Paris doesn't have to drain your wallet. With strategic planning, you can enjoy its iconic sights for free or low cost. We've explored the city multiple times on a budget, discovering free entry times at major attractions and affordable spots for picnics featuring fresh baguettes, cheese, and wine—all for under €10 ($14) for two. Here are our top five budget-friendly activities in Paris.

Top 5 Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Paris

1. Explore Montmartre

Montmartre, Paris's highest hill at 130 meters, is a vibrant neighborhood immortalized in films like Amélie and Moulin Rouge. Since the mid-19th century, it has attracted artists including Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Wander Place du Tertre to watch painters at work, stroll cobblestone streets, enjoy a café au lait in a charming café, and listen to street musicians. At the summit, visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, blending Romanesque and Byzantine styles, and take in panoramic views of Paris from the dome.

2. Marvel at the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair, remains Paris's most iconic landmark, drawing six million visitors yearly. Admire it from below for free—the experience is electrifying. For breathtaking vistas, ascent tickets are worthwhile, especially at night when the City of Light sparkles romantically.

3. Visit the Louvre

The world's most-visited museum, home to over 35,000 artworks beyond just the Mona Lisa, spans 652,300 square feet in a 12th-century palace. Allocate a full day and wear comfortable shoes.

Tip: Free entry on the first Sunday of each month for all visitors; Fridays after 6 p.m. for those under 26.

4. Sightsee by Local Bus

Skip pricey tours—for €1.30, ride the No. 29 bus from Gare St-Lazare to Bastille. It passes the Opéra Garnier, Le Marais, Place des Vosges, and hidden gems. Or opt for a hop-on-hop-off bus for major sights.

Tip: For off-the-beaten-path spots, check our five favorite free hidden Paris experiences.

5. Stroll the Champs-Élysées

This famed 2 km (1.2 mi) avenue of chestnut trees stretches from Place de la Concorde and Tuileries Garden to the Arc de Triomphe. Window-shop designer stores, peek into cafés, cinemas, and showrooms for free. At night, twinkling lights make it one of the world's most beautiful boulevards.

Bonus Paris Budget Tip: Choose Airbnb Wisely

Airbnbs beat hotels for savings. Ensure a great stay with these tips:

1. Check proximity to the center. Outskirts are cheaper, but verify metro times to sights via Google Maps and ask hosts for the nearest station. Long commutes may not be worth it.

2. Room vs. full apartment. Rooms in local homes save more and offer kitchens for self-catering. If sharing space feels off, book a whole apartment.

3. Review recent feedback. Prioritize up-to-date reviews to avoid issues like Wi-Fi outages or noise.