Budget Guide: 38 Free Things to Do in Paris

Discover 38 free things to do in Paris with our budget travel guide. From parks and landmarks to street art and cultural events, explore the city’s charm without breaking the bank.

1. Jardin des Tuileries: Located between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde, this historic garden features fountains, sculptures, and plenty of green space to relax in.
2. Jardin du Luxembourg: One of the most popular parks in Paris, this garden features a palace, a pond with boats, and plenty of benches and chairs to sit and enjoy the scenery.
3. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: This park offers panoramic views of the city and includes a lake, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge.
4. Parc Monceau: A favorite among locals, this park features a classical-style bridge, a grotto, and a variety of statues and sculptures.
5. Bois de Boulogne: This large park on the western edge of Paris includes lakes, forests, and a botanical garden.
6. Bois de Vincennes: Another large park, located in the eastern part of the city, with lakes, a zoo, and a castle.
7. Square du Vert-Galant: Located on the tip of the Île de la Cité, this small park offers great views of the Seine River and the Pont Neuf.
8. Promenade Plantée: A former railway line transformed into an elevated park that stretches over 4 kilometers from the Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes.
9. Parc de la Villette: This park in northeastern Paris features the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, a science museum with hands-on exhibits, as well as a music venue and outdoor movie screenings.
10. Parc Montsouris: A peaceful park in the southern part of Paris, with a lake, a waterfall, and plenty of walking paths.
11. Notre-Dame Cathedral (outer beauty): Although the interior is closed for renovations, the exterior of this iconic Parisian landmark is still worth a visit.
12. Eiffel Tower (admission to the top is paid, but admiring from below is free): The most famous monument in Paris, the Eiffel Tower can be admired from many different viewpoints throughout the city.
13. Arc de Triomphe (view from outside): Located at the top of the Champs-Élysées, this famous arch offers great views of the city from its rooftop terrace.
14. Sacré-Cœur Basilica (view from outside): Perched atop Montmartre, this beautiful basilica offers stunning views of Paris from its steps.
15. Place de la Concorde: One of the largest public squares in Paris, this historic plaza is surrounded by fountains, statues, and important buildings.
16. Montmartre district: A charming neighborhood located on a hilltop, with narrow streets, artists’ studios, and stunning views of the city.
17. Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood: A historic neighborhood on the left bank of the Seine, known for its literary and artistic associations.
18. Canal Saint-Martin area: A trendy neighborhood in northeastern Paris, with picturesque canals, colorful storefronts, and plenty of cafes and bars.
19. Le Marais neighborhood: A historic district on the right bank of the Seine, with narrow streets, beautiful mansions, and trendy shops and restaurants.
20. Île de la Cité: The historic heart of Paris, this small island in the Seine River is home to Notre-Dame Cathedral and other important landmarks.
21. Street performers at Place du Tertre in Montmartre: This lively square is home to many street performers, including painters, musicians, and caricaturists.

22. Shakespeare and Company bookstore: This iconic independent bookstore located in the Latin Quarter is a must-visit for book lovers. It’s been around since 1919 and has hosted famous writers such as Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce.
23. Free concerts and performances at churches like Saint-Eustache and Saint-Sulpice: Several churches in Paris offer free concerts and performances throughout the year. Saint-Eustache and Saint-Sulpice are two popular options, with their impressive architecture and beautiful acoustics.
24. See the Opera Garnier’s grand staircase and foyer (admission to the auditorium is paid): The Palais Garnier, also known as the Opera Garnier, is a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture. While admission to the auditorium is paid, you can still admire the grand staircase and foyer for free.
25. Musée Carnavalet (free permanent collection): This museum, dedicated to the history of Paris, offers a permanent collection that is free to visit. It’s housed in two beautiful mansions in the Marais neighborhood.
26. Belleville neighborhood: This multicultural neighborhood in the 20th arrondissement is known for its vibrant street art scene, as well as its lively bars and restaurants.
27. Canal Saint-Martin area: This picturesque area in the 10th arrondissement is perfect for a leisurely stroll along the canal. You can also find plenty of street art, trendy boutiques, and cafes here.
28. Rue Denoyez in the 20th arrondissement: This colorful street is a must-visit for street art enthusiasts. It’s filled with vibrant murals and graffiti.
29. Rue Oberkampf in the 11th arrondissement: This street is known for its nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs. It’s also a great place to spot street art, with colorful murals and graffiti covering many of the buildings.
30. Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen flea market: This sprawling flea market in the north of Paris is a treasure trove of vintage and antique finds. It’s free to browse, but be prepared to haggle. 

31. La Promenade Plantée: An elevated park in the 12th arrondissement for a peaceful walk or bike ride.
32. Paris Plages: Temporary urban beaches along the Seine River during the summer months.
33. Pont des Arts: Pedestrian bridge with views of the Seine River and surrounding architecture.
34. Coulée Verte René-Dumont: Elevated park in the 12th arrondissement with benches and great views.
35. Cimetière de Montmartre: Cemetery where many famous artists are buried.
36. La Coulée Verte du sud Parisien: A green walkway in the southern suburbs of Paris.
37. Parc des Rives de Seine: Park along the Seine River with playgrounds, gardens, and cafes.
38. Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen: A famous flea market with a variety of unique items.

Conclusion:

Paris offers a multitude of free activities for visitors to enjoy, from strolling through elegant parks to admiring street art and famous landmarks. With this expanded list, you can explore even more of the city’s culture and charm without breaking the bank.

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