A Day in Paris on a Dime
Paris is a city designed to make you spend. From its bobo brunch spots and curated concept shop experiences popping up on every street, there is an underlying message beneath it all: spend or die. But what happens when you don’t?
For many students, it can feel as if they are in a constant battle between balancing academics, social lives, and financial survival. The pressure to participate in a consumer-driven lifestyle becomes especially apparent each weekend, with invitations to cocktails, Saturday morning lattes, and other costly outings feeling almost impossible to turn down.
This made me wonder: Can you truly enjoy a weekend in Paris with minimal spending? With the city's endless temptations, it seemed impossible. Regardless, I set a goal—to have a fun, perhaps even memorable weekend while spending as little money as possible.
Recognizing the financial challenges of living in a city like Paris, AUP provides students with an estimated yearly budget to help them plan their expenses and make informed financial decisions. Kate Keathley, a 21-year-old senior at AUP, has used this resource to help manage her own finances.
For Keathley, budgets are helpful, but she realistically acknowledges their limitations. “I prioritize my rent and bills at the beginning of the month, but I allow myself one out-of-budget purchase per month."
The weekend had barely begun, and by Friday night, I was already facing my first challenge—an invitation to drinks and tapas.
The lounge was bathed in a plush purple glow, the kind of moody lighting that makes everything feel a little more expensive. The menu confirmed my suspicions. The drinks were upscale, and each description noted the glass it would be served in, seemingly curated for the perfect Instagram shot.
When the waiter arrived to take orders, most of the table opted for craft cocktails and small plates to share, while I chose water. As drinks were served and the conversation turned to the unique flavors and presentation, it was hard not to feel left out.
For some, moderation is the key. Kate says, “If I do go out to get drinks or have dinner, I try to focus on the inexpensive items on the menu and go from there. But if I really want something, then I get it. Life is too short to live sparingly, so why not treat oneself?”
However, as Kate points out, “It’s important to spend within a reasonable amount,” and a Saturday morning stroll is the perfect way to give your wallet a break.
“Walking around Paris is fun and free,” she says. Whether basking in the sunlight or admiring the city’s intricate architecture against a backdrop of cloudy skies, a simple walk, paired with a good playlist, can be just as rewarding as any pricey outing.
Taking her advice, I went for a walk and found myself at one of my favorite spots in Paris—the dog park at the Jardin de l’Hôtel Lamoignon on Rue des Francs-Bourgeois. The park is a lively spot, filled with playful pups and their often-friendly owners.
Bringing a snack from home is another easy way to save money. Settling onto a bench with a madeleine in hand makes for a budget-friendly, quintessentially Parisian moment.
By Sunday, the rain had set in, making it the perfect day to slow down and unwind. For those looking for a new book, the instinct might be to browse a bookstore. But just a few blocks from AUP in the 7th arrondissement, The American Library in Paris offers an alternative. With an extensive collection and plenty of quiet spaces for reading or studying, a library card costs around €11 per month, which is far more economical than buying a €20 book multiple times a month for avid readers.
That evening, a classic French film screening at L’Épée de Bois cinema in the 5th arrondissement provided an affordable cultural escape. Organized by Lost in Frenchlation, a group dedicated to making French cinema more accessible to non-French speakers, the event included subtitles and a €7 student ticket.
While it may not have been the most exciting weekend of my life in Paris, it provided an opportunity for reflection—and even some time to catch up on homework. In a city where spending can feel constant and the fear of missing out is omnipresent, a strict budget can serve as a reset, a chance to step back from the fast-paced rhythm of Parisian life and embrace a more intentional approach to money. As Kate puts it, “Being aware of your finances can be liberating.” Rather than feeling restrictive, mindful spending can open the door to appreciating the city in new ways.
