A guide to traveling Paris on a budget

Just because Paris is one of the most expensive cities in Europe doesn’t make traveling Paris on a budget impossible. I spent four nights and five days traveling Paris on a budget and found that it gave me enough time to be immersed in Parisian culture! Although I didn’t get to see everything the city of love has to offer, I managed to see and do a lot of things Paris is known for! I’d recommend 3 days at the very least, but you would feel very rushed.

You can do a lot with a €40 – €70 backpacker budget per day. (Note: This is assuming that you are staying in cheap accommodations, cooking some of your own meals, using public transportation or walking, and are spending your money wisely!)

What to do in Paris

Most people think Paris on a budget is impossible, but I promise it is possible! If I can spend five days traveling around Paris on a backpacker’s budget, then so can you. There are many free things to do in Paris that include some of Paris’s most iconic sites.

Paris is full of sight-seeing and attractions since it it home to some of the world’s most famous sites. After visiting you’ll understand why the city is known for its art, its fashion, and its luxury. Here’s a list of some of the most famous/best things to do while you’re visiting.

Eiffel Tower

This is a given. Grab a bottle of wine and some macaroons and sit in the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower. Watch the sunset here and stay until the tower glitters or appreciate the view any time during the day. Both views are absolutely beautiful!

Be sure to climb all the way to the top for an amazing view of Paris. There’s a point where everything is literally parallel.

If the lines are long, be sure to check the back! There are multiple entrances.

Adult ticket to take the stairs to the second floor is €7. To take an elevator to the second floor is €11. To take an elevator to the third-floor is €17.

Musée d’Orsay

This museum used to be an old train station. But, it is now a place to show art made between 1848-1914 that focuses on Impressionism, Realism, Symbolism, and Art Nouveau. Go upstairs and check out the beautiful clock and the view of Paris!

Admission: €11 (€8.5 after 4:30pm except Thursdays, after 6pm on Thursdays)

Musée Rodin

A French sculptor named Auguste Rodin donated his estate to the French government, which is now a museum of his work. His estate has a large collection of his work and many of his most famous statues are displayed in the garden.

Admission to collections and garden: €10. Admission to garden only €4.

Musée du Louvre

If you’re in Paris for a short amount of time, I recommend admiring this museum and the pyramid on the outside because the museum is huge and takes a lot of time to get through! I prefer the view at night because the lights are absolutely beautiful!

If you get the chance to go inside, check out the Mona Lisa and Napoleon’s apartment. There are two entrances here too, so be sure to look for the other line if the main line is long! Note: The museum is closed on Tuesdays!

Admission is €15. Free on Friday night, but very long lines!

Notre-Dame Cathedral

There’s usually a long line but you’d be surprised at how fast it actually goes! Be sure to check out the inside, it is stunning! It’s a free visit so you have no excuses, but try to get there early to beat the crowds.

Climb the bell towers: €8.50.

Trocadero

One of the best places in Paris to have a picnic, maybe in picnic history. Grab some friends, sandwiches, and a bottle of wine and enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower from a different angle.

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur

Climb up the winding hill filled with shops to find a beautiful white church sitting at the top of the hill. A bonus is you’ll get to see a breathtaking view of the city. Entrance to the main floor is free.

Climb up a winding staircase to the top of the dome for an even better view of the city.

Dome entrance: €6

Arc de Triomphe

The biggest arch in the world is found right here in Paris. It celebrates Napoleon’s military victories. Climb up to the top for even more great views of the city

Observation Deck Admission: €12

Jardin du Luxembourg

Luxembourg Garden is a perfect place to relax and have a picnic. It’s a beautiful public garden filled with trees, fountains, statues, tennis courts, and plenty of Parisians appreciating life.

Jardin des Tuileries

If you’re in the Louvre area, check out the Tuileries Garden. It’s a garden found by King Louis XIV that is now filled with beautiful flowers, shrubs, fountains, statues, and more!

Where to stay in Paris

Hostel

A shared dorm room with bunk beds will always be the cheapest option for a backpacker. Prices range from €25 – €45 per person per night. However, expect to pay more during high season and on weekends.

We use hostelworld to book all our hostels

Airbnb

I stayed in an Airbnb for 3 nights and I liked this option the best. It gives you a view of Paris through a neighborhood and makes you feel a little more Parisian. I paid €30 for a small loft in an apartment with a full kitchen, bathroom, and wifi. If you’re looking for cheap, you can find some pretty good places. However, the nicer the Airbnb the more expensive!

You can book your Airbnb here.

Couchsurf

Now there’s no better way to get around Paris on a budget than accommodation that is free! I’ve never used this app, but I know people who have. I have heard nothing but raving reviews for the hosts my friends have had and the couchsurfing app. Basically someone will let you stay in their home in exchange for your company, whether it’s getting dinner or touring around the city! It’s free, but you can tip or pay for a nice dinner as a thank you.

Food finds in Paris

Baguette

Does your trip to Paris even count if you don’t eat a baguette?! Take advantage of the superior pastries and breads Paris has to offer because you won’t find anything like it anywhere else in the world! I’m serious…

Look for baguettes with pointed ends because it’s a sign that it was handmade and tastes even better than it looks.

