Paris, the city of love is often thought to be expensive and extravagant. However, Paris actually has a large handful of places that are fun and free and totally worth a visit. Here are the top 10 things to do in Paris for free and I’m so sure they will be 100% worth going to!
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What to do for free in Paris?
Things To Do For Free In Paris
1. Relax At Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg Gardens is one of the biggest gardens in Paris and also the most visited one. Since my hotel was nearby, I came here often. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Paris for free.
It’s located between the Saint-German and Latin Quarter districts. The garden is designed by Queen Marie de’ Medici in 1612 and was previously only open to the royalty but is now open to the public for free.
There are also plenty of chairs to sit, relax, and enjoy the calm atmosphere here. The Luxembourg Gardens are open from around 8am-5pm in the winter and around 7:30am-8pm in the summer. These times do vary though.
2. Walk Around In Monmarte
If you love a quaint little neighborhood with small shops and cobblestone steps, you’ll love Monmarte.
It’s a peaceful area that is located on top of a small hill towards the north of Paris. Monmarte is almost like a small village – not city-like at all and so different than the rest of Paris. Artists actually come here to paint, relax, and sell their artwork.
North of Monmarte is the famous Moulin Rouge so check that out while you’re there.
3. Walk Around in Le Marais
This was one of my favorite districts in Paris. If you hold back on pulling out your wallet, it’s one of the best things to do in Paris that are free. But I’d say it’s pretty tempting because everything is so nice!
Le Marais is a modern and trendy district that has tons of small boutique shops, hotels, galleries, and cafes. It’s famous for its narrow cobblestone streets and its old-fashioned charm mixed with modern shops.
There’s the famous L’As du Fallafel restaurant here that everyone raves about. I thought it was good but pretty similar to what you can get in the states.
4. Parc Des Buttes Chaumont
This park is one of the biggest green spaces in Paris located on the northeast side. There is a huge grass field perfect to have picnics at. Attractions also include a waterfall, an artificial lake, a long suspension bridge, and a temple at the top of the mountain.
It’s a great place to go if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Paris and be in nature. It’s a bit far from the main area of Paris so public transportation may take a while to get there.
This is one of the best free things to do in Paris.
5. Gallery Lafayette + Rooftop Terrace
Gallery Lafayette is so so beautiful. There are three malls in the Gallery Lafayette and if you go into the building called “Coupole”, you can see five floors filled with sparkling lights and beautiful interior decorations.
A little-known secret is you can actually go to the top called the Rooftop Terrace to see breathtaking views of Paris. It’s free to go up. While it’s not as high as being in the Eiffel Tower, it’s still a good enough height to see the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, and more.
The rooftop is open 10am to 8pm and is free.
6. Walk Down The Seine River
This might be one of the most romantic parts of Paris and also one of the top things to do in Paris for free.
Take a stroll down the Seine River in the Latin Quarter district. The daytime views are amazing but sunrise or sunset views are even better.
Time your walk along the Seine during those times to get the best views. Along the Seine River, you’ll see some vendors selling artwork or souvenirs.
7. Tuileries Garden
Tuileries Garden is located in the 1st arrondissement behind The Louvre. It was created by Queen Catherine de’ Medici and was eventually opened up to the public.
The garden has flower beds that are aligned symmetrically and has many pathways to walk on including large trees to border these pathways. It’s free to enter the Tuileries Garden.
8. Colonnes De Buren/Les Deux Plateaux
Colonnes De Buren is a popular art installation designed by French artist Daniel Buren in 1986.
This art installation is located inside Palais Royal. There are a total of 252 stripped columns made from marble and concrete all spread out in the courtyard. It’s free to enter.
9. Paris Museum of Modern Art
This is one of a few free museums in Paris and is located in the 16th arrondissement. This museum displays modern and contemporary art of the 20th and 21st centuries.
A few of the most popular artworks include ‘Portrait of Lunia Czechowska with a Fan’ painting by Amedeo Modigliani and ‘On the points’ painting by Wassily Kandinsky.
10. Sacre Coeur
The final thing to do in Paris for free is to visit the Sacre Coeur. Sacre Coeur is a Roman Catholic Church located in the heart of Monmarte. It’s located at the top of the hill so looking down, you can see the beautiful panoramic views of Paris.
It’s free to enter the church but there may be a line to go in. However, the line moves pretty quickly and it’s usually a quick visit.
Bonus! When The Popular Museums Are Free
Many of these museums are great free things do to in Paris under 26 years old if you’re from the EU or under 18 years old if you’re outside the EU.
The Louvre
The Louvre is home to the famous Mona Lisa painting and is one of the most visited museums in the world. Admission is usually โฌ15 to โฌ17 but on the first Sunday of each month, admission is free. Admission is also free on July 14th in honor of Bastille Day. Entrance is also free for individuals under 26 from the Europe Union. Visitors under 18 can enter for free. Take advantage of that!
Hours are 9am-6pm everyday except for Tuesdays.
Musee D’Orsay
Musee D’Orsay is famous for Van Gough paintings and the most famous one is “Starry Night”. It’s free to enter on the first Sunday of each month. Visitors under 18 can enter for free and individuals under 26 from the EU can enter for free also.
Hours are 9:30 am-6 pm every day except for Monday.
Pompidou Centre
Pompidou is a popular modern and contemporary art museum with modern art paintings and art installations. The first Sunday of each month is free. Visitors under 18 can enter for free and individuals under 26 from the EU can enter for free also.
Hours are 11am-9pm except for Tuesdays.
Musee L’Orangerie
Musee L’Orangerie is home to the famous long and curvy Claude Monet paintings. The first Sunday of each month is free. Visitors under 18 can enter for free and individuals under 26 from the EU can enter for free also.
Hours are 11am-6pm except for Tuesdays.
Musee Rodin
The first Sunday of each month is free. Visitors under 18 can enter for free and individuals under 26 from the EU can enter for free also.
Hours are 11am-6pm except for Mondays.
Read more: If this list of free things to do in Paris isn’t enough, check out this detailed 5-Day Paris Itinerary post to help plan the rest of your trip!
