Paris on a budget – experience the city without spending a fortune

Discover Paris on a budget

Even on a tight budget, you can have a great weekend trip in Paris. Visit free attractions like Sacré-Cœur and Jardin du Luxembourg, enjoy cheap street food from local bakeries, and use the metro or city bikes to get around without breaking the bank. Stay in affordable hostels or Airbnb and experience the charm of the city without breaking the budget.

Free sights and experiences in Paris

1. Take a walk along the Seine
Take a relaxing stroll along the Seine and enjoy views of iconic monuments like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre-Dame. In the evening, the riverside is particularly atmospheric.

2. Visit Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
The charming artist district of Montmartre is free to explore, and from Sacré-Cœur you get one of the best views of the city – with no entrance fee.

3. Discover art without admission
Many museums in Paris have free admission on the first Sunday of the month, including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. In addition, the permanent exhibitions at the Petit Palais are always free.

4. Relax in the parks of Paris
The city has plenty of beautiful green spaces like Jardin du Luxembourg and Parc des Buttes-Chaumontwhere you can enjoy a picnic or simply relax.

Budget-friendly accommodation

5. Stay in affordable hostels
Paris has a wide selection of hostels offering comfortable stays at affordable prices. For example, the St Christopher’s Inn in both Gare du Nord and Canal Saint-Martin offers large dorms and a social atmosphere with bars. The People Hostel in Belleville is known for its modern design and rooftop terrace overlooking the city. Generator Paris in the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood combines stylish decor with budget-friendly prices and has a popular rooftop terrace overlooking Montmartre.

6. Airbnb and apartments
A small apartment through Airbnb can be a cheaper option than hotels, especially if you’re traveling with others and can share the cost.

Cheap food and drink

7. Eat like a local
Visit bakeries and small local cafes for budget-friendly meals. A baguette with cheese or ham is both delicious and cheap.

8. Markets and supermarkets
Head to food markets like Marché Bastille or Marché des Enfants Rouges for fresh produce and ready-made meals at great prices. Read this guide to markets in Paris.

9. Happy Hour and cheap drinks
Many bars in Paris have Happy Hour from 17:00-20:00 where you can get cocktails and wine at discounted prices. Try areas like Oberkampf or Canal Saint-Martin.

Cheap transportation in Paris

10. Use the metro and walk a lot
A single metro ticket costs far less than a taxi and with a Paris Visite card you can save money on unlimited public transportation.

11. Rent a Vélib bike
Paris’ city bikes, Vélib, are a cheap way to get around. The first 30 minutes are often free and you can easily explore the city on two wheels.

More travel tips for Paris

1. Best time to visit Paris – Read about the different seasons in Paris.
2. How the metro works in Paris – Here’s everything you need to know about how the metro works and how to make the most of your journey.
3. Paris’ arrondissements and experiences – Paris is divided into 20 districts called arrondissements, read about them and their attractions here.
4. Getting around Paris – a guide to easy transportation – Here’s a detailed guide to transportation in Paris, including prices and tips to help you navigate the city efficiently.

With these budget-friendly tips, you can experience a weekend trip to Paris without spending a fortune – and still have an unforgettable trip filled with culture, beautiful surroundings and authentic experiences.

By Tommy Sverre – 2025