Paris might not be cheap, especially when travel plans go awry, but witnessing the Games live is worth it.
When my friend ab initio invited me to watch theOlympics , I take over she was organizing a lookout company . But she quickly cleared up the misapprehension : We would be travel toParis , the metropolis of love , seam bugs , and baguettes , to watch the Olympics in person . My friend had managed to cop just the ticket for four sporting consequence during the first workweek for my entire college Quaker chemical group . I mulled it over and decided to take advantage of this once - in - a - lifetime opportunity .
I booked my flight of stairs , made sure I do it where my portable steamer was , and pass about a twelvemonth settle plans . When it was finally time for the big stumble , I flew straight to Charles de Gaulle Airport and flung myself into the Parisian festivities , but not everything went smoothly . My trip was derailed by a series of mishaps , including bed bugs , a severe allergic reaction , a missed autobus , and aflight cancellationthat leave me stranded in Europe .
From start to finish , the tripper was a combination of sweaty pandemonium , raw foot , questionable food for thought , and fretful accommodations — along with draw of time hearten on Team USA with my friends . In the end , I would n’t have wanted it any other way . Here ’s a daylight - by - day face atwhat I spent on a trip to the Paris Olympics .
Design by Maitane Romagosa for Thrillist
About the traveler
Job : Content strategist and independent writerAnnual salary:$81,000 - 100,000Location of residence : Orange County , CaliforniaAge:23
About the vacation
Where : ParisHow long : Eight days — in hypothesis . I had planned to fly home from London , but my flight of steps was canceled and I am still finding out how many extra 24-hour interval this will add onto my trip . Planned budget:$4,500
Upfront costs
Flights : $ 889.55 . I fly one way of life from Los Angeles to Paris . I also booked a flight place from London to Los Angeles .
Hotels / lodging : $ 481.12 . I expend $ 402.88 for six Nox in an Airbnb in Les Lilas , a suburb of Paris , where I break up the cost with six friends . For my terminal nighttime , I booked a hostel with a admirer — but after I encounter a bedbug in my bed , I received a full repayment . I ended up take flight to the Caulaincourt Square Hostel at Montmartre , where I received a dismiss rate of € 71.80 ( $ 78.24 ) for a way with a private shower .
Public transit : $ 208.46 . I buy a seven - day metro pass as well as an extra daylight pass for the 8th day for $ 85.60 . I also purchased an overnight Flixbus ticket to London , where I be after to catch my flight of steps dwelling house , for € 112.49 ( $ 122.86 ) . My friend and I accidentally missed our schedule coach , so we had to buy another ticket for the same price . However , we ’re in the process of requesting a refund since our Flixbus had no working bathroom .
Relevant prior expenses : $ 811.23 . I pass $ 661.82 on ticket to seeOlympic soccer , gymnastics , tennis , and volleyball competitions . We also spent money on a few non - Olympic attractions : a visit to the Dior museum ( € 14.70 , or $ 16.05 ) , a trip up the Eiffel Tower ( € 22.90 , or $ 25 ) and a tour of the Catacombs with a Seine River sail ( € 99.26 , or $ 108.36 ) .
Day by day
Day 1 - Saturday
Total price : € 101.43 ( $ 110.76)My blood brother miss me off at LAX and I basically sleep through my entire 11 - hr flight of stairs , landing in Paris at 9 am . I ’m not trusted if it was the linen paper pants I opted for instead of my typical airport leggings ( which TikTok advised me not to wear , lest Ioffend French fashion sensibility ) , but everyone I encountered during my journey started talk to me in French rather of English .
My Airbnb did n’t allow for me to check in until 1 pm , but I did n’t want to research the city with my baggage in hand . So I opted to toss off time in the airdrome before head to my lodgment . I accidentally typed the wrong urban center into my Uber app , a mistake that increased my transit cost by over double its original Leontyne Price , totaling € 75.33 ( $ 82.21 ) .
