Traveling to Paris on a Budget

Let's face it. Paris is a city as irresistible as it is expensive, but the good news is that with a little organization and planning, viajar barato a París es posible.

Keep reading to find out cómo ahorrar en París en atracciones, transporte, alojamiento, comidas and much more. We'll also share some tips for visiting Disneyland Paris on a budget so you can enjoy this dream destination while spending as little as possible.

When Is It Cheapest to Travel to Paris?

Naturally, para viajar más barato a París conviene ir en temporada baja. That is, during the months of October, November, February, March, and April. Not only will you find lower prices, but the city will be much quieter, with fewer crowds, and you'll be able to enjoy it to the fullest.

In addition, the weather in Paris will be more pleasant, as you'll be arriving in the heart of autumn or during the transition from winter to spring. Keep in mind, however, that the average temperature in Paris in winter is between 3°C and 8°C.

The summer months (June, July, and August) are the peak season and when Paris welcomes the largest number of visitors, despite the intense heat. During this period all prices rise until mid-September, although there's no denying the atmosphere is quite lively.

December and January are also peak-season months because they coincide with several school holiday weeks and, of course, with the festive celebrations and the Parisian winter. Spending Christmas in Paris is a lovely experience, but keep in mind that it isn't the most budget-friendly option either. 

Whatever season you choose, the trick to traveling to Paris on a budget is to plan the details well in advance, which will help you secure better prices. Also take note of public holidays in the French capital, because even during low season, prices tend to rise. 

Tips for Traveling to Paris on a Budget

Save with Paris Tourist Passes

With the Paris tourist passes you can save both time and money — not only for visiting the city's many attractions at a lower cost, but also for getting around on the public transportation network without paying the standard fare.

The París Pass and the Go City Paris Pass are the two most popular and flexible Paris passes. Although both offer similar benefits, they work in different ways, and the right choice depends on how you want to experience your trip.

It's important to read carefully what each pass offers and to consider how many days you'll be spending in the city so you can decide which one gives you the best value.

For example, it's not necessary to buy a tourist pass for every day of your trip. You can use it for one or two days and take the opportunity to visit the Paris attractions you most want to explore.

Join one or more free tours in Paris

There are many free tours in Paris you can enjoy to get to know the city more deeply, without throwing your budget off balance. It's a comfortable, flexible, and affordable way to explore the French capital.

Do you know how it works? It's very simple: a free tour has no set fee. Puedes reservar gratis and at the end of the tour you give the guide whatever amount you feel is fair based on your experience. 

These are generally walking tours of at least 2 hours, exploring the culture, history, and fun facts of the city in an enjoyable and entertaining way.

Take advantage of free admission days at museums

Paris is one of Europe's cities home to some of the most famous works of art in the world. Although admission is usually required, there are certain days of the year when you can get free entry to museums and some monuments.

When planning your trip, check which are the free museums in Paris and try to have some of those free days coincide with your visit. You'll save money and have one of the best experiences of your trip.

Also keep in mind that:

• With the Paris Pass discount card you get free access to more than 70 attractions, including museums.
• Children under 18 get free entry to most museums in Paris.

Finding cheap hotels in Paris

One of the tricks for traveling to Paris on a budget is buscar alojamiento con mucha antelación a tu fecha de viaje. That will guarantee you better prices, without having to stay on the outskirts of the city just to save a little money.

There are many cheap hotels in Paris with a great price-to-quality-to-location ratio. For example, the Latin Quarter and Montparnasse are tourist areas, but with plenty of options that can be quite affordable.

Staying in Paris away from the center is another recommended option for finding better prices, but keep in mind that depending on where you stay vas a perder mucho tiempo en transporte y desplazamientos.

You can also find cheap hotels in Montmartre, one of the most charming neighborhoods in Paris, where you can still feel the influence of some of its former residents such as Monet, Dalí, and Picasso. If you stay around here, you'll have unbeatable views of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Recomendamos siempre alojarse cerca del centro y de alguna estación de metro. You'll have the advantage of returning to your accommodation whenever you need to, without having to plan each day as if it were a day trip.

If you're patient, you can find centrally located apartments at affordable prices in case you'd rather not stay in a hotel or hostel, which is another one of the most affordable lodging options available. 

Eating breakfast and lunch cheaply in Paris

If you want to feel like a Parisian and start the day trying croissants, pastries, pancakes, bagels, or delicious eggs Benedict, we have good news: despite the city being expensive, you can have a cheap breakfast in Paris and even very close to the Eiffel Tower.

Hidden Parisian gems like Le Café de Mars or Artisan Boulanger Patissier will leave a great taste in your mouth. If you want to see more options, take a look at the best cafés in Paris.

When it comes to lunch or dinner, it's possible to treat yourself and try something beyond a sandwich. Check out our article on 5 good and affordable restaurants in Paris and be surprised by the options you'll find.

Enjoy the best views of Paris for free

Every corner of Paris looks like a postcard, but there are specific spots in the city that offer incredible views — and the best part is you don't have to pay a thing to enjoy them. 

If you head to the hill of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in the neighborhood of Montmartre, you'll be treated to a stunning panoramic view of Paris. From Trocadero you'll be amazed by the unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower.

There are many other viewpoints in Paris where you don't have to pay a single cent to enjoy the views. For example, on the 8th floor of the Galeries Lafayette, there is a terrace you can access at no cost and take in a beautiful image of the city. 

Traveling to Disneyland Paris on a budget

Believe it or not, it's possible to visit Disneyland Paris on a budget. We'll give you some tips so you can have the best possible experience without throwing your budget too far off track:

• Disneyland Paris is located 32 kilometers from Paris and is very easy to reach by public transport, so depending on your travel pace, it could represent a real saving.
• The Explorer Pass of the Go City Paris Pass, one of the Paris tourist cards we mentioned above, incluye una entrada de 1 día para uno de los parques: Disneyland o Walt Disney Studios.
• When buying tickets for Disneyland Paris, podrás ver un calendario con los días de temporada baja, media y alta. That can help you find the most affordable price.
• Although Disneyland offers promotions with accommodation included several times a year, there are also cheap hotels near Disneyland Paris with attractive prices, and some include the option of a free transfer to the parks. 

As you can see, with a little planning and patience it's possible to travel to Paris on a budget and enjoy one of Europe's most visited cities, full of art, romance, and an unmatched vibe.