Paris is a dream destination, but it’s easy to fall into money traps if you’re not careful. Here’s a guide to help you avoid overpaying for common tourist expenses so you can enjoy the City of Light without breaking the bank.
1. Airport Taxis Without Using Official Stands
Jumping into a random taxi at the airport can lead to being overcharged or even scammed.
Stick to the official taxi queues, where rides have fixed rates: €56 to the Right Bank and €65 to the Left Bank.
These rates are clearly displayed, so you know what to expect.
Related read: 11 Ways Fake Taxis in Paris Rip Off Tourists
2. Pre-Arranged Airport Transfers
Pre-booking private airport transfers often costs €60–€100, but normal taxis are cheaper and reliable.
Official taxis have fixed rates: €56 from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Paris Right Bank and €65 to the Left Bank, while Orly Airport costs €44 to the Right Bank and €36 to the Left Bank. For convenience, official taxis like G7 can also be booked in advance for an extra €7.
Uber is another option, with rides from CDG costing around €45–€55 and from Orly around €30–€40, depending on traffic.
Public transport is the most affordable. The RER B train connects CDG to central Paris in about 35 minutes for just €11.45. Orly Airport is now connected to central Paris via Metro Line 14, offering a quick 25-minute journey for €12.10.
3. Hotel Breakfasts Instead of Nearby Bakeries
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Hotel breakfasts can cost €15–€25 per person, and they often include basic items like croissants, bread, and coffee.
Instead, walk to a nearby boulangerie (bakery) and enjoy a freshly baked croissant or pain au chocolat for just €1.50–€2.
Pair it with a café crème at a local café for an authentic Parisian breakfast experience at a fraction of the cost.
4. Coffee at Famous Cafés Like Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots
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Cafés like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots are iconic for a reason—they’re steeped in history and were once frequented by famous writers and artists like Hemingway and Sartre.
For first-time visitors, sipping coffee here is more about the ambiance and experience than the drink itself, which can cost €7 or more.
It’s worth trying once to soak in the atmosphere, but if you’re looking for equally good coffee with a more relaxed vibe, venture to a nearby café in less touristy streets—you’ll often find a more authentic and affordable experience.
5. Macarons from Ladurée
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Ladurée’s macarons are a symbol of Parisian luxury, but they’re pricey—often €2.50–€3 per macaron.
For macarons that are just as delicious (if not better), visit Pierre Hermé or Maison Georges Larnicol. These spots often have shorter lines, and the quality is just as high, if not higher.
Don’t let the big brand name fool you—there are plenty of equally delicious options around the city.
6. Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tours
Hop-on-hop-off buses are convenient but expensive, often costing around €40 per person.
Instead, take advantage of Paris’s regular buses, which cost just €2.50 per ride (or even less with a Navigo pass).
For example:
- Bus 72: Passes iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Pont Alexandre III.
- Bus 20: Runs through charming neighborhoods like Montmartre and Pigalle.
- Bus 86: Connects historic areas like Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Panthéon, and Bastille.
Alternatively, the Batobus (a hop-on hop-off Seine riverboat) is €23 for a full day and offers stunning views of Paris from the water.
And of course, walking is one of the best ways to explore Paris—its streets are full of charm, hidden gems, and surprises at every turn!
7. Metro Tickets Bought One at a Time
Paper carnets (bundles of tickets) are no longer available, and single Metro tickets now cost €2.50 each. If you’re planning multiple rides, buying single tickets adds up quickly.
Instead, consider these options:
- Navigo Day Pass (€11/day): Unlimited Metro, bus, and tram rides for a full day. Perfect for heavy sightseeing. Available at ticket machines or via the Bonjour RATP app.
- Navigo Easy Card (€2/card + tickets): Load multiple single rides or day passes onto a reusable card. It’s convenient and eco-friendly.
- Navigo on Your Phone: Use the IDF Mobilités app to purchase and activate tickets directly on your smartphone—no physical tickets needed!
These options are cheaper and hassle-free compared to buying tickets one by one.
8. Hot Chocolate at Angelina
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Angelina’s hot chocolate, famously thick and rich, is often called “the best in Paris.”
At over €10 a cup, it’s a splurge, but the historic tearoom and its connection to Coco Chanel make it a special experience for first-time visitors.
If you’d prefer something just as delicious without the long queues or high price, try Carette, Jean-Paul Hévin, or Un Dimanche à Paris.
These spots offer luxurious hot chocolate in cozy settings, often with shorter wait times and a more relaxed atmosphere.
9. Booking Last-Minute Accommodations During Peak Seasons
Hotels in Paris fill up quickly during summer, holidays, and major events like Fashion Week.
Booking last-minute can leave you paying inflated prices or staying far from the city center.
Plan ahead and secure accommodations months in advance for better deals.
For budget-friendly options, consider boutique hotels or apartments in less touristy neighborhoods like the 11th or 14th arrondissement, which still have easy Metro access.
10. Selecting Hotels with “Eiffel Tower Views” That Aren’t Worth It
Hotels advertising “Eiffel Tower views” often charge a premium, even if the view is a tiny sliver of the tower from a distant window.
Instead, book a reasonably priced hotel in a central location and visit public spots like Trocadéro, Champ de Mars, or Montparnasse Tower for spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower.
Save your money for experiences rather than paying for a disappointing view.
Anyway, you’ll be spending most of your time outside!
11. “Boutique” Hotels That Are Actually Basic 2-Star Properties
Many Paris hotels advertise themselves as “boutique” to justify higher prices, but some are little more than basic 2-star properties with small rooms and minimal amenities.
To avoid overpaying, research hotels on multiple platforms and look for guest reviews, particularly about room size and cleanliness.
Consider charming family-run hotels or well-reviewed accommodations in less touristy neighborhoods for a more authentic and budget-friendly experience.
12. Guided Tours Booked Through Hotel Concierges
Hotel concierges often recommend guided tours that come with hefty markups, as they receive commissions from tour companies.
Instead, book tours directly through apps like GetYourGuide or Paris Je t’aime.
You’ll often find better prices, more options, and detailed reviews to help you pick the perfect experience.
Self-guided options with audio apps are also a great way to explore landmarks at your own pace and budget.
13. Bottled Water at Tourist Hotspots
Buying bottled water near the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre can cost up to €5 per bottle.
Instead, head to local grocery stores like Monoprix or Franprix, where you can get a large bottle for under €1.
Better yet, Paris has over 1,200 public water fountains—including some sparkling water fountains—where you can refill a reusable bottle for free.
14. Eiffel Tower Restaurants (Especially Jules Verne)
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Dining at the Eiffel Tower, especially at the Michelin-starred Jules Verne, is undeniably a bucket-list experience, but it comes with a steep price—meals can exceed €200 per person.
If you’re set on dining there, consider Madame Brasserie, the second restaurant on the tower, which is a bit more affordable while still offering stunning views.
Alternatively, nearby spots like Les Ombres or Café de l’Homme provide incredible Eiffel Tower views without the hefty price tag, allowing you to enjoy a memorable dining experience with more reasonable prices.
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