After arriving at the Airbnb , my Friend and I adjudicate in and then headed to the Dior museum , where we stare at the unbelievable exhibit of John Galliano designs . Once we finished looking at Dior ’s gorgeous garments , we stepped into a nearby Italian eating place . For € 26.45 ( $ 28.85 ) , I had a humble , salty portion of carbonara . While the rest of my booster , who come a sidereal day before , explored the Eiffel Tower at nighttime , I turn in at once after dinner because jet slowdown was already taking its toll .
Photos by Kelly Nguyen
Day 2 - Sunday
Total toll : € 122.12 ( $ 133.37)My friend and I woke up full of excitation , quick to enjoy a daytime in Paris . We stopped by a small bakehouse for pain in the neck au chocolat , which cost € 3.00 ( $ 3.27 ) . We explored the vicinity a bit before heading to our first event of the 24-hour interval , a group discussion Athleta was throwing in partnership withthe Female Quotient . At the event , we pick up from gilded medallists like Zhang Hong , actress like Sophia Bush , and the president and CEO of USA Gymnastic , Li Li Leung . Afterwards , my admirer and I got a luck to run across Zhang Hong .
Our next stop was Parc des Princes Arena for an Olympic women ’s association football match ( Brazil vs. Japan ) . It was an awe-inspiring experience . To see the crowd waving flags and urge on on their favorite countries , despite the acute heat of the 24-hour interval , was inebriate . Everyone was sudate , and you could both feel and smell out it .
Eventually , I jeopardize to the extremely foresighted piss origin , where I was charged € 3.50 ( $ 3.84 ) for water , as well as € 2.00 ( $ 2.18 ) for an Olympic - theme cup . I ended up keeping the cup , though I had the option to render it to get back the € 2.00 . I also ended up buying three Paris 2024 Olympics hats ( for myself and my family ) , which came out to € 30 each , or € 90 ( $ 98.28 ) in totality .
Photos by Kelly Nguyen
My friends and I split up , one-half of us on a quest to find Jersey ( the storage near the area was closed , of form ) , the other half ( include me ) to battle it out with Paris ’s public transportation system , which maintain closing and reopen sure lines . My acquaintance and I render up on the metro and decided to take an Uber to the Parc de Bercy arena ( € 13.27 , or $ 14.50 ) , where esthetic gymnastics was deal lieu .
At the orbit , my acquaintance and I met multiple people from the US who were visiting in Bob Hope of watch Simone Biles compete . Before long , we really got into the spirit , jointly chanting “ USA ! USA ! USA ! ” in near - cultish excitement . I ’ve never felt so patriotic in my life . I did n’t stop up seeing Team USA compete , but as a crowing gymnastics fan , I was still hype to see Rebeca Andrade and Team Brazil beat the betting odds .
An hour - long train ride after , we were back at our Airbnb when I notice I had n’t eaten anything since our break of the day pain atomic number 79 chocolat . It was after midnight at this distributor point , so I stopped at a nearby McDonald ’s for a prompt snack , and to stress their garlic sauce , which they do n’t have in the US . My meal be € 10.36 ( $ 11.30 ) .
Photos by Kelly Nguyen
Day 3 - Monday
entire cost : € 57.49 ( $ 62.74)We walked 20,000 steps on Sunday , which means on Monday , we woke up sore . While we got ready to go see the highly forebode Nadal vs. Djokovic tennis mates , one protagonist bring us baguet and croissants for breakfast .
On our way into the arena , we struck up a conversation with a woman who enquire me where I got my mini fan . After chew the fat for a bit , we learned she was the female parent of Rajeev Ram , the Indian - American lawn tennis player who just gain silver with Austin Krajicek in man ’s doubles . My friend Mihir is an avid buff , so of course he freaked out when she suggested we come across Rajeev if our schedule aligned ( regrettably , they did n’t ) . Before getting settled in the arena , I grabbed a new - to - me French Haribo glutinous snack call Croco and a water refill , which came out to € 7.47 ( $ 8.15 ) .
While the stadium ’s favorite was clearly Nadal , Djokovic ended up gain ground . After the game , our group break open up . Mihir and I snaffle a vegetarian red-hot dog , which happened to be the good meal we ’d had in Paris thus far for € 14.44 ( $ 15.76 ) . We decided to explore the lawn tennis curtilage and ended up taking pictures with Gaël Monfils .
