Weekend trip guide: How to do Paris on a budget (May 2025)
When it comes to booking a cheap European city break, Paris probably doesn’t jump to the front of your mind.
Known as the city of love and lights, Paris screams luxury. As the home of iconic designers like Dior, Chanel, Hermès and Louis Vuitton, and the city with the second most Michelin starred restaurants in the world behind Tokyo (123 and 170 starred restaurants respectively), it’s easy to assume that Paris is a destination best suited for the rich and famous.
While it’s true that like any major big city (think London, New York, Tokyo…) has plenty to offer those with cash to splash, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the city on a more modest budget.
By carefully choosing your bucket list activities and making the most of the free activities Paris has to offer, you can still absorb the city’s charm.
Disclaimer: Paris on a budget is a very different experience to say eastern Europe, or south-east Asia on a budget. Your money will certainly stretch further in a country with a lower cost of living, but if you’re looking to experience the magic of Paris without blowing your life savings then you’re in the right place.
Choose your visit time carefully
The Paris off-season is typically during the winter months (December-February, excluding the Christmas/New Year period which can offer discounted accomodation, cheaper flights and short lines at attractions.
In saying that, most of the free activities in Paris are outdoors and best enjoyed in slightly warmer weather. I recommend aiming to travel in the shoulder seasons, like early May before the peak summer tourist crowd hits, or September after the major rush has dwindled. You can often still find some discounted accommodation offers around this time.
It’s worth noting that on the first Sunday of every month, the Champs-Élysées is closed to traffic and entirely pedestrianised. This is normally an exceptionally busy and chaotic road, so being able to walk down it freely feels pretty special. It also means you can get some great unobstructed views of the Arc de Triomphe without risking your life dodging between traffic.
Pick your accommodation wisely
I’m usually a fan of staying as central as possible when I’m only in a city for a short period of time—especially if it’s a city I know I’m unlikely to have the chance to come back to—but central Paris and budget do not often appear in the same sentence.
We all dream of a suite that overlooks the Eiffel Tower but if that’s in your budget then this is not the blog for you (but can we be travel buddies?!)
Fortunately, Paris has an excellent metro and also happens to be a very walkable city which means you can find accommodation in Paris’ outer arrondisements for a much more reasonable price while still being within easy reach of the city. As with any major city there are pockets of Paris that are best avoided at night, so make sure you do your research before booking (especially if the price seems too good to be true!)
My top hotel pick is Hotel Les Artistes in Montparnasse. We stayed there for the first time in May 2025 and were pleasantly surprised at the value for money of the hotel. It’s an easy (and scenic) 45 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower which means you can save the metro trips for when you’re travelling further afield, or when you’re exhausted at the end of the day. It’s also well-connected on the metro (just a 5 minute walk from Metro Line 4 which takes you straight to Gare Du Nord). and is across the road from Montparnasse train station.
Usually I would avoid booking accommodation near major train stations in Europe as they tend to attract an unsavoury crowd, but I can safely say we had no hesitation walking around the area at night and didn’t feel unsafe at all.
We’re a big fan of boutique style hotels and this one was no exception. The staff were fantastic, the rooms were clean and modern and our fourth floor room even had a surprise (tiny) glimpse of the very top of the Eiffel Tower which we could see sparkling from our bed!
Their Mexican restaurant (Papalitos) downstairs is also great if you’re too exhausted to venture far to dinner or for a cocktail, and fairly middle-of-the-road pricing. The vibe and service is great, and in warm weather the sliding doors open to create an indoor-outdoor flow. I can recommend the mushroom tacos and mezcalita cocktail on the menu. My only minor disappointment was there wasn’t any type of small discount of reward for dining there which while not expected, is always a nice touch as a guest.
Note: I’m not partenered with Hotel Les Artistes. We paid full price for our stay and I’m not benefitting from saying nice things about them – we just really loved the hotel!
Hotel Les Artistes offer a 15% discount for booking direct – book your stay here!
Be selective about your Paris bucket list activities
It’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of Paris and feel as if you need to experience every single tourist attraction in the city. You can (and arguably should) do this. You don’t, however, need to pay to experience them.
Should I pay to go up the Eiffel Tower?
You should definitely go see the Eiffel Tower but don’t pay to go up it. The most iconic part of the Paris skyline (in my opinion) is the Eiffel Tower and when you’re standing on the monument looking out, the skyline looks a little less impressive – especially if you’re going up at night.
If you do want to go up a famous landmark, I recommend climbing the Arc de Triomphe. The views are spectacular from the top and you’ll get to see the Eiffel Tower as part of the skyline. Full disclosure: the spiral stair climb to the top is tough but part of the experience in itself! Don’t worry if you’re a bit out of shape; there is space on the stairwell for you to pause and catch your breath if needed.
