Post Overview: Free Things to Do in Paris
Paris is famous for many things: the Eiffel Tower, charming bistros, baguettes, high-end fashion and unfortunately, being expensive! For many folks touring Europe, Paris is where your funds make a bee-line out of your account.
With that said, you’ll be happy to learn that there’s a plethora of fun things to do for free in Paris. Between the luxury designer stores and expensive, caviar riddled restaurants there is a city for those of us on a budget!
And as someone who values the idea of retiring someday I’ve made it a personal mission to find the best things to do in Paris for free. I’ve visited the French capital six times, including multiple month-long stays. Based off first-hand experience, there is way to visit Paris without fear of checking the credit card statement at the end of your trip!
If you’re not against hanging out in stunning public places or putting some miles on your shoes, this article is for you. If you’re in search of the best free things to do in Paris I’ll give you a list of my favorite 30 suggestions.
Are you ready to dive in? Because I am!
Free Things to Do in Paris
#30. Get inspired by the artwork at Place du Tertre
In the very heart of Montmartre, under the watchful gaze of the Sacré-Cœur, is an artist hot pocket you cannot afford to miss. Found at Place du Tertre (a public square), there is a congregation of talented artists selling original artwork al fresco.
The most common art you’ll find are caricature portraits. Folks sit down in front of an artist and have themselves painted or drawn. Although taking a seat in the chair will force you to break out your purse, just perusing the market is one of the best free things to do in Paris.
Some artists have so much talent I plan to return when I have kids to get some portraits done! It’s easy to be mesmerized by the skill of the artists as they drag their pencils over the canvas.
But let me heed you a word of warning: visiting is one of the most popular free things to do in Paris and the crowds are no joke. It can resemble an ant colony with folks nearly climbing over each other as they work through the crowds. Arrive before noon to avoid any bruised ribs. 😉
Address: Pl. du Tertre, 75018 Paris
#29. Take a free tour of Paris’ oldest public library
Opened in 1643, Bibliothèque Mazarine is France’s oldest public library and visiting is one of the most memorable free things to do in Paris. The beautiful building is home to many wonderful book collections, busts of famous philosophers and so much more.
Furthermore, the dome is a magnificent piece of architecture that is truly breathtaking. If you’re interested in taking a tour you’ll have a few options that I’ll list below.
For the independent folk out there, self-guided tours are available. Just make sure to grab a brochure from the reception desk and explore your heart away. For those of us who prefer guidance, booking a private tour is another option.
The tour is free of charge but unfortunately only come in French. Alas, if you understand the language this is one of the best free things to do in Paris. The tour typically takes place at the end of the day and lasts a little over an hour. You can expect to learn about the history of the library, the building and the collections inside. Register ahead of time to secure a guided tour.
Something to note: Bibliothèque Mazarine tries to keep a peaceful, calm environment. Visitors should silently explore and not disrupt the peace.
Address: 23 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris, France
#28. Check out the unique trinkets at a market
France’s markets are known across the world and visiting them is one of the best free things to do in Paris. As soon as the weather starts clearing up you won’t struggle finding street markets popping up what feels like every other block.
Markets are peppered in nearly every neighborhood but my personal favorite is the Marche Bastille. Found at the site of a former prison, the market is full of intricate trinkets, great art, leather goods, clothing and dishes.
Of course shopping is a great pastime, but even if you just browse you’ll still have plenty of fun. The vendors come from all over the world so not only is there unique souvenirs, but foods too.
Perusing the market is one of the best free things to do in Paris and can be a fun way to kill a few hours. Not to mention some of the prices can be a bit of shock (it’s a popular tourist destination) so leaving your wallet at home can be for the best.
Address: 99 All. des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine
#27. Take advantage of Paris’ museums free nights
With so many worthwhile museums in the French capital you might be thinking “I have no way of budgeting for all of them!” Well I’m here to quell your nerves. With proper planning, visiting museums can be one of the best free things to do in Paris.
If you have the flexibility, the first Sunday of every month offers free entrance to all of France’s national museums in Paris. These include some of the most popular like The Louvre, Musée Rodin, Musée d’Orsay and Musée Picasso.
