Emily in Paris: how to live the Parisian cliché experience on a budget in Paris

Published by Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis, Julie de Sortiraparis · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Updated on March 4, 2026 at 05:08 p.m.
Want to give in to Parisian clichés? Here are our tips for a magical Paris experience on a budget! Palaces, museums, rooftops and other hot spots, here's how to live your own Emily in Paris adventure.

Paris, the city of love, the capital of fashion, the cradle of culture and entertainment... the City of Light certainly has many titles. Its sublime, open-air museum-like landscapes have never ceased to inspire artists, writers, musicians, designers and filmmakers. So much so, in fact, that there are now two types of Paris: that of the movies, synonymous with luxury and a touch of snobbery, and that of the Parisians, more chill and convivial. The latter are often amused by the clichés conveyed about the capital. And yet, sometimes fiction isn't so far removed from reality!

What's thetypically clichéd Parisian experience? Walking through beautiful museums, meeting up in trendy bars, enjoying a good restaurant, strolling through the capital's most beautiful spots... After all, the Parisian art of living is no myth! And if you think it's all about budget, think again: Paris is full of good ideas for great experiences at affordable prices! The trick is knowing where to go!

To help you live the Emily in Paris lifestyle without breaking the bank, we're taking you on a journey to conquer these concepts, which have the knack of making luxury more affordable, or of letting you enjoyhot experiences at low prices! Whether it's a gourmet break in a palace, a cultural outing or a restaurant offering excellent value for money, the Parisian art of living is waiting for you! Follow the guide!

The essential guides for an affordable and enjoyable Parisian experience

Visuel Paris Petit PalaisVisuel Paris Petit PalaisVisuel Paris Petit PalaisVisuel Paris Petit Palais Free museums and monuments in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: cultural tips
Looking for a free museum in Paris? The Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Musée d'Art Moderne, the Musée de l'Aviation, the Musée des Arts Asiatiques - over 20 museums are free all year round, and we've got some great ideas for getting out and learning something new. [Read more]

Photos : le Parc des Impressionnistes de Rueil-MalmaisonPhotos : le Parc des Impressionnistes de Rueil-MalmaisonPhotos : le Parc des Impressionnistes de Rueil-MalmaisonPhotos : le Parc des Impressionnistes de Rueil-Malmaison Walking through Paris and Île-de-France: explore the most stunning parks, gardens, and squares
Paris is bursting with stunning parks and gardens, lush green retreats perfect for relaxing away from the city's hustle and bustle. Quickly uncover the most beautiful green spots in the capital and Île-de-France for a refreshing nature escape right in the heart of the Paris region! [Read more]

Le Château de Malmaison, de la demeure au muséeLe Château de Malmaison, de la demeure au muséeLe Château de Malmaison, de la demeure au muséeLe Château de Malmaison, de la demeure au musée Free museums and monuments this Sunday: top tips for April 5th in Paris and Île-de-France
Which free museum should you visit in Paris or Île-de-France on the first Sunday of the month, this Sunday, April 5, 2026? We're delighted to stick to our little monthly tradition: exploring a museum or monument without spending a single euro! Don't miss out on the best tips for this Sunday... [Read more]

Aqua Kyoto Paris, le rooftop japonais sur les Champs-Elysées - photos - A7C07197Aqua Kyoto Paris, le rooftop japonais sur les Champs-Elysées - photos - A7C07197Aqua Kyoto Paris, le rooftop japonais sur les Champs-Elysées - photos - A7C07197Aqua Kyoto Paris, le rooftop japonais sur les Champs-Elysées - photos - A7C07197 Affordable rooftops in Paris and Île-de-France: Our top budget-friendly picks for 2026
Who says rooftop bars in Paris have to break the bank? Check out this selection of elevated hotspots that are both stylish and budget-friendly! [Read more]

Maison Tonnerre, boulangerie - coffee shop et brunch à Versailles - A7C07029Maison Tonnerre, boulangerie - coffee shop et brunch à Versailles - A7C07029Maison Tonnerre, boulangerie - coffee shop et brunch à Versailles - A7C07029Maison Tonnerre, boulangerie - coffee shop et brunch à Versailles - A7C07029 Affordable brunches in Paris: our top picks for under €35
Fancy a good brunch without spending more than €35? Here are our affordable recommendations in Paris! [Read more]

