Here’s a guide to budget-friendly things to do in Paris for students

Budget-friendly things to do in Paris

Paris, known as the City of Light, offers many budget-friendly activities for students. Start your adventure by exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, which you can admire at no cost. Take advantage of student discounts at museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, where you can appreciate world-class art without straining your budget. Students can experience Paris without breaking the bank by embracing these budget-friendly activities. Let’s discuss things to do in Paris in detail.

8 things to do in Paris when you are traveling on a budget 

Arc de Triomphe

Rather than enduring long queues at the Eiffel Tower, students with a visa can enjoy free admission to climb the Arc de Triomphe. From the top of the Arc, you’ll be enjoying a panoramic 360-degree view of Paris, similar to what you would experience at the Eiffel Tower. The added advantage is that you can marvel at the distant view of the Eiffel Tower along with the other stunning sights that Paris has to offer.

Champ-Elysses

The iconic avenue in Paris is popular for its charming French cafes, upscale designer stores, and exquisite dining establishments. Champs-Elysses represents the epitome of French luxury and lifestyle. You don’t need to empty your wallet to savor the ambience of this neighborhood. Take a leisurely walk along the avenue, indulge in the delectable macarons at Ladurée, or relish a cup of espresso while seated outside a cafe. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of a typical afternoon in Paris without overspending.

The Eiffel Tower

It is the most renowned landmark in Paris and may require a fee to ascend (ranging from 5 to 17 euros based on the level). You can still relish the breathtaking views without spending a dime sitting on nearby grassy areas. Rather than enduring the long queues, opt for a memorable experience by having a French picnic beneath the tower. You can also buy a baguette and a bottle of wine at an affordable price. Return to the tower at night for an extra touch of magic to witness the enchanting sight of the sparkling lights.

Louvre Museum

No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the renowned Louvre and an encounter with the iconic Mona Lisa. Normally, admission to the museum costs 15 euros, but there are opportunities for free entry. If you’re under 25 years old, you can enjoy free admission on Friday nights after 6 pm or on the first Sunday of the month between October and March. It’s worth noting that the lines can be quite long during these free sessions, so it’s advisable to arrive early.

Several other museums in Paris offer free entrance. Don’t miss out on visiting attractions such as Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Musée Cernuschi, Maison de Victor Hugo, and Musee National de la Légion d’honneur et des ordres de chevalerie. On the first Sunday of each month, be on the lookout for further discounts and special offers throughout the city.

The Paris flower market

Take a short walk around the block from Notre Dame Cathedral to the delightful Paris Flower Market. If you happen to visit on a Sunday, you’ll witness an additional delight as the flower market transforms into a vibrant, exotic bird market.

Love lock bridge

The love lock bridge serves as an ideal spot for couples to express their affection by attaching a personalized lock to the bridge. You need not worry about bringing your own lock or marker, as street vendors in the vicinity offer them for sale. If you happen to be alone, fear not! Take a leisurely stroll in this picturesque area, appreciating the stunning sights with the Notre Dame Cathedral as a backdrop, and dedicate a lock to your friends or anything else that holds a special place in your heart.

Parc de Buttes-Chaumont

After a tiring day of exploring the city, it’s essential to give your feet a break. Embrace the Parisian way by finding a comfortable spot under a tree in the Parc de Buttes-Chaumont. Here, you can relax on a blanket and enjoy a rejuvenating mid-afternoon nap. Once you’ve recharged, make sure to explore the park’s main highlights, including the grotto and bridges, the central lake, and the Temple de la Sibylle. These attractions offer a delightful experience within the park’s serene surroundings.

Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral

Notre Dame, an outstanding example of Gothic architecture in Europe, is essential to include on your Paris itinerary. Entry to the main area of the cathedral is free, but if you wish to explore the towers and the crypt, there is an admission fee of 8.50 euros.

To avoid long queues, it is recommended to arrive in advance of the closing time, which is 6:45 pm on weekdays and 7:15 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Please note that you cannot carry luggage inside the cathedral, so make sure to drop off any bags at your hostel before visiting.

Key takeaways

• Paris offers budget-friendly activities for students to enjoy the city without breaking the bank.
• Take advantage of free or discounted admissions to iconic landmarks and museums such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum.
• Remember to check for student discounts, free entry days, and special offers throughout the city.

We hope you found this blog on budget-friendly things to do in Paris helpful for your future trip. Share your thoughts in the comments section below! If you have any further questions or need assistance, Click here to contact our team and let us assist you with your study abroad plans.

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FAQs

Q1. Which are the places to visit for free in Paris?

Ans- Musée national Eugène Delacroix, Rodin Museum, Musée d’Orsay, Musée des Arts asiatiques Guimet, Musée du Quai Branly, Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine are some of the sites students can visit for free.

Q2. How much money does a student need to live in Paris?

Ans- To maintain a comfortable lifestyle in Paris, you can plan a budget of around €1,500 per month. 

Q3. How long can students stay in France?

Ans- The long-stay student visa (known as VLS-TS “étudiant”) serves as a residence permit. It enables students to reside in France for a period ranging from four months to one year for the purpose of pursuing higher education studies.