Can you visit Paris without selling a kidney? Yes, it’s possible! Find out how to take advantage of museums, parks and emblematic monuments for free or on a budget. Affordable accommodation, economical cuisine, cheap transport—follow my tips for exploring the City of Light without blowing your budget. Yes, it can be done!
You may also be interested in this article: What is the Budget for a 1 Week Trip to Paris? (in Real Life)
Table of Contents
Free or Low-Cost Activities
Free Museum Visits
The Museum of Modern Art
Located in the 16th arrondissement, this museum offers an impressive collection of contemporary works, from the early 20th century to the present day.
With a variety of exhibitions and temporary installations, admission is free—perfect for the budget-conscious art lover.
Petit Palais
The Petit Palais, opposite the Grand Palais, houses a rich collection of works ranging from Antiquity to the Belle Époque.
This magnificent Beaux-Arts-style building boasts exceptional paintings, sculptures, furniture and objets d’art.
First Sunday of the Month
Take advantage of free admission to Paris’ major museums on the first Sunday of every month.
Prestigious institutions such as the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay are opening their doors free of charge, allowing everyone to discover their exceptional collections.
Parks and Gardens
Jardin du Luxembourg
The Jardin du Luxembourg is an idyllic place to relax, play sport or enjoy puppet shows.
Located in the heart of the 6th arrondissement, this garden offers vast lawns, impeccably maintained flowerbeds and statues lining its path.
It’s the perfect place for a picnic or a relaxing walk, with activities for children and comfortable chairs for visitors.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, in the 19th arrondissement, is one of the most picturesque parks in Paris.
Its steep hills, man-made caves and waterfall make it a unique place for a walk or a moment of relaxation.
Offering panoramic views over the city, this park is a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with plenty of paths and green spaces to explore.
Tuileries Garden
Between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries is a historic and elegant place for a stroll.
Its shady avenues, statues and fountains make it a popular place to relax for Parisians and tourists alike.
It’s also a great place to sit and watch Parisian life, with seating around the pools for relaxing.
Jardin des Plantes
The Jardin des Plantes, located in the 5th arrondissement, is a botanical garden with a greenhouse, zoo and beautiful flowerbeds.
It is a place of exploration for nature and science lovers, offering a wide variety of plants and a peaceful atmosphere.
The winding paths and themed gardens make it the perfect place for a day of discovery.
Historic Monuments and Sites
Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral
Notre-Dame de Paris is a work of art of gothic architecture.
Enjoy the impressive architecture of the cathedral’s exterior and explore the Ile de la Cité.
Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre
The Sacré-Coeur, at the top of the Montmartre hill, offers a spectacular panoramic view of Paris.
The basilica itself is an architectural gem, and the Montmartre district, with its cobbled streets and street artists, is an atypical and charming place to explore.
The small squares and typical cafés add to the unique atmosphere of this bohemian district.
Latin Quarter and Pantheon (Outside)
The Quartier Latin is a lively, historic district, famous for its picturesque streets, bookshops and cafés.
You can admire the exterior of the Pantheon, an impressive monument dedicated to the great men of the nation, while wandering through the surrounding streets.
The many gardens and small squares in the area provide pleasant places to relax.
Place des Vosges and Le Marais
This is one of the oldest districts of Paris with magnificent architecture, perfect for a walk.
The Place des Vosges, with its arcades and gardens, is a perfect example of 17th century town planning.
The Marais, with its boutiques, art galleries and cafés, is a lively and historic place to explore.
Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe (Outside View)
Stroll down Paris’ most famous avenue and admire the Arc de Triomphe from the outside.
This walk offers magnificent views and a unique atmosphere, with many shops, cinemas and cafés along the way.
The view of the Arc de Triomphe, illuminated at night, is particularly impressive.
Free Walks and Tours
Along the Seine
Take in the magnificent views as you stroll along the quays of the Seine.
You’ll find bookshops, street artists and café terraces where you can stop for a break.
The landscaped riverbanks also offer places to relax and admire Paris’ iconic monuments.
Covered Passages
Parisian covered passages, mainly from the 19th century, offer a unique and charming experience.
These galleries are home to boutiques, cafés and art galleries, allowing you to stroll around sheltered from the elements while admiring the elegant architecture.
The Passage des Panoramas, near the Grands Boulevards, has a retro feel, while the Passage Jouffroy is home to the Musée Grévin and a host of boutiques.
To find out more, see our article on covered passages.
Parisian Markets
Parisian markets are lively and authentic places, perfect for discovering the local culture.
The Marché d’Aligre, in the 12th arrondissement, is renowned for its fresh, inexpensive produce and lively, friendly atmosphere.
The Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris, offers a variety of international food stalls, perfect for a meal on the go.
These markets are ideal for sampling local cuisine, buying fresh produce and enjoying a typically Parisian atmosphere.
