I’ve dreamed of visiting Paris for years, and when I finally decided to spend five days in the city, the real planning process began. Finding the best deals meant researching ahead, especially on accommodation, attractions, and activities. I was a student then, using every discount and visa perk possible to cut down the cost. Staying in a small apartment near the center made it easier to explore the city on foot. From walking the markets to catching photos of the highlights, it was the kind of trip that stays with you for a lifetime.
Spending time in Paris felt like uncovering the layers of one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. You blink, and suddenly five days have barely scratched the surface. From cafés tucked away in quiet alleys to Disneyland and the Loire Valley, there’s always something new to see or do. Some travelers may ask, “How much does it cost?” — but the answer depends on so many factors, like the season, your budget, and what you’re looking for. I’ve been that young, backpacker-type too, and know you can plan a comfortable yet affordable trip, spending anywhere from $1,000 to upwards of $3,000, depending on your choices.
Balancing Budget and Experience
Although Paris never cuts budget-friendly destinations, it’s still possible to plan a trip without overspending. Whether you’re a backpacker squeezing in a visit during January by staying with a friend and making the most of student discounts for train rides and museums or someone ready to splurge on a romantic getaway or honeymoon, there’s a range of options. The city offers countless ways to enjoy its charm, from exploring the Loire Valley for a day to simply walking everywhere. With some effort, you can create a memorable experience by deciding when to save and when to indulge, balancing a mix of free attractions, affordable eats, and iconic sights that make every penny worth it.
Paris Trip Budget Factors
Planning a trip to Paris requires smart budgeting, especially when factoring in the cost of essentials like flights, hotels, and daily expenses. Since France uses the Euro, currency conversion plays a role, though the exchange rate is fairly stable. At around $1.08 per Euro, the difference might seem minimal for travelers from the US, but costs can still add up. The time of year greatly impacts your budget—if you visit during the summer months, expect more crowds and higher prices as it’s the peak travel season.
For a better budget-friendly experience, consider traveling in the winter or off-season when hotel and flight rates drop. Accommodation in the off-season can be significantly cheaper, letting you enjoy a high-end stay for less. Timing is everything when booking, so locking in flights early can save you a good amount. If you’re flexible, you can avoid the most expensive times and make the most of your trip while staying within budget.
How Much Does a 5-Day Trip to Paris Cost 2025 prices
The cost of a trip to Paris varies depending on several factors, including the time of your visit and the duration of your stay. To provide helpful estimates, we’ll consider a 5-day trip from May 19 to May 23 (a total of five days and four nights) for two people. Just before the peak season, this period is slightly cheaper than summer travel. Key elements like airfare, accommodation, food, transportation, and activity prices are crucial when calculating costs, ensuring you prepare accordingly.
Price Comparisons and Trends
To ensure transparency, we will present costs in both Dollars and Euros, applying an exchange rate of €1, equivalent to $1.08. It’s worth noting that prices will likely rise significantly during the 2024 Olympics, making planning essential. Traveling during off-peak times, like spring, can help manage expenses while offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of Paris.
Airfare Costs: San Francisco to Paris
Airfare is often one of the most significant costs when planning a trip to Paris. Fortunately, with Charles de Gaulle Airport serving as a central connection hub, travelers from the U.S. can usually find competitive deals. For instance, flights for dates such as May 19 to 23, 2024, were listed at approximately $3,000 (€2,700) per person for direct routes. While these prices might appear high, opting for a stopover can be a smart way to save money.
Cost-Saving Alternatives
Flights with carriers like Aer Lingus, which include a stopover in Dublin, cost around $1,267 (€1,140) per person. This brings the total flight cost to €2,280 for two people, a significant reduction compared to direct flights. By being flexible with your travel route, you can effectively manage one of the most important expenses of your Paris trip.
Hotel Costs
Paris is a huge city with countless options for accommodation to match every travel style and budget. Whether you’re looking to stay in a luxurious 5-star hotel or a single bed in a hostel, there’s a choice available for everyone. Staying centrally located near the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre ensures proximity to the main sights, but expect higher costs. For a more local neighborhood experience, consider lodging outside the center, where it’s often cheaper and offers the charm of life off the beaten track. On a personal note, the view of the Eiffel Tower from our room made our stay even more memorable.
For example, from May 16 to 20, the nightly rate varies across seven hotels: Jules & Jim costs €330 per night, totaling €1,650 for four nights; St Paul Rive Gauche also charges €330 per night; Hotel Bourgogne et Montana, a well-rated option, is €271 per night, totaling €1,084 (or $1,192) for the stay; Mama Shelter Paris West is €278 per night, and Hotel Londres Eiffel is the priciest at €480 per night. Grand Hotel Chicago offers affordability at €166 per night for those on a tighter budget. After careful calculation, we chose Hotel Bourgogne et Montana for its reasonable rates, central location, and proximity to Paris’ popular sights.
Transportation
To make the most of a large European city like Paris, you must plan for transportation beyond walking miles daily. The city’s outstanding public transport network simplifies navigating through the maze of streets and Arrondissements. The Metro, known for being the fastest and most efficient, has 14 lines winding through Paris, with travel costs depending on zoned areas: zones 1-3 are cheaper while traveling further outside to zones 4 or 5 is more expensive. You can travel around the city with the T+ Ticket system, which allows one-way journeys on the regional train (RER), tram, bus, or the Montmartre funicular.
For multiple trips or days, the Paris Visite card offers unlimited rides for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days, with discounts for longer durations. For example, a 1-day ticket costs €13.55 for zones 1-3 or €28.50 for zones 1-5. Alternatively, the weekly Passe Navigo card, priced between €26.10 and €30 depending on the zone, is more economical. However, it’s only valid from Friday to the following Thursday, so it’s not ideal if you need it midweek for an entire week.
