The Guide to Saving Money in Paris (Updated for 2026) – Travel Cheaply Without Getting Stuck

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to share a little nostalgia with you. The year is 1999 and I find myself staying at the Hotel Brighton in a room with a view of the Tuileries Gardens. And no, that year I did not win the lottery nor was I invited to cover the City of Lights for some prestigious weekly. After all, these were the last days of the French franc and prices were so affordable that even a discharged soldier who had worked for a few months and received a little money from his parents could afford to stay in such a hotel, and in September.

A few years later, the euro was introduced, prices jumped wildly, and since then, a vacation in Paris has become synonymous with bankruptcy. Of course, a true Francophile is not deterred by a sharp increase in prices, and over the years I have developed methods for myself on how to travel in Paris relatively cheaply. At the same time, it is important to me that the savings do not come at the expense of the enjoyment of the trip. Anyone who knows my character knows that there is nothing I hate more than “dogging”, that is, cutting expenses to the point where you live in Paris like a dog (and I don’t mean the little terriers or French bulldogs that walk with their owners in the Luxembourg Gardens. They actually live not bad at all).

As we head into 2026, Paris has undergone quite a few changes – some for the better, some for the worse. Here are some up-to-date tips to help you navigate the City of Lights and leave enough money for the things you really love.

Table of Contents: How to save money in Paris?

• Cheap flight to Paris
• Transportation in Paris (Important Updates of 2026)
• Cheap accommodation in Paris
• Calls and internet from Paris to Israel
• Eat cheaply in Paris and enjoy a culinary experience
• Everyday savings: free water and toilets in Paris
• Free attractions and museums
• Shopping, markets and vintage

Cheap flight to Paris

There is no doubt that the flight to the City of Lights is one of the most significant expenses on a trip. Anyone who has flown to Paris knows that unless you fly business class, it hardly matters which airline you fly with (except for airlines with a problematic track record, of course). Therefore, flying is the first place where you can save a lot of money without compromising the travel experience.

One of my good friends owns the flight search company Xplorer and he created a list of the cheapest flights to Paris for me for the next three months, so you should check it out:

If you didn't find any flights that suit you here, you are welcome to read the article Flights to France – Which cities can you fly directly to and cheaply? There I share with you my secrets on how to find a flight ticket to France without going broke.

Transportation in Paris (Important Updates of 2026)

The big news for 2026: The Île-de-France Mobilités transport system has undergone a comprehensive reform. If in the past we had to get involved with different zones and cards, today everything is much simpler. With the Navigo Liberté + card or mobile phone top-up, a single journey on the metro, train or RER costs a flat rate of 2.50 euros. This puts things in perspective and saves a lot of money and hassle.

It is highly recommended to download the official Bonjour RATP app . Through it you can plan routes, check train arrival times, and even buy tickets directly from your mobile phone. For more comprehensive information, read the article Transportation in Paris.

Important note: Traveling from the airport to Paris and back remains exceptional. In my experience, if your hotel is not located near an RER B station, I highly recommend taking a taxi. Traveling with luggage on a crowded metro is a dodgy experience, so don't skimp here. Save your money elsewhere.

Cheap accommodation in Paris

Accommodation is often the largest expense item, but you can save quite a bit of money if you know how to choose correctly.

Vacation apartments for rent in Paris

If you are a group of 3 or more, a multi-room apartment will help you save money, as it will almost always cost less than 2 hotel rooms. Plus, you can cook and eat meals in the apartment (more on that later). Look for great options in the article Apartments for Rent in Paris.

Hotels in the City of Lights

Traveling alone or as a couple? A modest hotel will do the trick. Let me recommend the article How to find cheap hotels in Paris that won't ruin your vacation? Also, you should take a look at my hotels page and check out affordable offers.

Calls and internet from Paris to Israel

Gone are the days when we would buy a phone card for 7 euros and disconnect from the world. Today we want to share photos on Instagram or get our bearings. So how do we do it cheaply?

Use E-SIM

The cheapest and most convenient way to get internet in France is an E-SIM. This is a virtual SIM that saves you the hassle of having to deal with plastic and costs much less than Israeli data plans. My recommended service is Airalo. Sign up via this link , enter the code ZVI8757 on your first purchase, and you'll get a $3 discount.

