Paris Travel Budget and Itinerary. Bonus section at the end!

As part of any trip to Paris, we thought it would be important to include budgeting, since it is quite pricey for tourists. How much should you budget for each day in Paris?

Here’s where we break it down for you a travel budget for Paris. In the second section, we will also share an itinerary for you to base your trip on.

Related: One day in Monaco

What's covered in this post

Daily budgets
Paris Travel Guide: 5D4N Itinerary
Bonus Section: Day Trips from Paris
Ending notes
Logistics before visiting Paris France
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Daily budgets

Paris is one of the more expensive cities to visit in the world, but how much exactly will it cost you? In this section, we show you some of the most commonly incurred expenses during a trip to Paris.

Related: Paris Destination Guide

Accommodation budget

€105 per person per night.

Which area you stay in will determine the amount to spend here. If you’re here during the off season, you can grab a better deal.

So, what kind of budget should you prepare for a trip to Paris?

As Paris is a popular destination, hotel prices tend to stay high.

As a guideline, the budget for a couple would be roughly €105 per person per night.

This will allow you to stay in some decent hotels and snag a solid location at the same time. Here are our recommendations:

Mob Hotel, 6 minutes walk to Garibaldi Metro Station, €170 per night
Auteuil Hotel Tour Eiffel, 7 minutes walk to Mirabeau Metro Station, €220 per night.
Hotel le Derby Alma, 7 minutes walk to Alma-Marceau Metro Station, €250 per night.
Les Boulevards Hotel et Studio, 1 minute walk to Bonne Nouvelle Metro Station, €175 per night
Paris Square, 5 minutes walk to George V Metro Station, €300 per night

A really good alternative will be to consider using Airbnb, which is widely available in Paris. Get a discount on your booking when you use our code. Also, you can check out this list of best Airbnbs in Paris for couples!

Find a good deal down below!

Booking.com

Food budget

€30 per day

Here’s a few tips to keep the costs down and manageable.

Choose a hotel that comes with free breakfast.
Pack a bun for afternoon snack.
Order one main and one side to share between a couple if you do not have a large appetite.
Water and bread are usually free in restaurants.
Eat at the outdoor markets and food trucks.

Check out these recommendations that are a good mix from low to higher budget:

Aligre market
Rue d’Aligre et, Place d’Aligre, 75012 Paris, France

Le Marche Saint Germain
14 Rue Lobineau, 75006 Paris, France

Rue Montorgueil Food Street
61-59 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris, France

Le Baron Rouge
1 Rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris, France

Les Fables de la Fontaine
131 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris, France

Le Fauves Restaurant
33 Boulevard Edgar Quinet, 75014 Paris, France

Yaki Kobe
14 Rue de Sèze, 75009 Paris, France

La Taverne l’Olympia
25 Rue de Caumartin, 75009 Paris, France

Make sure to download and use The Fork app to book tables and get discounts that can be up to 50%!

Transport budget

€5 per day based on using Metro only, €40 each way using Uber/Kapten to the airport

We tend to avoid taking taxis as the costs can really add up quickly. If you follow our itinerary later down the page, you will see that we did a lot of walking.

Afterall, we got to repeat ourselves: Paris is a great walking city! And also, save on taxi fare by making your last activity nearer to hotel and drink at nearby pubs.

Water Budget

Free!

Tap water is absolutely safe to drink from. Bring along a bottle to refill.

2 points to take note though: it might not taste good as it has a high mineral content, and make sure not to drink from taps labeled ‘eau de potable’!

That’s not fit for consumption!

And since most hotels provide free water, you can ask for one from the housekeeper before heading out.

If you have to buy some, a large bottle will cost you around €1 in the supermarkets.

Entertainment/Activities Budget

To list down all the things you can do in Paris is simply impossible, since the choices are endless.

We thought it would be useful to point out the usual suspects as well as some undiscovered gems. Here are our top picks and what they cost:

The Notre Dame Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic Art, the Notre Dame Cathedral was unfortunately a victim of a fire that blazed on for hours before firefighters put it out.

As it stands now, the cathedral will undergo restoration works and there is no info on the reopening until further notice.

That said, you should still visit the area and admire this spectacular icon.

Sainte Chapelle, €9

Another Gothic Art classic, Sainte Chapelle is small compared to the giants like Notre Dame, but it contains one of the most stunning stained glass in the world.

Besides that, it also houses some rare relics from a time forgotten.

