My Budget-Friendly Solo Trip from London to Paris

Visiting Paris has always been a dream of mine, and I finally made it happen! Traveling solo on a low budget, I managed to experience some of the city’s most iconic sights, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. Here’s a detailed account of my incredible two-day adventure in Paris, all for under $200.

Day 1: The Eiffel Tower

Paris, often referred to as the City of Light, is famous for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. My journey began with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, which is an absolute must-see.

Getting to the Eiffel Tower:

I flew from Gatwick Airport in London to Paris, which was both quick and affordable with a budget airline. Upon arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport, I took the RER B train to Gare du Nord, and then used the Paris Métro. The closest Métro station to the Eiffel Tower is Bir-Hakeim (Line 6), which is just a short walk away.

 

The Beauty of the Eiffel Tower

Seeing the Eiffel Tower in person was more breathtaking than I had imagined. Standing at 324 meters, this iron lattice tower offers panoramic views of Paris. I spent the entire evening at the tower, taking in its grandeur and capturing stunning photos.

The Sparkling Lights

One of the most magical experiences was watching the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling lights. Every evening, the tower is illuminated with golden lights and sparkles for five minutes at the beginning of each hour after sunset. I stayed until nightfall to witness this dazzling spectacle, and it was truly worth it.

Day 2: The Louvre and the Mona Lisa

On my second day, I visited the Louvre Museum, home to the world-famous Mona Lisa.

Getting to the Louvre Museum:

The Louvre is easily accessible via the Paris Métro, with the closest station being Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (Line 1). I recommend arriving early to avoid the long lines, especially if you want to get a good view of the Mona Lisa.

The Mona Lisa

The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is smaller than I had expected but nonetheless captivating. The painting is housed in a climate-controlled enclosure and surrounded by crowds of eager visitors. Seeing this masterpiece in person was a dream come true.

 
More Attractions to Visit

Although my budget and time were limited, Paris has countless other attractions worth exploring:

  • • Notre-Dame Cathedral: Known for its stunning Gothic architecture.
  •  • Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Offers breathtaking views of the city from Montmartre.
  •  • Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe: Perfect for a leisurely stroll and some shopping. 
  • • Seine River Cruise: Provides a unique perspective of Paris’s landmarks.

Dream Accomplished

Accomplishing my dream of visiting Paris was an unforgettable experience. Despite my limited budget, I was able to immerse myself in the beauty and culture of this magnificent city. Traveling solo allowed me to explore at my own pace, and every moment was filled with awe and satisfaction.

Conclusion

Paris is a city that can be enjoyed even on a tight budget. From the awe-inspiring Eiffel Tower to the world-renowned Mona Lisa, there is so much to see and experience. If you’re planning a solo trip to Paris, don’t let budget constraints hold you back. With a bit of planning, you too can make your dream trip a reality.