Paris has a reputation for draining wallets as fast as it fills phone galleries. But if you treat it like a real city rather than a luxury theme park, you can have a rich few days without leaving with financial trauma.
This guide assumes you’re okay with walking, taking the Metro, and mixing one or two “big ticket” experiences with a lot of low-cost, high-joy moments: neighbourhood walks, bakeries, river sunsets, and museum shortcuts.
Where to stay on a budget
Accommodation is the single biggest cost. You want areas that are safe, well-connected, and not the most famous postcodes.
- 11th / 10th arrondissement: Buzzing, full of cafés and bars, good for younger travelers.
- 13th / 14th: More residential, often cheaper hotels, still access to the Metro.
- Montmartre backstreets: Romantic if you pick quieter streets, but can be touristy.
Day 1 – Land gently and meet the Seine
Afternoon: Check-in and neighbourhood loop
Once you arrive, walk a simple loop around your stay. Find:
- The nearest bakery (look for a line of locals).
- A supermarket for water, snacks, and fresh fruit.
- The closest Metro stop and which lines it serves.
Evening: Seine at sunset
Instead of an expensive dinner cruise on the first night, walk along the river. Spots near Pont Neuf or around Île de la Cité give you classic views for free. Grab a takeaway crêpe and just sit by the water – it’s extremely Paris with zero reservation.
Day 2 – Icons on a budget
Morning: Eiffel Tower area
Pre-book your Eiffel ticket if you want to go up. If not, you can still enjoy all the views from Trocadéro and the surrounding gardens. Take photos early before it’s packed.
Afternoon: Free or low-cost culture
Many Paris museums have free days or reduced evening tickets. Even if your dates don’t match, you don’t have to see everything.
- Pick one major museum (Louvre or Orsay)
- Pick one smaller spot (like Musée de l’Orangerie or Rodin)
Book time-slots where possible – time is money too.
Day 3 – Neighbourhood Paris
This is the day for wandering without a rigid plan.
Morning: Montmartre without the rush
Arrive early, climb up to Sacré-Coeur, then lose yourself in the side streets. The further you walk from the main square, the quieter and more local it feels.
Afternoon: Canal Saint-Martin
Head down to Canal Saint-Martin for vintage shops, simple cafés, and people-watching. It feels like the opposite of the hyper-polished postcard Paris and is perfect for slow urban walks.
Day 4 – Last things and little splurges
Keep your final day flexible for whatever you feel you missed: another museum, a long brunch, or just a fancy pastry and a view.
If there’s one thing you want to splurge on – maybe a special dinner or a River cruise – do it toward the end of the trip so you can calibrate your budget around it instead of stressing from day one.
Paris doesn’t have to be a once-in-a-lifetime, once-in-your-bank-account trip. With a bit of planning and a lot of walking, you can leave with full camera rolls, manageable expenses, and real moments that feel like the movies – minus the drama.