15 Cheap or Free Things to Do in Paris

Paris, the City of Light, the City of Love, and the City of…expensive everything. Yes, Paris is known for its glamour, its haute couture, and its Michelin-starred restaurants, but what about those of us who can’t afford to drop a small fortune on a single meal? Don’t worry; Paris has lots of free and cheap things to do. Even on a budget, Paris has something for everyone, from strolling along the Seine to picnicking in a park to exploring hidden courtyards. So let’s take a look at the best free or cheap things to do in the City of Light. These Paris activities will allow you to experience the city’s charm without spending a fortune:

Walk Along the Seine River

A leisurely stroll along the Seine River is one of the best free things to do in Paris that does not cost any money. The Seine runs through the centre of Paris, and a stroll along the riverbanks is one of the best ways to take in the splendour of the city. You will be able to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame Cathedral, as you make your way through the city. The Seine is also a popular spot for picnics and people-watching.

A stroll along the Seine is a great way to see Paris’s most famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. It’s easy to cross the river and explore neighbourhoods on either side with many bridges. In the evening, when the city is bathed in golden light, walking along the Seine is magical. As you walk along the river’s edge, you’ll see the city’s monuments and landmarks illuminated against the night sky and feel the city’s energy and excitement in a new way.

Visit the Museums on the First Sunday of the Month

Many Paris museums let people in for free on the first Sunday of every month. This is a great way to see some of the most famous museums in the city for free, like the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou. Just be prepared for long lines, since many people take advantage of this free admission.

Explore the Marais District

Paris’ Marais district is charming and historic. The Marais is a must-see for anyone interested in the city’s rich cultural heritage, with its winding cobblestone streets, elegant 17th-century architecture, and vibrant arts and culture scene. The Place des Vosges, a stunning square surrounded by elegant arcades and historic buildings, is a Marais highlight. You can relax and enjoy the scenery at one of the many sidewalk cafes and restaurants.

The Musée Carnavalet, a Paris history museum, is another Marais must-see. Here, you can learn about the people and events that made Paris the vibrant and diverse city it is today. The Marais attract more than history and culture buffs. The neighbourhood has many galleries, boutiques, and ateliers showcasing international artists and designers. The Marais is a must-see destination for everyone!

Enjoy a Picnic in a Park

Paris has many beautiful parks where you can have a picnic. The Jardin du Luxembourg, which is in the middle of the city, is one of the best parks to visit. This park has beautiful gardens, fountains, and statues, and it’s a great place to relax and have a meal. You can also go to the Bois de Vincennes and the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour

You can walk around Paris, which is a beautiful city, and there are many free self-guided walking tours you can take. The Paris Walks tour is one of the best. It takes you through some of the most famous parts of the city, such as the Latin Quarter and Montmartre. Since the tour is self-guided, you can go at your own speed and stop as often as you want.

Visit the Eiffel Tower at Night

The Eiffel Tower is one of the world’s most famous landmarks, and it’s even more beautiful at night. After sunset, the tower illuminates the Paris skyline with thousands of sparkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere that will take your breath away. Visiting the Eiffel Tower during the day can be pricey, but it’s free to do so at night.

The Eiffel Tower’s observation deck is open late at night for nighttime city views. As you look out over Paris, you’ll see its twinkling lights in every direction and feel the city’s magic in a new way. The Eiffel Tower isn’t just a beautiful sight at night—street performers, musicians, and artists entertain crowds all night. At night, the tower is a great place to experience the city’s nightlife, from street musicians to talented performers.

Watch a Street Performance

Watching street performers in Paris’ parks and squares is a charming and quintessentially Parisian experience. Watching Paris’ talented street performers—from musicians and dancers to magicians and acrobats—is a fun and free way to experience the city’s vibrant culture. The bustling Place du Tertre in Montmartre, home to portrait painters, caricaturists, musicians, and street performers, is a great place to watch Parisian street performers. The Jardin du Luxembourg and Place des Vosges are also popular with street performers.

Watching Parisian street performers is a great way to experience the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene and meet locals and other tourists. So next time you’re in Paris, take a stroll through the city’s public squares and parks to find talented street performers.

Visit the Sainte Chapelle

Sainte Chapelle, a hidden gem in Paris, is often overlooked by tourists. Tucked away on the Île de la Cité, this chapel is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with soaring stained glass windows that seem to reach towards the heavens.  The stained glass windows in the chapel are very beautiful and date back to the 13th century. The chapel is not free to visit, but it only costs €10 per person, which is well worth it. The beauty of the stained glass windows is truly stunning and will leave you speechless.

Explore the Père Lachaise Cemetery

Paris’ Père Lachaise Cemetery is a peaceful retreat. Many famous people are buried there, including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Edith Piaf. But beyond the famous names is a peaceful oasis where visitors can wander among tombstones, mausoleums, and sculptures and contemplate life and death. As part of the free things to do in Paris, you can spend hours wandering through the tombs and mausoleums in the cemetery, which is a quiet and peaceful place to visit. The cemetery is also full of sculptures and monuments that are very nice to look at. You’ll see elaborate tombs, statues, and monuments as you walk through the cemetery. Each section of the cemetery has its own history and character.

