Paris

Paris is such a vibrant city, and you can definitely enjoy it on a budget. Here’s a fun and affordable 2-day itinerary that will let you soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the City of Light without breaking the bank!

Day 1: Classic Paris

Morning:

• Breakfast at a Bakery: Start your day with a delicious and cheap breakfast at a local boulangerie. Grab a buttery croissant or a pain au chocolat (around €1-2) and a café au lait (about €2-3). Head to a nearby park, like the Jardin des Tuileries, to enjoy your breakfast with a view.

• Louvre Museum: After breakfast, stroll over to the Louvre. While the entrance fee can be a bit steep, you can enjoy the stunning architecture and the glass pyramid from the outside for free. If you’re keen on going inside, consider visiting on the first Saturday of the month when entry is free!

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a Crêperie: For lunch, head to a crêperie like Crêperie Josselin in Montparnasse. You can get a savory galette for around €5-7. Don’t forget to try a sweet crêpe for dessert!

• Explore Montmartre: After lunch, wander through the charming streets of Montmartre. Visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica (free entry) and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. Take your time exploring the artists’ square, Place du Tertre, where you can watch local artists at work.

Evening:

• Dinner at a Bistro: For dinner, check out Le Relais de l’Entrecôte for their famous steak-frites (around €20). It’s a bit more than a typical cheap meal, but the experience is worth it! Alternatively, you can find a cozy spot in the Latin Quarter for a budget-friendly meal, like Chez Janou, where you can enjoy a hearty dish for around €10-15.

• Seine River Walk: After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Seine River. The bridges and buildings are beautifully lit at night, and it’s a perfect way to end your first day in Paris!

Day 2: Culture and Charm

Morning:

• Breakfast at a Café: Start your day at a local café. Try a simple breakfast of a tartine (bread with butter and jam) and a coffee for about €5.

• Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral: Head over to Île de la Cité to see the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral. While you can’t go inside due to renovations, the exterior is breathtaking, and you can explore the surrounding area.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a Sandwich Shop: Grab a cheap and tasty lunch at a local sandwich shop like L’As du Fallafel in the Marais district. Their falafel sandwiches are famous and cost around €6-8.

• Explore the Marais: After lunch, wander through the Marais district. It’s full of charming boutiques, art galleries, and historic sites. Don’t miss the Place des Vosges, one of the oldest squares in Paris, where you can relax and people-watch.

Evening:

• Dinner at a Pizzeria: For dinner, head to Pizza Sant’Antonio for a delicious pizza that won’t break the bank (around €10-12).

• Evening at the Eiffel Tower: End your trip with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. While going up can be pricey, you can enjoy the view from the Champ de Mars park nearby. Bring a blanket, grab some snacks, and enjoy the view as the tower sparkles at night!

Tips for Cheap Eats:

• Look for formule menus (fixed-price meals) at restaurants, which often offer a starter, main, and dessert for a good price.
• Don’t shy away from street food! Crepes, falafels, and baguette sandwiches are delicious and affordable.
• Consider picnicking! Grab some cheese, bread, and fruit from a local market and enjoy it in one of the many parks.

There you go! A delightful 2-day itinerary filled with culture, charm, and cheap eats. Enjoy your Parisian adventure! 🌟🥖🍷