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. Discover everything in our France Guide and the specific Paris City Guide.

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.