Discover top 10 free things to do in Paris, including Notre Dame, Montmartre, and the Seine. Enjoy Paris without breaking your budget!
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Top 10 Free Things To Do in Paris
Paris ranks frequently among the top most beautiful cities worldwide, drawing millions of visitors each year who come for its romantic atmosphere, rich history, and iconic landmarks. It’s always been assumed that a trip to Paris will be quite expensive. The fact is, apart from Paris’s glamorous reputation, many activities can be done in this city at no cost whatsoever. Actually, some of the best things to do are absolutely free!
If you are one of those wishing to explore Paris on a budget, this guide on the top 10 free things to do in Paris is just for you. Whether you are a travel-savvy person on a shoestring budget or just want to enjoy the city without its usual paid for attractions, there’s something in Paris that will make your stay both enriching and memorable. Taste breathtaking views, find hidden cultural nooks—what you will love about Paris doesn’t have to cost a single cent.
Table of Contents
List of Top 10 Free Things To Do in Paris
1. Marvel at the Notre Dame Cathedral
Though the interior of the Notre Dame is closed for renovations, you can still admire this iconic Gothic masterpiece from the outside. Walk around the cathedral, take in its breathtaking architecture, and explore the Île de la Cité, one of Paris’s oldest districts. Visiting the Notre Dame is undoubtedly one of the top 10 free things to do in Paris, and you won’t want to miss it. Official Notre Dame Cathedral Site
Tip: Head to the back of the cathedral to discover a peaceful park and a quiet escape from the city crowds.
2. Stroll Along the Seine River
A walk along the Seine River is one of the best ways to see the city’s most famous landmarks for free. Whether you stroll along the bustling Right Bank or the quieter Left Bank, you’ll pass by sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Pont Alexandre III. This activity, without a doubt, deserves a spot in the top 10 free things to do in Paris. Explore the Seine River – Paris Info
Tip: Take your walk during the golden hour, just before sunset, for stunning views of Paris.
3. Explore Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
The bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre offers a wealth of free experiences. Start with the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which offers free entry and some of the best panoramic views of Paris from its steps. Then, take a walk around Montmartre’s artistic streets, where you’ll find street performers, artists, and charming cafes. Sacré-Cœur Basilica – Official Site
Tip: Don’t forget to visit the Place du Tertre, where local artists sell their work, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this historic square.
4. Visit the Jardin des Tuileries
Located between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries is one of Paris’s most beautiful gardens. Stroll through the perfectly manicured lawns, sit by the fountains, or just relax under the trees with a good book. This is one of the best spots for a peaceful break, making it a must on the top 10 free things to do in Paris list. Jardin des Tuileries – Paris Info
Tip: If you visit in the summer, you might catch the Tuileries Funfair, which offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of free entertainment.
5. Wander Through Le Marais District
Le Marais is one of Paris’s most charming neighborhoods, known for its cobblestone streets, historical sites, and vibrant culture. One of the top 10 free things to do in Paris is simply wandering around Le Marais, especially visiting Place des Vosges, the city’s oldest planned square, and discovering hidden gems like local street art and boutique shops.
Tip: Don’t miss the Hotel de Ville (City Hall), which often hosts free exhibitions and events.
6. Relax at the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet day at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, one of Paris’s largest and most picturesque parks. With its rolling hills, waterfalls, and bridges, this park offers a unique, tranquil experience for travelers looking to unwind. This is one of the lesser-known yet absolutely deserving places on the top 10 free things to do in Paris list.
Tip: Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenic views from the park’s highest point, where you can overlook the city’s skyline.
7. Visit the Musée d’Art Moderne
Art lovers can enjoy the Musée d’Art Moderne (Museum of Modern Art) for free. Located near the Eiffel Tower, this museum showcases works from renowned artists like Picasso, Braque, and Delaunay. If you’re looking for a dose of culture without spending a euro, this museum should be on your list of the top 10 free things to do in Paris. Musée d’Art Moderne – Official Site
Tip: Check the museum’s schedule for free temporary exhibitions and special events.
8. Catch a Free Event at Parc de la Villette
Parc de la Villette is a vibrant cultural park in northeastern Paris that often hosts free events, including open-air cinema screenings, concerts, and festivals. Whether you’re into music, art, or simply relaxing in a lively atmosphere, this park is a fantastic place to explore. It definitely deserves a mention in the top 10 free things to do in Paris. Parc de la Villette – Official Site
Tip: Check out the park’s event schedule ahead of time to see what free activities are happening during your visit.
9. Walk the Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous avenues in the world, and it’s completely free to walk down! Starting from the Arc de Triomphe and stretching to the Place de la Concorde, this boulevard is a shopper’s paradise, but even window shopping or simply people-watching is an experience in itself. Champs-Élysées Guide – Paris Info
Tip: End your walk with a visit to the Jardin des Champs-Élysées, a small park at the avenue’s end, where you can relax in a quiet space after your stroll.
10. Take Advantage of Free Museum Days
Several of Paris’s top museums, including the Louvre Museum and the Musée d’Orsay, offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month. If you’re an art enthusiast, this is the perfect chance to enjoy world-class art without spending a penny. It’s easily one of the top 10 free things to do in Paris for budget travelers. Free Museum Days – Paris Info
Tip: Arrive early to avoid the long lines and crowded galleries, especially at popular museums like the Louvre.
Practical Tips For Enjoying Top 10 Free Things to do in Paris
1. Use Public Transportation Wisely
Paris has an excellent and affordable public transportation system, with the metro and buses being the most cost-effective ways to get around. Consider purchasing a Paris Visite travel pass, which offers unlimited rides on the metro, buses, and trams for a set number of days. Alternatively, if you’re staying for a longer period, a carnet (a pack of 10 single-ride tickets) can save you money on individual trips.
