Budget Travel Guide
3 Days of Cheap Eats in Paris
World-class food doesn't have to break the bank. From legendary dollar dumplings to $7 veggie burgers — every meal under $15 (with one delicious exception).
Day 1
Classic Parisian Bites
Du Pain et des Idées
One of the most beloved bakeries in Paris. Christophe Vasseur's pastries — particularly the escargot swirls and pain des amis — are the perfect introduction to French baking craft.
Must Order
- Escargot pistache-chocolat
- Pain des amis
- Chausson aux pommes
Pro Tip: Closed weekends. Arrive before 10 AM for the freshest selection.
L'As du Fallafel
The legendary falafel sandwich on Rue des Rosiers. Crispy chickpea fritters, fried eggplant, cabbage, and tahini stuffed into pita — a Paris rite of passage for under €10.
Must Order
- Falafel special
- Schwarma sandwich
Pro Tip: Skip the dine-in line and order at the takeaway window. Eat it walking through the Marais.
Bouillon Pigalle
A revival of the classic Parisian 'bouillon' — three-course French meals at jaw-droppingly low prices. Œuf mayo, steak frites, and profiteroles for around €20 total.
Must Order
- Œuf mayonnaise
- Bœuf bourguignon
- Profiteroles
Pro Tip: No reservations — arrive at 6:30 PM or after 9:30 PM to avoid the worst of the queue.
Day 2
Markets & Wine Bars
Marché des Enfants Rouges
The oldest covered market in Paris (1615). Wander between stalls of Moroccan tagine, Italian pasta, Japanese bento, and French crêpes — a perfect cheap, eclectic lunch.
Must Order
- Tagine plate from Le Traiteur Marocain
- Galette from Chez Alain Miam Miam
Pro Tip: Closed Mondays. Go hungry and graze between two or three stalls.
Poilâne
France's most famous sourdough loaf, baked in a wood-fired oven since 1932. Grab a punition shortbread cookie and a slice of pain Poilâne for a true Left Bank picnic.
Must Order
- Punitions
- Slice of pain Poilâne
- Apple tartlet
Pro Tip: Pair with cheese from a nearby fromagerie and head to the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Le Baron Rouge
A standing-room-only neighborhood wine bar where locals fill their own bottles from the barrel. Cheap, excellent natural wine and a charcuterie/cheese board for two under €20.
Must Order
- Glass of natural red
- Charcuterie & fromage board
- Oysters (weekends)
Pro Tip: Sundays after the Marché d'Aligre is the best atmosphere. No tables — find a wine barrel to lean on.
Day 3
Off-the-Beaten-Path Eats
Ten Belles
The café that helped launch Paris's third-wave coffee scene. A flat white and a slice of banana bread by the canal is the ideal Paris morning for under €8.
Must Order
- Flat white
- Banana bread
- Avocado toast
Pro Tip: Tiny space — grab your order to go and walk along the Canal Saint-Martin.
Chez Gladines
Hearty Basque cooking at unbeatable prices. Giant salads piled with potatoes, ham, and goat cheese, plus rib-sticking magret de canard — all in a charming hilltop neighborhood tourists rarely find.
Must Order
- Salade Bayonnaise
- Magret de canard
- Piperade
Pro Tip: Wander Butte-aux-Cailles afterward — it feels more like a village than central Paris.
Le Petit Vendôme
Widely considered one of the best jambon-beurre sandwiches in Paris. Crusty baguette, salty butter, and impeccable ham — the simplest, most perfect Parisian dinner for under €10.
Must Order
- Jambon-beurre
- Saucisson sandwich
- Glass of Beaujolais
Pro Tip: Take it to the Jardin des Tuileries at sunset. That's the move.
Ready for the Full Experience?
Explore our 5-day itinerary covering everything from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy dining.