42+ Worthwhile Free Things to Do in Paris

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Already have a trip planned, but feeling the pain of our current economy? Well, I’ve got you covered! These are 100% free and have been vetted by yours truly for your personal enjoyment (cranky kids notwithstanding). If nothing here peaks your interest, then there’s not much I can do for you…

Jardin des Tuilleries- Paris

Free things to do in Paris:

  1. (Anywhere) Old Paris Treasure Hunt – How many of these historic relics can you spot??? You’ve been challenged! Wallace fountains (iconic green fountain), “cadran solaire” (sundial), “chasse-roues” (carriage wheel bumpers), “gaz à tous les étages” (gas on all stories) plaques, iron-grate coal hatches, “ancres murale” (exterior X tie-rods anchoring floors to walls), “Gratte-pieds” (boot scrapers), “Repères de Nivellement” (water or land level markers), bullet holes and cannonball masonry scars, “pissotières” (urinal niches), “chasse-pisse” (corner guards), “oratoires” (religious corner statues), “heurtoirs” door knockers, old-fashioned doorbell pulls, “porte-cochère” (carriage doors) decorative nail patterns, facade keystone masks, caryatids/atlantes (balcony statues), “plaques de rue fantômes” (modern street signs often mismatched with original engraved corner names), faded painted house numbers, and architect signatures carved into facades (bonus for Hector Guimard signatures). FREE
  2. (Anywhere) Paris Greeters – Get an insider’s view of Paris! Don’t know anyone in Paris, but wish you could get that insiders perspective with someone that speaks your language? Get matched with a local and passionate volunteer that will show you around their favorite neighborhood, sharing with you all the hidden gems and local hangouts that give you a genuine authentic experience. FREE
  3. (1e) Jardin des Tuileries – I never miss this one any time I am in Paris… The people watching is great – lots of tourists, of course, but the locals also like to hang out to read a book under the trees on one of those iconic green chairs. The floral beds are fantastic in the summer too! Read up on the monuments and history before you visit for some background history. FREE
  4. (1e) Square du Vert-Galant – Named after Henry IV for his “galanterie” (highly promiscuous and still chasing teenage mistresses into his old age). It’s a peaceful haven overlooking the Seine and a perfect picnic spot to sit with your feet hanging off the edge. It does get a bit crowded on summer nights, but sneak past the crowds to the tip of the island for a little breathing room – maybe. FREE
  5. (2e) Bibliothèque Richelieu (BNF – National Library of France) – Open daily except Mondays, the “Salle Ovale” features a stunning glass dome and sky-high shelves. The less vertiginous and safe ground shelving houses over 20,000 volumes; available for public browsing and include a large collection of comic books for your perusal. Both the oval room and the gardens are accessible via the entrance on rue Vivienne, but unfortunately, the Galerie Mazarin and its museum both require a ticket. FREE
  6. (3e) Musée Carnavalet – Trace Paris’s history as you travel through a series of rooms, gardens, and displays. Opened to the public as a museum in 1880, the buildings are also quite exquisite. Like many Paris museums, the permanent collections are free and definitely worth your visit. FREE
  7. (3-4e) Historic Medieval Homes – From oldest to “newest”, start at 51 Rue de Montmorency (3e) built in 1407, home of famed alchemist Nicolas Flamel. The second oldest house is located at 3 Rue Volta (3e) and was built somewhere between 1644 and 1655. Last, check out the pair at 11 and 13 rue François Miron (4e), two half-timbered houses rumored to have been built in the 1600’s with foundations dating as far back as the 14th century – but I consider the 1967 exterior renovation to be a complete fail so keep your expectations in check for these ones. FREE
  8. (4e) Place des Vosges / Maison de Victor Hugo – I go there first for the free entertainment as there’s almost always either a violinist or opera singer under the archways since the sound quality is amazing. Then I go there to lounge on the greens and people-watch and/or picnic. If you are more ambitious than I usually am, then hit the Maison de Victor Hugo museum – but note this one of the few museums where the temporary exhibit actually requires a ticket and stops access to the permanent collection. FREE
  9. (4e) Colonnes de Buren / Les Deux Plateaux – Another expensive and pointless funky French art installation that stands in strong contrast to the classical architecture of the Palais Royal. Disappointingly, the water feature part of it never worked. It’s controversial black and white columns are meant to be a rhythmic echo to the existing architecture – a dialogue between past and present – and I think that does come across. See it as a photo opportunity; it’s standard operating procedure to pose on one of the columns – get creative! Try the “thinker perch”, the “laid-back lean”, the “peak-a-boo”, and for groups try a “layered-height” tactic… FREE
  10. (4e) Notre Dame de Paris – It’s almost unlawful to miss this one, a Paris must-do. There’s a lot of hype, yes, but it’s well deserved. See for yourself the remarkable rebuild – bet you wouldn’t even know! You can just wait in line; it goes fast enough, or make a free reservation for a time slot on their website. FREE
  11. (4e) Shoah Holocaust Memorial – “They descended into the mouth of the earth and they did not return.” A must out of respect to the victims of the Holocaust, access to the Memorial is free and without reservation. Conveniently located behind Notre Dame de Paris, I find it an intensely moving tribute. FREE

