Paris is a city filled with incredible sights and experiences that you can enjoy without spending a dime. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Paris for free:
1. Walk Along the Seine: Strolling along the Seine River offers beautiful views of iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. The bridges, the riverside, and the bouquinistes (book vendors) add charm to the walk.
2. Visit Montmartre: Wander through the artistic neighborhood of Montmartre. Climb up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica (the church is free to enter) for stunning panoramic views of the city.
3. Explore the Tuileries Gardens: Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Gardens are free to enter and offer beautiful pathways, fountains, sculptures, and green spaces to relax in.
4. See the Eiffel Tower (from a distance): While going up the Eiffel Tower requires a ticket, you can still get great views of it from various locations, such as the Champ de Mars park or the Trocadéro Gardens, which offer stunning photo opportunities.
5. Stroll Through Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: This picturesque park is one of the most unique in Paris, with steep cliffs, a lake, a suspension bridge, and even a temple at the top. It’s a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
6. Explore the Luxembourg Gardens: The Luxembourg Gardens are one of Paris’ most beautiful public parks, perfect for a relaxing stroll, people-watching, or just enjoying nature. Entrance is free.
7. Discover the Canal Saint-Martin: Walk along this charming canal in the 10th arrondissement. It’s a lovely area to watch boats go by, explore quirky shops and cafes, or simply relax along the water.
8. Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral (outside): While entering the Notre-Dame Cathedral used to be free, it currently has an entry fee for the crypt and tower. However, you can still admire its magnificent exterior, the surrounding square, and the nearby Île de la Cité.
9. Window-shop on the Champs-Élysées: The famous avenue is free to walk down, and you can browse through luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll.
10. Check out the Père Lachaise Cemetery: The Père Lachaise Cemetery is the final resting place of many famous figures, including Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf. It’s a peaceful and atmospheric place to wander.
11. Wander Through the Le Marais District: This historic district is full of charming streets, boutique shops, cafes, and squares. The Place des Vosges, one of the oldest squares in Paris, is especially lovely.
12. Explore the Musée Carnavalet: This museum dedicated to the history of Paris is free to enter and is housed in two historic mansions in the Marais district.
13. Attend Free Events or Festivals: Depending on the time of year, there are often free events, concerts, and festivals in Paris. The Fête de la Musique in June is a particularly popular free music festival across the city.
14. Take in the Street Art in Belleville: The Belleville neighborhood is known for its vibrant street art scene. Wander through the streets to admire murals and graffiti by local and international artists.
15. Visit the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall): You can explore the beautiful Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and its public spaces, which often host free exhibitions and cultural events.
16. Picnic in the Parc des Rives de Seine: This scenic riverside park along the Seine offers a great spot for a picnic. It’s a lovely way to enjoy the view and relax by the water.
17. Walk Through the Covered Passages: Paris is home to several historic covered galleries, like Passage des Panoramas and Galerie Vivienne, which are free to explore and offer a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century shopping culture.
18. Admire the Arc de Triomphe (from the outside): While there’s a fee to go to the top, you can still admire the grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe from the Place Charles de Gaulle and take in the views of the city’s grand boulevards.
19. Relax in Parc Monceau: This beautiful park in the 8th arrondissement features a mix of English-style gardens, statues, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot to relax and people-watch.
20. Visit the Free Museums on First Sundays: Many museums in Paris, including the Musée d’Art Moderne and the Petit Palais, offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month.
These are just a few of the many ways to experience the magic of Paris without spending any money. Whether you enjoy nature, history, or art, there’s plenty to see and do for free in the French capital.
