10 Free Things to Do in Paris
Paris, though one of the most beloved cities in the world, is also one of the most expensive. However, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city without spending a fortune. If you’re looking to explore Paris on a budget, here are ten things you can do for free:
1. Visit the Louvre If you love museums, plan your visit around the first Sunday of the month when the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou offer free entry. The Louvre is also free to enter every first Saturday of the month from 6:00 PM, and on July 14th, entrance is free for everyone.
2. Explore Other Free Museums While the Louvre may only offer limited free entry, Paris boasts around 15 museums with permanent free admission. These include the Musée Carnavalet (Paris History Museum), Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, Maison de Balzac, and Maison de Victor Hugo.
Rent Car in France
3. Stroll Through Père Lachaise Cemetery It might sound a bit morbid, but Père Lachaise Cemetery is the final resting place of many famous figures, including Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf. There is no charge to visit this historic cemetery.
4. Enjoy Outdoor Festivals During the warmer months, Paris streets and parks host numerous free festivals. Some highlights include the Jazz Festival at the Parc Floral (June-July), La Fête de la Musique (June 21st), and the Summer Arts Festival (mid-July to August). The Bastille Day celebrations on July 14th are also a must-see, featuring parades, parties, and fireworks.
5. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral One of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, Notre-Dame Cathedral, is free to enter. You’ll only need to pay if you want to climb the tower, which costs around 25 euros. Most other churches in Paris, like Sainte-Chapelle with its stunning stained glass windows, are also free to visit.
Transfer From Airport
6. Dance on the Riverbanks In the summer months, join locals dancing to Latin rhythms on the banks of the Seine opposite the Institut du Monde Arabe. Dancing starts at 9 PM and goes until midnight. You can join in or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.
7. Listen to Organ Music at St. Eustache Church St. Eustache Church houses one of the largest organs in the world, with 8,000 pipes and a powerful sound. Free organ concerts are held every Sunday at 5:30 PM.
8. Take Photos from Sacré-Cœur Steps While the Eiffel Tower and Montparnasse skyscraper observation decks require a fee, you can enjoy panoramic views of Paris from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica on Montmartre. It’s a popular spot for photographers and offers a breathtaking view of the city.
9. Go on a Walking Tour Free walking tours are available daily, lasting about three hours. Meet at the fountain near Saint-Michel in the morning or afternoon to join a tour and explore the city with a knowledgeable guide.
10. Sunbathe by the Seine Each summer, several kilometers of the Seine’s banks are transformed into sandy beaches. Streets are closed to traffic, and the area becomes a large urban beach with loungers, palm trees, and tropical bars. These Paris Plages are open from mid-July to mid-August.
For more interesting articles about Paris, check out our other posts here.