Get a skip the line ticket here.

Eiffel Tower, up to €25.50 without tour packages

Many people have placed this iconic structure by Gustave Eiffel at the top of their bucket list, and you shouldn’t miss it too.

Whether you go all the way up to the viewing gallery, or just admire it from afar, it will leave an indelible impression on you.

Arc de Triomphe, €12 to reach the top without tour

The Arc de Triomphe is a massive arch where you can get a great view of the entire city of Paris from the top. At its base, you can see the achievements of Napoleon, as well as battle scenes and sculptures.

Beware though, do not attempt to cross the road to access it. Use the underpass instead as we can only describe the traffic as super chaotic!

Avenue de Champ Elysees, free

If you ask someone what is the most well known street in the world, the Champ Elysees is likely the answer. This is where glamour meets lavish.

It connects the Arc de Triomphe with Place de la Concorde, and is certainly worth a walk down this avenue.

Place de la Concorde, free

At the other end of Champ Elysees near the Louvre, this is one of the major squares in Paris and is where you can find a 3300 year old Egpytian obelisk.

Take a walk through here and appreciate the sculptures and fountains on display. It’s also where you can see the La Grande Roue.

The Louvre, €17

The world’s largest art museum, it covers an area of 72735 square metres! Even if you only walk through the entire building, it will take you over 5 hours to complete!

Home of the Mona Lisa, there are numerous other art classics that you should not miss too. Get a skip the line ticket here.

Montparnasse Tower

Located just a 2 minutes walk away from Gare Montparnasse, the viewing deck on the 59 floor terrace of this office building offers sweeping views of Paris and beyond into the suburbs.

Check out this cool cam that refreshes every hour before deciding to splash the cash!

Get your roof terrace tickets here

Le Jardin de Luxembourg, free

This beautiful garden is a fantastic escape from the city without the need to travel out of it.

Located a short distance from the Montparnasse Tower (15 minutes walk), the manicured lawns are a great place to have a picnic and meet the locals.

Sacre Coeur, free

Situated in the neighbourhood of Montmartre, this white Basilica holds one of the most famous bells in the world, the Savoyarde, and weighing in at 19 tons!

Instead of taking the funicular up, consider walking its cobbled streets and get a sense of life in Paris.

Explore South Pigalle, free

Tree lined avenue combined with hip cafes and glamorous shopping, SoPi has transformed into one of the most fashionable quarters of Paris.

Spend a lazy day here sipping coffee and just enjoying the outdoors.

Art spotting in Belleville, free

Its name means beautiful town in English, and indeed this small neighbourhood straddling the 19th and 20th arrondissement is a great place to experience life as a local and see its graffiti and street art.

Grands Boulevard, free

Visitors coming here will immediately notice how lively this area is. You will also find in avenues here the beautifully maintained architecture from the Belle Epoque period.

And of course, you should check out luxurious department stores as this is THE place to shop!

Bois de Boulogne, free

Huge is an understatement to describe its size, and thanks to that, you won’t feel any crowds invading your space.

Great place to get in touch with nature and to spend some quality serene time.

Within the park, you can pay a visit to the Louis Vuitton Art Foundation and take part in a round of mini golf.

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Paris Travel Guide: 5D4N Itinerary

Depending on your interest, Paris can be seen in a day or two, or you can spend months on end exploring every nook and cranny.

In the following section, we offer our suggestions on some of the best activities for a 5D4N stay.

What would be a Paris Travel Guide be without an itinerary right?

Day 1 Itinerary

Gare de Lyon

Start the day off at the Gare de Lyon, one of six large mainline railway stations in Paris. It serves an incredible 90 million passengers each year, making it one of the busiest terminals in Europe.

But what’s really jutting is the classical facade of the building. Built in 1900, the station is well maintained and showcases a large clock tower that is resplendent against the clear blue skies.

You could come and admire the art here too, and possibly use it as a jump off point to other cities in and around France.

Le Baron Rouge

Small bar with a great atmosphere. Located near a lively street, you can come here and get affordable wine, meat platter and fresh oysters while mingling with the locals.

There’s no worry if you don’t speak French. Just ask for some of the bar patrons to help you with the first order. You will figure it out right after and blend in perfectly.

Aligre Market

A real local market that is bustling and vibrant, this is where you can find assortments of fruits, vegetables, flowers, as well as the usual meats and groceries.

Make sure to try out some of the food here in one of the cafes.

