Paris, the City of Lights, tops travel buck lists worldwide. With the checkered cafe seats covered by jewel-tone awnings, the wide promenade of the Champs Élysées, and the artistic prowess of the Louvre, this enchanting city begs to be explored. Since my first visit when I was twelve, I am always happy to return to Paris, whose sprawling metropolis offers something new to discover with each visit.
After several visits to this alluring city, I’ve cultivated a list of my favorite budget-friendly activities so you can experience the glitz and glamour of the Parisian lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Explore Montmartre
This charming hilltop district is a Parisian pearl, bursting with art, quaint French bistros, and the iconic Sacré-Coeur Basilica crowning the butte (hill). Montmartre is the perfect place to ditch Google Maps and wander the winding cobblestone streets past watercolored buildings dripping in ivy. You’ll never get lost as long as you can see the basilica’s dome.
Picnic at the Sacré-Coeur
As our Parisian host told us, “There is nothing more French than a picnic,” and sent us off with a wicker basket and red checkered picnic blanket to spend the evening on the lawn at the Sacré-Coeur. Grab a bottle of wine, a soft brie or camembert, and a fresh baguette to hunker down in front of the imposing basilica as the sun slips behind the Paris skyline, bringing cotton-candy skies.
In the daylight, the Sacré-Coeur Basilica is a spectacular landmark and free to visit. This 19th-century Romato-Byzantine church houses one of the largest mosaics in the world, a staggering depiction of open-armed Jesus.
For some of the best panoramic views of Paris, climb the 280 steps to the top of the dome. Tickets are €5 for children and €8 for adults and can be purchased from kiosks or ticket vendors at the basilica. Visit their website for the latest opening times.
Unwind in Tuileries Garden
For a relaxing afternoon stroll, head to Tuileries Garden, an enormous public garden that stretches between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Walk the wide, gravel pathways, taking in the sun-dappled gardens, or sit on one of the many benches to people-watch. It is not permitted to sit on the grass in Tuileries, making it a better place for a walk than a picnic, although you may see some resident sheep keeping the lawns manicured.
Lunch in the Latin Quarter
Home to the oldest university in France, la Sorbonne, the Latin Quarter is one of my favorite areas of Paris and an excellent place to go for lunch. From Greek street food to swanky French bistros, the Latin Quarter serves up something for everyone.
Experience the Louvre
One of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, the Louvre is a must-see. Visitors flock to its courtyard to snap photos of the iconic gridded glass pyramids. The largest central pyramid serves as the entrance to the Louvre Museum, where you can marvel and some of the world’s masterpieces. From Vermeer to Delacroix, Venus de Milo to the Mona Lisa (prepare to be underwhelmed), this museum stands up to the hype.
Tickets are free for visitors under 18 with ID, and €22 for adults. If you are an EU member under 26, entry is free with a valid ID. If you are studying abroad in the EU, you may benefit from this by using your student visa to gain free entry.
Marvel at the Petit Palais
If you’re looking to admire art in Paris for free (and without the overwhelming atmosphere of the Louvre) visit the Petit Palais. This trapezoidal palace and inner courtyard house the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. The permanent collections are free to visit, and tickets for temporary rotating exhibitions can be purchased online or in person.
Go for Drinks in Le Marais
Le Marais is hip, trendy, and buzzing with activity. Once the former Jewish Quarter, lavish mansions, vintage boutiques, and LGBTQ+-friendly bars and shops populate this charming neighborhood. I recommend strolling the serpentine medieval streets, then stopping for happy hour at one of the many outdoor cafes to sip a St. Germain Spritz at half price.
Climb the Eiffel Tower
The emblem of Paris and perhaps one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, no visit to Paris is complete without climbing the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this 330-meter wrought-iron monument can be seen throughout Paris, glowing in its signature Eiffel brown.
Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly, especially in high season. I highly recommend booking a ticket to the top, which also provides access to the first and second floors. The second floor boasts a spectacular outdoor observation deck, offering stunning 360-degree views of Paris.
Depending on which ticket you select, you can visit the second floor via lift or stairs. The top is only accessible by lift and is the highest observation deck in the EU. This enclosed viewing area offers staggering views of the city and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re 24 or under, tickets cost less than €15 for access to both floors and the top observation deck.
My favorite time to visit the Eiffel Tower is just before sunset. This way, you can see Paris during the golden hour, and experience the magic as the city lights up for the evening. After nightfall, the tower sparkles for a mesmerizing five minutes every hour, a captivating experience whether you’re in the air or on the ground.