Paris can be experienced on almost any budget, but understanding typical expenses helps you plan with confidence. For some travelers, Paris travel costs might mean inexpensive bakery breakfasts, free museums on select days and local Metro rides. For others, it may include fine dining, boutique hotels and private tours. Because the city offers options at every price point, knowing how much Paris costs in categories like food, transport, attractions and accommodation is essential for building a realistic plan. This Paris budget guide explains the common expenses you can expect, helping you choose a travel style that fits your budget, whether modest or more luxurious.

TL;DR

  • Paris can be done on almost any budget, but accommodation will usually be your biggest cost.
  • Typical nightly costs (double occupancy):
    • Budget: €80–€150 (or €30–€60 per hostel bed)
    • Mid-range: €150–€300
    • Upper mid-range: €300–€500
    • Luxury: €500–€1,500+ for 4–5 stars and palace hotels.
  • Food can be very flexible:
    • Bakery breakfast: €3–€6
    • Cheap lunch (sandwich/crêpe): €7–€12
    • Sit-down dinner: €15–€25 (budget) or €30–€50 (mid-range)
    • Michelin/fine dining: €70–€300+ per person.
  • Transport is relatively cheap:
    • Single Metro ride: €2.50
    • Weekly Navigo pass (all zones): ~€30+€5 card
    • Airport trains/coaches: €13 each way.
  • Attractions and museums generally cost €10–€25 each (Louvre €22, Eiffel Tower up to €29+), with many free churches, parks and museum free days.
  • Daily budgets (excluding flights):
    • Budget: €60–€120
    • Mid-range: €150–€300
    • Luxury: €300–€800+, depending on hotel and dining choices.

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Accommodation Costs

Finding a place to stay in Paris will likely be one of your biggest expenses, but there’s a huge range of options. From thrifty hostels to ultra-luxury palaces, Paris has something at every price point. Here’s a breakdown of typical per night costs for two people (double occupancy), by category:

  • Budget (€80–€150/night): In this range you’ll find simple 1–2 star hotels and basic budget boutiques, often in outer arrondissements or less touristy neighborhoods. Rooms tend to be small (sometimes very small) and amenities are no-frills – think fan instead of AC, or even a shared bathroom in the cheapest spots.

    If you’re flexible on location and expectations, it’s absolutely possible to snag a clean, safe room under ~€100 in Paris (especially outside peak season). For example, travelers report small budget hotels (sometimes with shared bath) for around $60–$80 per night (~€55–€75) in non-central areas.

    Another budget-friendly option is hostels – a dorm bed in a Paris hostel averages about €30–€60 per night, which can be ideal for solo travelers. Overall, budget accommodations are often family-run hotels or older properties with lots of character (and stairs!), and they offer the essentials: a private (or semi-private) place to sleep after long days of exploring.

  • Mid-Range (€150–€300/night): Mid-range encompasses a broad swath of Paris hotels – typically 3-star or modest 4-star properties. At the lower end (~€150), you might get a charming boutique hotel in an outer district or a well-kept chain hotel farther from the center. Closer to €250–€300, expect a comfortable room in a central arrondissement: perhaps a boutique hotel in a historic building or a smaller 4-star with modern comforts.

    These hotels usually feature amenities like en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and sometimes an included breakfast. Many mid-range options are in lively areas like the Latin Quarter, Le Marais, or near Opéra, offering a balance between cost and location. The difference between a €150 and a €300 room might be size, updated decor, and proximity to major sights.

    As a rule, Paris mid-range hotels are well-appointed but not extravagant – think stylish without being opulent. (In fact, typical “middle of the road” hotel prices in Paris span about $200–$400 per night for a double room , roughly €180–€360, which aligns with this mid-range category).

  • Upper Mid-Range (€300–€500/night): In this bracket, you’re looking at high-end 4-star hotels and even some entry-level 5-stars. These are often stylish, design-forward hotels or renowned boutique establishments known for excellent service. Locations are usually prime: for example, a 4-star hotel steps from the Champs-Élysées or a riverfront hotel in Saint-Germain might fall in this range.

