Paris is one of Europe’s most popular capital cities overflowing with buzzing corner cafes, lively streets, delicious food, historic architecture, and an abundance of culture! It’s a romantics’ dream and captured the heart of everyone who visits.
Paris is also known as one of the most expensive cities in the world, but a trip to the City of Lights doesn’t have to break the bank. There are free (or close to free) activities scattered across Paris giving even the most budget-conscious adventurers the chance to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, activities, culture, and experiences of France’s capital.
As semi-nomadic twenty-somethings we’re always on the lookout for free or cost-effective activities around places we visit so we compiled some of our faves from our time in Paris.
View the Monuments
Paris is brimming with architectural gems and monuments. Visiting the interiors of many may cost you a small entrance fee, but hey window shopping is always free. Think of the photos you could get in front of the Arc de Triomphe after a stroll down the Champs-Élysées, or enjoying the view of the Eiffel Tower from the lawn in front, the Parc Du Champ De Mar. Enjoy the icons that are the Louvre, Notre Dame, Sacré-Cœur, Palais Garnier, Panthéon, Place de la Concorde, Les Invalides, and more.
Watch the Lights Sparkle on the Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris would be complete without seeing the 20,000 bulbs installed on the iconic tower sparkle over the city. It is DREAMY!
The lights twinkle nightly for five minutes, every hour, on the hour between sundown and 1 a.m.
The show can be seen all over the city so there’s no reason to miss it.
We watched the lights sparkle from the top of the Arc de Triomphe the evening we got engaged. It was the perfect way to end the evening.
Visit Cathedral De Notre Dame
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris | @notredamedeparis | Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
This beautiful example of French Gothic architecture took almost two centuries to complete, but still today is renowned for holding one of the world’s largest organs and it’s flying buttresses, stained glass rose windows, enormous church bells, and gargoyles. All of which help make it the most visited monument in Paris! Yes, that’s right. It’s even more visited than the Eiffel Tower.
Admission to this iconic sight is free; however, audio guides and entrance to the crypts and towers have a small fee.
Walk around the interior and exterior of one of the great gothic churches of the world as there is something to do see from every angle.
Don’t be discouraged by the lengthy queue that forms at the entrance, it moves quickly. Take that time to simply enjoy the view of the front facade!
@tianatrotz eating some macarons in Montmartre!
Enjoy the Panoramic Views from the Basilica du Sacre-Coeur + Stroll the Narrow, Cobblestone Streets of Montmartre
Basilica du Sacre-Coeur | Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
Located atop the highest hill in Paris, Basilica du Sacre-Coeur’s chalky white stone is a visible from almost everywhere in the city. Locals and tourists alike gather on the front steps to catch up, enjoy lunch, watch the sunset, and savor the panoramic views over the city and the chimneys that shoot up across the skyline.
Entry to the ground floor is free daily, though there is a small fee to climb the steps to the dome.
At the beginning of the 20th century during the Belle Époque, many artists had studios or worked around Montmartre including Salvador Dali, Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Henri de Toulouse-Latrec, and Vincent Van Gogh. The are became famous for its entertainment—cafes, bars, clubs, and cabarets.
Today many artists follow the footsteps of the creatives before them and set up in the Place du Tertre to sell their original works of art.
Wander from the Trocadéro to the Parc Du Champ De Mar, Enjoying Eiffel Tower Views
Address: Place du Trocadéro, 75016 Paris, France
Debatably the most recognizable monuments in the world, the Eiffel Tower has long surpassed the 20 years it was originally designed to last. Don’t worry it’s been reinforced and is up to safety standards!
It’s hard to explain the feeling the Eiffel Tower radiates. It’s truly special! Almost like a hallelujah choir is singing and an bright aura surrounds it. The Eiffel Tower is so iconic and if Paris is on your bucket list, you’ve dreamed of visiting this wrought-iron tower. I seriously almost cried seeing it. It made my heart jump for joy each time I looked up over the city!
No doubt you've seen countless photos of people enjoying the view of the Eiffel Tower taken from Trocadéro. We joke that in the early morning there is queue for lovers to propose in this location. But seriously search #parisengagement and you’ll see what we’re talking about.
Located across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower as the plaza of the Palais de Chaillot which now house several museums, the Trocadéro is a picturesque spot to get that quintessential “I visited Paris” photo.
I love starting at the Trocadéro, walking down the steps, across the Seine, around the Eiffel Tower, and past it to the Parc Du Champ De Mar. This way you can enjoy 360 degree views of this icon.
The park is a perfect place to lay out a blanket, relax, and savor a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. That’s the dream, right?
Hand-drawn and painted Arc de Triomphe illustration available in my shop!
Window Shopping on the Champs-Élysées
The most famous avenues in the world. Songs have been written about it! Songs that are catchy and get stuck in your head for a long, long time. Blah!
Song aside, this wide road draws a line from the Louvre through the Place Concord to the Arc de Triomphe.
The name translates to "Elysian Fields,” meaning the street is heaven on earth, lined with restaurants, cafes, luxury boutiques, and gorgeous hotels.
