Are you planning a trip to Paris but worried about how to do it on a budget?
Yes, Paris is one of the pricier cities to visit in Europe, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself!
I went to Paris in my early 20s and was broke as ever, but I still managed to have a great time and see all the sights.
Even with my tiny budget, I had the most amazing time and learned a lot about how to plan the perfect trip.
There are plenty of ways to visit Paris without breaking the bank (or even coming close). I’m going to give you ten tips on how to save money when traveling to Paris.
1. Travel To Paris Off-Season
The first tip is to travel to Paris during the off-season. This means avoiding peak tourist times, such as summer and holidays.
During these times, accommodation and flights are more expensive and crowded with other tourists. Instead, opt for visiting Paris in the Spring or Fall when there are fewer crowds but still plenty of great weather for sightseeing.
I’m not kidding when I say you can do Paris really inexpensively when you travel off-season. You can check out my video on how to book a trip to book a 7-day trip to Paris for $1,000.
You will enjoy the gorgeous Parisian cherry blossoms in the spring, while in the Fall, you can experience the beautiful fall foliage.
Traveling to Paris during the off-season will help you save money and get a more authentic experience.
2. Pick The Right Neighborhood
The next tip for planning a trip to Paris on a budget is to pick the right neighborhood.
This means opting for neighborhoods that are not as touristy but still have plenty of attractions and restaurants to enjoy. Some good choices for this are the Marais District or Montmartre.
First-time visitors to Paris sometimes assume that it’s best to book accommodation close to major attractions like the Eiffel Tower or The Louvre Museum to have a great time in Paris, but that is not always the case.
By staying in less touristy neighborhoods, you can save money on accommodation and still have a great time.
Another option is to stay further away from the city center and take public transportation into the heart of Paris. Last summer, my sister and I rented a townhouse in Saint Ouen, a city outside of Paris, and got it for a steal.
The walk into Paris was around 10 minutes, and we were able to save money by not staying right in the city center.
You can get a more authentic experience and save money on your Paris trip by picking the right neighborhood.
Choosing the right neighborhood is key to having an awesome trip to Paris on a budget.
3. Get The Plat Du Jour
If you are looking for a more authentic and affordable Parisian dining experience, look for a restaurant that offers the plat du jour.
This means getting the daily special when it comes to food. Many restaurants in Paris offer a set menu with multiple courses for an excellent price.
You can get various portions of food based on your budget. You can usually choose from three options 1. Entree, 2. A starter and an entree, or 3. A starter, entree, and dessert. The plat du jour ranges from €17- €25.
Although the meals are much cheaper than the regular menu, you can still get delicious quality food that will satisfy your tastebuds and keep you feeling full.
You can find the plat du jour menu by asking the server, but it’s usually displayed somewhere in the restaurant.
By the way, I made a video about how to eat on a budget in Paris which you can find below.
So the next time you are looking for a good meal in Paris, check out the plat du jour and save yourself some money.
Check out this video if you want more in-depth tips on eating in Paris on a budget:
4. Rent a Room on Airbnb
Next, you can save money on your Paris trip by renting a room or apartment through Airbnb.
There are so many wonderful accommodations available on Airbnb, and you can often find terrific deals for less than what you would pay for a traditional hotel room.
Many of these rentals also come with amenities like a kitchen or living room space, which gives you even more bang for your buck.
Plus, staying in an Airbnb often gives you a more authentic experience as you interact with locals and immerse yourself in the local culture.
When I took my first solo trip to Paris in 2017, I rented a private room from Airbnb in Montmartre. Having that authentic experience and getting to know my host was one of the highlights of my trip.
So if you want to save money on your next Paris trip, check out Airbnb for some great and affordable rentals.
Learn how to book a cheap place to stay in Paris
5. Take the Metro Less
In addition to choosing the right neighborhood, another great way to save money on your trip to Paris is to walk instead of using the metro.
Although the metro is cheap (€1.90 one way), when you walk around Paris, you get to experience the city and immerse yourself in its beauty and charm.
When I first went to Paris, I bought the booklet with ten tickets inside and never finished them! I always came back to the U.S. with metro tickets.
You should take the metro to one neighborhood and see a bunch of attractions and activities instead of going to that one neighborhood multiple days.
For example, you can visit Montmartre and the Sacre-Couer, Musée de Montmartre, and Place du Tertre in one day.
So if you want to save money on your Paris trip, take a walk around the city and explore all it has to offer.
6. Skip Most of The Touristy Stuff
I hate to break it to you, but many of Paris’s “must-see” attractions aren’t that interesting. They are expensive and crowded, and you can have better experiences just by wandering around the city.
We all have different interests and what may be a must-see for me is a complete snore-fest for you.
While I encourage you to see and do as much as possible in Paris, try to avoid spending your time and money on tourist attractions that you aren’t 100% interested in.
Instead of spending money on an attraction, you couldn’t care less for, pick a few things you are genuinely excited about and go from there.
And don’t forget Paris is the perfect place to people-watch, which is entirely free!
7. Don’t Overpack
One of the best ways to save money on your Paris trip is by not packing too much.
Packing light is not only more convenient, but it also saves you money on luggage fees and transportation. Many airlines charge for checking in your luggage, so you can avoid those extra fees by packing only what you need.
Plus, traveling around Paris is more manageable and less stressful when you don’t have to lug around a heavy bag.
And don’t worry, Paris has everything you could ever need so you can leave the extra clothes and shoes at home. Bring essentials you can’t do without, like medication.
Also, don’t forget to bring an adapter and voltage converter. I created the ultimate list of things to pack for Paris, so check that while you prepare.
Before heading off on your next Paris adventure, pack light and only bring what you truly need.
8. Learn Basic French
While most Parisians speak English to some degree, it is still a good idea to learn basic French before your trip.
Yes, you can visit Paris without speaking French, but knowing a few key phrases and words will help you connect with locals efficiently and get around without too much trouble.
Some basic French words and phrases to learn include “bonjour”, “au revoir”, “s’il vous plait”, “merci”, and “parlez vous anglais?”.
There are plenty of free resources online to help you learn basic French, so brush up on your language skills before heading off on your Paris trip.
Not only will learning some basic French save you time and money on your Paris trip, but it is also a great way to better immerse yourself in the culture and experience all that France has to offer.
So if you want to make the most of your Paris trip, be sure to learn basic French before you go. You’ll be glad you did!
9. Don’t Use Money Exchange Services
If you’re planning on going to Paris on a budget, then one of the best things you can do is avoid using money exchange services.
These services typically have terrible exchange rates, costing you much more money in the long run. Instead, it is much better to withdraw cash from an ATM or use your credit/debit card while in Paris.
Not only will this save you money, but it is also the more convenient option. Some banks in the U.S., such as Capital One, offer money exchanges for free. So you can pick up some Euros before jetting off to Paris.
And just a reminder, be sure to let your bank know that you will be traveling to Paris so that you can avoid any unnecessary fees or issues with your card.
10. Stay Connected on The Cheap
Finally, it would help if you considered how you would affordably stay connected while in Paris.
One of the best and cheapest ways to do this is by getting an international SIM card for your phone.
These cards allow you to use your phone just like you would at home and help you stay connected with family, friends, and work while away.
There are several affordable and convenient options to choose from. You can order your SIM card online from Airalo, have it mailed to your home, and then pop it into your phone when you land in Paris.
Alternatively, consider upgrading your phone plan to include international usage.
These are the ten tips to help you plan a trip to Paris on a budget. So before you head off on your next adventure in the City of Lights, be sure to implement these money-saving tips. You’ll be glad you did!
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