Affordable Paris Adventure: A Budget-Friendly 3-Day Itinerary in the City of Light

Day 1: Montmartre & Central

Paris, France on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start with an affordable and hearty organic breakfast. Try their coffee and freshly baked pastries at this casual bakery located near Montmartre.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Explore this iconic white basilica atop Montmartre hill, offering fantastic city views. Entry is free and the church is open from 6am to 10:30pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Walk around Montmartre Village

Stroll through charming cobblestone streets, explore local artists' squares like Place du Tertre, and enjoy budget-friendly sights.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Bouillon Pigalle

Enjoy traditional French dishes at this affordable, popular bistro with generous portions and a lively ambiance.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Musée d'Orsay

Experience Impressionist masterpieces with a reduced ticket price if under 26 and visit on Thursdays until 9:45pm. Typically open 9:30am-6pm.
EUR14, 2h

5:00pm

Walk along the Seine River

Leisurely walk to enjoy iconic views of Paris bridges and historic buildings as the sun sets.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at L’As du Fallafel

Savor one of Paris’s best falafel wraps in the vibrant Marais district, perfect for a budget-friendly and filling dinner.
EUR8, 1h
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Day 2: Left Bank & Latin Quarter

Paris, France on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Classic Parisian café with reasonably priced coffee and croissants. Popular spot to soak in literary history.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Explore Luxembourg Gardens

Relax in this beautiful and free garden with fountains, statues, and flowerbeds—an ideal spot for morning tranquility.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Panthéon

Discover the monument honoring French greats. Entry is EUR11 but free on first Sundays of the month, open 10am-6pm.
EUR11, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bouillon Racine

This Art Nouveau brasserie offers traditional French cuisine at reasonable prices and a unique atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h15m

2:00pm

Visit Shakespeare & Company Bookstore

Historic English-language bookstore with free entry, perfect for browsing and photography.
Free, 45m

3:00pm

Walk through Île de la Cité

See Notre-Dame Cathedral exterior (free) and stroll the small island in the Seine with historic charm.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Enjoy affordable coffee at Café Saint Régis

Charming small café on Île Saint-Louis for an affordable coffee or pastry break.
EUR5, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Crêperie Josselin

Traditional Breton crêpes at budget-friendly prices in a cozy setting in the Montparnasse area.
EUR15, 1h
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Day 3: Iconic Sights & Seine

Paris, France on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Paul Bakery

Affordable pastries and coffee at this popular bakery chain across the city to fuel your day.
EUR7, 1h

9:00am

Visit Eiffel Tower Grounds

Enjoy the iconic views of the Eiffel Tower from the Champ de Mars park; entry to the park is free.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Optional Eiffel Tower Summit Visit

If budget allows, purchase a ticket to visit the summit for panoramic views (tickets from EUR16).
EUR16, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch Picnic at Champ de Mars

Pick up fresh baguettes, cheese, and fruit from local markets like Marché Saxe-Breteuil for a budget picnic with a view.
EUR10, 1h

2:00pm

Walk along the Seine to Musée Rodin Gardens

Enjoy free access to the beautiful sculpture gardens of Musée Rodin, open daily 10am-6:30pm.
Free for gardens, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Trocadéro Gardens

Great photo spot facing the Eiffel Tower with fountains and statues, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Free, 45m

5:00pm

Relax at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Finish your trip with a visit to this lesser-known, scenic park with cliffs, bridges, and water features.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Chez Gladines

Enjoy hearty Basque-style French cuisine at affordable prices in a lively atmosphere, ideal for a last dinner.
EUR18, 1h15m
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