Want to experience Paris on budget? The City of Love, as Paris is popularly known, is synonymous with tons of historical and cultural landmarks, charming streets, friendly locals, great food, and premier global fashion. However, visiting Paris necessitates following some handy tips if you want to keep it to a moderate budget. 

Saving on Accommodation 

The first step to exploring Paris on a budget is to find affordable yet comfortable accommodation. There are several serviced apartments in Paris that you will find useful for this purpose. They come with various facilities for travellers along with offering all the comforts of home. 

You will find these apartments in strategic locations near major business hubs, public transportation hubs, restaurants, cafes, and tourist landmarks. You can compare the available options for accommodation in Paris before making a final decision. This will help you save quite a bit of money on accommodation on your trip. 

Food Costs

Another vital step to enjoying the wonders of Paris on a budget is to eat smartly during your trip. Do not venture to the bistros or restaurants for breakfast. Eat pastries and croissants with coffee at local boulangeries or bakeries.

Choose local Parisian food carts that offer pocket-friendly meals and takeaways while the Latin Quarter has several fixed 3-course menus that are reasonably priced too. Dinners and brunches are costlier than lunches at most joints. 

Comparatively affordable wine and meals are available at establishments in Butte aux Cailles. If you are staying in serviced apartments in Paris, then you can cook your meals to save more money.

Find affordable and fresh produce at the local markets along with groceries, wines, and more. 

Flight Expenses

The best way to travel to Paris on budget is to reduce your flight expenses as much as possible. Book cheaper tickets between November and March, while flights are the most expensive around August. Mid-week journeys are cheaper than weekend sojourns. Try and book a few months in advance to lower the prices. 

Transportation and Local Sojourns 

You can enjoy Paris on budget just fine, with some smart tips to help you get around the city. These include: 

• Paris is a walkable city, particularly at night. You can take walking trails that help you explore major landmarks along with the Latin Quarter, Notre Dame, Marais and Montmartre. 
• There are free bicycle tours available on specific days while affordable boat rides are another great way to check out the city. 
• You can rent bikes from Velib and use regular buses to commute to various locations. 
• A Mobilis travel card for one day will help you get unlimited rides in the central part of Paris, which is the biggest hub for tourists. 

These tips will help you explore Paris without exceeding your budget. 

Sightseeing 

Here are some sightseeing tips to help you make the most of Paris on a budget. 

• You can visit the permanent collections in leading national museums like the Musee Carnavalet and Musee de Cluny for free. This is available on the first Sunday of each month. 
• The Louvre offers free visits in the November-March period. 
• You can also purchase a Paris museum pass for a nominal sum, giving you entry into most places. 
• The Luxembourg Garden, Belleville Garden, Garden of the Tuileries, and the Place des Vosges do not have entry fees. 
• Versailles Garden is another free landmark and the charge to visit the castle is nominal. You can also visit the Sacre-Coeur church for free. 
• Sip the queue to visit the top of the Eiffel Tower. Get an amazing view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe for a small fee. The Montparnasse Tower is another option worth considering. 

Shopping and Recreation 

Keeping your shopping costs on the lower end of the spectrum is vital to travel to Paris on budget. Agreed, Paris is the hub of global fashion and beauty and it is hard to resist its charms.

Yet, buying souvenirs need not always be an ultra-expensive affair. Whenever you plan your holiday, these are a few tips that you should keep in mind: 

• You can check out the Marche aux puces de la porte de Montreuil, Vanves or 59 Rivoli for vintage trinkets, furniture and art pieces. 
• Visiting the flea markets is also a good idea on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays for the best deals on souvenirs, antiques and books. 

At the same time, you should also manage your entertainment and recreation costs smartly to explore Paris on budget.

Here are some other tips that may be helpful in this regard:

• You can enjoy music and dancing for free on Sundays if you visit the Left Bank. Parisians of almost all ages dance to classical French tunes here. 
• You will love performances by swing bangs, solo violinists, and musicians across all genres at metro stations in the city. 
• The 10 Bar is a great place to get cheap drinks and enjoy a vibrant jukebox. 
• You can also check out Quai Saint-Bernard for midnight fun, including tango, swing, salsa, and traditional French folk dancing. 
• Artists congregate at Place Du Tertre almost every day. You can watch them paint live masterpieces here. 
• Book your accommodation in Paris before the visit to get the most comfortable stay.

These are some tips that will help you get your fair share of dining, entertainment, recreation and shopping in Paris without stretching your budget. You can also choose smart accommodation options that offer you the comfort of your home and the premium amenities and services of hotels.

Along with finding suitable serviced apartments for your stay, make sure to travel and eat like the locals. This will help you stay on the right side of your budget at all times. Paris is a city of innumerable wonders and magical experiences. There is no reason for it to always be an expensive trip for tourists. 

With suitable planning and research, you can always enjoy the best of Paris on budget. The above-mentioned tips will help you navigate the city and the core aspects of your trip with ease. Here’s to savouring a magnificent Parisian holiday!