By 
GETTING THERE
I took an overnight bus from Amsterdam to Paris, France. In spite of being excited about all of the Paris attractions that I was about to embark on, I was able to get some sleep. Plus, I saved on one night of accommodations, for the win. If you’re traveling around Europe, Flixbus really is the way to go!
WHERE TO LAY YOUR HEAD ON A PILLOW
My friends and I stayed at Inter-Hotel Parisiana. Equipped with three twin beds, the room was like a scene from “I Love Lucy.” The hotel was conveniently located near a metro and bus stop, which made getting around simple.
GETTING AROUND PARIS
The bus and metro systems make it pretty easy to get around Paris. Tickets are 1.90 € , just keep track of the number of trips you’re taking because that can add up quickly. With that said, don’t be alarmed by the transportation line in my budget; I opted for Uber here and there.
WHERE TO EAT
One of the major Paris attractions is the food. Treat yourself to a macaron, cheese, wine, escargot…wander around and eat until your heart’s content. One night, we indulged in a nice dinner at Le Hide. It was pricey but worth it.
THINGS TO DO
Paris offers tons of things to see and do. Interested in free activities? Explore Montmartre, relax in le Jardin du Luxembourg, spend some time at the Notre Dame Cathedral. Willing to pay a fee? Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, be wowed by the beauty of Sainte Chapelle, tour the Catacombs, visit the Louvre, journey to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Whatever you decide to do, you won’t be disappointed.
Sainte Chapelle was one of my favorite Paris attractions. It wasn’t at the top of my list until a friend told me it was a must-see. Luckily, I decided to spend 10 € and check it out for myself. The story telling on the painted glass windows was breathtaking!
Of course I can’t forget about the Eiffel Tower. A ticket, including a lift to the top was 17 €. Tickets were sold out online, so we went to the tower and stood in an actual queue. Between security and purchasing the tickets, we waited for about 45 minutes. Not too bad, but it was pretty cold…so bundle up, buttercup. Minus the temperature, I enjoyed visiting at night to see the light show.
BUDGET
Here’s a breakdown of my budget for four days in Paris.
| Item | Cost |
| Amsterdam → Paris | 40 € = 48 USD |
| Accommodations | 112 € = 134 USD |
| Getting Around | 25 € = 30 USD |
| Food and Drinks | 110 € = 132 USD |
| Activities | 27 € = 32 USD |
| Total | 314 € = 377 USD |
*I used an exchange rate of 1 € = 1.2 USD
Looking at the activity line, I’m realizing that it might have been wise to invest in a Paris Museum Pass. The pass allows you to gain access to various museums without waiting in line. I decided not to partake in some activities because I was deterred by the line and/or the price. Think about what you want to see in Paris and do the math; purchasing a pass might allow you to see more Paris attractions while helping you save a bit of time and money.
Ciao for now,
Marissa
Really great article. I loved reading through it. Paris is such a nice place indeed.
Thanks Nwokolo! Paris is amazing 🙂
This is a great overview of Paris! You did a good job of exploring on a budget. I wish I read this article when I visited a couple of years ago!
Thanks!! I’m all about exploring a new place on a budget…with a splurge here and there.
A really useful article that will help people budget for what can be sometimes a very pricey city! Good work!
Thanks! At times, it can be difficult to navigate some of the more expensive cities.
Great post. We were in Paris in January – loved that there weren’t huge queues to get in to places!
Winter in Paris…I’m sure that was amazing! Cold, but amazing.
Thanks for this post – I visited Paris around 7/8 years ago and had a bad experience, but I think it’s time I gave it a second chance. Thanks for including the budget guide as well.
I’m sorry to hear that! Fingers crossed it’ll be better the second time around!
Your post brough alive my trip memories; I agree with the tip about the pass – that really helps save time and money! I loved the metro system in Paris as I found it very well connected!
Another vote for the museum pass 🙂 If I visit Paris again, I’m definitely buying one.
Paris is always a good idea! Looks like you had a great time exploring a very beautiful city
Yep, I had a great time!
There’s nothing like Paris! Good idea about the Paris museum pass, if I’m going to be there for more or a day or two I think I’ll invest in that. I’ve never been to Sainte Chapelle but i’m adding it to my list for next time, it looks stunning!
Sainte Chapelle was beautiful!! I should’ve done more research before visiting Paris. If I’d done my homework, I definitely would’ve purchased the pass. Oh well, live and learn 🙂
Great for 4 days this budget! Food is pricey but possible to make a budget tour in Paris, the dream destination for all.
Thanks Nafisa! I’d love to go back to Paris…maybe in the winter. I’ll make sure I have a heavy coat.
Thanks for sharing. this is pretty helpful and complete guide in spending time in Paris. Will definitely save it for later.
Thanks Valerie!
Paris, the city of lights, is a dream destination. I had visited Paris a few years back and would love to go back again. Your budget friendly post is super handy.
Thanks Chirasree! I’m all about exploring on a budget!
Omg this is such a helpful guide! Thanks for putting it together!:)
Thanks Cherrie!
Wow this is so helpful 🙂 I totally agree, I think a museum pass would make sense too and will definitely use some of these tips when I go back to Paris.
Thank Steph! I’ll definitely get a museum pass if I go back to Paris.
Sainte Chapelle is by far my most favourite church in all of this world. It is absolutely breathtaling and no matter how many times I see it, that initial gasp when you walk up those stairs is my favourite moment. I had th epleasure of finally takin gmy daughter to Paris and she was also gobsmacked by that church. Love Paris!
Sainte Chapelle is beyond beautiful! I’m so glad I was able to see it for myself!
Never heard of Flixbus, so thanks for the tip. Totally agree on allowing a splurge or three when it comes to food there. Great pics!
A friend of mine told me about Flixbus before I left for Europe, and I’m so glad she did!
Wow! I need to plan my visit to Paris ASAP! Thank you for this post. I like to see the positive view of Paris. Especially with all the negative news recently. Have fun!
Thanks so much Maria! Hope you can make it to Paris in the near future 🙂
Great post! I really want to go to Paris someday.. especially now!
Thanks Randi! Hope you can get to Paris soon 🙂
Oh how I miss Paris. Thanks for the stroll down memory lane. I also had visited Paris in September. I got lucky that year though and it was soooo warm. Safe travels!
Wow, I’m super jealous that you experienced a warm September in Paris 🙂
Love reading about my home ahah! A museums pass might be a good idea regarding what you want to visit indeed. Also, another way to save money is by using a Mobilis ticket they’re around 7,50€ -if I recall correctly- and you can take as many trips as you want for 24h 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Lyne! Wish I’d known about those tickets when I was there…maybe on the next trip 🙂
Your budget seems really reasonable for four days in Paris! I spent 4 days there this time last year and did get a museum pass like you mentioned – it was definitely worth it. Great ideas for things to do!
Thanks Meghan. I will definitely get a museum pass next time!
I’m still kicking myself that I didn’t have time to see inside Notre Dame. Your photos are gorgeous! Isn’t Paris just amazing? The public transport is pretty great as well, as you said. I think the biggest expense for me was the accommodation.
Paris is so amazing!! There are a lot of things I didn’t get a chance to see, so fingers crossed I can make it back one day.