The first time I visited Paris in the 1990s, I stayed in a convent dormitory and ate baguettes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Happily, in the years since, I’ve been able to visit the city many times across a multitude of budgets and here’s what I know: Paris can wreak havoc on your back pocket if you’re not careful.
The good news? There are so many freebies, cheapies and insider secrets around the city that tourists – nope, not even backpackers – need to suffer for their “holiday”.
Consider the following tips to add more bang for your buck on your next trip.
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Use public transport
Although tempting – particularly at Charles de Gaulle airport – to jump in a cab, there’s no quicker way to drain the contents of your purse. Instead, jump on the RER B train – a 60-minute journey into central Paris. Sure, it will take longer to get to your accommodation but it will cost you about a quarter of the cab fare.
While you’re working out all things ‘public transport’ be sure, too, to purchase a ‘carnet’ (a 10-pack) of metro tickets. It’s cheaper than buying them individually.
Hit up the parks
Nobody does a landscaped park quite like the French, so set aside a day or two to enjoy Jardin des Tuileries or Jardin du Luxembourg. Depending on how luxurious you want to make your day, it won’t be a completely free experience of course. Expect to spend a few bucks on a bottle of wine, a baguette and some cheese from a supermarket beforehand.
Be selective with museum visits
Got plenty of time up your sleeve? Many museums offer special deals such as free entry on the first Sunday of each month, or reduced entry fees for those visiting early evening so take time to check out each museum’s website to see whether you can work their reduced-rate hours into your plans.
If you’d classify yourself as a culture vulture, it’s well worth purchasing a Paris Museum Pass, which covers over 50 museums and monuments within the city.
Consider some freebies
There are plenty of free museums and activities located around the city. Be sure to check out the likes of Musée d’Art Moderne and Maison de Balzac, and if you’re up for it, take time out to enjoy a free walking tour run by New Europe Walking Tours and Paris Greeters.
Stick to more affordable suburbs
We all dream of staying in a swish hotel room with a view of Eiffel Tower, but Paris – even when you’re really far from the tower – isn’t exactly known for its affordable accommodation options. Your best bet is to book an Airbnb in a less expensive arrondissement such as Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, Montmartre or Montparnasse – or, if you don’t mind a bit of travel time, you could even consider staying outside of Paris city limits and catching the metro in and out.
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Avoid sitting down
In Australia, the advertised menu price is the advertised menu price whether you sit, stand or swing from a chandelier. In Paris, you can expect to pay a hefty “convenience” charge for sitting down to eat or drink in any establishment. Your best bet? Grab and go wherever possible, or accept the price for taking up a table. Some consider it ‘rent’.
Opt for a bouillon
That steak frites and bottle of red doesn’t have to cost the Earth. Bypass the slick brasseries and bistros that line the main thoroughfares and instead head to a neighbourhood bouillon. Traditional eateries which specialise in classic French fare for low prices, you can expect to spend less than 15 euros for a main, sides and a cheese plate.
Focus on lunch
If your budget calls for only one restaurant meal a day, make it a lunchtime event when prices are lower. Many restaurants offer a prix fixe menu (a two- or three-course set menu) during lunch, and often, this is a far better deal than what you’re likely to find once the sun goes down.
Don’t forget you can use apps such as La Fourchette (known to most of us as The Fork) to search for discounts in eateries across town.
Shop in the unlikeliest of places
Okay, browsing the Champs-Elysees will always have its place, but just because the prices give your heart a little scare doesn’t mean you can’t afford to shop here. If you happen to be in town across the weekend, set your sights on visiting the city’s famous flea markets (they’re scattered across the city and are a fantastic find for everything from vintage dresses and old school costume jewellery to antique prints and art deco furniture). Be sure to also check out vintage stories such as the Kilo Shop. Yep, the price you pay is determined by just how full – and heavy – your bag is.
Finally, remember that it’s not all bad news when it comes to spending money in Paris. Non-EU citizens who spend, spend, spend can easily apply for a VAT cash refund.
For further information on visiting Paris, check out Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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