I know how easy it is to keep track of expenses while spending a day in a city like Paris. There are so many things to see and taste. If you want to discover the hidden charms of Paris without breaking the bank, this article is just for you. There are places to explore, views to photograph, stops for food and drinks, lesser-known corners of the city, and a few money-saving tips along the way. Check out my previous guides on 50 free things to do in Paris, the best budget-friendly places to stay in Paris, and also what I wrote about Lille, which makes for a perfect day trip from Paris.

1. Du Pain et des Idees

Address: 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010

Start your day with the award-winning bakery Du Pain et des Idees (34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris). I recommend trying their chocolate pistachio croissants or the banana Le Pain au Chocolat, or both (each €2-2.50). Complete it with a cup of coffee.

2. Musée D’Orsay

Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris

After this lovely breakfast, head to the Musée D’Orsay (1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris).

There is free entry on the first Sunday of the month, so if you can plan your visit accordingly, you can see some of the world's best Impressionist paintings. Alternatively, if you arrived in Paris by Eurostar, you can take advantage of the 2 for 1 free ticket offer with your Eurostar ticket.

3. Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris

Address: 11, Avenue du Président Wilson

If you can't find anything else, visit the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (11, Avenue du Président Wilson, 16th arrondissement). The permanent collection of 10,000 works featuring artists like Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Henri Matisse, Man Ray, and Max Ernst will delight your eyes. The best part is that entry to the permanent collection is free.

4. L’as du Falafel

Address: 34 Rue des Rosiers

For a delicious lunch, I recommend trying the exquisite falafels at L’as du Falafel (34 Rue des Rosiers) (€7). If the weather is nice, you can enjoy your meal at the nearby Place des Vosges or in one of the hidden gardens of the Marais.

5. Tuileries Gardens

Walk off your lunch by strolling through the Tuileries Gardens (113 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris). Don't forget to take a photo in front of the iconic pyramid at the Louvre.

6. Père Lachaise Cemetery

You may not love the somber atmosphere of cemeteries, but Père Lachaise Cemetery (16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris) is definitely worth a visit. Here you can find the graves of historic figures like Jim Morrison and the famous French writer Colette.

"These were the first days in Paris, we were poor and happy" 74 Cardinal Lemoine, where Hemingway wrote A Moveable Feast

7. Following Hemingway

"These were the first days in Paris, we were poor and happy." – A Moveable Feast.

If you are looking for more literary inspiration, follow in Hemingway's footsteps by visiting the homes he stayed in while in Paris. At the time, the young writer was married to his first wife, Hadley. He lived at 74 Rue Cardinal Lemoine.

You can also visit the courtyard where James Joyce wrote Ulysses, very close by at 71 Rue Cardinal Lemoine.

A few steps away is 39 Rue Descartes. Hemingway lived here from 1921 to 1925. If you are interested in other Hemingway spots in Paris, Hotel Angleterre at 44 Rue Jacob is where the great writer spent his first night in Paris.

Cafe Fiore

For a nice coffee, I recommend taking a break at the famous Cafe de Flore, located at the corner of Rue Saint-Benoît and Boulevard Saint-Germain, in Saint Germain des Prés. This place is a favorite of Paris’s intellectuals, especially frequented by Jean Paul Sartre and Simone Beauvoir. It can be quite crowded, so you might have to wait a bit to find a table, but it’s worth the wait.

Another must-do Paris experience is climbing to Montmartre to catch a bird's-eye view of Paris at sunset. If you get hungry, don’t forget to grab a Nutella crepe from one of the stalls in Montmartre (€2.50).

8. Pizzeria Tripletta

For dinner, I recommend Pizzeria Tripletta in Belleville, famous for its Neapolitan-style pizzas. Pizza prices range from €9 to €10.

9. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

Before closing out the day, head to the top floor of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, La Terrasse, and catch the nighttime view of the Eiffel Tower. This marks the end of a perfect day in Paris. I think you will have plenty of change left from that €50 you started with in the morning.

Tip: While spending a busy day in Paris, buying metro tickets will ease your feet. These tickets allow travel on the metro, RER trains, buses, and the funicular to Montmartre. Each ticket currently costs €1.90, or you can save by purchasing a pack of 10 for €14.50.

If you are planning a trip to London, don’t forget to check out my guide on the best cheap eats and the best budget-friendly accommodations in London.