We used these Skip the Queue tickets from GetYourGuide which lets you head straight to the security checkpoint above ground. I feel the need to also say do NOT try and cross the road above ground to get to the Arc de Triomphe. There’s a pedestrian tunnel underneath which is where the ticket desk and security entrance is located.
The inside of the Arc de Triomphe also has a really interesting display on the history of the monument once you come down from the roof. You can take your time wandering around this and the obligatory gift shop before tackling the stairs down again. For €14-16, this is a fairly budget friendly attraction. For comparison, the Eiffel Tower costs €27.50 to summit, or €23.50 to catch the lift to the second floor. It’s cheaper if you opt to take the stairs up but you don’t get summit access and honestly it looks a lot nicer from the outside.
Is the Louvre a must see?
The Louvre Museum is an iconic Paris monument and absolutely worth the entrance fee if you’re a huge art connoisseur who could happily spend hours admiring artwork and you’ve got a whoole day to spare. If you’re only going in to sneak a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, I’d suggest just viewing the building from the outside. You can walk into the lobby for free (which is stunning and I do recommend checking out), but it’ll set you back €22 to head into the actual gallery. Yes the Mona Lisa is iconic, but realistically it is so insanely crowded the only view of it you’ll get is through your cellphone (and everyone elses).
Not only that but the Louvre is bigger than you could possibly imagine and you will almost certainly get lost finding the room the Mona Lisa in (because unfortunately it is well tucked away in the depths of the gallery) and then again trying to find your way out. Put it this way: If you were to spend only 30 seconds looking at each piece of art, it would take more than 100 days to see every item on display. It’s a great way to spend a rainy day, but if you’re short on time (or cash), there are better ways to spend your time in Paris.
My top free activities for your trip to Paris on a budget
Picnic under the Eiffel Tower (preferably at sunset)
A picnic under the Eiffel Tower at sunset is a non-negotiable in any Paris itinerary in my opinion (another reason why I don’t recommend visiting in winter!). Grab a bottle of wine, some cheese and a baguette from the nearest store and claim a spot on the grass on the Champ de Mars among the hundreds of other tourists.
This patch of grass gets insanely busy whenever the weather is nice (so keep that in mind if you’re planning a sneaky proposal…), but it’s so worth it. I think there’s something special about being among so many people—tourists and locals alike—when the Eiffel Tower starts twinkling and you’re all witnessing this magical, breathtaking moment that so many people wait their whole lives for.
While the area is filled with vendors trying to hawk various goods (wine, beer, champagne, cigarettes, laser pointers, endless variations of Eiffel Tower merch), it doesn’t take away from what a special thing it is to watch the tower change from day to night and the lights sparkle for the first time at the top of the hour (10pm in May). This is especially special when sharing it with a loved one (Paris is the city of love after all).
Visit the Louvre on a Friday evening
I know I said skip the Louvre, but if you’re lucky enough to visit on a Friday evening (and are able to snag tickets which sell out far in advance), they offer free admission after 6pm. This would be a great time to go if you just want to nip in to see the Mona Lisa or have a quick glance around.
Wander down the Champs-Élysées
Fun fact: This is now one of the world’s most famous streets but prior to the 17th century it was all swamp land. These days it’s known for it’s high-end shops, theatres, cafes and as the finish line for the infamous Tour de France. It also hosts the annual Bastille Day parade. It stretches 1.88km (1.17 miles) from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde and it’s a lovely walk.
It’s an added bonus if you happen to be there on the first Sunday of the month when a large part of it is closed to traffic, but you can walk down the sidewalk at any time. You can window shop in the numerous luxury designer stores, or sit down and grab a (likely overpriced) coffee while you people watch.
Visit the neighborhood of Montmartre
Like most tourist attractions in Paris, this is best done early morning and in your most comfortable walking shoes. You’ll get spectacular views from the top, so unforunately that means it’s also up quite a steep hill. There is a funicular which we’d planned to take, but we somehow missed the turnoff and realised we were already halfway up the hill anyway.
This is also where you’ll find Sacré Cœur Basilica, which is free to enter (unless you want to access the dome and the crypt) but it will cost you in time as the queue to enter can get very long, very fast. Since we visited on an unseasonably warm day in May, we decided to skip going inside in favour of admiring the outside. Remember this is a place of prayer so you will need to be dressed respectfully (e.g no knees or shoulders on display).
Side note: If you were only going to enter one church in Paris, I would suggest choosing the Notre Dame (more on that below).
