Paris is my favourite city in the world, with New York following a very close second. Why does Paris beat NY to the top spot? Because it is so easy to explore, live and eat in Paris on a tight budget!
Here are my best 9 ways to live and love Paris backpacker budget style:
1. Forget climbing the Eiffel Tower, get a great view of Paris free!
The beautiful Printemps department store on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris is a stunning multi-level complex offering a variety of products and services. But the best part is you can make your way up to the 9th floor and onto the panoramic terrace to get an amazing 360 degree view of Paris for free! Printemps also has a cafe at the top if you would like to take your time and enjoy some food as well as the view.
The other option if you have a yearning to put in some cardio and work off the lovely French pastries whilst enjoying an amazing view is to climb the Arc De Triomphe. The entry line is significantly shorter than the Eiffel Tower, the tickets are only €8 for adults, there are fewer steps and the view is spectacular.
The top of the Arc de Triomphe offers a fantastic 360 degree of Paris.
2. Free walking tours are the best, take them!
Free walking tours are available all over the world and Paris has, in my opinion, some of the best. I took the Sandemans New Europe Paris Free Tour and was enthralled, educated and entertained for a full 3+ hours. The guides work on a completely voluntary basis, however do accept and appreciate tips at the end of the tour. Tours start everyday from Place St Michel so you just show up, register your name and join in the fun.
3. Eat amazing food for cheap.
France is one of the culinary capitals of the world and whilst there are some amazing restaurants, cafes and eateries where a meal will set you back a day’s budget (I’m looking at you Fauchon) you can easily find some fantastic food all around the city.
The Latin Quarter is a vibrant hub of food and activity both night and day. With many small cafes offering a freshly made chicken and salad baguette, crepe and drink for €4.50 you can’t go wrong!
If you are at the Eiffel Tower the banana and nutella crepes from the food trucks at the bottom are a must. Whilst the price is a little steep at €5, one crepe easily did me for lunch and I was able to eat this amazing sugary goodness in the sunshine on a bench looking up at one of the most beautiful architectural structures in the world.
Delicious banana and nutella crepes at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower
4. Walk through one of Paris’s many street markets.
Paris has multiple street markets running every day of the week. Whether you are looking for some great priced fresh produce, books, antiques, a uniquely Parisian souvenir or just something to do with your day, street markets are fantastic. Time Out Paris lists some of the best markets to visit.
5. Visit museums and galleries on their free admission days.
Exploring the museums and art galleries of Paris is a great way to spend a day. If you can time your visit to coincide with a free entry day, it becomes even better. The beautiful Musee d’Orsay art gallery offers free admission to everyone on the first Sunday of the month. This is a fantastic opportunity to see some of the most beautiful and well known pieces from artists such as Van Gough, Monet and Renoir.
Similarly from October to March the Louvre also has free admission for all visitors on the first Sunday of the month. Whilst this is off-peak season and you may be in Paris during the summer months instead, they do have additional year-round offerings such as Friday evenings from 6 – 9:45pm free for all people under the age of 26.
Musee d’Orsay is a must.
6. Take the Metro or walk.
Walking along the streets of Paris is a great way to explore the city. There are many differing neighbourhoods, stores and attractions all within easy walk of each other. Happily get lost and you will discover the most amazing things.
Eventually if you get completely lost and need to find your way back, or you need to travel that bit further or the weather is not playing nice, the Metro is the way to go. At first glance the Paris Metro system seems crazy complicated, but it is just as easy as any other metro system in the world – once you know one you can navigate them all. Connecting every part of the city quickly, easily and safely the Metro is by far the best way to get around. A single €1.80 ticket allows you to travel wherever you like in the city, change trains as often as you like and go in and out of the Metro system for 90 min. If you are going to be in Paris for a while you can save more money by buying a 10 pack of single trips for €14.10. If you are in the city for a week this is an excellent budget way to see everything.
You find the most beautiful things when you walk the Paris streets.
7. Visit Montmartre Cemetery.
This beautiful cemetery sits at the bottom of the Montmartre neighbourhood and is free for visitors to walk through. Opened in 1825 the cemetery is the final resting place of many famous artists who lived and worked in the area and has a beautiful but little bit creepy feel to it.
Beautiful cemetery in Montmartre
8. Relax in Le jardin du Luxembourg.
Le jardin du Luxembourg or the Luxembourg Gardens is a beautiful open park in the heart of Paris. Relax in a chair by the lake in front of Luxembourg Palace, play chess in the gardens, lay on the grass in the sunshine, or just stroll through. Located just near the Latin Quarter you can buy a baguette and enjoy your lunch in this beautiful sanctuary sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Men play chess all day in Luxembourg
9. Stay in an Air BnB apartment.
Paris is notoriously expensive for accommodation, or at least that’s what I had heard. However I found Airbnb to be an extremely affordable way to stay. Whilst many apartments are what some would consider minuscule (bed, kitchen and bathroom often in the same room) that’s typical for Paris. I was able to find a great apartment in the heart of Montmartre on Airbnb for $40AUD per night. As I booked the apartment for two weeks I was able to negotiate with the owner on the rate. Many Airbnb owners I have found are happy to negotiate on price especially if you are staying more than one week.
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