The Price of a Paris Trip

The price of a Paris trip will never be cheap, unless you know people living there. Typically expenses will range from modest to expensive. Before going, it is best to make a budget plan and stick as close to it as possible. The main costs of a weekend in Paris will be hotel lodging, transportation, eating and drinking, and tickets at tourist attractions.

Hotels and other Accomadations

Generally speaking, accommodation is the biggest expense during a stay in Paris. Even the cheapest of hotels in Paris will be at least €60 a night, if you are truly on a budget. A stay in a midrange hotel will typically be around €100 to €120 a day. Hotels near Paris landmarks will be more expensive than that and the most luxurious of Paris hotels will cost thousands of Euros a night.

Eating and Drinking

Eating French cuisine is a must while in Paris, and since you are on vacation, why not enjoy a few beers or some wine? While main courses at the fanciest restaurants in Paris can get somewhat expensive, three course meals at a modest cafe can be as cheap as €12 to €20. Be aware that restaurants located away from Paris tourist hot spots will cost much more. Beers at Paris clubs and bars and restaurants can get pricey as well. Typically the price range is anywhere from €2 to over €10 for a pint of beer. Know that lower prices exist at some Paris bars that are located farther away from tourist areas. Wine can range from €7 to over €20 a glass.

Transportation

Paris taxis start at €2.10 and go up €0.82 for every kilometer for the times of ten in the morning to five in the afternoon Monday through Saturday. At night and on Sunday, taxis go up €1.10 every kilometer. Travel outside the city in the suburbs will cost you more, at €1.33 per kilometer. If you have baggage, know that the first piece is free but each piece of additional luggage over five kilograms is €1.

The Paris bus system is a cheap and convenient option for transportation around the city. Operating from five forty five in the morning to twelve thirty at night, bus rides that cover just one or two bus zones will cost you €1.50; rides that are longer will cost you two tickets, or €3. Bus rides going outside the city will cost €4.50.

Another option is to rent a car. Usually car rentals run around €100 a day. For those who want to exercise and save money, consider walking or biking in the city of Paris. Renting a bike will only cost you a few Euros a day.

One of the most unique transportation options is riding on the Seine River. This is a fun and relaxing way to get around the city. One, two and three day passes on the seine are all very affordable. Children under 16 can get a day pass for €6, a two-day pass for €7 and a three-day for €8. Students can get one-day, two-day or three day pass for €8, €9, and €11 respectively. Hours of operation vary but typically the boat rides begin at ten in the morning and end around dusk.

Tourist Attractions

There are many famous museums in Paris and tourist attractions. Places like the Latin Quarter in Central Paris, the Opera District in North Paris, and Bastille in East Paris are all great places to see. Some of them are very affordable. How you spend your money is ultimately up to you. The famous Louvre Museum is €11.90 for adults and is free for those under the age of 18. Half-day tours of Paris range in price from just over €30 per person to well over €100. Multi-day guided tours will run each tourist over €150 and upwards of €400. For example, a Seine River cruise and Moulin Rouge Show is roughly €150. Entrance to the Notre Dame Cathedral costs €9.10 for adults and €5.95 for children; the Eiffel Tower costs €13.40 to take adults to the top level and €9.30 for children.

Overall Cost of a Trip to Paris

The amount one spends on a weekend in Paris or per day can range tremendously. Budget travelers and families should expect to spend around €75 to €125 per day per person or around €200 to €250 per person for a two-night, three-day weekend; if you are traveling with several people and sharing a hotel or have a place to stay, spending less is very possible. Those spending the bare minimum can get away on just €55 a day, but this type of travel limits what you can do. Mid-range travelers should expect to spend roughly €125 to €200 per person a day. A family of four on a mid-range budget should expect to spend €800 to €1300. Remember that money can be saved by using public transportation, eating a few cheap meals, and reframing from buying lots of souvenirs in Paris.

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