Yes, it’s possible—and completely worth it.
Visiting Paris on a budget isn’t just doable—it’s one of the most rewarding ways to experience the City of Light. You don’t have to drain your bank account to indulge in croissants, romantic strolls, Eiffel Tower sparkles, and art around every corner. With a bit of planning and insider tips, you can soak up the full Parisian charm without overspending.
This 7-day itinerary is your go-to guide for budget travel in Paris. We’ve packed in free attractions, affordable eats, and wallet-friendly tips to help you enjoy every moment without the money stress.
Day 1: Montmartre + Local Flavor
Start your trip with old-world charm and iconic views.
Wander Montmartre: stroll the cobblestone streets, pass the Moulin Rouge (snap a photo—no pricey ticket needed), and take in the bohemian energy.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica: free to enter, and the panoramic view from the top? Pure magic.
Budget Lunch: grab a baguette sandwich and pastry from a local boulangerie, deliciously under €5.
Place du Tertre: watch artists sketch portraits or take home an affordable piece of local art.
Sunset picnic at Square Louise Michel: with supplies from Carrefour or Monoprix, enjoy a front-row seat to Paris’s golden hour.
Day 2: Classic Paris
See the icons without spending a fortune.
Seine River Walk: stroll by Notre Dame, admire the bridges, and feel the pulse of the city.
Sainte-Chapelle: entry is ~€11, and the stained-glass windows are unforgettable.
Latin Quarter Lunch: plenty of €15 menus with appetizer, main, and dessert.
Panthéon: free for EU residents under 26. Otherwise, an affordable peek into France’s legendary history.
Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro: skip the elevator—watch it light up hourly from one of Paris’s best free viewpoints.
Day 3: Museum Day
Big culture. Small budget.
The Louvre: free on first Sundays (Oct–Mar) or always for under-18s + EU citizens under 26. Book online (€17) for other times to skip the line.
Lunch Nearby: try Rue de Rivoli’s paninis or a quick crêpe from a street cart.
Musée d’Orsay: Thursdays offer discounted evening entry after 6 p.m. See Van Gogh, Monet, and Degas in a former train station with jaw-dropping architecture.
Day 4: Day Trip to Versailles
Grand day, not a grand price.
Getting There: RER train (~€7 round trip).
Versailles Gardens: free on most days and the perfect spot for a picnic.
Palace Admission: free on first Sundays (Nov–Mar); otherwise ~€18
Back in Paris: unwind with a €3–€4 café crème at a neighborhood bistro.
Day 5: Explore the Local Side
Live like a local—without the tourist rush.
Canal Saint-Martin: chill walk through a stylish, less touristy neighborhood.
Cheap Breakfast: croissant + coffee from a corner bakery for under €4.
Marché Bastille: fresh fruit, hot crepes, rotisserie chicken—everything delicious, without the markup.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: hills, grottos, waterfalls, and stunning views—all free.
Evening Concert: many churches, like Saint-Eustache, offer free classical music nights.
Day 6: Food and Flea Markets
Eat well, shop smart.
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen: Paris’s biggest flea market—perfect for vintage finds and souvenirs.
Place des Vosges: one of the city’s most beautiful historic squares.
Lunch on the Go: grab falafel at L’As du Fallafel in Le Marais (~€10).
Le Village Saint-Paul: peaceful stroll with antique stores and tucked-away charm.
Day 7: Final Day Wrap
Savor the moments—and take a piece of Paris home.
Café Morning: sip slowly and people-watch—very Parisian.
Montparnasse Tower: cheaper than the Eiffel Tower and just as striking for skyline views.
Rue Cler Market: stock up on cheeses, wine, and local treats for the trip home.
Champs-Élysées Walk: window-shop your way to the Arc de Triomphe.
Final Snack: one last quiche or sandwich from your favorite boulangerie.
Optional Boat Cruise: budget Seine cruises start at ~€10—an elegant goodbye.
Bonus: Budget Tips
👉 Download Foresyte. Plan, coordinate and discover from community travelers.
👉 Navigo Week Pass: €30 for unlimited Metro/bus rides.
👉 Drink Tap Water: safe and free—ask for une carafe d’eau at restaurants.
👉 Do the Free Stuff: parks, churches, street performances, and markets make the best memories.
Want more budget-friendly travel itineraries? Find more stories from other passionate experts in the Travel Digest.
