Hi Frugalistas! With most of us still not able to travel to France, or many other places for that matter, my thoughts have moved to planning a trip to France. Because I don’t consider myself to be a true budget traveler I’m always on the look out for people who are. Therefore I’m delighted to bring you this budget guide to Paris guest post from fellow travel blogger Diana, from Travelling With Diana:
Regardless of where I’m traveling, I always try to travel on a budget. As a regular traveler, I know the less I spend on each trip, the more new places I can visit! Paris has a reputation for being pretty expensive to visit, however, some things can make your trip to the capital of France much more budget-friendly. Today I’m going to share with you my top tips to make your trip to Paris less expensive. Paris is blessed with some amazing free outdoor attractions that you can enjoy exploring without paying expensive entrance fees. By following these tips I’ll share with you today, you’ll still have a fantastic trip without emptying your bank account!
Always take public transportation
As with anywhere in the world, one of the best ways to save money in Paris is to always choose public transportation. Your best option for exploring the city is the metro. It’s very convenient, fast, and easy to navigate. You can travel all over the city on the metro, so there’s no need to use anything else to get around.
Taxis in Paris, even for a very short ride, have a starting price of seven euros!
Buy Ten ticket cards for the metro and buses
If you are planning to travel around the city by metro or bus, it’s much cheaper to buy a ten ticket card at the start of your trip (Editor’s note: you can still buy paper tickets in bulk for a discount, but the other option is to purchase a Navigo Easy card which is rechargeable).
Another option is to buy a pass that will last a few days, covering your whole trip, depending on how many days you’re staying in Paris. These will also save you time working out how to use the ticket machines each ride.
To learn more about Paris travel passes, I recommending visiting https://www.ratp.fr/en/titres-et-tarifs/paris-visite-travel-pass
Stay in a hostel
In a city like Paris, you’re going to be out all day when you’re there. There’s so much to see and do in the city, that there is no need to splurge on a fancy hotel or apartment.
If you are traveling alone, it’s also a great way to meet more people, who you might be able to connect with and explore the city together. Some of the options that you should check out are Generator Paris and Les Piaules, both of them also offer private rooms.
If you’re looking for a party hostel, the top-rated one in the city is St Christopher’s Inn Gare du Nord.
Choose your accommodation location wisely
When choosing your Paris accommodation, make sure you choose the location wisely. After you’ve researched your must-see sites, choose a hostel or hotel that’s located close to all the places that you would like to visit. This will save on transport costs if you can walk between each venue.
If you would like to learn more tips on Budget Travel Hacks and Money-Saving Tips when Traveling in Europe, click here
Take the RER
One of the most fun excursions from the city center is a visit to Disneyland Paris. If you are looking to visit the parks for a day, take the RER as a low-cost travel option. The theme parks are a fun escape from the city and offer a little bit of Disney magic in Europe. I know the ticket for the park itself is not the cheapest one but at least in this way you’ll be able to save on your transportation cost.
The RER is also available for travel between the city and airport and is much cheaper than paying for a private transfer. You can also take it to get to Versailles.
Are you planning a trip to France? Click here to join Jo’s France Travel Planning Facebook group
Travel during the offseason
Like anywhere in the world, by traveling in the offseason, you will experience fewer crowds and prices will be a little bit lower. Summer in Paris is extremely busy and hot for touring. 30 million tourists visit Paris every year!
While the shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall attract tourists as well, they offer a more pleasant visiting experience. In my opinion, Spring and Fall are even more beautiful than summer, especially in the city’s parks.
Always check for discounted rates at different attractions
Another great way to save money while in Paris is to check for discounted rates. For students, seniors, or those traveling in large groups, it’s a good idea to always ask if discounts are available at the attractions you are visiting. Even if it’s just a few euros, these savings will add up over your trip.
Enjoy Paris’ free activities
There are plenty of free or very cheap things to do in Paris. The most iconic thing I enjoyed doing on my last trip was to buy some delicious, fresh bread, cheese, and wine and have a picnic by the Seine river. The area is overlooking the Eiffel tower, and it’s one of my favorite views in the whole city.
Another favorite attraction of mine that you can visit for free in the city is the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. It’s a very beautiful Roman Catholic church and minor basilica dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Also, from the terrace in front of it, you can admire the stunning views of Paris.
Free Museum Entry Days
If there is a particular museum you are desperate to see on your trip, before paying full price check if it has a free entry day or time.
Alternatively, if you are looking to visit many museums during your trip, buy a Paris Museum Pass, that will offer you entry to many sites for one price.
Explore Paris on foot
rue Cremieux
Paris is such a magnificent city, that even when you’re simply walking through its streets, you’ll feel like you’re in a museum. I made my own walking tour during my visit and experienced the colorful Rue Cremieux and the Trocadero Square, where I enjoyed the stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. Don’t miss exploring the artistic streets of Montmartre.
Many of the city’s attractions can be enjoyed from the outside, such as the unique architecture of the Louvre, the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Arc de Triomphe or the Palais Royal.
Rent a Velib’ Bike
Similar to schemes in many cities around the world, Paris offers the Velib’ bike that offers a casual pick-up and ride service around the city. If you prefer to explore on two wheels rather than by foot, create your own tour of the city using the one-day rental option. I love the freedom to explore that you experience during a bike tour.
The cost of this bike is very minimal.
Shop and eat at the markets
Another great way to save money while in Paris is to stop eating only in restaurants all the time. Visit the Marché Beauvau or Marché d’Aligre, is the place where you can purchase delicious local food and drinks. Spend a few hours strolling around the market, where you can pick up items for your lunch or snack as you walk around. It can be accessed by line 8 of the metro, at the Ledru-Rollin stop. You can check its opening times here.
As you can see, Paris has dozens of different activities to offer that won’t break the bank during your visit. By taking into account these money-saving tips, you’ll be able to fully experience Paris without worrying about money the whole time. Walking or cycling tours of Paris offer the perfect inexpensive way to see all the sights, without costing much at all. Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, and you won’t be disappointed with its culture and charm regardless of the budget you are visiting on.
About the author:
Hello there, my name is Diana! I’m a Travel Blogger, at Travelling with Diana busy exploring our beautiful world and building my home in Bulgaria. I share travel guides and very helpful tips to inspire you to travel more. My goal is to show you that you don’t need a travel agency to explore our magical planet. You can follow more of my adventures in real-time on my Instagram page.
Plan Your Own Trip to Paris here:
Buy on Amazon now
More from my site
Disneyland in a day: Disneyland Paris day trip
Weekend in Béziers: things to do in Béziers France
Which is better? An apartment for rent in Paris or a Paris hotel?
Advice for first time visitors to France
What not to do in Paris: how to avoid mistakes in Paris made by Emily in Paris
Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals 2022 are here!