Paris is renowned for its luxury, but experiencing the City of Light doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Many of the most enchanting and iconic Parisian moments—from world-class art viewing to simply soaking in the atmosphere—are completely free.
If you’re traveling to Paris on a budget, this is your essential guide to the best free things to do in Paris that offer maximum joy for minimum cost!
Free Culture & Art
You don’t need a ticket to enjoy much of Paris’s immense cultural wealth.
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Museum Free Days (Under 26s): If you are under 26 and a resident of the EU (including temporary residents like students), entry to all permanent collections in national museums (like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Versailles) is free!
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Free Access to City Museums: Permanent collections at Paris’s 14 city-run museums are always free for everyone, regardless of age or residency. Top choices include:
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Musée Carnavalet: Dedicated to the history of Paris (currently closed for renovation, check opening status).
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Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris: Featuring modern and contemporary works.
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Petit Palais: A beautiful building housing the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts.
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Wander Through Montmartre’s Galleries: Head to the 18th Arrondissement and watch the artists at work in Place du Tertre. While buying a painting costs money, the ambiance and artistic inspiration are free.
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Admire the Notre-Dame Exterior: Walk around the famous cathedral on Île de la Cité to appreciate its Gothic architecture. While the interior is closed for restoration, the exterior and surrounding historical area are a must-see.
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Visit the Mur des Je t’aime (I Love You Wall): Located in Montmartre, this famous blue wall features the phrase “I love you” written 311 times in 250 different languages—a perfect, free photo opportunity.
Free Views & Green Spaces
Paris is a spectacular city for scenic views and peaceful relaxation—all for free.
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Eiffel Tower Sparkle Show: Head to the Trocadéro steps or the Champ de Mars at nightfall and every hour on the hour (for 5 minutes) to watch the Eiffel Tower light up and sparkle—the most iconic free show in the city.
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Climb to Sacré-Cœur: Take the Metro to Montmartre (or use a Metro ticket on the funicular) and walk to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The view from the steps across the city is unparalleled.
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Stroll the Jardin du Luxembourg: Relax, read, or people-watch in Paris’s most elegant public park. Watch the local children sail miniature boats on the grand pond.
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Walk the Champs-Élysées: Window shop the entire length of the grand avenue from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe (viewing the Arc from below is free).
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Explore the Covered Passages: Discover beautiful, hidden 19th-century retail arcades like Galerie Vivienne or Passage des Panoramas. They offer stunning architecture and a look into Old Paris—ideal for a rainy day.
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La Coulée Verte René-Dumont: Walk this elevated park built on a former railway line (similar to NYC’s High Line) through the 12th Arrondissement for a unique, green perspective on the city.
Free Walking & Local Life
The best way to experience Paris is to simply walk.
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Wander the Seine Banks: Stroll along the riverbanks, watch the bouquinistes (booksellers) peruse their wares, and cross the beautiful bridges, like the Pont Alexandre III.
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Explore Le Marais: Get lost in the 3rd and 4th Arrondissements. This historic area is perfect for admiring beautiful private mansions (hôtels particuliers) and soaking in the atmosphere of the Place des Vosges—Paris’s oldest planned square.
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Browse Père Lachaise Cemetery: This is the city’s largest and most famous cemetery. Wander among the impressive mausoleums and visit the final resting places of historical figures and artists like Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Édith Piaf.
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Witness the Paris Fire Brigade: Watch the impressive Art Deco façade of the Grande Mosquée de Paris and then stroll past the local fire brigade station (pompiers).
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Stop by the Shakespeare and Company Bookstore: Browse the famous English-language bookstore in the Latin Quarter. It’s free to browse, soak up the literary history, and admire the view of Notre-Dame across the street.
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Watch the Street Performers: Head to the Pont Neuf (the oldest bridge) or the area around the Centre Pompidou (a museum known for its unique exterior) to watch talented street musicians and entertainers putting on a show.
Free Tastes & Ambiance
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Sample at Local Markets: Visit open-air markets like Marché Bastille or Marché Richard-Lenoir. Many cheese, charcuterie, and olive vendors offer small free samples—a great way to taste local products!
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Cathedral Visits (Interiors): While major museums cost money, the interiors of most churches and cathedrals (like Saint-Sulpice in the Left Bank or Saint-Eustache near Les Halles) are free to enter and explore their grand architecture.
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Window Shopping: Paris is the capital of fashion and luxury. Take a leisurely walk down the Rue Saint-Honoré, through the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area, or inside the grand department stores like Galeries Lafayette (bonus: the rooftop terrace view is free!) just to admire the incredible displays.
Your trip to Paris is what you make it! By prioritizing these wonderful free activities, you can leave with incredible memories without breaking the bank.