Despite the hefty cost and bustling crowds, Paris remains one of my top choices for European escapes. The city of lights completely captivated me on my first solo adventure at 18, leading me to repeatedly return to its romantic streets and world-class museums, galleries, and restaurants.
I’m also a keen Disneyland Paris fan, making it a point to visit ‘The Most Magical Place On Earth’ during each trip. While it’s a dream destination for many, costs can quickly accumulate, making it easy to overshoot your budget in the French capital.
However, with careful planning and wise choices, you can enjoy the magic of Paris and Disneyland without draining your wallet or compromising on the city of lights’ allure and appeal, reports Wales Online.
From free events and reasonably priced dining options to affordable attractions and hidden treasures, I’ve put together some practical tips and suggestions to help you get the most out of your Parisian adventure while staying within your financial means.
Discover famous landmarks, explore lesser-known attractions and indulge in Disney and local experiences that won’t empty your bank account, reports Chronicle Live.
How to save money in Disneyland Paris
A visit to Disneyland Paris doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to your budget. With clever planning and a few insider tips, you can savour all the magic without the hefty price tag.
Avoid the crowds (and the high prices)
Firstly, timing is everything!
If you’re able to pick your dates, avoid school holidays, weekends, and major celebrations such as Christmas and Halloween.
These are peak times when both prices and crowds are at their highest. Instead, aim for quieter periods, like mid-week visits from January to March or September to November.
Not only will this result in cheaper tickets and accommodation, but you’ll also spend less time in queues and more time enjoying the attractions. More magic, less waiting – it’s a win-win situation!
Consider staying just outside the Disney bubble
While the idea of a Disney hotel may sound appealing, it can consume a significant portion of your budget. Instead, consider staying outside the resort in nearby towns such as Serris or Chessy.
A fantastic option is the Moxy Paris Val d’Europe – a stylish, budget-friendly hotel that’s only one stop away from Disney on the RER train.
You’ll get a trendy, comfortable room without the hefty Disney price tag, and the train journey takes just a few minutes and costs only a few euros. You’ll feel smart and cost-effective while others pay a premium for the same access!
Opt for the train
The RER A line is your budget’s best friend when visiting Disneyland Paris. It links central Paris to the park and is incredibly convenient if you’re staying nearby.
You can avoid parking fees and the stress of driving, plus the RER fare is a fraction of what you’d pay if you stayed in a Disney hotel. A quick, simple journey for just a few euros? Absolutely.
Bring your own snacks and drinks
Disneyland Paris may be known as the happiest place on earth, but its food prices could quickly dampen your mood. Save money by packing your own snacks and carrying a refillable water bottle.
Before heading to the park gates, load up on sandwiches, crisps, and fruit. Throughout the park, there are numerous water fountains where you can refill your bottle for free, saving you from the high cost of drinks.
Having a little extra snack tucked away can come in handy while waiting for attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean!
Shop around for tickets
Don’t restrict yourself to the official Disneyland website when looking for tickets – explore other options!
You might find great deals on alternative sites such as Magic Breaks or Wowcher, particularly useful if you’re planning a multi-day visit, which can significantly reduce your costs. Keep an eye out for any special offers that include extras like transport or accommodation, especially beneficial for longer stays.
Avoid splurging on souvenirs
Within the magical realm of Disneyland, a treasure trove of merchandise awaits from the quintessential Mickey ears to plush keepsakes. Yet, these enchanting items come with a hefty price tag that can drain your funds as quickly as saying “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo.”
Consider acquiring Disney-related keepsakes before your trip instead; there’s an abundance of goods available online or at high street shops for a slice of the park prices.
Bringing your own pixie-dust sprinkled souvenirs not only keeps spending in check but also ensures those sought-after snapshots in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle won’t miss a beat.
Plan your day like a pro
One easily overlooked strategy to circumvent overindulgence in Disneyland Paris is forward planning. Whip out the Disneyland app to keep tabs on ride waiting times, schedule of shows, character dining bookings and eateries’ offerings.
A little pre-planning goes a long way in optimising your visit, allowing you to skip expensive sit-down meals and wearisome lines. Moreover, consider an early start and cash in on shorter morning queues; this means more fun with less time wasted and fewer impromptu snack purchases.
