Free Things to do in Paris

Paris is notoriously regarded as one of the most expensive cities in the world to visit. Personally, I didn’t find it quite as bad as people make it out to be and I found prices were similar to most popular European cities. That being said, if you’re on a tight budget, you are certainly going to feel the pinch in Paris. However, there are lots of ways to save money, and if you’re smart, you can even enjoy some of Paris’ most iconic sites without spending anything, apart from perhaps a ticket on the metro to get there. Here are some cool free things to do in Paris.

Eiffel Tower

Did you think that visiting Paris’ most popular and iconic site would cost you a fortune? Well, yes it does, if you want to climb it, however it costs absolutely nothing to go and have a look at the Eiffel Tower from every angle. You can even walk right underneath the tower and it won’t cost you a thing. Buy a cheap lunch of baguette, cheese and wine from a supermarket and enjoy a picnic in the park in front of the tower. You should also visit the tower at night when it is all lit up. It takes on a whole other meaning of beauty, and there are far less people around too. Best of all, it won’t cost you a single Euro.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame is probably Paris’ second most iconic landmark, but unlike some other popular churches in other cities (ahem, London), Notre Dame is totally free to enter. It costs money to go up into the towers, which I highly recommend, however the cathedral itself is free. Wander along the beautiful nave of the church and enjoy the ambiance, with light shining through stained glass windows and arches towering above. If you visit during a service time, you can also enjoy the wonderful singing from the priests. This is certainly one of the best free things to do in Paris.

Visit a flea market

Obviously you will need money if you want to buy something, but visiting one of Paris’ famous flea markets is totally free and it is a wonderful experience. For a small, intimate and relaxing flea market to visit, try the Marché aux puces de la Porte de Vanves market. You’ll find some real treasures among the old antiques on offer from the local stall holders.

Sacré Coeur

For one of the best views in Paris, head to the basilica at Sacré Coeur in Montmartre. Montmartre is a beautiful neighbourhood to explore and it is worth taking the time to wander around here as well. Then, head up the hill through beautiful parkland which is perfect for a picnic, and then to the basilica on top of the hill. The views across Paris from here are excellent, and it will cost you nothing. The basilica itself is also free to enter and there are often some markets and buskers in the square surrounding it.

Montmartre Cemetery

You might not think of visiting a cemetery during a holiday, but these cities of the dead can often be a place of peace and beauty. Paris has several interesting cemeteries to explore and they are all free to enter. The cemetery in Montmartre is certainly one of these places, and the entire place is filled with elaborate graves and mausoleums of Paris’ dead. The cemetery is home to many famous Parisians and artists, and for me the walk around the necropolis was a very peaceful experience.

Arc de Triomph

Like the Eiffel Tower, you will have to open your wallet to climb to the top of the Arc de Triomph, however just like the Eiffel Tower, it will cost you nothing to go and have a look at it from every angle and walk beneath the grand arch. If you do want to spend the money to climb it – and it is well worth it for the view – book a skip-the-line ticket for the Arc de Triomph so that you aren’t waiting in line all day.

Museums

There are many free museums to visit in Paris, but it is even possible to visit some of the more popular and famous museums for free. The Louvre, for example, is free if you are under the age of 26. Other museums, such as the Musée d’Orsay, Pompidou Centre and the Picasso Museum are free on the first Sunday of every month. If you visit during the off season, from November to March, the Louvre is also free on the first Sunday of every month. For other days, it is worth while booking Louvre tickets online to save time and money.

Walking the streets of Paris

For me, my favourite thing to do in Paris is simply to walk along its beautiful streets and explore its neighbourhoods. The city itself, in my mind, is a museum and an art gallery in its own right, and this is another thing to do that is totally free. Undoubtedly, this is the best free thing to do in Paris.

Have you been to Paris? Do you have any other tips for free things to do in the city?

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