Is Paris Expensive?

Paris Budget Guide: What to Expect and How to Save Money

Paris is a traveller’s dream destination, with stunning historical architecture and structural masterpieces and a vibrant art, fashion and food culture that rivals many other major cities in Europe. Paris also has excellent transport links to take you around the city easily and efficiently. Despite this, Paris has a reputation for being very expensive, especially in the downtown areas and near cultural attractions. We’re here to help you find the most affordable areas of Paris– they do exist, you just need to know where to look and what to consider when booking a trip. Here’s a general rundown of average costs in the city, and how you can save money.

A Breakdown of Average Travel Costs in Paris

How Much Do Things Cost in Paris

Where to Stay in Paris on a Budget

Despite its higher-than-average prices, you can still comfortably stay in Paris if on a strict budget. While you may have to be careful with how much you spend in certain areas, you can generally enjoy affordable prices in many areas of Paris–if you know the tips and tricks. Paris has its fair share of mid-range and affordable hotels such as Hotel Flor Rivoli or Hotel Emile Le Marais; luxury hotels include Hotel Le Grand Mazarin and Cour Des Vosges Evok Hotel. Depending on where in the city you stay, you can numerous affordable and budget accommodation options, such as:

• Boutique Hotels: Boutique hotels can be affordable or expensive– it’s all about where you go and the chain of hotels it is associated with. Normally, boutique hotels tend to be cheaper than regular hotels, as they usually have a smaller capacity and a more intimate and personal service, making them more like guesthouses or B&Bs. Some options for cheap boutique hotels in Paris include The Originals Boutique Hotel and Queens Boutique Hotel.
• Budget Hotels: Despite its notoriety as being expensive, Paris is also home to numerous budget hotels. Budget hotels feature the same basic yet high-quality amenities you’d expect but with an absence of amenities that would be classed as luxury, e.g. a pool or spa. Compromising on price doesn’t mean compromising on quality– you can have a comfortable stay in a budget hotel and still come away satisfied. For some budget hotels in Paris, try the Tonic Hotel Du Louvre, or the Hotel Emile Le Marais.
• Airport Hotels: Airport hotels are designed to provide convenient and close accommodation for travellers into and out of Paris. Sometimes, airport hotels can work out cheaper than regular hotels, as more often than not they offer free shuttle services or are within walking distance. This means you don’t need to fork out extra money for transport to the airport or into the city. Some affordable airport hotels near Paris’s main airport Charles de Gaulle are the Holiday Inn Express CDG Hotel and the Mercure Paris Cdg Hotel.

The Best Options for Finding Affordable Accommodation in Paris

Popular suburbs of Paris include Le Marais, Montmartre, Belleville and the 12th and 20th arrondissements, which are cited as being more affordable than others. While most downtown areas will be expensive, especially in areas with tourist attractions or landmarks, you can find cheap and affordable accommodation options. No matter where you stay in Paris, you’re sure to have great access to the centre thanks to Paris’ efficient metro system and trams. As these modes of transport are cheap, you can be assured that you won’t be wasting precious euros.

As for hotels, try to find or search for hotels that are specifically designed for those on a budget, such as Ibis Budget or Holiday Inn Express hotels, which are known for their cheaper prices. You can expect the same high-quality and modern amenities from these hotels, only with an absence of luxury amenities like pools or spas.

What to Expect from Staying in Paris and How to Book a Cheap Room

There’s a certain knack for finding cheap hotels in most suburbs of Paris. You need to know where to look and what to consider when booking. If you’re a hotel-booking expert and have it all figured out, you’ll likely know the places in Paris to find accommodation. However, if this is your first time booking a hotel in Paris, it may be a little harder to find the ideal hotel for you. We’re here to help make your life a little easier through our tips and tricks and everything you need to know about booking accommodation in France’s capital. Here are our tips:

• Book in advance: Like most cities worldwide, certain times of year see an influx of tourists. This is usually during summer or Christmas time. Because of this, it’s a good idea to book your accommodation at least six months in advance of your travel dates. Hotels can sell out or become more in demand the closer it gets to your travel dates, and sometimes rates can increase.
• Travel at quieter times of the year: As we mentioned, certain times of the year can make Paris very busy. To avoid this, stick to quiet times of year. The best months to visit Paris are January to April and September to November when crowds are smaller and there aren’t many cultural activities. The weather might not be ideal during these times but at least you’ll be able to experience Paris without forking out a fortune.

How to Get Around Paris Cheaply and Easily

Paris has one of the most efficient transport systems in Europe, with trams, a metro system that rivals London’s tube system, and buses. Paris is also very walkable, given how compact and close together most places are. Here are some tips on how best to get around Paris.

• Stick to the Metro or tram system: The metro is fast, efficient and cheap, with the average price of tickets costing around €2.10 for a single. You can expect to get to most arrondissements and surrounding suburbs via tram or metro.
• Walk or cycle: A sustainable and scenic way of viewing most of the city’s sights is by walking or cycling. The compact nature of Paris makes it easily walkable, and you can also take a walking tour around.

If you want to travel around on your own terms, why not consider hiring a car? Popular areas to hire a car from in Paris include Charles du Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport and downtown Paris.

How to Eat Well in Paris Without Spending a Fortune

Paris has gained notoriety for its expensive dining and restaurant prices, particularly in tourist hubs. However, if you stick to smaller establishments and independent restaurants, you might avoid spending a fortune. Here are some tips on where to go to enjoy excellent cuisine without going over budget:

• Avoid tourist traps: Some restaurants, particularly big-chain restaurants, may raise the prices if they know that tourists tend to visit. Unsuspecting tourists may pay more money if they don’t know what the average local price is. Stick to areas that aren’t in tourist areas to avoid this.
• Stick to street food: Paris is known for its street food, from crepes, and Asian and Middle-Eastern cuisines, to pizzas and burgers, among other things. You can find a variety of outdoor markets too, so if you are staying in a holiday rental and are cooking for yourself, you can enjoy fresh produce. Street food is usually cheaper than sit-down restaurant meals, so bear this in mind if you’re struggling with budgets.

Our Top Picks for Free and Cheap Activities in Paris

Paris has numerous cheap and affordable activities. Check them out here:

• Jardin du Luxembourg: It is free to enter this garden, which is a favourite spot for both locals and tourists alike, particularly in warmer weather.
• Eiffel Tower: To access this world-famous landmark, it’s only around €18 for adults, and around €9-€10 for students and young people. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and worth the money.
• Louvre: If you’re under 18, you can enjoy free entry to the Louvre, however over 18s must pay an entry fee of around €20. This iconic and world-famous museum is one of Paris’ most popular attractions.

The Best Places to Find Live Music, Shows and Events in Paris

Paris La Défense Arena: One of the main venues and arenas for multiple shows, events and concerts, this arena has a capacity of 40,000. Here, you can see sporting events, music concerts and other entertainment performances.

Accor Arena: Another large-scale event venue, the Accor Arena hosts numerous sporting events and shows each year.

Stade de France: Home to France’s national football team, this stadium is the most significant in the city, with a capacity of 80,000 spectators. Cheer on your favourite French football player next time they play a home game at this stadium.

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