A Budget-Savvy and Family-Focused 3 Day Paris Itinerary

Planning a trip to Paris on a budget while keeping it fun and manageable for the whole family? That was our mission. I was going to title this a budget-friendly family-friendly Paris itinerary, but two “friendlies” seemed a bit repetitive when discussing Paris, France.

Jokes aside, my daughter and husband aren’t exactly as go-get-’em as I am when we travel, so I was determined to avoid spending money on big entrance fees if there was a chance they’d want to leave within an hour.

With that in mind, I can confidently say this is the ultimate family-friendly, budget-conscious 3 days in Paris to catch the highlights in a more money minded way. It’s perfect for families like mine—those who enjoy a balance of exploring, relaxing, and, of course, indulging in delicious food.

Are you ready to explore Paris, France on a budget? Here’s where to go:

• Quick Tips for Visiting Paris
• Day 1: Classic Paris
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Esplanade Joseph Wresinski & Trocadero Gardens
  • Musee D’Art Moderne De Paris
  • Lunch Near Alma-Marceau
  • Petite Palais
• Day 2: Hidden Gems & Eye Shopping
  • The Kimchi Shop
  • A La Mere De Famille
  • Passage Jouffroy and Passage des Panoramas
  • La Crêperie Saint-Honoré
  • La Samaritaine
• Day 3: A Royal Day in Versailles

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Day 1: Classic Paris

Let’s kick off the weekend with a day that screams Paris! Think iconic landmarks, stunning views, and just the right mix of sightseeing and bench sitting.

Arc de Triomphe

We started our day by visiting the Arc de Triomphe, though we decided to admire it from the street rather than going up. The sheer size and intricate details of this iconic monument were impressive enough from ground level, and we saved both time and money by skipping the climb.

This was my second time to the Arc de Triomphe and I think half of the fun seeing the archway comes from just watching the traffic go round and round. It’s stunning, a must-see, and easily done right at the start of the day.

• Address: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, Paris, France
• Hours: 10:00am ~ 10:30pm
• Tickets: If you do want to ascend to the top, purchase your tickets in advance from Get Your Guide as they are likely to sell out.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the Arc de Triomphe is so massive you could fit a small plane through it? In fact, a French pilot actually flew a biplane through the arch in 1919 to celebrate the end of World War I!

Esplanade Joseph Wresinski & Trocadero Gardens

A short stroll from the Arc de Triomphe down Av. Kleber, with glimpses of the Eiffel Tower peeking through the alleys along the way, brought us to Esplanade Joseph Wresinski, an open area with a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower. It’s best to go in the morning as the crowds later in the day can definitely get pretty massive.

We had already decided not to go up into the Eiffel Tower, opting instead for a spot that offered all the views of the tower we could ask for—and Esplanade Joseph Wresinski did not disappoint.

We began by soaking in the iconic view from the upper steps and then headed down to the garden before making our way down to the lawn. There, we found a bench where we could relax and watch the world go by while our daughter enjoyed the playground.

It was peaceful, rejuvenating, and wonderfully budget-friendly—just keep an eye out for the card sharks in the park hoping to lure in unsuspecting players.

After our lovely break, we wandered closer to the Eiffel Tower to take in one last view, this time from the water. Descending to the riverside was a great decision, as the view was stunning, and best of all, the area was blissfully free of crowds.

• Address: Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, Paris, France

Musee D’Art Moderne De Paris

From Trocadero Gardens, we took a short walk along the Seine to Musee d’Art Moderne de Paris, which turned out to be a surprising hit for our family. Housed in a stunning 1930s building, the museum’s free permanent collection was truly impressive, featuring works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Dufy, Modigliani, Derain, Picabia, Chagall, as well as contemporary names like Boltanski, Parreno, and Peter Doig.

If you’re looking to explore art in Paris, don’t overlook this gem. It’s one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in France, yet it was refreshingly uncrowded during our visit. I was honestly quite gob smacked there weren’t more people here.

Getting to admire masterpieces like La Danse by Henri Matisse and the vibrant works of Robert Delaunay and Picasso without battling the crowds—unlike at a certain other famous Parisian museum—made for an especially enjoyable and relaxed experience.