Macaroons

A must when in Paris. Little soft-like sandwiches filled with nothing but goodness! My favorite flavor is pistachio!

Crepes

Don’t forget to stop by a creperie and eat a crepe for breakfast. There is a huge variety of different kinds of crepes at every single creperie all the way from sweet to savory. So satisfying and a french delicacy!

Tap water is free

Tap water is free and fine to drink. There’s water fountains all around the city where you can fill up your water bottles. If you’re at a restaurant ask for tap water, otherwise they’ll try to bring you expensive, bottled water.

How to get around Paris

Metro

The metro system in Paris is very extensive and simple to use. You can get to almost anywhere in the city by metro, so take advantage of it! Getting around Paris on a budget is best when using the metro!!

One-way ticket: €1.90

10 one-way tickets: €14.50

Unlimited day pass: €6.80

Walk

Paris was my very first stop during my very first Europe backpacking trip ever, so I wasn’t sure how to figure out transportation. I walked probably 10 miles a day from site to site, however, I would recommend figuring out the metro on day 1! Although I did get in a good exercise.. knowing the metro would have saved me so much more time!

Uber

Uber in Paris is very affordable! The city has Uberpool which lets you share rides with other people for super cheap. I took rides from opposite ends of the city for only €4. Take advantage of this at night when you’re out!

If you’re new to Uber sign up here to get $10 off your first ride!

Nightlife in Paris

Instead of clubs, Paris has several small bars and music venues, attracting a variety of different people to its nightlife. Grab a few drinks and have some good Parisian fun.

Latin Quarter

A place where you’ll usually find students out having a good time. It attracts a mix of students, locals, and tourists that want to have some good fun.

The Good of Paris

Art

Paris is home of many artists and some of the most iconic statues, monuments, artwork, buildings, and churches in the world. Admire the beauty of everything in this city and take in all of its Parisian culture

Public bathrooms

There are public bathrooms everywhere in Paris. What makes it even better is that they sanitize themselves for the next person to use. Wait for the light to turn green before entering or you just might get sanitized.

Neighborhoods

If you get lucky enough to stay in a room on a high floor, take a second to look out the window. The neighborhoods and streets are so cute and picturesque so take as many mental (and real) photos of them!

Public Drinking

Drinking in public is legal! Grab a bottle of wine and enjoy your drinks in front some of the world’s most famous sites!

The Not-So-Good of Paris

Tourist Hoards

Paris is one of the biggest cities in Europe and attracts millions of tourists yearly. You will find people everywhere, which means long lines and big crowds! Wake up bright and early to beat the crowds (and the summer heat) when sight-seeing. Go to sites at sunrise if you’re really determined to take the perfect photo.

Pickpockets

More tourists mean more pickpockets. Tourists are always targeted when it comes to pickpocketing. Please please please be aware of all your belongings at all times and keep all your important documents and valuables locked up.

French locals

I’m sure they don’t mean it, but French locals can be quite aggressive towards tourists. Most French people hate speaking English even when they can. Try speaking French before speaking English to avoid aggression!

Quick Tips Before visiting Paris

Say Bonjour!

Like I said before, the French hate speaking English. Make an effort to learn a few basic French words to respect their culture! I included a list of a few basic french worlds for travelers at the bottom of this post.

Be aware of valuables

Pickpockets are everywhere. On the trains, in tourist areas, and all throughout the city. Invest in a lock to lock your bags and keep your important documents in front of you always.

Budget Saving Tips

Paris on a budget is definitely possible all while diving deep into Parisian culture. Here are a few tips on how to save and where to save.

Ask for tap water

Restaurants will bring you expensive bottled water if you just ask for water. The tap water is fine to drink and even better that it’s free.

Take your food to go

Restaurants will charge a very expensive price for table service, sometimes even more than your meal. If you want to save money, take your food to go and have a picnic in the park.

Find the hostels with free breakfast

Food in Paris can be quite pricey. Find hostels with free breakfast and eat as much as you can to get you through the day. It’s perfect if you are traveling Paris on a budget!

Find the free stuff

Site-see from the outside and appreciate the beautiful architecture Paris has to offer. Most major museums are free the first Sunday of each month between October and March. Admission is free for EU citizens under 26 during other months.

Paris Museum Pass

If you’re really determined to see all Paris has to offer, then you should look into getting a Paris Museum Pass. It offers discounted and free admission to many museums and monuments around the city and you get to skip the ticket lines!

Two-day pass €42. Four-day pass €56. Six-day pass €69.

Skip Taxis

Taxis are expensive and over-priced in Paris. Use the metro when possible, it’s very extensive and can get you anywhere in the city for cheap!

Vélib Bikes

Paris has almost 2,000 stations and over 20,000 bikes all throughout the city.

1-day ticket: €1.70. 7-day ticket €8

French Phrases for Beginners

Hello! Bonjour!

Thank you. Merci.

Yes. Oui (we)

No. Non.

Pardon me. Pardon

Do you speak English? Parlez-vous anglais? (par-lay vu ang-lay)

I don’t speak French. Ne Pas francais (ne paw fran-say)

And there you have it. I hope you enjoyed this guide to Paris. If you did don’t forget to share it with your travel partner or pin it on Pinterest!