    Rooms and bathrooms here tend to be more spacious (by Paris standards) and elegantly furnished, often with high-quality bedding, soundproofing, and upscale toiletries. You can expect amenities like 24-hour concierge, modern fitness rooms, maybe even a small spa or a chic hotel bar.

    Essentially, upper-midrange gives you a taste of luxury – perhaps a view of the Eiffel Tower from your window or a historic mansion hotel – without paying the absolute top prices. (Many boutique luxury hotels in Paris actually start around €400/night , so this range overlaps with “affordable luxury.”)

  • Luxury (€500–€1,500+*/night): Paris’s luxury hotel scene is legendary. This is the land of 5-star “Palace” hotels – names like the Ritz, Hôtel de Crillon, Four Seasons George V, Le Meurice, and Plaza Athénée. A standard room at a true Parisian luxury hotel easily runs €700–€1,000 per night, and suites with living rooms, balconies, or Eiffel Tower views can exceed €1,500 nightly in high season.

    What do you get at these prices? Impeccable service (think white-glove concierge, maybe a personal butler), lavish interiors (marble bathrooms, antique furniture or cutting-edge contemporary decor), spa and wellness facilities, Michelin-starred restaurants on-site, and prime locations often in historic buildings. Some luxury travelers also opt for smaller boutique luxury hotels (e.g. a designer hotel with 5-star service but only 20 rooms), which might start around €500–€600.

    At this level, cost becomes about the experience – you’re paying for pampering, exclusivity, and bragging rights of staying in storied properties. It’s worth noting that Paris’s top hotels charge premium rates year-round, often selling out for events. During peak periods (summer, holidays, big events), even standard luxury rooms can surge in price.

(Prices above are per room for 1-2 people. Suites and specialty rooms can far exceed the high end – the sky is the limit in Paris’s ultra-luxury market.)

Neighborhood effects: Where you stay in Paris greatly affects the price. A small 2-star hotel in the 12th or 20th arrondissement (more residential areas) might cost half of a similar room in the tourist-packed 1st or 7th arrondissement.

For example, a budget hotel within a short walk of the Eiffel Tower will charge a premium for that location (even modest hotels often add €50–€100 extra per night for coveted views or addresses). On the flip side, if you’re willing to ride the métro, districts like Bastille (11th), Montparnasse (14th), or Batignolles (17th) offer better deals.

Timing matters too: hotel rates fluctuate with season and demand. It’s common for summer rates to be 30–50% higher than winter rates for the same hotel. Visiting during major events (Paris Fashion Week, the weeks around the 2024 Olympics, etc.) will also drive up prices and reduce availability. By contrast, a trip in January or February (chilly but tourist-light months) can yield fantastic hotel bargains – many properties drop prices in the post-holiday lull. Always compare dates if you have flexibility; shifting your travel by even a week can sometimes save money.

Food & Dining Costs

Paris is a city where you can dine splendidly on any budget. A gourmet meal at a Michelin-starred temple or a simple picnic by the Seine can both be quintessential Paris experiences. Let’s break down typical food costs from morning to night:

Breakfast: A classic Parisian breakfast can be delightfully inexpensive. If you pop into a local boulangerie (bakery), you might spend just €3–€6 for a croissant and a coffee enjoyed standing at the counter or taken to-go. A single plain croissant often costs around €1–€1.50, and an espresso €2–€3.

On the other hand, a sit-down café breakfast – perhaps a “formule petit déjeuner” with pastry, juice, and coffee, or an omelette – will typically run around €8–€15 per person. Many hotels offer breakfast too, but it’s often pricey (€12–€20) for a buffet. Budget tip: grabbing a pastry from a bakery (or a hot crêpe from a street stand) and eating it in a nearby square is both cheap and authentically Parisian.

