Looking to visit Paris on a budget? You’re not alone. Paris is regarded as one of the most expensive cities in the world, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank in order to enjoy it. There are tons of free things to enjoy around Paris, from gardens and flea markets to some of the city’s most beloved landmarks. Here are 25 of the best free things to do in Paris.
Stroll the Jardin des Tuileries
One of the most famous free attractions in Paris, the Tuileries Gardens are an expanse of serene green space between the Palais du Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. These formal gardens are perfect for strolling, people watching, and picnicking, and its central location just off the Seine makes it a great spot to take a break from sightseeing and just soak up the sights and sounds of the city.
Explore the Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air
This outdoor sculpture museum, located on the left bank of the Seine near the Jardin des Plantes, makes for a pleasant afternoon stroll along the river. The outdoor museum features over 50 sculptures and spans over 600 meters. It’s absolutely free to visit, and the open space is a nice alternative to better-known, often-crowded museums like the Louvre.
Marvel at Notre-Dame de Paris
Yes, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks is free to visit! It is closed to the public right now as the cathedral is repaired and restored. When it re-opens, you can enter the cavernous cathedral and marvel at the art, architecture and even music that fills the space. It is free to enter the cathedral, but there is an admission fee to climb the famous bell towers and see Paris from above. I highly recommend splurging on this memorable experience. Read about my experience climbing the towers here.
Related Post: The Beauty of Notre Dame de Paris
Escape to the Country at La Cité Florale
This charming neighborhood in the 13th arrondissement is comprised of six streets named after flowers. Stroll the cobblestone streets to admire pastel-hued houses covered in ivy, roses, wisteria and more. Even some of the ornamental gates and doors have a floral theme! If you think the wisteria-covered Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole is pretty, you’ll love the Cité Florale.
Enjoy Free Museum Admission on the First Sunday of Each Month
Most of the national museums in Paris are free to enter on the first Sunday of each month. This includes popular museums like the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée de l’Orangerie, the Centre Pompidou, and more. See the full list of included museums here.
Related Post: Paris Museum Pass Review – Is it Worth It?
Get Lost in the Covered Passages of Paris
Scattered throughout Paris are several covered passageways housing shops, restaurants, galleries, and more. With their Belle Époque architecture and an enticing combination of upscale, antique and exotic shops, these covered passageways invite visitors to spend the day getting lost in their depths. This is the perfect place to escape a rainy day, enjoy a special meal, or uncover a one-of-a-kind gift for yourself or a loved one. One of the most famous covered passages is the Galerie Vivienne in Montmartre. See more covered passages here.
Climb the Hill to Sacré-Cœur
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica, or Basilica of the Sacred Heart, is one of the most unique religious buildings in Paris, with several distinctive white domes and towers. The basilica is jaw-droppingly gorgeous inside and out, with glittering mosaics, towering stained-glass, and hundreds of flickering prayer candles. The white stone used in its construction was also used to build the Arc de Triomphe, and it releases a substance when wet that keeps the stone perpetually clean and bright, so the basilica can be admired from all over Paris. Located on the highest point of Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur is the second-highest point in the city, second only to the Eiffel Tower. This is one of the most memorable free things to do in Paris. Take in the view from the top of the hill, and if you like, you can also pay a small fee to climb the steps up to the dome of the Sacré-Cœur.
Explore Montmartre
In the late 19th century, the area surrounding Sacré-Cœur was a haven for artists and intellectuals. Famous figures like Degas, Picasso, and Van Gogh lived and worked in Montmartre. While the area is filled with tourists today, it still retains some of its artsy appeal, and there are many charming, quiet streets in which to escape the crowds. Here you will find Instagram-famous locations like La Maison Rose, Place du Tertre and Le Consulat Restaurant, as well as quiet streets like Villa Leandre and rue de l’Abreuvoir.
Related Post: Take a Virtual Tour of Montmartre in “Our Parisian Honeymoon Part One”
Embark on a Film-Inspired Walking Tour
The streets of Paris are featured in hundreds of films, some of which have inspired themed walking tours. You might see the stone steps from Midnight in Paris, where Gil waits for a ride into the past, or dine at the bistro featured in Amélie. Paris Walking Tours offers several free guided walking tours, though it is generally expected that tour guests will tip their guides. As a tip-free alternative, consider a self-guided walking tour, with filming locations sourced from movie-locations.com or imdb.com.
