Here’s a true story: I once paid €10 for a Coca-Cola in Montmartre. There was no Eiffel Tower view or anything fancy—just a regular Coke at an ordinary café.

That’s when I realized how quickly you can overspend in Paris if you don’t plan carefully.

Over time, I’ve collected real prices, receipts, and some great budget finds to help answer the big question: how much does it cost to visit Paris?

Whether you’re on a tight budget or want to treat yourself, this guide gives you real prices, practical tips, and local advice so you can enjoy Paris without stressing about money.

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Is Paris Expensive to Visit?

Let’s be honest: Paris can get pricey. But it’s also a city of contrasts. For every €35 XXL croissant (I really did see one), there’s a delicious €1.50 croissant at a local bakery that’s just as satisfying.

On average:

• Budget travelers spend around €90–€120/day.
• Mid-range travelers spend about €200–€250/day.
• Luxury travelers can easily spend €400+ per day.

It all comes down to your choices, and that’s where planning ahead—and this guide—can really help.

Paris is easy to explore on foot, has excellent public transport, and many famous sights are free or affordable. It’s a flexible city for any budget.

When I first moved to France, I thought Paris would empty my wallet in just a few days. But over time, I learned how to get around smartly: spotting tourist traps, knowing when to treat myself to a special dinner, and when to just grab a baguette for a picnic by the Seine.

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Food & Drink Costs in Paris (With Real Examples)

Paris is a dream for food lovers, but prices can really vary.

Breakfast & Pastries

• Croissant: €1.50 at most local bakeries
• XXL croissant: €35 (yes, seriously!)—great for sharing or posting on Instagram (but not that tasty in my opinion)

Breakfast at a café usually costs €8–€12 with coffee. Grabbing something from a bakery to go is a cheaper choice.

Breakfast = 1 croissant/ 1 pain au chocolat + 1 coffée + 1 hot drink of choice

If you want salty options, that’s a brunch at it costs around €30.

One of my favorite ways to start the day is stopping by a local bakery for a fresh croissant and coffee. For less than €3, you get a warm, flaky pastry and a bit of Parisian charm.

Crêpes

• Takeaway crêpe with Nutella + fruit: €6 at La Crème de Paris (just across from Notre-Dame)
• Sit-down crêpe menu: €12 at L’Atelier Artisan Crêpier (includes a drink; I picked a cider!)

Crêperies are a great option for solo travelers or couples looking for something fast and filling.

Sweets

• Macarons at Pierre Hermé: €1.10 to €2.50 each. They’re small but delicious, and come in flavors you won’t find anywhere else (like litchi!).
• Macarons at Ladurée: The iconic Parisian macaron house never disappoints. I always go for the framboise (raspberry) flavor because it’s delicate, fruity, and perfectly balanced. Expect to pay around €1.80–€2.00 per piece. If you’re feeling indulgent, try their “iced macarons.” These are much larger, filled with ice cream and fresh fruit. They cost around €12 and are worth it on a hot Paris day.
• Macarons and chocolate at Maison Georges Larnicol: This is a hidden gem I always recommend. Their macarons are just €1 each, and they’re absolutely delicious. The texture is perfect, the flavors are bold, and their chocolate selection is just as impressive. It’s a fantastic budget-friendly alternative to the big names.

Expect to spend €8–€15 on a small box, depending on the number and the shop. The gift boxes are more expensive, so if you only want to taste and don’t care about keeping the box, ask for a simple board box.

I always pick up a box of macarons as a gift, either for myself or for someone back home. They’re bite-sized, beautiful, and honestly feel like a little luxury.

Meals

• Pizza:
  • €18 in Montmartre
  • €12–€15 in less touristy neighborhoods
• Raclette/Fondue:
  • €24-32 per person (2-person minimum)
  • if you are in a group, ask for raclette for half the group and fondue for the other half – this way you can taste both!
• Mussels: Around €20
• Confit de canard: ~€25
• Tartare de bœuf / Burger: ~€18

Drinks

• Coca-Cola: €10 in Montmartre, €4.5-€6 in other places
• Cider / wine: Usually €3–€6 per glass

Cocktails in trendy bars cost €10–€18. To save money, order house wine in bistros instead.

Even water can be expensive! Ask for tap water—a carafe d’eau—and save your euros for another pastry.

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Transportation Costs in Paris

Getting around Paris is simple and doesn’t cost much.

Although I always recommend walking, it makes a huge difference on how you experience Paris!

Even if you only have a few days, walk as much as possible.

Metro & RER

• Flat fare: €2.50 for all metro and RER trips (no more distance pricing!)
• Think about getting a pack of 10 tickets to save money.