Lunch: For lunch, costs vary depending on whether you grab something quick or sit down for a meal. Paris has excellent cheap eats for midday: you can pick up a hearty baguette sandwich, a savory crêpe, or a famous falafel in the Marais for roughly €5–€10 (let’s say about €7–€12 to be safe for larger portions or central locations).

These make for an inexpensive lunch on the go. If you prefer a sit-down lunch at a neighborhood bistro or brasserie, expect to spend more – typically €15–€25 per person for a main dish or a light 2-course meal. The good news is many French restaurants offer an affordable déjeuner formule (fixed-price lunch menu) on weekdays, which might include something like entrée + plat (starter and main) or 3 courses for ~€18–€25.

These prix-fixe lunch deals are a steal, often giving you a taste of an upscale kitchen at a bargain rate. For example, a local café might offer a quiche + salad + dessert combo for €17, which is excellent value in Paris.

Dinner: Dinner prices cover a wide range in Paris. A casual meal could be very reasonable – you might spend €15–€25 per person at a simple crêperie, pizzeria, or café for dinner (for instance, a buckwheat galette with ham and cheese plus a cider, or a plate of steak-frites at a basic bistro).

In the mid-range dining scene – think a classic brasserie or modern bistro – a typical main course is about €18–€30, and a three-course dinner (appetizer, main, dessert) usually totals around €30–€50 per person (not including a lot of wine). Many well-regarded restaurants fall in this mid-range: you could have a lovely meal of French onion soup, roast chicken, and crème brûlée without breaking the bank.

Once you step up to fine dining and gastronomic restaurants, however, prices climb steeply. A trendy upscale restaurant or classic grand restaurant in Paris often costs about €70–€150 per person for dinner (especially if you order à la carte with a decent bottle of wine).

And if it’s a Michelin-starred establishment or a famous chef’s venue, be prepared to pay a premium: tasting menus at Michelin-star restaurants typically start around €100 at lunch (some “deals” at €60 for a smaller lunch menu) and can range from €150 up to €300+ per person for dinner.

For example, a one-star Michelin might offer a €120 menu, whereas Le Jules Verne (the Michelin-starred restaurant in the Eiffel Tower) has a dinner menu around €290 per person. In short, Paris has plenty of affordable dinner options, but it also offers endless temptation to splurge if gourmet cuisine is your priority.

Snacks & Desserts: Don’t forget to budget for Parisian treats! An afternoon pick-me-up might be a pâtisserie goodie – perhaps a delicious éclair or tart – usually about €4–€7 at a nice pâtisserie (simpler bakery treats like a pain au chocolat or macaron might be €2–€3). A scoop of artisanal ice cream from the famed Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis goes for around €3.50–€4 (and about €6–€7 for two scoops) based on current prices.

If you’re craving a crêpe from a street vendor at night (a classic Nutella crêpe, for instance), that’s usually around €5. And coffee, wherever you get it, will typically be €2–€4 for an espresso or €4–€6 for a café crème (latte) – although sitting at a fancy café terrace in a touristy area can double those prices (you pay for the atmosphere).

Finally, if you’d like some wine with your meals: a glass of decent house wine in a casual restaurant is often €4–€6, and a bottle of table wine might start at €18–€25 at restaurants (retail wine from grocery stores or wine shops is much cheaper, starting €5-€8 for good everyday bottles).

Transportation Costs

One of the best surprises about Paris is that getting around is relatively cheap. The city’s public transportation is extensive, reliable, and budget-friendly – a great advantage for travelers. Here’s a breakdown of transport costs:

Metro and Bus: Paris’s Métro is iconic, and it’s also a bargain. A single ride on the Metro (or city bus) costs about €2.10–€2.50. In 2024, the standard t+ ticket was €2.10 (paper ticket) or €2.15 on a rechargeable card. As of 2025, this has moved to a flat €2.50 fare that covers any Metro or RER trip within the city.

If you plan to use public transit a lot, buy in bulk or get a pass: a carnet of 10 Metro/bus tickets costs around €17–€20 (roughly a 20% discount, bringing per ride down to €1.70).

