Free things to do with or without the family in the City of Paris
Are you on the hunt for some fun things to do in Paris without spending a penny?
Finding cool, cost-free activities can be a game-changer. I’ve scoured the land far and wide to bring you 45 fabulous freebies that are perfect for you and your travel companions. From outdoor escapades to cosy days out closer to home, all without opening your wallet!
1. Free Concerts at Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique
The Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique has been producing brilliant musicians, singers, and dancers since the late 1700s. Current students frequently perform free public
concerts in the Conservatoire's theatre.
2. Find a Free Museum
The city's fine arts museum, Petit Palais, is always free to visit. Check out this museum if you're interested in notable painters from history like Rembrandt and Monet.
3. See the Eiffel Tower
One of the most well-known sights in the world is the Eiffel Tower. The best part is that you can come up close to the tower for free!
4. Champs-Elysees
This is one of the country's most well-known avenues. The 1.17-mile strip is lined with high-end stores, cafes, street entertainers, and plenty of opportunities to people-watch..
5. Free Wine Tastings
You may find free wine tastings in Paris if you know where to search. Several wine bars and businesses will host public tastings to discuss their products. Les Caves Augés hosts free wine tastings on their sidewalk on a regular basis, so stop in to see when their next one is.
Natural wines are well-known at La Cave des Papilles. Keep a watch on their blog for information about their rare tasting sessions.
6. Musée Curie
The Curie Museum chronicles the findings of four Curie family members who were awarded Nobel Prizes for their contributions to radiology and medical research. Marie Curie's laboratory is also on display.
7. Basilique du Sacré Coeur
The unique architecture of this big, white cathedral with its numerous domes draws tourists. After Notre Dame, it is the country's second most visited monument. The basilica's ceiling houses France's largest mosaic. The basilica is free to enter, however the crypt and dome need a charge.
8. Notre-Dame
The mediaeval Catholic cathedral Notre Dame, which was finished in 1345, is a symbol of the city. The famous and well-known two towers, flying buttresses, and stained-glass rose windows are all visible.
9. Free Light Show at the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is illuminated by 20,000 light lights every evening. As soon as night falls, a five-minute light show will begin every hour on the hour. From the top, a beacon shines brightly, and the entire tower is illuminated.
10. Stroll the Canal St-Martin
In the nights, Canal St-Martin is a lovely street. After dusk, the cafes and restaurants come alive. The canal's water reflects the light, giving the street a wonderful look. You can eat outside at one of the pubs or cafes, or prepare your own picnic by the water by purchasing supplies ahead of time.
11. Check out the Louvre for free
On the first Saturday night of each month (and on July 14, Bastille Day), the Louvre offers free entry to everyone between 6:00 pm and 9:45 pm.
12. Place de la Concorde
At the end of the Champs-Elysees, this public square is an excellent place to see street performers and passers-by. It is home to a massive, gorgeous fountain as well as the 3,000-year-old Luxor Obelisk.
The Place de la Concorde was also a site of the French Revolution's executions. Marie-Antoinette was one of the unfortunate guillotine victims in this square.
13. See the “I Love You” Mural
This mural is located in a small nook of Montmartre and is a great place to visit if you're already in the area. The I Love You Wall, also known as the Mur des Je t'Aime, is a mural with the slogan printed in over 250 languages on tiles..
14. Parc du Champ de Mars
Between the Eiffel Tower and the Ecole Militaire stands the Parc du Champ de Mars, a huge green park. This public plaza is frequently utilised for public events and is the ideal spot for a picnic while admiring the Eiffel Tower.
15. Stroll around the Jardins des Tuileries
The Orangerie and Monet's lilies are located in the Jardins des Tuileries, which were designed by Catherine de' Medici in the 15th century as a complement to the Palace des Tuileries (until it was burnt down in 1871). After the French Revolution, it became a public garden, and Parisians and visitors have enjoyed it ever since.
16. Borrow a book from Bibliotheque Forney
The exquisite architecture of Hôtel de Sens, located near the Seine and housed within a former mansion that originally belonged to Archbishops in the 1700s, is some of the most stunning to be found anywhere in Le Marais. Bibliotheque Forney is open to the public for free today. Bring some identification, a passport photo, and fill out the paperwork to receive a library card so you can check out books.
17. See sunrise at Trocadero
Whether you're an early riser or a night owl, you must see at least one sunrise or sunset while in Paris, with an emphasis on heading to the Seine for sunset. After all, seeing the Eiffel Tower surrounded by a candy-coloured sky is the only thing more wonderful than viewing the Eiffel Tower.
