Budget Traveling in Paris: 6 Affordable Ways to Enjoy the City of Love

Written By: Rebecca Barnatt-Smith

Known to many as “The City of Love”, Paris offers travelers the quintessential romantic getaway in a charming urban setting.

Host to the 2024 Olympics, the spotlight has firmly shined on Paris in recent months, and if it’s a city you haven’t visited yet or are keen to return to, this guide is full of fun, budget-friendly ideas for your next visit.

1. Explore Paris on Foot

One of the best things to do in Paris? Nothing.

Well, not quite nothing, but simply walking through the mazy European streets can keep you entertained for hours. If you’re heading to Paris on a budget, you can skip the taxis, buses, and metro, and focus on soaking up the sights on foot.

For some, this may feel like a daunting proposition, especially if you have to plan out your routes and are unsure where you’ll stop along the way. If this is the case for you, book a free Paris walking tour to explore the city in a more structured way, which will make sure that you don’t miss out on any of Paris’ hidden gems.

(Source: GuruWalk)

With a walking tour, you can choose a certain aspect you’re interested in, such as the history of the city or a specific neighborhood like the picturesque Montmartre, and take a leisurely stroll worrying about where you’re going.

2. Visit Iconic Landmarks

If you want to say you visited Paris and tell your friends all about the trip, you might like to beeline directly for the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Visiting most of the city’s landmarks is free of charge, and some even allow free entry so you can take a look around inside.

Here are three you can’t miss:

• Notre Dame Cathedral – Perhaps the most famous landmark in Paris (aside from the obvious), the Notre Dame Cathedral is a sight to behold even after the fire that affected it.
• Eiffel Tower – The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic landmark in the city and can be seen from miles away. Enjoying the view of it is free, so soak it up with a glass of wine or a bite to eat.
• Champs-Élysées – The Champs-Élysées is a long avenue in the center of the city, known as the finish, point of the world-famous Tour de France cycling race. It’s also home to the Arc de Triomphe, a sight to behold in itself. 

3. Discover the Parisian Parks

Much like any European city, Paris doesn’t disappoint with its many parks and gardens.

As a free activity, exploring Parisian parks is as good as any, especially if you bring a picnic blanket and snacks.

Of note are the Luxembourg Gardens, which are free to enter, the Tuileries Garden next to the Louvre (in case you want to combine activities), and the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, which offers up spectacular views of the city.

4. Eat like a Local (on a budget)

While Paris isn’t known for its cheap restaurants, it’s still possible to eat like a local on a budget in the “City of Love” – as long as you know where to go.

To keep costs low, stick to local patisseries and boulangeries where you can pick up fresh bread or croissants, and be sure to visit some of the many food markets around the city.

Here are some recommendations for affordable spots to eat around the city:

• Marché des Enfants Rouges – The city’s oldest covered market, here you’ll find an array of food stalls where you can sample cuisine from around the world and pay between €10-€15 for a meal.
• L’As du Fallafel – If you’re looking for one of the best falafel sandwiches around, head to the Jewish Quarter, where you’ll find this spot offering them for around €6 each.
• La Bouillon Chartier – For a sit-down meal, try La Bouillon Chartier, a historic brasserie that serves up traditional French food. The main courses here are typically €8-€12.

5. Enjoy the Cultural Heritage

It would be remiss of you to head to a city with such a rich history and cultural heritage as Paris and not check out the museums. Going to museums isn’t always affordable, but if you have an open schedule, you can visit some of Paris’ finest museums for free.

If you only have the appetite or time for one museum on your trip, make sure it’s the Louvre. The Louvre museum, aside from its iconic pyramid, offers up some of the most impressive art on display anywhere.

Its masterpieces include the world-renowned “Mona Lisa”, the “Venus de Milo” statue, and various famous Italian frescoes.

You can visit the Louvre for free on the first Saturday of each month in the evenings, so if you plan your trip accordingly, you won’t have to pay to enter. If you’re looking for something less touristy, try the Musée d’Orsay for its collection of impressionist art.

6. Stay in Affordable Accommodation

One of the easiest ways to cut costs for your trip to Paris, and free up funds for entertainment is to find suitable affordable accommodation.

If you’re open to staying in either hotels or hostels, here are a couple of good options:

• Le Village Montmartre – Acting as a hostel and co-living space, this hostel, located in the bohemian district of Montmartre, can serve as the perfect base to explore the city from, with prices ranging from €65 per night and up.
• Generator Paris – Generator Paris is an affordable hotel located close to the center of the city, near the grand Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. You can secure a room at the hotel for as little as €60 per night.
• The People Belleville – If you’re willing to stay a little further out from the center, The People Belleville is an excellent option, with rooms available for around €60 per night.

Get Ready to Start Exploring

Now that we’ve taken you on a budget tour of Paris, it’s time to start packing to see your favorite sights on foot. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive, even in the luxurious French capital. Whether you’re looking for the best tourist attractions that don’t break the bank or want to dive headfirst into traditional French culture, we have you covered.