How to Live Like a King in Paris on a Student Budget

Paris on a Budget

Paris is a city of dreams, but for students on tight budgets, it can quickly turn into a financial nightmare. However, Paris is also a student city, home to over 300,000 university students, which means low-cost options are everywhere if you know where to look.

1. Free Art and Culture

Did you know that if you are under 26 and a citizen or resident of the EU, almost all national museums—including the Louvre Museum, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou—are completely free? All you need is a valid ID or student visa. For non-EU students, many museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month.

2. Affordable Gourmet Dining

Avoid the tourist traps surrounding the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées. Instead, head to the Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement) or Belleville. For a classic French dining experience, check out Bouillon Chartier, a historic restaurant where a three-course meal can cost under €15.

3. Picnic Like a Local

The absolute best dinner in Paris is cheap: buy a fresh baguette from a local bakery (€1.20), a block of Camembert cheese from a supermarket (€2.00), and a bunch of grapes (€1.50). Head to the banks of the Seine near the Pont des Arts or the lawns of the Champ de Mars to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night.