These tickets work for buses and trams as well. All Metro rides (within Paris zones) cost the same flat fare regardless of distance, and transfers between Metro lines are free on a single ticket. In short, you can cross the city for just a couple of euros – a huge value compared to many other world cities.

Unlimited Transit Passes: If you’re staying awhile or taking multiple rides per day, look into transit passes. The best deal for visitors is often the Navigo Weekly Pass, which offers unlimited travel on Metro, buses, trams, and RER within Paris (and even the whole Île-de-France region) from Monday through Sunday.

The weekly pass costs about €30 (specifically €30.75 in 2025 for all zones). Even if you’re in Paris only 5 days, if those days are Monday–Friday it can be worth it. Note you’ll need to buy a Navigo card (around €5 one-time) and provide a passport photo for it. There are also Navigo Day passes (from €8.60 for zones 1-2) and Paris Visite passes marketed to tourists, but the weekly Navigo is usually the best value if your dates align.

By comparison, unlimited day passes (Mobilis or Paris Visite) range from €8 to €14 per day depending on zones – only worth it if you’re crisscrossing the city many times. Lastly, a quick mention: children under 4 travel free, and ages 4–9 can get discounted tickets or passes (half price).

RER Trains (and Airport Transfers): Paris is served by RER regional trains which you might use for trips to places like Versailles or Disneyland Paris, or simply to get around the city faster. Within central Paris, the RER functions like an express metro (and the fare is the same as the Metro if you stay in zone 1).

To travel beyond, ticket prices depend on distance. Key costs: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to central Paris by RER B train is about €11.45 (recently simplified to a flat €13 from any Paris station as of 2025). Orly Airport by public transit (Orlyval + RER B or OrlyBus) is in the €10–€12 range as well.

There’s also a special airport ticket now at €13 that covers RER or Metro from Paris to CDG or Orly. The RoissyBus (airport coach from CDG to Opéra) is another option at around €13–€16 (it was €16.60 in 2024, dropping to €13 in 2025). For Versailles, an RER C ticket is ~€4 one-way. Overall, transit to suburban attractions is fairly affordable – just remember these require separate tickets (Metro tickets aren’t valid outside city zones).

Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis in Paris are convenient and not outrageously priced for short trips, but they do add up compared to public transit. Within central Paris, a typical cross-town taxi ride might cost anywhere from €10 to €20 depending on distance and traffic. Rides to or from the airports have flat rates: about €55 to central Paris from CDG (Right Bank), slightly less to the Left Bank, and around €35–€40 from Orly, all for up to 4 passengers.

Uber and other rideshare services operate in Paris and usually are a bit cheaper than taxis – for example, an Uber from CDG to central Paris often is around €50–€60 as well. Within the city, an Uber of 15 minutes might be €15 or so, similar to a taxi meter. Keep in mind both taxis and Ubers will charge extra in heavy traffic or during surge times.

Late-night rides (after midnight) and Sunday service have small surcharges in taxis. If you’re on a tight budget, try to use the Metro/bus by day and maybe reserve taxis for late nights when the Metro is closed (it runs ~5:30am to 12:40am most days, later on weekends).

Other Transport Options: Paris has a few more ways to get around. The Batobus, a hop-on/hop-off boat along the Seine, doubles as a sightseeing cruise and a way to travel between major sights on the river. A 1-day Batobus pass costs about €20–€25 (roughly €23 for 24 hours as of last check). It’s not the most practical daily transport, but it’s a fun addition if you budget for it.

There’s also a public bike-share program called Vélib’: just €5 for a day or €15 for a week subscription , which lets you take unlimited short bike rides (with small fees if rides exceed 30 minutes). Paris is becoming more bike-friendly, and cycling can be a scenic way to move around if you’re comfortable on city streets.

