So you’re travelling to Paris on a budget, and you’re worried about how you’ll be able to do it? While Paris might have a reputation for being expeisnve, we’ve found this to be unfair. Paris is very affordable for food and drinks compared to most equivalent capitals. The tourist traps are overpriced and it can be easy to fall for them, but comparatively Paris is fairly affordable. Its money-sucking tourist traps, and the fact that if you’re travelling somewhere with dollars (USD, CAD, AUD, NZD) the conversion rate can really get you down.
The good news is - you’re in luck! Paris has an abundance of budget friendly options, from markets to bakeries to casual restaurants and street food - and all of this without compromising quality or flavor. You just have to know where to look (hint: it’s away from the usual tourist attractions!) and when to eat (time of day does matter for certain places) and this is all information we can help you with.
But if you’re looking for a starting point when it comes to planning your Paris trip, you’re in the right place. Here at Paris in My Pocket, we offer a new free blog post almost weekly to help you prepare for your trip. We also have seasonal and monthly blogs that we keep up to date each year, and we share tons of free information over on our social media accounts. We also offer a full Paris guide, but if budget travel is your vibe, our paid guide is probably not right for you. Thankfully, we have all of those of free resources that should do the trick.
Where To Eat In Paris On A Budget
We’ve curated a list of our favorite cheap eats in Paris for you. Most of the places below will get you a tasty meal for under €15, with a few under €10 options. You’ll also find links to other foodie posts to flesh out your list. By the time you land in Paris, you’ll be well prepared to keep yourself satiated during your trip, leaving little wiggle room in that wallet for souvenirs, wine, or books!
As a general rule, you can find budget foods in Paris when you exit off the beaten path. There’s plenty to be found around the canal, in markets, and on random corners, especially in North East Paris. That said, you can find budget options in central Paris as well, you’ll just want to be sure to plan ahead so you know where these are if you’re planning on eating out in the center of town.
The Kursaal
A wonderful fresh place for lunch and/or coffee in the 12th arrondissement, if you find yourself in the area. They're constantly experimenting, putting fresh ingredients into everything they make for some wonderful dishes that should keep you under a €20 spend. Get directions.
Mao Dumpling Bar
Looking for some tasty Chinese dumplings in the haut-Marais? Located in the 3rd arrondissement, Mao dumpling bar is the perfect place to swing in during a busy day of Marais shopping (and in an otherwise fairly expensive neighborhood!) You can have your fill for between €10-€20 euros here usually, and they cater to vegetarians as well. Get directions.
El Guacamole
If you're in for Mexican food in a hole in the wall with some top notch Canal people watching, then Guacamole has you covered. With locations by Republique and in the 5th arrondissement, this is a great spot for a quick and tasty meal. If you’re from SoCal don’t expect it to knock your socks off - but it’s a good option that’ll set you back somewhere between €10-€15 for a burrito or tacos. Get directions.
Rue Mouffetard
If you’re looking for a street full of affordable food options, Rue Mouffetard (in the latin quarter) is a great place to check out. In the heart of the student quarter, this bustling street (and its neighboring roads as well) have many affordable options for either sit down or take away meals, usually at reasonable prices. While it’s not our first choice for places to visit as it’s busy, swinging in for a cheap meal and a good time won’t let you down. Get directions.
Rue de Belleville
Rue de Belleville is packed with affordable Chinese restaurants. Have a wander and see what you find, but we love Gua Xin for ravioli, where you can get a plate of 12 pan fried dumplings for about €10. Their stir fried Bok Choy is also fantastic. Get directions.
Slak
New to the Parisian street food scene, Slak (not the useful tool for internal company management) serves up some messy and tasty Turkish street food: Tantuni and Islak burgers. Think sloppy joe, but add a secret sauce. Totally crave-worthy, and you can fill up for under €10. Paris is highly rated for its street food scene, and Slak isn’t a bad place to start! Get directions.
Marché de Bastille
Every Thursday and Sunday morning, head to the Bastille monument for one of the best markets in Paris. Skip the cheap clothes, and head straight for the food. You’ve got a great Lebanese wrap place on your right as you walk up, as well as oysters further down on your left, plus everything in between. You’ll definitely find something great to eat at the Marché Bastille, and it certainly won’t break the bank (one wrap will set you back less than €10). Get directions.
Another option at the Marché de Bastille, or any other market is to grab items for a picnic. Some cheese, bread, cured meats, and fresh fruit is the perfect combination for a nearby park picnic.
Mannie
A great alternative to Slak, if you’re not a meat eater. This also falls into the category of street food, fast food… easy food, if you will - but it’s all plant based. While the prices are a little higher, they use fantastic ingredients and serve up some delicious dishes (even if you’re a meat-eater!). You’ll likely spend between €10-€20 euros here - still not bad for Paris! Get directions.
Chez Prune
Okay… maybe don’t eat here, as there are better options - BUT this is a fantastic, slightly grungy local hang with cheap beer and wine and a canal view. It’s a definite vibe, and the service leaves a little to be desired, but we love it for its authenticity and consistency. A fun place to have a good night. Get directions.
A Boulangerie
Yep, that’s right. Most corner boulangeries will get you a good baguette sandwich (ham & cheese, tuna, chicken salad) for €5-€7, which leave wiggle room for a treat! Here are our favorite boulangeries in Paris.
How To Eat In Paris On A Budget
If you’re looking to eat in Paris on a budget, we want to reiterate that it is completely possible to do so without sacrificing a good time. As you can see from the multitude of options above, there’s something for everyone, even on a lower budget. Here are a few other things to keep in mind when looking to save money on your Paris trip:
- Go for the fancier meals at lunch time: When it comes to eating out, we’d actually recommend you lean more towards your streetfood options in the evening. They will still be cheap and delicious. The restaurants and bistrots, however, often are more expensive in the evening, strictly because they tend to offer a prix fixe or set priced menu during lunchtime. This means at a French restaurant where you might find yourself spending €25-€30 on a main dish alone in the evening, might have a two or three-course option for the same price at lunch. Look for entrée-plat (appetizers+main), plat-dessert (main+dessert), and entrée-plat-dessert (all three) prices.
- Plan ahead: Do your reserch and research ahead of time (if reservations are possible). Have a back up in mind as well. If you let yourself get hungry (or even hangry) without a plan, chances are you’ll end up falling for overpriced tourist trap restaurants, as they’re more likely to be found on the beaten path. You’ll be disappointed with the food and end up spending way too much - don’t get stuck hungry without a plan near the Eiffel Tower!
- Order less than you think you need: Especially at small plates restaurants. Always ask the server how many plates they recommend sharing, and order one less - you can always order more if you’re still hungry, but with that bread to mop up the sauces, chances are you’ll feel satiated.
- Avoid eating at train stations: The food and drink is always overpriced and not too good, plus you’re pretty much just supporting big chains. Instead, (again, using our guide), find somewhere very close by and plan your travel day accordingly. Arrive early enough so you have time to swing in for a bite in a local joint. You’ll have a much better experience and feel better at the end of the day as well!