18. Take a free and self-guided Paris walking tour
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: if you want to see Paris like a Parisian, walking is one of the greatest ways to do so (so be sure to pack some comfortable walking shoes in your bag).
19. Peruse the Market of Saint-Paul
Village St Paul is located in the centre of Le Marais, a neighbourhood noted for its Middle Ages heritage, cobblestone pathways, and a plethora of boutique boutiques. It is just steps from from some of the arrondissement's main streets. You might easily spend many hours window shopping for hidden jewels in this free museum filled with vintage shopping options.
20. Uncover the hidden gems of Ile de la Cite
Are you looking for a mediaeval love story with two doves? Maybe you're looking for a flood indicator level marker from the twentieth century. All of this and more may be found for free on Île de la Cité, the Seine's largest natural island.
21. Admire the view from Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace
The Boulevard Haussmann provides one of the best free views of Paris. The Galeries Lafayette main department store is one of the city's Grands Magasins, and its indoor Art-Deco Cupola is famous around the world, framed by artistically terraced floor levels. The stunning view from Galeries Lafayette's rooftop terrace, however, certainly steals the show when it comes to free best things to do in Paris.
22. Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens
IThere is possibly no better spot to read a good book than in the Luxembourg Gardens during the summer months, when the sun is shining and the flora are in full flower. The Medici Fountain and a central pond, next to the Paris Pantheon and not far from the Église Saint-Sulpice, are among the attractions in this green space. In the summer, you may rent little miniature wooden boats to race across the lake.
23. Locate a secret vineyard in Butte Bergeyre
Butte Bergeyre is a picturesque micro-arrondissement in the city's 19th arrondissement, accessible via only two pedestrian sets of steps and one twisting lane. This region is filled with gorgeous art deco mansions and villas, and there's even a teeny tiny vineyard at the very top that offers spectacular views of the city and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
24. Explore the underground passages
Check explore the secret covered corridors of Paris if it's raining.
Exploring the covered passages of Paris is one of the best free things to do in Paris, rain or shine. Originally erected primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries, the city originally had over 150 covered arcades, giving covered shopping opportunities across the capital.
25. Seek out the Da Vinci Code filming locations
The Da Vinci Code is certainly familiar territory for Dan Brown enthusiasts. Professor Robert Langdon's (mis)adventures are followed by a University Lecturer who travels across Europe breaking codes and solving ancient mysteries. Parts of the movie were shot in Paris, and the Da Vinci Code filming locations can still be seen today.
26. Learn about some history at La Petite Ceinture
The Petite Ceinture is a disused iron railway track that wraps around the ancient Paris peripherique and is simply translated as "small belt." The railroad track, which was built in the nineteenth century, was decommissioned when the metro was introduced. Small sections of this railway still exist today, and here's how you can legally visit the Petite Ceinture!
27. Seek out the best Eiffel Tower view
Because the Eiffel Tower is one of the city's tallest landmarks, and even buildings, there are plenty of Eiffel Tower views to be had all across Paris. Many of these locations are free to visit, so why not walk outside and hide & seek with La Tour Eiffel?
28. Peek inside Hôtel Dieu, the oldest hospital in Paris
Located next to Notre Dame Cathedral, Hôtel Dieu is the oldest surviving hospital in Paris. Founded many centuries ago, the courtyard of this hospital is free to visit and stroll around.
29. Snap photos of the prettiest streets in Paris
In Paris, there is no shortage of lovely streets. That is true! Start at Le Marais, Montmartre, or Île de La Cité if you're seeking for picturesque lanes and ancient roadways to photograph. Of course, everyone is familiar with Rue Cremieux, but have you seen images of Rue Chanoinnesse or Rue de l'Abreuvoir?
30. Search for the lost windmills of Paris
Before being integrated into the fabric of Paris, Montmartre was farmland. Most of these features, such as rolling cultivated fields and numerous windmills, have been lost and forgotten today. However, a few of these windmills remain, and going in quest of the city's lost windmills is one of the city's more interesting free activities.
31. Snap a photo beside La Maison Rose
You've most likely seen it on Instagram or, at the very least, in your Parisian guidebook. Montmartre's La Maison Rose (the Pink House) is almost as well-known as the district itself, thanks to its charming façade and trailing ivy. So, if you're looking for one of the finest free things to do in Paris, make a point of visiting La Maison Rose at sunrise and taking a photo next to this renowned monument!
32. Parc de la Villette Free Open-Air Cinema
Parc de La Villette, a popular summer meeting spot in north-east Paris, transforms itself into a massive open-air cinema, providing a magnificent theatre experience. The films are shown with French subtitles in their original versions.
