12 Things to Do for Free in Paris | Visit Paris on a Budget

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.

---

Paris has a reputation for being pricey, and let’s be honest, it can be. Between museum tickets, the cost of food, and attraction ticket fees, the costs add up fast.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need a big budget to enjoy the magic of Paris. I’ve been to Paris six times (mostly on a tight budget), and some of my favourite memories didn’t cost anything.

If you’re trying to experience Paris without draining your wallet, you’re in the right place. This guide is packed with the best things to do for free in Paris – think iconic views, local neighbourhoods, beautiful parks, and even a few museums.

What’s more, these activities help you experience the real Paris, without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or on a quick layover in Paris, this list will help you soak up the charm and culture of the city without spending a fortune.

1. Relax in Le Jardin du Luxembourg

I managed to finally visit Le Jardin du Luxembourg on my fifth trip to Paris and I wondered why I’d waited so long.

Built by Marie de Medici from 1615 to 1627, the Luxembourg Palace sits as the beautiful centrepiece and crowning jewel of the stunning manicured gardens that enjoy brightly coloured flowers in the summer and a large open grassy space perfect for lounging in the sun on a hot summer’s day.

Grab a baguette, a box of macarons and a punnet of raspberries before heading to the park and chill out on the grass, or grab one of the iconic green metal chairs with a view of the grandiose palace.

Or, if you’re in a group, why not pull up a pew at one of the many free chess tables scattered throughout the park and watch the chess pros at work.

The gardens are located in the 6th arrondissement between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. Other features of the gardens include several spectacular fountains, over 100 sculptures, the orangery and the apiary, as well as a beautiful greenhouse collection of orchids.

Access to the garden is free for the public. Opening times vary according to season. Unfortunately, the Luxembourg Palace is not open to the public.

2. Explore Sacre Coeur and Montmartre

There’s no better view in all of Paris than the view from the steps beneath Sacre Coeur, in the arts district of Montmartre. Perched on a hillside above Paris, you’ll enjoy an incredible view of all the major sights, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Les Invalides.

Be sure to arrive early, as the steps outside Sacre Coeur get increasingly busy throughout the day. So, grab a bag of pastries for breakfast, sit yourself down on a step and enjoy the city of Paris before you.

Head inside the Sacre Coeur Basilica itself, which is free of charge. And although it’s not free, you can also enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Paris from the Dome of Sacre Coeur, which is accessible for a very small fee – only €8.

After enjoying the view, wander behind Sacre Coeur and marvel at the atmospheric streets of Montmartre. With its cobblestone streets, cute cafes, artists and pretty little houses, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a picturesque French village.

3. Visit Victor Hugo’s House in Place des Vosges

Any lover of literature will instantly recognise Victor Hugo as the author of the highly esteemed classical novel Les Misérables, which is now a world-famous musical.

Situated in the trendy Marais District, in the beautiful Place des Vosges square (which is worth a visit in its own right), is the house where Victor Hugo lived for 16 years and in which he wrote a large portion of Les Misérables.

The house is now open as a museum from Tuesday to Sunday, and admission to the permanent collections is free to enter.

4. Wander Down the Champs-Élysées and Through the Jardin des Tuileries

Combining these two popular Parisian activities makes perfect sense due to their close proximity to each other.

While the Champs-Élysées isn’t as beautiful as it once was, it’s still a must-do activity in Paris, especially if you’re looking for things to do for free in Paris. Start at the world-famous Arc de Triomphe and head down the Champs-Élysées.

Once you reach the Place de la Concorde, continue walking straight ahead and enjoy the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries that leads directly to the Louvre.

The wonderful thing about free public gardens in Paris is that you’ll always find green metal chairs scattered around, usually situated around fountains and along pathways, which means you can easily spend an afternoon chilling out and people watching, while eating a baguette or having a cheese and wine picnic!

At the opposite end of the gardens, you’ll eventually reach the Louvre and its iconic glass pyramid! Another free photo opportunity!

5. Take a Free Walking Tour of Paris

I love booking a free walking tour for my first day in a new city. They are the perfect way to start a city break and get to know your destination.

Walking tours are a brilliant way to learn more about the city on a budget, but they’re also a great way to meet people if you’re travelling alone. Check out this 3-hour free walking tour of Paris or this free tour of the Latin Quarter.

6. Admire the Art Deco Architecture of Galeries Lafayette

I don’t normally spend time in shopping malls or department stores when I’m travelling, but Galeries Lafayette’s flagship department store in Paris has some serious wow-factor when it comes to art deco architecture.

