10 Free Things to Do in Paris

Paris can be an insanely expensive city to visit if you don’t plan it right. However, if budget is your goal, it’s definitely still possible! There are many free things to do in Paris, the City of Lights.

Quick facts about Paris

Currency: Euro    

Population: 2,211,297

Major airports: Charles De Gaulle (CDG), and Paris Orly (ORY), There is also Beauvais but it is about a 2 hour bus ride from Paris

Tipping: Service included in meal and drink price. Ask for une carafe d’eau if you want tap water

If you’ve never been to Paris before, read this beginner’s guide first!

Where to stay in Paris

If you want to be near the tourist spots, you should stay close to the Seine. However, places can be a bit pricey there! If you want to save a bit of money but still be well connected to the tourist spots, I would recommend the 14th, 12th, or 10th arrondissments.

If you’re looking for a hostel to stay at, I recommend the following!

Caulaincourt – Located in Montmartre, this hostel is close to some great sights and in the heart of the artsy district. During the day, Montmartre is filled with locals enjoying a coffee in the sunshine. At night, the neighborhood comes alive with bars and clubs suited for everyone.

Les Piaules – This hostel is in a more local area, but walking distance to one of the best neighborhoods in Paris: Republique! Here you will find bars, restaurants, and speakeasies, and you can even walk down to Le Marais if you wish! If you want some greenery, you’re also close to Parc des Buttes Chaumont, one of the best parks in Paris.

MIJE Hostel – A bit pricey but the location cannot be beat! This hostel is located right in the center of Le Marais, the vibrant shopping neighborhood. You could wander the Marais for hours and you’re well connected both by metro and by foot to all the sights of Paris.

The best free things to do in Paris

1. View the artwork in Montmartre

First, start in the neighborhood of Montmartre. On the weekends and sometimes during the week, artists flock to Place de Tetre to showcase their skills. You can barter for a painting, or simply admire the work. Beware though of people trying to give you bracelets, or those trying to draw a portrait of you as you walk by.

2. Visit Basilique du Sacre Cœur

While you’re in Montmartre, walk a few streets over to checkout the huge basilica. This church is free to enter, and offers a great view of Paris. It’s one of the top sights in see, and just so happens to be free! If you want, there is a staircase you can climb for an even better view, although it does cost a few euros.

3. See La mur de je t’aime

Also in Montmartre, this hidden wall has ‘I love you’ written over and over in hundreds of different languages. It’s located close to the metro ‘Abbesses’ in a nearby park. It’s not so far from the Basilica and Place de Tetre, so be sure and stop there either on the way or coming back!

Tip: The metro station of ‘Abbesses’ also has a huge staircase with murals painted the whole way. If you’re walking up, it can be quite a climb, but it’s lovely to see on the way back down.

4. Explore Cimitière Père Lachaise

This enormous cemetery is free to enter and houses the remains of many famous persons, such as Oscar Wilde, Molière, Chopin, and more. Be sure to download a map because you could spend ages wandering here!

5. Enjoy the view at Galeries Lafayette

On the top floor of this department store, you can get a great view for completely free. There’s a restaurant if you want a snack, and try to come during the day and at night for different views. The store is called ‘Galeries Lafayette’ and is beautiful to see by itself. Take the escalators as far as they will go and then climb a staircase in order to reach the very last level.

6. Walk through the gardens at Tuilerie or Luxembourg

Both amazing parks where all the Parisians spend their sunny days. Jardin du Luxembourg is located on the left bank, south of the Latin Quarter, and Jardin des Tuileries is between the Louvre and Concorde. For Tuileries, I recommend starting at Place de Concorde and walking through until you reach the Louvre pyramid. While there, you can also see the Palais Royal.

7. Window shop on the Champs-Élysées

Champs-Élysées may be one of the most expensive streets in Paris, but that doesn’t mean you can’t browse the options! This street is just fun to see and window shop, or if you’re like me, to stare for hours at the cars circling the Arc de Triomphe, praying that they don’t wreck.

8. Visit the Grand Mosquée

This mosque is open to the public and has a beautiful garden where you can sit outside and enjoy a mint tea. Perfect for a sunny day and a great chance to get some greenery.

9. Visit museums on a Sunday

There are many museums in Paris that are completely free on the first Sunday on the month, and other great ones that are free everyday, all year round. Check this website for updated information. Yes, you can even visit the Louvre for free!

10. Discover the Passages Couverts

These little covered passages are all over Paris and contain shops, cafes, and restaurants. They are free to enter and fun just to walk around in to see the sites. Some of the biggest ones are Passage Brady, Galerie Vivienne, and Passage du Grand Cerf.

Paris doesn’t always have to be expensive! What free things do you like to see in Paris?