Tea time bon et pas cher de Violetta et Alfredo Paris 9e - A7C02136Tea time bon et pas cher de Violetta et Alfredo Paris 9e - A7C02136Tea time bon et pas cher de Violetta et Alfredo Paris 9e - A7C02136Tea time bon et pas cher de Violetta et Alfredo Paris 9e - A7C02136 Affordable tea times and snacks in Paris: our top picks
Looking for an affordable tea time that combines good quality with reasonable prices? From sweet snacks to proper tea times with savory treats, here are our top picks for a quality afternoon tea. [Read more]

Comptoir Lazu - Courgettes crues et cuites, stracciatellaComptoir Lazu - Courgettes crues et cuites, stracciatellaComptoir Lazu - Courgettes crues et cuites, stracciatellaComptoir Lazu - Courgettes crues et cuites, stracciatella Affordable bistronomic restaurants in Paris with a €30 lunch menu (starter/main course/dessert)
In Paris, there are many high-quality bistronomic restaurants offering lunch menus for €30 for a starter, main course, and dessert, or even less. Here are some good and inexpensive places to eat! [Read more]

La Table des Résistants - Maquereau et betteraveLa Table des Résistants - Maquereau et betteraveLa Table des Résistants - Maquereau et betteraveLa Table des Résistants - Maquereau et betterave Affordable and inexpensive gourmet restaurants in Paris: our tips and recommendations
Fancy an affordable gourmet restaurant in Paris? Discover our top tips in Paris and the Ile-de-France region for a prestigious lunch or dinner that's good value for money! [Read more]

Visuel Paris musée d'OrsayVisuel Paris musée d'OrsayVisuel Paris musée d'OrsayVisuel Paris musée d'Orsay Free museums and monuments for young people under 26 in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
In Paris, young people under the age of 26, as well as students and teachers, have the chance to enter many museums and monuments for free! Free on presentation of an identity card or student card, museums allow all young people to open up to the world, to art and to enjoy our exceptional heritage, without discrimination, discover what you are entitled to. [Read more]

Cultural tips

Visuel Paris Louvre nuitVisuel Paris Louvre nuitVisuel Paris Louvre nuitVisuel Paris Louvre nuit Louvre Museum: Experience free evening hours on Friday, April 3, 2026, the first Friday of the month
Here's the deal everyone looks forward to each month: the Louvre Museum opens its doors to the public for free every first Friday after 6 p.m. Mark your calendars for the next opportunity: April 3, 2026. [Read more]

Minimal, quand l'art va à l'essentiel : l'exposition de la Bourse de Commerce se dévoile - fotor 1759833122923Minimal, quand l'art va à l'essentiel : l'exposition de la Bourse de Commerce se dévoile - fotor 1759833122923Minimal, quand l'art va à l'essentiel : l'exposition de la Bourse de Commerce se dévoile - fotor 1759833122923Minimal, quand l'art va à l'essentiel : l'exposition de la Bourse de Commerce se dévoile - fotor 1759833122923 Free evening at the Bourse de Commerce: reserve your tickets for Saturday, April 4, 2026
Eager to explore the collections at the Bourse de Commerce? Take advantage of the free evening opening, held on the first Saturday of each month, and experience this must-visit art space in Paris. Mark your calendar for the next date: Saturday, April 4, 2026. [Read more]

Exposition gratuite au Plaza Athénée : le bestiaire de Michel Bassompierre s'invite au palace - IMG 3929Exposition gratuite au Plaza Athénée : le bestiaire de Michel Bassompierre s'invite au palace - IMG 3929Exposition gratuite au Plaza Athénée : le bestiaire de Michel Bassompierre s'invite au palace - IMG 3929Exposition gratuite au Plaza Athénée : le bestiaire de Michel Bassompierre s'invite au palace - IMG 3929 Free Exhibitions in March 2026: The Best Cultural Experiences to Enjoy in Paris and Île-de-France
Looking for a great outing to enjoy this March 2026? Look no further: you're sure to find something you love in this selection of free exhibitions to visit in Paris and the Île-de-France region! Explore the best cultural happenings of the season. [Read more]