One of my favourite things to do for free in Paris is to wander around the store, gazing up at the epic ceiling.

There is a cafe on one of the upper floor balconies, which means you can grab a coffee and enjoy the beautiful architecture around you while people watching.

7. Enjoy the View From the Rooftop of Galeries Lafayette or Printemps

If you’re looking for the best free views of Paris, without having to pay for the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe, the rooftops at the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores have one of the best views of Paris – and it’s totally free.

The photo below is one I took from the rooftop of Printemps on a misty, drizzly day in Paris as the Eiffel Tower loomed out of the mist!

8. Enjoy the Twinkling Lights of the Eiffel Tower From the Trocadero

Watching the Eiffel Tower at dusk from the Trocadero is one of my absolute favourite things to do for free in Paris. Sitting on the steps of the Trocadero at sunset while the Eiffel Tower lights up never gets old.

Don’t forget to stick around for the show that occurs every hour on the hour, starting at dusk, for a full five minutes, the lights twinkle, ramping up the magical factor another notch!

9. Visit a Museum on the First Sunday of Each Month

On the first Sunday of every month, you’ll find that an astounding number of Paris’ top attractions are completely free.

If you time your trip right, you’ll find yourself wandering into museums such as Musée d’Art Moderne, the Centre Pompidou and the Musée d’Orsay, among others, absolutely free of charge.

Even better, you’ll find that from November to March, some of Paris’ most visited attractions are also free on the first Sunday of the month, such as the Arc de Triomphe, Sainte Chapelle, and even the Chateau de Versailles!

Some attractions are free for EU residents under 26, every day of the year, such as the Louvre and the Sainte-Chapelle.

For full details, check out this list of free museums and monuments in Paris.

10. Wander Along the Seine With a Baguette in Hand

As quintessentially Parisian and as clichéd as you can get, a trip to Paris isn’t complete unless you wander down the Seine with a baguette in hand, simply soaking in the atmosphere.

Some of the most wonderful things to do in Paris are free and not to be missed, and this is one of them. From the banks of the Seine, you’ll be able to take in your surroundings at your own pace, wandering past iconic landmarks such as the Pont des Arts, the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Pont Alexandre III, Notre Dame and even the Iron Lady, the Eiffel Tower, herself.

Exploring Paris on foot is the best way to see the City of Lights.

11. Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame is now open again and is completely free to visit! As one of Paris’ main attractions, no trip is complete without setting foot inside the world-famous cathedral.

While the main cathedral areas are free, you do need to book a free ticket to enter. To reduce waiting times, you can book tickets in advance online, although you generally can only book a day or two in advance.

The cathedral opens at 8 am daily, and it’s best to visit early to avoid large queues and crowds.

12. Explore Paris’ Beautiful Neighbourhoods

Each of Paris’ neighbourhoods (arrondissements) has its own distinct personality and appeal. From Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés to Canal Saint-Martin, the Latin Quarter and Montmartre, there is something unique about each area.

Part of the fun in visiting Paris is exploring the various arrondissements by simply wandering around the streets and getting lost!

Paris really is a wonderful city and doesn’t need to cost the earth if you plan your trip carefully. Be sure to research the days that you can enjoy free entry to certain attractions, and don’t forget to wander, get lost and take in the beautiful architecture and magical atmosphere of one of the most beautiful cities on the planet.

Budget Tips

If you’re planning a budget-friendly trip to Paris, here are my top tips for saving some money…

• EU residents under 26 enjoy free admission to many attractions. Just show your passport at the ticket office to confirm your age.
• Save time and money by eating on the go. Grab a baguette or crepe from a bakery or creperie and find a bench with a nice view to enjoy! You’ll save money by not eating lunch in expensive restaurants and have more time to explore the city too. This is also a great way to avoid eating in restaurants by yourself if you’re travelling solo in Paris and don’t want to eat alone.
• Check in advance which museums offer free entry at certain times or on specific days of the month.
• Use public transport to get around. The Metro in Paris is a fantastic way to get around the city fast, and it’s relatively cheap to travel on the Metro too. Alternatively, walk as much as possible and enjoy exploring the city on foot!
• Avoid cafes and restaurants that are located close to tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Usually, these restaurants are very expensive, and the food quality is usually substandard. Instead, opt for cafes and restaurants further away from the main tourist spots.

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and have questions, I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message via the contact form!