Talking about how to fully enjoy the city of love brings us to my most favourite part of travel planning, visiting Paris on a budget and cutting off money.
Truth to be told, it would take a lifetime to unveil the secrets of Paris. Between monuments, museums, shops and rich gastronomy, the choices are never lacking. Whatever you are looking for, you will definitely appreciate the city of thousand lights. Paris is an expensive travel destination, but nothing that few tricks cannot partially solve.
Let‘s get down to business, shall we?
1. TAKE AN RER FROM THE AIRPORT:
If you are landing in Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) you save money by either taking the regional train RER-B for 11,40 euros or a Roissy bus for 13,70 euros. The travel time ranges from 25-50 mins for the train and can last from 45-60 mins for the second option.
TRAIN SCHEDULE| RER–B & BUS SCHEDULE | ROISSY BUS
If you are landing in the second international airport Paris Orly, you have three options. The first would be to take the regional train RER–B in combination with Orlyval for 12,10 euros, the second alternative would be Orly bus for 9,50 euros, and last the tramway T7 starting 1,70 euros. The three are budget friendly with more or less 30 minutes travel time, but if you are new to town, try to go for the direct itineraries offered by the bus and the tramway to reach the city first, then have fun practicing your french to figure out how to get to your accommodation.
INFORMATION | PARIS ORLY AIRPORT TRANSPORT
2. GET A METRO CARD:
Once you get to Paris, a ‘Paris Visite travel pass’ is your key to unlimited travels around the city. The subway is well-connected to all the main attractions both in Paris and around it.
The ticket is valid for 1, 2, 3 or 5 consecutive days for both options: Paris (zones 1-3) or Paris, Ile-de-France region (zones 1-5), including the airport connections, Disneyland, and château de Versailles. The prices start from 13,20 euros a day per person which is way cheaper than the 1.90 euros for each individual tickets.
As a flaneur, I love walking. For a 3 days stay, I would probably use both options public transports and walking. A Paris street–trotter and a Paris on a budget visitor. The detailed prices are available in PARIS VISITE TRAVEL PASS | RATP. Don‘t forget to take a look at the reductions and special offers their partners offer. You might find something interesting to use.
3. BUY A PARIS MUSEUM PASS:
If you want to submerge yourself in the Parisian world of arts and history, you can’t ask for better. This prepaid card grants you the access to most of Paris museums and monuments. Depending on your stay, the pass package lasts either, 2, 4 or 6 days, costing respectively, 48, 62 and 74 euros.
This is a practical tip to save you both time and money with a little plus of avoiding lines, as for the list of attractions, it’s available in the official website PARIS MUSEUM PASS | OFFICIAL WEBSITE. Another option would be the Paris Pass, which in addition to everything included in the Paris Museum Pass, allows you to benefit from other free services such as a cruise and free public transport. It is more expensive though, but if you are interested here is the THE PARIS PASS official website.
4. THINK OF THE FREE ADMISSIONS:
Between October and March, the first Sundays of the months are free admission days to most of the must-see attractions. For instance : The Louvre, Musée National d’Art Moderne – Centre Pompidou, Musée des Arts et Métiers, Musée National de l’Orangerie, Musée d’Orsay, Musée National Picasso, Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine and many more … Basically Paris on a budget in one trick.
The Louvre used to offer free admission Friday nights for everyone under 26. When I checked their website LOUVRE AT NIGHT, the extended hours timings will resume again shortly. Also, to avoid the ticket line, enter from the Carrousel du Louvre to get right to the ticket office.
For the Musée d’Orsay, ticket discounts are available for any entrance Thursdays after 6pm. The museum stays open until 9.45 pm, which is quite the deal to visit both the permanent and temporary exhibitions. The museum has also price combos with other attractions such as Musée Rodin for 24 euros. All the information are available online here ORSAY MUSEUM.
There is another interesting event for those visiting Paris in May. The annual ‘Nuit des Musées’ which is an opportunity to dive into Paris hidden museums and monuments for free. And guess what? Most of them stay open late.
INFORMATION | NUIT DES MUSEES – MUSEUM NIGHTS.
5. ENJOY THE FREE WALKING TOURS:
Several travel companies and touristic agencies offer free walking tours for visitors. From all the travel blogs, everyone highlights ‘New Europe Walking tours’, with a 3h visit NEW EUROPE TOURS – PARIS FREE WALK available in English, French and Spanish.
6. FAVOUR LUNCH OVER DINNER OUT:
It was about time to talk about my favourite travel part, food. The French gastronomy is far from being cheap. And here is the trick, by having lunch outside, you get the same food you could for dinner for half the cost. A lunch menu with two servings is likely to cost you around 20 euros. You are not thinking of going all the way to Paris without savouring the French cuisine, aren’t you? For dinner, grab a take away and celebrate the night allure of the city. If luck is on your side, you might get that after witnessing one of Paris‘ spectacular sunsets.
To eat in Paris on a budget it would be reasonable to walk away from touristic areas. It gives you more chances to bump into local cuisines for reasonable prices and nicer services. Also, when in a restaurant, specify whether you want bottled water or not. The tap water is a free safe alternative.
7. GO STREET FOOD HUNTING:
Listing the hidden restaurants is impossible, being disappointed with food is even rarer. What I can do instead is recommend you some of my favourite addresses there, some are what Paris on a budget‘ article is about some are just irresistible.
L’As du Fallafel in Rue des Rosiers, for the best fallafel in town. Breizh Cafe in Rue Vieille du Temple, for sweet and savoury crêpes. Fric-Frac in Quai de Valmy, for a bite of the famous croque-monsieur and other interesting vegetarian options.
As for the sweets, ‘Michalak’ always finds a way to my heart with his Mousse au Chocolat, ‘Cédric Grolet Opéra’ is the heaven of Trompe l’oeil pastries. For the macarons, I can’t help but go all the way to Place du Tertre to get served at ‘Biscuiterie de Montmartre’. And last but not least, for a unique ice-cream experience, ‘Glace Bachir’ and their Achta flavour coated with crushed pistachios will definitely sweep you off your feet. BON APPETIT.
With this being said, everything is linked to your stay and how you want it it to be. Cutting down on the budget doesn‘t have to be a burden but a way to save some money here to eventually spend it there – Sad but true.
When I first visited Paris, I hoped to meet and wander around the city of love. I ended up walking here and there to get acquainted with the essence of the Parisian lifestyle. I have to admit, it was beyond my expectations. It did take me some time to realise what Paris’ magic was and for what it is worth, I truly wish it enchants your inner dreamer away.
READ LATER | PARIS TRAVEL GUIDE
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