Paris on a budget

Paris, the city of love, lights, and… a reputation for sipping espresso in high-end cafes. But what if your wallet doesn’t scream “luxury”? We hear you! With our useful guide full of smart planning and local tips, you’ll discover the budget-friendly wonders the French capital has to offer, and you’ll see that Paris isn’t just about high fashion, fancy food, and luxury hotels. 

Take casual strolls, soak in the beauty of parks and gardens, marvel at the architecture, and window-shop in markets—all without the hefty price tag. Grab affordable bites, walk along the Seine, and discover how visiting Paris on a budget is possible for smart travelers.  

Curious about more than just savings? Dive into our Fun Facts Paris article to enrich your budget-friendly journey with intriguing tidbits about the city!

🥐 Starter pack: a Parisian diet 

Indulge in baguettes, croissants, and éclairs for a real taste of Paris. A baguette is a steal at around €1, while heavenly pastries range from €2 to €4. Try unique French cheeses, grab a bottle of Bordeaux for about €10, and voila! A royal Parisian feast that’s also budget-friendly. 

🍷 Paris on the cheap: drink like a local 

Skip the pricey cafés on Champs Elysées and Saint-Germain. Head to local bars like Teddy’s Bar, Les Caves Populaires, My Baar, or Le Pantalon for affordable wine, cocktails and bites—in Paris, wine is often cheaper than soft drinks!  

🖼️ Museum marvels on a budget 

Best budget-friendly things to do in Paris, you ask? Well, Paris has many legendary museums, but tickets can be expensive. Pick great museums with free entry like: 

Le Petit Palais, a gem built for the 1900 Exhibition, now houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. Enjoy 19th-century masterpieces by Monet, Sisley, Cézanne, and Modigliani. Don’t miss the quaint café in the garden court! 

For a dive into Parisian history, visit Musée Carnavalet in the Marais. Housed in two mansions, one once home to Madame Sévigné, the 17th-century diarist, it’s an amazing place with permanent exhibits and a lovely garden. 

Head to Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, a spacious museum dedicated to 20th and 21st-century art. Located in the Palais de Tokyo from the 1937 Universal Exposition, it has works by Picasso, Matisse, and other modern masters.  

Also check out Musée Bourdelle in the 15th Arrondissement. Home to sculptor Antoine Bourdelle‘s breathtaking creations, including bronze and marble sculptures, this museum is a must-visit near Montparnasse. Explore the gardens and studio where Bourdelle lived and worked, immersing yourself in art and history at no cost. 

Dive into history, art, and culture without spending a dime! 

🏛️ Sightseeing: exploring Paris for free 

Walk around and explore timeless wonders that are 100% free: 

• Visit the Wall of Love where love is expressed in over 300 languages in Montmartre’s Jehan Rictus Square 
• Go to the iconic Shakespeare & Company bookstore that has welcomed writers and readers since the 1920s 
• Have a blast in Moulin Rouge and Pigalle area 
• Feel the vibes in St Michel and the Latin Quarter 
• Take a nice stroll on Pont Alexandre III 
• Explore history at Les Invalides 
• Stroll down Les Champs Elysees for real Parisian vibes 
• Discover the secrets of St Germain des Pres 
• Hang out by the water in Canal St Martin 
• Have a good time in Parc de la Villette 
• Enjoy the chic square at Place des Vosges 
• Relax in Jardin du Luxembourg 
• Take in the views at Trocadero 
• Take a selfie in front of the iconic Cafe de Flore 
• Catch the view of Bir Hakeim bridge from Metro line 6 
• Take a stroll in Jardin des Tuileries 
• People watch at Parc du Champ-de-Mars 
• Listen to Notre-Dame‘s bell chimes 
• Climb up Sacré-Cœur‘s stairs for a panoramic view 

For more budget-friendly adventures in Paris, don’t miss our article on Discovering the Beauty of Montmartre and Le Marais where charm meets culture at no extra cost.