How to See Paris on a Budget

Paris is one of the world’s oldest and most famous cities and one of the pre-eminent tourist destinations. It is probably a city that is on most people’s ‘places to see before they die’ list and it is visited year round by hordes of visitors from abroad.

It is also, therefore, one of the most expensive tourist destinations in the world and not somewhere you would think of when planning a budget travel trip. However, it is possible to see Paris on a budget if you plan well in advance of your visit and research budget places to eat, drink and sightsee as well as of course finding the best budget accommodation.

Backpackers at the Eiffel Tower, Paris

But if you don’t fancy going the hostel route your best bet is to rent your own apartment in the center of the city. This sounds like it could be expensive but in reality a basic one or two bedroom flat somewhere a couple of stops out on the metro wont break the bank – indeed will probably be half the price of a hotel room and will offer the ability to cook your own meals too. Do some research online and you’ll find hundreds of sites dedicated to cheap apartment rents in Paris.

Finally, if you absolutely must have a hotel room then consider one a little way out of the city – a short subway ride in the morning and evening will bring you into the center but the prices will be much, much cheaper.

Walking Tour of Paris

Consequently you should keep your eye out for anywhere with the word ‘traiteur’ in the window. These are little places that will sell you ready made and cooked meals that are better than your own home cooking and at a relatively cheap price. Similarly you can find gourmet ready made meals in all of the grand old department stores such as Au Printemps and Galleries Lafayette with their wonderful food halls.

Best of all though are the numerous crepe trucks dotted throughout the city which offer brilliant (and cheap) snacks to keep you going throughout the day. Savory crepes such as ham and cheese and sweet crepes (chocolate of course) are an absolute must on any visit to Paris.

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