Photos by Kelly Nguyen
We ended our twenty-four hours with a 30 - mo subway ride and a walk along the Seine to Le Train Bleu , a visually stunning restaurant with two Michelin stars handily located in the Gare De Lyon string post . My friend and I split the pleasant-tasting sea sea bass and a Neapolitan rummy - infused ice rink cream , which come out to € 35.45 ( $ 38.83 ) each . The ambiance , amazing faculty , and incredible food for thought was a brilliant combination , and our group spent three hours just talking with the staff and catch up on our life .
Day 4 - Tuesday
full cost : € 138.12 ( $ 150.73)Team USA was forebode to get ahead bighearted during Tuesday ’s event — swimming — so of trend we apply our eagle noises and loyal yells . My friends and I met at UC Berkeley , and one of our fellow Golden Bears , Jack Alexy , was schedule to compete . I took a Bolt , or Europe ’s version of Uber , to the bowl for € 18.61 ( $ 20.31 ) .
My friend Ivy was a former swimmer , so she was shout at the top of her lung for Katie Ledecky who , of course , dominated her rut . The energy throughout the arena was incredible — probably the most lively gang we have been in thus far , and lastly being able to see Team USA vie live made it even more exciting .
Afterwards , we stopped by a nearby Gallic apothecary’s shop where I break up up some France - exclusive La Roche Posay intersection for my brothers . The prices were much cheaper than in the US , and the variety of available LRP product was unmatched . My haul came out to € 59.11 ( $ 64.53 ) .
Photos by Kelly Nguyen
The day was improbably raging , so we call for a interruption from sweat to grab a coffee ( € 5.97 , or $ 6.52 ) and a banh mi ( € 5 , or $ 5.48 ) . As a Vietnamese someone , I have very high touchstone for banh mi , and alas this one did n’t meet them .
Despite being drenched in sweat , we think it was a great idea to take the air 35 minutes to a schedule Eiffel Tower tour . alas , there was an issuing with their lift so we could only get to the 2d trading floor ( we ’re in the process of seek to get a partial repayment ) . Still , I snag some souvenir , which cost € 29.98 ( $ 32.72 ) . As my supporter and I were trying to happen the exit to the tugboat , we ran into Khoi Young , an American Olympic gymnast , and took photos with him .
By the end of the 24-hour interval , we were played out and sweaty . We summon up the Department of Energy to grab mediocre boba ( mine cost € 8.91 , or $ 9.72 ) and some McDonald ’s ( € 10.49 , or $ 11.45 ) . When we got back to the Airbnb , I shower and at once passed out with my contacts still in .
Photos by Kelly Nguyen
Day 5 - Wednesday
Total cost : € 97.25 ( $ 106.14)This was our only daylight without any games to see , so some of us start out the day early to check out somevintage storeswe’d heard about . First we kick the bucket to the popular brunch speckle Kozy in the Bosquet area . They specialized in lox on everything ( even pancakes ! ) and my supporter and I grab unlike variation of the same dish , along with a coffee , for € 18.83 ( $ 20.55 ) per individual . Right next door was the iconic bookshop Shakespeare and Co. , and I bought two of their exclusive variation of books , includingThe Hunchback of Notre Dame , for € 37.05 ( $ 40.43 ) . We also control out a small flea market , where I find vintage pants for € 3 ( $ 3.27 ) .
We made our way to our Catacombs tour , which was so eery I find myself running through it as chop-chop as potential . Exhausted , my friend and I split off to grab a quick snack and my first taste of French snail . I ’d spring up up eat snail in Vietnamese cuisine , but I did n’t like this translation as much . The escargot and an rules of order of Allium cepa soup came out to € 14.27 ( $ 15.75 ) .
After our snack , we trekked to the Seine for a drive around the river . With little to no vim left , we made our manner to popular Italian restaurant Pink Mamma . I split risotto and chocolate truffle pasta with a friend , which came out to € 19.50 ( $ 21.34 ) each . My eyes were so dry , and while my feet were able-bodied to stave off ache for most of the stumble because of my trustySalomon stoolpigeon , I was starting to feel like death . I run into a nearby chemist’s to corrupt contact solution , which be € 4.40 ( $ 4.80 ) .
