Traveling to Paris on a budget can feel like a challenge — but it’s also a chance to experience the city in a more authentic, creative way. Sure, Paris can be pricey, with costs for hotels, food, and transport adding up fast.
But here’s the good news: with a bit of planning (and a few insider tricks I’ve learned as a local), you can explore the best of Paris without breaking the bank. From free museums to smart dining choices and clever transport hacks, I’ve gathered all my favorite ways to stretch your euros without sacrificing the fun.
Here’s your complete guide on how to save money in Paris — and still have the trip of a lifetime.
Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷
📌 200+ handpicked spots I actually love – Get free access to my Paris map 🗺️
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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 Some of the Many Free Museums
→ Here’s a list of 18 Must-See Free Museums in Paris (Local Favorites + Hidden Gems)
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:
#2 Know How to Visit the Other Museums for Free
Apart from the museums in Paris that are always free, you can also visit some of the city’s most famous ones — like the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay — without paying a cent.
Many Paris museums are free for everyone under 18 and for EU citizens under 26. But even if you don’t fall into that category, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy free entry.
Look out for special events like Nuit Blanche or the European Heritage Days, when many major museums open their doors for free (dates vary each year, so check before your trip).
And here’s another tip: most museums in Paris offer free admission on specific days, usually the first Sunday of the month, and some even on the first Saturday evening.
It’s always best to double-check directly with the museum before you go.
#3 Consider the Paris Museums Pass
See all Museums included in the Pass here
If you’re an art lover, the free museums in Paris will only take you so far — this city is a paradise for culture seekers, and it’s hard to resist its many world-class galleries.
Since individual museum tickets can add up quickly, it’s absolutely worth considering the Paris Museums Pass. The smallest version covers 2 consecutive days, and it already pays off after visiting just five museums or monuments.
With skip-the-line access to over 60 attractions — including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Versailles — it’s one of the smartest investments for art and history lovers.
→ Click here to see all the benefits and current prices.
#4 Use the Metro, Bus, and Tram
Read our Metro Guide here to know how to get around
No matter where you’re traveling, public transportation is almost always the most budget-friendly way to get around — and Paris is no exception.
The Paris Metro is one of the best in the world: fast, reliable, and affordable. It’ll take you just about anywhere you want to go in the city. If you’re new to it, check out my full guide on how to use the Paris Metro for tips, maps, and ticket info.
💡 Good to know: You can transfer between Metro lines on a single ticket as long as you stay inside the station. However, if you switch to a bus or tram, you’ll need a new ticket.
#5 Buy a Carnet of 10 Metro Tickets+
Note: Not available anymore in 2025
If you’re not opting for a travel pass (which can still be a smart choice depending on your stay), go for a carnet of 10 tickets (€16.90) instead of buying single rides (€2.10 each). It’s the easiest way to save on public transport.
You can purchase them at any Metro station — just buy a reusable Navigo Easy card (€2) and load it with 10 tickets.
No matter where you’re heading, public transportation is the cheapest and most efficient way to get around Paris. The Metro system is safe, reliable, and will take you anywhere in the city within minutes.
Even though Paris is the capital of France, it’s surprisingly compact. In fact, you could walk from the northern to the southern edge in just a little over two hours!
Walking in Paris isn’t just free — it’s often the fastest and most enjoyable way to get around. We tend to underestimate how much time we spend navigating Metro corridors and waiting for trains, so for short distances (three or four stops), walking can actually be quicker.
Plus, when you walk, you get to soak in the atmosphere — the cafés, the shop windows, the hidden courtyards — all those little Parisian moments you’d miss underground.
#7 use the Vélib Bikes
Read our article on how to use a Vélib to make the most out of it.
But let’s be honest — if you’re taking the Metro several times a day, the cost can add up quickly.
A great budget-friendly (and fun!) alternative is Vélib’, Paris’s public bike-sharing system. With more than 1,000 stations across the city, it’s an easy way to get around while seeing more of Paris above ground.
If you plan it right, you can ride unlimited short trips for as little as €5 per day. Just grab a bike, enjoy your ride, and drop it off at the next station — it’s that simple (and very Parisian).
#8 Eat in Restaurants for Lunch
Paris may be known for its Michelin-starred fine dining — second only to Tokyo — but you don’t need to spend a fortune in Paris to enjoy great food. The city is full of fantastic bistros, brasseries, and neighborhood gems that serve delicious food at reasonable prices.
If you’re watching your budget, make lunch your main meal. Most brasseries offer a set lunch menu (entrée + main or main + dessert) for around €10–€13, which is unbeatable value in Paris.
Even high-end restaurants often have special lunch menus for a fraction of their dinner prices — think €20–€30 for a refined three-course meal that would easily cost double in the evening.
