Best Ways To Save Money On Your Paris Trip

Best Ways To Save Money On Your Paris Trip

Do you think Paris is way out of your budget? Well, probably. It is among the world’s most expensive cities after all. Knowing how to save money in Paris can be a lifesaver when traveling on a budget. Especially in Paris, one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Let’s not beat around the bush, here are a few simple tips on how you can save more money on your Paris Trip.

Fill up your water bottle around town

Paris has more than 800 water fountains located throughout the city where you can fill your water bottle.
The water is filtered and safe to drink. To ensure your water is safe, bring a LifeStraw reusable bottle.
You’ll reduce your reliance on single-use plastic, save money, and always have clean water.

Travel in The Off Season

The summer months are a popular time to travel in Paris and hotels and airfare are a lot more expensive. The high season runs from spring through summer. If you have the opportunity to travel at a different time of the year such as in January/February or late October/November you will have much better deals on flights and hotels.
January is cold but it is worth visiting when the city is quiet. You are much more likely to get upgraded at hotels during January/February due to low occupancy.

First Sunday of the month? Free museums

If you happen to find yourself in Paris on the first Sunday of the month between October and March, most of the city’s major museums offer free admission.
During the other months, admission is free for those under 26 and from the EU. The Louvre is free on Friday nights for everyone. The downside is that they will all be super crowded as this is no secret!

Visit the free sights

The city has a lot of free attractions, including museums (like the Musée d’Art Moderne, Maison de Balzac, and Maison de Victor Hugo), most churches, and parks (like the Jardin du Luxembourg).
Also free are the Musée Carnavalet (the Paris History Museum), the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, the Musée de la Prefecture de Police (Police Headquarters Museum), and the Fragonard Perfume Museum.

Also read: Things To Do In France And Places To Visit

Ride the Metro / Purchase a Carnet of Tickets

Public transportation is a great way to get around the city of Paris. There are metro stations at all major tourist attractions around the city. You can buy a pack of 10 metro tickets at a reduced price and can purchase these at the machine in English or person at a ticket booth.
Make sure to hold onto your ticket until you exit, The fine is 50 per person. They don’t make exceptions for tourists that don’t speak French.

Use the Vélib Service on Paris Trip

But talking about the Metro, the price can quickly add up if you are using it often. It can be more frugal to rent a bike with Vélib, the Parisian bike-sharing provider with more than 1000 stations all over
If done correctly, you can rent an unlimited number of rides per day for as little as €5.
You’ll need a pin-and-chip card to use the machines. If you don’t have that type of credit card, you can buy a ticket online and use your access code at the stations.

Take a free walking tour

Even though Paris is the capital of France, it is a surprisingly small city. Did you know that walking from the North to the South edge takes only a bit more than 2 hours?
When being in Paris, walking is not only cheap, it is also often the quickest way. We easily underestimate the time we spend inside Metro stations, and regularly it’s indeed almost quicker to just walk than take the Metro to 3 or 4 stations.

Stick to public transportation

Bus and metro tickets cost 2.10 EUR each. They’re way cheaper than taxis or Uber and can get you pretty much anywhere you need to go.
They run late too, usually until after 1 am, so as long as you plan you can likely save a good chunk of money.

Take advantage of Happy Hours

If you like to enjoy a pint of cold beer or a glass of wine on a sunny Parisian terrace, you are very easily in for spending big. Paying €10 or even €12 for a pint is no exception, especially in the center of Paris.
For not missing out but neither breaking the bank, watch out for Happy Hours.
Often between 17h and 20h, bars are serving drinks like beer, simple cocktails, and wine at reduced rates.

Hang out in parks. Parisian parks are oozing with grandeur and brimming with lush greens and Instagram-worthy plazas.
Take strolls in parks such as the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Parc de la Villette and surprise surprise, it won’t cost you a thing at all!

Don’t buy euros before your Paris trip.

You’ll get a better deal in money exchange counters in Paris than you will in your banks. Also, you can just opt to withdraw from the ATMs all over the city.
This way, you will get a good exchange rate and be charged the same ATM fee as you do at home. You can also travel with your currency or use your credit card.