Paris was recently named the best holiday destination in the world. The City of Lights topped many travellers’ bucket lists and is one of the world’s most visited cities.
However, a trip to the French capital comes with a hefty price tag. In a recent Economist Intelligence Unit ranking, Paris was one of the world’s most expensive cities.
Unfortunately, the beautiful city is likely to become only more expensive as it prepares to celebrate The Olympics in 2024.
Despite this, there are a few ways to keep down the cost of a trip to Paris. I visited the city last year and managed to explore without breaking the bank.
Although accommodation in Paris is on the pricier side, British tourists can reach the French capital relatively cheaply. I took the Eurostar to Paris and there are plenty of deals if you’re willing to travel at an unpopular time of day.
If London is easily accessible for you, the Eurostar is a great choice as you’ll arrive right in the centre of the city. If not, there are plenty of budget flight options from airports around the UK.
While Paris has one of the world’s best public transport systems, the French capital is also pretty walkable. I found it easy to navigate around the main sites using the Seine as a guide, and it’s fairly flat.
Although tourists will probably need to catch the Metro to reach Montmartre, there’s no need to use it to reach the main attractions.
One of Paris’ top attractions, the Louvre gallery is home to work from some of the world’s most famous artists. However, tickets cost 15 euros (£12.90).
Although it’s definitely worth exploring the Louvre, there are several other lesser-known attractions you can visit for free. Musee Carnavalet explores the history of Paris and it’s completely free.
I also loved Victor Hugo’s house which looks at the author’s life and has fantastic views of pretty Place des Vosges. It’s also free to visit.
When it comes to food and drink, avoid the main tourist areas if you’re looking to save money. Although it might be tempting to try a French classic like onion soup or snails, these dishes are mostly aimed at tourists and come with a matching price tag.
If you’re looking to save, head to Le Marais which has some fantastic falafel shops which are very affordable. If the weather’s warm, pick up something from a bakery and eat it in the park. Unsurprisingly, wine is much cheaper in France than in the UK.
For breakfast look out for cafes offering a ‘formule’. The formule usually includes a coffee or tea, juice, a pastry and piece of baguette for a bargain price. It’s a great way to fill up for the day.
Feeling inspired? Check out hotels and apartments in Paris on Booking.com .
