Tips for Traveling to Paris as a First Time Visitor

This post are my money saving tips for traveling to Paris as a first time visitor.

We have all dreamed of visiting Paris, whether be it to see the beautiful Eiffel Tower, stroll the romantic streets or simply enjoy some freshly baked French bread! Some of us have been able to make it there and some have yet to. So why haven’t you been able to? As amazing as it is, Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Unless you have unlimited vacation funds, I think most of us have to go back from our vacations and pay bills. (ughhh)

Let’s be real: Paris is magic, but it’s not cheap. That dreamy walk along the Seine, the flaky croissant with your morning espresso, the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night… they all come with a price tag. But here’s the good news: I managed to do Paris on a budget without giving up the moments that made me fall in love with the city. If you’re like me, someone who wants the full Paris experience but needs to be mindful of spending, this post is for you.

I’ll walk you through everything I did to save money while still feeling like I was living my best Parisian life. From transportation tips to where I ate, where I stayed, and even what I skipped, I’ve got you covered. Think of this as your casual, no-fluff guide from someone who’s actually done it.

I was able to visit Paris last year which felt like a dream come true. With a little planning, I was able to do it on a budget and even afford to visit Italy in the same trip! So how exactly did I manage to stay within my budget and still enjoy every single minute there? Continue reading my tips to find out more and how you can make Paris your next destination. It is a lot easier and affordable than you think!

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TRANSPORTATION

Metro

If you plan to be out and about a lot, the Paris Metro is your best friend. It’s fast, relatively clean, and super easy to get the hang of after a few rides. I bought a Navigo Easy Pass and loaded a weekly pass onto it, so worth it! It gave me unlimited metro rides for about €30. I used it daily and it saved me so much compared to buying individual tickets.

At first glance, the Paris Metro is a complex grid with lines and circles, however, with a little homework you can master it and move around the city like a local. Start with where you are going to stay and then where you are trying to get to. I found this website  to get a closer look at the map. The Paris by train website gives you more information on how to navigate around the city and the costs, click here.

Hop on-Hop-off Bus

Honestly, I didn’t do this on my first trip, but on my second visit, I tried a hop-on-hop-off bus. It ended up being a relaxing way to see the big sights without walking miles or figuring out metro lines. Bonus: it comes with an audio guide, so you actually learn something along the way.

Public Buses

People often forget the buses, but they’re just as reliable as the metro and sometimes give you a prettier route. Great for short rides or scenic ones, and cheaper than Ubers too. Just like the metro, the public buses run frequently in the city. It is a great way to get around with the locals and inexpensive. Click here to estimate your costs, view the itineraries and the map. The buses are operated by RATP.

Uber

I used Uber mostly when I didn’t want to walk in heels at night (been there!). Super reliable, but definitely not budget-friendly for long rides. I always tried to save it for late-night returns when I just couldn’t deal with public transport.

Pro Tip: Your Uber app works the same as in the U.S., but keep an eye on roaming charges if you’re using your local number abroad.

Walking + Cycling

Paris is the ultimate walking city. Some of my best memories were just wandering aimlessly and stumbling upon cute cafés, vintage shops, or gorgeous corners I hadn’t seen on Instagram. If you’re into biking, try Vélib’, their bike-share system. It’s affordable and such a fun way to get around (as long as you’re okay navigating traffic).

PLACES TO STAY

Airbnb

I stayed at two different Airbnbs on my trip, both slightly outside the city center and super close to metro lines. We paid about $40 per night per person by splitting a full apartment between four of us. This was by far the best way to feel local and save money. Plus, we had a kitchen, which leads me to my next point: food.

I am a big fan of airbnbs for many reasons, and saving money happens to be the biggest one. I look for fully private houses/apartments, near public transportation such as the metro, outside the city center. Airbnbs are great if you are traveling with other people, making it cost effective.

Hostels

If you’re solo, don’t overlook hostels. Paris has some really cute and clean ones. Just make sure to check reviews carefully. Many hostels offer private rooms now, so you can still have your space and save cash.

Hotels

If you’re a hotel person, stick with 2- or 3-star hotels that are centrally located but not right by major attractions (because price = location). Check Groupon or Hotels.com for deals. Always read the fine print so you’re not hit with surprise charges like parking or breakfast.

FOOD

Breakfast + Pastries

Let me just say this: you do NOT need to eat every meal out in Paris. Pick up a fresh baguette and some cheese, or grab a warm croissant from the boulangerie around the corner. I often had a pastry and coffee for breakfast on the go, or I’d sit at a park bench and just enjoy the moment.

Cook Your Own Meals

Staying at an Airbnb gave us the freedom to grocery shop and make dinner a couple nights. We went to Monoprix for basics, pasta, wine, cheese, and fruit. It was cheap and actually kind of fun to do “Parisian dinner night” at home.

Eat Smart

I usually did one sit-down meal a day, usually lunch because it’s cheaper than dinner. Many places offer a fixed-price menu for lunch that gives you a full meal for €15–20. I skipped restaurants near the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame because they were overpriced and honestly underwhelming. Walk a few blocks away and you’ll find places with better prices and more locals.

SIGHTSEEING

Museum Pass

This is one of my favorite hacks. The Paris Museum Pass gives you access to over 50 museums for a flat fee, and you get to skip the ticket lines. I used it for the Louvre, Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle, and more. Totally worth it if you love museums like I do. Click here to purchase yours.

Prioritize Free Spots

You don’t have to go inside every landmark. Sometimes just being there is enough. I skipped going inside a few places and just admired them from the outside, like Notre-Dame. And don’t forget: many museums are free on the first Sunday of each month.

Parks & Walks

Some of the most beautiful places in Paris are free. I spent hours walking through Luxembourg Gardens, sitting by the fountains at Tuileries, or enjoying the view from Montmartre. These were some of my favorite moments, and they didn’t cost a dime.

PHONE + WIFI TIPS

This is something I didn’t think much about until I got there, and I wish I had!

If you’re from the U.S., make sure your phone has international roaming enabled or consider buying an eSIM or physical SIM card at the airport or a local store like Orange or SFR. I got a local eSIM through Airalo before my trip and it worked perfectly. That way, I had access to maps, metro apps, restaurant reviews, everything I needed without worrying about crazy roaming charges.

Also, you’ll find free WiFi in most museums, cafés, and even parks now, but it’s not always reliable. Having your own data was a game-changer for me.

CONCLUSION- TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO PARIS AS A FIRST TIME VISITOR

Paris is a dream destination, but it doesn’t have to drain your savings. With a little planning, you can still have that magical Parisian experience without stressing over money. I left feeling fulfilled, inspired, and not broke. Whether you’re planning a solo trip, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, I hope these tips help you feel more confident about making Paris your next adventure.

Have any budget-saving tips of your own? I’d love to hear them. Leave a comment and let’s swap ideas!

Bon voyage, my friend!