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Paris is the kind of place that doesn’t need an introduction. It’s beautiful. It’s iconic. It’s… kind of expensive, right?
I used to think so too—until I actually went. I spent a week in Paris on a budget, and I’m here to tell you: you can do it without giving up croissants, Eiffel Tower views, or museum marathons. All it takes is a little planning and some savvy know-how.
Here’s everything I wish I had known the first time I visited, updated with tips from my latest budget trip—plus links to help you do it yourself.
Getting There: Flights That Don’t Cost Your Entire Travel Budget
Flights were the single biggest hurdle for me. But with a little flexibility, I found round-trip tickets for just under $1000 for 2 people. Even that is a bit higher than some of the best deals out there, though.
If you are flying from a major city like New York, you can find round-trip tickets for under $400 pretty easily.
Tips that worked for me:
- I used Google Flights and set price alerts a few months in advance.
- Flying out on a Tuesday and back on a Wednesday shaved off nearly $100.
- I flew into Orly Airport, not Charles de Gaulle—less hectic and often cheaper.
Best times to book: January, February, or early November. Not as warm, but fewer crowds and better deals.
Where I Slept (and What I’d Do Again)
Hostels with Personality
I stayed at Le Village Montmartre and honestly loved it. I splurged a bit so Liz and I could have some privacy and we got a double room. However, for about €35-€45/night, you can get a clean bed, lockers, and an awesome vibe (loved the atmosphere!).
- Dorm beds: €20–€45 in low season.
- Private rooms: Around €90–€200 if you want privacy but still access hostel vibes and kitchens.
- Others I looked into: JO&JOE Paris Nation and Generator Paris are also solid picks.
️ Where to look: Montmartre, Belleville, the 11th–13th arrondissements. Still central, but cheaper and way more local-feeling.
Montmartre was a great area to stay… tons of shops and dining options, and a really great picnic spot!
🥐 Eating Well (Without Spending a Fortune)
This was one of my favorite parts—Paris is a snacker’s paradise.
Bakery Magic
Breakfast? Always from a boulangerie. A croissant and espresso for €3 beats any café sit-down version.
One morning, Liz and I grabbed a still-warm pain au chocolat from a local spot and ate it on the grass in the Square Louise Michel in front of the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur while watching the city wake up.
It cost €1.60 and felt priceless.
Lunch Formules
Go for the formule midi at lunch—set menus that are way cheaper than dinner.
I had a two-course lunch at a bistro in the Latin Quarter for like €16. Duck confit, glass of wine, and chocolate mousse. Heaven.
- Look for lunch specials posted outside bistros—usually €13–€20.
- Tip: Bouillon Pigalle serves full meals for under €20 in a beautiful Art Deco space.
Markets & Picnics
A €10 Monoprix run = cheese, baguette, fruit, and a €3 bottle of wine.
I picnicked in Luxembourg Gardens, Place des Vosges, and along the Seine—some of my best meals in the city.
Check out:
🥤 Order hack: Always say “une carafe d’eau” at restaurants. Free tap water. No need to buy bottled.
All the Free Things I Loved
Museums That Cost €0
And yes, you can go to the Louvre for free the first Friday night of the month (after 6 PM) if you’re under 26—or just want to brave the crowds.
Neighborhood Wanders
Montmartre was my favorite to get lost in—cobblestone lanes, artist squares, and little bakeries. Bonus: views from Sacré-Cœur’s steps are free and epic.
Other spots I loved:
- Canal Saint-Martin: Chill, trendy, great bakeries.
- Le Marais: Elegant, historic, and always lively.
- Latin Quarter: Student buzz and old-world charm.
Getting Around Paris Cheaply
Walk First
Seriously—so many landmarks are walkable from each other. I clocked 15k steps a day and barely noticed because I was too busy gawking at the architecture.
Metro Tips
- Use the Navigo Easy card. It’s cheap, reloadable, and gets you around effortlessly.
- Starting in 2025, everything will be flat fare—no more confusing zones!
- I also used my credit card with tap on the metro (make sure yours has no foreign fees).
Vélib’ Biking
For €5, I unlocked unlimited short bike rides across the city. Loved biking along the Seine early in the morning before the crowds.
Check it out: velib-metropole.fr
When to Go for the Best Value
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| January–Feb | Cheapest everything, fewer tourists | Cold, grey skies |
| March | Still cheap, better weather | A little unpredictable |
| April–May | Gorgeous gardens, café life | Higher prices start creeping in |
| September–Oct | Golden light, wine festivals | Slightly higher costs |
I’ve been in early March as well as November. Light jacket weather, minimal crowds, and prices that didn’t hurt. 10/10 would do again.
What I Spent (aside from a few splurges)
| Category | Daily Avg. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | ~$500 (RT) | Booked 2 months out |
| Hostel Stay | €150/night (you can do €35 easy if you get a bunk) |
Shared dorm in a clean, central spot |
| Food & Drink | €15–€25 | Boulangeries, picnics, formules |
| Transport | €5–€7 | Walk + metro pass + bike |
| Attractions | €0–€10 | Most museums were free or skipped queues |
I spent under €80/day on budget focused days—without ever feeling like I missed out.
🧠 Quick Tips That Made a Difference
- Bring a reusable bag for groceries (you’ll get charged otherwise).
- Download Citymapper for transit—it’s a lifesaver.
- Don’t skip parks—they’re more than green space. They’re local life, free museums, and picnic heaven.
- Always say “bonjour” when you enter a shop or café—it’s expected and sets the tone.
Paris Is for Everyone
You don’t need a five-star hotel, Eiffel Tower dinner, or a Louvre fast-pass to fall in love with Paris. Some of the best things—sunsets by the Seine, a flaky croissant at sunrise, getting lost in Montmartre—are either free or nearly so.
Travel smart, stay flexible, and savor the little things. Paris will reward you for it.
Tyler Fox
Tyler is our Managing Editor and Writer. After spending years reading, writing, and obsessing over travel (while taking trips as often as possible of course!), he aims to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.
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