What to do in Paris for free: 10 ways to explore the city on a budget
Visiting Paris doesn’t have to be expensive. The French capital is full of iconic landmarks, beautiful gardens, historic neighbourhoods and cultural experiences that you can enjoy for free.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying for a few days, there are plenty of ways to discover Paris without stretching your budget. Here are 10 ideas to make the most of your stay.
1. Admire the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro
You don’t need a ticket to enjoy one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower. From the Trocadéro Gardens, you can admire the monument across the Seine and take some memorable photos.
It’s particularly beautiful early in the morning or in the evening when the tower lights up.
2. Walk Along the Seine
The banks of the Seine are perfect for a leisurely stroll through the heart of Paris. Along the way, you’ll discover historic bridges, riverside bookstalls and views of some of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Walk along either bank to admire Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay from the outside.
3. Explore Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur
Montmartre is one of Paris’s most charming neighbourhoods, with cobbled streets, picturesque stairways and historic buildings.
Entry to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is free, and its steps offer a wonderful panoramic view over the rooftops of Paris.
4. Enjoy Paris’s Gardens and Parks
Paris has plenty of beautiful green spaces that are free to explore. The Luxembourg Gardens, Tuileries Garden, Parc Monceau and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont are all worth visiting.
Each has its own atmosphere, from formal French gardens and fountains to sculptures and peaceful walking paths.
5. Visit Paris’s Historic Churches
Several of Paris’s most beautiful churches are free to enter. Discover Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Eustache or the impressive Église de la Madeleine.
These historic buildings offer a chance to admire remarkable architecture, artworks and religious heritage. Remember to respect services and quiet areas during your visit.
6. Discover Paris’s Covered Passages
Looking for somewhere to explore on a rainy day? Paris’s historic covered passages are a great choice.
Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas and Passage Jouffroy are among the most beautiful. Their glass roofs, mosaics and traditional shopfronts offer a glimpse into 19th-century Paris.
Entry is free, although shopping and dining are, of course, chargeable.
7. Enjoy Some of the Best Views of Paris
Some of the capital’s finest viewpoints don’t require a ticket.
Alongside Trocadéro and the Sacré-Cœur steps, the rooftop terrace at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is free to access and offers lovely views over the Paris rooftops and Opéra Garnier.
It’s a great way to admire the city without spending a euro.
8. Explore Paris’s Historic Cemeteries
It may not be the first activity that comes to mind, but Paris’s historic cemeteries are fascinating places to visit.
Père-Lachaise is the most famous, with tree-lined paths, remarkable sculptures and the graves of many well-known figures. Montparnasse and Montmartre cemeteries are also worth exploring.
Entry is free, and a visit offers a different perspective on the city’s history.
9. Visit Museums with Free Permanent Collections
Some Paris museums offer free access to their permanent collections, including the Musée Carnavalet, dedicated to the history of Paris, the Petit Palais and the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris.
It’s an excellent way to discover the city’s art, culture and history without paying an admission fee. Temporary exhibitions may still require a ticket.
10. Explore Paris’s Neighbourhoods on Foot
Sometimes, the best way to discover Paris is simply to walk.
Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Latin Quarter and the Canal Saint-Martin area each have their own character. Take your time exploring their streets, squares and architecture. Some of the most memorable discoveries are the ones you don’t plan.
Discover Paris at Your Own Pace with B’Your Home
Enjoying Paris on a budget also means choosing well-located accommodation, making it easier to explore the city and spend less time travelling.
With B’Your Home, discover our furnished apartments in the heart of Paris and enjoy the freedom to experience the capital at your own pace, whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family or for business.
Explore our apartments at www.b-your-home.com