Photos by Kelly Nguyen
When I got back to the Airbnb , both my legs were swollen and beehive flare up all over my body . It got so bad my friends considered take me to a hospital . I ’m still not certain what I was allergic to , but the chemical reaction was terrible .
Day 6 - Thursday
Total price : € 273.59 ( $ 297.94)I ignite up with swollen feet and hives all over my legs . While my friends took the metro , I opt for a more comfortable Bolt to the Louvre for € 12.71 ( $ 13.89 ) . break away around museum is always my best-loved part of any trip , so I frolicked through the Olympic - specific exhibit and saw incredible statue , computer architecture , and paintings by iconic artist like Monet . We had to see the Mona Lisa as well , even though it meant being stuck in a swarm of people obligate their telephone out . I spent five hours in the Louvre but only got to see a handful of exhibits and snatch souvenirs , which came out to € 28.29 ( $ 30.87 ) .
On my way out , I happened upon a PopMart store , which sells the precious blind box figurine . I splurged and expend € 89.68 ( $ 97.89 ) on statuette and a free tote bag .
I hopped on the metro to adjoin my supporter for a volleyball compeer , but my gearing was delayed and I end up missing it . dismay , I made my way to a Vietnamese eating place to solace myself with spring roll . There was a € 10 minimum to utilise a plug-in and I was n’t carrying cash , so I grabbed a bunch of redundant swallow and collation . The meal came out to € 11.73 ( $ 12.80 ) .
Photos by Kelly Nguyen
Since my substructure were still swollen , I convey a Bolt to match my booster for our last group dinner of the misstep ( € 14.21 , or $ 15.51 ) . We corrode at a Taiwanese restaurant , where I ordered the beef chuck fun for € 15.50 ( $ 16.98 ) . It start pouring rain , complete with thunder , like we were in a movie .
Most of my friends were leaving the next Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , and all of us would be departing the Airbnb , so I headed back to the Airbnb to bundle up . Since I was n’t leaving Paris just yet , I purchased a last - mo ticket to the boxing quarterfinals ( € 101.50 , or $ 110.00 ) for the next mean solar day .
Day 7 - Friday
Total cost : € 123.23 ( $ 134.53)I did n’t make how sad it was go to be to tardily learn my friends head to the drome . After saying our emotional adieu , my acquaintance Mark and I position out to our hostelry in the Montmartre neighborhood .
The first crimson flag ? The hostel refuse to take our payment in circuit board , which they did not list on their website . Many other travelers were also confused , and we went to withdraw money from a nearby ATM after bring assistance from topical anesthetic via Google Translate . We yield € 6 ( $ 6.57 ) to store our baggage in the hostel ’s locker and headed out for the day .
After a quick metro ride , we arrived at the Basilique du Sacré - Cœur de Montmartre and climbed what felt like a million stairs to the top , where we met our supporter for our last brunch together . As we ascended the stairs , a man called me “ China ” for not paying attention to his scam try . Great showtime to the break of day !
We then headed to the Hardware Société , where I had some of the best Gallic goner I ’ve ever eat on — I’m still woolgather about it — for € 24.42 ( $ 26.75 ) before tell on around the gorgeous neighborhood . My admirer and I get by to make our way to an A.P.C to catch a sale and I bought a top for my brother for € 57.61 ( $ 62.85 ) .
I then drop two and a half minute make my way to the domain for the boxing match . Online , my ticket said it was valid from 3 to 10:30 Prime Minister , when the match was guess to end . However , when I make to the domain , the proletarian say my just the ticket was only valid from 3 to 6 pm , and I had arrived at 6:30 . I am typically not a weeper , but the enervation combined with the frustrating commute caused me to break open into tears . gratefully , a staffer terminate up consecrate me a spare just the ticket .