However I’ll warn you, it can be a mad-dash to get into the museums. Crowds come out in full force hoping to save a buck euro. My suggestion is to arrive at the museum you want to see most before it opens and get in line early.
I should also mention that if you are a resident of the European Union and are under the age of 26 access to these national museums is free in Paris, regardless of the day. At this point it’ll be harder to find the time rather than the funds to see all the museums on your list!
#26. Admire Paris from a distance at Parc de Saint-Cloud
A mere 20 minute train ride into the outskirts of Paris and you’ll be in one of the most beautiful parks in all of Europe, the Parc de Saint-Cloud. Visiting is one of the best things to do for free in Paris, regardless of whether you want to picnic, go for a walk or learn a little bit of history,.
It was the former home of various noblemen (including Napoleon Bonaparte) who lived in the chateau that used to exist in the park. Unfortunately the estate was a casualty of the Franco-Prussian war, being bombed and catching fire in 1870.
Details of the chateau’s luxurious past have survived the test of time, serving as breadcrumbs of the park’s pedigree. Across its 1,100 acres you’ll find statues, fountains and curated gardens orchestrated by none other than Andre Le Notre, the same man responsible for designing the Gardens of Versailles.
And unsurprisingly visiting the park is one of the best things to do for free in Paris. You’ll have to pay for a metro ticket but €2 is a dinky price tag when compared to a full day’s worth of entertainment.
To cap off a day at the Parc de Saint-Cloud be sure to end at the Rond de la Balustrade near the restaurant La Lanterne (still inside the park). It’s in the southwest corner and offers a full, panoramic view of Paris. Not only is it romantic as can be, but it’s one of the best free things to do in Paris.
Address: 1 Av. de la Grille d’Honneur, 92210 Saint-Cloud
#25. Admire the Notre Dame Cathedral
Alright, get this. Construction on the Notre Dame (“Our Lady” in French) Cathedral began in 1163 and wasn’t completed until 1260. Let that sink in. The cathedral is a true testament that they don’t make em like they used to.
For nearly 900 years visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral was one of the best free things to do in Paris, even through tumultuous times.
The cathedral took a beating during the French Revolution and much of the religious imagery was destroyed. However, tradition prevails and the building continued to be used as a house of worship. Likewise, this architectural marvel has hosted the funerals of many French presidents and even the coronation of Napoleon.
Considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, seeing this storied cathedral is non-negotiable when searching for free things to do in Paris. Currently, the Notre Dame is closed for renovations following the devastating fire in 2019. You can view the breathtaking building from the outside, but it won’t reopen until December 2024.
When I’m asked if folks should still visit the cathedral while it’s under construction my answer is always a resounding yes! Not only is taking it in one of the best free things to do in Paris, it’s too iconic of a spot to miss.
Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
#24. Visit iconic sites from iconic movies/TV
Like most major cities, Paris has had its time to shine on the big-screen. Countless movies have filmed in Paris, romanticizing the city and inspiring folks from all around the globe to visit. With that said, one of the best free things to do in Paris is to visit the site of iconic scenes from your favorite films.
One of the most famous filming locations in Paris is the Pont de Bir Hakeim, a bridge near the Eiffel Tower. It’s been dubbed the “Inception Bridge” thanks to a scene from Leonardo Dicaprio’s 2010 sci-fi blockbuster, Inception.
Another is the Bistrot La Renaissance, a restaurant in Paris’ 13th arrondissement where Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds (2009) filmed. In the movie, Shosanna Dreyfus meets Frederick Zoller here. In fact it’s the only scene from the film shot in Paris.
For fans of the TV show Sex and the City, the Pont des Arts Bridge crossing the Seine River (near The Louvre) is where Carrie and Mr. Big have their happily ever after during the series finale.
And don’t even get me started with Netflix’s Emily in Paris! The show has dozens of filming locations across the French capital. If Emily ever wants a career change, she can be a tour guide at this point. She visits the Luxembourg Gardens, the Pantheon, Le Maison Rose and so many more places.