And of course, walking is free – central Paris is quite compact (about 2.5 miles across the main arrondissements). Strolling from the Louvre to Notre-Dame, or from the Marais to the Latin Quarter, is often quicker than taking a vehicle once you factor in transfers or traffic. Many visitors find themselves walking far more than expected – a pleasure in Paris’s beautiful streets, and a great way to save money on transport.

Attractions & Museum Costs

Paris is an art & culture lover’s dream, and while many of its treasures come with an entry fee, a lot is surprisingly affordable (and some joys are free!). Here’s what to expect when budgeting for museums, monuments, and attractions:

Major Museums: Most of Paris’s renowned museums charge in the range of €12–€20 for adult admission. For instance, Musée d’Orsay costs €16 (or €14 if you buy at the museum) , and the Musée de l’Orangerie is about €12.50. The Louvre Museum, being one of the biggest and most visited in the world, recently raised its standard ticket to €22 – still reasonable for its vast collection.

These tickets typically cover all the permanent exhibits. Some museums have optional add-ons (e.g. a special exhibition might be a few euros more, or a multimedia guide for €5). Notably, national museums in France are free for all visitors under 18, and free or reduced for EU residents under 26 – which means if you’re a young adult from an EU country, places like the Louvre and Orsay won’t cost you a cent.

Many museums also have free days: for example, Orsay and Orangerie offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month (though expect crowds). The Louvre’s free day was the first Saturday evening each month (by reservation). Take advantage if the timing aligns. The pass costs €62 for 2 days, €77 for 4 days, or €93 for 6 days. It can save money and skip ticket lines, but only if you’re visiting multiple paid sites per day (we’ll revisit this in our tips). Otherwise, buying individual tickets as needed is fine.

Monuments & Landmarks: Beyond museums, Paris’s other attractions also have entry fees, usually in a similar price band. Want to climb the Arc de Triomphe for a great view? Ticket is around €16 (and note: the Arc is free on the first Sunday of certain months like Nov-March). A visit to the exquisite Sainte-Chapelle costs about €13.

To go underground in the Catacombs of Paris (a unique and slightly eerie attraction), the official price is about €29 – one of the higher-priced sights, likely due to limited capacity. And then there’s the Eiffel Tower, which has a range of prices: to take the elevator up to the 2nd floor is €18.80, and to go all the way to the summit (top) costs €29.40 for an adult. You can save money by taking the stairs to 2nd floor, which is ~€11, but it’s quite a climb!

The Eiffel Tower is not cheap, but many find it worthwhile for the experience. Other popular paid sites: Panthéon (mausoleum of French luminaries) – about €11–€13 (currently €13) ; Opéra Garnier (self-guided visit) – €14; Musée Rodin gardens and museum – €13; Centre Pompidou (modern art) – €15; Jacquemart-André Museum – €17; Sainte-Chapelle + Conciergerie combo – €18. As you can see, most attractions hover in that €10–€20 range.

Special Exhibitions & Tours: Once in a while you might want to catch a special exhibition (e.g. a limited Monet exhibit or a fashion retrospective at a gallery) – these often cost €15–€25 if not included in a main ticket. Also, consider if you’ll do any paid tours or experiences.

A guided walking tour might be €15–€20 (though many are “free” with tip-based). Climbing Notre-Dame’s towers used to be ~€10 (currently closed for reconstruction). A Seine river cruise (1 hour) is about €15–€20 per person – a popular activity. These extras can add to your budget, so choose the ones you value most.

Free Sights: Importantly, Paris offers plenty to see for free. You can walk into Notre-Dame Cathedral (once it fully reopens) or Sacré-Cœur Basilica without an entry fee – they are functioning churches, so entry to the main area is gratis (just be respectful). Strolling the Champs-Élysées, browsing the artist stalls of Montmartre, exploring neighborhoods like Le Marais or Canal Saint-Martin, relaxing in Luxembourg Gardens or along the Seine – all free.

Many museums themselves have free permanent collections or free days. There are also specific spots: the Petit Palais (city fine arts museum) is always free to enter the main collection, as is the Musée Carnavalet (museum of Paris history).

