20 FREE THINGS TO DO IN PARIS, FRANCE

Paris is a city of beauty and love but it is a city of expensive hotels, expensive meals and expensive attractions. But here are some of the best free things to do in Paris! Don’t forget to check out these 5 best party hostels in Paris and pack the perfect Paris outfit for your trip.

Notre Dame Cathedral

One of the most visited attractions in Paris, Notre Dame is free to enter although it does cost if you wish to climb the towers.

Champ de Mars

A lift up the Eiffel Tower can be expensive whilst the queue can eat into your day. Champ De Mars is an expansive lawn expanding from the base of the Tower, that offers arguably the best photo point of the Eiffel Tower. For a cheap alternative of a romantic restaurant, why not pick up a bottle of wine, some bread and cheese and enjoy an evening watching the Eiffel Tower light up and twinkle above you.

Canal St-Martins

A trendy area near not the edge of the river, Canal St-Martin is a picture of Old Paris with its beautiful houses and boutique restaurants. Take a stroll around this area to relax and take in ‘chic Paris’.

Learn to cook

We love to cook but courses around the world (especially in Europe) can be so expensive! The Fédération Française de Cuisine offer hour-long cooking courses in various green markets and fairs around Paris. Lessons are in French but anyone can sign up and follow along.

Sacre Coeur

This is another popular attraction that is free to enter and admire the stained-glass windows and gorgeous interior, although climbing into the dome or exploring the crypt does cost extra but was closed for security reasons at the time of writing. You can also enjoy a beautiful view of the city from the top of the steps of Montemartre.

Free food

Paris have introduced more and more affordable eating options but why not head to a bar that offer free food whilst you drink. Le Bouillon Belge, Les Trois Freres, Le Penty, Tribal Cafe, Le Syndicat, La Cordonnerie, Le Grenier, Le Culture Rapide and Lockwood all offer free food on selected evenings throughout the week.

Paris’ Museum of Modern Art

Ok so you may not be able to find the Mona Lisa here but the Museum of Modern Art is free to visit and displays some interesting paintings and sculptures.

Be sure to check out the best discounted museums and attractions in Paris!

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Home to the final resting place of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, George Bizet and Chopin, the cemetery is worth exploring whilst in the city and is free to enter.

Jardin du Luxembourg

Covering 23 hectares and situated among the Luxembourg Palace, Jardin Du Luxembourg is a stunning garden, ideal for a morning stroll. There are many beautiful parks in Paris to explore, so spend some time and save money by including these in your Paris itinerary.

Musée Carnavalet 

Learn about Paris’ History at the Musee Carnvalat which is free to enter, although you can donate €5 to support the museum.

Sainte-Chapelle 

A stunning church with gorgeous towering stained glass windows; worth a visit and completely free.

La Madeline

A Roman Catholic Church, designed as a temple to glorify Napoleon’s army. The church is still used for services as well as weddings, funerals and even a restaurant.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Escape the city and visit one of the biggest free spaces in Paris. The views of the city are stunning and the park is home to waterfalls, caves and a suspended bridge.

Le Marais

Head to the Marais district to browse vintage shops, visit the Jewish Quarter or follow the trail of Louise XIV.

Jardin des Plantes

A botanic garden near Metro Jussieu, offers free enter to the park but charges extra for entrance to its zoo.

Parc Monceau

A smaller park full of statues of French gets such as musician Chopin and writer Guy De Maupassant.

Place Des Vosges

Located in the Marais District. the Place Des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris and consists of two stunning pavilions as well as a municipal museum that was the home of Victor Hugo; author of Les Miserables.

La Villette

A park and museum complex home to the Science Museum (Cites des Sciences), an IMAX theatre, Le TARMAC (music venue), exhibit hall, small theatre, outdoor movie theatre and even an equestrian enter. Explore the park and enjoy the attractions available.

Eglise St-Sulpice

An enormous 17th-century church made popular from its appearance in the Da Vinci Code movie. Admission is free, with its obelisk, asymmetrical towers and Visconti’s 19th-century fountain, all worth a visit.

Watch a free movie

During the summer months, head to La Peniche Cinema found in the Parc de La Villette for a free movie or concert held every Friday and Saturday.

Paris has an insane number of things to do with its world-beating museums, beautiful buildings, great food scene, and loads of fun, quirky experiences. If money and time permits, we’d recommend spending a few months here to take in everything this city has to offer instead of a quick, rushed trip.

COVID-19 has opened up the possibility of a digital nomad lifestyle for many of us. Take advantage of it. Don’t fret about finding a place to stay in Paris, there are plenty of affordable apartment rentals in the city.

Looking for the perfect 3 day itinerary?

Have you visited any of these places or know of anything else in Paris that is free?! Share your experiences, ideas and questions in the comments below.