7 Things To Do In Paris On A Small Budget

Introduction

Paris, the City of Love and Light has been one of the go-to tourist destinations since time immemorial. Though the France capital has gained notoriety for its exorbitant prices, there are a wide range of activities that you can do in Paris without spending prodigally. From the Velib’ to the Saint-Ouen Flea Market, here is our specially curated list of fun things to do while visiting Paris on a small budget.

Dubbed as the ‘Capital of the World’, Paris is the hub for finance, fashion, arts, gastronomy, science and boasts of a rich cultural heritage. Since 1991, the city center’s historical district along the Seine has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Paris hosts over 30 million tourists every year globally. Here’s how you can explore the magical city without emptying your wallet. Checkout our top 7 activities to savour the

1. The Velib’ Or The Navigo Pass For Travel

This bicycle sharing network is one of the most affordable ways to explore the iconic streets of Paris. The network comprises of mechanical and electric bikes which can be rented from 750 stations spanning the entire city. You are charged based on the amount of time you spend on the bike. The subscription is priced at €1.70. The first 30 minutes are free and thereafter, you will be charged on an hourly basis (€1/hour).You can also purchase a Passe Navigo Découverte to travel around the French Capital. This smart card can be used for payment in public transportation in Paris. With a Forfait Navigo Semaine, you can enjoy unlimited access to all public transportation in Paris for approximately €30 per week.

2. The Eiffel Tower

The timeless monument, constructed in the 1800s, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city. Popular by the name ‘Iron Lady’, the monument garners over 7 million tourists from around the globe, every year. Built by Gustave Eiffel, the monument is 324 meters high and is a famous symbol of French civic pride. You can take a metro to the Bir-Hakeim Station, which is approximately an 8-minute walk from the Eiffel tower.

3. The Louvre

This art retreat has the capacity to accommodate over 10,000 people and is the world’s largest art museum. The Louvre is free for all visitors on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m and on the first Sunday of each month, so you can plan your visit accordingly. The museum hosts a diverse collection of items out of which the most prominent attractions are Leonardo di Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Seated Scribe, or the Greek statutes, namely Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace (also known as the Winged Nike. You can witness glimpses of medieval western art alongside Egyptian masterpieces in this most visited museum in the world. If you are under 26 years old and hail from one of the EU countries, then you can get free access to mist of the museums in Paris like The Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of the Romantic Life and Victor Hugo’s house (French romantic writer and politician).

4. Le Baron Rouge

This inexpensive wine bar is situated near Bastille Square. If you are a fan of French wine and wish to try out French cuisines, then this is the most affordable restaurant you can visit. This is the one-stop destination for those who want to try out oysters and French wines from barrel spigots without breaking the bank? Amongst other delicacies served here are prawns, cold cuts, rillette, etc.

5. Sunset at the Sacré Coeur Basilica

Calling out all the sunset lovers to witness the magical golden glow at the Basilica of Sacré Coeur, atop the Butte de Montmartre. The Basilica situated at an altitude of 130 meters at the top of Montmartre Hill is one of the best sunset spots in the city. The bohemian neighbourhood, Montmartre is renowned for its painters and nightclubs. You can take a metro to the hill’s summit at the cost of approximately €1.90 or you can take the stairs which is free of cost.

6. Canal Saint-Martin

The 4.6 km long canal in Paris, connecting the Canal de l’Ourcq to the river Seine bustles with strollers and diners who wish to soak in the bliss of idyllic nature and take a break from the busy city life. The tree-lined Canal exudes a romantic vibe and is perfect for those who are on the lookout for people who desire to experience the perfect blend of liveliness and tranquillity. You can take a metro to Stalingrad which is a 2min walk from the Canal.

7. Shopping At The Saint-Ouen Flea Market

This second-hand shopping market, also known as, Clignancourt Flea Market, is a haven for shoppers. If you are someone who has got exceptional bargaining skills, then this vibrant market is the one to explore. Situated in the northern end of the Parisian city centre, this place offers a varied array of offerings ranging from vintage goods, to handmade arts and crafts. The market has more than 2500 stores scattered across 15 individual markets. Shopaholics can explore the different markets, primarily Vernaison Market, Vallés Market, Malik Market, Biron Market and Dauphine Market.

Conclusion

In addition to the affordable activities mentioned above, visitors can also opt for audio guided walking tours, fountain shows at the Versailles, hop on and hop off buses exploring the different nooks and crannies of the city and visit the famous Roland Garros stadium.