Where To Stay On A Budget In Paris - 4 Affordable Options
Wondering where to stay on a budget in Paris?
Yes, Paris is known for being an expensive destination. With its iconic landmarks, stunning architecture, and grand palaces, it’s among the most expensive cities in Europe.
But having visited Paris four times for different reasons, I can fairly say with confidence that it’s definitely possible to find an area where you can find affordable accommodations.
In the heart of the tourist areas, it does get difficult to find affordable accommodation.
But don’t worry: there are budget-friendly options available.
Thanks to its excellent metro system, Paris allows you to stay a bit outside the main parts in picturesque neighborhoods with plenty of affordable hotels and restaurants.
A quick ride on that metro takes you to one of the many incredible sights the City of Love has to offer.
So, in this guide, we’ll share our top picks for staying in Paris without spending a fortune.
Each area comes with its own unique advantages and drawbacks, which we’ve conveniently summarized after each section.
Comparing those summarized sections will definitely come in handy to pick the area that suits you the most.
Let’s dive right in!
What are the best areas to stay in Paris on a budget?
The best areas to stay in Paris on a budget are Montmartre, Belleville, Montparnasse, Batignolles, and Salpêtrière.
Paris can be divided into twenty different districts, which are all numbered.
As a general rule, districts with higher numbers tend to offer more affordable accommodation options.
Districts with lower numbers are closer to the city’s main attractions, but districts with higher numbers are still well connected by the metro, making it easy to get to the heart of Paris while staying in a more budget-friendly area.
It’s highly recommended to pick a district between 10 and 20, with a metro station nearby. By following this rule, you will combine affordability with connectivity to the fullest.
In the following paragraph, you can find an overview of each recommended neighborhood with a brief description. Click on the neighborhood and you will go directly to that part of the article.
Montmartre is a charming, romantic and picturesque neighborhood with affordable hotels. It is a little further away from the tourist hotspots, but offers a unique atmosphere.
Montparnasse is a central area popular with students due to its proximity to universities, great access to public transportation, and a good variety of affordable hotels.
Belleville is known for its spacious and reasonably priced hotels and food options, although it is a little far from the main tourist attractions.
Batignolles is an alternative and trendy neighborhood with excellent public transportation links. It is close to the Arc de Triomphe, but further away from the main tourist areas.
Salpêtrière is the only area near the Eiffel Tower where you will find a decent selection of affordable hotels.
The best areas to stay in Paris on a budget are:
1. Montmartre (18th arrondissement)
Montmartre is a charming and romantic neighborhood located on top of a hill, where you can find the Sacré-Cœur basilica, from where you can take in stunning views of the city.
Surprisingly, Montmartre is one of the most affordable areas of Paris and offers a wealth of budget accommodation.
It is also where you will find the Rue des Martyrs, a lively street full of art, markets, and shops, where you can experience the everyday life of Parisians, just like in the movies.
This area was home to famous artists such as Picasso.
Although there are not many major attractions in the immediate vicinity, Montmartre is well connected to the rest of Paris. Metro line 12 will take you right into the heart of the city’s tourist spots.
At night, Montmartre has a lively atmosphere, often more so than popular tourist areas such as the 1st arrondissement, where the Eiffel Tower is located.
However, for a real taste of Parisian nightlife, head to the trendy districts of Oberkampf or Le Marais.
2. Montparnasse (14th arrondissement)
Montparnasse is a lively area known for its student population, with several major universities located nearby.
Situated on the left bank of the Seine, you’re on the same side as the Eiffel Tower and other key attractions.
As it’s a student-friendly neighbourhood, accommodation here is often more affordable compared to more central districts, and with excellent metro access, it’s easy to explore the rest of Paris.
Montparnasse is less touristy, allowing you to experience a more authentic local atmosphere, although it doesn’t have the same romantic charm as Montmartre.
If you stay in the northern part of the district, you’ll be within walking distance of the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens and the historic Pantheon.
However, the main attraction in this area is the famous Catacombs.
3. Belleville (20th arrondissement)
Located in the far northeast of the city, Belleville is the 20th and last arrondissement of Paris.
Known for its cultural diversity, this area offers a wide variety of affordable restaurants, as many Parisians from different backgrounds live and work here.
Like other less touristy areas, Belleville offers you the chance to experience the authentic daily life of the locals.
One of the most notable attractions in this arrondissement is the Père Lachaise Cemetery, where famous figures such as Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Frédéric Chopin are buried – a must-see for anyone staying in the area.
Although only two metro lines pass through Belleville, making it a little less accessible than other areas, it is still a popular and affordable place to stay in Paris.
4. Batignolles (17th arrondissement)
If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, where there are few tourists but still in the heart of Paris, Batignolles is a great option.
This hidden gem has become a favorite among the hipster crowd, and has been welcomed by the older generation who call this neighborhood home.
Batignolles has a distinctly village-like atmosphere, offering a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Life here moves at a slower pace, and sitting on the Place du Dr. Félix Lobligeois, simply people-watching, is an essential part of the experience.
Located just north of the Arc de Triomphe and the Palais Garnier, the area offers excellent access to multiple metro lines and trains, making it easy to explore the rest of the city.
5. Salpêtrière (13th arrondissement)
Salpêtrière is located southeast of the Pantheon and offers convenient access to the River Seine.
While the Eiffel Tower is a bit out of the way, this area is close to some of Paris’ most lively neighborhoods, including Le Marais and Oberkampf.
Here, you’ll find several popular mid-range hotels that offer great value for money without breaking the bank.
Compared to other areas recommended in this guide, Salpêtrière is probably the closest to many of Paris’ top attractions. As a result, hotel prices are a bit higher, but still far from premium.
The area also has good access to the metro, though it’s best to stay close to a station to easily get around the city.