33. Late Night Picnic at the Square du Vert-Galant
Head down to the Square du Vert-Galant, located on the western tip of the lle de la Cite, for a bohemian evening. Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere while watching boats float by on either side of the island.
34. Explore Musée Carnavalet
Discover the ancient origins and learn all about Paris’ history at its recently renovated Musee Carnavalet, where there is no entry charge and allows you to wander through the drawing rooms and reconstructed baroque interests free of cost.
35. Admire Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a monument to all those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, with the names of generals and French victories engraved on its inner and outer walls.
36. Musée du Parfum ( Haussmann-Fragonard)
From ancient times to the present, this museum is dedicated to the history of scent. The lovely townhouse that now houses the museum was once a theatre and velodrome. The museum offers both self-guided and guided tours for free, in ten different languages. You can look at perfume-related artefacts, watch videos about modern-day perfume production, and go through archives.
37. La Canopée des Halles
In Émile Zola's 'Belly of Paris,' it is wonderfully described. Les Halles is the location of a historic food market that has been in use since mediaeval times and is vividly depicted in Émile Zola's 'Belly of Paris.' The land was transformed into a run-down mall, and subsequently given a new identity as La Canopée des Halles.
38. Visit Shakespeare and co
This is a pair of independent bookstores, one founded in 1919 by Sylvia Beach and the other in 1951 by George Whitman. On the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth, the businesses were renamed 'Shakespeare and Company' in 1964. The bookstores feature new and used book sections, as well as an antiquarian area and a free reading library where you may spend a rainy day reading a book. The slogan "Be Not Inhospitable to Strangers Lest They Be Angels in Disguise" is engraved on the reading room's wall and serves as a sweet reminder of the bookstore's philosophy. Every book purchased from the shop comes with a unique Shakespeare and Co. stamp, making it the ideal Parisian souvenir.
39. Attend free fashion show at Galeries la Fayette
If you're interested in learning more about what's fresh and happening in the world's style capital, don't miss one of the free fashion presentations held in the Galeries la Fayette every Friday at 3 p.m. To confirm availability on the desired date, make your reservation online in advance.
40. Arènes de Lutèce
This Roman amphitheatre was discovered in the fifth arrondissement during tramway construction. It could have held 15,000 people for gladiator fights or theatrical events at the time. It's in excellent condition and may be a great spot for a picnic or a game of tag with the kids.
41. Listen to a Free Concert at the American Church in Paris
Since the 1930s, the Atelier Concert series, hosted at the American Church in Paris, has been a constant fixture on the Parisian cultural scene. Every Sunday at 5 p.m., a new concert will be presented. Attendance is completely free, though a free-will offering is encouraged. September to November and January to June are the dates for the events.
42. Attend a Free Lecture in Paris
Although it may not be everyone's idea of a good time, the geek in you might enjoy a free lecture at the Collège de France. The subjects covered include, but are not limited to, Mathematics, Philosophy, Archaeology, and Sociology. The majority of the lectures are in English.
43. Visit La Defense
With a total area of 5.6 million square metres, more than seventy office buildings and skyscrapers, more than 3.5 million square metres of office space, and about two hundred thousand people working here every day, La Défense is today Europe's greatest commercial district. More than 1500 enterprises have their headquarters in La Défense. Almost a third of the world's top fifty corporations have their headquarters in Paris' La Défense.
44. Check out Halle Pajo
Halle Pajol is located in the 18th arrondissement and is relatively unknown to tourists, although it is well worth a visit if you are in the vicinity. Previously, this was a national railway company storehouse.
The warehouse was totally converted into an ecological mini-city once it was no longer in use. Solar panels cover the entire roof, while eco wood (the entire facade is constructed of wood) and recycled components from the former Forum des Halles are used..
45. Try amazing food at Place Monge
Place Monge hosts a fantastic food market three times a week. This Latin Quarter square offers delicious local food, vegetables, fruit, fresh meat, fresh fish from the Normandy coast, and a variety of specialties that you can enjoy on the spot on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This is one of the best venues in Paris for cheese and sausage enthusiasts to try new varieties or stock up on old favourites.
And there you have it—45 spectacular activities to enjoy with your favourite plus-one without spending a dime! I hope this list inspires you and your travel buddies to try something new, explore uncharted territories, and make unforgettable memories. Remember, the best adventures in life are the ones shared with someone special, and they don’t have to cost a thing. So, lace up your shoes, pack your enthusiasm, and set off on your budget-friendly adventure. Don’t forget to laugh, snap lots of photos, and tell us all about your experiences!
