Paris, a city synonymous with luxury, high fashion, and effervescent champagne celebrations, often seems an exclusive domain for those with deep pockets. The glittering facade of designer boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants can easily intimidate budget-conscious travelers. However, beneath this opulent surface lies a vibrant metropolis brimming with free and affordable experiences, readily available regardless of the season. While it’s undeniably possible to spend a fortune indulging in Parisian pleasures, with a little insider knowledge, you can uncover a wealth of activities that won’t break the bank, allowing you to return home with unforgettable memories and a satisfied wallet. This article serves as your guide to discovering the Best Free Things to Do in Paris.
Stroll the Romantic Banks of the River Seine
Imagine yourself transported into a classic Gene Kelly musical, or perhaps simply seeking a leisurely way to digest the delectable pastries and rich cuisine that Paris offers in abundance. A walk along the River Seine provides a captivating glimpse into the everyday life of the "City of Light." Here, you’ll encounter couples strolling hand-in-hand, families enjoying picnics on the grassy banks, and individuals seeking solace with a book or journal by the water’s edge. The Seine exudes a sense of tranquility, a welcome contrast to the bustling city streets. As you meander along the river, you can browse the wares of the many vendors selling books, souvenirs, and artwork.
The Seine is graced by 37 bridges, each with its own unique character and history. As night descends, 33 of these bridges are illuminated, casting a magical glow on the water. Among the most popular bridges are the Pont des Arts, famously known as the location for the dramatic conclusion of "Sex and the City," the Pont de l’Alma, and the Pont de l’Archevêché. A leisurely evening stroll along the Seine, bathed in the soft glow of the city lights, is an unforgettable experience.
See the Eiffel Tower Sparkle at Night
Since the year 2000, a mesmerizing spectacle has captivated visitors and locals alike. Every night, from sundown until 1 a.m., the Eiffel Tower comes alive with a dazzling light show. This tradition transforms the iconic structure into a shimmering beacon, visible from countless vantage points across the city. Find a spot – perhaps from your hotel window, within the expansive Parc du Champ de Mars at the foot of the tower, or from the elevated Trocadéro Square and Gardens across the Seine – and prepare to be enchanted. For five minutes every hour on the hour, the tower erupts in a breathtaking display of sparkling lights, a moment of pure Parisian magic. The Best Free Things to Do in Paris has to include this.
Stop by the Shakespeare & Company Bookshop
For generations, Shakespeare & Company has been a sanctuary for book lovers, artists, and writers from around the globe. Its history dates back to 1951 when it first opened as Le Mistral. In 1964, the name was changed to honor Sylvia Beach, the visionary American bookseller who ran the original Shakespeare & Company bookshop on Rue de l’Odéon since 1919. This earlier incarnation was a haven for the Lost Generation, a group of expatriate writers including Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, T.S. Eliot, and James Joyce.
Today, the English-language bookshop continues to thrive in its location on Rue de la Bûcherie in the 6th arrondissement. Its shelves are stocked with new and used books, and it boasts a dedicated section for antique literature. The free reading library invites visitors to browse and delve into the literary treasures found within the store. If you decide to purchase a book, be sure to have it stamped as a unique souvenir of your visit.
Enjoy 360-Degree Views of Paris
After indulging in some window shopping at Galeries Lafayette, the grand department store on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement, ascend to the rooftop terrace for a breathtaking panorama of Paris. From this elevated vantage point, you can admire the city’s iconic landmarks and architectural gems stretching out in all directions.
For those seeking even more free panoramic views, venture to the summit of Montmartre, the highest point in the city. While the climb can be challenging, especially if you opt for the staircase, the reward is a stunning vista that encompasses the entire Parisian landscape. Alternatively, Parc de Belleville, located nearby in the 20th arrondissement, offers another fantastic free viewpoint.
Go on a Free Walking Tour
For travelers who prefer to learn about the history and context of the sights they are seeing, free walking tours offer an engaging and informative way to explore Paris. Several companies, such as Discover Walks and Strawberry Tours, provide guided tours of various neighborhoods and landmarks. These tours typically cover areas such as Montmartre, Le Marais, Saint-Germain, the Left Bank, the Latin Quarter, and iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. While the tours are technically free, it is customary and encouraged to tip the guides at the end, making it a more affordable option than traditional paid tours.
Explore the Different Arrondissements
One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Paris is simply wandering through its diverse and fascinating neighborhoods, known as arrondissements. The city is remarkably pedestrian-friendly, designed to encourage exploration on foot. Each arrondissement possesses its own distinct character, atmosphere, and architectural style, ensuring a constant sense of discovery. Armed with a good pair of walking shoes and a map of Paris, you can embark on a zero-euro adventure that will reveal the city’s hidden gems and local charms.
Popular arrondissements to explore include Le Marais, known for its historic architecture and trendy boutiques; Saint Germain-des-Prés, a literary and artistic hub; Montmartre, home to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and a vibrant arts scene; and the iconic Champs-Élysées, a grand avenue lined with shops and cafes. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, venture to neighborhoods like Canal St Martin, Belleville, Butte aux Cailles, and La Chapelle, Paris’s Little Sri Lanka.
Tour the Best Museums in the World
France has a strong commitment to making culture accessible to all, a principle deeply ingrained in its national identity. The French government invests significantly in the arts, sciences, and humanities, ensuring that these cultural treasures are available to everyone. As a result, many Paris museums offer free admission at all times, while others, including the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay, offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month.
Among the city’s best free-all-the-time museums are Musée Carnavalet, dedicated to the history of Paris; Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, showcasing modern art; Musée des Beaux-Arts, displaying fine arts; and Maison de Balzac, the former home of the renowned 19th-century writer Honoré de Balzac.
