tickets currently cost €1.92 each per trip, including all connections. You can also purchase a booklet ("carnet") of 10 tickets at a reduced price of €16.

  13. Planning a Trip to Paris

    Step 6: Budget for your trip to Paris. Now that you've booked everything you could from the comfort of your home, it's time to budget for your trip to Paris - that's an absolute must! It is not a secret that Paris is an expensive city. Therefore, budgeting and planning ahead will give you a pretty good idea of what you can spend in the ...

  14. How Much Does a Trip to Paris Cost (On Any Budget)?

    Table of Contents [ hide] How to Use This Trip to Paris Cost Guide. Budget Trip to Paris Cost: $50-$80/day. Mid-range Trip to Paris Cost: $120-$150/day. Luxury Trip to Paris Cost: $350/day & up. Quick Reference Sheet: Cost of Popular Paris Attractions. Free Things to Do in Paris. Getting to Paris On a Budget.

  15. Paris Trip Planner: Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Trip to Paris 2024

    How to plan a trip to Paris, France, for the first time? Check out this Paris Trip Planner, the go-to guide to planning a trip to Paris 2024. ... But at the same time, the high season in Paris is not the best season to plan a trip to Paris in terms of budget (best accommodation sold out, higher prices). Also, the city is too crowded with ...

  16. 13 Places to Visit in Paris on a Budget

    Set aside plenty of time in your day to simply gawk at Notre-Dame, or take a guided tour of 1.5-hour guided tour around the neighborhood of Notre Dame and Ile de la Cité for as little as $20. You can learn what the current plans are for the rebuild after the fire destroyed its roof and spires in 2019.

  17. The Cost of Travel in Paris: A 2023 Budget Breakdown

    For a single ticket expect to pay $2 but you will get the most bang for your buck if you go with Paris Visite Pass which allows unlimited travel between various means of transport throughout the city. Prices start at $16 and can be purchased for 1, 2, 3 or 5 consecutive days.

  18. The Ultimate 2 Days in Paris Itinerary + Honest Budget Guide

    Afternoon. Plan a visit to the Louvre Museum on your first day, and absolutely purchase your tickets in advance. The lines to buy tickets on site are horrendous and will unnecessarily waste time during your precious 2 days in Paris. Once inside, you'll likely see another obnoxious line going across the main lobby.

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  20. Paris Budget Travel Guide: 17 Tips to Save Money

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  21. How to Spend 5 Days in Paris

    Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, 1st arrondissement, +33 1 44 50 43 00, musee-orangerie.fr. Open Wednesday-Monday from 9am-6pm; last entry at 5:15pm. Closed Tuesdays. Admission is 12.50 EUR and is free on the first Sunday of the month. Budget travel tip: Get the Paris Museum Pass.

  22. How much does a trip to Paris Cost?

    When it comes to exploring Paris, travelers typically find themselves budgeting between $93 and $723 per day for solo adventures and $187 to $1,446 if you're traveling as a couple. Now, that's a broad range, but the typical trip, on average, is $251 (€232) per person per day. This average cost covers sightseeing, accommodation, meals, and ...

  23. Guide to Planning a Trip to Paris + Checklist PDF

    Luckily Paris is a big enough city that it isn't impossible to plan a last-minute trip, you just need to be a bit more flexible on your budget and expectations. Ideally, you will start planning a trip to Paris at least three months in advance before prime tickets to the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre have been sold out.

  24. How To Plan a Trip To Paris on a Budget? 10 Tips You Better ...

    Get my Paris travel guide here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1381812516/paris-france-travel-guide-paris-vacationHow to plan a trip to Paris on a budget? I ha...

  25. 2024 Paris Olympics Guide: Save Money On Travel

    The 2024 Paris Olympics Insider Guide to Saving Money on Travel Of the 100 million tickets up for grabs, 45% of tickets sold directly cost less than 100 euros, organizers say. By Sally French

  26. A complete guide to planning a trip to Europe from India

    2. Set a budget. Let's talk about the elephant in the room: budgeting. Traveling to Europe from India can be a significant investment, so setting a realistic budget for your trip is essential.

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