Your Ultimate 3-Day Budget Travel Itinerary for Paris

Morning: Visit the Eiffel Tower

• Cost: Free to admire from the Champ de Mars or Trocadéro Gardens.
• Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and capture beautiful photos.

Lunch: Picnic at the Champ de Mars

• Budget: €10-15 for a baguette sandwich, cheese, and fruit from a nearby grocery store.
• Suggestion: Grab a bottle of sparkling water to enjoy with your meal.

Afternoon: Explore the Seine River

• Cost: Free to stroll along the banks.
• Activity: Take in the views of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the charming bridges.

Evening: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

• Cost: Free to wander the streets and enter the basilica.
• Recommendation: Enjoy a sunset view over the city from the steps of Sacré-Cœur.

Dinner: Local Bistro

• Budget: €15-20 for a classic French meal like steak frites or coq au vin.
• Tip: Look for bistros with a “plat du jour” (dish of the day) for the best deals.

Day 2: Art and Culture on a Budget

Morning: Visit the Louvre Museum

• Cost: €17 for a ticket if you book online; free on the first Saturday of the month.
• Tip: Start with the Mona Lisa to avoid the busiest areas.

Lunch: Café near the Louvre

• Budget: €10-15 for a croque monsieur and a coffee.
• Suggestion: Try to find a café with outdoor seating for a pleasant experience.

Afternoon: Stroll Through the Tuileries Garden

• Cost: Free to enter.
• Activity: Relax on a bench or take photos amongst the beautiful flowers.

Evening: Latin Quarter Walk

• Cost: Free to explore.
• Suggestion: Check out the vibrant streets filled with shops and street performers.

Dinner: Affordable Ethnic Cuisine

• Budget: €10-15 for a delicious meal at a local ethnic restaurant.
• Recommendation: Try a Moroccan tagine or Vietnamese pho for something different.

Day 3: Markets and Hidden Gems

Morning: Visit the Marché Bastille (Sunday only)

• Cost: Free to browse.
• Activity: Experience a local market with fresh produce and artisanal goods.

Lunch: Grab a Bite at the Market

• Budget: €10-15 for fresh street food or a simple meal from a vendor.
• Tip: Sample local cheeses and charcuterie.

Afternoon: Explore Canal Saint-Martin

• Cost: Free to walk along the canal.
• Activity: Relax by the water or pop into quirky shops and boutiques.

Evening: Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping

• Cost: Varies.
• Suggestion: Check out local shops for unique, budget-friendly souvenirs to take home.

Dinner: Hidden Gem Restaurant

• Budget: €15-20 for a nice farewell dinner.
• Tip: Look for restaurants off the beaten path to find better prices and authentic cuisine.

Final Tips for Budget Travel in Paris:

• Transportation: Use the Metro for affordable travel around the city. A carnet (book of 10 tickets) costs about €16.90.
• Accommodations: Consider budget hostels or Airbnb options to save on lodging.
• Free Attractions: Don’t forget to enjoy free experiences like street performances, parks, and public art installations throughout the city!