“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life.” – Thomas Jefferson.
Paris, the city of love and the city of lights, is synonymous with all things elegant, romantic, sophisticated and beautiful. So it isn’t news that Paris has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, but this doesn’t mean you have to miss out if you’re on a tight budget!
Whether you enjoy museums, amazing architecture, a quiet place for a picnic, or a stroll through the park, Paris has it all to offer.
Here's 20 FREE things to do, see and experience while you're in Paris:
1. Luckily you can see all the iconic landmarks of Paris for free! Although you do have to pay to go up the Eiffel tower and fork out a pretty penny for a meal at the restaurant on the first floor, nothing beats gazing at its grandness from below in the Parc du Champ de Mars. Pack your picnic blanket, and a cheap bottle of French champagne, some baguettes and cheese all for under 10 euros!
2. Another amazing view of the tower is from the Place du Trocadèro. Head to this viewing spot at dark and bask in the beauty of La Tour Eiffel as it bursts into a golden sparkling spectacle that lights up the whole city. The light show happens every night after dusk, on the hour for a whole five minutes.
3. Take a stroll down the glamorous Champs-Élysées and window shop the French designer likes of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent.
Although your budget might limit any couture shopping, I still think everyone deserves to treat themselves to some of the best macaroons in the city from Laudrée.
4. And at the end of the iconic tree-lined avenue you’ll find the world-famous Arc De Triomphe in the chaotic roundabout of The Étoile. The iconic landmark is even more beautiful as it lights up at night.
5. And if you love live music, you can experience the vivacious nightlife of Paris at Showcase, with free admission before midnight. They host regular live acts of jazz, rock and DJ’s at an amazing location beneath the Alexandre III bridge at Port des Champs Élysées.
6. A walking tour is the perfect way to knock off multiple sights at once, uncover new places and delve into the history behind the city. Sandemans New Europe offers free walking tours in Paris and throughout Europe, which works on a no-pressure tip-basis where you tip the walking guide what you feel it was worth at the end! Tours meet at the fountain on Place St. Michel in the Latin Quarter every day at 11am and 1pm.
7. The Notre Dame Cathédral is another bucket-list spot you have to see in Paris, and luckily it’s free to check out the interior! This 14thcentury masterpiece was famed by Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Disney’s classic animation. Admire its gothic architecture and touches of gargoyles and stained glass windows.
8. Paris is home to some of the worlds biggest and best art museums, many of which offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month, including the Lourve, Musée d’Orsay, Musée National Picasso and the Pompidou Centre. Other worthwhile museums with free entry all year round include Musée d’Art de Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Musée Carnavalet, Musée de la vie Romantique and Musée Curie.
9. The Basilque du Sacré Coeur, (the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris),
is a grand white marble church that sits atop the charming district of Montmartre, with a breathtaking view overlooking Paris. You can enter the basilica for free and marvel at its gold mosaic interior, however climbing the spiraling steps to the dome will cost you a few euros.
10. While you’re in the area of Montmarte, take a walk through each alley and bask in the talented street artists, chic cafes and smell of the crêpes cooking. This picture perfect district really gives you the fairy-tale feel of Paris, so it’s well worth the uphill walk from the Metro station. Watch the quirky French film called Amélie which was based in Montmartre, the soundtrack is oh-so dreamy.
11. Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world and is home to the biggest designers and haute couture. For all you fashion fiends, you can catch a free runway show on the 7th floor of the Galeries Lafayette every Friday at 3pm!
12. If you’re in the neighborhood of the 12th arrondissement and looking for an insta-worthy backdrop, check out the hidden secret backstreet called Rue Crémieux. You’ll find a cobble stone street with houses painted in pastel and candy hues.
13. Another hidden gem in the 12th arrondissement is the authentic, lively food market on Place d’Aligre. If you’re a foodie this is the place for you! Feast your eyes on the array of fresh cheeses, local produce, artisan butchery and flower stalls.
14. Shakespeare and Company is a charming old bookstore located on the south side of the Notre Dame down by the Seine river, founded in 1919. The store was featured in Ernest Hemingway's memoir, A Moveable Feast, and in the Woody Allen film Midnight in Paris. This is the perfect place to hang out on a gloomy day and browse through the free reading library of second-hand books.
15. If you’re in Paris during the months of July to August, bring your blankets and snacks and head to the green lawns of Parc de la Villette for a free open air cinema! The film festival is on every weekend all summer, with a different theme each year screening French films, international films and old time classics.
16. Dining out in Paris isn’t cheap, so why not opt for a Parisian style picnic in the park instead?
The gardens of the Luxumbourg Palace make the perfect place to relax on a sunny day, among the flower beds and historical sculptures.
The Jardin des Tuileries located between the Lourve and the Place de la Concorde makes another perfect place to chill out, or the lesser known Parc De Belleville with panoramic views over the city.
But my favourite place to have a picnic, read a book, or do some exercise after one too many choccy croissants is the Place des Vosges. This park is the oldest planned square in Paris, where the locals lounge on the grass by the water fountains. It’s also surrounded by art galleries you can check out for free.
17. A short walk from the Lourve you’ll find the Palais Royal, the home of royalty until the Palace of Versailles was built. The palace is a peaceful refuge in the city’s tourist centre, with elegant gardens and a monochromatic courtyard housing contemporary art, which is open to the public.
18. With something picturesque down every turn, Paris is the best city to explore by foot and get lost aimlessly strolling though the cobblestone streets. Wander through the beautiful neighbourhoods of St Germain, the Le Marais gay quarter, and the Latin Quarter, which is my favourite place for an affordable three-course meal in Saint Michel.
19. One of my favourite pastimes in Paris is walking down the Seine River browsing through the Bouquineste Book Stalls, a tradition that extends back to the 16th century. The “bouquinstes” are independent book sellers, where you can find collectable and rare titles, classic literature, magazines and art, sold out of green painted boxes along the river. The bouquinstes span for three kilometres and are typically open from 11.30am to sundown.
20. In the heart of Paris, a cool place to hang out and escape the city chaos is Canal St. Martin. Join the chic Parisians and pop a cork at the water’s edge while the sun goes down.
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Your time in Paris doesn’t have to be an expensive ordeal! The city has so much to offer and accommodates for everyone’s tastes and budget.
Leave a comment of your favourite things to do and see in Paris!