The Backpackers Price: A day in Paris
Posted on 24 January 2010 by Natalie
Through personal travels to various cities around the world, we will share the actual price of a day in that city.
This series should assist travelers in planning their next trip to specific places around the world. Each city will have a realistic example of the cost of one full day, including an evening of lodging. 
“The Backpackers Price” is covering is Paris first!
A day in Paris – with lodging in the Latin Quarter
All prices are based upon October mid-season, not the winter low season and not the high season of summer!
- 1 Night private room with double bed at Young & Happy – 56 euro = $77.28
- almonds, raisins, apples & bananas – 6.14 euro = $8.47
- Justin’s 1st baguette in Paris – 1.80 euro = $2.48
- Metro – Arce du Triomphe to Latin Quarter – 2.20 euro = $3.04
- Natalie’s new Parisian orange scarf – 9 euro = $12.42
- 2 pears, brie, 1 red bell pepper – 4.64 euro = $6.40
- another baguette – 1.60 euro = $2.21
- Nutella crepe – 2 euro = $2.76
(two adults) Total – 86.8 euro = $115.06
The total is for Justin and I, two grown adults. If you are traveling alone you can cut the cost in half.
Solo Total – 43.4 euros = $57.53
In addition, you can save money on lodging and get a bunk in an 8 person dorm for 13 euro a night. Super cheap! Don’t buy the Parisian scarf or other souvenirs and save even more money. This means traveling Paris for $50 a day is easy to do. In fact, I met an American traveling Paris for $25 USD a day.
How to travel Paris for $25 a day?
- Self catering – communal meals prepared in hostel kitchens with other travelers you meet – then split the cost of the meal (most are $3 or $4 per person)
- Sleeping in a multi person bunk room. You might have to buy ear plugs for when the guy above you starts to snore, but it’s worth the money you save.
- Don’t spend money on stupid stuff – the key chain of the Eiffel tower, the 5 euro crepe, and avoid all other Parisian impulse buys.
- Go on the FREE day. Museums and art galleries tend to have a regular FREE day. The first Sunday of each month is the FREE museum day in Paris.
- Walk or bike – Paris even has bikes you can rent and then drop off in a designated bike drop once you arrive at your destination. These bikes are literally all around the city!
- Be a smart and travel on the limited budget. Take out the amount of cash you plan on spending each day. Pay for your bed in the morning. Then you have a realistic view of how much money you will want for food, and what you have left over as entertainment and play money.
It’s amazing to know that Paris can be traveled with very little money. Really cheap if you want!
I think this is awesome but at the same time I think you’ve missed out on part of the fun of travel, the local food. Your food choices seemed a bit on the safe side.
L’escargot, cheese plates with cheeses you’ve never heard of, and let’s not forget the wine! Even cheap wine is so much better in France. And une cafe s’il vous plait! I have never had better espresso than what I had in Paris (Italy might have better but I haven’t been there.) Cafe au Lait if espresso is too strong for you. I did not manage to get a crepe which is your one example you gave of local food you should try. I was not wow’ed by the baguette I ate but that could just be me.
Some more food price examples would be good for people.
I guess it’s still good to know that one can travel that cheap but I just wanted to mention what a shame it would be if someone went to Paris and skipped half of the food just for the sake of being cheap.
In regards to the free museum day, keep in mind that the Louvre is HUGE. You might want to figure out which museum is the most expensive and get that one on the free day OR pick out several of the smaller ones on the free day to save the most that way because you won’t be able to see everything the city has to offer on one single day. I’ve heard that the lines are longer on the free day so factor in some waiting time.
If you’re going to be in Paris for a week especially with a few people you might want to buy “un carnet” (multiple tickets at once) or if you’re staying longer, a pass.
I think also anyone under 25 years old is eligible for various museum and metro discounts as well. I’m not sure the full details on that though but if you are younger, be sure to research that.
AND last but not least, it’s not impossible to walk a lot of Paris and if you plan that out well you could maybe skip the bikes and the metro and take in the scenic views and historic buildings as you walk from one destination to another. Your legs could be very sore if you’re out of shape however.
Hilary I am glad that you enjoyed the post. I agree that Paris has wonderful food to be explored. The specific day that I shared from did not have very exotic or interesting food. I love cheese and you are right, Paris has some high quality cheese.
I really like your museum advice. I think that it would be great to pick the day with poor weather and get lost in the Louvre. It is a gigantic museum you could easily spend a day or more navigating, attempting not to become too lost.
You have loads of great advice! But I especially love the advice to simply walk. Justin and I did mostly walking all around Paris. We gained a large amount of insight into the city and people through going on foot. Especially, upon navigating narrow streets and alley ways that only Parisians tend to travel regularly. Paris will always offer some romantic charm and allure to countless individuals. I love reading about your apparent passion for Paris. Thanks for the advice Hilary!