To and From CDG Transportation Costs
Getting from CDG Airport to Paris city center offers several options, such as taxi, shuttle, bus, or regional train. We recommend the RER B Train, which costs €11.40 and takes just 40 minutes. A taxi may be more convenient for those traveling with multiple people or handling heavy bags, with fares ranging from €53 to €58. The bus is the cheapest option at only €1.90 per ticket, but its duration is the longest, taking 70 to 80 minutes.
For a calculated cost estimate, assume you use the regional train to reach the city and buy a 5-day Paris Visite card instead of a Passe Navigo card. Your total for transportation costs would be €11.40 x 2 (round trip to and from the airport) plus €44.45 for the 5-day Paris Visite card, bringing the total to €67.25 or $73.95 per person, or €134.50 or $147.90 for two.
Food Cost in Paris per Day
French food is famous and some of the most delicious in Europe, so it’s essential to budget for indulgent meals like flaky croissants and other tasty meals during your stay. On average, allocate around €50 daily for one person or €100 for two, covering meals like breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While breakfast in Paris is often inexpensive, consisting of just a pastry, coffee, or juice, it’s incredibly satisfying and worth experiencing.
Here are some sample prices at restaurants: Breizh Cafe offers dinner for two at €50, Bistrot Rougemont at €70, and Kozy Bosquet serves breakfast for two at €40. Over a five-day trip, your total food cost would amount to approximately €500 or $550, averaging €50 per person per day.
Activities
Paris offers endless opportunities for those who appreciate art, history, architecture, and cuisine, ensuring something enjoyable for everyone. While filling your schedule with these can be rewarding, it’s worth noting that many activities can get quite expensive and add up, especially if you’re planning a couple of different activities each day. However, you can mix in free options like strolling through the Jardins du Luxembourg, visiting the Basilique du Sacré Coeur, or exploring the Père Lachaise Cemetery. If your budget allows, certain major sights are worth the cost and should be considered.
For example, popular activities include a trip to the Eiffel Tower (€30 per person, lift to the top), a Seine river cruise (€16 per person), or tickets to the Musee d’Orsay (€16 per person) and the Louvre (€17 per person). For a truly unique experience, consider renting a boat on the Canal Saint Martin (from €40 per hour) or indulging in wine tasting (€40 per person). Assuming you do one activity each day of your five-day visit, your total cost would be around €20 per person per day, up to €200 or $220 for two people.
Day Trip
While Paris has enough attractions to fill a 5-day trip without leaving the city center, it’s often reasonable to consider a day trip elsewhere in France. Among the many incredible places within a day’s reach, the most popular destination is the Palace of Versailles. This UNESCO-designed site features two main sights: the palace and the Estate of Trianon. You can buy tickets for either attraction or the passport ticket covering the entire site for €24 per person.
Transportation to and from Versailles is also straightforward but requires planning. It’s about an hour’s train ride, and while you can use a public transportation ticket, make sure it includes zone 4 coverage for the regional trains. For this day trip, the total cost would be €48 or $53 for two people, including admission and transportation.
How Much Does a 5-Day Trip to Paris Cost?
Combining all the cost estimates for a 5-day trip to Paris, the total for two people comes to $4,697. This includes airfare ($2,534), hotel ($1,192), transportation ($148), food ($550), activities ($220), and a day trip ($53). These numbers provide a solid baseline but may change based on the number of activities you choose, the type of hotel you decide to stay in, or your departure point in the United States.
Don’t forget Trip Insurance in Paris Trip Budget
Last but certainly not least, don’t overlook trip insurance when planning your budget for Paris. I highly recommend World Nomads for its comprehensive plans and affordability when traveling internationally. While it requires paying a little upfront, it can save money later if something unexpected happens. For instance, during our 5 days in Paris, we spent around $74 per person for the Standard Plan or $129 for the Explorer Plan. Whether you face a camera being stolen, bags getting lost, or any other reasons for protection, it’s worth it.
How to Cut Costs on Your Trip to Paris without Sacrificing Fun
If you want to enjoy a budget-friendly vacation in Paris, several strategies exist to save money without compromising your experience.
Travel in the Shoulder Season
Airfare and accommodation costs often rise with demand, so planning a trip to Paris during the shoulder season can help you save significantly. Traveling at this time is also ideal because the weather remains pleasantly warm, and the crowds are much smaller, making the experience more enjoyable.
Book With Points
If you want to make your trip to Paris more affordable, consider using those hard-earned points! Redeeming loyalty points for accommodation or air miles for your flight can save thousands on costs. If you haven’t yet accumulated points, explore sign-up bonuses offered by credit cards, which often include enough miles to cover a significant chunk of your vacation, for step-by-step guidance on booking with points and even snagging a free hotel stay.
Book Your Travel Early
The best travel deals are often available when you book your trip well in advance, ideally about six months ahead. While last-minute bookings might yield discounts, they can be risky as prices may turn out cheaper or significantly more expensive. Booking in advance helps you secure your preferred hotels before they are fully booked.
Stay a Bit Further Out
While most people prefer to stay in central Paris, hotels in this area are often significantly more expensive than those located further outside. Though walking to the main sights and attractions is a huge perk, you can save by staying elsewhere and using the Metro or bus to get around.
Rein in Food Costs
French cuisine is undeniably delightful but has earned a reputation for being extravagant and costly. Fortunately, not every meal requires you to spend a fortune in Euros.
Plenty of excellent restaurants, cafes, crepe stands, sandwich shops, and pizza joints allow you to eat very well for surprisingly cheap, making it easy to enjoy Parisian cuisine on a budget.
