The 33 Best Free Things to Do in Paris, France

Paris can feel expensive (and it certainly has a reputation for it), but there are so many experiences that do not cost anything at all. We a ton of time exploring the city and found some of the best free things to do in Paris, from beautiful parks and peaceful viewpoints to historic neighborhoods and iconic landmarks.

You can wander for hours without spending a single cent and still feel the magic of the French capital. It is one of those cities where you truly can enjoy it, no matter what your budget is.

Whether you want to enjoy stunning architecture, stroll through charming streets, or experience the top photo spots in Paris, these free activities let you experience the city without hurting your wallet.

The Best Free Things to Do in Paris: What You Should Know First

Before diving into the best free things to do in Paris, it helps to understand how the city works for budget travelers. Paris is filled with parks, viewpoints, and historic streets that you can enjoy without spending a euro. Knowing where to go and how to plan can make your trip feel both affordable and effortless.

Is Paris Expensive?

Paris has a reputation for being expensive, mostly because of hotels, restaurants, and popular attractions. Even so, you can experience a lot of the city for free. Many neighborhoods are best enjoyed by simply walking around, and some of the most iconic spots cost nothing to visit.

How to Do Paris Cheaply

If you want to save money, focus on the free experiences that Paris is known for. Spend time exploring parks, gardens, and river fronts, and take advantage of free museum days. Picnics are a big part of local culture and offer a fun way to enjoy great food without high restaurant prices.

We also recommend booking our hotel and any must-do activities in advance. This will ensure that you have the most options available. Use public transportation rather than Ubers, and try to walk as much as possible.

Stick to places outside the dead center of Paris for meals, so you can have more authentic and affordable food as well, and take advantage of the free fountains rather than purchasing bottled water - it's also a better way to be a more eco-friendly traveler!

What Free Events Happen in Paris?

Paris offers free events throughout the year, and many of them are easy to enjoy as a visitor. You can find outdoor concerts, public art installations, open air movies, and seasonal celebrations in different parts of the city. These vary throughout the year though, so we recommend checking close to your travel dates.

The Best Free Things to Do in Paris

Paris is one of those cities where you can explore for hours without spending anything at all. From famous landmarks and elegant gardens to charming neighborhoods and hidden corners, the city is full of places that feel magical and completely free. 

This list highlights the best experiences you can enjoy without touching your wallet, so you can soak in the beauty of Paris at your own pace.

Take Photos at the Eiffel Tower

Seeing the Eiffel Tower up close is one of those Parisian moments that never gets old. The area around Champ de Mars gives you wide open views, perfect for photos at any time of day, while the Trocadero is iconic during golden hour.

You can walk around the base, capture different angles, and enjoy the atmosphere without paying anything. We cover 16 different spots to get the best photos of the Eiffel Tower in our Paris photo guide!

Watch the Eiffel Tower Glittering

Every evening after sunset, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes at the top of each hour. Watching it glitter feels like a tiny show for the whole city, and it is completely free. The final sparkle of the night happens at 1 am, which is the quietest moment to enjoy it.

Great viewing spots include the Champ de Mars, the riverbank, and Place du Trocadéro. No matter where you watch from, it's definitely one of the most special things to witness when you're in Paris.

Visit the Arc de Triomphe

You can admire the Arc de Triomphe for free from the outside, and the plaza surrounding it is a great place to take photos.

Standing beneath it gives you a close look at the detailed carvings and the massive scale of the monument. It also sits at the top of the Champs Élysées, so it is easy to include in a longer walk.

If you visit around sunrise or sunset, the whole area glows with warm light, which makes it especially beautiful.

 Stop by the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel

Located between the Louvre and the Tuileries, this smaller triumphal arch is free to visit and often overlooked. The details on the carvings are beautiful, and the setting creates lovely photo opportunities.

