Paris doesn’t have to be expensive! From stunning landmarks to hidden gems, here are the best free activities to enjoy in the City of Light.
🏛️ Iconic Landmarks & Monuments
1. Admire the Eiffel Tower Light Show 🌟
✔ Every night, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes on the hour from sunset to 1 AM.
✔ Best viewing spots: Trocadéro, Champ de Mars, or the Seine banks.
2. Walk Along the Champs-Élysées 🛍️
✔ Stroll from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.
✔ Window shop at luxury boutiques & enjoy the lively atmosphere.
3. Discover Notre-Dame Cathedral ⛪
✔ While the inside is still under restoration, you can admire its stunning Gothic facade.
✔ Visit Square Jean XXIII behind it for a peaceful garden view.
4. Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica & Montmartre 🎨
✔ Free entry to the basilica, with breathtaking city views.
✔ Wander through Montmartre’s charming streets & spot street artists.
5. Marvel at Place des Vosges 🏰
✔ One of Paris’s oldest squares, located in the Marais.
✔ Relax under the archways or on the grass.
🎨 Free Museums & Cultural Spots
6. Visit the Louvre for Free on the First Sunday of the Month 🖼️
✔ Free entry on first Sundays (Oct-March).
✔ Admire the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and more!
7. Free Museums Every First Sunday 🏛️
✔ Includes the Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, and Musée Rodin (first Sundays, Oct-March).
8. Explore the Petit Palais 🎭
✔ This hidden gem museum has free exhibitions of classical paintings & sculptures.
✔ Stunning Belle Époque architecture inside and out.
9. Admire Modern Art at Atelier Brancusi 🎨
✔ A small but impressive modern sculpture museum near Centre Pompidou.
🌳 Parks & Gardens
10. Relax in Jardin du Luxembourg 🌿
✔ Stroll through the stunning gardens, sit by the fountains, or watch chess players & locals reading.
11. Explore Jardin des Tuileries 🌺
✔ The historic gardens between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde.
✔ Perfect for people-watching & photography.
12. Visit Parc des Buttes-Chaumont 🌄
✔ A less touristy park with waterfalls, bridges, and city views.
13. Enjoy a Picnic at Parc Monceau 🧺
✔ One of Paris’s most elegant parks, often visited by locals.
🚶♂️ Unique Walks & Hidden Gems
14. Walk Along the Seine River 🌊
✔ A must-do in Paris—especially at sunset!
✔ Stop at Pont des Arts for a beautiful view of the city.
15. Discover the Street Art in Belleville 🎨
✔ A trendy, artistic neighborhood with amazing murals & graffiti.
16. Explore the Covered Passages 🏛️
✔ Hidden 19th-century shopping arcades with vintage charm.
✔ Must-visit: Galerie Vivienne & Passage des Panoramas.
⛪ Churches & Historical Sites
17. Visit Saint-Sulpice Church ⛪
✔ A less crowded alternative to Notre-Dame.
✔ Features stunning frescoes & an impressive organ.
18. Step Inside Sainte-Chapelle (Free for EU Citizens Under 26) 🌈
✔ Famous for its dazzling stained glass windows.
✔ Free for EU citizens under 26 with ID.
🎶 Entertainment & Festivals
19. Watch a Free Concert at Parc de la Villette 🎵
✔ In summer, catch live music & performances at the park.
20. Experience the Fête de la Musique (June 21) 🎶
✔ A city-wide music festival with free performances on every street corner.
🛍️ Markets & Local Life
21. Wander Through Marché d’Aligre 🛒
✔ A bustling food & flea market—perfect for browsing.
22. Browse the Bouquinistes Along the Seine 📚
✔ Classic green bookstalls selling vintage books & artwork.
📸 Bonus: Free Parisian Views
23. View the City from Printemps Rooftop Terrace 🌆
✔ A free rooftop terrace with panoramic views over Paris.
24. Climb to Parc de Belleville for a Hidden View 🌄
✔ Lesser-known than Montmartre, with great skyline views.
25. Explore the Free Courtyard of the Palais Royal 🏛️
✔ Famous for the black-and-white striped columns—a great photo spot!
💡 Final Tip: Enjoy Paris Like a Local!
Paris is best explored on foot—so take your time, wander the streets, and soak in the atmosphere without spending a cent!
Which free activity are you most excited to try? 😊🇫🇷