How to economise in Paris
After embracing the Disney magic, why not explore the city of love without overturning your budget?
Follow along for some sterling advice to stretch your euros in Paris.
Immerse yourself in the city’s history with a complimentary walking tour of Paris.
Book a free walking tour and explore Paris in a cost-effective manner with a local guide. These complimentary tours are typically led by locals who share insider tips, anecdotes and historical facts about their city.
The Paris free walking tours operate on a pay-what-you-feel or tip-based system, where you can give the guide a tip at the end of the tour based on what you think it was worth, making it an affordable option for those visiting Paris on a budget.
Sandeman’s New Europe Paris tour is one of the most popular free walking tours in the city. Their 3-hour journey around Paris introduces you to many of the city’s top sights, including Notre Dame de Paris, the Louvre, and the beautiful Parc des Tuileries.
You’ll also hear the stories behind the landmarks and have plenty of chances for photo ops. After all, if it’s not on Instagram, did it really happen?
Take advantage of free entry to Musee d’Orsay
Cultural experiences in Paris don’t have to be expensive, with numerous museums and galleries offering free admission once a month. On the first Sunday of every month, you can visit Musee d’Orsay for free, as long as you book your tickets online.
Located within the historic Gare d’Orsay railway station, the museum is a magnificent example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Its grand central nave features a glass roof that allows natural light to pour in, highlighting its diverse art collection, which includes Van Gogh’s famous Starry Night.
Take a tour of the thematic galleries and be amazed by an exquisite collection of French art from masters such as Monet, Manet, Pissarro, Morisot, and Renoir – all without spending a single Euro.
Unearth gems at Parisian flea markets
Paris may be known for its high-end fashion and luxury boutiques, but there are plenty of budget-friendly shopping options and vintage treasures to be discovered at the city’s diverse flea markets.
Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is one of the most frequented markets and is a go-to spot for locals in search of a good deal.
Located on the northern fringes of Paris, this chic market is a maze of narrow lanes and winding streets packed with shops, stalls, and stands overflowing with Bric-a-brac, clothing and antiques.
The market is so vast that it’s divided into sections, including Vernaison Market, Dauphine Market, and Malik Market, each offering a unique style and live entertainment.
Vernaison Market is known for its eclectic mix of antiques, vintage furniture, and decorative items, while Dauphine Market is celebrated for its more upscale antique and design pieces. Malik Market is famed for its affordable mix of vintage and second-hand items.
Savour traditional French cuisine for less than €10
While dining out in Paris can often be a pricey experience, you can reduce costs by eating at a traditional bouillon, a restaurant that serves classic French dishes to the public at reasonable prices.
You can also take advantage of fixed-price menus (menu du jour) at local restaurants and enjoy discounted rates, especially if you dine away from the tourist hotspots.
Opting for the ‘menu du jour’ lets you savour French classics like croque-monsieur, cassoulet and bouillabaisse, for as little as €8 or €10. House wine can also be purchased for around €3-4 per glass if you fancy a midday tipple.
Pay a visit to the budget-friendly Bistrot Victoires for an affordable lunch; this vintage gem on Rue de la Vrilliere serves pan-seared steak frites for less than €13 and large salads for €11.
Indulge in freshly made crepes
Freshly cooked French crepes are a cost-effective lunch choice in Paris, with numerous creperies scattered across the city serving crispy crepes straight from a hot griddle.
These convenient pancakes are expertly made on the spot in a round shape, using ingredients such as wheat flour, eggs, milk, and salt. They’re then filled with a range of sweet or savoury fillings, including Nutella, whipped cream, bananas, cheese, ham and mushrooms.
Creperie Genia Vente a emporter located at 7 rue de la Harpe, is one of the top budget-friendly food spots in Paris, offering crispy crepes and stuffed paninis to take away for just a few euros.
Discover vibrant street art at Canal Saint Martin
The Canal Saint-Martin neighbourhood in Paris is famous for its dynamic street art scene, ultra-trendy coffee shops, thrift stores and restaurants teeming with fashionable Parisians.
Located in the 10th and 11th arrondissements, this bohemian district has transformed into a favourite spot for street artists to display their creativity and leave their mark on the city’s historic walls.
Grab an inexpensive takeaway coffee from the eccentric coffee shop Le Look and wander around to uncover large-scale graffiti masterpieces.