Toss a Coin at the Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde is an impressive public square with an incredible location between the Tuileries and the Champs-Élysées. Marie Antoinette, King Louis XVI, and many other notable figures were executed in this square, which today is surrounded by French haute-couture houses, formal gardens, and luxury hotels. In the center of the square are two fountains and a massive obelisk carved with Egyptian hieroglyphics. Toss a coin and cast a wish into the fountains (or, if you’re Andrea Sachs from The Devil Wears Prada, just toss your whole phone in there and run) and then decide where to head next.
Relax in the Jardin du Luxembourg
Located on the cusp of Saint-Germain and the Latin Quarter, this left bank hotspot is the stuff of French fantasy. With beautiful architecture and fountains, impressive sculptures, and an abundance of green space for relaxing with friends, the Luxembourg Garden is an ideal space to sit back and drink the city in. Be sure to seek out the Medici Fountain, built at the request of Catherine de Medici to emulate the style of the Boboli Gardens in Florence, Italy.
Take in the View From the Galeries Lafayette Rooftop Terrace
Many of the most scenic views in Paris come with a small price tag. It costs money to go to the top of Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and so forth. For a stunning, completely free view of the city, head up to the rooftop terrace on the seventh floor of the Galeries Lafayette. Enjoy a birds eye view of the Palais Garnier, Eiffel Tower, and more.
Hunt for Treasure at the Flea Markets of Paris
Paris is home to many flea markets, where you can find everything from expensive antique furniture to rare books. Take a few hours to explore the shops and stalls in search of a truly unique souvenir. Even if you don’t buy a thing, it’s fun to browse and see the old Paris mix with the new. Some of the best-known flea markets are the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen and the Marché aux Puces de Vanves.
Go Book Shopping at the Bouquinistes
The iconic bouquinistes stalls along the River Seine sell an assortment of rare books, vintage newsprints, posters, and more. Stroll along the river and stop to browse the stalls on your way to your next destination. Generally the items sold at the bouquinistes are not too expensive, and make unique and cost-effective souvenirs. The pricier items, like original art and rare books, make for truly one-of-a-kind gifts.
Related Post: 13 Unique Gifts From Paris That Will Make You Say, “Oh Là Là!”
Wander the Courtyard of the World’s Oldest Hospital, Hôtel-Dieu
Located kitty-corner to Notre Dame de Paris is the Hôtel-Dieu. It is reported to have opened in the year 651 AD, making it the world’s oldest hospital, and one that is still in use today! Much of the building as it stands today was added or renovated in the 1800s, and the hospital courtyard feels like a lush hidden garden. It’s the perfect place for a quiet lunch, or simply to escape the crowds of nearby Notre Dame.
Visit a Parisian Cemetery
The cemeteries in Paris are an attraction of their own, with impressive family tombs, mausoleums, and headstones that are unique works of art. The most famous of the Parisian cemeteries is Père Lachaise, in large part because of the famous and influential figures buried here. Some of the most popular gravesites here belong to Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Chopin, and Gertrude Stein. Other notable Parisian cemeteries include Montmartre Cemetery, Montparnasse Cemetery, and Passy Cemetery.
Related Post: See Père Lachaise in “Our Parisian Honeymoon Part Two”
Catch the Sunrise (or Sunset!) at Place du Trocadéro
The Place du Trocadéro is the place to score a photo of the Eiffel Tower in its entirety. It is a wide open esplanade between the two curved wings of the Palais de Chaillot, a former Exposition Internationale building. The esplanade is the perfect place for dazzling sunrise photos, and the Jardins du Trocadéro have plenty of benches and green space to settle in and watch the sunset. Bring wine and picnic food and watch as the Eiffel Tower sparkles for the first time.
Picnic Beneath the Eiffel Tower
Which brings me to one of the most obvious free things to do in Paris: picnic beneath the Eiffel Tower! Yes, the Trocadéro is a little more peaceful and has a better full view of the tower, but there is just something so iconic about picnicking on the grassy Champ de Mars and craning your neck to take it all in. It’s a classic movie moment, even with all the hawkers roaming around shouting, “Beer wine champagne!” Bring your own wine if you plan on drinking.
