When on a tight budget, avoid staying in hotels in the more touristy Opera or even Latin Quarter areas. The Bastille, Republique, or Oberkampf (or even Belleville) neighborhoods are cheaper and have great night life.

If you travel to Paris during the summer, take advantage of the many free stuff the city has to offer. One example is open air movie theater at Parc de la Villette (from 17 July to 26 August this year).

Take a day trip to Versailles: even if you don't pay to visit the Chateau, the park is free to roam around - and then you can visit Marie Natoinette's miniature (and unreal) farm/village.