Tip: Paris is also a very walkable city, so lace up your shoes and explore the streets on foot to save even more!
10 best South Africa beaches for your holiday experience.2. Enjoy Free Museums and Attractions
Many of Paris’s top museums and monuments, such as the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay, offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Additionally, some smaller museums, like the Musée d’Art Moderne and Maison de Victor Hugo, are always free. Take advantage of these opportunities to immerse yourself in the city’s culture without spending a euro.
Tip: Be sure to check each museum’s website for specific free entry days and times to avoid surprises.
3. Plan a Picnic in a Park
Paris is home to some of the most beautiful parks and gardens in the world, many of which are completely free to enjoy. Instead of dining in a restaurant for every meal, grab some fresh bread, cheese, and fruit from a local market and have a picnic in spots like the Jardin des Tuileries, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, or Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower.
Tip: Visit Marché Bastille or Marché d’Aligre to pick up affordable and fresh produce for your picnic.
4. Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours
Many companies offer “pay-what-you-can” walking tours in Paris, giving you the opportunity to learn about the city’s history, architecture, and culture from a knowledgeable guide. These tours are a fantastic way to explore neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais without the price tag of traditional tours.
Tip: While these tours are technically free, it’s customary to leave a tip for your guide if you enjoyed the experience.
5. Visit Free Landmarks
While some Paris attractions charge an entry fee, there are plenty of iconic landmarks you can visit for free. You can admire the Notre Dame Cathedral from the outside, walk down the Champs-Élysées, or take in stunning city views from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre. These free activities allow you to experience the magic of Paris without spending money.
Tip: Visit landmarks early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and get better photos.
6. Opt for Budget Accommodations
Paris offers a wide range of accommodation options, from hostels to budget hotels and short-term rentals. Booking early can help you snag affordable options in central locations, cutting down on transportation costs. Additionally, consider staying in more affordable areas outside the city center, like the 19th or 20th arrondissements, which are still well connected by metro.
Tip: Platforms like Airbnb offer great deals on apartments, especially if you’re traveling in a group or staying for a longer period.
7. Eat Like a Local
Paris is known for its culinary delights, but dining out at fancy restaurants can quickly eat into your budget. Instead, opt for local bistros, street food, or even meals from boulangeries (bakeries) and pâtisseries (pastry shops). You can find delicious and affordable options like croque monsieur, crêpes, or baguette sandwiches for just a few euros.
Tip: Lunch menus are often cheaper than dinner options at restaurants, so consider making lunch your main meal.
8. Visit the Markets
Parisian markets are a treasure trove of affordable food, vintage goods, and unique souvenirs. Markets like Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen (flea market) and Marché d’Aligre offer affordable shopping experiences where you can haggle for unique finds or sample local delicacies without spending much.
Tip: Visiting markets early in the morning is the best way to snag fresh goods and avoid the crowds.
9. Look for Free Events
Paris is a lively city with plenty of free events throughout the year, from street performances and festivals to outdoor concerts and exhibitions. During the summer months, events like Paris Plages (temporary beaches along the Seine) and free open-air cinema screenings in parks offer a fun, cost-free way to enjoy the city.
Tip: Check local event listings online or at tourist information centers to stay updated on free activities during your visit.
10. Stay Connected for Free
Many cafes, parks, and public spaces in Paris offer free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected without purchasing a local data plan. If you’re working while traveling or need to check directions, make use of these free networks.
Tip: Download offline maps of Paris before you arrive so you can navigate the city without needing an internet connection.
Flight Booking for Top 10 Free Things to do in Paris
The flight to Paris is pretty cheap if you plan ahead of time and use the right resources. To assist you in finding the best deals possible, here are some top platforms you can use in booking flights:
Skyscanner is one of the most popular websites to compare plane fares from different airlines. It easily searches flights to Paris from your place, and offers price alerts for tracking flight ticket prices over time.
Find flights to Paris on Skyscanner
Booking majors in accommodation but, one can also book a flight on the platform. You can easily book your flight and hotel together in one go for maximum convenience. Get the best price on flights and hotels at Booking.com
Momondo is a fantastic resource for comparing prices on budget flights to Paris – the site searches hundreds of travel booking sites and then presents you with a list of the best value options. Find the best budget flights to Paris with Momondo
Airtour specializes in vacations packages that include flight and hotel bookings that are ideal for planning your Paris tour. They offer their flights and tours package at very competitive prices hence it is a good option to travelers on a tight budget. Airtours Book your Paris Trip
Expedia offers great deals when you bundle book. It is the perfect site for users who seek package deals to save on their Paris trip. Book flight-and-hotel packages to Paris on Expedia
These websites assist in booking reasonable and comfortable flights to Paris, hence setting the ball rolling for your great journey on Top 10 Free Things to do in Paris
Final Thoughts
Far from being an expensive town to spend time in, Paris can be relatively inexpensive, and this article presents the Top 10 Free Things to do in Paris. Look with this list ahead to discovering the most iconic landmarks Paris has to offer, parks of outstanding beauty, and a deep sense of culture all absolutely free. From taking a Seine side stroll to discovering the nooks and crannies of Montmartre, here’s how you’ll fulfill the magic of Paris in an authentic way on a budget.
Whether it is your maiden trip to this lovely city or you simply want to create another memory, these top 10 free things to do in Paris will provide an excellent opportunity to explore the city besides its famous paid attractions. So pack your bags, get ready to explore, and witness the Top 10 Free Things to do in Paris without breaking your wallet. Bon Voyage!
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