Perfect Paris if you are broke

Perfect Paris if you are broke

During my Erasmus exchange period in Lille (for those who do not know, Erasmus is the European university exchange program), I had the opportunity to visit Paris many times, because it was close and as it is a city that I deeply love and that ravishes my heart every time. Of course, at that time I did not have a particularly large budget, and, let's say that, Paris is not exactly a low-cost destination. However, I looked for the best solutions to be able to fully enjoy this wonderful city without having to spend a fortune. The most surprising thing is, that I ended up having extraordinary experiences that I would not have had otherwise. Here I have created a list of all the coolest free or low-cost activities I did in Paris, the hotel I stayed at, and the places I ate.
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ACTIVITIES 

1. Stroll along the Seine River

Take a leisurely walk along the Seine, enjoy the riverside atmosphere, and soak up the beautiful views of landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Musée d'Orsay.

Also here you can find some book or jewelry street vendors.

When I was there, me and my friend decided to go buy someting to eat and to drink and then go to along the river and have a kind of nice picnic with an amazing sunset

2. Take in the street art

Paris has a vibrant street art scene. Explore neighborhoods like Belleville, Le Marais, and Butte-aux-Cailles to discover colorful murals, graffiti, and artistic expressions.

3. Thrift shopping 

Le Marais
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In this neighborhood you will find many small stores selling the best low-cost vintage or thrift stuff.
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4. Explore the parks and gardens 

Paris is home to several beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Luxembourg Gardens, Tuileries Garden, and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. These are the best place to enjoy a picnic, relax, or take a leisurely stroll amidst green surroundings.

5. Explore the Montmartre neighborhood

 Wander through the charming streets of Montmartre, visit the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the hilltop. If you walk to arrive there and you don't take the elevator then is free :)

6. Take the Metro line 6 

While riding Line 6, you'll have an amazing glimpses of the Eiffel Tower 

7. Free museum entry

Some museums in Paris offer free admission on specific days or times. For example, the Louvre Museum is free on the first Sunday of each month from October to March. The Musée d'Orsay offers free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Check the official websites for updated information.

ALSO every musem is free if you are under the age of 26

8. View Paris from a high terrace

In Paris there are many many terraces, though most of them are bars or cool places that will ask you for an eye just for a glass of water hahahaha. But there is a place where you will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view of all Paris for free. I'm talking about the top of the "Galerie Lafayette". 

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
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9. Just walk around the little roads and check out the big important monuments

Paris has soooo much to offer by just wandering around its little street and little roads. Enjoy also the little art galleries, or local, as well as the big monuments such as: 

Arc de Triomphe
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Eiffel Tower
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Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
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Champs-Élysées
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10. Attend a free concert or event

Keep an eye out for free concerts and events happening around the city. Many venues and cultural institutions organize free shows, performances, and festivals throughout the year.

Paris Tourist Office: Visit the official website of the Paris Tourist Office (https://en.parisinfo.com/) to find information on current events and activities happening in the city. Also, check out local event listings websites like Time Out Paris (https://www.timeout.fr/paris)

Thought you can also find something or someone playing in the street while you are walking around 

11. Eplore the covered passages

Discover the hidden treasures of the covered passages, where its charming arcades feature elegant architecture, boutiques, and cafés, offering a glimpse into Paris's past.

I've been to Galerie Vivienne and I really really enjoyed it. 

Galerie Vivienne
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12. Take a Parisian Cooking Class

Join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional French dishes from a local chef. It's a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into French culinary traditions, techniques, and ingredients. Also if you book the group ones they are not CRAZYYYY expensive. What I would recommend you is to do a patisserie or baking one because France is very famous for that, so it would be the perfect place to do it 

HOSTELS 

When I went to Paris this was the hostel where I stayed, and I have to admit that i really really enjoy it. 

Generator Paris
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There are also many other places you can go to, but this for me was ABSOLUTE GREAT 

EAT

Welllll there are soooo many options for this section, though I want to share with you some of my favourite one (and on a budget :) )

Bakeries and Patisserie

Paris is famous for its bakeries and pastry shops. Here you can grab a freshly baked baguette, croissant, pain au chocolat, sandwiches and much more. These make for a quick and affordable breakfast or snack.

