The Ultimate Parisian Guide: On the Cheap!
Read time | 8 min
Bonjour !
After many requests for things to do in Paris, I decided (finally) to write a post on it! I included a mix of obvious places to visit but added some tips, as well as some of my favorite spots:)
Top monuments/museums:
- Eiffel Tower: Definitely cool to see. A great place for photos is Trocadero. If you decide to go to the top, book your tickets a few days in advance!! Note: if you only have a short amount of time in Paris, skip going up, the line can take about 2-3 hours.. Personally, I always enjoy the Eiffel from the ground and for great pics, go to Tour Montparnasse, then your photos get the Eiffel in them! It "sparkles" at night as well and makes Paris that much more romantic and beautiful:) [Metro stop: Bir Hakeim, 6; Trocadero lines 6, 9; école militaire, 8]
- Louvre: If you're really into art, the Louvre is for you! It's the largest art museum in the world and that being said, there's beaucoup to see! Students can get in for free all the time, and it's free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month (but it will be busy) ! Best time to go is a weekday and early morning. Tip : Explore the outside at night; the pyramid is lit up as well as the inside courtyard which looks like gold - it's beyond gorgeous. [Metro stop: Palais Royal: Musée du Louvre, lines 1, 7]
- Arc de Triomphe/Champs-Elysées: I'm actually not a fan of Champs-Elysées because it's lined with really expensive stores and too many people, but I can't deny the beauty of the arc de Triomphe at the end. I recommend going up on top because the view is super cool! All the streets meet at the roundabout surrounding the arc which gave the spot it's name, l'étoile, the star. [Metro stop: Charles de Gaulle Etoile, 1, 2, 6, RER A]
- Saint Michel: Located in the Latin quarter, I love this area! It has one street full of late night eats and some touristy restaurants, but if you go further down you'll find inexpensive foods since it's known as the student quarter. If you go at night, they have bars open late, street performers, and it's a great spot for a late night crêpe! Plus it's right by Notre Dame:) [Metro stop: Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame, 4]
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame: This fine example of French gothic architecture is located on the island, île de la cité right along the Seine river. Also check out île Saint-Louis right next door for some cute, artsy shops and cafes.
- Musée de Cluny: I feel this museum gets underrated, but I think it's a gem. Located in the Latin quarter, this medieval museum has sculptures, jewelry, tapestries and more all dating back to the middle ages. [Metro stop: Cluny - La Sorbonne, 10]
- Quai Branly museum: This museum has some unique exhibits. The focus is on indigenous art and cultures of Africa, Asia and some other places. It's one of the newest museums in Paris; opened in 2006. I saw a cool tattoo exhibit that showed the origins and traditions in different countries. They also have a moving stream of words projected on to the ramp from the entrance to the galleries; it moves when you step! [Metro stop: Alma - Marceau, 9; Pont de l'Alma, RER C]
- Musée d'Orsay: Impressionist art. I love this museum not only for the art, but the history behind it; it used to be a train station! The clock might look familiar, made famous by the movie Hugo. [Metro stop: Assemblée nationale, 12; Gare du musée d'Orsay, RER C]
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| Photo credit: Leah Efken, 2015 |
- Orangerie museum: Impressionist and post-impressionist pieces but most famous for Monet's Water Lilies [Metro stop: Concorde 1, 8, 12]
- Musée Carnavalet: Shows the history of Paris well through paintings, but also corky artifacts. Also a super cool courtyard. [Metro stop: Saint Paul, 1; Chemin Vert, 8]
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| Courtyard of musée Carnavalet |
- Montmartre: This is another cute area of Paris, but a little further out so plan to spend a good few hours here. Also where Sacre-Coeur, the famous white basilica, is located. This offers a nice view of Paris as well (for free!) Warning : Lot of steps to climb, but there's also a funicular (funiculaire - gare haute) if you don't want to walk. [Metro stop: Anvers, 2; Abbesses, 12]
- Catacombes: This underground tour of Paris is quite a unique way of seeing the city. Highly Recommend. Book in advance. [Metro stop: Denfert-Rochereau 4, 6]
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| Creepy or romantic..? Photo credit |
- Père Lachaise cemetery: If you're looking for something different, you can visit the graves of many famous people including: Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Chopin and many more. Tip: Download/print a map to find the people you want to pay your respects to, because this cemetery is HUGE. [Metro stop: Père Lachaise 2, 3]
- Galeries: The original mall, these sheltered shopping hallways are tucked away and provide charming store windows along with some hidden cafes. Some of my favorites: Galerie Vivienne, Passage du Grand-Cerf. Check out my video below to stroll through the many galeries and passage ways:)
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| Passage du Grand-Cerf |
- Palais/Opéra Garnier [Metro stop: Chaussée d'Antin La Fayette 7, 9]
- Musée Grévin: wax museum with famous celebrities. [Metro stop: Grands Boulevards 8, 9]
- Some other museums you might like: Centre Pompidou, musée Rodin, Institut du monde arabe (Arabic art), grand palais (big palace), petit palais, Palais de Tokyo
If you have more time:
- Le Marais: This district has some cute shops and adorable streets; great for photos and a bite to eat. *Locals shop here.
- Saint-Germain des-Prés: Great area to stroll around and look at the many art gallery windows!
