Paris on a Budget: A Family Adventure! (1-2 Days)
So, my old college buddy hit me up yesterday: "Hey Paris expert, help me plan a family trip to Paris!" The catch? Keep it budget-friendly! 😜
Paris can be pricey, no doubt. But with a little planning, you can see the iconic sights without breaking the bank. I've put together a 1-2 day itinerary perfect for families, maximizing both time and budget. Check it out!
Full disclosure: this is my take on Paris. Some people want a leisurely experience, others just want those Insta-worthy shots. This plan blends both!
1. Getting Around Paris (Saving €€€)
- Metro & Bus: Grab a Navigo Jour pass (day ticket) or individual tickets. Kids under 4 ride FREE, and those aged 4-10 get a sweet 50% discount!
- Walk This Way! Seriously, walk! Most major attractions are close together. Walking isn't just cheaper, it's the BEST way to soak up the Parisian vibes and snag incredible photos and videos.
- Batobus on the Seine: A 1-day ticket is around €19 for adults and ~€9 for kids. Cruise along the Seine, enjoy stunning views, and learn the history of famous landmarks (or just ask an AI assistant! 🤭). It's a chill way to see the city.
2. Suggested Itinerary: Paris in a Flash!
📍 Day 1: Iconic Paris
- Eiffel Tower: Get your iconic Eiffel Tower shot from Trocadero (Metro lines M6 or M9). It's the classic view!
- Seine River Stroll: Wander along the Seine and admire the Alexandre III Bridge, arguably the most beautiful bridge in Paris.
- Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées: Photo ops galore! Snap pics at the Arc de Triomphe and stroll down the Champs-Élysées. Window shopping at the famous stores is a must!
- Notre Dame Cathedral: Take a walk around the cathedral and snap some free photos. 🤭
- Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin): Explore the charming streets, visit Shakespeare & Company bookstore. Treat yourselves to Amorino gelato – kids (and adults!) LOVE it! 🍦
- Jardin du Luxembourg: A huge park! Perfect for kids to run around and stunning backdrops for family photos.
- Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Catch a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris at sunset from Montmartre. Seriously magical.
📍 Day 2: Art, Gardens, and More Eiffel Tower!
- Louvre Museum: Free for kids under 18, around €17 for adults. Even if you don't go inside, check out the iconic glass pyramid from above or go down to the Carrousel du Louvre for a photo with the upside-down pyramid.
- Tuileries Garden: Relax and enjoy the beautiful Tuileries Garden. If you're up for it, walk 10-15 minutes to the Palais Royal.
- Le Marais & Place des Vosges: Explore the historic Le Marais district, filled with affordable eateries and cute shops.
- Seine River Walk or Musée d'Orsay: Wander along the Seine or visit the Musée d'Orsay (if you're into art). If you're feeling energetic, walk to the Jardin des Plantes (botanical garden) for some nature photos.
- Eiffel Tower Sparkle: Head back to the Eiffel Tower to see the dazzling light show at the top of each hour, from 8 PM to midnight. ✨
3. Budget Breakdown (Per Adult - Rough Estimates)
- Transportation: ~€7.5-17 per day, depending on your ticket choice.
- Attractions: Free if you just walk around. Louvre entrance: ~€17.
- Food: ~€20-30 per day if you choose budget-friendly restaurants or supermarkets.
- Batobus (Optional): ~€19.
- Total Cost per day: Around €40-60 if you don't go to too many museums. 🤭🤭
4. Money-Saving Tips & Important Notes
- Navigo Jour FTW: Get a Navigo Jour day pass if you're planning to use public transport a lot.
- Pack Snacks: Save money on food by bringing your own snacks.
- Avoid Rush Hour: Check peak travel times to avoid crowds.
- Beware of Pickpockets: Stay vigilant, especially in crowded tourist areas!!!!! (I'll share more tips on this later).
- Comfy Shoes are Key: Wear comfortable walking shoes to make the most of your time.
💡 Paris might seem expensive, but with this itinerary, you can experience the best of the city without blowing your budget!
If you have more time, consider day trips to nearby areas like Versailles, Fontainebleau, Giverny, Moret sur Loing, Provins, or Reimes, depending on your interests (art, history, scenery...).
#thuyparishappy
P.S. My friend's family has 3 days, but one day is for Disneyland, so I've shared a 2-day Paris itinerary.
[Bonus: Inserting personal photos here for added flair!🤩]
```