Paris is known for stunning architecture, rich history, and great cultural attractions, which make it a popular vacation spot for travelers every year. As one of the world’s top 10 most expensive cities, though, the perception is often one of high costs, from luxury boutiques to staying in hotels offering panoramic Eiffel Tower views in Paris. However, many travelers are unaware of the great selection of free activities available that allow you to experience the magic of Paris without breaking the bank.
Here are the top ten free things to do in Paris.
Explore the Abandoned Railway
If you’re looking to explore Paris from a unique angle (be it from below or above!) be sure to visit its abandoned railway, La Petite Ceinture. This unique abandoned track is spread across 30km of Paris and is home to a selection of wildlife and street art. Here, visitors can see some truly unique community-led projects such as Jardins du Ruisseau (a community garden), and La REcyclerie and Hasard Ludique (hybrid food and art hubs housed inside former railway stations).
Be sure to plan your visit in advance, as not all areas of the railway are open to the public.
View the Eiffel Tower From Parc du Champ de Mars
While many visitors pay to go inside the iconic Eiffel Tower, sometimes it’s best admired from below! Seeing the Eiffel Tower is a must-do on any visit, even a short trip to Paris! So be sure to head to Parc du Champ de Mars, where you can see the glimmering lights of the tower – it’s one of the top free things to do in Paris that most visitors consider a must on any trip!
The spacious park sits at the bottom of the tower, and is the perfect place for an Eiffel Tower proposal, a cozy picnic, or even to take a few pictures! It’s also one of the most Instagrammable places in Paris.
Take a Walking or Cycling Tour of Paris
If you’re hoping to see the city’s iconic landmarks and architectural wonders, you can do so on a walking or cycling tour. While walking is free, you may wish to rent a bicycle during your stay; it’s an especially efficient way to get around if you’re on a little bit of a time crunch.
To do this, you can easily hire bicycles and electric bicycles using the V-libre system terminals (or you can purchase passes using your phone if using a French phone number). This makes getting around the city less expensive than taking public transport and allows you to see all the great sights, such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc Du Triomphe, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Green Bikes are €1 for 30 minutes and the Blue Bikes are €3 for 45 minutes, but the app is completely free to use. If you’re staying in the country for longer, you may want to consider paying a monthly subscription fee to keep costs lower in the long-run!
Visit a National Museum on the First Sunday of the Month
If you’re traveling to Paris early in the month then you’re in luck! On the first Sunday of each month, all of the National Museums in Paris (except the Grand Palais) are open for free to the public! This is a great way of exploring the best of Paris completely for free.
This monthly offer includes free admission to a selection of museums, including iconic choices such as the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, as well as more unique choices such as the Musée Albert Kahn.
If you wish to visit any of these, keep in mind that different museums have different opening hours and are closed on different days. The Louvre is open from 9 am until 6 pm most days and until 9 pm on Fridays and Wednesdays. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. The Musée d’Orsay is open from 9:30 am until 6 pm most days, closing late on a Thursday at 9:45 pm. The Musée d’Orsay is closed on a Monday. Musee Albert Kahn is open daily from 11 am until 6 pm but is closed on Mondays.
Visit a Free Event or Festival
Paris hosts many free events and festivals throughout the year, many of which fall during peak tourist seasons, and provide a great way of experiencing true Parisian culture. These include the fun-filled Carnaval de Paris, Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art for French arts and crafts, a weekend-long music event at Tous à l’opéra, public music performances at Fête de la musique, contemporary art displays at the Nuit blanche event, as well as various other science, history and cultural events.
Many of the best free events are held during the summer, making this the best time to visit Paris if you’re interested in festivals and free events.
Discover a Sculpture Garden at an Artist’s Home
Antoine Bourdelle, assistant to the famous artist Auguste Rodin became a pioneering sculptor in his own right, creating dramatic and expressive works that perfectly harmonized classical and modern art. Providing a significant influence on early-20th-century sculpting, his former residence now stands as the gorgeous Musée Bourdelle.
The sculptor’s stunning bronze creations are displayed across the gardens, surrounding various workshop and exhibition spaces, one of which is a cute art-deco cafe you can visit for lunch during your visit! A perfect choice when choosing what to eat in Paris!
This museum is closed on Mondays and the last entry is at 5:40 pm, so be sure to plan your visit ahead of time to avoid disappointment, as many visitors claim that this is one of the best things to see in Paris for free.
Visit the Historical Shopping Arcades
If you’re looking for free things to do in Paris to explore the rich history of the city, shopping may be the last thing on your mind. That said, Paris’ old shopping arcades are a rich piece of the city’s history, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, housing quirky cafes, boutiques, and classical bookstores, making them some of the most romantic places in France.
Some of the most notable include Passage des Panoramas (the oldest arcade, known for great restaurants and old stamp shops), the Galerie Vivienne (known for its beautiful mosaic floor tiles), and Galerie Vero-Dodat (filled with great antique stores).
Each is unique and well worth a visit, providing a quiet retreat for a stroll amongst the bustle of the city.
Visit a Mini Nightclub!
As with any capital city, vibrant nightlife is something to enjoy during your stay in Paris. With many upscale venues though, this can soon become expensive, unless you know where to look. If you’re wondering what to do in Paris at night for free, then look no further than some of the city’s best mini nightclubs!
Supersonic and Panic Room are two small nightclubs, both located in Bastille, where guests can enjoy free entry. They host a great range of up-and-coming bands and performers, and drinks are also reasonably priced.
Visit a Variety of Art Galleries
If there’s one thing that Paris is known for, it’s the vibrant art scene. While many visitors opt to enter some of the most notable museums and art galleries, there’s a great selection of over 1000 free-to-enter and cheap contemporary art galleries. Some of the best include Almine Rech, Nathalie Obadia, and Xippas, as well as Polka if you’re into photography.
Many are considered to be hidden gems in Paris that often take visitors off-the-beaten-path, so be sure to research the best ones you should visit before your trip!
Visit a Library
The Oval Room at the Richelieu site of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BNF) dates back to 1932 and provides a stunning, silent retreat from the bustling city. With shelves stacked with over 20,000 books, towering high to the glass ceiling, it’s a true paradise for lovers of literature. Be sure to enjoy a stroll around the gardens in the surrounding historic neighborhood of the Jardins du Palais Royal while you’re here.