You can buy a Navigo card for 2 euros in every metro station. You can’t buy tickets without it anymore. Otherwise, you can also charge the tickets on your phone, directly in theRATP app.

I always recommend staying somewhere with access to Metro Line 1 or RER A. It makes a huge difference, especially if you’re planning to visit places like Disneyland Paris.

Seine River Cruise

• We paid €59 for a 3-course dinner cruise (drinks not included)
  • Cheese plate: +€6
  • Steak upgrade: +€9

Looking back, I wish we had booked a higher-end dinner cruise. The food wasn’t bad, but in Paris, you want every meal to feel special. Next time, I’ll invest in one with better service and wine pairings.

I desribed our experience in detail in another post.

book your Paris cruise here

Other cruise options:

• Simple 1-hour tour: €15–€20
• Champagne cruise: €35–€50

I compared all the Seine Cruises I could find in Paris in another blog post, check it out !

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

• Prices start at around €35 for a day pass
• Good if you want stress-free sightseeing with less walking

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Cost of Attractions & Museums

Paris museums range from totally free to moderately pricey.

Louvre Museum

• Current ticket: €23
• The cost for non-EU visitors is increasing to €31 soon!

Those are the prices without a guide, and that you get only on the official website.

You can see the Louvre by yourself, but ofcourse a guide would only make the experience better. Both work just fine, it all depends on your expectations!

The museum is closed on Tuesdays. Book ahead, even with the Museum Pass.

Eiffel Tower

• Varies by access:
  • Stairs to 2nd floor: ~€11
  • Elevator to the summit: ~€35-€60  

I always recommend booking the Eiffel Tower well in advance. Sunset tickets are the most popular, and they sell out quickly. If you’re not into crowds, opt for the first morning slot — the views are just as spectacular (and less expensive!)

Notre-Dame

• Cathedral: Free
• Underground crypts: €13

Sainte-Chapelle

• Entry: €13 (or included with Paris Museum Pass)
• Worth visiting for the stained glass alone

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Hotel & Accommodation Costs

Hotel prices vary by location, season, and style.

I personally think it’s worth spending a bit more on location.

Being able to walk to major sights or return easily after dinner makes your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Hotels

• Nice hotels start around €130 per night
• I recommend budgeting €170–€200 per night for more comfort, breakfast included, and a great location

Airbnb

• One weekend: €700 for 4 people, 4 nights
• A good option for groups or longer stays

Check for cleaning fees and minimum stays. These costs can add up.

Budget Tip

Stay in neighborhoods with good metro access, even if they’re slightly outside the center, such as Nation, Gambetta, or Batignolles.

You can compare prices on the map right here:

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Budget Tips That Actually Work

Here are some of my go-to tricks for keeping Paris affordable:

• Lunch like a Parisian: Get the “formule midi” menu. You get the same food at a better price. (only available during the week, at noon 12h00-14h00)
• Stay near the metro or the RER , not the Eiffel Tower
• Drink tap water, not bottled drinks
• Book museums in advance to avoid inflated resellers
• Walk more. Paris is made for wandering.
• Use boulangeries and crêperies for quick, delicious, cheap meals
• Take advantage of free sights: churches, parks, riverside strolls
• Shop at Monoprix for snacks, drinks, and affordable toiletries
• Use travel apps like Citymapper for cheap, efficient navigation

I rarely use taxis in Paris. With the metro and my own two feet, I can usually get anywhere faster and cheaper. Plus, you discover so much more when you’re walking.

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Sample Paris Budget Breakdown (Per Day)

Accommodation	50 (hostel/Airbnb)	150	250+
Food	25	50–70	100+
Transport	7.50	10	25
Attractions	15	30	60
Extras (souvenirs, coffee)	5	15	40
Total	~102.50	~255	~475+

Personally, I usually fall into the mid-range category. I love good food and comfort, but I skip the overpriced soda.

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FAQs: Budgeting for Paris

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Final Thoughts: Paris is Pricier Than You Think, But Worth Every Centime

Yes, Paris can be pricey. But it’s also full of incredible moments that cost little or nothing, like a morning walk along the Seine, the smell of fresh bread, or a picnic under the Eiffel Tower.

Budget wisely, plan your must-dos in advance, and give yourself permission to splurge where it counts.

Every time I visit Paris, I’m reminded that joy doesn’t always have a price tag. It’s the little things, like the sound of an accordion in the metro or the sparkle of the Seine at night, that stay with you long after the trip is over.

Need help finding the right hotel or building your Paris itinerary? Check out my travel advice services and full Paris guides.

Bon voyage and happy budgeting!