How to Go to Paris for Free: How I Did It – And How You Can Too!
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Paris—the capital city of France, the City of Light, the land of croissants, the ultimate bucket list destination. But let’s be real: it’s also expensive. A trip to Paris can cost thousands of dollars between flights, accommodations, and daily expenses. However, what if I told you that you could go to Paris for free—or at least very close to it?
I did it, and in this post, I’ll show you exactly how I made my dream trip happen without spending a fortune, using travel hacking techniques and credit card points.
Before we dive in, I have to give this disclaimer: Use credit cards responsibly. If you carry a balance and pay interest, earning travel points is not worth it. However, if you can pay off your balance in full each month, this strategy could help you travel for next to nothing!
Planning Your Trip to Paris
Planning a trip to Paris can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to budgeting. However, with some research and planning, you can have a fantastic time in the City of Light without breaking the bank.
Step 1: How I Flew to Paris in Business Class for (Almost) Free
I love to travel, but I’m also a cheapskate at heart. You will never catch me paying full price for a business class ticket. But when it comes to using points? That’s a different story!
For my recent trip to Paris, I flew Air France business class using points earned from my Capital One Venture X credit card. Let me tell you—it’s going to be really hard to go back to economy flights now!
Here’s what I loved about business class:
A lie-flat seat (which meant I actually slept on an overnight flight for the first time ever!)
Champagne as soon as I sat down
Delicious food that didn’t look like high school cafeteria mystery meat
Extra legroom (even though I’m only 5’3”, I appreciated being able to stretch out)
Priority boarding and lounge access before my flight
For my flight from Miami (MIA) to Charles de Gaulle (CDG), it cost me 100,000 points for a business class seat. I did have to pay a small amount of cash to cover taxes and fees, but it was cheaper than an economy ticket to Paris.
How You Can Do It:
Sign up for a travel rewards credit card like the Capital One Venture X, Chase, or American Express Platinum.
Use your card for everyday purchases and pay it off in full each month to maximize points.
Look for transfer partners like Air France/KLM Flying Blue, United MileagePlus, or American AAdvantage to book flights using points.
Be flexible with your travel dates to find the best award availability.
Step 2: How I Stayed at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile for Free in a Club-Level Room
When it comes to hotel loyalty programs, I’m usually a Marriott Bonvoy girl. I have Titanium status thanks to an unexpected home renovation that had me living in a Courtyard Marriott for 72 days (that’s a long story for another day!).
But after hearing all the hype about Hyatt points, I decided to give them a try. I opened a Hyatt credit card, hit the sign-up bonus, and quickly racked up enough points to book a stay at the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile.
This hotel is a Category 4 Hyatt property, meaning it cost me a total of 60,000 Hyatt points for three nights (plus about €9 in city tax). Even better? I booked a club-level room, which meant:
Free breakfast every morning
Access to the club lounge with free snacks and drinks throughout the day
An incredible view of the Eiffel Tower from my room!
How You Can Do It:
Sign up for a travel credit card
Earn a sign-up bonus to quickly accumulate points.
Redeem points for free nights at Hyatt hotels, including luxury properties.
Consider booking a club-level room for added perks like free meals and drinks.
Step 3: Keeping My Paris Trip Costs Low
Even though I covered my flight and hotel with points, I still had to budget for food, activities, and transportation. Here’s how I kept my expenses minimal:
Free and Low-Cost Activities in Paris
Paris has plenty of amazing free or cheap activities, including:
Walking tours – Many companies offer tip-based walking tours.
Picnicking by the Seine – A baguette, some cheese, and a bottle of wine? Perfection!
Museum discounts – The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay have free admission on the first Sunday of every month.
Parks and gardens – Places like Jardin des Tuileries and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont are perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Exploring charming neighborhoods – Montmartre, Le Marais, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés are all must-visit areas
Free ticket opportunities – Take advantage of free ticket opportunities on special days, such as the first Sunday of the month when many museums, including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, offer free admission.