And those films just scratch the surface. With more movies being filmed every year, touring the city’s filming locations is one of the best free things to do in Paris. Not to mention, I only covered American films and TV shows. Paris is very much a global city with a global audience.
I got to hand it to you kid, most people come to Paris to fall in Love. You came and got slapped.
Mr. Big from Sex and the City, Season 6 Episode 20
#23. Relax like royalty at the Palais Royal Garden
The moment the sun appears, locals and visitors alike flock to the perfectly manicured lawn at Palais Royal Garden in an attempt to take advantage of spring in Paris.
The well maintained garden of the 17th-century palace is home to a stunning fountain, tree-lined pathways and beds of flowers that simply can’t be resisted. If you find yourself in the area, one of the most relaxing free things to do in Paris is to find an empty chair and plop yourself in the beauty.
Bring a book, a snack or a friend and hangout near the giant fountain with your legs kicked up, soaking in the sun. There are shops, restaurants and cafes lining the gardens so if you get hungry or need a mid-day pick me up you won’t struggle finding something.
But in order to keep this on our list of free things to do in Paris, simply walking the stunning pathways is rewarding enough to warrant a visit.
Address: 2 Gal de Montpensier, 75001 Paris
#22. Window shop Galeries Vivienne
Paris has a slew of covered passageways, which are like an early version of a mall popularized in the 1800’s. You walk through a covered, hall-like passage which has skylights filtering in natural light and is lined by stores, cafes and boutiques.
Arguably the most famous of these passageways is Galeries Vivienne. Celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, the passageway is as pretty as a picture (which might explain why it’s all over Instagram).
And I know you might be questioning why I’d include a place to shop on a list of the best free things to do in Paris. Well friends, I’m going to let you in on a little secret — you don’t actually have to shop.
You can take the same leisurely stroll you’d take through a park and be protected from any inclement weather. Better yet, you get the added entertainment of walking through the stores and window shopping.
You’ll find everything from luxury brands to home essentials and even a wine store at Galeries Vivienne, making it an easy way to spend a few hours. Visiting is one of the best things to do for free in Paris, just be sure to leave your wallet at home to reduce the temptation to buy!
Address: 4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris
#21. Pop into the Permanent Exhibits at a Free Museum
So I mentioned how visiting museums can be one of the best free things to do in Paris when your visit falls on the first Sunday of the month, but I forgot to mention there are year-round free museums, too.
Indeed, If you don’t have the flexibility of choosing which days to visit France you can still visit some of the city’s museums without spending a dime (or in this case, a euro).
The Musée d’Art Moderne, Musée Carnavalet and Musée de la Vie Romantique are all on our list of the best museums in Paris and offer free access to their permanent collections. You don’t even have to pre-register, just arrive and if they have space for you you’re good to go.
Please note that if you want to see one of their temporary or featured exhibits you’ll need to buy tickets. But those aren’t the only museums you can visit for free in Paris, the official Department of Tourism’s website has a full list you can choose from.
Address: 11 Av. du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris
#20. Have a photoshoot on Rue Crémieux
Good luck visiting Rue Crémieux and not filling up your entire camera roll. Located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, this single Parisian street has taken the internet by storm. What was originally built as housing for workers quickly became one of the most sought-out streets in the whole city and one of the best free things to do in Paris.
The street is lined in vibrantly painted houses and taking a picture in front of the colorful buildings is one of the best free things to do in Paris. The neighborhood’s charming colored house fronts have made it a famous tourist attraction and a popular location for social media.
Important Reminder: This is a residential street where real people live. Remember to be courteous of your noise and the locals privacy. The residents have even made an Instagram account showing some of the more annoying visitors and the lengths they go to for a photo.
#19. Relax at the Jardin des Tuileries
Sandwiched between The Louvre and the Place de Concorde is the Jardin des Tuileries, or Tuileries Garden. Built as the private garden of the Tuileries Palace (aka the home of France’s monarchs) you’d be correct in assuming every square foot of the garden is thoughtfully designed.