Visit the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris

This museum offers free access to its permanent collection, which includes modern and contemporary works. It is a great place to explore if you like bold colors, abstract pieces, and unique styles. The museum also has beautiful views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower from nearby.

Explore the Petit Palais

The Petit Palais is one of Paris’s most underrated places, and its permanent collection is completely free to visit. Inside you will find classical paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts in a stunning Beaux Arts building. It feels peaceful, elegant, and never as crowded as other big museums.

The inner courtyard is also a lovely place to relax, where you can stop for a quiet break surrounded by palm trees and fountains.

 Admire the Louvre's Architecture

While the inside of the Louvre requires a paid tickets, you can access the entire exterior completely free of charge. We'd recommend coming early in the morning before the crowds arrive to line up for the museum. Grab your camera, because you can take some stunning photos of the architecture at various angles.

 Enjoy Free First Sunday Entry at Major Museums

On the first Sunday of each month, several world famous museums open their doors for free. This includes the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou, depending on the time of year. 

If your visit falls on the right weekend, you can enjoy masterpieces without paying a ticket. Arrive as early as possible though to beat the lines! It is an incredible way to experience art while saving money in Paris.

Walk Through the Jardin des Tuileries

Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Garden is perfect for a relaxing stroll. The pathways, fountains, and formal landscaping give you a classic Parisian feel. Many people stop here to read, picnic, or simply take in the surroundings.

It is one of the best places to enjoy a quiet moment in the center of the city throughout the year, but if you're spending Christmas in Paris, then you'll also get to enjoy the incredible Christmas market there!

Stroll Through Luxembourg Gardens

Luxembourg Gardens are a classic Paris experience and completely free to enjoy. The fountains, flowerbeds, tree lined paths, and palace backdrop make it one of the prettiest parks in the city. You can walk, relax, or simply people watch for hours in one of the most peaceful parks in the middle of the city.

 Walk the Champs Élysées

The Champs Élysées is one of the world’s most famous avenues, and walking it is completely free. 

You can enjoy the wide sidewalks, beautiful architecture, and constant buzz of people. It is especially lively in the evenings when the lights turn on, and particularly gorgeous during the winter when the trees are draped with lights.

Wander the Montmartre Neighborhood

Montmartre is full of charming streets, artistic corners, and amazing city views. You can wander around for hours and never run out of beautiful spots. The small cafés, old buildings, and steep stairways make it feel like a village inside the city, and it truly is one of the most photogenic areas in Paris to explore.

Visit the Sacré Cœur

Sacré Cœur is free to enter, and the basilica is stunning inside. Even better, the terrace in front of it offers one of the best panoramic views of Paris. 

Many locals and travelers gather here to watch the sunset and enjoy the incredible atmosphere. It is a must see when visiting Montmartre, and can be enjoyed both inside and out.

Visit the Jardin Sauvage Saint-Vincent

This small, wild garden in Montmartre can only be visited on free guided tours, which keeps it peaceful and untouched. It is a unique spot because the plants actually grow naturally without human arrangement. 

You feel like you are stepping into a hidden corner of nature in the middle of the city, making it a cool contrast to the more polished Parisian gardens.

 Walk Along the Seine River

Walking along the Seine is one of the simplest and most beautiful things to do in Paris. While there are countless paid boat rides, you can enjoy walking along the riverbanks which are lined with historic bridges, book stalls, and scenic viewpoints for free.

Explore Belleville’s Street Art Scene

Belleville is one of the most creative neighborhoods in Paris, with streets are full of murals, graffiti, and bold artistic expression from local and international artists. 

Walking through the area feels like exploring an open air art gallery, and it's one of the best free things to do in Paris for creatives and those looking for something off the classic tourist route.

Visit the Historic Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, and it is completely free to walk through. Many famous figures are buried here, including Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison. 

The winding paths and old tombs give it a peaceful, almost magical atmosphere, and it's a unique place to visit if you want a bit of history on your itinerary.

