Paris has a sprawl comparable to London or New York City.
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On the one hand, that bodes well for travelers who are on the hunt for culture. You’ll have centuries of riveting history to work through as you explore the city arrondissement by arrondissement. That’s not even counting modern pursuits in the City of Love, from perfumeries to day trips.
On the other hand, Paris’s size can be a nightmare to navigate. Despite its functional public transportation systems, the city’s layout can be difficult for first-timers. On top of that, taxis can be expensive, and traffic is often congested.
In short, you need to find lodging with a solid location so you aren’t wasting hours getting around the city. You also need to find a place that’s not sized like a shoebox while being priced like a palace.
Not too difficult, right?
Take a shortcut with these Airbnbs in Paris, which are budget-friendly while still having a central location. I’ve looked for Airbnbs that cost less than $1,300 for a weeklong booking. While they aren’t the biggest, and elevators aren’t common, they do come with air-conditioning. (Heads up: AC is usually a mobile unit, not central.) Allons-y!
Top 3 budget-friendly Airbnbs in Paris
- Best location: 1850 Faubourg Apartment
- Best views: Cozy Studio w/Effiel Tower Views
- Most spacious: 60sm Design Apartment
9 Airbnbs in Paris that are budget-friendly and not in the boonies
Beautiful Attic Apartment
You’ve got a long living room-kitchen, along with a small bedroom with a full-sized mattress that links to a bathroom. It’s small, but the large windows give the space a bright, open feel. What you’re really paying for is the central location.
- Size: Small attic apartment (no square meters given)
- Area: 3-4th Arrondissement
- Walk-up? Yes, 5th floor
Contemporary Apartment in République
Once again, high ceilings and large windows make this attic unit a steal. It also has a large, open living room-kitchen that makes it more livable. Just know that the bed is in a loft accessed by narrow stairs. It might not work for all visitors.
- Size: 30 square meters
- Area: 10th Arrondissement
- Walk-up? No, there is an elevator
City Break Studio
Though this studio is small, it’s beautifully designed and has a spacious layout. You won’t feel cramped thanks to unique features like the bedside inlaid shelves, as well. As a perk, the neighborhood is a bit more laidback and has areas that locals frequent, not just tourists.
- Size: Small studio (no square meters given)
- Area: 10-11th Arrondissement
- Walk-up? Yes, 5th floor
60sm Design Apartment
As the name says, this is a high-design Airbnb. It’s also one of the largest on the list with a roomy, separate bedroom, a balcony with excellent views, and a separate kitchen. I think the view from the balcony helps make up for the fifth-floor walk-up, in this case.
- Size: 60 square meters
- Area: 2nd, 3rd, & 10th Arrondissement
- Walk-up? Yes, 5th floor
Minimalist Japanese-style Flat
Want to work out during your visit to Paris? This Airbnb is located in a prime location near Reaumur Sebastopol station… but it’s on a sixth-floor walkup. The apartment consists of a modular studio setup with a pull-down bed and a projector for watching movies. The kitchen and bathroom are both small, but fully functional.
- Size: Small attic studio (no square meters given)
- Area: 2-3rd Arrondissement
- Walk-up? Yes, 6th floor
Cozy Studio w/Effiel Tower Views
This stunning all-glass apartment is like something out of a movie set. You’ll have equal indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy, which flood the apartment with light. Just know that it’s a full-time residence that isn’t on the market often. I recommend booking when you can.
- Size: Large attic studio (no square meters given)
- Area: 19th Arrondissement
- Walk-up? No, there is an elevator
Best View in Paris
This spacious one-bedroom is full of character. You can also sleep in separate areas, as this apartment comes with a sofa-bed. (Note that occupancy maxes out at two.) This area is also one of the most trendy in the city, letting you rub elbows with cool Parisians as soon as you step out the door.
- Size: Spacious one-bedroom (no square meters given)
- Area: 6th Arrondissement
- Walk-up? Yes, 5th floor
Apartment in Montparnasse
Speaking of Montparnasse, if you’d like to stay in the area (same as above), here’s another great one-bedroom. It’s a newly refurbished unit with extras like hotel-caliber bedding and travel books that will inspire you as you take on Paris. You also have a small balcony to take in the city.
- Size: 38 square meters
- Area: 6th Arrondissement
- Walk-up? Yes, 5th floor
1850 Faubourg Apartment
I’m not sure if this is a true one-bedroom or a studio based on the images. The host labels it as a one-bedroom, but it looks like a studio. Regardless, it’s lovely, minimalist, and located in an excellent spot in the 10th Arrondissement. It’s also located inside a building that dates back to the 1850s and seems to have parquet flooring. In short, you’ll get a little glimpse into Paris’s past at this Airbnb.
- Size: Spacious studio (no square meters given)
- Area: 10th Arrondissement
- Walk-up? Yes, 5th floor
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