13 Free Things to Do in Paris on a Budget
Paris gets labeled as one of Europe’s priciest cities, but your wallet doesn’t have to cry every time you want to see something.
The City of Light dishes up a ton of things to do. Here’s a guide to 13 free things to do in Paris that’ll keep your budget intact.
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1. Stroll Along the Seine River Banks
Walking along the Seine is a classic Paris move; it won’t cost you a thing and you get front-row views of the city’s heavy-hitters. The riverbanks are a UNESCO World Heritage site, so you’re surrounded by history with Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower popping up around every bend.
The paths are mostly flat and easygoing, so you can just wander at whatever pace feels right. Bridges connect both sides, letting you hop over whenever you’re ready for a new angle.
2. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral
The iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral reopened after nearly six years of restoration post-2019 fire, and you can visit for free. Walk through this 850+ year-old Gothic legend and gawk at its stained glass windows, soaring ceilings, and intricate carvings without spending a cent.
Sitting on Île de la Cité in the city’s heart, it’s easy to pair with other free spots in the Notre-Dame district. Show up early if you can to dodge the crowds and soak in the newly restored interior.
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3. Explore the Luxembourg Gardens
The Luxembourg Gardens unfurls across the Left Bank, all manicured lawns and tree-lined promenades, dotted with over a hundred statues.
Settle into a green chair and watch locals play chess or kids sail toy boats in the pond. In warmer months, puppet shows and outdoor concerts sometimes pop up. Pack a picnic and just wander—there’s no entry fee and no rush.
4. Wander the Montmartre Neighborhood
Up in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre feels like its own little village. Strolling the cobblestone streets is free, and you’ll spot artists at Place du Tertre and get that postcard shot of the white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
The views from the top are pretty unbeatable, with Paris stretching out beneath you. Winding staircases and quiet squares give you that old-school Paris vibe, no ticket required.
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5. Enjoy the Free Galleries at the Petit Palais
The Petit Palais museum is completely free, so you can take in impressive art collections from ancient times through the early 1900s. The building itself is a stunner and it’s right near the Champs-Élysées.
Wander through paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts at your own pace. The peaceful interior garden is a solid place to catch your breath. Temporary exhibits sometimes cost extra, but the permanent collection stays free.
6. Relax at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
One of Paris’s largest green spaces is tucked into the 19th arrondissement, perfect for a free afternoon away from the crowds. There’s a lake, playgrounds, rolling lawns, and even a waterfall with a suspension bridge.
Bring snacks and claim a patch of grass for a picnic with locals. The hilly park gives you some sweet city views, and the laid-back vibe is a nice break from the more touristy spots.
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7. Explore Canal Saint-Martin on Foot
The Canal Saint-Martin snakes through the 10th arrondissement for nearly three miles, and walking here is totally free. Tree-lined paths, nine old locks, and iron footbridges set the scene.
Locals love to picnic along the canal, especially when the sun’s out. Street art and murals add splashes of color, so keep your eyes peeled as you wander.
Cafés and vintage shops dot the area if you’re in the mood to browse. Start at Place de la République and follow the water north toward Bassin de la Villette for the full experience.
8. Visit the Saint-Sulpice Church
Saint-Sulpice Church is one of the city’s biggest, and you can walk right in for free. Built in the 17th century (with roots going back even further), it anchors the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.
Inside, you’ll spot gorgeous art, a chapel with a statue by Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, and some seriously beautiful wood paneling. Sometimes there’s a free organ concert if you time it right.
The church shot to fame from The Da Vinci Code, but it’s the peaceful vibe and architecture that steal the show.
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9. Catch Free Entry at Famous Museums
throw open their doors for free on the first Sunday of every month. That means you can see art at spots like the Musée d’Orsay, Monet’s water lilies at the Orangerie.
Some major museums like the Louvre offer this on the first Friday after 6pm but not in July and August, but plenty of others are free year-round on that first Sunday.
10. Walk Through the Historic Marais District
The Marais puts you right in the thick of medieval Paris, all without spending a euro. Explore mansion houses, museums, and grand gardens while wandering cobblestone streets that have seen centuries go by.
Place des Vosges, the city’s oldest square, is a good place to start. The Jewish Quarter is nearby, with bakeries and vintage shops tucked into narrow lanes. Architecture here is a wild mix—buildings from the 1600s right next to modern cafés.
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11. Browse at Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
Shakespeare and Company sits across from Notre-Dame, right on the Seine. It’s packed with English-language titles, and you can browse for free.
This legendary bookshop has been a home for readers and writers for over 70 years—there’s nowhere else quite like it in Paris. Books line every surface, from classics to new releases. It’s a popular spot, so if you want a quieter browse, come early.
12. Picnic with a View at Champ de Mars
There’s no need for a ticket to enjoy the Eiffel Tower’s magic from the outside. The Champ de Mars park offers wide lawns and those classic views, all for free.
Pick up some baguettes, cheese, and maybe a little wine from a local shop. The green stretch between the Eiffel Tower and École Militaire is the best place to park yourself and watch the Iron Lady light up as night falls.
Arrive before sunset if you want the best spot. Locals and travelers both know this is the place for a picnic with some of the best views in town.
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13. Discover the Street Art in Belleville
Belleville lets Paris drop its guard; here, it’s all wild murals, bursts of graffiti, and installations sneaking up on you from every angle.
This multicultural neighborhood in the 19th and 20th arrondissements has turned into a playground for both local and international artists, who treat the city’s walls like an ever-changing gallery.
Strolling these streets is free and half the fun is spotting surprises—massive splashes of color one minute, then a tiny stencil wedged between old doorways the next.