Once you’ve snapped your pics, take your time wandering back downhill through the neighborhood of Montmartre. There are endless restaurants and cafes but dining up here is not particularly wallet friendly. The streets of Montmartre are what you’ll see all over Pinterest and Instagram, and for good reason as it’s a beautiful area. It goes without saying, but please keep in mind this is a residential neighborhood so be respectful and mindful of that as you explore. Also be aware of pickpockets and scammers who love to target unsuspecting tourists.
Walk through the Latin Quarter
This was one of my favourite neighborhoods to explore! The Latin Quarter is home to Sorbonne University so it’s usually full of university students hanging around. Of course with university neighborhoods comes a strong market for cheap eats and this area certainly delivers.
We stumbled upon SushiYaka as we were exploring on our last morning and I’ve been dreaming of going back ever since. Not only is their menu is incredibly reasonably priced (and dare I say quite cheap for Paris!), but their gyoza is mouth-wateringly good (so much so we ordered a second helping!)
The Latin Quarter is also where you’ll find the Pantheon (not to be confused with the monument of the same name in Rome), and the magnificent Church of St Etienne du Mont where fans of the Midnight in Paris movie can also sit on the steps where Owen Wilson was picked up by his time travel pals.
Head to the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette
If you’re looking for a free observation deck in Paris, head to the Galeries Lafayette. This famous Parisian department store is worth a visit in its own right, but also has a beautiful view from the rooftop. It’s free to go up and doesn’t require a booking, but be warned this is no longer a secret viewpoint and the crowds can get wild! Simply take the escalators straight up to ‘The Terrace” on Level 8 (PS. there are also free bathrooms up there just before the final climb to the roof). From here you can see the famous Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Cœur, and Notre Dame among the stunning Parisian skyline.
Take your time exploring the inside of the Galeries Lafayette – the glass dome roof is breathtaking when viewed from the ground floor. Hold off on the shopping though…this is definitely not a budget friendly store!
Catch the Line 6 Metro
Okay, this isn’t technically free in itself, but if you’re already paying to ride somewhere (e.g towards the Arc de Triomphe from the south side of the Seine, then you can sneak this view in as an additional free bonus.
I admit that I rolled my eyes when I saw this get recommended on TikTok as a Paris must do, but after inadvertently experiencing it myself I can say it’s absolutely everything it’s hyped up to be.
When you’re on Line 6 between the Bir Hakeim and Passy stops, you’ll be treated with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower from across the river. We witnessed this in the morning but I can imagine it looks even more beautiful at night when the Eiffel Tower is all lit up—especially if you time it on the hour when the tower lights are twinkling!
If you’re heading towards Charles de Gaulle Etoile; sit on the right side of the train, facing the back. If you’re heading towards Nation stop, sit on the left side of the train facing the front.
See the Notre Dame Cathedral
As a non-religious person who very easily gets ‘churched out’ in Europe, I am always slightly hesitant when it comes to going out of my way to see yet another church so trust me when I say this one is absolutely worth it.
When I first visited Paris in July 2018, I only had one full day to squeeze in all my bucket list items and unfortunately I didn’t make it out to the Notre Dame. I came to regret that less than a year later in April 2019 when the Notre Dame experienced a horrific structural fire in its roof cavity, severely damaging the church.
Fortunately, the historic church was eventually rebuilt to an impeccable standard and reopened in December 2024. When I eventually returned to Paris in May 2025, I made visiting the church a non-negotiable part of my itinerary and I’m so glad I did.
As soon as you step through the entrance you’ll understand why this is one of the most visited monuments in the world. We were lucky enough to visit while there was an organ performance happening and I may have teared up slightly at the sheer emotions it created.
We didn’t buy an audio guide, but they are available at reception for €6. in French, English and Spanish. You can also download the Notre Dame mobile app for free which offers self-guided audio tours but you’ll need to BYO headphones. (Disclaimer: I didn’t know this app existed when I visited so I can’t vouch for the quality)
Travel tip: Reserve a timeslot if you can. The cathedral releases between 10,000-15,000 reservation slots each day but you can only book them a few hours in advance. You can turn up without a reservation (we did), but you’ll have to queue. New slots become available throughout the day so keep checking back!
Enjoy the many green spaces in Paris
My personal favourite is Jardin du Luxembourg where I can pretend I’m a wealthy Parisian local in my private garden with plenty of leisure time. It’s near the Latin Quarter and the perfect place to soak up some sunhine in the complimentary chairs while you read a book, or to have a picnic on the grass.
Other popular parks include Jardin des Tuileries, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, and Parc Monceau.