Bastille opera house

Head on over to the Bastille Opera House which is a short 15 minutes walk away. When it was built, it became a laughing stock as it was quickly tagged as the ugliest Opera House in Europe.

Well, beauty is subjective, and while we can’t say we like the looks, it does host some of the best shows in Paris.

Place de la Bastille

It is one of the most famous squares in Paris, and used to be the site of the Bastille Prison. Today, it is much more peaceful and you can pass by to have a sense of its history and the landmark column.

Skip this area if there is news of demonstrations as this is one of the central rallying places.

Le Marais Neighbourhood

Continue to stroll towards Place des Vosges and enter the Le Marais neighbourhood.

If you wish to find out more about the Parisian lifestyle, this is the perfect place to learn.

Slightly eccentric but definitely lively, a walk around is the perfect way to explore it.

Hotel de Ville

Don’t bother finding this on a hotel booking website since it doesn’t open its doors for guests.

This neo renaissance monument is the site of the local city’s administration, but that doesn’t stop you from appreciating its grandeur from the outside.

Tours inside the building are sometimes possible so do check its website to find out.

Ile Saint Louis

Continue on to the Ile Saint Louis, a mini island right steps away from the popular Ile de la Cite, which is home to Notre Dame Cathedral.

Superb small town feel, it is almost like an entirely different city in another place, a tranquil getaway.

Churches and houses from centuries ago still reside on this island.

From Hotel de Ville, get there by crossing either Pont Louis Philippe or Pont Marie.

Day 2 Itinerary

Avenue de Champ Elysees

Kick start the day with a pleasant walk down the Avenue de Champ Elysees. Flanked by world renowned brands as well as plentiful sidewalk cafes, enjoy the surroundings while heading towards the next site.

But honestly, the prices here are somewhat inflated, so we wouldn’t recommend shopping here.

Arc du Triomphe

Massive arch in the middle of a roundabout that connects 12 avenues, take the time to see Napoleon’s successes as well as the intricate artwork at its base.

Save some money by getting a skip the line pass and guided tour to the top of the arch for a sweeping view of Paris.

Jardin du Trocadero

Head southwards on Avenue Kleber and board the metro towards Trocadero. This is one of the best spots to witness the glorious Eiffel Tower in full view.

At the top of the garden is where you will need to jostle with hordes of tourists for that special photo.

On a nice weather, you should bring along a blanket and a picnic basket to enjoy the outdoors and a Paris icon.

Eiffel Tower

Around the base of the Iron Lady, you will find an area where activities are held regularly.

Here is also where you can buy the tickets to ride the lift up to the viewing deck or restaurant.

If you wish to save yourself some cash, get this skip the queue tickets deal.

More info here at their official site.

Walk over to Bir Hakeim station to board the metro to Gare Montparnasse.

Montparnasse Tower

Built in an ideal location and at a height of 210 metres, it is one of the highest skyscrapers in Paris.

So it makes perfect sense to have a viewing deck here that allows you to have a 360 panoramic perspective of Paris and its beyonds.

Book your tickets to the Montparnasse Tower viewing deck here.

The Financier

This British looking bar is just across the street from the Montparnasse Tower, along Rue de Depart.

Reasonably priced craft beer and sports on the TV, it’s a great place and we had a few swigs here before our next stop.

Luxembourg garden

Within 15 minutes walk from the tower is the Luxembourg Gardens. Over 400 years old, this used to be the residence of a queen and was turned into a prison during the French Revolution.

It has a significant place in the history of France and today is one of the most charming sites to visit in Paris. Remember to bring wine and cheese!

Latin quarter

Right beside the gardens is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Paris.

Students can be seen everywhere since the Sorbonne University is situated here and they in turn give the place a refreshing vibe.

Consider going for a Latin Quarter walking tour to learn its history and get insider knowledge on attractions like Notre Dame and the Pantheon.

Day 3 Itinerary

Notre Dame

If you missed the Notre Dame during the night tour, then you have to make it there today.

It is a gorgeous piece of Gothic architecture, steeped in history and a beloved part of Paris. Make sure to start the day early as there’s lots to cover!

Sainte Chapelle

Just a few steps away sits the Sainte Chapelle, a royal chapel built in Gothic style.

Displaying some of the most lavish and impressive stained glass in the world, get in there with a skip the line ticket and make sure to pick up some of the unique souvenirs in the gift shop.

Pont Neuf

The oldest stone bridge in Paris, it links cars and pedestrians from the mainland to Ile de la Cite.

