Paris

Paris is a city that can be enjoyed on a budget, and I’m excited to help you plan a delightful two-day itinerary. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Classic Parisian Sights

Morning:

• Breakfast at a Local Bakery: Start your day with a delicious and affordable breakfast at a local boulangerie. Grab a buttery croissant or a pain au chocolat (around €1-2) and a café au lait (about €2). Enjoy it at a nearby park or on a bench while soaking in the Parisian atmosphere.

• Visit Montmartre: After breakfast, head to Montmartre. Stroll through the charming streets, visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica (free entry), and enjoy the stunning views of the city from the steps. Don’t forget to snap some photos!

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a Café: For lunch, find a cozy café in Montmartre. A simple sandwich or a salad will usually cost around €8-10.

• Explore the Artists’ Square: After lunch, wander around Place du Tertre, where you can see artists at work. It’s a great spot for people-watching and soaking in the artistic vibe.

• Walk to the Seine: Make your way down to the Seine River. You can stroll along the riverbanks, and if you’re feeling adventurous, grab a book from a bouquiniste (second-hand bookseller) and enjoy some reading time by the water.

Evening:

• Picnic Dinner: Pick up some cheese, baguette, and fruit from a local grocery store (around €10-15 total) and have a lovely picnic at the Champ de Mars with a view of the Eiffel Tower. It’s a classic Parisian experience!

• Eiffel Tower Light Show: Stick around for the Eiffel Tower’s light show, which happens every hour after sunset. It’s magical and, best of all, free!

Day 2: Culture and Charm

Morning:

• Breakfast at a Local Café: Start your day with another delightful breakfast at a different café. Try a tartine (bread with butter and jam) and a coffee for about €5.

• Visit the Louvre (Free on Fridays after 6 PM or first Sunday of the month): If your visit coincides with these times, head to the Louvre. Otherwise, you can admire the glass pyramid from the outside and take some photos. The Tuileries Garden nearby is also a lovely place to stroll.

Afternoon:

• Lunch in Le Marais: Head to the Le Marais district for lunch. There are plenty of affordable eateries and falafel shops (like L’As du Fallafel) where you can grab a filling meal for around €8-10.

• Explore Le Marais: After lunch, wander through the charming streets of Le Marais. Check out the boutiques, art galleries, and the beautiful Place des Vosges. It’s a great area to soak in the local vibe.

Evening:

• Visit Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité: Make your way to Île de la Cité to see the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral (currently under restoration, but still beautiful from the outside). Stroll around the island and enjoy the views of the Seine.

• Dinner at a Local Bistro: For dinner, find a bistro or brasserie where you can enjoy a simple meal like a quiche or a salad for around €10-15.

• Evening Stroll: End your day with a leisurely walk along the Seine, perhaps crossing the Pont des Arts or the Pont Alexandre III. The city lights reflecting on the water are simply enchanting!

Tips for Saving Money:

• Public Transport: Use the metro or buses to get around. A carnet (10 tickets) costs about €16.90, which is cheaper than buying single tickets.
• Free Attractions: Take advantage of free attractions and parks. Many museums have free entry on certain days, so check their schedules!
• Water: Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at the many public fountains around the city.

There you have it! A budget-friendly, two-day itinerary that captures the essence of Paris. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌍✨