Paris, the City of Lights, beckons with its enchanting charm and rich history. But before you get swept away by its allure, it’s wise to plan your trip with a budget in mind. This guide will help you navigate the cost of food, transportation, and accommodation so you can enjoy your Parisian escapade without breaking the bank.
Fueling Your Parisian Adventures
Breakfast in Paris can be a delightful experience, but it’s not always the most budget-friendly. Hotel breakfasts can be pricey, so consider skipping them and exploring the local culinary scene. A classic Parisian breakfast consists of a simple tartine (toast) with jam or a croissant and coffee. If you’re staying in an apartment, baguettes are readily available for around 1-1.5 euros at local Monoprix grocery stores. You can also find butter and jam at these stores for a few dollars. For a healthy boost, fresh orange juice is readily available at grocery stores for as little as 2 euros. Indulge in the freshly squeezed goodness, a treat you’ll find hard to resist. At a café, you’ll likely pay around 5 euros for orange juice.
Croissants, a Parisian staple, are usually priced between 1 and 1.30 euros. Always order a “croissant au beurre” rather than “ordinaire” for the tastiest experience.
For a Parisian breakfast with a view, enjoying a breakfast on a terrace will cost you around 8-13 euros. You can explore the many charming cafés and bistros that dot the city, finding the perfect spot to soak in the Parisian atmosphere.
Coffee in Paris is an integral part of daily life. For a quick pick-me-up, grab an espresso at the bar for around 1-1.30 euros. A café crème, a slightly larger coffee, will cost you 2-2.50 euros at the bar and around 5 euros at a table.
Be sure to look for a bar menu at Parisian cafés. This will clearly display the prices, ensuring transparency and preventing any surprises.
Craft coffee lovers will enjoy the trendy spots like Boot Café or Fragments, where a takeaway or in-house coffee will cost you around 5 euros.
Lunchtime Delights in Paris
Lunch in Paris offers an excellent opportunity to try local restaurants without exceeding your budget. Many restaurants offer set menus that include an entrée + plat (main course) or plat + dessert for a reduced price. Some establishments feature a “plat du jour” – a daily special offering a unique dish at a discounted price.
Don’t hesitate to ask your server about the daily specials.
Here are a few budget-friendly lunch spots to consider:
- Chez Gladines, a favorite among Parisian students, offers multiple locations.
- L’as du Fallafel in The Marais, known for its delicious falafel, is a perfect spot for a quick and affordable lunch. Take it to go and enjoy it at a nearby park.
- Le Progrès on Rue de Bretagne serves a steak frites for around 14 euros.
- Miznon, with locations in Canal St Martin and The Marais, offers Israeli pita sandwiches for around 10 euros.
- Petit Cambodge, a popular spot for its bobun, a Vietnamese noodle dish, offers meals for around 12-15 euros.
- Au Petit Fer à Cheval offers a Plat du Jour for 13 euros and sandwiches for 5.50 euros.
For a more casual lunch, grab a baguette sandwich at a local Boulangerie for around 5-7 euros and enjoy it in a park on a sunny day. Picnics are a great way to experience the Parisian lifestyle. Shop at a local Monoprix grocery store or pick up some cheese at a local fromagerie (cheese shop) for a delightful picnic.
L’Avant Comptoir is another inexpensive lunch option, offering croque monsieur for around 7-9 euros and salads for 12-15 euros. Marcel is known for its Caesar salad, a classic Parisian indulgence.
Be mindful when ordering water in Paris. “Un carafe d’eau” will get you table water, perfectly acceptable in Paris. However, ordering bottled water can cost you around 5 euros.
Exploring Paris: From Museums to Wine Bars
Wine in Paris is a quintessential part of the culinary experience. Expect to pay around 5-12 euros for a glass.
For dinner, expect to spend around 18-28 euros per person for a main course.
Museums are a must-see in Paris. Consider getting a Museum Pass if you plan to visit several museums. This pass will save you money and time, as it grants you skip-the-line access. Versailles, a grand palace just outside Paris, is a great example of how the Museum Pass can save you time. You can preorder your Museum Pass online or purchase it at the Tourist Office on Avenue de l’Opéra.
Budget-friendly hotels in Paris are available for around 125-150 euros per night. You can find a list of budget-friendly hotels in Paris in this blog post.
Boutique hotels in Paris range from budget to luxury. Explore the many options available to find the perfect fit for your budget and style.
Four-star hotels in Paris generally cost around $200-$400 per night, while five-star hotels can run around $400-$600 per night, depending on the hotel and location.
Getting around Paris is made easy by the metro system. A single metro ticket costs 1.90 euros. Consider purchasing a carnet (10-pack) for 14.90 euros, which offers a discounted rate.
Paris is a city that caters to every budget. With a little planning and a mindful approach to spending, you can enjoy the beauty and delights of this iconic city without breaking the bank.
Do you have any questions about the cost of other things in Paris? Comment below to help you budget your trip.