One of the most renowned street art spots in Canal Saint-Martin is Rue de la Grange aux Belles, celebrated for its vibrant murals and stencil art.
Enjoy free vistas from Parc de Belleville
For expansive views of Paris without the hefty cost, head over to Parc de Belleville in the 20th arrondissement.
Standing at a lofty 108 metres, the Parc de Belleville holds the title of Paris’s highest park, situated atop Belleville Hill. A nearly thirty-meter-tall terrace at the peak of the park offers panoramic views of the city skyline, including glimpses of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Montmartre.
Why not pack some local cheese and wine for a budget-friendly sunset picnic with the best views in Paris?
Utilise economical transportation
Getting around Paris doesn’t have to be expensive, with numerous budget-friendly transportation options available to help you navigate the city without breaking the bank.
The metro and the RER are two separate yet interconnected train networks that offer affordable travel throughout Paris. The RER boasts five main lines, while the metro has fourteen numbered lines.
Thanks to the interconnected nature of all systems, switching between trains is straightforward and economical.
Alternatively, consider a Paris Visite travel card for unlimited rides on the metro, bus, and RER network.
Paris also prides itself as one of Europe’s most bike-friendly cities, harbouring grand plans to become a fully cyclable city. Pro-cycling initiatives include a significant expansion in the city’s protected cycleways, bike cafes and cycle parking spaces.
Not only is it eco-friendly, but exploring Paris by bike is also a cost-effective way to see the city, with many top tourist attractions conveniently located near bike routes.
The Georges Pompidou is a well-liked cycle path that runs along the banks of the Seine, providing views of iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.
For just €5 for 24 hours, visitors can rent a bike from Velib’ Metropole a large-scale public bicycle-sharing system in Paris that now includes e-bikes.
How to get to Paris from the UK on a budget
Depending on your budget and preferences, there are several affordable ways to travel from the UK to Paris.
Flights
For a quick trip, flying is often the best option. British Airways offers direct flights from cities like London and Manchester to Paris Charles de Gaulle, often with added perks like luggage and refreshments.
Budget airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair offer frequent flights from airports like Gatwick and Stansted. Keep an eye out for deals – flights can start as low as £50 if booked early, although budget airlines do charge extra for luggage.
Eurostar
If you’d rather avoid the stress of airports, the Eurostar train is a brilliant alternative. It runs directly from London St Pancras to Gare du Nord in central Paris in just over 2 hours.
Prices begin at around £39 one way if you book ahead, and you’ll bypass the airport security queues. Plus, there are no luggage fees!
FlixBus
For those looking for the ultimate budget-friendly option, FlixBus offers long-distance coach travel from the UK to Paris, with fares starting as low as £20. The journey takes approximately 8-9 hours from London, making it a perfect choice for travellers who are willing to endure a longer trip in exchange for significant savings.
Getting to Disneyland Paris
Once you’ve arrived in Paris, getting to Disneyland Paris is simple and doesn’t require spending on expensive transport options. Here are the most cost-effective ways to reach the park.
High-speed train
If your flight lands at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and you’re eager to head straight to Disneyland Paris, the quickest option is the TGV high-speed train. This service leaves directly from Terminal 2 of the airport and takes you to Marne-la-Vallee/Chessy, right at the entrance of Disneyland, in just 10 minutes!
You can secure tickets for the TGV ahead of time or buy them at the station, with costs starting from roughly €17, depending on how promptly you make your reservation. It’s an incredibly efficient and quick method to move from the airport to the magic of Disneyland without any hassle.
RER A Train
The easiest and most cost-effective way to get to Disneyland Paris is by hopping on the RER A train. This service goes straight from the heart of Paris to Marne-la-Vallee/Chessy, the station next to Disneyland.
Trains frequently depart from major Paris stations like Chatelet-Les Halles and Gare de Lyon, with the journey taking just 35-45 minutes. A single ticket is priced around €5€7.
It’s a simple, direct trip that leaves you only a few steps away from the park entrance.
Shuttle Services
For those staying at a hotel near Disneyland, many offer free or low-cost shuttle buses to and from the park. These are usually included in your hotel stay, so it’s worth enquiring with your accommodation if they provide a shuttle service.