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When I think of Paris, I immediately think of that movie-like atmosphere: sidewalk cafes, the Eiffel Tower shining at night, the smell of fresh croissants.

But, I confess, I've also caught myself thinking: "Is it possible to enjoy all this without spending a fortune?" The answer is a resounding yes. Yes! Travel to Paris on a budget Not only is it possible, it can be one of the most enjoyable adventures in life.

Firstly, with a little planning, some smart tips and an open heart, you will discover that the French capital has a lot to offer without having to empty your wallet.

So in this 4-day itinerary, I'm going to share how I enjoyed Paris on a budget, with ideas that combine free tours, cheap food and moments that made my eyes shine.

It's an invitation for you to throw yourself into this incredible city, with your backpack on your back and without fear of exploring. Let's go together? Take note of the tips, get your sneakers ready and let's live it up! Paris on a budget!

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Why Paris doesn't have to be expensive?

Before diving into the itinerary, let me tell you a secret: Paris is not just for those with deep pockets.

Sure, the city has its fancy restaurants and soap opera hotels, but it's also full of affordable little corners that are pure charm.

Museums open their doors for free on special days, parks are perfect for a relaxing day without spending a dime, and the metro will take you anywhere for a fair price. The best part? The soul of Paris is in the simple things: a walk along the Seine, a warm loaf of bread bought at the bakery, a sunset that looks like it was hand-painted.

With a little organization and a willingness to explore, you will see that Paris on a budget It’s more than possible — it’s a way to connect with the city as if you were a resident.

So, come with me to discover how to make the most of each day!

Day 1: Arriving and falling in love with Montmartre

Morning: Landing and finding a place to call your own

Arriving in Paris is a moment that gives you butterflies in your stomach. If you land at Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport, my tip is: forget about taxis. They are expensive, and public transportation is much more budget-friendly. RER B, a train that connects the airports to the city center, costs about €10-12 and is super practical. If you prefer the bus, the RoissyBus (by Charles de Gaulle) or the OrlyBus (from Orly) are also cheap and reliable options.

To save on commuting around the city, buy the Paris Visite Pass. It gives you unlimited travel on the metro, bus and RER for 1, 3 or 5 days. I got the 3-day pass, and it was a great way to travel around Paris without having to worry about buying individual tickets. It's one of the keys to enjoying yourself. Paris on a budget, because public transport takes you to practically all the amazing places.

When it comes to choosing where to stay, Paris has options for all budgets. I stayed at a hostel called St. Christopher's Inn, which has dorm beds for €20-35 per night and a very laid-back vibe.

Another one I've heard good things about is Generator Paris, with a great location. If you prefer something more private, the Airbnb have rooms or apartments in neighborhoods like Belleville or Montmartre for fair prices — just book in advance to ensure you get a good deal.

After dropping off my bag, I grabbed a coffee to go (it cost €1.50 at a boulangerie) and felt ready to explore the city.

Afternoon: Montmartre, where Paris looks like a movie

My first destination was Montmartre, and seriously, what a place! It's like walking into a postcard, with cobblestone streets, artists drawing and an atmosphere that mixes nostalgia and bohemianism. I climbed the stairs to the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur (entry is free!) and I was left speechless by the view. From up there, Paris spreads out like a carpet, with the Eiffel Tower in the background and a sea of rooftops. I took a moment to sit on the steps and just enjoy the moment.

Then, I got lost in the little streets of the neighborhood. Place du Tertre It's a square full of artists painting pictures and portraits — it's beautiful, but the cafes there are expensive. For lunch, I did what any Parisian would do: I bought a baguette (€1), a piece of brie cheese (€2) and an apple (€0.50) at a Franprix supermarket. I took them all to the gardens near the basilica and had a picnic with a view. That's the spirit of Paris on a budget: transform simple things into incredible memories.

Evening: A delicious dinner and the Seine at dusk

As the sun began to set, I went down to the banks of the River Seine, starting with Pont Neuf. Walking around there at night, with the city lights turning on, is spine-chilling. It doesn't cost anything, but it feels like you're in a dream. I spent some time just looking at the little boats and the couples strolling around, feeling that unique Parisian atmosphere.

For dinner I went to Bouillon Pigalle, a classic restaurant serving French dishes like onion soup and boeuf bourguignon for €10-12 (the set menu includes a starter and main course). The food is hearty, the atmosphere is lively, and the price is perfect for those who want to eat well without spending a lot.

If you want something even more affordable, the streets of The Marais There are snack bars with delicious falafels for €5-7. I ended the night with a pistachio ice cream (€3) and a last walk along the Seine, already feeling a bit Parisian.

Day 2: Diving into history and art

Morning: The Louvre, even with a tight budget

I woke up early on the second day, excited to see the Louvre Museum. Entry costs around €17, which can be a bit expensive, but there are ways to save money.

I discovered that the Louvre is free on the first Saturday of the month at night (from 6pm to 9:45pm) and for those under 26 and living in the European Union. Since I didn't fit into this, I bought the ticket online in advance, which saved me from queues and extra fees.

If you can't or don't want to go in, don't worry. The Louvre courtyard, with the Glass Pyramid, and the Tuileries Garden, right next door, are free and beautiful.

I spent a long time walking through the garden paths, taking photos and watching Parisian families enjoying the day. It's the kind of thing that makes Paris on a budget so special: you don't need to spend money to be enchanted.

