Paris on a Budget - 10 Things You Must See and Do

Paris, the city of love, is one of the most famous cities in Europe and the most visited worldwide. It was never a place high on my radar (I tend to avoid big cities), but after my quick visit in the Summer of 2017, I was completely in love with the place. Paris is like no other city in the world, filled with intriguing historical monuments, quirky neighbourhoods, inspiring architecture, and the best croissants I have ever tasted. Here are my top 10 recommendations for exploring Paris on a budget.

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1. Get an eyeful of the Eiffel Tower

Standing 320 metres in height, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. Constructed in 1898, the tower was purely a showpiece to demonstrate that France had the knowledge and money to erect the tallest structure in the world. The tower took two years to construct and comprises approximately 18,000 iron beams held together with over 2.5 million rivets. It is essential that you visit this impressive structure during your trip to Paris.

If it is within your budget you can climb to the top of the tower for incredible views of the city. The cost to access the top of the tower is about €20, and access to the second floor is about €10. It is recommended that tickets are booked in advance. For more information about tickets and opening hours check out this website.

If you decide not the undertake the climb, simply spend some time beneath the tower at Park Champ de Mars. This park is stunning and surrounded by street vendors, coffee shops and buskers. Pack a picnic and a sunhat, and make sure you to stay until sunset to catch the tower's famous light show.

2. Ring the bells of Notre Dame

Visited by over thirteen million people annually, this Gothic masterpiece of French architecture has stood along the banks of the River Seine since 1163. Made famous by the 1891 novel by Victor Hugo, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", you simply cannot leave Paris until you have stood in the shadow of the Cathedral of Notre Dame.

The interior of the Cathedral is exquisite and easily one of the largest and most beautiful churches in France. Entry into the church is free or you can rent an audio guide for €5. I recommend venturing further to the top of the cathedral's infamous bell towers. The 387-step climb is well worth the view, and you get a closer look at those cheeky gargoyles. The cathedral opens at 8am daily, and tours of the bell towers start from 10am - make sure you get here well before 10am to avoid massive queues. Access to the bell towers is about €12.

3. Escar-Go and sample French cuisine

Paris is known for its outstanding cuisine and fine-dining. If you are travelling on a budget, there are still plenty of treats to sample with an affordable price tag. Here are some of my favourites:

Pastries

One word - croissant. Stop by any "patisserie" (bakery) and sample one of these flaky masterpieces - they can not be compared to any other in the world! My favourite bakery was Du Pain et des Idées, also filled with eclairs, macarons, brioche and Pain au Chocolat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Pastries are usually €1-5.

Baguettes

Symbolic of French cuisine, baguettes are an everyday staple for Paris locals. Be sure to try the signature baguette from Eric Kayser, or simply browse local artisan "boulangeries" (bread shops). Look for baguettes with pointed ends as this indicates they are hand-made. Baguettes are usually under €2.

Crêpes

Crêpes, French for pancakes, can be found in many street food vendors around the city. Served sweet or savory, there are a huge variety of flavour options, so it is important to sample more than one! Our favourite crêpes were from Crêperie de Cluny in the Latin Quarter.

Escargot

A fancy French name for snails. Though the idea of chewing on a snail might not sound appetizing, there’s no better place to abandon your culinary comfort zone than Paris. If you can handle their unusual texture, they are surprisingly enjoyable, and basically taste of whatever they are cooked in - usually garlic, butter and herbs. We shared a plate at Chez Ribe next to the Eiffel Tower.

Falafel

It may not fit in with everyone’s image of classic French food, but a falafel sandwich is just as popular as a ham sandwich in Paris today. The most famous place for falafel in the city is L’As du Fallafel, where the line often snakes around the block. The sandwiches are huge and incredibly delicious.

Café au Lait

Or simply, coffee with milk. The French created this classic drink after being introduced to the black coffee by Turkey. Café au lait is equal parts coffee and scalded milk - popular all over the world and still enjoyed in Paris today. Make sure you start your morning right with this beverage.

4. Fall in Lourve with Parisian Museums

It is impossible to come to Paris and not be inspired by millennia of history, culture and art. The world-class galleries and museums of Paris let you travel back in time with the Egyptians and Romans, be mesmerized by Impressionist paintings, hypnotized by Picasso’s use of rich colours, or simply be left amazed by the architecture.

The Louve is undoubtedly the most famous museum in Paris, and welcomed an incredible 10.2 million visitors through its doors in 2018. The museum itself is a masterpiece, not to mention the artistic glories it contains within - most famously Di Vinci's Mona Lisa. Admission to the Lourve ranges from €12 to €22 per person, depending on how much you want to see. If this is not within your budget, simply strolling around the museum's exterior, which is beautifully decorated with gardens and monuments and has no shortage of entertainment.

