Paris has a luxury reputation, but some of its most memorable moments cost nothing. With a little planning you can have a rich few days without an eye-watering bill.
Free Paris
- Stroll Montmartre and climb to Sacré-Cœur for one of the best free views in the city.
- Picnic by the Seine or in the Luxembourg Gardens with a baguette, cheese and fruit from a market.
- Window-shop the Marais and browse the bouquinistes' book stalls along the river.
- Many national museums are free on the first Sunday of the month — plan around it.
Eat well for less
Boulangeries sell excellent sandwiches and pastries for a few euros. Look for the formule — a fixed-price lunch menu — which is far cheaper than dinner for the same food. Crêpes, falafel in the Marais and a glass of house wine at a neighbourhood café all stretch a budget.
Tickets and transport
Buy a carnet of metro tickets or a travel pass rather than singles. For the big sights, book online in advance to skip queues and, in some cases, save. Climbing the Arc de Triomphe or Notre-Dame's towers gives you Eiffel Tower views for less than the tower itself.
When to go
Spring and autumn offer the best balance of weather and price; January and February are the cheapest months to fly and sleep. For the full picture, read our Paris travel guide.