Planning a summer getaway? How to plan 5 days in Paris under ₹35,000

Paris. The city of lights. The city of love. The city for literature and art lovers. The fashion capital of the world. A city that goes by many names; there are hundreds of reasons that make Paris one of the most ‘Instagram-able’ destinations in the world.

Situated on the Seine river, the city is a haven for singles and couples, with not-to-miss Parisian cafés, majestic skyline views, cathedrals, the Louvre, Champs Elysées, Sacré-Cœur, and of course, the iconic Eiffel Tower.

There’s no way you can do it all in one day but here’s what all of you can do for less than ₹35,000 in 5 days (yes, accommodation included).

BOOK FOR HOSTELS, HOTELS ON SHARING BASIS

A hot pick among tourists, Paris is home to many budget-friendly hostels and shared (both mixed or females-only) dorms. You can find hotels costing as low as ₹2,000-2,500 per night, including breakfast, lounge areas and live DJs – and if you are a solo traveler, socializing begins right from here.

Some streets (arrondissements) in Paris are less preferred by expats/visitors due to higher crime rates, so look up areas before booking one.

Estimated expenditure – ₹10,000 for 5 days

HOP-ON HOP-OFF SIGHTSEEING TOUR (HOHO)

If you don’t speak French, another fantastic way to save yourself from remembering French names of the routes.

Although the city is well-connected via buses and metros (which usually cost €1.90, or nearly ₹160 for one-way journey), you can book a 1-day or 2-day hop-on hop-off bus pass and enjoy the panoramic view on a double-decker bus for as low as €35. Not to forget, with packages including a cruise on River Seine.

The bus runs on selected routes, covering most of the tourist sites, for all day, every hour. You can just hop off at your favourite spot.

Estimated expenditure – ₹3,000 (or less if you opt for local bus/metro)

PLACES TO VISIT

You can look for bundle packages, which includes most tourist attractions, at discounted prices. Below are some of the places you can visit (with estimated prices separately):

1. Eiffel Tower and Seine River

Of course, the Eiffel tower is number 1 on the list but imagine witnessing this majestic monument twinkling with golden lights as you relax on a night cruise with a glass of champagne. Two ways to get the most of it –

A – Stand atop the Eiffel tower and enjoy the panoramic skyline of Paris (Book a ticket with access to 1st floor which allows you all the way up to the summit)

B – You can enjoy the monument via river cruise (estimated price ₹1,500, but one can get this for FREE as a part of various packages)

Estimated Expenditure – ₹6,000 for the top of tower. Nearly ₹3,000 if you skip the top floor and book only till second floor.

2. Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysées

You don’t need to spend a dime to visit this place if you drop-by via HOHO!

Home to high-end exclusive designer shops, like Zara, Gap, Sephora (flagship Paris store, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, nightclubs, restaurants and more, Champs Elysées is a must-visit for all shopaholics. It is often called ‘the world’s most beautiful avenue.’

3. Notre Dame

Notre Dame de Paris (aka ‘Our Lady of Paris’) is a Gothic cathedral known for its architecture, rich history. It was listed as a heritage site in 1991 by UNESCO. In 2019, fires engulfed the famous cathedral and was shut down for tourists. France plans to restore it to its former glory in time for the 2024 Olympics.

You can book a guided tour or get an audio guide to know more about its history.

Estimated Expenditure – There is no entrance fee

4. Louvre Museum

Largest museum of arts in the world, who hasn’t heard of the iconic Mona Lisa? It is no surprise that one can witness long queues outside the museum. You may have to wait for hours before you make it to the entrance. If you are not big on waiting, you can book skip-a-line ticket and get direct entry.

Estimated expenditure – Almost €17, or ₹1,500 for skip-the-line entry. Admission is free for below 18.

5. Moulin Rouge cabaret club

What is France without cabaret? Experience the Parisian way of dance and music at Moulin Rouge. You can book an exquisite dinner and enjoy the modern form of can-can dance.

Estimated expenditure – Almost €90, or ₹7,900 for a 2-hour dinner show

6. Paris-Plages

Thinking beach? Paris-Plages is free to visit and is set up only in the summers for the public. You may only have to pay for food. Swimming is not allowed, but you can lounge on the chairs and enjoy the riverside.

Estimated expenditure – Entry is free

7. Sacré-Cœur

A must visit for that sublime city skyline experience. For a peaceful view of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, also known as Sacré-Cœur, plan your visit late evening.

Climbing almost 300 steps can be a little tiring but we bet, it’s worth every sweat. Sitting under those million stars, listening to music, locals strumming guitar, padlocks of love, every minute you spend here is a time you’ll remember.

Estimated expenditure – Entry is free

8. Disneyland

And the best for the last…The castles, the princesses, Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Ratatouille, Star Wars… welcome to your childhood wonderland. At Disneyland, Paris, you can book Disney-themed rides and meet your childhood heroes, or villains for real, at least to say so. The park is home to many big-thrill attractions as well.

The park is a little over 30 kms from Paris. You can visit via bus/cab/train. The nearest train station is Marne-la-Vallée (2 minutes walking from the park)

Estimated Expenditure – Almost €55, or ₹5,000 for Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park…or both.

You can also look for tourist passes offered by various tour and travel companies for additional discounts to all mentioned places. Need any more reasons to visit Paris?