After the French Revolution the gardens became a public park, and a beautiful one at that. In the present you can swing by the garden on any given day and find it teeming with vibrant life. Vendors and street performers set up shop and it feels like the most high-spirited place in France.
One of the best free things to do in Paris is to stop by for a warm stroll and enjoying the greenery and fresh air. Better yet – park yourself on a reclining chair and delight in some entertaining people-watching.
There are statues, fountains and food stands all across the garden, gracing your eyes with something pretty to look at no matter where you turn your head. If you visit for sunset I’d argue there are few more stunning places in the world, especially when you consider this is one of the best free things to do in Paris.
Address: Pl. de la Concorde, 75001 Paris
#18. Take a leisurely stroll through Cimitière du Père Lachaise
When I say visiting the Pere Lachaise Cemetery is one of the best free things to do in Paris I don’t mean it to be morbid (and I especially don’t mean you should get buried there). It’s just that as the largest cemetery in Paris the Pere Lachaise is the final resting place of more than one celebrity.
Oscar Wilde, Frederic Chopin, Honore de Balzac and even lead singer of The Doors, Jim Morrison are all buried in the cemetery. Maybe that’s why more than 3.5 million people visit the cemetery each year!
Strolling the cemetery’s headstones is one of the best free things to do in Paris, and you can make a game of trying to recognize more celebrities than your friends. Just know that at 110 acres odds are you won’t get through them all.
And even if you want to just peruse the cemetery as a place for serene reflection, that’s okay too. The greenery and wildlife (including a small family of foxes) help the cemetery feel alive, which says a lot of a place where the dead are buried.
I don’t mean to get overly-philosophical or preachy by any means, but visiting the Pere Lachaise Cemetery is one of the best free things to do in Paris. Hopefully you walk away with a reinvigorated passion and can continue on enjoying more of the French capital.
Address: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris
#17. Snap a photo in front of the iconic Louvre’s pyramids
Coming to Paris and not visiting the Louvre is simply unacceptable.
Even if you don’t consider yourself to be a “museum person”, the magnificent, architectural structure of this beauty is not to be dismissed. In fact, one of the best free things to do in Paris doesn’t even involve admission. Taking a picture in front of the instantly recognizable pyramids should be a must-do for everyone.
Originally built as a fortress before being repurposed as a royal palace, the building officially became a museum in 1793. That’s right, when America was still a teenager (17 years old), the Louvre was established.
Since 1793, the building has been used many times over. Most notably by the Nazi’s during WWII when they need a space to store stolen art. The building alone is steeped in rich history and getting to experience it is worth visiting Paris for alone.
If time and budget aren’t an issue for you I strongly encourage (and practically beg) you to go inside. The experience is definitely worth the €17 admission fee. However, if you’re working with a limited vacation budget one of the best free things to do in Paris is to swing by for a picture from the outside.
#16. Picnic alongside Canal St-Martin
The Canal Saint-Martin provides a much welcomed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life. Most afternoons (weather permitting) you’ll find locals hanging out near the canal enjoying one of the best free things to do in Paris.
Whether you visit to enjoy a meal or just want to get some time to yourself (unwinding with a good book or sketch pad) the Canal Saint-Martin is a sanctuary of sorts. However lest not forget this is still a major city, so a bit of litter and traffic noise is par for the course.
The canal connects a much larger canal and the River Seine so there is plenty of space for you to find a spot to plop yourself down. Either that or just take a stroll, the promenade runs less than three miles making for easy exercise and one of the best free things to do in Paris.
#15. Swing by the Place de la Concorde
One of the best free things to do in Paris is to swing by the Place de la Concorde, the city’s largest square. At first glance you might think it’s just a concrete square with a busy street running around it (and it is) but in reality it’s home to some of the most notorious moments in French history.
The square was completed in 1772 and named after King Louis XV, meant to celebrate the monarch surviving a serious illness. However, the king’s popularity was on the decline and it only took a few years for the square to become a hub for the French Revolution.
In 1792 the square had its first executions by guillotine and come 1793 King Louis XV’s grandson and heir, King Louis XVI was executed in the square, too. Even the king’s wife, Marie Antoinette, couldn’t escape the bloodbath and was victim to the guillotine along with 1,000 other people.