It’s also hosts several major events throughout the year like the Bastille Day military parade, beautiful Christmas light displays, and even the finish of the Tour de France cycling race (which we were actually in Paris for last summer).
Spend a morning or afternoon strolling down the avenue, people watching, and window shopping.
Alternatively if you’re interested in alternative shopping options check out the Galeries Lafayette and the plethora of stores on Boulevard Haussmann. Step inside and marvel at the beautiful ceiling a glass dome surrounded by decorated balconies on each floor in addition to the fabulous garments.
Relax on the Banks of the Seine
Often referred to as “Paris’ most beautiful avenue,” the River Seine is surrounded by the history of the capital and architectural masterpieces. In fact the banks are an UNESCO heritage site.
To Parisians, especially during the summer, the banks are basically the “beaches” of Paris. Locals relax, have a drink, play guitar, and socialize on the banks when it is sunny. Booksellers set up on the upper banks add to the old world charm.
Strolling along the banks is to stroll through the heart of Paris. If you’re walked out by now, you can pay to take a boat cruise down the Seine.
Free Walking Tours
Like every major city and tourist destination, several companies offer free Paris walking tours. Many have specific themes like location-based like Montmartre, interest-based like foodie tours or street art tours, or history-based like skip-the-line museum tours.
While the tours are technically free, tips are always greatly appreciated by the local guides (and often are still less expensive than booking a paid tour).
Whether you join a tour or take a self-guided tour, I’d recommend spending time exploring trendy La Marais, peaceful Canal Saint-Martin, and culture-filled Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Each neighborhood has a different personality that has been shaped by Paris’ rich and diverse history.
Stroll Through Beautifully Manicured Gardens & Timeworn Cemeteries
Paris has more than 400 parks and gardens! So there is no shortage of picturesque outdoor spaces to enjoy. We’ve by no means visited all the green spaces, but wanted to share two of our favorites so far.
While near the Louvre don’t miss out walking through the Jardin des Tuileries. It was the first royal garden open to the public and now you can tour the grounds admiring the sculptures and in the summer take in the views of Paris from the ferris wheel or high swings at their annual Fun Fair. Note: The Jardin des Tuileries was where I got my first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower!
Located across the Seine in the 6th arrondissement, Jardin du Luxembourg features lovely lawns, tree-lined promenades, rich flowerbeds, the Medici Fountain (built in 1620), and a grand circular basin in which you can rent model sailboats to sail across water.
Walk around the eclectic mix of graves, chambers, and mausoleums in Cimetière du Père Lachaise, paying respect to many well-known people like Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Frédéric Chopin, Molière, and Jim Morrison. Or find yourself among many famous artists’ final resting place in atmospheric Cimetière de Montmartre.
Take Advantage of Free Museums (& Free Entry Days)
Paris’ many museums are filled with extraordinary artistic and cultural treasures and worth every cent of their entry free; however, many museums have permanent collections that are free all year round like Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (contemporary art museum), Petit Palais - Musée des Beaux-Arts de la ville de Paris (fine art museum), Nouveau musée du parfum Fragonard (museum dedicated to the perfume trade), Musée national de l'Air et de l’Espace (National Air & Space Museum), among others. All city museums are free as well.
While some offer free entry year round for students, teachers, and EU residents under 26 years of age including the the Louvre, Musée Rodin, the Conciergerie, and the Panthéon.
Other museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month including the Pompidou Centre,Musée d’Orsay, and the Musée national de l’Orangerie.
For a full list of free museum entry opportunities visit Paris’ Convention & Visitors Bureau website.
Refill Your Reusable Water Bottle With Sparkling Water
Over the years Paris has installed water fountains all over the city so locals and tourists alike have access to fresh, clean drinking water, and as a way to reduce plastic water bottle use throughout the city.
But did you know that the city’s in the process of installing sparkling water dispensers in every arrondissement? Several have been scattered around the city for a long time now, but with the growing popularity in sparkling water, promote drinking water, and in an effort to aid in the environmental benefits of tap water, the city is increasing availability.
So bring your reusable water bottle and enjoy drinking water (sparkling or still) for free throughout the duration of your visit. Maps of fountain locations can be found online.
My favorite “hidden gem”: Wander La Promenade Plantée
It’s not really hidden, but it’s not listed as a top tourist attraction and is often overshadowed by iconic monuments like the Eiffel Tower. Similar to New York’s High Line, this tree-lined walkway was established on an old elevated railway in the 12th arrondissement. The trail is 4.5km is a gorgeous way to spend time enjoying the sights and sounds of the city of lights.
Check the Local Events Calendar
Paris hosts numerous annual events so check the local events calendar for activities available during your visit. Everything from open-air movie screenings, seasonal festivals and fairs, concerts, performances, exhibitions, collector car shows, arts & craft shows, fireworks displays, and more!
Enjoy The City of Lights’ Lights
Did you see the movie Midnight in Paris? Paris is just as gorgeous after the sunsets so take in the sights when the city has calmed down and the lights are turned on.