You can step into magnificent historic churches (Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Eustache, etc.) at no charge. And simply enjoying the architecture and street life – from the exterior of the Louvre to the modern art on Centre Pompidou’s facade – costs nothing.

Even the Palace of Versailles’s gardens are free to visit on most days (they only charge on summer weekends when there are special fountain shows). The bottom line: budget for the must-see tickets on your list, but know that some of Paris’s best experiences – like watching the sunset over the Seine – come at no cost at all.

Daily Budget Estimates

So, what might your Paris budget look like per day? It depends on what type of traveler you are. Here are three rough daily budget scenarios to illustrate how costs can add up. Keep in mind these are per person estimates (in Euros) and exclude your airfare:

Budget Traveler (€60–€120 per day):

You’re cost-conscious and willing to make some sacrifices to save money, but you still want to enjoy Paris. Perhaps you’re staying in a hostel dorm or a budget hotel (around €30–€60 per night, per person). You grab a €3 bakery breakfast, have street food or picnic lunches for €7–€10, and stick to simple dinners around €15 – maybe a takeaway meal or a casual café.

You buy a carnet of Metro tickets or a Navigo pass, averaging about €5 per day on transportation. You mostly enjoy free attractions (self-guided walking tours, parks, free museum days), and budget perhaps €10–€20 per day for the occasional museum entry or a cheap paid activity.

This traveler might spend on the lower end (around €60–€80) on a very tight day, or closer to €100 with a bit more comfort. In fact, data collected from real visitors shows budget travelers in Paris average about €99 per day , which aligns well with this range.

At this level, you’re skipping expensive restaurants and paid tours, but you’re still having a rich experience: eating local pastries, soaking up the city on foot, and maybe splurging on one or two special attractions for the whole week (like a Louvre ticket or Eiffel Tower climb, spread out over several days). Shoestring backpackers can go lower by cooking meals or couchsurfing, but for most people €70–€100 is a realistic low budget for Paris that doesn’t feel too restrictive.

Mid-Range Traveler (€150–€300 per day):

This category covers a broad middle ground. You want comfort but not opulence – a decent hotel, good meals, and the big sights included. Let’s say you opt for a 3-star boutique hotel or a nice Airbnb in a central area, which might be ~€180–€250 per night; that’s about €90–€125 per person if you’re sharing the room, or the full amount if solo. You start your day with a café breakfast (€10) or you grab a pastry and coffee at the hotel.

For lunch, you might do a formule at a bistro (€20) , and for dinner perhaps a traditional brasserie (€40) – maybe three courses or a menu. That’s around €60–€70 on food for the day, allowing for a coffee or gelato break too. You get a weekly Navigo transit pass for unlimited rides (around €30 for the week, so maybe €5 per day) , and you comfortably hop on Metro or buses whenever needed. This budget lets you visit at least one or two paid attractions each day.

You might spend €15 at the Louvre, €11 at Sainte-Chapelle, €17 for a Seine cruise, etc., so perhaps €20–€30 per day averaged out for sightseeing. All told, a mid-range traveler could be looking at roughly €150–€250 on a normal day. Of course, this can swing higher if you decide on a fancy dinner or a shopping spree. Many travelers who consider themselves “mid-range” report spending about €150–€200 per day in Paris if they’re frugal on some days and splurge on others.

Statistically, mid-range visitors spend around €265 per day in Paris (including hotel, food, everything) – that would likely be a traveler on the upper end of our range staying in a very central hotel and dining out for every meal.

The key in this category is balance: you’re probably alternating expensive activities (one day Versailles with an guided tour, the next day just strolling Montmartre for free) and mixing casual meals with the occasional upscale treat. It’s a comfortable budget that lets you say “yes” to most of the experiences you want without veering into true luxury.

