Paris, the City of Lights, isn’t just about romance, history, and pastries—it’s also where your wallet might feel a little heartbreak. Especially if you’re traveling from India. So how expensive is Paris for Indian travelers? Let me show you.
On my recent solo journey from Mumbai to Paris, I quickly realized that the charm of this iconic city comes with a high price tag. While its architecture, cobbled lanes, and café culture are second to none, navigating expenses as an Indian traveler requires strategy, savvy, and a solid backup plan.
Budget Beds in the Heart of Paris? Not Quite.
I checked into a ten-bed dorm hostel near Gare du Nord—a well-connected hub for metro travel. Pre-booked, my bed cost ₹2,100 (roughly €23) per night. That’s one of the cheapest options available! Even then, lockers weren’t included. Renting one? A steep €1.5 per hour! If you’re heading to Paris, bring your own lock and a sense of humor.
Grocery Store Shock: A ₹10 Water Bottle Now Costs ₹44
Next stop? A local grocery store. Here’s how Paris stacks up for everyday essentials:
- 500ml water – €0.5 (~₹44)
- Coca-Cola (6 cans) – €4 (~₹360)
- Lays chips – €2.25 (~₹200)
- Bananas (each!) – €2.5 (~₹225)
Compare this to Indian prices, and you’ll feel like every snack is a luxury item. Tomatoes? Around ₹840 per kg. Garlic? ₹350 per kg. Even sugarcane was going for a jaw-dropping ₹615 per kg. Moral of the story? Paris may be picturesque, but groceries aren’t kind to the rupee.
An Indian Meal in Paris: Comfort Food at a Premium
For homesick taste buds, I found solace in a vegetarian South Indian restaurant—Chennai Dosa—where the staff included a friendly Gujarati girl. How’s that for desi Paris vibes?
- 2 samosas – €4
- Lassi – €4.5
- Full meal (Tandoori roti + Matar paneer) – €16–17 (~₹1,500)
Despite the cost, the food felt like a warm hug from home. Even better? The restaurant offered a 10% discount for my YouTube viewers if their bill crosses €50—a rare kindness in a city known for its sky-high prices.
Getting Around: The Metro, Mountmartre & Mixed Vibes
Paris is built for exploration, and the metro system is efficient but not cheap—each ride starts at €2.1 (₹190). I headed to Montmartre, a charming hilltop neighborhood just 10 minutes from Gare du Nord. Here, among church bells and cobbled lanes, I sipped a €6 coffee (₹535). For reference, that’s double what a similar coffee would cost in Brussels.
While the vibes are dreamy, not everything was rosy. Locals were less than helpful when I needed directions, and several warned me to keep a tight grip on my belongings. Petty theft is common in tourist hotspots—Montmartre included.
From Street Art to Souvenirs: Parisian Magic on a Budget
Despite the prices, there’s no denying Paris is bursting with life. At Montmartre, I saw street artists create portraits with origami, explored St. Peter of Montmartre Church, and watched crowds gather around live musicians. The atmosphere was electric.
For gifts? You’ll find Eiffel Tower keychains for €1, perfect for taking a slice of Paris home without breaking the bank. And yes, there’s even a Love Lock Bridge, though the original was closed due to the weight of the locks. Still, you can grab your own padlock for as little as €0.5.
Final Thoughts: Can You Do Paris on a Budget?
Short answer: Yes—but with trade-offs. You can walk instead of taking the metro, enjoy picnics with grocery-store meals (if you can stomach the prices), and seek out hostel deals. But if you’re expecting Paris to feel like a pocket-friendly European city, you’ll be in for a surprise.
Also final answer is Paris expensive for Indian travelers? A resounding YES, so make sure that you budget well if you are going to make a trip through Europe.
Still, as I sipped overpriced coffee under golden sunlight and listened to street music echo through ancient alleyways, I knew it was worth every euro. Paris has a rhythm of its own—just don’t forget your wallet.
Which other places in Europe might be more fairly priced? Check out more places here.
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