Needless to say, the square is frequented by tourists who want to visit a home of the French Revolution and enjoy one of the best things to do for free in Paris. In the present you won’t witness any beheadings or locals with pitchforks, it’s mostly just full of selfie sticks.
Fun fact: The obelisk at the center of the Place de la Concorde is from Egypt and dates back to 1250 BCE. It is one of two obelisks that originally stood at the Luxor Temple near the Nile River.
#14. Escape the city in Parc des Buttes Chaumont
The fifth largest park in Paris, the Parc du Buttes Chaumont arguably feels the most insulated from the chaos of the city. The lush greenery has a way of isolating you from the major metropolitan area just beyond the trees and visiting is one of the best free things to do in Paris.
As a bonus, it’s gorgeous, the design is more like that of an adventure park. There is the Temple de la Sybille (which is more of a gazebo) towering above the lake on a cliff and a bridge that takes you across the bridge onto an island.
Visiting, especially around sunset, is one of the best things to do in Paris for free. Whether you want to take a walk or just cozy up under a tree you’ll be wowed by the vision of Adolphe Alphand, Emperor Napoleon III’s Director of Public Works.
Located in the 19th arrondissement in the northeastern corner of the city, the park is readily accessible by metro. As one of the best free things to do in Paris all you’ll have to pay for is the ride there!
Address: 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris
#13. Smell the flowers at the Marché aux Fleurs (Flower market)
Sometimes window shopping is the best kind of shopping, but I’ll be honest and say that it’s not always easy. I ease the pain by window-shopping for things I can enjoy in the moment like perfumes, artwork and especially flowers.
Luckily paying a visit to the Marche aux Fleurs is one of the best free things to do in Paris. Founded in 1808 it’s one of the oldest flower markets in the city!
It was originally known as the Marché aux fleurs et aux oiseaux Cité (the the Flower and Bird Market in English). Having said that, all it took was a visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014 for it to change its name to Marché aux fleurs Reine-Elizabeth-II or the Queen Elizabeth II Flower Market.
The market also historically sells birds on Sundays, but the practice is expected to cease soon. I personally think it’s for the best. Although a bird’s song sounds pretty in nature at the market it felt more like a zoo.
Inside you’ll find a prolific display of nature’s beauty. You can take your time smelling and gawking at the blooms. You’ll find everything from a common rose to hard-to-get flowers that will impress even the staunchest of critics.
Just be sure to leave your wallet at home because odds are you’ll find yourself justifying a few stems of peonies before you know it. Remember, you’re searching for the best free things to do in Paris and we can’t start swiping that visa just because the flowers are gorgeous!
Address: 37 Place Louis Lépine, 75004 Paris
#12. Peruse the promenade in Parc Monceau
Parc Monceau is a public park opened in 1779 whose charm has only grown with the years. The park provides a place to catch your breath from the bustle of city life and visiting is one of the best free things to do in Paris.
In the park you’ll find a miniature Egyptian pyramid, a Roman colonnade, a Dutch windmill, a Chinese fort and more. It’s remarkable how they’ve been able to squeeze bits of the world into a small urban park. It feels much larger than its true 20 acre size.
Part of the park’s allure is that unlike traditional French formal gardens that follow symmetrical and regimented designs, Parc Monceau’s paths wander with the contour of the land in the style of what’s known as an English garden.
Now I’m not here to talk to you guys about landscape design, but the English garden creates a more natural atmosphere. Visiting is one of the best things to do in Paris for free, especially if you’re a creative looking for a place looking to draw inspiration from.
At any given time you’ll find locals going for a jog or walking their dogs along the path. If you’re looking for some exercise you’ll be hard pressed to find a more idyllic location. Add the ability to get your heart-rate pumping to the list of reasons visiting Parc Monceau is one of the best free things to do in Paris.