- Tomb of Napoleon I: Located in the Invalides, military museum, Napoleon I's tomb is quite a site! This huge building stores only his small tomb surrounded by carvings and sculptures commemorating his victories. [Metro stop: école militaire, 8; Varenne, 13]
- Rue Crémieux: An adorable street that seems a bit out-of-place for the streets of Paris. It's very charming with it's bright, summery colors painted on each house. [Metro stop: Quai de la rapée, 5; Gare de Lyon, lines 1, 14, RER A, D]
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| Rue Crémieux |
- Marché aux timbres: If you love post cards and stamps like me, you'll absolutely love this treasure! I believe this used to be much bigger, but Thurs-Sat there are at least a few stands that offer an incredible glance back in time with post cards from over the years. If you're lucky enough you might even find some with beautiful messages to loved ones from years ago. I found one from 1912! They also have stamps from all over the world! [Metro stop: Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau, 1, 13]
- La Recyclerie: A very trendy cafe with an outside area to sit near the old train tracks, la petite ceinture, along with its own built in farm and garden! A great place to grab a drink and chill out or even bring your laptop to work. There is lots of space but it does get crowded so be prepared! [Metro stop: Porte de Clignancourt, 4]
- Parc Montsouris: If you've been in Paris for a while and wanting some nature, venture out to the edge of Paris where you can find this nice, spacious park. [Metro stop: Cité universitaire, RER B; Porte d'Orléans, 4]
- If you're staying longer and missing a good ol' American classic with a French twist, this is THE donut shop for you! These donuts are decadent, fluffy yet dense, and just the perfect sweet pillow you never knew you needed. Go to Boneshaker Doughnuts! [Metro stop: Sentier, 3]
- Shopping: Galerie Lafayette, le Marais, le Printemps, le Bon Marché, les Puces de Saint Ouen (Antique flea market), Châtelet - les Halles
- Day trips from Paris:
- Château de Versailles
- Claude Monet's garden in Giverny, France: his summer home and where he painted his famous work, Water Lilies
Cute spots for a moment of rest:
Any of these spots would be great to enjoy an éclair/snack, read a good book or chat up a friend on a nice afternoon.- Place des Vosges: One of my favorite spots. This square is calm and enclosed by walls with a beautifully symmetrical, red brick facade. Located in the Marais. [Metro stop: Bastille, lines 1, 5, 8]
- Jardin du palais royal: Another calm garden in Paris, hidden away in the heart of the palais royal [Metro stop: Palais Royal: Musée du Louvre, lines 1, 7]
- Tuileries: Right by the Louvre, really peaceful and open. [Metro stop: Tuileries, 1]
- Jardin de Luxembourg: In Latin quarter. [Metro stop: Saint-Placide, 4; Rennes, 12; Luxembourg, RER B]
- Pont des Arts: a.k.a. the romantic bridge covered with lovers' padlocks is just so cheesy, it's actually romantic. However, the locks were so heavy, the city council of Paris had to remove panels of the locks so the bridge wouldn't collapse. Even after, people still come and hang their love lock to symbolize their eternal love. [not far form metro stop: Pont Neuf, 7]
- Strolls along the Seine (anytime of day) and at night bring a bottle of wine and/or picnic; make a soirée out of it!
- Canal Saint-Martin: Not so much for sitting, but great for a nice stroll [Metro stop: Jacques Bonsergent, 5; Goncourt, 11]
Transport:
- By foot: I also found it's super easy to get around Paris! It's a very walkable city and art is all around you! You could easily spend an afternoon seeing many of the sites from outside (and for free!)
- Metro: If you do get tired, the metro is very well developed so getting around is pretty easy. You can buy individual tickets or carnets, book of 10 and more options. Tip : I would recommend avoiding the RER train when you can; it's designed to go out to neighborhoods/outskirts of Paris so they are bigger and super packed during rush hour.
- Bus: I personally haven't taken the bus too often, but it's a great way to get a tour of Paris without a tour bus (and cheaper)!
- Boat: This is mainly for sightseeing but you can get a hop-on-hop-off pass and check out different monuments along the Seine:)
Les francophones:
- Le théâtre de la Huchette : Ce théâtre est un de mes théâtres préférés pour les pièces françaises ! Il y a une petite salle et une petite distribution, mais il me plaît chaque fois ! Voir mon blog (en anglais) quant à ce théâtre ici. Pas cher ! [Metro stop : Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame, 4]
Other Helpful Tips:
- Say "bonjour" when you enter a restaurant/store and "Merci, au revoir" when you leave - it's a French custom and major sign of respect.
- At a restaurant: you must ask for the bill at the end of your meal or you will be waiting for hours! Servers are paid differently in France compared to the states, so they don't rush the customers. They also don't check on you as often (if ever hehe)!
- Keep your bag close to you on the metro and in crowded places; watch out for pickpockets!
- I recommend the app, Paris Metro to navigate the metro system. It's super easy and you can plug in different stops and it will show you the fastest and the easiest routes.
Even though this list is quite long, I have left off SO many cool spots! Paris is such an incredible city and there's always something to do!
What are your favorite spots? Did they make the list? If not, comment below:)
Bisous,
Lyndi
nice
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