Visit the Canal Saint-Martin

Canal Saint-Martin is one of Paris’ most picturesque spots. This beautiful waterway winds through Paris’s most charming neighbourhoods for over 4 kilometres. Canal Saint-Martin has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax, a scenic route for a stroll or bike ride, or a lively place to grab a drink with friends. Grab a bottle of wine and some snacks and head to one of the canal’s many parks for a more relaxed Canal Saint-Martin experience. Music and laughter fill the canal banks after sunset, creating a uniquely Parisian atmosphere.

No matter how you see Canal Saint-Martin, it will be a highlight of your Paris vacation. This neighbourhood is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience Parisian culture.

Explore the Montmartre District

Montmartre, located in the northern part of Paris, is renowned as one of the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Boasting a rich cultural heritage that spans centuries, Montmartre stands out among the rest. It gained fame in the 19th century thanks to the artists who resided there, and even today, it continues to be home to street performers and musicians. The crown jewel of Montmartre is the magnificent Sacré-Cœur Basilica, situated atop the hill, offering breathtaking views. From the steps of the basilica, visitors can marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées.

The district’s most picturesque streets and squares include the Place du Tertre, where artists have sold their work for over a century. Montmartre’s narrow, winding streets are lined with colourful buildings, charming cafes, and hidden courtyards, making it ideal for walking. The Montmartre Market, one of the city’s most popular attractions, brings Montmartre to life on weekends. This bustling outdoor market is popular with locals and tourists for its fresh produce, handmade crafts, and vintage treasures.

Visit the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature

One of Paris’s most intriguing museums is the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, or Museum of Hunting and Nature. This museum is in the Marais neighbourhood and is all about the history of hunting and how people have interacted with nature. The museum’s collections include hunting tools, weapons, paintings, sculptures, and taxidermy. The museum’s exhibits examine hunting’s cultural and social history and how humans have shaped nature.

However, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature is more than a museum. It also hosts lectures, workshops, and guided tours year-round. Paris’ Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature is a must-see for nature lovers, history buffs, and those curious about humans’ relationship with nature. While the museum may not be for everyone, it’s definitely a unique experience and only costs €8 per person.

Explore the Latin Quarter

One of Paris’s most vibrant and historic neighbourhoods is the Latin Quarter. This neighbourhood on the Seine’s left bank has some of the city’s most famous landmarks and a vibrant arts and culture scene. One of the most iconic sights in the Latin Quarter is the Pantheon, a neoclassical church in the Latin Quarter, is a mausoleum for Voltaire, Rousseau, and Victor Hugo. From the Pantheon’s steps, you can see the Latin Quarter’s charming streets and cafes, which locals and tourists love. 

Wandering the Latin Quarter’s charming streets and alleys is a great way to experience it. You’ll find hidden courtyards, beautiful squares, charming cafes, and a variety of street performers, musicians, and artists in the Latin Quarter. The Latin Quarter is a must-see amongst the free things to do in Paris, whether you’re interested in history, art, or just enjoying the neighbourhood’s vibrant energy.

Visit the Petit Palais

Paris’ Petit Palais is a beautiful and underrated museum. This stunning building on the Champs-Élysées houses ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, 19th-century paintings, and decorative arts. The museum’s permanent collections include mediaeval art, Renaissance painting, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco decorative arts. Mosaics, frescoes, and stained glass windows decorate the museum’s architecture.

The Petit Palais is known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. This collection includes works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Van Gogh, as well as lesser-known Impressionists. It’s easy to navigate and explore the museum because it’s small. The Petit Palais is a must-see for art lovers and Parisians alike. While admission to the museum isn’t free, it’s only €11 per person and well worth the cost.

Take a Day Trip to Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is one of France’s most famous landmarks. The French monarchy’s 17th- and 18th-century opulence is on display at this former royal palace outside Paris. The French monarchy’s power and wealth are shown in the palace’s stunning architecture and lavish decorations. Visitors can tour the palace’s beautiful rooms, including the Hall of Mirrors, which has 17 large mirrors opposite 17 windows overlooking the palace’s gardens.

The Palace of Versailles is more than a royal palace. There are hundreds of acres of well-kept lawns, fountains, and ornamental flower beds all around the palace. Visitors to Versailles can spend hours admiring the palace’s stunning architecture and learning about its history and culture. The Palace of Versailles is a must-see for history, architecture, and beauty lovers.

While visiting the Palace of Versailles can be expensive, simply visiting the gardens is completely free. The gardens are expansive and filled with beautiful fountains, sculptures, and flower beds. You can easily spend a day exploring the gardens and taking in the beauty of the palace.

Culture, history, and romance abound in Paris. It’s expensive, but there are plenty of cheap and free things to do to in Paris. The city offers everything, from strolling along the Seine to exploring the Marais. So, pack your bags, book your flight, and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Paris!

Looking for other European alternative spots to visit, check out on blog on small towns in Europe that look like they belong in a fairytale.