Adored throughout the world, Paris has all the key ingredients for the trip of a lifetime. Decadent cuisine paired with a handful of the world’s most renowned monuments and a postcard-worthy streetscape, this city is a must-visit for any kind of traveller. Get the most out of your stay in Paris with these budget-friendly tips.
1. Shop at the markets
Paris has an abundance of farmers’ markets that often occur three times a week in the same location. Selling fresh fruit and vegetables, along with cheese, meats and seafood, shopping at a local street market will introduce you to the Paris way of life whilst saving you money. Favourites include Marché Richard Lenoir and Marché Daumesnil.
2. Drink at happy hour
Happy hour in Paris is never just kept to one hour. Brasseries and pubs that offer discounted wine and beer for a minimum of two hours, allowing everyone to clock off from work and enjoy an apéro before heading home. Stroll the streets and keep eyes peeled for signs indicating session times.
3. Take public transport to and from the airport
Save on a taxi or shuttle bus, and ride the train from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city. Grab a ticket for the RER B, and you can travel to Paris between 5am and around 12am for €10. The train stops at several central Paris stations with each having easy access to the Metro if you need to ride a little further in an alternative direction.
4. Travel with a buddy
I love how calm and quiet the city feels on a Sunday A photo posted by Katie Mitchell (@katiemitchellphotography) on
Seeing new places and experiencing new things is always fun when you have a travelling sidekick. It also makes travelling on a budget much easier. Discover Paris with a friend, family member or lover, and your accommodation and food costs can be divided by two.
5. Check up on ATM locations
Before leaving home, check that your bank has ATMs in convenient locations around Paris. Having an idea of where your bank’s ATMs are in relation to where you are staying means that you can avoid high withdrawal fees that come with using a competitor’s machine.
6. Visit in peak summer
Parisians desert the city in August for their yearly vacations to relax in seaside towns and cool off in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Take advantage of their empty homes by booking a vacant apartment for a week or two through sites like Airbnb or One Fine Stay. Rates are often much cheaper at this time of year, as residents want help with rent whilst they’re away.
A photo posted by Marissa Cox (@ruerodier) on
7. Walk everywhere
Paris is a big city in a small-ish space. The main city of Paris has 20 arrondissements otherwise known as neighbourhoods that were made for exploring on foot with their tiny passageways and steep outdoor staircases. Every area has its own character, so it’s worth getting away from the tourist hubs and discovering all corners of this wonderful city. When you’re feet start to ache, there’s always the Metro.
8. Drink coffee at the bar
Most people don’t know about this trick until they see a local do it. If you’ve budgeted for a coffee each morning, stand at the bar to drink it instead of finding a seat and your bill will be slashed. It’ll also give you a chance to practise your French with the bartender and the regulars.
9. Stock up on cheese and wine at the supermarket
It is romantic to buy cheese from the fromagerie and wine from the wine boutique whilst in Paris, but once you’ve got it out of your system grab your French essentials from the supermarket instead. With a great selection of wines and cheeses on offer, the experience may not be as memorable but it will save you big bucks.
10. Buy a carnet of Metro tickets
Catching the Metro at 1.80€ one-way isn’t expensive for an international city. But if you’re using the Metro to get around the major sites or to and from your accommodation, it will slowly add up. Instead of buying one ticket at a time, purchase a 10-pack (“carnet” in French) for €14.10 from the machine or vendor. You’ll save a handy €4.
11. Eat out at lunch
Make lunch the one meal each day where you dine out. With most restaurants and cafes offering affordable three-course meals to support the Parisians long lunch break, this is the ultimate time to eat well for less.
12. Souvenir shop on the cheap
Get creative with your Paris souvenirs and gifts, and head to a local flea market for a bargain-hunt. Peruse Paris photos, antique jewellery and old magazine clippings to find that one-of-a-kind keepsake. Whilst Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen has the name, it also has the prices to match. So, instead try Marché aux puces de la Porte de Vanves.
(Featured image: Gareth Williams)