Address: 35 Bd de Courcelles, 75008 Paris
#11. Enjoy the artwork at Musée de la Vie Romantique
Musee de la Vie Romantique translates to the Museum of Romantic Life and fortunately for us it’s one of the handful of free museums in Paris. Since the museum is owned and operated by the city, viewing its permanent collection won’t cost you a dime.
The museum was the home-base of painter Ary Scheffer, a close friend to the second-to-last King of France Louis-Phillipe. Scheffer also had a relationship with his neighbor George Sands (real name Amantine Aurore Lucile Dupin), one of the most popular writers in Europe.
The museum is small but has just enough room to cover Scheffer and Sands’ work. It also sprinkles in some more art pieces throughout. Swinging by the museum is one of the best free things to do in Paris, the only part that costs money are the temporary exhibits.
The museum’s garden is just as charming as the building and a point of inspiration for anyone trying to get creative juices flowing. Sitting under the shadow of the large tree gives you ample shade to draw, write or photograph! Just be sure to arrive in the morning because visiting is one of the best things to do in Paris for free and every chair will be full by noon.
Address: 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris
#10. Walk along the Seine
Hear me out, Paris has a ton of landmarks, many of which are on full display while promenading along the Seine River. One of my favorite free things to do in Paris is to walk alongside the river and enjoy a bit of good old fashioned sight-seeing.
Even better, if you’re comfortable being out past sundown you walk along the river as the cities lights come on. If the vibe is right it’s even more romantic than the movies make it out to be.
There is something inspiring about seeing a global landmarks when it’s dark. In a way it makes you feel like it’s just you and the landmark, alone in the night.
The stroll is one of the best free things to do in Paris and introduces you to the city from a completely new point of view. If you prefer to wake up early rather than being out late, sunrise is just as magical!
#9. Stroll a former railway track at La Promenade Plantée
Beginning in the neighborhood of Bastille and running to the Bois de Vincennes, the Promenade Plantee is an elevated park that uses abandoned railway tracks as a walkway.
The promenade is a masterclass in urban architecture and has a curated garden to make your stroll more enjoyable. It’s one of the best free things to do in Paris and well worth planning your route around.
At one point the path even seems to cut an apartment building in half like Moses parting the Red Sea. Along the way you’ll be as high as 20+ feet above the street so you can get some unique views of the French Capital.
Whether you’re looking to exercise or just enjoy a pleasant walk, La Promenade Plantee provides one of the best free things to do in Paris. There is a staircase at the intersection of Rue de Lyon and Avenue Daumesnil that you can take to go up into the park.
If at any point you decide you’re done there are more staircases along the route you can use to exit. For any of you who have visited The High Line in New York City, it’s very similar to that.
Address: 1 Coulée Verte René-Dumont, 75012 Paris
#8. Go window-shopping in Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen
I grew up going to flea markets so you’ll understand the awe in my eyes when I visited Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen, the largest flea market in the world.
There’s anywhere between 1,700 to 2,500 vendors selling damn near everything you can think of. Furniture, souvenirs, clothing, food and vintage items are all par for the course.
Paying the market a visit is one of the best things to do in Paris for free! Just walking its nearly 20 acres of stalls is entertainment enough. Some of the antiquities and art pieces look like they could be museums and you can visit vendors selling items from all over the world.
If you’re thinking there’s no way you’ll visit a flea market because you prefer lavish shopping you should know there are some high-end pieces at the Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen. Think of intricate furniture handmade by craftspeople and custom clothing. The items in the market could complete just about any scavenger hunt or grocery list, it’s just that big and varied.
The Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is open Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays and visiting is one of the best free things to do in Paris. Thanks to its size and eclectic vendors you’ll create a memory you won’t soon forget.
Address: 99 All. des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine
#7. Roam Shakespeare & Co.
Shakespeare & Co. is an English-language bookshop that dates back to 1951. Founded by American George Whitman, the shop became a safe haven for anglophone writers and readers.
When the bookstore first opened, it was named Le Mistral. However, in 1964 Whitman changed the name to Shakespeare and Company. He did this in honor of a bookseller (Sylvia Beach) he personally admired. Beach founded the original Shakespeare and Company in 1919 in Paris.
