Exploring Paris on $30 a Day: The Ultimate Budget Itinerary
Paris, the City of Light, has a reputation for being romantic, historic, and incredibly expensive—but what if I told you that you could experience the best of Paris on just $30 a day? Yes, it’s possible, and no, you won’t be stuck eating plain baguettes in a hostel bunk. With the right strategy, you can explore world-famous landmarks, indulge in delicious food, and soak in the Parisian charm without draining your wallet.
Here’s exactly how to see Paris on a budget, broken down into an itinerary that ensures you make the most of every penny
Where to Stay: Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Finding affordable accommodation in Paris can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Here are some budget options:
Hostels – The cheapest and most social option. Check out Le Village Montmartre or St. Christopher’s Inn for dorm beds starting at $20 per night.
Budget Hotels – Look for Hôtel des Buttes Chaumont or ibis Budget Paris for rooms under $50 a night (split with a travel buddy to save).
Airbnb Private Rooms – You can find private rooms in outer arrondissements for around $25-$40 per night.
Couchsurfing – If you’re open to staying with locals for free, check out Couchsurfing for an authentic experience.
If you can keep lodging costs under $20, that leaves $10+ for food, transport, and attractions—let’s make it work!
How to Get Around Paris for Cheap
Paris has an extensive and efficient public transport system, and if you plan it right, you won’t spend more than a couple of euros per day.
Walking: Paris is best explored on foot, and many attractions are close together.
Metro: A Navigo Easy card (€2) lets you preload metro tickets. A single ride costs €2.10 ($2.25), but a carnet of 10 tickets is €16.90 ($18).
Biking: Use Vélib’ for free 30-minute bike rides (€5 for a 24-hour pass).
Morning: Iconic Paris for Free
8:00 AM – Grab a Classic Parisian Breakfast
Start your day with a fresh baguette or croissant from a boulangerie—most bakeries sell them for €1-€1.50 ($1.10-$1.65). For a budget coffee, head to McCafé or grab an espresso at a standing counter for €1.
Cost so far: $2.50
9:00 AM – Stroll Along the Seine & Île de la Cité
Wander along the Seine River, soaking in iconic views of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the charming streets of Île de la Cité. While you can’t climb to the top of Notre-Dame for free, the exterior is just as impressive.
10:00 AM – Explore the Latin Quarter & Panthéon (Free!)
The Latin Quarter is one of Paris’s oldest and liveliest neighborhoods. Walk through its narrow cobbled streets, peek inside the Shakespeare & Company bookstore, and visit the Panthéon’s crypt for free on the first Sunday of the month.
Cost so far: $2.50
Afternoon: Museums & Markets on a Budget
12:00 PM – Picnic at Jardin du Luxembourg
Head to a local supermarket like Franprix or Carrefour and pick up budget-friendly picnic essentials:
Baguette (€1.50)
Cheese (€2-€3 for a small wedge)
Fruit (€1-€2 for a handful of grapes or an apple)
Take your picnic to the stunning Jardin du Luxembourg, one of Paris’s most beautiful parks.
Cost so far: $9.50
1:30 PM – Free Museums & Attractions
Many of Paris’s top museums are free on the first Sunday of the month, including:
The Louvre – Home to the Mona Lisa.
Musée d’Orsay – A must-see for Impressionist art lovers.
Musée de l’Orangerie – Featuring Monet’s Water Lilies.
If it’s not the first Sunday, visit the Petit Palais—completely free year-round!
Cost so far: $9.50
Evening: Sunset Views & Street Food
5:30 PM – Walk Up Montmartre for the Best Free View of Paris
Skip the pricey Eiffel Tower entry and hike up to Sacré-Cœur for one of the best panoramic views of Paris—free of charge.
7:00 PM – Budget-Friendly Dinner
Crepes from a street vendor – Around €3-€5 ($3.50-$5.50)
Falafel at L’As du Fallafel in Le Marais – Around €6 ($6.50)
Bakeries often sell discounted sandwiches & quiches in the evening.
Cost so far: $15.50-$17.50
8:30 PM – Stroll Along the Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
Walk down Avenue des Champs-Élysées, window-shop, and admire the Arc de Triomphe at night.
10:00 PM – Final Budget Breakdown
Breakfast: $2.50
Lunch (Picnic): $7
Transport: $2.25 (one metro ride)
Dinner: $6-$7
Total Spent: $27-$29
You just experienced a full day in Paris for under $30!
Final Budget Travel Tips for Paris
Use public drinking fountains to refill water bottles (they're everywhere!).
Visit free attractions like the Eiffel Tower lawns, the Seine banks, and Montmartre.
Get food from bakeries & markets rather than eating at touristy restaurants.
Check museum free days to save big on entry fees.
Paris may be known for luxury, but with a little planning, you can soak in its magic on a shoestring budget. Whether you’re wandering charming streets, admiring world-class art, or indulging in delicious (and cheap) pastries, Paris on $30 a day is not just possible—it’s an adventure.
Planning a trip to Paris? Drop your questions in the comments!
