Introduction
Paris is magical—no doubt about it—but it doesn’t have to be expensive. This 3‑day itinerary blends free icons, low‑cost experiences, and smart food choices so you can enjoy the City of Light without overspending. Expect walkable routes, metro tips, and plenty of budget‑friendly eats.
📷 [Image Placeholder: Eiffel Tower at golden hour viewed from Trocadéro]
How to Use This Itinerary (Save More, See More)
• Get around: Use a day pass for unlimited metro/bus rides. Walk when sights are nearby.
• Timing: Start early for crowd‑free photos and quieter cafés.
• Meals: Mix bakery breakfasts, market picnics, and fixed‑price (prix fixe) lunches.
• Savings: Book tickets online where possible and take advantage of free museum days.
🔗 Internal link: 10 Secrets to Traveling Paris on a Budget (#)
🔗 Internal link: Cheap Eats in Paris: Where to Eat Like a Local (#)
🔗 Internal link: Best Travel Apps Every Traveler Should Have in 2025 (#)
🔗 External link: RATP (Paris Transport) – https://www.ratp.fr/en
🔗 External link: Louvre Official – https://www.louvre.fr/en
Day 1 – Historic Core, Louvre Courtyards & Seine
### Morning – Île de la Cité & Latin Quarter
• Notre‑Dame (exterior) and the riverside bookstalls.
• Optional (€): Sainte‑Chapelle for its stained glass.
• Coffee & croissant from a local boulangerie.
📷 [Image Placeholder: Notre‑Dame exterior and Seine bookstalls]
### Lunch – Latin Quarter Budget Bistro
• Look for prix‑fixe menus (student‑friendly).
📷 [Image Placeholder: Chalkboard menu outside a small bistro]
### Afternoon – Louvre Courtyards & Tuileries (Free Outdoors)
• Snap photos at the glass pyramid.
• Stroll Tuileries Garden to Place de la Concorde.
• Optional (€): Louvre (book online to save time).
📷 [Image Placeholder: Louvre pyramid with visitors]
### Evening – Sunset Walk & Seine Bridges
• Walk via Pont des Arts toward the Left Bank.
• Budget dinner: crêperie or falafel in Le Marais.
💶 Sample Day 1 Budget: Metro day pass + bakery breakfast + prix‑fixe lunch + crepe/falafel dinner (+ optional museum ticket).
Day 2 – Montmartre Views, Picnic & Left Bank
### Morning – Montmartre
• Climb to Sacré‑Cœur (free) for panoramic views.
• Explore Place du Tertre and side streets.
📷 [Image Placeholder: View from Sacré‑Cœur over Paris rooftops]
### Lunch – Picnic
• Grab baguette, cheese, fruit from a supermarket and picnic on the steps or in a nearby square.
📷 [Image Placeholder: Simple picnic spread with baguette and cheese]
### Afternoon – Musée d’Orsay or Free Alternatives
• Optional (€): Musée d’Orsay (impressionist masterworks).
• Free outdoors: walk the Seine’s Left Bank, browse Shakespeare & Company area.
🔗 External link: Paris Museum information – https://www.parismuseumpass.fr (for planning only)
📷 [Image Placeholder: Musée d’Orsay clock from inside]
### Evening – Canal Saint‑Martin
• Affordable cafés and a laid‑back vibe; perfect for a casual dinner.
💶 Sample Day 2 Budget: Metro day pass + picnic lunch + café dinner (+ optional museum ticket).
Day 3 – Le Marais, Markets & Eiffel Views
### Morning – Le Marais & Markets
• Explore Le Marais lanes and vintage shops.
• Budget bite: falafel or bakery sandwich.
• Market stop: Marché d’Aligre (great value produce & snacks).
🔗 Internal link: Top 10 Food Markets in Europe Every Traveler Should Visit (#)
📷 [Image Placeholder: Colorful produce stalls at Marché d’Aligre]
### Afternoon – Free Parks & Iconic Photos
• Luxembourg Gardens (free) or Champ de Mars for Eiffel Tower views.
• Optional (€): Short Seine cruise offers value views.
📷 [Image Placeholder: Relaxing on the grass at Luxembourg Gardens]
### Evening – Trocadéro Sunset & Budget Dinner
• Golden‑hour photos of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro.
• Dinner: set‑menu bistro or supermarket hot counter.
💶 Sample Day 3 Budget: Metro day pass + market snacks + budget bistro dinner (+ optional cruise).
## Bonus Tips
• Sunday Strategy: Many museums are free the first Sunday of the month—plan accordingly.
• Refill Water: Use public fountains; carry a reusable bottle.
• Offline Maps: Download maps for metro and walking routes.
🔗 Internal link: How to Find Cheap Flights Every Time You Travel (#)
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