Exploring the Richness of Paris on a Budget

There’s a good reason visiting the French capital is but a dream for many people: it can be incredibly expensive! It's filled with high-end designer boutiques, top calibre restaurants and opulent hotels. However, many people do manage to explore Paris and have a great time even on a strict budget. Paris hostels make for excellent accommodation, and it's not too hard to entertain yourself without much money. How? Here are a few tips.

The Mind-set

The early Bohemians said that if you’ve got romance, you don’t really need anything else. It certainly rings true in the city of love, and whether it’s a stroll around the cobbled streets in the lesser-known areas around the Paris hostels, or an inexpensive snack snatched on the banks of the Seine, there is no short supply of romance here. For the creative, the mind-set is basically the same, and if you’re going to be a starving artist this is a pretty spectacular place in which to do it! The point is, the city has far more than its glitzy exterior, and if you scratch the surface you'll find a wealth of enjoyment to be had in the simpler things.

Accommodation with Character and Value

Typical accommodation in Bohemian city of the past consisted of small, sparsely furnished attics on the top floors of apartment buildings that required walking up many steps. Contemporary Paris hostels are, of course, much more modern these days, but the simple principles are the same. Where you stay is not as important as what you're here to see and experience, and the excellent facilities, friendly character and communal nature of the hostels will see your travel budget go much further than a swanky hotel.

Getting Around

When you’re in a city where even the simplest of things are nothing short of amazing, there’s really no reason to whiz by inside a taxi. A slow exploration by foot is the very best way to see the city – and this is one absolutely made for walking! Don a pair of comfortable walking shoes, and head out around the Paris hostels. (Depending on the season, you may want to pack a small umbrella just in case it rains.) The easy-to-use rental bicycles are also a great way of getting around, especially if you want to cover more distance. For further exploration you can take the bus or go by the highly efficient Metro system.

Luxury Watch

If you do want a taste of luxury, however, you can still encounter some over-the-top extravagance without having to spend too much of your own money. Take the train to Versailles to experience one of the world’s most magnificent chateaus. The interiors are incredibly opulent, and the gardens and grounds are beautiful beyond your wildest imagination.

You could also go window-shopping along the Avenue des Champs Elysées and see how the other half live - all without having to spend a penny.

With the inherent richness of the City of Lights, there’s really no need to feel like you’re on a budget – even when you are. Book into any of the excellently appointed Paris hostels and see what this magnificent city has to offer.

Looking for a dream travel experience? Jason H. Cunningham works for Hostelling International, a company with more than 4,000 hostels worldwide. For the best Paris hostels or anywhere else, join our global community and say hi to the world. From quality, affordable accommodation and backpacker tips, to meaningful volunteer opportunities and enriching our eco footprint, we are the world’s local hostelling hub.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.