Paris—the City of Light—may be known for luxury and elegance, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. With smart planning and a DIY travel mindset, you can experience the charm of Paris without breaking the bank. From affordable flights to budget accommodations and free attractions, here’s how to explore Paris on a budget.
Finding Cheap Flights to Paris
Scoring an affordable flight is the first step to keeping your Paris trip within budget. Here’s how to find the best deals:
Best Airlines for Cheap Flights from Canada
Flying to Paris from major Canadian cities such as Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver can be surprisingly affordable. Look for budget-friendly airlines like:
- Air Transat – Regular promotions on direct flights to Paris.
- WestJet & Air Canada – Seasonal sales on round-trip tickets.
- French Bee & PLAY Airlines – Budget airlines with competitive fares.
- Icelandair – Offers stopovers in Reykjavik and often has lower fares.
Tips to Save on Flights
- Book in Advance: Secure your ticket at least 2-3 months before departure.
- Be Flexible with Dates: Midweek flights (Tuesday & Wednesday) tend to be cheaper.
- Use Fare Comparison Sites: Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo help track price drops.
- Fly Into Alternate Airports: Consider flying into Beauvais Airport (BVA) instead of Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to save money.
Estimated Round-Trip Flight Cost: $400–$600
Budget Accommodations in Paris
Finding an affordable place to stay in Paris isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Here are some of the best budget-friendly options:
Best Budget Hotels & Hostels
1. Le Regent Montmartre Hostel
- Price: $40–$60 per night (shared dormitory)
- Why Stay Here? Located in Montmartre, close to Sacré-Cœur with a lively atmosphere.
2. Generator Paris
- Price: $50–$80 per night (dorms & private rooms)
- Why Stay Here? A trendy, social hostel with a rooftop terrace.
3. Hotel Marignan
- Price: $90–$120 per night (private room with shared facilities)
- Why Stay Here? Centrally located in the Latin Quarter with free breakfast.
4. Airbnb Private Rooms
- Price: $60–$100 per night
- Why Stay Here? Many budget options available in suburban areas with easy metro access.
Estimated Accommodation Cost (3 Nights): $150–$300
Free & Affordable Things to Do in Paris
Paris is filled with amazing sights and attractions, and many of them are free! Here’s how to explore the city without spending a fortune:
Free Attractions & Landmarks
- Eiffel Tower Light Show – Enjoy the glittering display every hour on the hour after sunset.
- Walk Along the Seine River – Take in breathtaking views of historic bridges and architecture.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral (Exterior & Square) – While the inside is under renovation, the exterior remains a must-see.
- Sacre-Cœur Basilica – Free entrance with stunning views over the city.
- Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe (Exterior) – Stroll one of the world’s most famous avenues.
- Père Lachaise Cemetery – Visit the graves of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Edith Piaf.
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – A beautiful, less touristy park with panoramic views.
- Le Marais & Montmartre Neighborhoods – Explore charming cobbled streets and artistic vibes.
- Free First Sundays at Museums – The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month.
Low-Cost Attractions (€10–€20)
- Climb the Arc de Triomphe – €13 for breathtaking rooftop views.
- Sainte-Chapelle – €11.50 to witness stunning stained glass windows.
- Shakespeare & Co. Bookstore – A legendary spot for book lovers (free to browse).
- Seine River Boat Cruise – Discounted tickets from €15–€20.
Estimated Activity Cost for the Weekend: $20–$50
Eating in Paris on a Budget
Food is a huge part of the Parisian experience, and you don’t need to dine at expensive restaurants to enjoy it. Here’s how to eat well for less:
Affordable Food Options
Breakfast & Coffee ($5–$10)
- Boulangeries (Bakeries) – Fresh croissants and pain au chocolat for €2–€4.
- Le Pain Quotidien – Affordable breakfast sets for €7–€10.
- Café Crème or Espresso at a Local Café – Enjoy Parisian coffee culture for under €5.
Lunch & Snacks ($8–$15)
- Crepe Stands – Savory or sweet crepes for €4–€7.
- Falafel in Le Marais (L’As du Fallafel) – A famous falafel wrap for €8.
- Supermarkets & Picnics – Buy cheese, baguette, and fruit for an affordable DIY picnic.
Dinner ($12–$25)
- Fixed-Price Menus (Menu du Jour) – Many restaurants offer 2- or 3-course meals for €15–€20.
- Canteens like Bouillon Pigalle – Classic French meals for under €12.
- Happy Hours & Wine Bars – Cheap drinks and appetizers from 5–7 PM.
Estimated Food Cost for the Weekend: $80–$100
Getting Around Paris on a Budget
Paris has an excellent and affordable public transport system. Here’s how to get around cheaply:
Public Transit Options:
- Navigo Easy Pass or Carnet Tickets: A pack of 10 metro/bus tickets costs about €17.
- Unlimited Metro & Bus Travel: A weekend travel pass costs about €30.
- Bike Rentals (Vélib’): First 30 minutes free, then €1–€2 per additional 30 minutes.
- Walk as Much as Possible: Many attractions are close together, and walking allows you to soak in the atmosphere.
Estimated Transport Cost: $30–$40
Final Budget Breakdown
| Expense |
Estimated Cost |
| Flight |
$400–$600 |
| Accommodation |
$150–$300 |
| Attractions |
$20–$50 |
| Food |
$80–$100 |
| Transportation |
$30–$40 |
| Total |
$680–$1,090 |
Conclusion: Experience Paris for Less
Paris doesn’t have to be a luxury destination. By booking cheap flights, staying in budget accommodations, exploring free attractions, and eating wisely, you can enjoy an unforgettable trip without spending a fortune. Whether you’re admiring the Eiffel Tower, indulging in a fresh croissant, or wandering through Montmartre, this DIY guide ensures you get the best of Paris at an affordable price.
Start planning your budget-friendly Paris adventure today and make your dream trip a reality!