#9 Take Public Transportation from the Airport
Read our complete guide on how to get from the Airport to Paris
Both Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) airports are located well outside the city, and while it might be tempting to just grab a taxi after landing, public transport is often just as easy — and far cheaper.
Each airport is directly connected to central Paris by train, making it simple and efficient to reach the city without the stress (or cost) of traffic.
Train fares have been are around 14€ one way which makes this by far the cheapest and most practical way to get into Paris. Sit back, relax, and you’ll be downtown in about 30–40 minutes.
Important to know: the standard €2.50 metro ticket that’s valid for travel within Paris does not cover airport routes.
#10 Affordable: A Cruise on the Seine
TIP → Book the best value Seine Cruise here
If you want to enjoy some sightseeing without breaking the bank, a cruise on the Seine is one of the best-value experiences in Paris.
For around €18 per person, you get a relaxing hour-long ride past many of the city’s most iconic landmarks. → Book this cruise for the best value Seine Cruise here
It’s beautiful any time of day, but at night it’s truly special — the monuments glow, the reflections dance on the water, and you’ll understand exactly why Paris is called the City of Light.
#11 Don’t pay for Wi-Fi
TIP → use this very affordable eSim card
To be fair, Paris isn’t exactly leading the race for free Wi-Fi, but you’ll still find plenty of spots across the city where you can connect. The city maintains a network of public Wi-Fi hotspots — you can check the full list here.
If you’d rather stick to private connections, no worries: most cafés, restaurants, and shopping centers offer free Wi-Fi too. Chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Prêt à Manger are always reliable options for a quick connection (and maybe a coffee break while you’re at it).
Easier solution: get this affordable eSim.
#12 Take advantage of Happy Hours
If you love relaxing with a pint of beer or a glass of wine on a sunny Parisian terrace, be warned — it can get pricey fast. Paying €10–€12 for a pint in central Paris is, unfortunately, quite normal.
But there’s an easy way to enjoy the vibe without overspending: Happy Hour. Most bars offer discounted prices on drinks like beer, wine, and simple cocktails, typically between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
It’s the perfect time to unwind, people-watch, and soak in the Parisian atmosphere — without draining your wallet.
#13 Book an Ibis Hotel
→ The Best Ibis in Paris: Grands Boulevards Opéra
When traveling to Paris, accommodation will likely be your biggest expense — no way around it. Hotel and Airbnb prices in the city can be shockingly high, especially if you’re hoping for a central location.
In fact, you’re often paying more for the address than the amenities, particularly in the budget and mid-range categories.
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. However, not every location is created equal — some are fantastic and central, while others are quite far from the main sights or in less charming neighborhoods.
I put together this list of 5 Ibis Hotels in Paris, that are all perfectly located to explore Paris.
The Best Ibis in Paris is this one: Ibis Paris Grands Boulevards Opéra
#14 Buy Affordable (but good!) Lunches From Boulangeries
Whether you’re dreaming of a flaky croissant for breakfast or the simple joy of biting into a warm, crusty baguette, Paris is the place to do it.
Bakeries in Paris are both authentic and budget-friendly, offering some of the best food experiences in the city without breaking the bank. From a pain au chocolat in the morning to a quiche for lunch or a classic jambon-beurre sandwich for dinner — it doesn’t get more Parisian than that.
Expect to pay around €1.20 for a baguette and €1.40 for a pain au chocolat. Not bad for a little taste of heaven — and perfect if you’re visiting Paris on a budget.
#15 Don’t have Drinks in the Center of Paris
As mentioned before, going out in Paris can get pricey — a pint of beer can easily cost up to €12, and cocktails can hit €20 or more in trendy or central spots.
To enjoy Parisian nightlife without blowing your budget, skip the fancy districts and head to neighborhoods where locals actually go out.
The Butte-aux-Cailles in the 13th arrondissement is a great choice — a beer there will rarely cost more than €7. The same goes for the student bars in the Latin Quarter or the lively pubs around Canal Saint-Martin and Oberkampf.
You’ll find great vibes, fair prices, and a much more local crowd.
#16 Get free Water at Wallace Fountains
When visiting Paris on a budget, there’s no need to spend money on bottled water while sightseeing. Simply bring your own bottle and refill it at one of the Wallace Fountains scattered across the city.
These 107 iconic green fountains are an integral part of the Parisian streetscape and provide fresh, free drinking water all year round.
They were installed more than 150 years ago by Sir Richard Wallace — and they’re still doing their job beautifully today. A small, sustainable, and very Parisian way to save a few euros!
#17 Join a Free Walking Tour
Speaking of Wallace Fountains, did you know there are several free self-guided walking tours that take you around Paris to discover these historic landmarks and the fascinating stories behind them? You can find a few great ones here.
