Paris is definitely one of our favorite cities in Europe. With sights like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower, it is easy to see why. However, Paris can also be expensive. To help ease the pain in your pocket, we have highlighted 30 free things to do in Paris.

1. Museums

Paris is known for its art and history, and rightly so. With incredible places like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, you must take advantage of seeing these while you are there. The Muséé Carnavalet also offers insightful exhibitions on the French Revolution and its influence on the development of Paris.

2. Free Museums on Sundays

Many museums open their doors for free on the first Sunday of each month. This means you can visit Paris’ most famous museums for FREE if you plan for the right time of the month:

• The Louvre
• Musee D’Orsay
• Centre Pompidou
• Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
• Musée Rodin
• Musée Picasso

Please be aware that many museums are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays.

Quick Tip: Did you know that if you are under 25 years of age and an EU Citizen, you can enter all the museums for free?

3. City Museums are Free

One of the many things learned from our frequent visits to Paris is that there is fantastic art in the City Museums to visit. Fortunately, entry to these museums is free all year round.

Simply look for the coat of arms above the door, which indicates it is a city museum, and you won’t have to pay anything. They make it accessible to everyone no matter what your budget is.

Other permanent collections that you can visit for free include:

• The Muséé d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
• Muséé de la Vie Romantique
• Muséé Carnavalet
• Victor Hugo’s House (Maison de Victor Hugo) in Haute Ville

4. Paris Cemeteries – Père Lachaise Cemetery

Explore the famous graves in Cimetiere du Père Lachaise and other Paris Cemeteries for free. These cemeteries are works of art, and they all have free admission. The Cimetiere du Père Lachaise is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world and is the resting place of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf.

Père Lachaise Cemetery spans an area of 110 acres (44 hectares) and is not to be missed. While some might think it macabre to visit a cemetery, the headstones are a work of art and a tribute to those who have passed.

5. Visit the Residents of Cimetiere de Montmartre

The Cimetiere de Montmartre dates back to 1798 and is the famous resting place of Alexandre Dumas and Edgar Degas.

Montmartre is an artsy neighborhood to walk around. Exploring these cemeteries is both free and fascinating.

6. The Montparnasse Cemetery

The Montparnasse Cemetery houses the graves of renowned writers and thinkers such as Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Charles Baudelaire, and Julio Cortázar.

7. Walk the grounds of the Notre Dame Cathedral

Update: Notre Dame de Paris is currently inaccessible due to a massive fire. Good news! Notre Dame Cathedral is scheduled to reopen to the public on December 8, 2024.

Places where you can still experience the Gothic architecture and charm of Notre Dame include:

1. Tour Saint-Jaques – Climb its 300 steps for a view of Paris, complete with gargoyles!
2. Sainte Chapelle – Famous for its towering stained glass windows that are even more impressive than Notre Dame.
3. Saint Eustache – A lesser-known but stunning church with a beautiful Gothic facade and Renaissance interior.

8. Parc Champs de Mars

The parks in Paris, like everything else, are enormous. The Parc Champ de Mars is at the base of the Eiffel Tower. Stroll through this public green space, or grab a baguette and some cheese and have a picnic. However, remember there is no public drinking in the park.

9. View the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Square

Trocadero Square is one of the most popular places to photograph and get the best view of the Eiffel Tower. Crossing the river Seine provides the best perspectives, especially from the platform.

10. Galeries LaFayette Observation Deck

This is a well-kept secret in Paris. Most people visit to shop, but the top of Galeries Lafayette offers free 360-degree views of the city and landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Coeur.

The building itself is also a work of art, allowing for both a beautiful stroll and a great view of Paris for free.

11. Go Dancing

On Sundays on the Left Bank of the Seine, free dancing to old French music occurs. This is a delightful way to enjoy some great music and community spirit.

12. Take Free Walking Tours

Many major cities in Europe offer free walking tours. These tours are a perfect way to familiarize yourself with Paris, especially if it’s your first visit. The friendly guides are knowledgeable and can answer most questions about the city. Tipping is optional.

13. View the Jardins du Luxembourg

This beautiful garden in the Montparnasse area is excellent for a picnic. Filled with sculptures and greenery, it is a work of art, and entrance is free.

14. Go on a Pub Crawl

Experience the nightlife in Paris with a free pub crawl in Montmartre. Visit the local bars and enjoy meeting fellow travelers while exploring the city.

15. Walk along the Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées stretches from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. Enjoy window shopping and let yourself feel like a millionaire for a day.

16. Louvre from Outside

Seeing the majestic architecture of the Louvre from the outside can be just as thrilling as visiting inside. The beautiful gardens and the iconic glass pyramid can be admired for free.

17. Arc de Triomphe

The city of Paris is a masterpiece, and simply walking around admiring it is an attraction itself. The Arc de Triomphe honors soldiers who fought for France.

18. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Explore Paris without spending a penny on admission fees. You can get a glimpse of several attractions from the outside for free.

19. Free Music in Paris

Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse showcases free live music events. Additionally, Radio France hosts over 180 free concerts each year.

20. Walk along the River Seine

Take a leisurely stroll along the River Seine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The iconic bridges and beautiful views make for an inspiring experience.

21. See Basilique du Sacré Coeur

Located in Montmartre, Sacré Coeur offers free access to the first floor, with a nominal fee for the dome. However, the views from the steps are equally stunning.

22. View of Paris from Montmartre

Catch spectacular sunset views of the city, including the Eiffel Tower when the light show begins at dusk. It’s a memorable experience entirely free of charge!

23. Wander the streets of Montmartre

Montmartre is a vibrant district filled with artists and street performers, making it a perfect place to spend a day exploring.

24. Watch Street Artists and Browse for Art

Street artists fill Paris, allowing you to enjoy and purchase unique scenes and portraits. Relax on the steps of Sacré Coeur while enjoying the atmosphere.

25. Stroll the Jardin des Tuileries

Stretching between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, the Jardins de Tuileries are beautifully landscaped and filled with unique sculptures. Grab a snack and enjoy the scenery.

26. Walk along the Canal St. Martin

Experience the true Paris by walking along Canal St. Martin, filled with quirky bars and artistic displays. This area is trendy among locals and full of charm.

27. Parc des Buttes Chaumont

This park in the 19th Arrondissement offers caves, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge, making it a perfect spot to explore for an entire afternoon.

28. Walk in the Steps of Midnight in Paris

Follow Owen Wilson’s footsteps from Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris as he explores the city. Enjoy wandering the streets just as he did!

29. Free Open Air Cinema at Parc de la Villette

During summer, enjoy open-air cinema screenings in Parc de la Villette, along with various other free events like arts and crafts workshops.

30. Free Wifi

Many cafes, including McDonald’s and Starbucks, offer free Wifi throughout Paris, making it easy to stay connected while enjoying the city’s vibe.

Key Information on Free Museums and Safety

Which Museums are Free in Paris? All City Museums are free for everyone. If you are 25 and under as an EU member, all National museums, including the Louvre, are free.

Are Museums Free on Sundays in Paris? On the first Sunday of every month, museums like The Louvre, Musée Rodin, Musée Picasso, and Musée d’Orsay are free.

Is Paris Safe at Night? Generally, Paris is a safe city. Exploring most areas, especially popular neighborhoods like Le Marais and the Latin Quarter, is typically safe.

What is the cheapest area to stay in Paris? Cost-effective areas include the Latin Quarter and Montmartre; areas around the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées are generally pricier.

Conclusion

Do you have suggestions for more free things to do in Paris? Share your advice in the comments below!