4-Day Paris Itinerary: Budget-Friendly Guide to Top Sights, Best Views & Safety Tips
We’ve finally touched down in the City of Light, and from our dreamy balcony at the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel Hotel to the hidden safe haven of Sacré-Cœur’s dome, every cobblestone street and sweeping vista feels like a postcard come to life. Over the next four days we’ll share the best panoramic views—from sunrise over the Louvre courtyard at Le Café Marly to the sparkling Eiffel Tower at night—plus insider tips on navigating Paris’s legendary crowds and crafty street scams, all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re here for the art, the architecture, or simply that perfect moment watching the Seine glow at dusk, our guide will help you experience Paris like a local (without losing your wallet). Follow along as we unveil our favorite sights, safety hacks, and a full breakdown of how we made the most of our four days in Paris.
Arc de Triomphe
Budget
Flights:
19,500 Amex points + $58/person (Air France - LAX to CDG)
Accomodation: $1744 Total @pullmantoureiffel
$436 x 4 nights
Transportation: $216 Total
$129 for 6 Ubers
$87 for 2 Taxis
Activities: $406/person Total
Eiffel Tower: $108/person
Louvre Museum: $52/person
Seine Dinner Cruise: $183/person @bateauxparisiens
Catacombs: $33/person
Versailles: $30/person
Miscellaneous: $78 Total
Climb the Sacre Coeur Dome: $6/person
Versailles Golf Cart: $40
Macaroons: $16
Love Lock: $10
Total: $2966
$712/day
$356/person/day
Avoid Scams & Stay Safe
Paris is infamous for clever scams around its busiest sights. In the Rose Scam, someone “gifts” you a flower and then refuses to take it back, demanding payment and often harassing you until you comply. The Cup-and-Ball Trick looks like a simple street game, but sleight of hand and confederates posing as winners ensure you lose your money every time. Petitioners may ask you to sign for a bogus cause, then guilt you into donating on the spot. The Friendship Bracelet ploy involves someone tying a bracelet around your wrist “as a gift” before demanding payment. Unofficial taxis—especially near airports and train stations—often charge wildly inflated fares; always use the official taxi rank or a rideshare app and confirm the rate before you enter. And pickpockets work in teams in crowded areas, so keep your phone and wallet in zipped pockets or a slim money belt.
Three Things to Know Before Visiting Paris
First, assume any unsolicited approach around major landmarks has a catch—never feel pressured to accept a “free” item or sign anything. Second, we encountered surprisingly curt service in cafés and even hospitals; a polite “bonjour” and a smile can warm interactions, but be prepared for occasional impatience. Third, skip-the-line tickets (we booked through GetYourGuide) are worth the extra few euros, especially in peak season, to avoid long waits at the Eiffel Tower and Louvre.
We're the adventure-loving duo behind the lens and the keyboard, swapping nine-to-five predictability for jet lag, desert sunrises, and stories worth replaying. Follow our journey to 50 countries while we share all our tips, mistakes and hidden gems along the way. We love finding the world's most unique bucket list adventures and stays to share with you here!
We're Holly and luke
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los angeles, usa
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