Hi everyone! As you requested, today's post is about my city guide to Paris for spending 6 amazing days on a budget. I just got back from Paris with my fiancè, and I've never been so happy about a trip in so long. Paris already took my heart back in 2014, but I couldn't enjoy it because I had so much FOMO. I was running around the city, trying to catch up on every tourist thing. But Paris is not a to-do list to tick off; you need to enjoy the vibe and go with it. And during this trip, I did it, and the whole experience hit another level.

Few premises are mandatory. We could spend six days in Paris but needed to stay on a budget because Paris is costly. We wanted to enjoy Paris with all the Christmas decorations, spend quality time, and end 2022 in the best way ever. My fiancè and I are over 25, so our age affected our overall plan.

Essential tips

Before going through the itinerary, I want to give you some essential tips to plan your next trip to Paris.

If you're under 25, main attractions are free. You need to show your ID at the entrance. I suggest you reserve the major ones, like Tour Eiffel or the Louvre.

When you're eating out, remember to ask for tap water, which is unrestricted because bottled water costs like 5 euros. Then, if you're not too hungry, I've had lunches and dinners with one entrée, which is like a great starter and a dessert. Of course, the main courses are more expensive but are primarily meat-based, and I don't eat meat. I was satisfied with just one entrée and a dessert because the servings were plentiful and generous.

If you want to enjoy the city the most, walk as much as possible. You'll save a lot on public transportation and see gems around. My fiancé and I walked around 20 km daily, which was spectacular.

Lastly, the airports are far from the city unless you're traveling with AirFrance. If you can, take the train like we did. We left Milan and arrived at the Gare the Lion in about seven hours, serene and ready to explore the city.

Ok, let's move to the itinerary!

The perfect itinerary for 6 days in Paris

So, as I mentioned, we planned the whole trip around two primary necessities: on the one hand fun and quality time. But, on the other hand, budget budget budget! The final result is a wholesome trip around Paris with two escapes to Disneyland and Versailles in six days.

Day 1

We arrived at the Gare de Lion around 2 pm, so we went straight to eat something in the neighborhood of our hotel and then checked in. We picked out the 9Hotel Bastille-Lyon, 3 minutes away from Gare de Lion, and so comfortable to reach all of our interest points.

After the check-in, we explored Notre Dame, which is closed at the moment, the Louvre square with all the pyramids, Place des Vosges, and Shakespeare and Company bookstore.

Since the weather was so cold and we spent seven hours on the train, we loved our walk throughout these spots. Also, the atmosphere is magical with all the Christmas decorations.

Dinner at the Bistrot de la Gare, near our hotel, was so delicious that we came back for our last dinner of the vacation!

Day 2

Day 2 started with one of the guided visits we reserved for the Opéra Garnier. I would skip going up on the Tour Eiffel another million times to see this magical theatre again. Instead, if you go, treat yourself to the audio guide because you'll learn so much about the building, the history, and the fun facts. For example, did you know that the Phantom of the Opera was born here? There is his box at the Opéra! Then, we went to Galleries Lafayettes to explore the building and enjoy the rooftop's free and marvelous skyline view.

We concluded the day strolling around Les Colonnes de Buren, Giardin de Tuileries, Champs Élysées, and Avenue Montaigne. So, these places are pure magic all year round, but during the holiday season, they hit another level. Giardin de Tuileries had a fun Christmas village inside with gift shops, food, drinks, and rides. In fact, we had dinner here! Champs Élysées and Avenue Montaigne had so many lights, and all the shops decorated their window impeccably. We went to the Dior boutique because I couldn't resist, and let me tell you, no one like the French knows how to master a boutique customer experience.

Day 3

Day 3 was my 29th birthday, so it was time for our first escape: Disneyland! I decided to end my twenties at the most magical place on Earth, and it was the best decision ever. So, I bought the tickets to access both parks for one day. Disneyland Paris is easy to reach thanks to a suburban train (RER A) that takes around 40 minutes from Gare de Lyon and costs 5 euros per person for each ride.

We had the most magical and memorable day, but everyone wanted to experience it uniquely. My only tip is to stay until closing because there is a breathtaking spectacle at Sleeping Beauty's Castle. The parks close at 8 pm, so after the closing celebration, you can go to Disney Village for dinner and then go home.