Affordable Dining Hacks in Paris
I kept my food costs down by:
Eating croissants and coffee for breakfast (free at the hotel with club level access)
Grabbing pre-made sandwiches from bakeries instead of sit-down meals
Enjoying prix-fixe lunch menus, which are much cheaper than dinner
Shopping at local grocery stores for snacks and drinks instead of overpriced tourist spots
Free Food and Drink
While dining out in Paris can be expensive, there are ways to enjoy free food and drink:
Visit the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, a famous flea market where you can find free samples of food and drink. It’s a great way to taste local delicacies without spending a fortune.
Take a free wine tasting tour at a local vineyard, such as the Clos Montmartre. This hidden gem offers a unique experience and a taste of Parisian wine culture.
Enjoy a free picnic in one of Paris’ many beautiful parks, such as the Luxembourg Gardens or the Bois de Boulogne. Grab a baguette, some cheese, and a bottle of wine from a local grocery store, and you’re set for a delightful meal in a picturesque setting.
Free Entertainment and Events
Paris is a city that’s always buzzing with activity, and there are plenty of free entertainment and events to enjoy:
During the summer months, you can attend free outdoor concerts or movie screenings. These events are often held in parks and public squares, providing a lively atmosphere.
Visit the Place de la Concorde, where you can watch the famous fountain show for free. The area is also steeped in history and offers stunning views of the city.
Explore the city’s many street art markets, such as the Marché d’Aligre. Here, you can find unique and affordable art pieces, and enjoy the vibrant street art scene that Paris is known for.
Getting Around Paris for Cheap
Instead of taking taxis or Ubers, I used:
The Metro – A pack of 10 tickets (a carnet) costs less than individual rides.
Walking – Paris is a very walkable city!
Bike rentals – The Vélib’ bike-share program is a fun way to explore.
Visiting Famous Landmarks
No trip to Paris would be complete without visiting some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Here are some tips for visiting these iconic sites:
Eiffel Tower: While it’s not completely free to visit the Eiffel Tower, you can enjoy the views from the Champ de Mars park at the base of the tower for free. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll with the iconic structure as your backdrop.
Arc de Triomphe: This famous monument is free to visit on the outside, and offers a paid visit with stunning views of the city from its rooftop. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Paris, including the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower.
Notre Dame Cathedral: The cathedral recently finished its renovation and lines to see the inside are long and it’ll cost you. However, you can still visit the exterior and take a free tour of the surrounding neighborhood. The area is rich in history and offers beautiful views of the Seine River.
Louvre Museum: While the Louvre is not free to visit, you can enjoy the museum’s free temporary exhibitions and events. Check the museum’s schedule to see what’s on during your visit.
Sainte-Chapelle: This beautiful Gothic chapel is known for its stunning stained glass windows, and offers free admission on the first Sunday of each month. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in art and architecture.
By following these tips, you can have a fantastic time in Paris without breaking the bank. Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or entertainment, there’s something for everyone in the City of Light.
Final Costs Breakdown
Here’s what I actually spent out-of-pocket for my Paris trip:
Flight: around $100 (taxes and fees)
Hotel: €9 (city tax)
Food and drinks: ~$150 (mostly on pastries and wine!)
Total: Less than $300 for a luxury trip to Paris before activities. I’ll admit to splurging on activities since I’d saved elsewhere and you can read about the 8 Must-Do Experiences for Your First Trip to Paris that I enjoyed during my trip!
Final Thoughts: How You Can Travel to Paris for Free (or Close to It!)
Traveling to Paris (or anywhere in the world) for free isn’t magic—it’s all about using points and miles strategically. By signing up for the right credit cards, earning points through everyday spending, not carrying a balance, and redeeming your points wisely, you can experience luxury travel without the luxury price tag.
If you’re dreaming of Paris but don’t want to break the bank, start today:
Pick a travel rewards credit card that fits your lifestyle.
Use it for everyday purchases and pay it off in full.
Take advantage of sign-up bonuses and transfer partners.
Plan ahead to find the best deals on award flights and hotels.
Before you know it, you’ll be sipping champagne in business class on your way to Paris—just like I did!
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Lori Barbely
Hi, I’m Lori, the Chief Travel Officer for Mostly Solo Travel! I created this site for solo (and would-be solo) female travelers. My goal is to inspire your trips, give you practical advice on how to plan, and to ease your fears so you can explore the world on your own.