Some other Parisian museums worth visiting are:

• Musée du Quai Branly - dedicated to the ethnic art of Africa, Oceania, Asia and the Americas, housed in an extraordinarily-lush building on the banks of the Seine.

• Musée d'Orsay - houses mostly French works dating from 1848 to 1914 within a former railway station.

• Centre Georges Pompidou - home notably to the largest modern art museum in Europe, the Pompidou Center is known for its extensive temporary exhibits, often devoted entirely to the work of just one artist.

• Paris Sewer Museum - this might not seem like the most appetizing way to spend your time in Paris, but a stroll through the Paris Sewer Museum will offer an interesting glimpse at the history of the city and its underground waterways.

For more information about the museums of Paris check out this website.

5. Shakes-peer inside this historical bookshop

Shakespeare and Company, the small, crumbling bookshop on Paris's Left Bank, may be the most famous bookstore in the world. It was the first place to publish the entirety of James Joyce’s Ulysses when no one else would, and for decades it has been an informal living room, and sometimes a bedroom, for many famous figures in contemporary literature.

These days the Shakespeare and Company comprises an extensive stock of second-hand books for you to enjoy. The store is located in the beautiful Latin Quarter of Paris, only a stones throw from Notre Dame. Once you have finished browsing, be sure to spend some time in this area, known for its picturesque roadways and delightful cafes.

6. Perfect your can-can at the Moulin Rouge

Situated in the heart of the lively Montmartre district, the Moulin Rouge is instantly recognizable with its lipstick-red facade and giant windmill. For over 125 years, the theatre has been showcasing the talent of hundreds of actors, dancers, make-up artists, costume designers and stage decorators, including the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, Liza Minnelli and Frank Sinatra. With a sensational explosion of feathers, sparkles and color, witness the French can-can come to life at this entertainment hot spot.

The live show "Feerie", which attracts 600,000 spectators a year, can be seen daily at 7pm, 9pm or 11pm. Tickets cost about €100 and the recommended attire is smart - so leave your shorts and jandels at home! For more information about the Moulin Rouge, or to purchase your tickets online, check out this website.

Photo: World in Paris

7. Have your portrait painted in Montmartre

Montmartre, in the eyes of the Parisians, is a haven of peace. Located on top of a large hill overlooking the city, this district is primarily known for its colourful artistic history. Some must-see places in this district are:

• Place du Tertre - this picturesque cobblestone square is packed with artist stalls, acting as an open-air art gallery. The square is also lined with 18th-century buildings featuring busy restaurants, cafes and crêpe stands.

• Rue de Steinkerque – the streets of Rue de Steinkerque are filled with small shops and trinkets for the smart shopper.

• Sacré-Cœur - a white-domed Basilica offers one of the most amazing views over Paris. This building is rich in history; be sure to step inside and explore it's elegant interior.

• The Bateau-Lavoir - the Bateau-Lavoir’s wooden structure used to be residence to a piano factory, which also provided homage to many artists and writers, including Pablo Picasso.

• Moulin Rouge - see number 6 above!

8. Relax and unwind at Luxembourg Gardens

Jardin du Luxembourg is the most visited park in Paris and a must-see for those looking to get out of the hustle of the city. Marie de Medici’s home in Paris, the gorgeous palace at the entrance of the garden, once housed royalty and now, after a few revolutions, is home to the French Senate. These days the palace isn't accessible to the public, but the gardens are open to all. Pack and picnic and spend a few hours relaxing here.

9. Avoid traffic at the Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe, a 50-metre-high monument positioned in the middle of one of Paris's busiest intersections, was built in the 19th century as a tribute to the triumphant victories of the Great Napoleon. Today, a flame burns endlessly in the monument in memory of the First World War and the Unknown Soldier who is buried inside.

For €8 you can climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for a spectacular view of the twelve avenues that radiate from it. Allow an hour for this activity, and, as usual, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance. For more information about visiting the Arc de Triumph check out this website.

10. Just walk!

Paris is an amazing city to explore by foot. We didn't use public transport once; just allowed time to walk between districts. From the river-side pathways, to quirky neighbourhoods, Parisian-style cafes, and the impressive Promenade Plantée, this city has so much to offer if you take the time to look. As well as the world-famous museums, monuments and towers, it is the little things about Paris that make it truly special, and helped me to understand why is it such a popular destination.

Thanks for reading my quick guide to visiting Paris! Check out more of my European city guides here.