Day 4

Day 4 was for the one and only Tour Eiffel and the surroundings. As I mentioned, we walked the entire time, and the Tour Eiffel is on the opposite side of the city compared to our hotel. So, we had a wonderful riverside stroll and saw the iconic Cafe de Flore. Yes, it's magical, at least as you imagine. Then, we stopped at a lovely local bakery, La Baguette des Prés, for a snack and spent the whole afternoon around the Tour Eiffel. My favorite location to see it is Avenue de Camoëns, but it is also breathtaking from Trocadero. Finally, Rue de l'Université is beautiful, but I preferred the previous two. We didn't go up on the Tour Eiffel because the view disappointed me so much the last time I went. I would instead go up on the Arc de Triomphe or Sacré Coeur cathedral if I want another panoramic view of the city. We took so many pictures, and it was so much fun that I'm still smiling now that I'm writing this post! Lastly, we saw the Arc of the Triomphe and ended the day walking through Pont Alexander III. So, Paris has endless bridges over the Sein, but Pont Alexander III is nuts. If you go by night, you'll see the Tour Eiffel lit and the river with all the reflected lights from the city. This specific moment has entered the chart of my core memories from our trips.

Day 5

The last escape from Paris was on day 5 because we dedicated it to Versailles. So, it was my first time here, so I've learned some lessons for you! Let's start with the fundamentals: buy your ticket in advance on the official website! If you go by train, you can leave from Gare d'Austerlitz with the suburban train RER C, and you'll get there in about 50 minutes. The train tickets cost 7 euros for 2 people for each ride. Then, plan your day around this visit because you'll need it from morning to dinner. Then, instead of buying the audioguide, download the official free app, and you'll listen to the audio guide with your earphones! When purchasing the ticket, try picking the first slot at 9 am with the Passport option to have access to everything. It's a bit harder because you need to wake up early. Still, it's worth it because you'll see the Chateau with fewer people and have more time to spend in the Gardens and the Trianons. It's crucial to arrive at least 30 minutes before your visit starts because you must stay in line and do some security checks. Wear warm and comfy clothes and your most comfortable shoes and thank me later.

The visit to the Chateau is inexplicable with words because I still can't believe that some human beings created such a wonderful and breathtaking place. However, I will go back there in a different season to see the Gardens in their full bloom and to visit the Grand Trianon. In fact, we went around the Gardens quickly because of the cold and the season, and we chose to see the Petit Trianon, the Queen's escape residence. The Grand Trianon, the King's escape residence, is still outstanding, but we needed more time. That's why I suggest you start the visit at 9am.

You need to pay extra to see the fountain water shows.

Dinner on day 5 was a unique experience. We went to the Home of Radio France restaurant with friends. The food is delicious, and you can see the Eiffel Tower while eating.

Day 6

I saved my absolute favorite place for the last day; it was the best I could do because the sun came out! So, for our last day in Paris, we explored Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur Cathedral. It's my favorite panoramic place, and you can breathe Paris's artistic and creative spirit. So, get lost on the streets beside the Cathedral, try some local cafè, and enjoy the general vibe.

We ended our trip at the Bistrot de la Gare near our hotel, which was an emotional moment, to say at least.

We left Paris the following day at 7 am to catch our train for Milan.

Final thoughts

I'm so proud of the path I made to reach this stage of serenity. I left Paris happy and with my heart full of beautiful memories. I enjoyed the food, the vibe, and the lights. Even the cold weather was magical. So treat yourself to crepes, croissants, pain au chocolat, and pain brioche. They taste like heaven. And I can't find a similar taste anywhere, so I take all I can while in Paris.

It's a big city with many things you can do or see, so select your priorities not to feel overwhelmed. I know you want to do everything, but it's impossible, and you end up frustrated. So, if you select and make a possible itinerary, you'll enjoy every second of it. For example, I know that my fiancé and I can walk a lot during the day, and we like to go to bed early and wake up early. So, I make the travel program around these factors.

CC: some these photos are from my super talented fiancé

Have you enjoyed this city guide? Let me know in the comments if you want to chat more about my experience in Paris!

My honest, on-a-budget, and fun guide for 6 days in Paris