When visiting Paris on a budget, choosing a vacation rental is the best solution. An apartment rental on a weekly basis will save you on the cost of the rooms. If there are 4 of you, you can rent either a 1 or 2BR apartment which you pay per unit, not per guest.

But when the vacation rental budget is tight, wise travellers will take a closer look to the location of their apartment.

Paris is divided into 20 ‘arrondissements’ or ‘quartiers’ rotating clockwise from the center outward.  The 1^st to 8^th arrondissements are the most central and draw a premium in apartment rental prices (even in hotel prices).

If your budget is very tight,  try to find an apartment outside of  the 1^st to the 6^th arrondissements.  Of course those arrondissements are more central and more convenient to many of the standard tourist venues, however, being just at the edge of those areas can still keep you fairly central, and will  save you money.

For example, choosing an apartment rental on the western edge of the 11^th arrondissement, also known as the Bastille quarter, you’ll be only a few minutes’ walk from the famous Marais (4^th arrondissement). And for the same price you will likely find a larger apartment to call your home.
The same goes for the 17^th arrondissement - an apartment on the southern edge, brings you  just a stone’s throw from the Champs Elysees.  
Staying in the northern area of the 14^th arrondissement brings you just a few minutes away from the famous 5^th arrondissement, (Quartier Latin) and the super chic 6^th arrondissement.

Many ask, are there any inconveniences being in the 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th  or 17^th arrondissements? As long as you have a good subway stop close to your apartment rental, there’s not much to worry about.

It is important to note that each arrondissement has its own “soul” to be discovered, too.

Each has its own main point of interests, including historic monuments or areas, trendy bars and restaurants, boutiques and museums. 

Paris is only 105.40 km², the efficient public transportation system takes you from one end to Paris to the other each very quickly by subway, or slightly slower by bus.  However, the latter is a good way to view Paris by day or night).

So what are the advantages of staying off the beaten path? Saving on your vacation rental, saving on the restaurants around with less touristy places, being close to the main point of interests with a good subway stop.  When you are really on a budget, don’t be afraid to test out other locations.  The money you save can be spent on great Parisian souvenirs.

Paris Be A Part Of It is a licensed real estate agency in Paris specialised in vacation short term rental as well as long term rental in Paris.