• Address: 11 Avenue du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris, France
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
• Admission: Free
• Website: https://www.mam.paris.fr/

Lunch Near Alma-Marceau

After the museum, it was time for a sit down. Near Alma-Marceau, there are a number of restaurants to choose from. It might just be the time to try escargot. This classic French dish dates back to ancient Rome but became a true delicacy in France, especially in Burgundy, where the snails are cooked in garlic, butter, and parsley.

Whether you’re feeling adventurous or just curious, escargot is a must-try for a true taste of French cuisine. Make sure to sop up all of that oil and sauce with the baguette. It’s delicious. Really.

Fun Fact: The French consume over 25,000 tons of escargot each year, proving snails are more popular than you might think!

Petite Palais

On a museum high, we decided to keep the momentum going and continued our stroll along the Seine to the Petit Palais. Originally built for the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle, this architectural gem was designed by the renowned Charles Girault, and the building itself is a masterpiece.

When we arrived, there was a line at the main entrance, which made us a bit nervous. While it was busier than the museum we had just visited, the Petit Palais is a very manageable size and perfect for a leisurely exploration. Inside, we were treated to works by legendary artists such as Rembrandt, Poussin, Delacroix, and Monet.

My husband took a moment to relax in the tranquil garden at the center of the museum, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Meanwhile, my daughter and I eagerly explored the galleries, letting the pieces that spoke to us draw us in. It was a wonderful blend of quiet reflection and enthusiastic discovery and perfect if you want to see more while some in your group want to sit and relax.

• Address: Avenue Winston-Churchill, 75008, Paris
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
• Admission: Free*
  • Special exhibitions may require an admission fee.
• Website: https://www.petitpalais.paris.fr/en

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Day 2: Hidden Gems & Eye Shopping

From charming covered passages to historic chocolatiers, today is all about discovering the city’s quirkier side. Stroll, shop (or just window shop!), and soak up the unique vibe of Paris’s streets. After a museum-filled first day, our second day was meant to be a bit less sites and more perusing.

The Kimchi Shop

With a Korean husband, one way I know to keep him motivated to move is by finding a local and delicious Korean restaurant and we were in luck in Paris. If The Kimchi Shop isn’t open, you can also visit Odumak, which is right next door. Both had great reviews from Koreans.

We tried the sundubujjigae, bulgogi, and tteokbokki. Suffice to say, everyone was prepared for another busy Parisian day after and early lunch here.

• Address: 85 Rue La Fayette, 75009 Paris, France

A La Mere De Famille

We walked down the road and came upon the oldest chocolate shop in Paris. À La Mère de Famille opened in 1761 and has been family-run ever since. It has switched families a couple of times, but is still very much a family-owned and operated business.

We let our daughter pick a few sweets to take back to her classmates, and it was surprisingly affordable for such high-quality confections. It’s a delicious little stop that kids and adults will love.

If you don’t know what to buy, you might look for their palet d’or, a chocolate ganache with vanilla that is topped with goldleaf. It was invented in 1898 and not every store has it.

• Address: 35 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, Paris, France
• Hours: Every day: 9:30am ~ 8:00pm

Passage Jouffroy and Passage des Panoramas

One of the highlights of Paris, I had read, was finding the covered passages to walk through rather than taking those mundane strolls along normal streets. Walk beneath the beautiful glass ceiling along the first passage to use floor heating.

They really were a fun escape from the noisier streets. We wandered through quirky shops looking at old photos and maps and checked out the vintage toys and souvenir postcads. The passages felt like a hidden adventure away from the bustling streets.

• Address: 10-12 Bd Montmartre, Paris, France
• Hours: Every day: 7:00am ~ 9:00pm

La Crêperie Saint-Honoré

There are a number of things you must eat when you go to France and crêpe are up there on the list so stopping into a crêperie was top on the list. Crêpes come in two main types: crêpes sucrées (sweet crêpes) made with regular wheat flour, and galettes (savory crêpes) made with buckwheat flour. The latter originated in Brittany and are often filled with ham, cheese, and eggs.

