11 Free (or Cheap) Things to do in Paris

May 21, 2018 Liana Safian

Since we already thoroughly embarrassed ourselves by sharing our blunders in the City of Light, we’ve created something more useful this week—a list of free things to do in Paris. It’s one of the most visited places in the world. People flock from all corners of the earth to see its sights, eat its food, and soak up the Parisian culture. There’s so much to do and see that even with a week to explore, you’ll only begin to scratch the surface of what Paris has to offer.

Like any large city, dining in Paris can be pricey. Fortunately for budget travelers like us, there are a ton of free things to do in Paris so you can save your euros for more important things—like cheese. Our favorite experiences involved zero euros. The last two items on the list do have a cost, but they’re cheap compared to other popular activities (like going to the top of the Eiffel Tower). Plus, you’ll get a much longer in-depth experience. The museums on this list and many others in France offer free or reduced tickets for some people, including school age individuals (which can be up to 26 years old). Check-out museum websites or ask at the ticket booth to see if you qualify.

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Free (or Cheap) Things to do in Paris

1. Notre Dame

Free things to do in Paris abound. Here are our recommendations for the top 11 free (or cheap) things to do in the City of Lights. — The Gothic and ornate Notre Dame.

This is definitely one of the must do things in Paris. The cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture which influenced many other buildings and designs. It’s enormity and elaborate details are almost overwhelming in their dark grandeur.

2. Marais neighborhood and Louis XIII Square

We spent a day walking around the Marais neighborhood in search of one particularly lovely street—Rue des Rosiers. One the way, I happened to look down a side street and saw Louis XIII Square. These are the moments that make Paris so unique and special. At any time, you’re likely to happen upon a beautiful historic site. Louis XIII Square is a perfect spot for a picnic or just a rest from walking. Choose one of the four fountains to hang-out by and enjoy the garden setting.

3. Stroll along the Seine

Combine this with your visit to Notre Dame for a half day of architectural bliss. Walk along the river and take in all the historic buildings, statues, and bridges. You’ll also find small vendor stands selling books and vinyl.

4. Eiffel Tower

Likely the most iconic thing in all of Paris, this was of course on our must-see list. If you want to go up the Eiffel Tower, be prepared to shell out some dough, but you can walk around it and have a picnic in the park below the tower for free. This allows you to take in the views while enjoying your baguette, cheese, and wine. This was one of our favorite free things to do in Paris.

5. Père Lachaise Cemetery

This one might make us creepy, but we both enjoy exploring old historic cemeteries. There’s beautiful artwork to be found on the tombs and this particular cemetery is in a wooded garden-like setting. Bonus that it was the least crowded place we found in all of Paris. One note here though. If you’re visiting a cemetery, please for the love of ghosts, be respectful. Often historic cemeteries are still functioning cemeteries. Regardless, someone’s loved ones and ancestors are buried there. Besides, would you really want to be haunted by the ghost of Jim Morrison?

6. Jardin des Tuileries

These gardens near the Louvre are their own outdoor art museum. They’re filled with statues, fountains, formal hedges, and vibrant blooms.

7. Montmartre neighborhood

This was hands-down our favorite neighborhood in Paris. It’s about as picturesque as it gets—cobblestone streets lined with shops and cafés. The sound of street performers around every corner and the sweet vanilla scent of freshly made crepes hanging heavy in the air. The village is set high up on a hill so you’ll often get a peek through the narrow streets at the sprawling city below. It feels almost like stepping back in time—well if there were throngs of tourists back in time that is.

8. Moulin Rouge

On your way to Monmartre stop and see the most famous cabaret in the world—Moulin Rouge. If you want to splurge, get tickets for a show. Without dinner they start at 87€ so this definitely doesn’t make the cheap list. If you’re on a budget, like us, you can still see the iconic red windmill for free.

9. Square Louise Michel and Sacre Coeur

This is another place we wandered upon by accident after getting a bit lost on our way from Moulin Rouge to Montmartre. After walking past about 100 sex shops on Boulevard de Clichy we finally turned down a side street and saw the massive domes of Sacre Coeur. Set atop a hill, this basilica has some of the best city views available in Paris.

10. Musée National Picasso

Our first “cheap” recommendation is the Picasso Museum. Tickets are 12.50€ (unless you qualify for free tickets or it’s the first Sunday of the month—then entry is free). The museum building itself is a work of art. It’s a historic hotel (from what I understand, hotels in France are old mansions instead of lodging rentals). The museum presents not only Picasso’s artwork but various drafts, notes, photographs and other items that tell the story of his creative process.

11. Dalí Paris

Spatially this museum is small but it’s packed with a wide array of Salvador Dali’s art in various mediums. There’s a plethora of information provided so you get you a full perspective of the work and its meaning. Full price tickets run 12€, but there are free and reduced rate offerings for those who qualify.

Hopefully you found a few free things to do in Paris. Our advice for planning your time here is to pick 2-3 things that you absolutely must do and spend as much time doing them as you want. Really give yourself time to soak in the experiences that are important to you. If you want to go back for a second day at the same place, do it! After that, spend at least one day just walking. Pack a lunch so you can picnic in one of the many parks and see where your feet take you. Next time we plan to visit Paris a bit differently. Namely, we’re going to spend more time just “getting lost”.

Have you ever been to Paris? Or it is on your bucket list? What tops your must do and see in Paris list?