For a Budget
EXPLORING THE MARAIS NEIGHBORHOOD — spread through the 3rd and 4th arrondissements — is a must for thrifty travelers. With more of a village feel, it boasts hip bars and boulangeries that don’t break the bank as well as informal galleries, secondhand shops, and even haute fashion houses.
Start your day with a coffee and croissant at the uber-traditional Café Charlot on Rue de Bretagne, and then stop at the funky Kilo Shop where you can buy vintage finds by weight. As you roam the charming streets, make your way into one of three Free‘ P’Star stores and search the €1 bins for cheap, chic pieces. To fuel your bargain shopping, stop at the popular L’As du Fallafel Middle Eastern restaurant on Rue des Rosiers. Yes, the line is worth the wait, so grab your portable feast and enjoy it as you shop.
If your idea of “budget” is slightly less “budget,” head instead to the Place Vendôme and the recently renovated Ritz Paris. Find a spot at the lovely Ritz Bar — or the similar Hemingway Bar across the hall — where an exceptionally unique cocktail will be concocted based on your favorite flavors, offering Ritz extravagance without splurging on a stay.