Explore the Covered Passages

Wandering the covered passages is one of the loveliest free activities in Paris. These historic arcades feel like hidden lanes filled with charm, where you can admire old mosaics, glass ceilings, and beautifully preserved architecture while staying sheltered from the weather.

Two of our favorites are Passage des Panoramas and Galerie Vivienne, but there are many others scattered throughout central Paris. Part of the fun is simply walking and stumbling onto them as you explore. Each passage has its own look and atmosphere, and they offer a quiet break from the busy streets outside.

Wander the Bridges and City Viewpoints

Paris is full of stunning and iconic bridges that span the Seine, and each one offers its own unique panorama of the city. The bridges along Île de la Cité and Île Saint Louis offer some of the best views in Paris, while bridges like Pon Bir-Hakeim and Pont d'lena offers incredible views of the Eiffel Tower.

Taking time to explore the incredible bridges and the views that they offer is an iconic way to enjoy the city, and one of the best free things to do in Paris, France.

 View the Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, and stepping inside is now completely free. The soaring arches, stained glass, and restored details make it one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture in the world. 

It is easily one of the best free things to do in Paris, since you can admire both the interior and the grand exterior without spending anything. Whether you are looking to capture the architecture, or learn about its significance in French culture, visiting Notre Dame is a must-do experience.

Walk Through the Parc des Buttes Chaumont

Parc des Buttes Chaumont is one of the most unique parks in Paris and a great place to explore for free. The landscape is dramatic, with steep paths, rocky cliffs, and a lake that gives the park a completely different feel from the formal city gardens. It is a beautiful spot for wandering, taking photos, or finding a quiet corner to sit.

The higher viewpoints offer some of the best open panoramas of the city, which makes it a great place to spend an afternoon. Whether you come for a walk or to relax in the shade, it is one of the best free things to do in Paris to break from the busy streets.

Visit Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau is elegant, serene, and surrounded by beautiful mansions. It feels like the perfect quiet getaway, with its large weeping willows, quaint arched bridge, and ancient columns, Many Parisians come here to read, jog, or enjoy a quiet afternoon, making it one of the best free things to do in Paris to feel like a local.

 Walk Around Palacio Duhau

The Domaine National du Palais Royal is one of our favorite places to wander because it feels tucked away from the busy streets yet still right in the heart of Paris, and it's one of our favorite photo spots in the city! 

The gardens are peaceful and beautiful, surrounded by statues and the iconic black and white columns that everyone stops to photograph. It still surprises us that visiting this entire area is completely free, because it's really one of the top highlights of Paris.

Explore the Canal Saint Martin

This area is one of the trendiest parts of Paris, and walking along the canal is completely free. You can watch boats move through the old locks, enjoy the reflections in the water, and soak in the lively atmosphere. It is a great place to go for a leisurely stroll, especially in the morning or early evening.

Browse Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare and Company is one of the most iconic bookstores in the world, and it is another great spot that is free to enter. The inside feels cozy and full of history, with books stacked everywhere and quiet corners to explore. It is a magical stop for book lovers, and also a fun one for photographers.

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Watch the Sunset from Place du Trocadéro

While we've already mentioned simply admiring the Eiffel Tower, we feel this particular activity in itself is deserving as it's own highlight.

Trocadéro offers one of the best open views of the Eiffel Tower, and is one of the most popular places to gather for sunset. Come and join the fun while you watch the sky changing colors, and the tower lighting up.

Enjoying Trocadero for sunset is one of the best free things to do in Paris, and the sunrise is also equally stunning (and less crowded!).

 Check Out the Rotonde d'Antin at Palais de la Découverte

This is another gem that we recently discovered and is on our bucket list! While there are paid exhibitions inside, you can enter the main area of the building for free, which features a large round entrance with impressive architecture, perfect for nice photo.

