Paris on a Budget: How to Enjoy the Olympics Without Breaking the Bank

① Saving on Your Paris Trip

As the Olympics draw near, many tourists plan a dreamy trip to Paris, seeking to combine the excitement of top sports with the city’s renowned art, culture, and cuisine. Yet, Paris can be pricey, making it easy to overspend in the capital city of France. However, with some smart choices and careful planning, you can enjoy the best of Paris without draining your wallet.

From free events and budget-friendly dining options to affordable attractions and insider tips, we’ve gathered practical tips and recommendations to help you maximize your Paris adventure within your budget. So, dive into the charm of Paris without worrying about overspending, and make unforgettable memories within your means.

In Paris, many museums and galleries offer free admission once a month, allowing you to enjoy culture at a lower cost. For instance, you can reserve online for free entry to the Musée d’Orsay on the first Sunday of each month.

Paris hosts various free cultural events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, outdoor movie screenings, and artistic exhibitions. Numerous free cultural events are held in Paris during the spring and summer; this year, the 2024 Olympic Games are also scheduled to take place.

In June, Paris comes alive with music. The city resonates with music as it celebrates Fête de la Musique. This annual event brings together amateur and professional musicians who showcase their talents across various public spaces, offering a diverse array of performances for free. It is expected to see free performances of live bands, singers, amateur musicians, drummers, and DJs.

From mid-July to late August, you can relax at the artificial beaches of Paris-Plages, by the Seine River and Bassin de la Villette. Free sunbeds, palm trees, entertainment, outdoor movies, and swimming create a refreshing escape from the urban heat.

② Small Pleasures on the Streets

To enjoy the panorama of Paris, head to the Parc de Belleville, located in the 20th arrondissement. At 354 feet high, it is the highest park in Paris, atop Belleville Hill. From the terrace, towering nearly 98 feet high, you can see the city skyline, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Montmartre. Pack some local cheese and wine for a budget-friendly sunset picnic with the best views in Paris.

You can also explore Paris cost-effectively by booking a free walking tour with locals. Free tours are typically tours where local guides provide insider tips, stories, and historical information about the city. Paris free walking tours operate on a pay-what-you-want or tip-based system, making it an affordable option for Paris travelers with a limited budget.

A freshly cooked French crepe is an affordable lunch you can eat on the go in Paris. Numerous creperies scattered throughout the city serve crispy crepes from sizzling griddles.

This thin, portable pancake is skillfully cooked into a round shape using flour, eggs, milk, and salt. Then, it’s filled with a variety of sweet or savory toppings, such as Nutella, whipped cream, bananas, cheese, ham, mushrooms, and more.

Crêperie Genia (Vente à emporter) is located at 7 rue de la Harpe. It’s one of the best cheap eateries in Paris. For just a few euros, you can savor crispy crepes and flavorful stuffed paninis, making it an ideal choice for a wallet-friendly meal.

③ Traveling Like a Local

Using reasonable transportation can help you get around Paris at a reasonable cost. The subway and RER are two separate but interconnected train networks that offer affordable travel around Paris. The RER has five main lines, and the subway has 14 lines. Transfers between trains are easy and cost-effective, as all systems are interconnected. You can also choose the Paris Visite travel card, which allows unlimited access to the subway, bus, and RER networks.

Paris is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Europe. Not only is it eco-friendly, but exploring Paris by bike is a cost-effective way to see the city, especially as many of the best sights are near bike paths. The Georges Pompidou bike path, tracing the scenic banks of the Seine River, offers breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.

Visitors can rent a bike from Vélib’ Métropole, Paris’s large public bike-sharing system that includes electric bikes, for just 5 euros for 24 hours.

While Paris is famous for high-end fashion and luxury boutiques, there are many affordable shopping options and vintage items if you browse various flea markets. Among these, Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is one of the most beloved markets, where locals come to buy items at a reasonable price.

Located on the northern outskirts of Paris, this chic market has narrow alleys and winding streets intertwined like a maze. It’s teeming with shops, stalls, and stands filled with antiques, clothes, and collectibles.

The market is so large that it’s segmented into distinct sections such as Vernaison Market, Dauphine Market, and Malik Market, each offering its unique style and live entertainment.

Vernaison Market is famous for its various antiques, vintage furniture, and decorative items, while Dauphine Market attracts shoppers with its selection of upscale and designer items. Malik Market captivates shoppers with its vintage treasures and second-hand delights at budget-friendly prices.