Luxury Traveler (€300–€800+ per day):

This range has basically no upper limit, but we’ll define it as someone for whom Paris’s high-end offerings are the focus. Perhaps you’re staying in a 5-star hotel or palace at €500+ a night (so €250+ per person if shared). You might start with a lavish hotel breakfast (€25) or brunch. For lunch, maybe you do a Michelin-starred restaurant or a fine dining experience (€60–€100 at lunch) , and in the evening you dine at one of Paris’s top tables – let’s say €150–€200 per person for dinner with wine at a gastronomic restaurant.

That’s easily €200–€300 just on meals for the day, but you’ll have some unforgettable culinary memories. You likely use taxis or a private car service rather than the Metro (budget maybe €20–€50 daily for getting around, more if hiring drivers). You’re not shying away from shopping – perhaps you’ll buy that designer item or two.

And for activities, you might book some private tours (a private guided museum tour or a day-trip with a chauffeur can be a few hundred euros) or special experiences (a Seine dinner cruise, a concert at the Opéra Garnier, etc.). Even standard attractions you might do in a premium way: for example, paying extra for skip-the-line or after-hours tours of the Louvre, or a VIP ticket to the Eiffel Tower summit with champagne.

A luxury traveler’s daily spend can easily surpass €600–€800 when you factor in high-end lodging, dining, and services. On average, “luxury” visitors have been noted to spend around €700–€800+ each per day in Paris , which aligns with the upper end of our range. With this budget, you have full flexibility – you can essentially do whatever you want in Paris.

But even if you have the means, you might find that some of Paris’s simple pleasures (a stroll, a café people-watching session) rival the expensive stuff in enjoyment! Many luxury travelers mix the two – splurge big on the experience that matters most to them, and enjoy low-cost or free delights in between. In Paris, that could mean one day you drop €500 on a shopping spree at Chanel, and the next morning you’re content with a quiet walk in a park.

Ways to Control or Reduce Costs

The wonderful thing about Paris is that a little savvy can lead to big savings. You don’t need to sacrifice enjoyment to stay on budget. Here are some smart ways to control costs (without feeling like you’re pinching pennies):

  • Dine Smart: Take advantage of prix-fixe menus and eat your main meal at lunch. Many restaurants offer a lunchtime “menu du jour” that’s far cheaper than their dinner offerings. You can have a gourmet experience at noon and then opt for a lighter, casual dinner. Also, seek out neighborhood bistros on side streets rather than tourist traps right next to attractions – often you’ll find better food at lower prices. And don’t hesitate to picnic: pick up bread, cheese, and fruit from local markets (very affordable) and enjoy a meal in the park.

  • Enjoy Free Paris: Balance the ticketed attractions with Paris’s abundant free sights. Stroll through Luxembourg Gardens, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, or along the Seine – all free. Visit the beautiful Cathédrale de Notre-Dame (the main sanctuary is free when open) or climb the steps of Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre for a panoramic view at no cost. Wander through lively neighborhoods like Le Marais or Belleville to soak up the atmosphere. By structuring days around free activities (with maybe one paid museum in between), you’ll greatly reduce expenses. Also, remember many museums have free days or evenings – plan around those if you can handle the crowds.

  • Use Transit Passes and Walking: Instead of taxis or tours, utilize Paris’s excellent public transport. If you’re in town for several days, a Navigo weekly pass (€30) or even just packs of 10 tickets will dramatically cut your per-ride cost. The Metro can take you almost anywhere in the city quickly. Supplement it with walking – Paris is very walkable, and you’ll discover hidden streets and charming boutiques that way. Every €10 taxi ride you skip is €10 saved (and possibly time saved in traffic too).

  • Stay in Local Neighborhoods: You don’t have to sleep next door to the Eiffel Tower to experience Paris. Hotels and rentals in residential districts like the 11th, 12th, 15th, or 20th arrondissements often charge far less than those in the 1st-7th, yet they offer authentic Parisian flavor and plenty of local dining options. These areas (e.g. Nation, Montparnasse, Montreuil, or around Parc des Buttes-Chaumont) are well connected by Metro. You might trade a 10-minute walk to the Louvre for a 20-minute metro ride – but you could save hundreds of euros over a week on accommodation. As a bonus, you’ll likely eat and shop where locals do, which tends to be cheaper than in tourist zones.