Local SIM and WIFI

If your device doesn't support E-SIM, buy a local SIM from companies like Orange or SFR (starting around 10-15 euros). Alternatively, take advantage of the free WIFI in your apartment or at various cafes for WhatsApp calls.

Eat cheaply in Paris and enjoy a culinary experience

Coming to Paris and settling for a fast-food burger is a culinary crime. You can eat great and cheap, if you just know the methods:

Discover the restaurants of Bouillon

The hottest (and most affordable) trend that has re-conquered Paris in recent years is the Bouillon restaurants (like Bouillon Chartier or Bouillon Julien). These are traditional French restaurants that sit in breathtaking historic spaces, serving French classics (onion soup, roast chicken, beef bourguignon) at simply ridiculous prices – a main course will usually cost you around 10-13 euros! An amazing experience for your pocket and your palate.

Business lunches (even at Michelin!)

If you feel like indulging in a gourmet restaurant or even a Michelin-starred restaurant – do it at lunchtime. Most of the best restaurants in Paris offer a business menu (Menu du Jour or Formule) at lunchtime at incredibly affordable prices, sometimes reaching half or even a third of the price of the same dishes in the evening.

Use The Fork website

An easy way to save is to book through The Fork . Many restaurants offer 20% and even 50% off their menu through the site. Pay attention to the fine print (most of the time the discount is valid for ordering a starter and main course), but it’s definitely a great way to enjoy recommended restaurants at half price.

Prepare breakfast and picnics

There's nothing tastier than a fresh baguette from your local boulangerie, along with butter, a good cheese from a deli, and fruit from the market. It'll cost you pennies compared to the cafes and provide an authentic experience. When the weather is nice, take the supplies for a picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens or on the banks of the Seine (don't forget a wine corkscrew!).

Everyday savings: free water and toilets in Paris

Tap water (even sparkling!) is free

In restaurants, always ask for a “carafe d'eau” – a jug of tap water that is served free by law. But it doesn’t stop there: the Paris water company, Eau de Paris , operates over 1,200 taps throughout the city. There are even special taps that serve chilled sparkling water (Fontaines pétillantes)! Don’t buy expensive plastic bottles – just bring a reusable one. You can use apps like “Paris Water Map” to find the tap nearest you.

Free public toilets (Sanisettes)

Sitting in a cafe and ordering an espresso just to use the restroom can add up to an unnecessary expense. The city of Paris operates hundreds of clean and completely free automated toilets (Sanisettes) scattered throughout the streets. The “Toilets in Paris” app will help you locate them easily in case of an emergency.

Free attractions and museums

Go to free museums and cultural events

Some of the most charming museums in Paris are always free, such as the Musée de la Carnevale and the Maison Victor Hugo. Additionally, on the first Sunday of every month, many museums (such as the Centre Pompidou, the Musée d'Orsay, and more) open their doors for free. However, keep in mind that the lines can be very long on these days.

In 2026, keep an eye out for major free cultural events in the city: **Nuit Blanche** in June, when contemporary art floods the streets at night; **European Museum Night** in May; and **Heritage Days** in September, which offer free entry to sites that are usually closed to the public.

Is it worth buying the Paris Museum Pass?

If you’re a “museum junkie” and plan to visit several notable sites in a day (like the Louvre, Versailles, Arc de Triomphe , etc.), the Paris Museum Pass (2, 4, or 6 days) can definitely save you both money and long lines at the ticket office. However, if you just want to wander the streets and visit just one museum, just buy a regular ticket.

Shopping, markets and vintage

Shopping in Paris doesn't have to end on the expensive Champs-Elysées. The city offers a crazy second-hand and vintage scene (Friperies) where you can find real treasures at rock-bottom prices. Don't miss the huge flea market Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen , especially if you're a fan of atmosphere and nostalgic items.

Bonus tip: Did you shop at regular stores and save a nice amount? Use apps like Zapptax, which significantly simplify the process of receiving a tax (VAT) refund at the airport, and can give you quite a bit of money back directly to your credit card.

More on the subject

• Flights to Paris | Cheap flight search sites and Paris airports
• Visit to the Marmottan Monet Museum
• The Seine River and the Bridges – the most beautiful “boulevard” in Paris