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While thinking of my next travel destination, Paris crossed my mind, and I decided to visit this beautiful place. I believed that September would be an ideal time to experience the charm of this romantic city, and I can confidently say I made the right choice.

So after I bought my tickets and completed a long search of things to do and see in Paris, the last thing left was to find where I could stay in Paris for cheap or for free.

After my research, I realized Paris is very costly, and even places to stay in Paris on a budget were very expensive for me. And I found an alternative. Which was a Couchsurfing.

How to Get Free Accommodation in Paris

I came to the realization that accommodations in Paris could be quite expensive, and given the significant amount I had already spent on tickets, I was keen on finding a more budget-friendly place to stay. Then I found out about Couchsurfing for the first time.

For those unfamiliar with Couchsurfing, it is an application where people from all over the world offer a FREE place to stay. The app is user-friendly and easy to use. It allows you to check each profile reference and see all the personal details of the host.

Before, I only heard a bit about this service, but never took it seriously. This time I tried it. I started looking at people’s profiles who offered free accommodation for me in Paris. Those were mostly men.

I had some initial hesitation since I wasn’t sure about the safety, but after carefully reviewing their profiles and references, everything appeared perfectly fine. Eventually, I chose to stay with a guy who had extended the first invitation. I heard nowadays it got worse and you might find people there with different intentions, so be careful with your choice.

NOTE: ACCOMMODATION FROM COUCHSURFING IS COMPLETELY FREE. It’s PROHIBITED TO PAY FOR YOUR STAY.

Main Benefits of Using Couchsurfing

Free stay
Excursions with locals
You can make great friends
You can learn a language easier

They recommend you bring your hosts some souvenirs from your country or cook your national dish as a thank you. But it is optional.

So make sure they do not ask for money from you and always check their references and trust your intuition, of course. We chatted with my host, the French guy before my trip, and when I finally got to Paris, he even met me by the metro so we could walk to his place together.

Upon entering his apartment, I was taken aback by how tiny it was. However, knowing that it was a free stay, I mentally prepared myself that it was going to be fine and I would survive my three days on the air mattress. And I was.

He later told me that all apartments in Paris have smaller sizes, not like in the USA, and are very expensive.

Anyway, It was a good experience staying with a local, learning about French history, meeting new friends, and learning more about the style of Parisian living and their culture.

I fell in love with Paris because of its breathtaking cityscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and the pervasive sense of love that filled every corner I explored. I saw some nice hidden places (which only locals know) and the main sightseeing.

Other options to consider staying in Paris for FREE are: HouseCarers (to housesit for free), finding a host on Host a sister FB group, ask for part-time work at hostels for a Free stay.

5 Paris Tips for First-Timers

1. Avoid Eating in Tourist Places

In my personal experience, dining in Paris can be quite pricey. I found myself with limited options, causing a minimum spending of 20 euros for a basic meal. Fortunately, I discovered local shops where I could purchase pre-made food and enjoy it outdoors.

2. Don’t Buy Croissants or Bread in Big Supermarkets

If you want the best croissants, don’t expect a big taste difference in cafes or restaurants. Instead, go to local bakeries. To be sure they’re made there, look for a sign that says “artisan Boulanger” on the shop’s front window.

3. Greet French People With “Bonjour”

It’s important to know that French people appreciate it when you greet them with “Bonjour,” which means “Good Day.” Some people might seem very rude if you start talking to them, but they are just busy most likely. So don’t take it personally.

Be prepared that not everybody speaks English, especially on the Subway, so it is better to check the directions to your destinations before you get lost in the metro, as I learned the hard way when I got lost there.

4. Use the Metro

The Paris Metro is a bustling underground network that efficiently connects the city’s many attractions. Paris Metro prices are €2.10 for a one-way ride lasting up to 2 hours. If you plan to go to many places, it’s better to buy 10 ride tickets, which will cost you a discounted price of €16.90 (2023 update).

Make sure to keep your metro ticket until you have exited the station. Occasionally, you will be asked to show your ticket to the inspectors at the exit.

Instead of taking a taxi to the airport (which going to cost you a lot, about 50 euros) take RER B which will take you straight to CDG for 11.40 euros or if you need the Orly airport, take RER to Orly for an additional 12.10 euros and transfer to the ‘Orlyval’ at Antony. Take the airport bus from Denfert-Rochereau instead, which is free with your weekly metro pass.

5. Prepare Some Cash

Most places take credit cards in Paris, but sometimes you might need some cash (for example, if you want to leave some tips). Tipping is optional, but leaving some makes you look good. So make sure you have some euros in your pocket if needed.

5 Free Things to Do in Paris

1. Take a FREE Walking Tour in Paris

This is a great opportunity to get to know about Paris’s history, and make friends. With knowledgeable guides and a fantastic route, this tour earns a top-ranking spot for exploring Paris on a budget (you just pay tips). Don’t miss out!

2. Visit Museums in Paris for FREE

If you would like to know more about art and history, take advantage of the FREE museum’s entrance. To get more details about which museums offer this option in the city of Love, check this source.

3. Watch the Night Light Show of the Eiffel Tower

See the Eiffel Tower light up the night! Its colorful show is pure magic and a must-see in Paris. Don’t miss the enchantment of this nightly spectacle! It starts in the evening when it is getting dark and ends at 1 am. Each show performs every 5 minutes, and the last one performs for 10 minutes total.

4. Look for FREE Shows, Concerts, and Festivals in Paris

Discover the rhythm of Paris for free! Search for exciting, free cultural entertainment in the city of lights and immerse yourself in musical magic. Many of them happen in the summer, but there are some in other seasons, too.

5. Enjoy a FREE View of Paris From the Galleria De Lafayette

With breathtaking panoramic Paris views, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the city’s beauty. Enjoy a serene escape, high above the bustling streets, and savor a café or cocktail. This hidden gem offers a unique perspective of Paris you won’t want to miss. You will need to take the elevator to the very top (7th floor). The terrace opens at 9.30 am and closes at 8 pm.

Final Thoughts

Paris is an amazing city that offers a lot of beauty to see. It is a bit pricey compared to the other European cities, but every city offers a lot of FREE things to do and Paris is no exception. You can even stay in Paris for Free as I did. The Couchsurfing experience is not for everybody, though. I can’t even say it is for me, but I live life when I have to try everything I can.

*I am not affiliated with them, it was just a personal experience.

I hope my Paris tips and personal experience will be useful to you. Thanks for reading:).

If you know another way to get FREE accommodation in Paris, please share in the comments section below.

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