Attend Free Festivals and Events
Throughout the year, Paris hosts a multitude of free festivals and events, ranging from cultural affairs and public art installations to the artificial beaches and boardwalks of Paris Plages, which transforms the banks of the Seine into a seaside resort during the summer months.
While many of these festivities take place during the spring and summer, each season offers its own unique budget-friendly happenings. Other popular events include Paris Pride (Marche des Fiertés) in June, the Open Air Cinema Festival at La Villette in summer, Bastille Day celebrations on July 14, and European Heritage Days (Journées Européennes du Patrimoine) in September.
Visit Historic Cathedrals and Churches
The numerous cathedrals and churches that grace the Parisian landscape stand as testaments to the city’s rich Christian heritage, which has shaped its history from the fall of the Roman Empire to the French Revolution. While many sacred structures suffered neglect during this tumultuous period, a renewed interest in their preservation during the 19th century led to their restoration. Today, these architectural marvels are considered must-see sites, regardless of your religious beliefs or budget. Entry is typically free, although a small fee may be charged for climbing the towers or viewing special exhibits.
Notre-Dame Cathedral (currently undergoing restoration following the 2019 fire and expected to reopen in 2024), Sainte-Chappelle (free entry on the first Sunday of each month), and Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre are among the most beautiful cathedrals to visit in Paris. Don’t miss L’Église Saint-Sulpice de Fougères, located near St-Germain-des-Prés.
Relax in a Beautiful Park or Garden
No matter the season, a leisurely stroll or picnic in one of Paris’s many elegant parks and gardens is an essential part of any trip to the city. Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the most beautiful and popular, while Jardin d’Acclimation, an old-fashioned amusement park, is a delight for children and parents alike.
Other noteworthy gardens include Jardin des Tuileries near the Louvre Museum, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in northern Paris, and Parc Montsouris in southern Paris. Jardin Anne Frank offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of the Marais neighborhood.
View the Eiffel Tower From Trocadéro in Daylight
While ascending the Eiffel Tower requires a ticket, one of the most stunning views of this iconic structure can be enjoyed for free from Place du Trocadéro or Jardins du Trocadéro, located across the Seine in the 16th Arrondissement.
Trocadéro Square and Gardens are also ideal for people-watching, taking in the scenery, and enjoying an afternoon picnic. Head to the raised platform at the end of the Gardens for an excellent photo opportunity with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop.
Get a Feel for the Montmartre Art Scene
Located in the 18th arrondissement near the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Montmartre was once home to renowned artists such as Picasso, Dalí, Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Van Gogh also resided here for a time, as did Mondrian and Modigliani.
Artsy and accessible, with a vibe reminiscent of New York City’s Greenwich Village, Montmartre is a great place to explore on foot. Admire stunning views of the city, visit local galleries, browse artisanal shops, and sample treats from Parisian bakeries.
Check Out the Arc De Triomphe
Along with the Eiffel Tower, the Arc De Triomphe is one of Paris’s most recognizable monuments. Situated in the center of a roundabout at the top of the Champs-Élysées, this grand stone archway is inscribed with the names of French victories and generals from the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
While you can freely wander around the outside of the monument and take photos, there is a small fee to enter the tomb of the unknown soldier from World War I, located beneath it. For a few euros, you can ascend to the top of the monument for panoramic views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower.
Pay Your Respects at Père Lachaise Cemetery
Parisian cemeteries offer a unique opportunity to visit the final resting places of some of the city’s most influential historical figures, free of charge.
Père Lachaise, the largest and most-visited cemetery, is home to the graves of well-known writers, musicians, and playwrights such as Oscar Wilde, Frédéric Chopin, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison. Cimetière du Montparnasse, the second-largest cemetery in Paris, contains the graves of more than 40,000 Parisians, including scholars, intellectuals, artists, and writers like Guy de Maupassant, Samuel Beckett, and Charles Baudelaire.
Browse the Shops Along Rue Mouffetard
While purchasing items will obviously incur a cost, Rue Mouffetard is a fantastic place for window shopping. As the biggest shopping street in Paris, it is lined with shops selling produce, fish, cheese, pastry, wine, and meat, as well as clothing boutiques and art galleries. Many food vendors offer free samples, and the street is a great place to buy fresh food instead of dining at a restaurant.
Attend a Free Concert
Several churches in Paris, including Église Saint-Roch, the Oratoire du Louvre, Église Saint-Eustache, and Église de la Madeleine, host free classical concerts throughout the year. These concerts often feature works by Bach, Beethoven, Handel, Vivaldi, and other music ranging from Christmas songs to Gregorian chanting.
Free concerts can also be found at Paris’s musical schools and conservatories or during festivals. Town hall events, such as the Midi-Concerts, offer complimentary performances of jazz, pop, or classical music.
Listen to a Lecture at Collège de France
The Collège de France offers free lectures throughout the year, open to all. Topics range from mathematics and philosophy to archaeology and sociology, with many lectures offered in English.
Take a Sunday Stroll Through the Car-Free Streets of Le Marais
Located in the 4th arrondissement, Le Marais is known for its trendy boutiques, galleries, LGBTQ+ bars, historical sites, parks, and beautiful scenery.
On Sundays, many of the streets of Le Marais are closed to cars, making it the perfect time to wander around the neighborhood. Visit Le Centre Pompidou, Le Carreau du Temple, and Place de la Bastille, the site of the former prison.
By taking advantage of these Best Free Things to Do in Paris, you can experience the magic and beauty of the French capital without straining your budget. Enjoy your trip!