Visuel Paris 5e -  jardin des plantes - museum - printemps - cerisiersVisuel Paris 5e -  jardin des plantes - museum - printemps - cerisiersVisuel Paris 5e -  jardin des plantes - museum - printemps - cerisiersVisuel Paris 5e -  jardin des plantes - museum - printemps - cerisiers Free exhibitions: Must-see spring 2026 highlights in Paris and Île-de-France
The beautiful days of spring are finally here, along with some great opportunities! Explore our curated list of seasonal free exhibitions, available in Paris and Île-de-France. These must-see spring attractions for 2026 are just waiting for you! [Read more]

Les magnolias du Jardin du Palais Royal  - printemps - visuel ParisLes magnolias du Jardin du Palais Royal  - printemps - visuel ParisLes magnolias du Jardin du Palais Royal  - printemps - visuel ParisLes magnolias du Jardin du Palais Royal  - printemps - visuel Paris April 2026 in the capital: free exhibitions in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Pic-and-pic-and-collegram... It's not easy to choose the right outing to brighten up our month of April 2026. Fortunately, we've put together a short list of free exhibitions to see this month. A good deal for everyone! [Read more]

L'Atelier Rodin, l'activité pour les enfants à faire au musée Rodin, du 15 avril au 27 août 2023 - 7CBC34A3 B036 46E9 8188 76A17CE5F2FDL'Atelier Rodin, l'activité pour les enfants à faire au musée Rodin, du 15 avril au 27 août 2023 - 7CBC34A3 B036 46E9 8188 76A17CE5F2FDL'Atelier Rodin, l'activité pour les enfants à faire au musée Rodin, du 15 avril au 27 août 2023 - 7CBC34A3 B036 46E9 8188 76A17CE5F2FDL'Atelier Rodin, l'activité pour les enfants à faire au musée Rodin, du 15 avril au 27 août 2023 - 7CBC34A3 B036 46E9 8188 76A17CE5F2FD Tip: 5 free exhibitions to see with children in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
Treat yourself and your family to a great time for the modest sum of zero euros, with our selection of free exhibitions to discover with the kids! [Read more]

Visuel ParisVisuel ParisVisuel ParisVisuel Paris Free things to do in Paris at the moment
Want to go out smart? Who says Paris has to be expensive? Here's a list of the free things to do in Paris right now! Follow the guide! [Read more]

Gourmet tips

Le Valentin, charmant salon de thé de la Galerie Vivienne -  A7C8822Le Valentin, charmant salon de thé de la Galerie Vivienne -  A7C8822Le Valentin, charmant salon de thé de la Galerie Vivienne -  A7C8822Le Valentin, charmant salon de thé de la Galerie Vivienne -  A7C8822 Le Valentin, the charming retro tearoom in Paris' Galerie Vivienne
Did you know? Tucked away in Paris's Galerie Vivienne, a charming hidden tea room is the perfect spot for gourmands eager to sample delicious pastries, or in search of a restaurant for breakfast or lunch on the go. Welcome to Le Valentin, our favorite spot where you'll love to take a step back in time. [Read more]

Butterfly Pâtisserie de Matthieu Carlin à l'Hôtel de Crillon - Table du Salon de Thé (1)Butterfly Pâtisserie de Matthieu Carlin à l'Hôtel de Crillon - Table du Salon de Thé (1)Butterfly Pâtisserie de Matthieu Carlin à l'Hôtel de Crillon - Table du Salon de Thé (1)Butterfly Pâtisserie de Matthieu Carlin à l'Hôtel de Crillon - Table du Salon de Thé (1) Butterfly: Matthieu Carlin's pastry shop at the Hôtel de Crillon with a 15€ snack formula
Calling all sweet tooths! In Paris, Matthieu Carlin, the pastry chef of the Hôtel de Crillon, unveils his pastry shop in the heart of the mythical palace since April 4th 2023. On the program, a gourmet and affordable spot where you will be able to taste the chef's creations on the spot or to take away. Welcome to Butterfly Pâtisserie. [Read more]