La Crêperie Saint-Honoré has been in business for more than 20 years and have a great staff on hand to help you sort out their rather immense menu. Take your time and enjoy every bite.

• Address: 24 Rue du Pont Neuf Angle, Rue Saint-Honore, Paris, France
• Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:00am ~ 11:30pm; Sunday: 12:00pm ~ 8:00pm

Fun Fact: In France, February 2nd is La Chandeleur (Crêpe Day), a day when everyone makes and eats crêpes. It’s said to bring good luck if you can flip your crêpe perfectly with one hand while holding a coin in the other!

La Samaritaine

We didn’t buy much here though we loved perusing the designs and souvenirs at Boutique de Loulou on the first floor. They have a well-curated collection of eclectic lifestyle goods and I really could have bought everything if I wasn’t going for that budget-friendly adventure.

Even without shopping in mind though, the building itself was worth the visit! The mix of art deco and art nouveau design was stunning. Make sure you head up the stairs to see the beautiful top floor. You can also eat there if you’re hungry by now.

• Address: 9 R. de la Monnaie, Paris, France
• Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 8:00pm

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Day 3: A Royal Day in Versailles

The only major money spend we agreed on for our 3 days in Paris was to see Chateau de Versailles. This was my second time, but my daughter and husband had never been.

I think it’s a must-see, however, it was SO crowded that the interior wasn’t as enjoyable as it was my first time unfortunately. Keep in mind, you may end up zooming through just to get out to the gardens which are more enjoyable.

Once the seat of power for French kings, this sprawling estate is a masterpiece of opulence, featuring grand halls, lush gardens, and the enchanting retreat of Marie Antoinette.

Fun Fact: The palace is probably bigger than you think. The Palace of Versailles has over 2,300 rooms spread across 63,154 square meters!

The details really are quite stunning but I highly suggest you download the mobile app they have to notice even more and learn more about the places and spaces. Feel free to go off on your own as well. The crowds definitely went in a very specific route through the halls, but you can walk down other corridors if the doors are open.

Fun Fact: King Louis XIV’s renovations of Versailles were so expensive that the palace is often cited as a symbol of the excess that led to the French Revolution.

Fun Fact: Despite its grandeur, Versailles had only a few functioning bathrooms, so court life wasn’t as glamorous as it might appear!

At either end of the Hall of Mirrors is the War Room and the Peace Room. In the War Room, the decoration pays tribute tot he military victories which led to the peace treaties of Mijmegen.

The Peace Room has decoration that promotes the benefits of peace brought to Europe by France. This room was partitioned off from the Hall of Mirrors during Louis XIV’s reign to be apart of the Queen’s Apartment.

The Hall of Mirrors is the most famous room in the palace. The space was originally a terrace, but it was exposed to too much bad weather so it was reformed into the long beautiful gallery you see today.

Courtiers and visitors crossed the Hall of Mirrors daily. It was used for ceremonies on rare occasions, like in 1745, for example, for the marriage of Louis XVI, then Dauphin of France, to Marie-Antoinette.

Fun Fact: This dazzling gallery has 357 mirrors and was the setting for the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I.

After you’ve seen and enjoyed the interior, make sure to go out to the gardens. Pack food to take with you to enjoy it in the gardens to make it an even more budget-friendly.

Fun Fact: The gardens cover 800 hectares (nearly 2,000 acres), featuring 50 fountains and over 200,000 trees. They’re so vast that visitors often rent bikes or golf carts to explore.

• Address: Château de Versailles, Place d’Armes, Versailles, France
• Getting There: Take the RER C train from central Paris to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche station (about 40 minutes). Arrive early enough to give yourself time to walk over to the entrance.
• Hours:
  • Palace: Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00am ~ 5:30pm
  • The Gardens: Every day: 8:00am ~ 6:00pm
• Tickets: There is timed entrance and the tickets can run out so make sure you get them in advance. There are same-day tickets, but they can sell out too. You can purchase them on Get Your Guide.

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We like to have fun on our adventures, seeing major sites, while also stopping into local shops and just taking our time to enjoy a chat. Is that how you travel to?

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