6 Free Things to do in Paris, France

At the surface Paris can seem like an expensive vacation destination. However, it can actually be quite affordable. We have compiled a list of free things to do in Paris so you can lighten the blow to your pocketbook while visiting the City of Love. The best news is some of the free things to do in the city are also some of the most famous tourist sites! You can easily enjoy the rich history and architecture of the city without spending a penny and still have a fabulous time.

Arc de Triomphe

While visiting the Louvre, explore the inside of the Arc de Triomphe free of charge while basking in the city’s artistic beauty. For a small fee you can ascend the stairs of the Arc de Triomphe and capture some stunning views of the city from the observation deck at the top. You can enjoy some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower from here!

Museums

You can get into some Museums for free on the first Sunday of each month, including the Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac and The Louvre.

If you happen to be a EU citizen under the age of 25, you can actually get into all Paris museums for free anytime.

But there is an exception here. All of the Paris City Museums are free every day, year round! There are 14 museums that are owned and operated by the city of Paris that you can visit without spending a dime. Tip: Look for the coat of arms above the door to determine whether a museum is owned and operated by the city or not. 

Jardins de Luxombourg

The stunning garden found in the Montparnasse area is a great place to visit, filled with greenery and gardens as well as magnificent sculptures. The garden is a fantastic place to picnic or spend the afternoon. Sometimes you can catch a free art display too!

Pompidou Modern Art Gallery

Enjoy the rooftop bar at the Pompidou Modern Art Gallery to see a spectacular view of Paris without needing to pay admission.

Basilique du Sacre Coeur

A famous Parisian church, the Sacre Coeur, is located in Montmarte. Here you can enjoy the beauty of the structure both outside and in without admission fees. You can also grab some lunch in the area and eat a meal on the famous steps.

River Seine

Visit the River Seine and walk along it. Be sure to grab a camera to snap some shots of this area that is inspiration to many artists. Zig-zag back and forth between the 37 bridges made of stone, wood or metal that span across the river within the city, including the famous Pont Neuf, which has origins dating back to 1607!

For another breathtaking view of the city, head to the Promenade Plantée, a linear parkway that was once a railway viaduct that lead from the Bastille to the east and now houses small parks, gardens and public art exhibits.