It served as a gather place for expat writers. Chief among them were Joyce, Hemingway, Stein, Fitzgerald and Eliot. She provided housing in exchange for assistance at the store. Present day visiting the store is one of the best free things to do in Paris because you get to enjoy a little bit of literary history.
History aside, this bookstore is as charming as can be! Swing by if you’re looking for free things to do in Paris you won’t soon forget, just be prepared to wait in a line. The store’s fame has reached far and wide and it’s become a popular tourist destination.
P.S. There’s a very charming cafe right next door, pop in for a great coffee and midday pick-me-up.
Address: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
#6. Wander down the Champs Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is one of (if not the) most famous street in the world. Littered with stores, cafes and enough tourists to fill a stadium – visiting is one of the best free things to do in Paris.
The Arc de Triomphe marks the official start of the Avenue of the Champs-Élysées. Spanning roughly 1.2 miles, this is a trendy avenue full of designer shops and fun restaurants. I enjoy strolling from the Arc de Triomphe all the way down to the Tuileries Gardens where it ends.
You’ll see the flagship Louis Vuitton store from the sidewalk as well as other famous luxury designers along the way. You’ll also find high-end restaurants and bakeries (like Lauderee) serving folks in the most idyllic of settings.
There’s a few American companies staking their claim (Apple and Stabucks, I’m looking at you) but largely I just recommend you stroll the avenue. The street itself is one of the most popular tourist attractions so taking your time perusing it is one of the best free things to do in Paris.
Good to know: The Champs-Élysées is completely car-free during the first Sunday of the month! It’s open exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists in an effort to reduce air pollution and improve air quality.
What does “Champs-Élysées” mean?
Champs-Élysées is French for a paradise in Greek mythology known as “Elysian Fields.” Don’t you just love it when there’s a simple explanation?
#5. Tour the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur
Of course no list of the best free things to do in Paris would be complete without mentioning the star of Montmartre!
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris (Sacré-Cœur Basilica) is a breathtaking masterpiece. Not to mention it’s located in arguably the most charming Parisian neighborhood. Perched atop a butte, the basilica was built in the Romano-Byzantine style at the end of the 19th century. It’s still used to this day as an important house of worship.
The views of Paris from the Sacré-Cœur are some of the best in the city. That’s why I consider this a non-negotiable when creating a list of the best things to do for free in Paris. It’s no wonder the lawn swarms with folks on picnic blankets!
But whew, wading through the crowds and the folks selling trinkets (some of them downright harass folks!), is a lot to handle. My biggest suggestion is to be weary of the men walking around with strings. They approach you, ask to see your hand and start sewing a bracelet on your wrist.
When they’re done they ask for payment, even if you never agreed to buying anything. Just be confident in your no thank you’s and keep it moving!
Regardless, the beauty of the Sacre Coeur is alluring and the neighborhood is very fun to explore. Even the inside of the basilica is open free of charge. Be sure to add visiting the house of worship to your list of free things to do in Paris!
#4. Explore Place des Vosges
Originally designed as the stomping grounds for royals and nobility, the Place des Vosges is considered one of the prettiest parks in Paris. Evident by the swarms of locals who flood the park like ants over spilled food, visiting is one of the best things to do in Paris for free.
There are cafes lining the streets that surround the park and the outdoor dining adds to the charm. It’s no wonder that the famous author Victor Hugo chose an apartment that overlooks the park (and that has been turned into free museum in Paris, too).
There isn’t much to do at the Place des Vosges unless you bring it with you. With that said, bring a ball to toss or a good book to enjoy. Visiting is one of the best things to do in Paris for free, you just have to come prepared!
Address: Pl. des Vosges, 75004 Paris
#3. Soak in the view from Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace
One of the best views of the Eiffel Tower comes from Galeries Lafayette. It’s a luxury department store catered to those with no self-control of their spending (aka, me). Luckily not everything the store has to offer comes with a giant price tag. Visiting the rooftop terrace is one of the best things to do in Paris for free!
The store itself is stunning and does a great job creating an atmosphere of class and grandeur. There are golden accents, tiled floors and a dome that could just as well be found in a Renaissance-era church.
