Paris ranks as one of the priciest cities in both Europe and the world. Every time I return from more affordable places, I’m shocked by the high costs. So, finding fun yet cheap date ideas seems daunting!
The dating lifestyle in Paris is far from thrifty. People are often stressed, with high-paying jobs and limited free time, typically getting off work around 9:30 PM. The usual routine includes spending $12 on drinks, enjoying two or three to unwind, followed by a $50 meal, and then heading to another bar or club for $15 cocktails. By the time you cab home, you’re likely to have spent over $120 on just yourself!
While I occasionally indulge in these expensive evenings with close friends, I usually prefer having dinner at someone’s place or a picnic in the park during summer. I simply can’t afford three $120 dates a week!
For tourists, Paris offers many affordable and charming date spots. A picnic at the foot of the Eiffel Tower or atop Montmartre with its panoramic views sounds lovely, but as a local, you might want to save such experiences for special occasions.
Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly options:
LESSER KNOWN PARKS
Instead of the crowded tourist spots, I recommend places like Parc de Belleville, which has a beautiful view of the eastern side of the city. Buttes-Chaumont and Parc André Citroën offer unique experiences too. Bring a good bottle of wine, some cheese, and a baguette, and you’re all set!
MOVIES UNDER THE STARS
During summer, La Villette hosts outdoor movies on a giant screen. People gather with blankets or folding chairs, making it a truly romantic setting. The movie selection is excellent, and the best part is that it’s free. You can even rent a chair if you didn’t bring your own.
CYCLING TOUR OF THE CITY
I love combining my passion for cycling with my love for Paris. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one from the hundreds of Velib stations for just 1 euro a day. You can use these bikes for 30 minutes and return them at any station. These tours often end with a coffee or drink somewhere nice.
FREE MUSEUMS AND CONCERTS
I often check the schedules of music schools or city events for free concerts, especially around June 21st, when the Fête de la Musique takes place and concerts pop up everywhere. Many museums are free too, like the Modern Art Museum, Victor Hugo’s house, or the Musée Carnavalet. Others offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month, like the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay. Since I can’t spend hours in a museum, I enjoy making short visits to these cultural spots.
These options are great for first dates. Over time, I usually transition to having dinners at home or meeting up with friends. Aside from the food you bring, these outings are free, and the best part is that you can leave whenever you want!
DO YOU HAVE IDEAS FOR A FRUGAL FIRST DATE IN A BIG CITY?