These are the best budget-friendly spots in Paris
Believe me, you want to know this
After almost 6 months of living in Paris it is expected of me obviously to know the best cheap spots. I have definitely found them, because after a few months my wallet was emptying a bit faster than I wanted. We all know Bouillon, but I certainly won't be bringing that up in this article.
These are the cheapest and tastiest, slightly lesser-known and affordable restaurants and bars in Paris that you definitely shouldn't miss when visiting the city of love.
A cushy life
“But Paris is super expensive, how could you afford that?”, I often hear when I talk about my adventure in the capital of France. And that's certainly true. I really indulged in my first months. A terrace in Le Marais here, dining on the Champs-Élysées there. I just didn't want to watch my pennies, because I only get to experience this half-year once. Unfortunately, I don't have a money tree in my garden and I couldn't keep asking my parents for a little extra cash in the third week of the month.
I can guarantee you that you can make Paris as expensive as you want. You don't have to spend your girl trip eating escargots at La Pérouse (where Rihanna often goes) or pay more than 20 euros for a Saint-Germain Spritz on the rooftop at Bonnie. Take it from me, there are really cheaper spots that are also just super fun to sit in.
The place where everyone goes
La Perle has been the place to go for a drink after your work or study day for years. This is a cute little bar in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, on the corner, just after all the vintage designer shops and small boutiques. Everyone can be found here, from models to business partners of the largest companies. It's super accessible, but I still secretly find it a bit overrated. If you like to see and be seen, this is more the place for you, but I would still look a door further. There are actually many other places that make the Parisian experience a bit more authentic, with more locals.
Here they come
Here they are! My go-to spots where you can go in Paris if you prefer to save some money. In my opinion, it's also just chic not to spend all your money on an overpriced place when you can find it elsewhere.
Le Mansart (18th arrondissement)
If there is one place that is my absolute favorite, it is Le Mansart this one. restaurant avec terrasse has really found a place in my heart. If my bank statements are to be believed, I've been here at least twenty times in that half year. But that was possible, because here you can eat steak and fries for only 9 euros (yes, you read that right). Add their delicious poulet karaage (fried chicken) or saucisson ibérique (Iberian ham) and you have a lovely dinner in front of you. Even those side dishes cost no more than 6 euros.
Cooking in Paris is quite doable, but supermarket prices are generally a bit higher than in the Netherlands. When I cooked a well-filled meal, I also ended up at about 8 euros per person. How nice is it then to go out to eat without breaking the bank?.
Le Barbier de Bastille (11th arrondissement)
Okay, I'm going to be honest with you: if you're looking for a bar where you come for the view and the nice tables, you might want to skip this one. But that's really not a must-have when the city itself looks beautiful. Le Barbier de Bastille in the 11th is by far the cheapest terrace I've been able to sit at. The staff there is incredibly nice and regularly checks if your glass is empty. I still remember drinking cocktails here for 7 euros and a vodka-redbull (sorry, I really needed that at the time) for 9 euros. Where in Paris can you still order a drink at a venue for that price? Exactly, nowhere.
@maritschutten 👀👀👀 #fyp #paris #we drink apple juice #tiktok we are 18 plus ♬ i just get so nervy – HYFY
L’Arc (16th Arrondissement), Cova Club (8th Arrondissement), Little Room (8th Arrondissement)
Sorry guys, this piece is really just for the ladies. When I arrived in Paris, going out was quite a culture shock for me. You often don't have to pay anything as a woman at many places, as long as you're on the guest list. Here's how it works.
On Instagram, many club promoters scout ladies who are in Paris, asking if they want to go out. Think of it as a kind of promoters, but a bit fancier. This might sound a bit strange, but believe me, this is super normal in Paris. If you get on the guest list, there are a few conditions attached. For example, you have to wear heels (also quite high heels if you're not very tall), you can't show up in jeans and sneakers, and the preference is for nice trousers or a skirt. But if you meet all the requirements, you end up in the most exclusive clubs in Paris. Oh yes, just to make it clear, there are definitely no specific activities in exchange for the free drinks.
They often serve Dom Pérignon and Grey Goose (vodka) that you genuinely don't have to pay a cent for. This is all just to fill the club nicely. As strange as it sounds, being a woman in Paris has just a few more advantages. And if you're already enjoying a budget-friendly trip to Paris, you don't have to skip the ‘always expensive’ clubs either.