I’ve learned (for my wallet’s sake) to make a beeline for the elevator. I head straight up to the rooftop terrace. Once at the top it’s easy to lose track of time delighting in the views of the Eiffel Tower and the City of Light.
Visiting the Galeries Lafayette rooftop is one of the most popular free things to do in Paris. That’s why you’ll have to diligently keep an eye for a break in the wall of people if you want to sneak in for a picture.
Something to note: There is a seasonal restaurant that opens in the spring and sells drinks and small bites on the Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace. It’s not one of the best free things to do in Paris but if you have some flexibility in your budget for a brew you should consider it!
Address: 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris
#2. Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to be royalty? Well, relaxing at the Luxembourg Gardens is a great start. Only one minor caveat though, visiting is one of the best things to do in Paris for free so you won’t have the place to yourself.
The Luxembourg Gardens was commissioned by Marie de’ Medici after her sweet thang, King Henry IV, died and left her a (very rich) widow. Eager to shake things up, she decided that the Louvre was no longer a desirable residence and commissioned an architect to build a new palace in imitation of the place she was born — Pitti Palace in Florence.
Likewise, the garden was designed in a style native to Florence and spared no expense in the effort. Today you’ll see chipper tourist with cameras in hand rubbing elbows with locals catching up with friends, and retirees napping. Visiting the gardens is one of the best things to do in Paris for free, so you won’t want to miss it.
As you know, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French. But did you know you can see a smaller version of the Statue of Liberty at the Luxembourg Gardens? The bronze replica sits on the west side of the park. Just something to mull over if looking for Paris itinerary ideas.
#1. Watch the Eiffel Tower twinkle from Parc du Champ de Mars
Arguably the best views of the Eiffel Tower are at Champs de Mars. The public green space sits at the foot of the Iron Lady and offers uninterrupted views of the French landmark.
Expect to find locals sprawled out on picnic blankets, nursing a bottle of rose, and enjoying one of the best things to do in Paris for free. If you’re patient you should consider waiting for the sun to set and the tower to light up.
Taking the time to hang in the Champ de Mars is one of the best things to do in Paris for free. Not only do you see the Eiffel Tower, you also get to enjoy in one of my favorite activities: people watching.
Folks from all over the globe (literally) visit the Eiffel Tower every day and you’ll experience plenty of entertaining interactions. From folks jogging in the Champs de Mars to others bartering with the vendors selling trinkets, you can easily lose track of time.
Address: 2 All. Adrienne Lecouvreur, 75007 Paris
30 Free Things to do in Paris (Post Summary)
- Watch the Eiffel Tower twinkle from Parc du Champ de Mars
- Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens
- Admire the view from Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace
- Explore Place des Vosges
- Tour the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur
- Wander down the Champs Élysées
- Roam Shakespeare & Co.
- Go window-shopping in Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen
- Stroll a former railway track at La Promenade Plantée
- Walk along the Seine
- Enjoy the artwork at Musée de la Vie Romantique
- Peruse the promenade in Parc Monceau
- Smell the flowers at the Marché aux Fleurs (Flower market)
- Escape the city in Parc des Buttes Chaumont
- Swing by the Place de la Concorde
- Picnic alongside Canal St-Martin
- Snap a photo in front of the Louvre’s pyramids
- Take a leisurely stroll through Cimitière du Père Lachaise
- Relax at the Jardin des Tuileries
- Have a photoshoot on Rue Crémieux
- See the permanent collections at Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
- Window shop Galeries Vivienne
- Relax like royalty at Palais Royal
- Visit iconic sites from iconic movies/TV
- Pay a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral
- Admire Paris from a distance at Parc de Saint-Cloud
- Take advantage of Paris’ museums free nights
- Check out the unique trinkets at Paris’ largest Flea Market
- Take a free tour of Paris’ oldest public library
- Get inspired by the artwork at Place du Tertre
Map of 30 free things to do in Paris
And there it is! My list of 30 unique and free things to do in Paris. Let me know if there’s anything I missed!
Cheers!
What do you think?