Visiting Paris on a budget 7-day itinerary is not only possible, it’s incredibly rewarding. You don’t need to drain your bank account to enjoy the romance, charm, and rich culture of the City of Light. When you think of Paris, you probably picture romantic strolls, croissants, the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night, and… a hefty price tag. But guess what? Paris on a budget is completely doable with a bit of planning with insider tips.
This 7-day Paris itinerary is your blueprint for exploring Paris on a budget, packed with free activities, affordable dining spots, and practical money-saving tips to make your Paris trip both memorable and easy on the wallet.
Day 1: Welcome to Paris! Start your adventure in one of the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods, Montmartre.
- Start with Montmartre: Begin your Paris adventure by exploring the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre. Stroll along cobblestone streets and spot the Moulin Rouge (from the outside—it’s pricy to go in!). Take your time soaking in the bohemian view.
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica: It’s free to enter and offers jaw-dropping views of Paris from its hilltop location. Walk up the steps and breathe in that “I’m in Paris!” moment.
- Lunch at a local bistro: Stop by a nearby boulangerie (bakery) and pick up a classic French baguette sandwich for under €5. Pair it with a pastry, and you’ve got a satisfying, affordable meal.
- Place du Tertre: Watch artists sketch portraits or pick up some inexpensive art as a souvenir.
- Picnic at Square Louise Michel: Head to Square Louise Michel, just below the Sacré-Cœur, and enjoy a budget-friendly meal. Local markets like Carrefour or Monoprix have everything you need: cheese, wine, and fresh fruit. The sunset view here is unbeatable and totally free!
Day 2: Today visit Paris’s most famous spots.
- Walk Along the Seine: Start your day with a peaceful stroll along the Seine River. You’ll pass by postcard-perfect sights like Notre Dame Cathedral (still under restoration, but worth seeing from the outside).
- Visit Sainte-Chapelle: Entry is around €11, but the breathtaking stained glass windows are worth every cent.
- Affordable Lunch in the Latin Quarter: This area is known for its budget-friendly eateries. Many offer set menus (entrée + main + dessert) for under €15.
- Explore the Panthéon: Admission is free for EU residents under 26 and relatively affordable for others. Inside, you’ll find the tombs of famous figures like Voltaire and Marie Curie.
- Eiffel Tower Views: Skip the pricey elevator ride and admire the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro Gardens. This spot offers some of the best free views of the tower, especially at night when it lights up and sparkles every hour.
Day 3: Museum Day
- The Louvre (Budget Tip): If your visit falls on the first Sunday of the month, admission is free! Otherwise, tickets are €17 when booked online. Tip: Enter through the underground mall (Carrousel du Louvre) to avoid long lines. Under-18s and EU residents under 26 get free access year-round.
- Have Lunch at a boulangerie: Head to Rue de Rivoli for affordable cafes or grab a panini from a food cart.
- Musée d’Orsay: If it’s Thursday, the museum stays open late and tickets are discounted after 6 PM. Admire the Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.
Day 4: Day Trip to Versailles
- Go see the Palace of Versailles: Take the RER train to Versailles. The train ride costs around €7 round trip, and admission to the palace is free on the first Sunday of the month during winter (November to March). Otherwise, book tickets online for around €18.
- Explore the Gardens: Even if you skip the palace, the Versailles Gardens are stunning and often free to enter. Pack a picnic to enjoy among the fountains and sculptures.
- Budget lunch: There’s a small supermarket near the train station where you can stock up on snacks or sandwiches before heading back to Paris.
- Relax at a café: After a day of walking, treat yourself to a budget-friendly café crème (€3–€4) at a local bistro near your accommodation.
Day 5: Visit Unique Free Attractions
- Canal Saint-Martin: Take a peaceful walk along this beautiful canal. It’s lined with trendy shops and cafes but still laid-back.
- Breakfast on a budget: Grab a croissant and coffee from a local bakery,it won’t cost you more than €4.
- Spend afternoon in a marché (market): Try Marché Bastille if it’s Sunday for fresh, inexpensive food options. Crepes, rotisserie chicken, and fresh fruit are all available at reasonable prices.
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: One of Paris’s most beautiful parks, this spot offers stunning views, waterfalls, and even a hidden grotto. It’s a perfect place to relax in the afternoon without spending a cent.
- Attend a free concert or event: Many churches in Paris, like Saint-Eustache, hosts free classical music performances. Check local listings for events.
Day 6: Food and Shopping on a Budget
- Head to Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, Paris’s largest flea market. You’ll find everything from vintage clothing to unique souvenirs without splurging.
- Place des Vosges: One of Paris’s oldest squares, perfect for photos or a peaceful break.
- Try the famous falafel at L’As du Fallafel in Le Marais for under €10.
- Walk through Le Village Saint-Paul: A quieter, hidden gem filled with antique shops and small boutiques.
Day 7: Final Day in Paris. Wrap Up with a Local Experience.
First, sit outside, sip your coffee, and enjoy a leisurely breakfast like a true Parisian.
- Climb Montparnasse Tower: It’s cheaper than the Eiffel Tower and offers stunning views of the entire city.
- You can visit Rue Cler for fresh bread, cheese, and wine. It’s the perfect spot to grab affordable, high-quality souvenirs to take home.
- Walk the Champs-Élysées: While shopping here can be expensive, strolling is free! End your walk at the Arc de Triomphe up close.
- Stop by a boulangerie one last time for a quick sandwich or quiche.
- River Seine Cruise: If you’ve saved a little from your budget, treat yourself to a budget-friendly boat cruise along the Seine. Some options start at €10.The perfect way to bid Paris adieu!
Budget Tips for Paris.
Download Foresyte: This app helps you plan your budget-friendly itinerary, organize your travel days, and even track expenses.
Use public transport: A Navigo card gives you unlimited metro and bus rides for a week at just €30.
Drink tap water: Parisian tap water is safe and free! Skip bottled water at restaurants and ask for “une carafe d’eau.”
Do free activities: Many parks, churches, and markets are completely free to access.
