Low-Budget 3-Day Paris Trip Plan

For Expats Living in Dubai

Overview

This itinerary is designed for Dubai-based expats seeking an affordable, enjoyable 3-day getaway to Paris. The plan focuses on iconic sights, immersive local experiences, and budget-friendly options for accommodation, dining, and transportation.

Preparations Before Departure

·         Flights: Book in advance with budget airlines (consider connecting flights via major European hubs for savings).

·         Accommodation: Choose hostels, budget hotels, or private rooms via platforms like Hostelworld or Airbnb.

·         Travel Documents: Ensure your Schengen visa is valid. Carry a copy of your passport and Dubai residence visa.

·         Currency: Exchange AED to EUR before departure for better rates.

·         Packing: Bring comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and layers for variable Paris weather.

Day 1: Arrival & Classic Sights

1.      Morning: Arrive at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly Airport. Use RER or airport shuttle to reach your accommodation (approx. €10).

2.      Check-in & Freshen Up: Drop luggage at your hostel/hotel.

3.      Afternoon:

4.      Stroll along the Seine River and enjoy picnic lunch (grab fresh baguette, cheese, fruit from a local supermarket for under €7).

5.      Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral (free to view exterior, €10 for towers if interested).

6.      Walk to the Louvre and admire its architecture; if you want to visit inside, opt for the €17 online ticket or enjoy the art in the free Tuileries Gardens nearby.

7.      Evening:

8.      Explore the Latin Quarter for affordable dinner (falafel, crêpes, or kebab ~€8–€12).

9.      Optional: Join a free walking tour (tips appreciated, €2–€5).

Day 2: Iconic Paris & Local Life

1.      Morning:

2.      Breakfast at a café (coffee & croissant ~€5).

3.      Take the Metro to Montmartre (buy a day pass, Navigo Easy or Carnet of 10 tickets ~€16.90).

4.      Visit Sacré-Coeur Basilica (free entry, panoramic city views).

5.      Wander the bohemian streets, see artists at Place du Tertre.

6.      Afternoon:

7.      Picnic lunch from a local bakery/deli.

8.      Explore Le Marais district: quirky boutiques, vintage shops, and free galleries.

9.      Visit Centre Pompidou (admire exterior, rooftop views for €5, or free plaza performances).

10. Evening:

11. Head to Champs-Élysées and view the Arc de Triomphe (exterior free, climb for €13).

12. Dinner at a supermarket deli, Asian takeaway, or street vendor (under €10).

13. Stroll to Trocadéro for breathtaking Eiffel Tower night views (free).

Day 3: Parks, Markets & Hidden Gems

1.      Morning:

2.      Breakfast from a bakery or supermarket (~€4).

3.      Relax in Luxembourg Gardens or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (free entry).

4.      Afternoon:

5.      Visit a local market (e.g., Marché Bastille or Marché d'Aligre) for fresh snacks and souvenirs.

6.      Explore Canal Saint-Martin: trendy cafés, street art, and waterside strolls.

7.      Lunch: grab a sandwich or salad (under €8).

8.      Evening:

9.      Final walk through your favourite neighbourhoods; take photos of sunset over the city.

10. Dinner: opt for a fixed-price menu at a bistro (~€15) or stick to street food.

11. Return to your accommodation, prepare for departure.

Budget Breakdown (Estimated per person)

Item

Cost (EUR)

Flights (Dubai–Paris, roundtrip, booked early)

€300–€400

Accommodation (hostel/private room, 2 nights)

€60–€100

Transport (Metro, buses, airport transfers)

€40–€50

Food & Drinks

€50–€70

Attractions & Tours

€30–€40

<b>Total (approximate)</b>

<b>€480–€660</b>

Tips for Saving More

·         Book flights and accommodation in advance; travel during off-peak seasons for lower prices.

·         Choose free walking tours and self-guided exploration over paid guided tours.

·         Shop at supermarkets for meals; try street food and local bakeries.

·         Utilize public transport (Metro/buses) instead of taxis or rideshares.

·         Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month or reduced evening rates.

Conclusion

With careful planning and a focus on local experiences, you can thoroughly enjoy Paris’s magic without overspending. These itinerary balances iconic landmarks with authentic neighbourhoods and everyday Parisian life, perfect for expats seeking adventure and value.

 

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