 Admire the Bibliothèque Mazarine

France’s oldest public library offers free entry for your first five visits. Inside you will find beautiful reading rooms, wooden bookshelves, and a quiet, historic atmosphere. It feels like stepping into an old university, and is one of the most peaceful Parisian places you can explore for free.

Palais Garnier

While tours inside are paid, the exterior and public areas around the opera house are free to enjoy. The building is one of the most beautiful in Paris. Standing at its steps gives you a great view of the boulevard and the ornate façade of the theater.

 Go to Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette is one of the most impressive shopping centers in Paris, and is visiting there is one of the best free things to do in Paris, particularly during the holiday season.

If you plan on visiting Paris during Christmas, Galeries Lafayette displays one of the most impressive Christmas trees in the city, which changes in design each year. The tree stands under the grand glass dome and is free to admire from all levels of the store.

The best part though? There is a large glass platform that you can reserve to go to and get up close for some amazing pictures of the tree. It's totally free - you just need to make sure you reserve your time slot online ahead of time.

 Visit the National Archives Museum - Hôtel de Soubise

We love the National Archives Museum because it's an easy stop that features stunning architecture on the outside, and a couple of beautiful rooms on the inside. It has rotating exhibitions, and despite being one of the best free things to do in Paris, it remains relatively quiet.

Carnavalet Museum

The Carnavalet Museum completely blew us away, and it is honestly hard to believe that it is free. The museum takes you through the entire history of Paris, and it does it through dozens of beautifully designed rooms, each one filled with art, artifacts, and detailed exhibits that you could easily spend hours exploring.

We expected something small, but the scale and quality are on the level of a major museum. From recreated historic interiors to elegant galleries and peaceful courtyards, there is so much to see that it feels like a true hidden gem, and easily one of the best things to do in Paris for free.

BNF Richelieu Library

This historic library is free to enter in certain areas and features one of the most beautiful reading rooms in Paris. The high ceilings, arches, and rows of books make it a dream for anyone who loves libraries.

The Best Free Things to Do in Paris, France: Final Tips & What's Next

Exploring Paris does not have to be expensive, and this list proves just how much of the city you can enjoy without spending a single cent. 

From iconic landmarks and beautiful gardens to hidden corners and historic passages, the best free things to do in Paris let you experience the magic of the city in a relaxed and authentic way.

Whether you are visiting for a few days or staying longer, these spots make it easy to soak in everything that makes Paris special while keeping your budget in check.

Here are some final tips to make your stay in Paris budget-friendly:

• Walk as much as possible since many of the best areas, viewpoints, and landmarks are free to explore on foot.

• Plan picnics using items from local bakeries, markets, and grocery stores instead of eating out for every meal.

• Take advantage of free museum days and free attractions, especially on the first Sunday of the month.

• Stay in neighborhoods a little outside the main tourist zones where hotels and cafés tend to be more affordable.

• Use public transportation when needed, and consider buying a carnet of metro tickets or a day pass to save money.

 What's Next?

Now that you know all of the best free things to do in Paris, France, you'll probably want to know more about the city or other destinations in France.

Here are a few other French guides we have:

A Guide for Spending Christmas in Paris, France

 36 Best Photo Spots in Paris

 15 Most Beautiful Castles in France

 21 Fairytale Villages in France

 23 Epic Destinations in France

 Exploring the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel

 Visiting the Cliffs of Etretat

...We also have more coming up each week!

So, are you ready to experience all of the best free things to do in Paris, France? We hope our guide has helped you plan the most budget-friendly getaway.

Want to learn more about visiting Paris or other areas of France? We have tons of other France Travel Guides for you, as well as new ones coming up every week! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so that you're able to stay up to date with our most recent content, and for special discounts on our shop.

Ready to start planning the more incredible trip to Paris and beyond? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers customized travel planning, so you can skip the hassle, and just enjoy your travel experience to its fullest. Take a peak at our travel planning packages we offer, or simply email us if you have any questions!

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