Take a Walk Along the Promenade Plantée & Shop at the Viaduc des Arts
For a new perspective on Paris, be sure to take a walk on the Promenade Plantée, a former railway and viaduct turned scenic walkway. It was the first elevated walkway of its kind, predating New York’s High Line by 16 years. The promenade itself is a green space and walking path, which begins near the the Opéra Bastille and runs for about three miles before returning to street level near the Boulevard Periphique, the highway encircling central Paris. The arches of the old viaduct on the street level are now known as le Viaduc des Arts, with shops specializing in everything from leather and embroidery work to cabinetmaking and violin restoration.
See Paris Old & New in Le Marais
Le Marais, comprised primarily of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements on the right bank of Paris, is an area where old Paris meets the new. Along its winding Medieval streets you will find ancient churches and historic buildings alongside trendy modern shops and hot new restaurants. In the past Le Marais was home to French aristocrats; today it is “a melting pot of Jewish, Chinese and LGBT cultures.” Whether you’re there for the history, the sights, or the shopping, Le Marais is an ideal place to spend the afternoon and get a feel for Paris old and new.
Only have an hour or two to explore? This free self-guided walking tour from Solo Sophie hits all the historic spots of interest, best places to grab a bite, and where to go to soak up the Parisian lifestyle.
See the Works of Picasso at the Museum of Modern Art
Many of the most famous museums in Paris charge an admission fee, but did you know there are several lesser-known museums that can be visited for free? The Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collections are free to visit anytime, while the visiting exhibits can be seen for an added fee. See works of art by Picasso, Matisse, and more, including La Fée Electricité, an enormous mural created by Raoul Dufy depicting the history of electricity. Get a taste of modern art and preview some of the museum’s must-see pieces here.
Visit the Deportation Memorial on Île de la Cité
For a sobering look at one of the darkest chapters in French history, spend some time at the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation. Located at the Eastern end of Île de la Cité, just behind Notre Dame, the memorial pays tribute to the 200,000 French citizens who were deported to Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Featuring maps, letters, and personal artifacts from the camps, the memorial is at times incredibly sad and at others, oddly uplifting. The mementos and photos on display bring attention to individual names and stories rather than speaking in general terms of thousands of individuals, and offer an intimate look at the strength and endurance of the human spirit within the camps.
Enjoy a Leisurely Stroll Along the Seine
A walk along the Seine is the perfect place to reflect, clear your mind, or simply enjoy the beauty of the city. The Seine River runs through the heart of Paris and past many of the city’s most important historical buildings. You could walk, for example, from Notre Dame all the way to the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower, or settle in with some bread and a bottle of wine to watch the boats passing by. If you have the chance, try to get out on the water for a new perspective on the city. There are many sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, and basic transportation options available to suit all budgets.
Related Post: A Romantic Evening on the Seine With Bateaux Mouches
Get Away From it All at the Parc des Buttes Chaumont
Want to get away from the tourists for a while? The Parc des Buttes Chaumont is a hidden gem located on the outskirts of Paris, in the 19th arrondissement. Notable for its steep hills, blossoming cherry trees, bridges, and grotto, the park feels like a secret shared only by the Parisians. Be sure to check out The Temple de la Sibylle, a miniature of the famous ancient Roman Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, Italy.
Window Shop on the Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is recognizable around the world as a high-fashion shopping street, hosting flagship stores for brands like Guerlain, Dior, Citroën and more. Other notable shops include the Galeries Lafayette, Zara, Lacoste and the Disney store. Even if you don’t buy a thing, it’s fun to window shop on the Champs-Élysées or at least walk up the street to admire the Arc de Triomphe. Shop, eat, stroll, and take lots of pictures.
Paris Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune
See, a visit to Paris doesn’t have to cost a fortune! With some careful planning, you can have a fun, and memorable vacation in the City of Lights without overspending. That means more money to spend on croissants and espresso! If you’re planning on visiting any of the major attractions in Paris, be sure to check out the Paris Museum Pass for potentially shorter lines and lower admission fees!
Read my full review of the Paris Museum Pass here.
Sightseeing Map: 25+ Free Things to Do in Paris
On the go? Use this map to locate all the free activities referenced in this post, and then some!
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