Tips for visiting Paris on a budget
Updated: May 6, 2024
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Paris, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason. I spent three whole days in Paris, and I feel like I barely scraped the surface of things to do.
Given the city's popularity, it can be quite expensive, and tourist traps are around every corner. That being said, I think there are many things that you can do to save some money on your trip.
1. Utilize the metro
During my time in Paris, I took the metro everywhere, and I think it saved me a lot of money. You can buy a single ticket for 2,10 euros, or you can buy passes for 1, 2, 3, and 5 days. I bought the 3 day pass which was 29,40 euros. To make the pass worth the price, I would have had to take the metro 14 times, and although I don't think I quite got my money's worth (I think I rode about 12 times) I still think the pass was worth it due to the convenience of never having to worry about if the ticket booth was open or taking the time to buy a ticket each time.
2. Stay on the outskirts, but not too far out
Another thing that can be expensive in Paris is the accommodation, especially in peak season. I stayed in the 13th arrondissement near the Place d'italie and I think this was a perfect location. I was a 5 minute walk from the subway station and the subway took 15-20 minutes to the main attractions. I would say this is as far away as I would stay, as I think any further would make it too difficult to go back to the hotel and take a rest mid-day if you needed to.
My best advice when choosing accommodation would be to select something that is close to the main metro lines (if you plan to use them, as I recommended above). The metro lines that stop at main attractions such as the Effiel Tower, Louvre, and Arc de Triomphe are the 6 and the 7, so anything that hooks up to these is great.
3. Go up the Arc de Triomphe, not the Eiffel Tower
When I went to Paris, I skipped going up the Eiffel Tower, and chose to go up the Arc de Triomphe instead. The ticket to go up the Arc de Triomphe cost 13 euros. To go up the Eiffel tower, it costs between 11,30 euros to go to the 2nd level up to 28,30 euros to go to the very top. Plus, I think the view from the Arc de Triomphe is better. Also, the Arc de Triomphe has a really nice gift shop inside.
The link for tickets to go up the Arc de Triomphe can be found here
The link for tickets to go up the Eiffel Tower can be found here
View from the top of the Arc de Triomphe
4. Don't splurge on breakfast
Personally, I'm not a big breakfast person, so this was a no brainer for me. I know a more formal, sit-down breakfast is the norm for most North Americans, but I think that just grabbing a couple pastries and a coffee from a bakery is a good way to embrace the French culture and save a bit a money. Plus, the croissants are AMAZING, so you should definitely make a point to eat a few.
5. Have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower
Another good way to save money in the food department is by having a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. Go to a nearby grocery store and pick up a premade salad or some sandwich or charcuterie ingredients and find a grassy spot near the tower. There's lots of green space around so it'll be busy, but I didn't find it uncomfortably crowded. Be warned though, if you do choose to do this, you'll be approached by men selling wine, beer, and water probably every 5 minutes. However, they're not too pushy and, if you are interested, you can get stuff at a good price (just be sure to bargain a bit).
Conclusion
So, that's all I have for budget tips, but I will leave you with this.
Yes, the city can be expensive, but it's because there are so many amazing things to see, so don't be too hard on yourself when it comes to sticking within a tight budget.
Hotels
Budget:
Mid-range:
Luxury: