7 tips for making Paris more affordable

In 2016, Paris was ranked the fifth most expensive city in the world to live in. As a tourist, this European hot spot can do some damage to your wallet, but it doesn’t have to. With a little know how you can still have an amazing trip to the City of Love without your bank account wanting to divorce you. We’ve put together 7 budget tips for Paris that will make sure your trip to Paris won’t break the bank.

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Visiting in off-peak seasons is the best way to have the Eiffel Tower nearly to yourself – Photo by GettingStamped.com

Avoid traveling during peak season

Prices for accommodations and flights are at their highest during peak season June–August. Consider traveling to Paris during low season. Not only will you save money traveling during low season but the tourist sights won’t be as crowded. The Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame are a must see when in Paris, but can be overwhelming when thousands of tourists flock to it daily during the summer months.

The local market is the best way to get a taste of local culture – Photo by GettingStamped.com

Eat like a Parisian

Have a Parisian picnic in the park. Paris is full of gorgeous parks, the perfect place for a budget friendly meal.Pick up a fresh baguette or croissant, fresh French cheese, deli meat and a bottle of French wine—all for under 10 euros.

Shop around for flights 

Paris has two main airports, Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Paris Orly Airport (ORY), so make sure to compare flight prices into both airports. Or consider flying into another destination like London. Once there, fly one of Europe’s well known budget carriers or take a train/bus into Paris. Be flexible with your travel dates and it can sometimes save you hundreds. Another bonus is you can add another destination to your trip.

A little home away from home in the middle of Paris – Photo by GettingStamped.com

Stay in an apartment

Paris has been listed in the top 10 most expensive hotel cities in the world, consider booking an apartment instead of a hotel. They’re easy to book—Orbitz has about 200 apartments in Paris—and staying in one of these more homelike options means you’ll have the freedom to cook your own meals. That can really keep some cash in the travel fund. Breakfast is one of the easiest and cheapest meals to make. Making at least one meal a day will save you over $30 a day in Paris. If you are traveling with others, renting an apartment together and splitting the cost can be a huge savings. You can find rentals that sleep four people for under $150 per night!

The best way to see a city is by foot – Photo by GettingStamped.com

Walk

One of the best ways to explore Paris is by foot. Paris is a picturesque town; every corner you turn you’ll be grabbing for your camera. Make a plan of attack for the day and you’ll realize you can easily walk from one destination to another. After you’ve put on a few miles, Paris does have a great and budget friendly subway system. If you can, avoid taking taxis as they are real budget busters.

If you can see something famous from your dinner table you’re going to pay for it! – Photo by GettingStamped.com

Eat away from tourist sites

If you can see the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dome, odds are the menu prices are going to reflect it. Try and eat several blocks away from popular tour sites in Paris. If a restaurant is advertising“Tourist Menu” or theprices are in USD, keep walking. Some of the best local restaurants won’t have English menus and will be down random streets.

Find the free admission days

Yes, the words free and Paris can go in the same sentence. Many of the museums have dedicated free days every month or have free admission daily. With a little bit of research, you could fill a day in Paris with free activities.

Tagged: Europe