Paris has always been a top tourist destination. And shows like Emily in Paris just made the more inviting to tourists. But the popular series shows the glamorous side of Paris – designer brands, fine dining restaurants, and river cruises. This makes an average Joe wonder if it’s even possible to travel to Paris on a budget.
The short answer is yes. But there’s a lot of research that goes into making a budget Parisian trip possible. Luckily, we’ve done all the work for you. Here are some tips and hacks on how you can make your dream trip to Paris come true without leaving you broke.
When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Paris?
The most important thing to consider when planning to travel to Paris on a budget is the time of year. Summer and Christmas are not the only peak seasons in this country. Paris Fashion Week also draws in a lot of tourists. This fashion extravaganza happens during the latter week of February and September. Valentine’s is also a must-go time for couples wanting to have a romantic getaway. So those are no-no dates to visit Paris.
When is the best time to go to Paris? Early September is a good time. This is after considering flight and accommodation prices as well as the weather. The summer crowd and heat of June to August have left. This means you can enjoy strolling through less crowded streets in the cooler weather.
To give an example of flight costs, Skyscanner shows that you can book round-trip tickets from NYC to Paris for less than $300 during the very first week of September 2025. This is a steal, especially if you know that peak-season flights can reach over $1,000 round-trip.
Getting Around When You Travel To Paris On A Budget
You’re on a budget, so car rentals are out of the question. That said, public transportation is a must. Luckily, Paris has efficient and accessible modes of public transport. If you plan on going all over the city during your trip, you should consider getting a Navigo travel card.
This transport pass gives you unlimited rides on all routes (including the airport). Now if you feel like going around like a local, bike rentals are worth a try. It’s still pricey as an everyday option. So just try it once to say you’ve tried it.
Choosing The Best Budget Accommodation
Accommodations are usually the most expensive part of visiting Paris (aside from the flights). Hotels can easily eat up a good chunk of your budget. And that doesn’t even include the tourist tax that was recently raised by 200% in January 2024. But don’t worry, you can avoid the extra €8-15 tax per night.
How? Go for vacation rentals or hostels. These budget accommodations are only taxed an extra €2.60 per night. Now that we’ve narrowed down your choices, you can use your AI travel planner to give you suggestions on the best budget places to stay.
Do A Little Of Everything While In Paris
Paris is a dreamy city to visit. And even if you’re traveling on a budget, you can still visit the popular spots. Here’s how to get the most out of your Parisian trip without spending a small fortune.
Explore Museums and Monuments
No Paris trip is complete without going up the Eiffel Tower. And of course, a stroll through the Musée du Louvre and a cruise on the Seine is also mandatory. These experiences, however, aren’t free. But you can save money by getting a city pass.
Since the activities are in a bundle, it’s cheaper than buying them one by one. It’s also more convenient and customizable. The most popular pass, costing €99, allows you to choose 5 activities from a list of 52.
Shop Designer Brands At Affordable Prices
If you’re visiting Paris for the fashion scene, don’t worry. You don’t have to spend top dollar for a designer fashion piece. The style and fashion capital of the world is riddled with outlet shopping centers. Your wallet will thank you later for choosing outlet shopping.
But that doesn’t mean that you should pass a visit to Champs-Élysées. Go and experience the glitz and glam of walking into Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. It will make you feel better knowing that you got designer items for up to 70% off earlier.
Travel to Paris on a Budget: Guide To Eating Through Paris
Food in Paris is more than just fine dining. Although, you’d be glad to know that more high-end restaurants are making their food affordable for more tourists to enjoy. That said, you can treat yourself to classy food in between exploring food carts and Parisian bakeries.
Summing Up How To Travel To Paris On A Budget
You don’t need a big budget to make your dream of visiting Paris a reality. Choosing to go in between peak seasons will save you lots of money. Money that can go towards enjoying the sights and experiences of the City of Love. Remember that you can forego luxurious hotels if it means avoiding an all-time high tourist tax.
Instead, get your money’s worth on bundled activities and transportation passes that will literally take you farther. Treat yourself to good food and designer items without breaking the bank. All in all, enjoy your Parisian trip by making smart, budget-conscious decisions. That way, you would have experienced a little bit of everything without regrets.
Sources:
- https://www.lemonde.fr/en/france/article/2024/01/18/netflix-s-emily-in-paris-and-lupin-drive-paris-tourism_6443181_7.html
- https://www.skyscanner.com/flights-to/pari/cheap-flights-to-paris.html
- https://www.ratp.fr/en/titres-et-tarifs/weekly-navigo-travel-cards
- https://www.travelandleisure.com/paris-2024-tourism-tax-8422858
- https://parisjetaime.com/eng/tickets/paris-passlib-m9001081
- https://parisjetaime.com/eng/article/outlet-shopping-centres-a549
- https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/france/paris/budget-restaurants-paris-b2548057.html