  • Leverage Small Savings: Little things add up. For example, carry a reusable water bottle and refill at the Wallace fountains or ask for une carafe d’eau (free tap water) at restaurants instead of buying pricey bottled water. If your hotel offers a free breakfast or happy hour, take advantage of it. Look for happy hour deals (many bars have discounts on drinks in early evening) if nightlife is in your plan. And if you have time, consider some free activities like the Paris Greeters program (free local-led walks) or simply watching the Eiffel Tower’s sparkle show from Trocadéro rather than paying to go up every time. These small strategies can easily save you €20–€30 a day, which over a week is a nice chunk of change.

The Takeaway

Paris can work for almost any budget once you understand the typical costs and choose where you want to spend or save. With a clear picture of average prices, it becomes much easier to shape a trip that fits your comfort level. Some travelers prioritize affordable hotels and free activities, while others focus their budget on dining, unique experiences or central accommodation. Both approaches can work well.

What matters most is aligning your spending with what you value. Many of Paris’s best experiences cost little or nothing, from exploring neighborhoods to enjoying parks and river views. At the same time, the city offers memorable paid experiences for those who want to splurge. A balanced Paris budget might include inexpensive meals on some days and a special dinner or experience on another. There is no single correct formula.

Whether you visit Paris on a modest budget or a more flexible one, the overall experience can be equally rewarding. The city’s atmosphere, architecture and daily life are accessible at every price point. By planning realistically and spending intentionally, you can enjoy Paris fully without financial stress and leave with a trip that feels both memorable and comfortable for you.

FAQ

Q1. Is Paris an expensive city to visit?
Paris can be costly, but expenses vary widely depending on hotel choice, dining habits, and how many paid attractions you visit. With thoughtful planning, it is very manageable on a modest budget.

Q2. How much should I budget per day in Paris?
Expect about €60 to €120 per day for budget travel, €150 to €300 for mid range comfort, and €300 to €800 or more for luxury, not including international flights.

Q3. What are typical hotel prices in Paris?
Budget doubles usually cost €80 to €150, mid range hotels €150 to €300, upper mid range €300 to €500, and high end properties €500 to €1,500 or more depending on season and location.

Q4. How much does food cost in Paris?
A bakery breakfast is €3 to €6, a simple lunch €7 to €12, casual dinners €15 to €25, mid range dinners €30 to €50, and gourmet or Michelin meals from €70 to well above €300 per person.

Q5. Is the Paris Metro expensive?
No. A single ride is about €2.50. The weekly Navigo pass is roughly €30 plus a €5 card fee and offers unlimited rides across all zones.

Q6. How much do museum tickets and attractions cost?
Most major sights cost €10 to €22. The Louvre is about €22, Musée d’Orsay around €16, Arc de Triomphe about €16, Sainte Chapelle about €13, and Eiffel Tower tickets range from €11 for stairs to more than €29 for the summit elevator.

Q7. Can I visit Paris on a tight budget?
Yes. Stay in hostels or basic hotels, use bakeries and markets for meals, rely on Metro and walking, and take advantage of free sights and free museum days.

Q8. When are hotels cheapest in Paris?
January and February and parts of November are typically the lowest priced periods, with rates often 30 to 50 percent cheaper than summer and major event seasons.

Q9. Are there ways to save on food and drink?
Yes. Choose prix fixe lunch menus, buy sandwiches or pastries from boulangeries, picnic with supermarket or market foods, and ask for une carafe d’eau in restaurants to avoid paying for bottled water.

Q10. Is the Paris Museum Pass worth it?
It can be if you plan to visit several paid attractions each day. If you prefer a slower pace or fewer paid sights, buying individual tickets may cost less.