A Day in Paris for under €50

Paris, often referred to as the City of Lights, is known for its romantic ambiance, historic landmarks, and, of course, its allure as a hub of fashion, art, and gastronomy. While the city is often associated with luxury and opulence, it’s entirely possible to experience its magic on a budget. Keep reading and i’ll take you on a journey through Paris, showing you how to make the most of just €50 in a single day. From iconic sights to delicious eats, join me as I uncover the charm and beauty of Paris without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a budget traveler, a student, or simply curious, this guide will prove that a little can go a long way in this enchanting city.

1. Transport: €27

Firstly, you need a way to get around Paris. We stayed about 30 minutes north of the centre of Paris (another budget tip for accommodation!) so we got the metro (train). One of the best aspects of exploring Paris on a budget is the efficiency and convenience of its metro system. The Paris Metro is not only one of the largest and busiest underground networks in the world, but it’s also a marvel of accessibility and simplicity. The trains run frequently, ensuring minimal wait times, and the extensive network allows you to hop from iconic landmarks to hidden gems with ease. Plus, with tickets priced reasonably, the metro is a perfect ally for budget travellers. We purchased a day pass which allowed for consistent metro travel throughout the day and priced at €27 each. Don’t worry, this was the most expensive part of the day!

Alternatively you can purchase a one-way metro ticket for €15+ (depending on which line and where you are travelling from) and walk around Paris for the day. We found that the day pass had the best value though as you would then need to purchase a return metro ticket which becomes more than the price of the day pass. If you love to walk (like we do), there is plenty of walking ahead with options to catch the metro if you prefer.

2. Visiting the Landmarks: FREE

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur

Our first stop on the metro was Anvers (line 2). After a short but steep walk up the cobblestone street of Montmartre, you reach the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. This is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Paris that are worth the visit alone. Inside, the basilica houses one of the world’s largest mosaics, the Christ in Majesty, which adorns the ceiling of the apse. It is definitely worth going inside! Entry into the basilica is free. As it is a place of worship, make sure you wear appropriate attire. This includes covering shoulders and upper thighs.

Arc de Triumphe

If you love to walk then you will thoroughly enjoy a walk from the artistic heart of Montmartre to the grand Arc de Triomphe. It is a delightful way to experience the diverse charm of Paris. This journey, spanning approximately 4 kilometres (about 2.5 miles), offers a mix of historic sites, bustling streets, and quintessential Parisian vibes. If you prefer not to walk, there is another option that incurs no extra expenses! Remember that metro day pass? USE IT! I am not joking when I say that the metro allows you to access iconic landmarks and hidden gems at ease. If you walk back down the cobblestone street of Montmartre to the metro line, it will take you directly under the Arc de Triomphe and you only need to walk up a couple of stairs to the street and look up!

If you prefer to walk like us, the journey from Montmartre to the Arc de Triomphe is AMAZING! Google Maps is the simplest way to navigate to the Arc de Triomphe. When you arrive, take the pedestrian underpass to reach the arch safely. It is free to admire this beautiful monument from the ground. We didn’t climb to the top but it is offered for another stunning view of the city for a fee of €13 for adults (free for children).

Eiffel Tower

Again, you can get the metro directly from the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower. Alternatively, and suggested, it is only another 2 kilometre walk (30 minute leisurely pace) so why not continue walking! This walk begins with Avenue Kléber which is one of Paris’s grand boulevards, lined with elegant buildings, shops, and cafes. Along the walk, you will begin to see the Eiffel Tower and can stop to take some photos in the streets and along the river (we did!). This is one of the best ways to capture the complete Eiffel Tower in your selfie without using a low, sometimes unflattering, angle.

It was during this morning walk that we stopped at a corner patisserie (there are so many to choose from!) for a croissant and a coffee. This cost us €2 for the croissant and €4 for the coffee.