Paris has a reputation for luxury, romance, and haute cuisine — but you don’t need to spend a fortune to fall in love with the city. From riverside strolls to world-class art, the French capital offers countless free things to do, whether you’re visiting for the first time or the fifth. Here’s how to enjoy Paris on a budget, without missing the magic.
1. Admire the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro
Skip the elevator fees and admire the tower from the best free viewpoint in town: Trocadéro Square, especially stunning at sunrise or after dark.
2. Wander Through Montmartre
Explore this iconic hilltop neighborhood where artists once roamed. Visit Place du Tertre, stroll the cobblestones, and climb to Sacré-Cœur.
3. Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Entry to this stunning basilica is completely free. Head inside for intricate mosaics and head to the dome (optional paid) for panoramic views.
4. Picnic Along the Seine
Grab a baguette and cheese, and sit along the Seine’s lower quais — especially near Île Saint-Louis or Notre-Dame. A Parisian pastime that costs next to nothing.
5. Browse at Shakespeare and Company
This famous English-language bookshop near Notre-Dame is cozy, historic, and free to enter. The upstairs reading room is open to visitors.
6. Stroll Through Jardin du Luxembourg
One of Paris’s most elegant parks, with fountains, statues, and chairs where you can sit and watch the world go by.
7. Visit Free Museums on the First Sunday
Many of Paris’s top museums — including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay — are free on the first Sunday of each month. Arrive early to avoid queues.
8. Enjoy Free Exhibits at Hôtel de Ville
Paris’s city hall regularly hosts free cultural exhibitions inside its grand interior. Check the program on their official site.
9. Walk the Promenade Plantée (Coulée Verte)
A former elevated railway turned into a leafy path above the city — less crowded than the High Line in NYC and totally free.
10. Discover Paris’s Covered Passages
Stroll through 19th-century shopping arcades like Passage des Panoramas and Galerie Vivienne. They’re beautiful, historic, and open to all.
11. Relax in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
A less touristy, hillier park with dramatic views, waterfalls and even a suspension bridge — ideal for a local-style break.
12. Visit Père Lachaise Cemetery
Final resting place of Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison. The cemetery is vast, peaceful, and packed with history.
13. Catch Free Street Performances
In areas like the Latin Quarter, Place Georges Pompidou and along the Seine, you’ll regularly find musicians, dancers and even opera singers.
14. Watch the Eiffel Tower Sparkle at Night
Every evening on the hour from sunset to 11PM, the Eiffel Tower lights up with a 5-minute sparkle show — a magical, free spectacle.
15. Step Into Saint-Sulpice Church
Lesser known than Notre-Dame, this grand church features Delacroix paintings and beautiful organ music — no ticket required.
Budget Tips for Paris
Where to Stay
Look for affordable stays in areas like Belleville, Montmartre or near Gare du Nord. Hostel and budget hotel options include The People Paris, Generator Paris, or Hôtel de la Terrasse.
Transport Tips
Get a Navigo Easy pass or a carnet (10-ticket bundle) for metro and bus rides. Many central sights are walkable.
Affordable Eats
Grab crepes, falafel in Le Marais, or lunch formule menus at cafés. Supermarkets like Franprix offer cheap baguettes, salads, and drinks.
Connectivity & Water
Free WiFi in many public parks and libraries. Paris has over 1,200 public water fountains — use the “Eau de Paris” app to locate them.
Final Thoughts
Paris is timeless — and wonderfully accessible. From hilltop sunsets to historic streets, many of the city’s most beautiful moments don’t require a wallet.
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