And if tap water trails aren’t quite your thing, you can always join a free walking tour with Guruwalk instead. The tours are technically free to book — you simply tip your guide what you wish at the end.
It’s a fun, flexible, and budget-friendly way to explore Paris with a local touch.
#18 Attend a Free Summer Festivals
Once spring arrives, festival season kicks off in Paris — and it starts big. Every year on June 21, the city comes alive for the Fête de la Musique, a nationwide music celebration with free concerts and performances in every corner of Paris.
From street corners and café terraces to concert halls, music fills the air well into the night.
But that’s just the beginning. The summer that follows brings Paris Plages, the Fnac Live Festival, and the open-air cinema at La Villette — all free and all quintessentially Parisian.
#19 Have an Apéro by the Seine
One of Parisians’ favorite pastimes is the apéritif — or simply, “Apéro .” When the weather warms up, you’ll see people gathering outdoors everywhere: in parks, on the steps of the Sacré-Cœur, or along the banks of the Seine, chatting, laughing, and watching the sunset with a drink in hand.
It’s easy to join in: just pop into a supermarket and grab a few essentials — baguette, cheese, charcuterie, olives, chips, maybe some hummus — and, of course, a bottle of wine or a few beers. Find a nice spot, spread out your picnic, and voilà — you’re living like a true Parisian.
#20 Free Water and Bread in Restaurants
It’s good to know that in Parisian restaurants, you’re not expected to order drinks if you don’t want to. Simply ask for a “carafe d’eau” (tap water), and you’ll be brought a free pitcher of tap water — no questions asked.
Just make sure to specify carafe d’eau, because if you ask for eau minérale or eau gazeuse, you’ll be served a bottled brand and charged accordingly.
In many casual restaurants, the waiter will bring a carafe automatically, but in fancier places, especially at dinner, ordering bottled water is more customary.
And here’s another little Paris insider tip: bread is always included with your meal — free of charge. Don’t hesitate to ask for more if your basket runs empty!
#21 Don’t Tip in Restaurants (you can though)
💡 Tip: bookmark my Paris Tipping Calculator to have it handy in Paris
I know — it can feel strange, even impolite, not to leave a tip. But tipping in Paris is not expected in the way it is in some other countries. Tipping is still a nice gesture though, even if the waiters earn a regular salary — they’re just not relying on tips to make ends meet.
Their pay is comparable to other service jobs like hotel staff or shop assistants.
That said, tips are always appreciated, especially for friendly or attentive service. Just don’t feel pressured — even 10% is considered generous. Most locals simply leave €1–€3 on the table, depending on the total bill.
And if you don’t leave anything at all? Don’t worry — it’s not rude.
#22 Plan in Free Paris Attractions
Read our article with more than 70 free things to do in Paris
There are plenty of free things to do in Paris, and one of my favorites is attending an author reading at the iconic Shakespeare & Company — the city’s most beloved English-language bookstore.
Events aren’t quite as frequent as they once were, but when they happen, they’re absolutely worth it. The readings are free to attend, often intimate, and sometimes even come with a glass of wine — very Parisian!
And that’s just one example. Paris is full of wonderful free activities — check out my full list to discover more ways to enjoy the city without spending a cent.
Wrap up
Paris doesn’t have to be expensive — not even close. With a little planning and a few local tricks, you can experience everything that makes this city magical without draining your wallet.
From wandering the cobbled streets of Montmartre to visiting world-class museums for free, enjoying set lunch menus, or sipping a €5 wine during happy hour — the best things in Paris don’t always come with a price tag.
Remember: walk whenever you can, take advantage of free museum days, and don’t underestimate the simple joy of a picnic or apéro along the Seine.
So whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for the tenth time, keep this in mind — Paris rewards curiosity, not luxury. You don’t need deep pockets to fall in love with the city, just an open mind, a pair of comfy shoes, and a bit of savoir-faire.
Parisienne since 2006 🩷
Expert in: Parisian Life &
French Culture, Travel
Planning, Crochet & Food and Drinks
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NEW: The Salut from Paris Travel Guide:
Must-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to stay online while in Paris. I used GigSky for my travels.
- You likely need a travel adapter to plug your devices.
- Travel Insurance – if you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is a good option.
- If your flight is delayed or even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Tours & Attractions:
- I book tours & activities through Get Your Guide or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets can be cheaper on the official page, but they are often sold out.
- I love the GoCity Travel Passes for easy planning
- I use Tiqets for Seine Cruises because with my code SALUT5 we get 5% off
Flights & Transportation:
Accomodation:
- Hotels in Europe I mostly book through Booking.com (check reviews carefully)
- Vacation Rentals through Airbnb or VRBO