Afternoon: Notre-Dame and the charm of the Île de la Cité

From the Louvre, I walked to the Notre Dame Cathedral, which is very close by. Even after the fire, it remains majestic, with those gothic towers that seem to touch the sky. Entering the cathedral is free, but climbing the towers costs about €8.50, so I decided to leave it for next time.

Instead, I explored the City Island, the island where Paris began. The squares, like the Place Dauphine, and the hidden gardens are so charming that you forget the world outside.

For lunch I bought a cheese crepe at a stand for €4 — warm, melted, delicious! Another option is to grab a sandwich at a boulangerie (about €5) and eat it sitting on a bench by the Seine. With the view of the cathedral in the background, any meal becomes an unforgettable moment.

Night: The vibe of the Latin Quarter

At night I went to the Latin Quarter, a neighborhood that pulsates with energy. The streets are full of bookstores, bars and students, and the atmosphere is super welcoming. I walked into Shakespeare and Company, a historic bookstore that is almost a tourist attraction.

I grabbed a coffee to go (€1.50) and browsed through books, imagining the famous writers who had been there.

For dinner, I found a small pizzeria that served slices for €3.50 — perfect for saving money. If you want something more traditional, the local bistros have daily menus for €10-12.

Afterwards, I walked through the illuminated streets, watching street performers and feeling the bohemian soul of Paris. It's the kind of night that costs almost nothing, but stays in your heart.

Day 3: Art, parks and surprise in Paris

Morning: Musée d'Orsay and a dive into Impressionism

On the third day, I visited the Musee d'Orsay, which has an incredible collection of Impressionist paintings. Entry costs around €14, but is free for EU under-26s and on certain days of the month (check the website).

Seeing the works of Monet and Van Gogh up close was one of the highlights of the trip. The museum building, a former train station, is also a sight to behold.

Then I walked along the Seine to the Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor, a pedestrian bridge with a beautiful view.

I stopped there for a few minutes, taking pictures and feeling the river breeze. These simple moments are what make Paris on a budget so magical.

Afternoon: Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens

After so much art, I wanted a moment of calm, so I went to the Luxembourg Gardens. This park is an oasis, with fountains, sculptures and chairs scattered around where you can sit and relax.

I bought a ham and cheese sandwich (€4) at a Monoprix supermarket and had a picnic on the grass.

I stood there watching the children playing with little boats on the lake and the couples walking around, and I realized that I didn't need anything else to be happy.

That's the secret of Paris on a budget: finding joy in the little things, like an afternoon in a garden that seems like something out of a fairy tale.

Night: Culture without spending a lot

At night, I looked for cheap cultural events. I found places like House of Poetry They have free readings and shows or with symbolic tickets (around €5).

Another cool idea is to go to a concert in a church, like Saint Sulpice, where you pay a small donation or nothing at all.

I ended up going back to the Seine for one last walk, seeing the city all lit up. I didn't spend a penny, but I left with a full heart.

Day 4: Farewell to Paris with a flourish

Morning: Eiffel Tower and a classic picnic

On the last day, I couldn't miss Eiffel Tower. Climbing to the top costs €11-28, but as the budget was tight I stayed at Champs de Mars, the garden in front of the tower. The view from there is so beautiful that I didn't miss going up. I arrived early, took a thousand photos and enjoyed the atmosphere.

For lunch, I made an epic picnic. I bought bread, cheese, pâté and a bottle of juice at Monoprix (all for about €8 for two people) and sat on the grass with the tower in the background. It was one of those moments you know you'll remember forever.

Afternoon: Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe

Then I walked through Champs-Élysées Avenue, which is pure movement. The avenue leads to the Arc de Triomphe, and just being there, seeing the monument and the crazy traffic, is already an experience. Climbing the arch costs €13, but the view from the base is free and super cool.

I took the classic photo in the middle of the avenue (carefully!) and walked around looking at the windows of the fancy stores — just looking, because the budget was Paris on a budget!

Night: A poetic goodbye

But to end the trip, I wanted something special. Since I had some money left over, I made a boat trip on the Seine with the Bateaux Mouches (€10, booked online). Seeing the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and the bridges illuminated from the water was magical.

But, if your pocket is tight, my tip is to go to Pont des Arts or to Saint Louis Island for the sunset. I bought a cheap wine (€4) at a supermarket and toasted the trip, watching the sky turn orange. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to Paris.

Smart tips for enjoying Paris on a budget

  1. Street markets: The Bastille Market and the Aligre Market They have fresh fruit, cheese and bread at great prices. A picnic with these delicacies is cheaper than any restaurant.
  2. Free water: Take a reusable bottle and fill it up at Wallace Fountains, drinking water sources spread throughout the city.
  3. Free Walking Tours: Companies like Sandeman's offer free walking tours. You tip at the end if you want, and you learn a lot about Paris.
  4. Wi-Fi released: Parks, libraries, and even some cafes have free internet. Use it to plan your days without using up data.
  5. Apps that save: The Citymapper helps you navigate the subway, and the Too Good To Go sells bakery leftovers at low prices.
  6. Avoid tourist cafes: Avoid very famous places, such as those on Place du Tertre. Bistros on less busy streets have much better prices.

Conclusion: Paris is for everyone

Traveling to Paris on a budget is not only possible — it’s a way to experience the city even more intensely.

Every picnic, every walk, every little corner discovered without spending a lot made me feel closer to the real Paris. This 4-day itinerary is proof that the City of Lights shines on any budget, as long as you have curiosity and a pair of comfortable sneakers.

So, keep these tips in mind, pack your bags and get ready to go. Paris is waiting for you with open arms, ready to enchant you with its simple charms and endless beauty. Bon voyage!