Le tea time italien de Pink Mamma -  A7C9743Le tea time italien de Pink Mamma -  A7C9743Le tea time italien de Pink Mamma -  A7C9743Le tea time italien de Pink Mamma -  A7C9743 Pink Mamma's brilliant Italian tea time under its green canopy
Discover the new Italian Tea Time at Pink Mamma which awaits you from now on with its sweet and salty delights in its sublime glass roof. [Read more]

Brunch Princesse Café - Oeufs BénédicteBrunch Princesse Café - Oeufs BénédicteBrunch Princesse Café - Oeufs BénédicteBrunch Princesse Café - Oeufs Bénédicte Tasty, colorful and affordable brunch at Princesse Café
The images speak for themselves: brunch at Princesse Café, available at weekends and on weekdays, is as generous as it is affordable, colorful and absolutely delicious. [Read more]

Le Cyrano - Décoration historiqueLe Cyrano - Décoration historiqueLe Cyrano - Décoration historiqueLe Cyrano - Décoration historique Le Cyrano, affordable, comforting bistronomy in a historic setting
Whether for its fabulous historic Art Nouveau decor or its affordable bistro fare, there's a good reason to visit Le Cyrano, just a stone's throw from Place de Clichy. [Read more]

L'Escarpolette - coffee shop - salon de thé - restaurant à ParisL'Escarpolette - coffee shop - salon de thé - restaurant à ParisL'Escarpolette - coffee shop - salon de thé - restaurant à ParisL'Escarpolette - coffee shop - salon de thé - restaurant à Paris L'Escarpolette's affordable brunch
Fancy a super gourmet brunch at an affordable price? Head for l'Escarpolette, a new restaurant in the 5th arrondissement, which offers a home-cooked brunch for €22 per person. It's the perfect way to treat yourself and your family to an affordable brunch. [Read more]

Violetta et Alfredo, le salon de thé inspiré de l'Opéra, nos photosVioletta et Alfredo, le salon de thé inspiré de l'Opéra, nos photosVioletta et Alfredo, le salon de thé inspiré de l'Opéra, nos photosVioletta et Alfredo, le salon de thé inspiré de l'Opéra, nos photos Violetta and Alfredo, the tea room inspired by the Opera, our photos
Lovers of opera and pastries meet at Violetta et Alfredo, a tea room inspired by Giuseppe Verdi's famous opera La Traviata. An opportunity to enjoy the most musical Tea Time in Paris! [Read more]

Bouillon PigalleBouillon PigalleBouillon PigalleBouillon Pigalle Bouillon Pigalle, great French classics at low prices
From midday to midnight, Bouillon Pigalle delivers the great classics of bistro cuisine at low prices. It's the perfect place for those on a budget. [Read more]

The best bars and rooftop bars

Solera, le bar à cocktails le plus fou de ParisSolera, le bar à cocktails le plus fou de ParisSolera, le bar à cocktails le plus fou de ParisSolera, le bar à cocktails le plus fou de Paris Solera, the craziest cocktail bar in Paris
Solera is the crazy cocktail bar on the Left Bank. Here you'll discover a stunning menu of spectacular signature creations. The perfect place for an unusual cocktail experience! [Read more]

Cœur Sacré, concept store-café-bar-restaurant rooftop à MontmartreCœur Sacré, concept store-café-bar-restaurant rooftop à MontmartreCœur Sacré, concept store-café-bar-restaurant rooftop à MontmartreCœur Sacré, concept store-café-bar-restaurant rooftop à Montmartre Cœur Sacré, Montmartre's rooftop bar-restaurant and designer boutique
Cœur Sacré is the name of this new living space in the heart of the Butte Montmartre. On the menu: a duplex featuring a designer boutique, delicatessen, bakery, exhibition space, coffee shop and, don't forget, a rooftop with lounge bar and restaurant! [Read more]

Divine, le bar à cocktails coup de cœur à ParisDivine, le bar à cocktails coup de cœur à ParisDivine, le bar à cocktails coup de cœur à ParisDivine, le bar à cocktails coup de cœur à Paris Divine, Paris' favorite cocktail bar
Fancy a cocktail out of the ordinary? Head for Paris's 10th arrondissement to (re)discover Divine, Nicolas Munoz's cocktail bar! [Read more]

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