10 Cheap Things to do in Paris When Visiting
Last Updated on August 12, 2021 by Dana Berez
10 Cheap Things to do in Paris
Paris can quickly become an expensive city to navigate! But with the right planning, you can discover this city on a budget. Below are 10 cheap things to do in Paris. Perfect for first-time visitors.
1. Take a Picture with the Eiffel Tower
What is Paris without the Eiffel Tower? This is obviously a tourist bucket list item but a necessity especially when you are visiting Paris for the first time! A great place to get a perfect view of the tower is going to Trocadero on the west side of the Eiffel Tower.
Read More: Best Paris Instagram Spots: 15 Locations You Can’t Miss
2. People Watch at Cafe De Flore
Cafe de Flore is probably not a true local cafe- and a bit overpriced, but to stay on the cheap just order an espresso and something sweet and let the people watching begin.
From the tourists to the locals, the neighborhood of Saint Germain is a bright and lively neighborhood to fully take in the Parisian Lifestyle.
3. Buy French Beauty Products at Citi Pharma in Paris
I have got accustomed to using French beauty products on a daily basis and am always sticker shocked when I come to buy them in the US.
In France, my favorite products like Nuxe, Embryolisse, Bioderma, Caudalie, and Avene are nearly 50% less expensive than the USA.
The best place to purchase these discounted beauty products is at City Pharma Paris in the St. Germain neighborhood.
4. Visit the Opera Garnier
Opera Garnier is by far the most opulent and beautiful place I have ever been to!
It was honestly breathtaking in person. To the gold details, chandeliers, and the history of this building I recommend taking a tour, or just heading in on your own and picking up an audio guide. Also, there is a perfect photo opportunity on the opera’s front balcony overlooking the square below and Avenue de l’Opera.
5. Eat Macarons at Laduree Paris
Paris is known for its delectable sweets. A Macaroon is a must when visiting Paris. Tip: Visit the Champs Elysées Location for a grand feel.
6. Shop at Galeries Lafayette Paris
While Galleries Lafayette has high-end designer goods, the interior is so beautiful it’s worth looking around.
However, some floors offer less expensive items so you may even find something oh-so-chic! I personally took home a 100% wool beret for winter for only 20 Euros.
7. Explore the streets of Paris
Everywhere you look in Paris seems like a photograph, but the side streets offer just as much beauty.
The painted Parisian doors and the small cafes on the corner offer perfect opportunities for pictures and people watching. Who knows what you might find! My favorite picture is one I took of this man tending his flower shop!
8. Drink Wine along the Seine River
Buy a bottle of your favorite French wine, grab your cups, and head down to the Seine River.
Enjoying the scenery and the bridges that interlock the city is just a perfect way to wind down from touring. If you’re lucky you might catch a gorgeous sunset as I did! The view was stunning!
9. Ride Bikes In Paris
A fun way to discover Paris that isn’t underground, or a tourist bus is renting bicycles and navigating the city yourself. I must say that Parisian streets are very narrow and intersections were a bit different than the US, but after a few minutes on the bike you get used to it- just be cautious!
Unfortunately, I didn’t take any photos of riding bikes in Paris, but they offer a bike rental system where you can take bikes and park them throughout the city. We didn’t have a map of where these stations were located but we just stumbled upon one when we wanted to get off.
10. Order Cafe Like a Parisian
Don’t be that tourist who orders their coffee like they are back where they are from- like the lady who wanted her Flat White to go.
1. The barista didn’t speak English
2. The cafe is espresso
3. Parisians don’t take their coffee to go. Sip & Enjoy!
There you have 10 Cheap things to do in Paris! I hope you try out some of these things when you visit Paris next.
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