For a small price…
Start your day with a cofee and pastry from a local boulangerie. My favourite discovery was a pain au choclat aux amondes and I dream about the next time I’ll get to try one.
Take part in the French tradition of an apéritif, or apéro (a pre-dinner drink). Head to your nearest beverage provider, grab a seat outdoors and enjoy the vibes. We popped down to Cafe Odessa just down the road from our hotel where we had a lovely Petit Chablis, before heading back to our hotel restaurant for dinner.
Must-try restaurants
Sushi Yaki (Latin Quarter)
I briefly covered this above, but it deserves another mention because the vegetable gyoza were really that good and the prices are SO reasonable for a major city. It’s a tiny place and there is one singular outdoor table but what it lacks in atmosphere, it makes up for in taste and affordability.
Bouillion (Pigalle)
There are three of these around Paris and despite being a TikTok recommendation, the quality of food and service was incredible. It’s traditional French cuisine but at an accessible price point. We walked down here after our morning in nearby Montmartre and arrived at 11.50am before it opened at 12pm. The queue was already well down the street which would usually put me right off a place but my husband was very insistent we stayed and so we did.
Once the doors opened at 12, the queue did move quite quickly as they began sitting people. This is not the place if you’re looking for an intimate, romantic setting as you’re basically touching elbows with the table next to you, but the food is really good and once again, affordable.
We ordered the escargot (because Paris) and eggs with mayonaise as starters which were both delicious. As our main dishes, I ordered the ravioli with leek fondue which was definitely the stand out dish and my husband ordered the beef bourginion, along with a bottle of table wine (not the best wine France has to offer but for €12 per bottle on a hot day, who’s complaining).
All up, we paid €43 for two starters, two mains, and a bottle of wine, including a 15% service charge and the standard provided bowl of bread.
The menu is seasonal so make sure you check an up-to-date menu before you queue! I’d strongly suggest getting there for the first sitting as we only had to wait about 15 minutes in line but you’re completely exposed to the elements while you’re out there.
Gem la Pâtisserie
Okay not a restaurant as such, BUT definitely a must visit spot when you’re in Paris. It’s just a short walk from Galeries Lafayette and everything a macaron should be—light, fluffy and delicious. I’m not exaggerating when I say these are the real deal and the BEST macarons I have ever tasted. They also have some unique Filipino-inspired flavours but unfortunately by the time we arrived most flavours were sold out, so get there before lunch if you can!
Summing up
- The Champs Elysees is closed to traffic on the first Sunday of every month. If you’re able to schedule your trip to match up with this, it’s well worth it to be able to wander down. You also get some great snaps of the Arc de Triumph without having to risk your life dodging cars!
- The Louvre has free entry every Friday evening after 6pm- you’ll need to book this well in advance. Be aware they have luggage size restrictions in storage if you’re coming straight from the airport or train station.
- Think carefully about whether you have to pay to enter monuments in order to enjoy them—sometimes you can appreciate them more from the outside.
- Don’t be afraid to stay a little further out for cheaper accommodation. Paris has an excellent metro system that’s easy to use. Remember to research the area for safety and transport links before you book it.
Bonus tips
- Grab a Navigo Easy Pass for your metro trips. We were hoping to buy a pack of 10 trips to get the multi-trip discount but we couldn’t figure this out on the machines (which are frankly not that intuitive). This may have been a blessing in disguise as we actually chose to walk a lot more and save our metro passes for when we were cold or too exhausted. We ended up only needing 5 or 6 metro trips across Friday night thtro Monday afternoon, including getting to and from Gare du Nord.
- Don’t forget to validate your transport tickets! You can and will be fined if you’re caught without a validated ticket. Spot checks do happen and Paris metro staff have been known to prey on tourists. Here’s the official Paris RATP guide to catching public transport and validating tickets.
- Remember to keep your bags zipped up and on your front when you’re in the metro stations and on the trains and keep a hand over the top of your cross-body bag. This also applies to any heavily touristed or crowded area—pickpockets are extremely skilled.
- Learn a few basic phrases in French. It’s a good rule of thumb to practice in any country and will make your life easier. The French, and Parisians in particular, are very proud of their city and their culture and while nearly everyone speaks at least basic English, you’ll find them a lot more pleasant when you greet them in French first. If you can learn to say hello, goodbye, yes, no, please and thank you in French then you’ll be absolutely fine.
- Most importantly adopt the Parisian culture. Start your morning with a coffee and pastry frrom a local boulangerie. Enjoy a leisurely long lunch in a street side cafe. Make the most of the many green spaces around the city to socialise and unwind. Enjoy the world-class wines the region has to offer.
You’re in one of the most sought-after and dreamed about cities in the world. Enjoy every moment!