With great views of the Seine River, remember to whip out your cameras for that Insta-worthy shot.

Louvre

Containing some of the most precious art pieces, this is one of the most visited sites and museums anywhere.

Although we are not art buffs, the sheer size and grandiosity left a deep impression on us.

Don’t just focus on Mona Lisa, as there are innumerable options not to be missed.

Galerie Vero Dodat

Make a side trip to this unique spot in Paris. It is one of the remaining passage couvert left in Paris, which are glass roofed arcades that flourished in the 19th century.

Today, they are filled with boutiques dedicated to art and antiques.

Printemps Haussmann / Galeries LaFayette

Two prominent department stores located side by side in the Opera district, even if you are not an avid shopper (like us), you should still drop by simply to see the magnificent architecture styling that these buildings offer.

Here’s a secret: head to the rooftop of the buildings to enjoy the best free view of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower on one side, while Sacre Coeur dominates the other.

Day 4 Itinerary

Take a day trip out to Mont Saint Michel/Fontainebleau/Champagne. Read more about them in the bonus section below.

Day 5 Itinerary

Jardin des Tuileries

On this last day, take your time with it and chill out in the Tuileries Garden, the largest and oldest garden in Paris.

Be awed by the intricate labyrinth and its impeccable landscaping. Don’t miss out the two museums in this garden.

Before heading over to the next spot, try a soufflé dessert at Le Soufflé just one street away on Rue du Mont Thabor.

Place de la Concorde

Just next to the Tuileries Garden is the Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris.

Gone are the dubious history of the French Revolution, and today all you will find here are passersby taking photos of its bronze fountains and the Egyptian Obelisk.

Jardins des Champs-Elysees

Finally, before calling it a day, step over to the Champs-Elysees Garden for more relaxation.

Surrounded by picturesque statues and hedges, this would be a perfect place to reflect and reminisce on your trip.

Bonus Section: Day Trips from Paris

Mont Saint Michel (between 4-5 hours away)

Mont Saint Michel is a tiny island in the Northwest coast of France, which gained entry into the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979.

You will find here a mixture of Gothic abbey and old buildings as well as the highlight at the top of the island, the Benedictine Abbey.

Be warned though, it is a steep climb up so make sure you are well prepared. Consider a night’s stay and explore the Normandy region as part of a longer plan.

Save on a day trip package using this link.

Fontainebleau (1 hour away)

We would call this the cousin of Versailles, which is much more well known and popular of the two.

However, you would be foolish to dismiss Fontainebleau. You will find the magnificent palace and its lovely forest, where you can sit and enjoy the fresh air and sip some fine wine.

Art fans will be able to find a number of museums here and you can be back to Paris by the evening since it is only about an hour away.

Check out this tour package from Paris.

Champagne (1 hour away)

You know what else is synonymous with France? Champagne.

Take a day trip here to escape the hectic side of Paris and get high with some bubbly. All the world’s best brands have cellars here, and makes for an interesting tour.

If you have to settle for one town, we would suggest Epernay. It is smaller and has a much more rustic feel while still being home to the brand name cellars as well.

Get an organised tour here.

Want more travel inspiration? Check out these popular posts!

Ending notes

There you go! You have made it to the end now.

For more information about travelling to Paris, read our Paris Travel Guide here.

Hopefully our notes have been helpful. As they say, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

There is also a section of travel planning resources to help you out.

Have you been to Paris? Or are you planning a trip there soon? Please let us know what’s your favourite moment or what you look forward to seeing most!

And if you liked this post, please check us out on social media and follow us! And make sure to check out the rest of our blog!

Logistics before visiting Paris France

Find cheap flights.
Air tickets are usually the bulk of your expenses. Set up an alert and snag cheap fares with Skyscanner.

Find the best accommodation.
Book a place ahead of time to get good rates. Booking.com has transparent fees and excellent rates.

Handy travel guide.
For the old school kid in you, get a travel guide book and get lost exploring the city.

Photos.
Your mobile phone can do a pretty good job, but if you need an upgrade, we recommend the Sony A6000 (US) (International)

Travel insurance.
You don’t need us to teach you to be a responsible adult, do you? Get a quote here.

Planned for you activities in Paris.
Need a guide to show you and your group around? Lots of operators here to choose from here. You know who they are and how they are reviewed.

More resources to help you.
What other useful travel resources we use when we book our trips.