How To Explore Paris on a Budget

Paris is home to some of the world’s ritziest hotels (the word itself stems from the beyond-glamorous Hôtel Ritz Paris). While it’s easy to spend a small fortune on your stay in Paris, budget accommodations are abundant, especially if you’re willing to stay a few metro stops away from the heart of the city. The 11th Arrondissement is a great place to find cheap digs, and it’s within walking or biking distance of trendier—and more expensive—areas such as Le Marais. Alternatively, consider an apartment rental and cook some of your own meals instead to save on accommodation and dining.

Although Parisian budget dining options abound, the best way to enjoy exceptional food at excellent prices is by heading straight to your local supermarket. Ubiquitous chains such as Monoprix typically have a bit more selection and high-quality products, while Franprix and Lidl offer some of the best pricing in town. If you’re big on organic food, you’ll find branches of health-food chain Naturalia all over the city. And even if you don’t have a kitchen where you’re staying, you can still stock up on bread, cheese, dips, and pre-packaged salads—perfect to pack for a picnic along the banks of the Seine.

Whether you’re fond of pains aux raisins or prefer the buttery simplicity of a classic croissant, Parisian bakeries are the way to go. Boulangeries sell delectable breads and pastries for affordable prices, and it’s hard to walk for more than a few blocks in Paris without stumbling upon one. If you’re into kitchen wizardry, it’s worth splurging for a baking class so that you can learn how to bake bread like the French do.

Insider tip: If you want a simple, rustic baguette, ask for a “tradition.” If you ask for a baguette you’ll end up with a longer baguette made with refined flour, which may contain additives.

There are plenty of ways to travel on the Paris Metro inexpensively. You can purchase 10-packs of single-ride tickets (known as carnets) to save a little cash per ride, or buy a “Paris Visite” travel pass, which will give you unlimited access to public transportation for an entire day. However, one of the best Paris transportation hacks for budget travelers is to simply rely on your own two feet. The Paris metro system is designed so that you’re never far from a station, but this also means that the distance between stops is often so short that it’s actually faster to walk.

Of course, going longer distances in Paris does require some sort of transportation. If you plan on seeing major tourist sights—and want the tour bus experience—consider foregoing the metro and booking a hop-on hop-off tour instead. Their routes make it easy to get from point to point without having to navigate an unfamiliar transportation network, and they typically include perks found on traditional bus tours, such as live or pre-recorded narration in multiple languages.

Instead of paying single admission fees for the things you want to see in Paris, look for packages that give you discounts if you pay for two or more sights or activities in advance. For example, if you want to see the rainbow of stained glass at Sainte-Chappelle and the medieval halls of the imposing Conciergerie, you can save yourself a few euros by prebooking a combo ticket. Plus, you'll get to see more of the sights in less time when you combine multiple attractions into one tour, making this a great option for travelers who are looking to save money and time.

Museum admissions in Paris can add up, but there are plenty of workarounds for budget travelers. Many Parisian museums—including the Centre Pompidou and Orsay Museum (Musée d'Orsay)—are free to visit on the first Sunday of the month throughout the year, while other attractions—including the Arc de Triomphe—offer free first-Sunday admissions from November until March. Many museums and attractions also offer free or discounted admission for students, people under age 26, and senior citizens.

There are heaps of affordable things to do in Paris along with plenty of attractions that won’t cost you a single centime—including some of the city's top spots. Paris is full of gorgeous parks that don't charge admission fees, from the elegant Tuileries Garden to the hilly Buttes-Chaumont Park. Cemeteries are free to visit, too, and many of Paris’ graveyards—including the Père Lachaise Cemetery—hold the final remains of celebrated thinkers and artists. With a few exceptions, Parisian churches are free, including famous ones such as the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur.

Related: 9 of the Most Famous Cemeteries in Paris—and Who To Visit There

If you want a miniature Eiffel Tower to take home, by all means, go for it—just be aware that souvenirs sold at tourist shops are usually priced high, and are often not made in France. For truly authentic gifts and souvenirs, head to the local supermarket and pick up some tasty French treats or cosmetics. Soap is another great option, and many drugstores sell beautifully packaged scented soaps for under €5. You can also find plenty of one-of-a-kind treasures by visiting a Parisian flea market.

Insider tip: You may not be allowed to bring cheese, meat, or produce back into your home country. Check customs regulations in advance.