Top 7 Free Things to Do in Paris

Budget Sights and Attractions in the City of Light

By Courtney Traub

Updated 09/01/16

As a capital of luxury, designer fashion and champagne-drenched soirées, Paris may seem inaccessibly posh for travelers on a tight budget. But behind the opulent veneer lies a city that offers scores of free attractions and activities, no matter the season. It's true that you can easily spend a fortune in Paris-- but it's also true that you can get away with spending very little and still head home having seen a lot. Without further ado, here are my picks for the top free things to do in Paris. Bookmark these ideas, and you'll likely find it far easier to stay in the black. 

  • 01 of 07
    Explore Paris' Fantastic Old Neighborhoods
    Rue Mouffetard is a lovely old neighborhood to explore
    ••• Rue Mouffetard is a lovely old neighborhood to explore. Greg Elms/Lonely Planet Images/Getty

    I can confidently say that Paris is the world's most walkable city-- not only because most neighborhoods are built for pedestrians (with some caveats-- see Paris Safety Tips) but because the city of light's neighborhoods are dizzyingly varied and fascinating.

    Just when you think you know the place back to front, some undiscovered corner beckons you to explore it. So bring a good pair of walking shoes, invest in a good Paris city street map, and hit the streets for a zero-Euro treat.

    Popular Neighborhoods to Explore:

    Get Off the Beaten Track:

  • 02 of 07
    Go Enjoy These Totally Free Paris Museums
    The Petit Palais is a free Paris museum whose permanent collection is a gem.
    ••• The Petit Palais is a free Paris museum whose permanent collection is a gem. ©2006 Claude CF. Some rights reserved under the Creative Commons License.

    In French, the word "culture" has a broader sense that refers to the universal right for all to be exposed to the arts, sciences, and humanities, and to that end, the government funnels lots of funds into making "la culture" accessible to all. Many Paris museums offer entirely free admission at all times, while others, including the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, are free for all every first Sunday of the month.

  • 03 of 07
    Mark Your Calendars For Free Annual Events in the Capital
    Paris Plages is a free event that transforms the banks of the Seine into a beach boardwalk
    ••• Paris Plages is a free event that transforms the banks of the Seine into a beach boardwalk. ©2007 Courtney Traub.

    Paris hosts scores of fun, inspirational and entirely free annual events, from arty affairs like all-night public art installations to artificial beaches implanted on the Seine River each summer. Many of these are concentrated in the spring and the summer, but each season hosts at least one or two of these festive, budget-friendly happenings.

    Related: Summer Festivals in Paris

  • 04 of 07
    Get Contemplative in These Free Cathedrals and Churches
    The Rose window at Notre Dame is world-famous.
    ••• The Rose window at Notre Dame is world-famous. Ed Webster/Creative Commons

    Paris houses many of history's more stunning spiritual relics-- cathedrals and chuches that stand today as breathtaking testimonials to a complex heritage of Christianity that dominated in Paris from the fall of the Roman Empire to the French Revolution. Many of these majestic cathedrals and churches fell into near-ruin in the wake of the Revolution, but revived interest in the 19th century brought about their restoration. Many of these are must-see sites no matter your budget-- but the fact that entry is free doesn't hurt.

    Continue to 5 of 7 below.
  • 05 of 07
    Laze and Stroll in These Gorgeous Parks and Gardens
    The Jardin des Tuileries is an elegant park adjoining the Louvre.
    ••• The Jardin des Tuileries is an elegant park adjoining the Louvre. Tomoyoshi/Creative Commons

    No matter the season, a long stroll or picnic in one of Paris's many distinctive, elegant parks and gardens is an essential element of any trip to the city. Also check out old-fashioned amusement parks like the Jardin d'Acclimation, which kids and parents alike will love.

  • 06 of 07
    Enjoy Panoramic Views of the City
    A dramatic panoramic view of Paris.
    ••• A dramatic panoramic view of Paris. ©2006 Andrew C. Parnell. Some rights reserved under the Creative Commons License.
    Getting a good bird's eye view of Paris can be an exhilirating experience-- and is in many cases free of charge.
  • 07 of 07

    Take a Free Walking-- or Running-- Tour of the City

    Companies like Discover Walks offer free tours of Paris, including in Montmartre.
    ••• Companies like Discover Walks offer free tours of Paris, including in Montmartre. Courtney Traub

    Last, but not least-- go take a free tour of the city by foot. Discover Walks  is a company offering several good walking tours of Paris for no charge. You are, however, encouraged to tip the friendly docents.

    Are you more of a jogging aficionado? If so, RunParis is the free tour for you. There's a tour organized every Friday morning at 10:00 am, starting from the Pont Neuf bridge. See here for more details and instructions on how to join the tour, and more info on what you'll see.