25 Free Things To Do in Paris, France (2026)

Looking for free things to do in Paris? This guide covers 25 amazing museums, parks, views, and experiences that won’t cost you a cent.

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.

Paris may have a reputation for being expensive, but the city is packed with unforgettable experiences that won’t cost you a cent. From world-class museums and historic churches to scenic parks, neighbourhood walks, and seasonal events, there are plenty of ways to explore Paris on a budget.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or spending a longer time in the French capital, these 25 free things to do in Paris prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to experience the magic of the City of Light, enjoying the best things to do in Paris.

Free things to do in Paris

1. 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. This is one of the oldest and grandest cathedrals in the world, known for its incredible stained glass windows.

Although you currently can’t go inside the cathedral after the 2019 fire destroyed a lot of the famous building. However, you can still visit the neighbourhood and see the impressive architecture outside of the building. 

2. 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’.

3. 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 points of the Eiffel Tower.

Get plenty of photos to fill that travel album on this beautiful lawn or, for a cheap alternative to 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.

When looking at what NOT to do in Paris

4. 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.

5. 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 Montmartre.

6. Explore the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris

This modern art museum sits just steps from the Seine and offers free access to its permanent collection. Inside, you’ll find works by artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and Delaunay.

Even if modern art isn’t usually your thing, the scale of the galleries and the quality of the collection make this a worthwhile stop. Temporary exhibitions may charge an entry fee, but the core collection remains free.

7. Free food

When planning a trip to Paris, eating the local food is a must. Paris has introduced more and more affordable eating options but why not head to a bar that offers 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.

8. Musée Carnavalet 

The Musée Carnavalet is dedicated entirely to the history of Paris, making it one of the best free museums in the city along with one of the best free things to do in Paris. Located in the Marais, it tells the story of Paris from prehistoric times through the French Revolution and into modern life.

The museum is housed in two elegant mansions and features period rooms, artworks, and fascinating artefacts. Entry to the permanent collection is completely free, making it a must-visit for history lovers.

9. 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.

10. Sainte-Chapelle 

Sainte-Chapelle is one of Paris’s most breathtaking Gothic landmarks, famous for its stunning stained-glass windows that fill the chapel with colour and light. Built in the 13th century on Île de la Cité, it was originally commissioned by King Louis IX to house religious relics.

While entry to the interior requires a ticket, visitors can still admire the chapel’s ornate exterior and detailed stonework for free, making it a worthwhile stop when exploring the historic heart of Paris.

Even from outside, Sainte-Chapelle offers a sense of the craftsmanship and beauty that define medieval Paris.

11. La Madeline

La Madeleine is one of Paris’s most striking churches, instantly recognisable for its grand neoclassical design that resembles a Roman temple.

Located near the Opéra and Place de la Concorde, the church features an impressive façade with towering Corinthian columns and a richly decorated interior. Entry is free, allowing visitors to admire the ornate sculptures, frescoes, and high altar at their own pace.

La Madeleine is also an active place of worship and regularly hosts concerts, making it a culturally rich stop while exploring central Paris.

12. 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; a must for those looking for the romantic things to do in Paris.

13. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

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

This large park in northeast Paris offers dramatic scenery, including cliffs, bridges, and panoramic viewpoints.

It’s less touristy than other parks and rewards visitors with some of the best free views in the city.

14. Jardin des Plantes

Jardin des Plantes is one of Paris’s oldest and most beautiful green spaces, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.

Founded in the 17th century, the garden is home to tree-lined paths, themed botanical areas, and seasonal flower displays that change throughout the year. Large parts of the garden are free to explore, making it a popular spot for relaxing walks, picnics, and enjoying nature.

15. Eglise St-Sulpice

An enormous 17th-century church was 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.

16. Le Marais

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

Le Marais is one of Paris’s most historic neighbourhoods, filled with narrow streets, boutiques, and historic buildings.

Walking through the area is completely free and offers endless opportunities for sightseeing.

17. Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau is an elegant park surrounded by grand Parisian buildings. It features statues, small bridges, and wide open lawns.

The relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for a quiet stroll or picnic and one of the more romantic free things to do in Paris.

18. 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.

19. 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, a fun free things to do in Paris.

20. 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.

21. Petit Palais

Located near the Champs-Élysées, the Petit Palais is a beautiful Beaux-Arts building with a free permanent collection. The museum showcases paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from antiquity to the early 20th century.

One of the highlights is the peaceful interior garden, which feels like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. It’s an ideal place to slow down between sightseeing stops.

22. Maison de Victor Hugo

Set on the elegant Place des Vosges, the Maison de Victor Hugo was once home to the famous French writer. Today, it offers free access to permanent exhibitions about his life and work.

The rooms are decorated with original furniture, manuscripts, and artwork, giving visitors insight into Hugo’s creative world. It’s a quiet and cultural stop in one of Paris’s most beautiful squares.

23. Musée Curie

The Musée Curie is located in the former laboratory of Marie Curie and offers free entry to visitors. The museum focuses on her groundbreaking scientific work and her lasting impact on medicine and physics.

It’s a small but fascinating museum that provides a deeper understanding of one of the most important scientists in history, making it well worth a visit.

24. Maison de Balzac

The Maison de Balzac is a lesser-known free museum dedicated to the famous French novelist. Set in a quiet part of the city, it feels far removed from the usual tourist crowds.

Visitors can explore Balzac’s former home, learn about his writing process, and enjoy views over Paris from the garden terrace. Permanent exhibitions are free, with only temporary exhibits requiring payment.

25. Musée de la Préfecture de Police

This unique museum focuses on the history of policing in Paris. Exhibits cover major historical events, famous crimes, and the evolution of law enforcement in the city.

It’s an unusual but intriguing stop, especially for those interested in true crime, history, or lesser-known Paris attractions.

Things to Know Before You go to Paris

Free things to do in Paris FAQ

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 permit, we’d recommend spending a few months here to take in everything this city has to offer instead of a quick, rushed trip. Don’t fret about finding a place to stay in Paris, there are plenty of affordable apartment rentals in the city.

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. 

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