1. La Maison d'Isabelle

La Maison d’Isabelle
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A delicius, small and home made bakery where you will find THE BEST "croissant" and "chousson au pomme".
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2. Paul 

This is a famous franchise of Bakeries that you will find all around the city

3. Du Pain et des Idées

Du Pain et des Idées
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Located in the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood, this bakery is celebrated for its traditional and inventive breads and pastries. Their iconic "escargot" pastries and buttery croissants are particularly beloved.
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4. Boulangerie Les Saveurs du Pain

Les Saveurs du Pain
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These are just a few examples of the exceptional bakeries in Paris. Thought it's worth exploringaround to find the local and good ones that every neighborhoods has.

Crêperies

Crêperies are a great option for budget-friendly meals. You can find them throughout the city, offering savory galettes (buckwheat salty pancakesfilled with cheese, meet, eggs or veggie) and sweet crêpes. Try Breizh Café, Crêperie Josselin, or La Crêperie de Josselin for delicious and reasonably priced options.

This is a Galette

Cafés and Brasseries

While some cafés and brasseries in touristy areas can be pricey, there are affordable options if you venture off the beaten path. Look for local neighborhood cafés that offer fixed-price menus or affordable daily specials for lunch or dinner. These are some of the one where I went that i really liked and that were not tooooo expensive.

1. L'amuse Gueule

L'amuse gueule
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Try their local club sandwich
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2. Au rocher de cancale

Au Rocher de Cancale
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3. Chartier

Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards
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Chartier is a historic brasserie known for its traditional French dishes and reasonable prices. The menu features classics like steak frites, roast chicken, and French onion soup.
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4. Au Pied de Fouet Restaurant Traditionnel

Au pied de fouet Restaurant Traditionnel
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Le Pied de Fouet is a cozy brasserie that serves reasonably priced French comfort food.
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Street Food and Food Markets

Paris has several food markets where you can find fresh produce, local specialties, and affordable street food. Visit Marché des Enfants Rouges, Marché d'Aligre, or Marché des Batignolles for a variety of food options at reasonable prices.

Ethnic Food

Paris has a diverse culinary scene, offering affordable ethnic cuisine. Head to neighborhoods like Belleville or the 13th arrondissement to find affordable Vietnamese, Chinese, Middle Eastern, or African restaurants. Rue Sainte-Anne near the Opéra Garnier is known for its Japanese eateries. I've personally been to these 3:

Eleftheria
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Greek food
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Tricotin
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Chinese food
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The Brooklyn Pizzeria
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"Italian" food
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NIGHT LIFE

Paris is filled with cool activitis to do in the night

1. Charming bars and cafés

Here you can relax, socialize, and enjoy a drink or two. The Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the Canal Saint-Martin areas are known for their lively bar scenes. Le Comptoir Général, Le Perchoir, and Little Red Door are a few notable establishments worth exploring.

These are the one where I went the nights I was there

Formidable
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Bar des Ferrailleurs
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This bar is in a MUST NIGHT LIFE road
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2. Nightclubs

Paris boasts a vibrant nightclub scene with venues catering to different music genres and atmospheres. Famous clubs like Rex Club, Concrete, and Wanderlust offer diverse electronic music experiences, while Le Duplex and L'Arc are known for a more upscale clubbing experience.

3. Jazz Clubs

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ciao! Nice to meet you, I am Margherita. I am a 100% Italian girl, now based in Rome. I’ve spent the last 5 years working in the tourism industry, with a special focus on enogastronomy 🍝🍕🍦🍷. So, if you’re looking for the best pasta in town or a hidden vineyard in Umbria, you’re in the right place! Italy is my home, and exploring it from top to bottom, discovering everything from iconic landmarks to those secret spots that only locals know, is what I found magical. But my wanderlust doesn’t end with Italy. I’m an adventurous traveler who loves to explore new destinations and fully immerse myself in different cultures. I've for instance recently came from a seventh moth backpacking 🎒 around Southeast Asia. This website is where I bring all of that together—a collection of travel guides, tips, and services covering both Italian and international destinations. Everything you find here is based on my personal experiences and thorough research, designed to help you plan trips that are authentic, memorable, and perfectly suited to your travel style. So, whether you’re dreaming of an Italian foodie adventure or a journey to far-off places, I’m here to make sure your trip is unforgettable, fun, and totally stress-free. Ready to plan??
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