How Much Does a Trip to Paris Cost? A Budget Guide for Every Type of Traveller

Understanding the cost of a trip to Paris

The amount you need for Paris depends mainly on where you stay, how you eat, how often you use public transport and how many paid attractions you visit. The good news is that you do not need a large budget to enjoy the city. Many of Paris’s most famous experiences, such as walking along the Seine, exploring neighbourhoods and relaxing in public gardens, cost little or nothing.

As a general guide, a solo traveller can plan for around €70–€110 per day on a budget, €150–€250 for a mid-range trip, or €350 and above for a high-end experience, excluding international flights. For a seven-day stay, this means roughly €490–€770, €1,050–€1,750, or €2,450+ per person.

Currency costs should also be considered when planning your spending. Comparing rates before travelling can help you understand how much your home currency will buy in euros. Options such as Online currency exchange and a Travel money card can be considered when arranging travel funds.

These figures are estimates rather than fixed prices. Paris prices vary considerably according to the season, neighbourhood and time of booking.

Accommodation: from hostels to luxury hotels

Accommodation is often the largest part of a Paris travel budget. Prices can rise sharply during summer, major events and popular weekends, so booking early can make a noticeable difference.

Budget accommodation

Travellers trying to keep costs low can look at hostels, simple guesthouses and basic one- or two-star hotels. Hostel beds can sometimes be found from around €20–€50 per night, while a basic private hotel room may cost approximately €60–€100 per night, depending on location and season.

The Paris tourist office notes that hostels are among the city’s low-cost accommodation options, with some available from around €19, while budget hotels can also provide relatively affordable rooms.

Estimated budget: €20–€100 per night.

Mid-range accommodation

A comfortable three-star hotel or well-reviewed private flat generally requires around €120–€200 per night. Staying slightly outside the most central tourist areas can reduce the price while still giving you easy access to the Metro.

Estimated budget: €120–€200 per night.

High-end accommodation

Four- and five-star hotels can cost €250–€500+ per night, while luxury properties and suites can be considerably more expensive. Travellers choosing premium hotels should also allow for Paris’s tourist tax, which varies by accommodation category.

Estimated budget: €250–€600+ per night.

Food and drinks: how much should you allow?

Paris offers everything from inexpensive bakeries and takeaway food to Michelin-starred restaurants. You can therefore control this part of your budget effortlessly.

Budget eating

A budget traveller can start the day with a bakery breakfast, choose a sandwich or takeaway meal for lunch and have an inexpensive dinner. Paris’s tourism office gives examples such as sandwiches at around €6, pizzas from €8–€12 and full meals from around €15–€20, although prices vary by area. A realistic budget is €30–€50 per person per day if you combine bakeries, supermarkets, inexpensive restaurants and occasional takeaway meals.

Mid-range dining

For a more comfortable trip, allow €60–€100 per person per day. This could cover breakfast in a café or bakery, a reasonably priced lunch and dinner at a bistro or brasserie. Current Paris price data puts an inexpensive restaurant meal at around €15, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is around €70 before drinks.

High-end dining

Travellers who want fine dining, cocktails and quality wines should budget €120–€250+ per person per day for food. A single gastronomic meal can account for much of this amount. Remember that restaurant prices displayed in France generally include tax and service. A discretionary tip may still be left for particularly good service.

Transport: getting around Paris

Paris has an extensive public transport network, making it possible to visit most major attractions without relying on taxis.

In 2026, a standard Metro-Train-RER ticket costs €2.55, while a bus-tram ticket costs €2.05. A Navigo Day pass costs €12.30 for unlimited travel in the relevant zones, excluding airport journeys. Airport transfers should be budgeted separately. The Paris Region–Airports ticket costs €14 in 2026.

Budget transport

If you walk frequently and use public transport only when necessary, allow around €5–€10 per day.

Weekly estimate: €35–€70, plus airport transfers.

Mid-range transport

Travellers who use public transport regularly and occasionally take a taxi or ride-hailing service should allow around €10–€20 per day.

Weekly estimate: €70–€140.

High-end transport

Private transfers, taxis and premium car services can push transport costs to €40–€100+ per day, depending on how frequently they are used.

Activities and sightseeing

One of the advantages of Paris is that some of its best experiences are free. Walking through Montmartre, visiting public parks, admiring the architecture and strolling beside the Seine can all be done without an entrance fee. Paid attractions, however, should be included in your budget.

Budget activities

A budget traveller can focus on free sights and choose just one or two paid attractions. Allow around €5–€20 per day for activities.

For example, the Eiffel Tower’s official prices start at €14.80 for an adult using the stairs to the second floor, while an elevator ticket to the summit costs €36.70.

Mid-range activities

If you plan to visit several museums and landmarks, budget around €20–€50 per day. The Louvre, for example, currently charges €32 for non-EEA visitors, while eligible EEA visitors pay €22.

A mixture of museums, monuments, cruises and guided tours can therefore add €150–€300 to a week-long trip.

High-end experiences

Private tours, premium cruises, special dining experiences and multiple paid attractions can easily take the activity budget above €75 per day. For a luxury itinerary, €75–€150+ per day is a reasonable planning range.

Ways to keep your Paris trip affordable

The easiest way to reduce costs is to choose your priorities carefully. Stay in a neighbourhood with good Metro connections rather than paying extra to be next to a major landmark. Eat at bakeries, markets and neighbourhood restaurants instead of dining at tourist-heavy locations for every meal.

Walking is another major money-saver. Many central attractions are close enough to combine in a single day, reducing transport costs while giving you a better view of the city.

It is also worth checking attraction prices before travelling. Some museums have free-admission periods or reduced rates for eligible visitors. The Louvre, for example, offers free admission to certain groups and has a free evening period on the first Friday of the month, except in July and August.

Conclusion

A trip to Paris does not have to be costly. A careful traveller can enjoy the city for around €70–€110 per day, while a mid-range visitor should expect approximately €150–€250. Luxury travellers may spend €350 or more each day.

The most significant differences usually come from accommodation and dining, while public transport and free attractions make it possible to control other costs. By deciding your priorities before travelling and allowing some extra money for unexpected expenses, you can build a Paris budget that matches your travel style without overspending.

By T Gollez

Image credit – Dreamstime