Budget Accommodation
Hostels
Generator Paris
Modern and conveniently located near Gare de l’Est, this hostel offers comfortable rooms and lively communal areas, perfect for meeting other travelers.
Price: Between €62 and €125 for a bed in a dormitory of 8.
Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels
Charming hostel close to the Sacré-Coeur, offering a friendly atmosphere and stunning views of Montmartre from its terrace.
Price: Between €62 and €142 for a bed in a 12-bed mixed dormitory.
Le Coffice
A modern, friendly hotel in the 10th arrondissement, offering comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and a café area for a pleasant break in Paris.
Price: From €25 for a bunk bed in a mixed dormitory, to €76 for a quadruple room.
To find out more about other youth hostels, read this article.
Budget Hotels
Hôtel Europe BLV
This budget hotel in the 12th arrondissement, with simple rooms and free Wi-Fi, is close to the metro for easy access to Paris attractions.
Price: Between €92 and €106 for a double room.
Absolute Hotel Paris République
Just a few steps from République, the Absolute Hotel Paris République offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and breakfast, ideal for visiting Paris on a budget.
Price: Between €211 and €195 for a three-bedroom.
HotelF1 Paris Porte de Châtillon
This budget hotel in the 14th arrondissement offers simple rooms with free Wi-Fi and excellent value for an affordable Parisian stay.
Price: Between €85 and €99 for a tandem room.
Camping and Unusual Alternatives
Camping de Paris
Located in the Bois de Boulogne, this campsite offers a unique experience in the heart of nature, with pitches for tents, caravans and bungalows.
Prices: from €30 per night for a pitch in low season.
Couchsurfing
Meet the locals and stay for free in their homes, a great way to save on accommodation while enjoying an authentic and friendly experience.
Cheap Restaurant Options
Bakeries and Pâtisseries
Baguettes and Croissants
Parisian bakeries offer fresh and delicious products, perfect for breakfast with coffee or a snack to take away.
Price: Approximately €1 for a baguette and €1.20 for a croissant.
Sandwiches and quiches
Bakeries also offer a variety of sandwiches and quiches, ideal for a quick, economical meal.
Price: Between €3 and €5 per sandwich.
Supermarket
Supermarkets such as Monoprix, Franprix and Carrefour City offer ready-to-eat takeaways, perfect for picnics.
These chains offer a wide range of salads, sandwiches and ready meals at affordable prices.
Price: Between €5 and €10 per meal.
If you’d like some ideas for places to have your picnic, then go here.
Market
- Marché d’Aligre: A lively market with fresh, cheap produce, ideal for buying ingredients for a picnic or sampling the local cuisine.
- Marché des Enfants Rouges: The oldest covered market in Paris, with a variety of food stalls offering dishes from different world cuisines.
For more information on the different markets in Paris, read this article.
Budget Restaurants
Creperies and Pizzerias
Paris is packed with crêperies and pizzerias, including Crêperie le Petit Josselin, Crêperie Genia and Pizza Julia.
These establishments offer reasonably priced dishes, perfect for an affordable meal.
Price: Between €5 and €15.
Asian Restaurants in the 13th
This district is packed with restaurants offering authentic Asian cuisine at very competitive prices, such as Tricotin and Fleurs de Mai.
Price: Between €8 and €15.
Cafeterias and Fast-Food Chains
These establishments offer a quick and economical way to eat in town.
For cafeterias:
- Le Pain Quotidien
- Cojean
- Pret A Manger
- Flunch
For fast-food chains:
- McDonald’s
- Burger King
- KFC
- Quick
- Subway
- Domino’s Pizza
Price: Between €5 and €15 for a full meal.
Street Food and Food Trucks
Kebabs, falafels and other street food are affordable and delicious.
These fast-food options offer excellent value for money, so you can enjoy tasty dishes while strolling through the city.
Price: It depends on the establishment, but can range from €4 to €12.
If you’re looking for recommendations, here’s my article Top 18 street food in Paris.
Affordable Transport
Transports en commun
Subway, Bus and Tramway tickets
A T+ ticket costs €2.15.
Tourist passes like the Paris Visite allow unlimited access to public transport for several days.
These passes are ideal for tourists wishing to explore the city by metro at least 5-6 times a day.
Prices: Paris Visite 1 day from €13.95, 3 days from €30.90.
Vélib’ Rental
Vélib’
Vélib’ is a great way to get around quickly and economically while enjoying the city.
If you’re an occasional user, you’ll pay €3 for the first 45 minutes and €1 per half-hour thereafter.
Click here to subscribe to a Velib package.
And here’s a list of my recommended bike rides in Paris.
Walking
Paris is an ideal city for walking. The sidewalks are large and well laid out. The city is quite big, but not that big. Many neighborhoods are close together.
If you’re well organized, you can discover several districts on foot in a single day. This allows you to live the Parisian experience to the full, while saving on transport costs.
Here’s a link to the walks I recommend (with itineraries and maps).
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