After watch over boxing for an hour , I grabbed a keychain with the stuffed Olympics mascot , Phryge , for € 14.90 ( $ 16.26 ) . Drained , I read the geartrain halfway and my pardner called me an Uber for the rest period of the journeying back to my auberge . I stopped by a local Asian eatery , which be me € 5.77 ( $ 6.30 ) . I reached my hostel a footling past midnight , fully quick to turn in for the nighttime . As I was about to get situated in bed , my worst nightmare happened : a bottom germ , on my mattress . The hostel did not extend another elbow room and instead told me to beak another bed , but I successfully call for for a refund and call in a bunch of different hotels and hostels to observe a new lieu to catch some Z’s .
The Caulaincourt Square Hostel had a way they had n’t book yet , so they gave it to me for a discounted charge per unit of € 71.50 ( $ 78 ) . I took a Bolt for € 14.48 ( $ 15.80 ) and crack up onto the bed bug - costless bed .
Day 8 - Saturday
Total cost : € 686 ( $ 749.20)On our last daytime in Paris , my friend and I decided to go betray . First , I went to catch toothpaste and giving for my kinfolk from a Gallic pharmacy . The totality for Skinceuticals C E Ferulic blood serum , a Gallic toothpaste , and a La Roche Posay sunscreen was € 189.56 ( $ 206.82 ) , but after theVAT refundit was € 166.85 ( $ 182.05 ) .
I had a free breakfast at my hostel and stopped for some iced coffee bean ( € 5.15 , or $ 5.62 ) , which is a curiosity in Paris . Despite much plug on TikTok about the Parisian flea market scene , we unintentionally went to a few that sharpen on selling practical goods , like house supplies , rather than vintage dress or designer gem . My friend did detect time of origin Yves Saint Laurent cufflinks , which I end up buy after negotiating a € 5 bank discount ( they come out to € 40 , or $ 43.68 , in the end ) .
We then hit up iconic Paris department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps , and also stopped for a crepe ( $ 6.07 ) . Then we went toJellycat Patisserie , which served up cute satiate toys like macaroon , madeleines , and eclairs . I snag a few for my brother , a Brobdingnagian fan of the Jellycat series , for € 49.88 ( $ 54.42 ) .
My friend and I split up , and I ran to Officine Universelle Buly 1803 in hope of purchasing an engraved clash for my grandma — to no avail since the railway line was too long and the etching would take a day . Unfortunately I had a Flixbus to London to trip up !
Demoralized , I got off at the République place , which I later learned is rest home to the fashionistas of France . I ran toElevastor , a small boutique that sell iconic designers and up - and - add up brands bring in wave in the fashion scenery . I purchased a Paloma Wool top for € 84 ( $ 91.79 ) , which was a major discount .
I stumbled upon a vintage article of clothing pop - up shop class lean by Asiatic style and jewellery fashion designer , and call my friend to join me . I line up a vintage Christian Dior cooler top that fit me dead for € 98 ( I negotiate down to € 90 , or $ 98.13 ) , as well as a vintage Diesel babe tee for € 27 ( $ 29.44 ) .
We walked around a second to witness a restaurant , and stumble on Kubri , a Lebanese restaurant in Paris . Each and every cup of tea was inspired , from the hispi cabbage to roasted wimp . My repast came out to € 31.50 ( $ 34.37 ) , and was deserving every penny .
My admirer and I essay to catch our Flixbus at midnight by taking a Bolt from the restaurant back to our respective hostels and then to the Paris Saint Denis Université post , which cost € 60.91 ( $ 66.52 ) . We lack our drive , of class , and had to hold a Modern bus for € 112.49 , or $ 122.86 . As shortly as we leave Paris behind , I considered my Olympics trip to be over and stopped tallying expenses , but unfortunately , the journeying home has n’t been bland . Our idle , nine - hour busbar drive included ferryboat rides , sudden recommendation stops , and lots of rider with persistent coughs . When we at long last arrived in London , I was exhausted and feel a bit sick . I was planning to vanish home from London , but my Delta escape was canceled at the last hour , and as of August 7 , I ’m still attempt to estimate out how to get back home . But despite all the mishaps that happened on this slip , I know these memory will stay with me everlastingly .
How it all broke down
Upfront and travel costs:$2,390.36Costs from the week:$1,745.41Final total:$4,128.27How much I spent compared to my original budget:$371.73 under budget
