Paris is always a good idea. Home to the most romantic monument in the world, art that makes you feel something, food that steals your heart, fashion that inspires you, and ornate architecture that elevates your presence. It never gets old. And it never gets cheaper, either.
Indeed, Paris has a deserved reputation for high prices. But the famous French capital doesn’t demand a luxury budget to deliver its magic. With clever planning, informed choices, and intentional itineraries, you can craft a culture-rich, delightfully uplifting, and delicious visit to Pair-ee for less than you think.
Here’s where to stay, what to do, and how to get around affordably, while still living exquisitely.
Photo via Hotel EKTA
Where to Stay
Hotel EKTA ($150 per night): Just one block off the grand boulevard, this boutique hotel blends black and white ’60s glam with smart pricing. Rooms are compact but polished. Decor is decidedly bold. And the charming digs are within walking distance to Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, and major metro lines. Ideal for travelers who want central ambiance without the boutique price tag.
Hôtel Le Relais Montmartre ($150 a night): Set in the charming hillside district of Montmartre, this hotel offers spacious rooms for Paris standards, homey touches, and metro access that gets you downtown in minutes. With rates this low (if you book early), this place feels like a borderline steal, especially with soaring views among hilly streets.
Astotel Paris ($200 a night; various locations): A savvy traveler’s dream. Modern, stylish, and loaded with perks without the high price tag. Every room comes with free soft drinks, tea, and coffee, Chromecast-equipped TVs, air conditioning, and soundproofing. Add 24-hour service, luggage storage, and select fitness centers, and you’ve got a chain that lives up to the Parisian ideal without the expected cost.
ProTip: Booking several months ahead, staying in outer arrondissements (9th, 10th, 11th) and targeting off-peak dates can yield rates for under $100 per night (Ibis Budget Paris for example).
What to Do
Start with the free attractions. A day or night stroll along the Seine, Champs-Élysée, or watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle from Trocadéro is as romantic as it gets, and it won’t cost you a cent. Both the Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens provide a lush, relaxed slice of Paris perfect for picnics and people-watching. Wandering through Le Marais, Place des Vosges, or Montmartre offers cobblestones, art galleries, and hidden courtyards free for the taking, while the Galeries Lafayette Rooftop offers free views that rival the top of Arc de Triomphe.
If you’re going to pay for something, make it count. At $35, the Louvre is worth every euro for the sheer scale of art and history inside (and out). The Palace of Versailles makes a great day trip if your budget allows—just take public transport and pack a snack for the gardens. And the Gothic masterpiece that is Notre-Dame Cathedral is as stunning as it is storied.
As for eating, Paris rewards those who eat like locals. For inexpensive, big portioned, and classic French food, head to Bouillon Pigalle, a popular casual bistro with mains between $10-12 and desserts and sides for half that amount. Crêpe and panini stands are another must—cheap, comfort foods that can be salty or sweet and often come with a drink for less than $5 at places like Crêperie Genia. Lastly, don’t sleep on Franprix or Monoprix grocery stores all throughout the city, which sell fresh baguettes, fine cheeses, espressos, croissants, wines, freshly squeezed orange juices, mousse, and more that are just as good as more formal cafes, a lot cheaper, and easily enjoyed in a nearby park or even al fresco tables at some locations.
Getting Around
Paris makes moving around easy and affordable. Indeed, walking is often the best way to see the city, and many neighborhoods are compact enough to explore entirely on foot. For longer distances, buy a Paris Visite pass or use standard metro and bus tickets. Both options give you unlimited travel across select zones for a set number of days.
For a two-wheeled adventure, hop on a Vélib’ bike. The city’s bike-share system is cheap, easy to use, and the first half-hour of each ride is practically free. On certain Sundays, the city even restricts cars in parts of central Paris, making cycling extra enjoyable.
For even more savings, travel during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall), when hotels and flights tend to be cheaper and crowds thinner. Take advantage of free greeter walking tours or visit major museums on the first Sunday of the month, when admission is waived.
Just walking around Paris is enough to make you feel good. This place is easy to fall in love with, whatever your budget.
Bon voyage.
