A trip to Paris can be just as perfect without the high prices

Paris may be the most visited city in the world, but it’s also one of the most expensive. For travelers on a budget, though, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the City of Light without leaving your wallet too light.

The sights: It costs $19 to stand in a long line to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower for the magnificent view. But why not do as the Parisians do? Come in the evening, pack a picnic, and sit on the sprawling lawns surrounding the tower to watch the sunset and admire it all lighted up, sparkling every hour for 10 minutes. For that great view of Paris, hike up to the top of Montmartre and sit on the Sacre-Coeur Basilica’s steps overlooking the city.

The museums: First, if want to visit a number of the city’s great museums, go to www.parismuseumpass.com and compare prices to the passes you can purchase. Better yet, try to plan your trip to Paris to include the first Sunday of the month, when the Louvre and all the major museums are free. Don’t discount a couple of smaller free museums such as Le Musee Carnavalet, which shows off collections from the French Revolution to today, and the Petit Palais, which has collections dating to antiquity.

The sounds: Paris has two world-class opera houses. Good seating remains prohibitively expensive, but if you reserve early and don’t mind craning your neck a bit, there are seats for $11 and $16. For the under-28 crowd, last-minute tickets — sometimes for coveted seats — can also reach low prices. These are sold 15 minutes before the start of the show. The Opera Bastille reserves 62 standing-room tickets at $8, on sale as soon as doors open, generally 90 minutes before starting time.

The wandering: The cheapest and most satisfying way to see the city is on your own. A year ago, Paris debuted an extensive system of rental bikes that you can help yourself to for just $1.50 a day, credit card only, at numerous spots all over town. It’s a great way to wander around the city independently. Or, hop on a bus and see where it takes you. Weekly passes, which also work on the metro, are well worth investing in. One scenic bus line runs past the Seine, Louvre, Notre Dame, several bridges, Eiffel Tower and Champs-Elysees, and another runs past the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees and Moulin Rouge.

The food: For typical French food, no need to go to expensive restaurants. Try Le Bouillon Chartier, not just for its stunning art deco interior but for its simple, affordable fare. Or pick up a traditional French picnic at La Cantine de Quentin, and walk over to the lovely Saint Martin Canal. Try street food in the atmospheric Latin Quarter, or fixed-price lunch menus, cheaper than their dinnertime counterparts. Also peruse the traditional outdoor markets. One of the best and least expensive is the Belleville market, open on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The room: If you’re staying for a week or even just a few days, short-term rentals found on Craigslist can be a lot cheaper than hotels. For an intermediary and a bit more peace of mind, the one-woman company Alcove & Agaves will set you up in lovely Parisian homes. Go to www.bed-and-breakfast-in-paris.com.