  1. (5e) Les Arènes de Lutèce – A roman amphitheater in Paris – yes indeed! Able to seat 15,000 spectators back in its heyday, these days you are more likely to encounter a soccer game or petanque tournament. FREE
  2. (5e) Jardin des Plantes – Explore the grounds at will, checking out the rose garden (Roseraie), the iris garden, and the alpine garden. The library is open to enthusiasts, but avoid the greenhouses and museums, which require a ticket. Enjoy instead the dinosaur procession peeking through the tall windows of the Galerie de Paléontologie. FREE
  3. (5e) Musée de la Préfecture de Police – All sorts of documents and materials reflecting famous criminal cases and characters. You can even see a full-size guillotine! The one caveat here is that you have to reserve your visit in advance, choosing either a guided visit or “visit libre”. FREE
  4. (5e) Musée Curie – Perfect for all you science geeks out there, visit Marie Curie’s actual laboratory and learn about her and her family’s research into radioactivity and its applications, their work winning separate 5 Nobel prizes. FREE
  5. (5e) Jardin Tino Rossi / Quai Saint-Bernard – For the best ever people watching during the summer (May-September), and the opportunity to put your Tango groove on, head over to the Jardin Tino Rossi on warm evenings starting around 7pm (19h). Things will be shaking until around midnight. Friday nights, the “Alvéole 3” area is a common meeting point for organized outdoor salsa sessions, but you might find impromptu dance parties anywhere along the Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin. FREE
  6. (5e) Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air – This often missed gem is located within the Jardin Tino Rossi behind the Jardin des Plantes. An open air sculpture museum, it houses 20 large important works of contemporary art. Excellent spot to take some interesting photos that contrast with the typical tourist genre. FREE
  7. (6e) Jardin du Luxembourg – A favorite of mine for lounging with a book and people-watching on a sunny afternoon. FYI, that building you are looking at while contemplating the kiddos playing with the sailboats in the pond is the French Sénat. Make sure not to miss the fabulous Fontaine Medicis, a worthwhile peaceful and romantic stop. FREE
  8. (6e) Musée Zadkine – Dedicated to the life and work of Russian-born sculptor Ossip Zadkine (1888-1967), he was a key contributor to the cubist movement in Paris. The museum is located in the very same place he lived and worked, making this a great stop for an intimate and authentic look at an artist. You can also see some of his works around Paris. FREE
  9. (7e) Deyrolle – A garden shop downstairs, and a taxidermy shop upstairs. Why do the two cohabit? I have no idea, but you might just get to see a UNICORN. Need I say more??? FREE
  10. (7e / 16e) Art Nouveau Apartment Buildings – The Art Nouveau style is very apparent in Paris, so make it a point to see the most emblematic examples in the city and daydream living in your favorite: 7e Arrondissement: 151 Rue de Grenelle – built 1898 (151 rue de Grenelle / 7e), 12 Rue Sédillot – built 1899 (12 rue Sédillot / 7e), 3 Square Rapp – built 1900 (3 Square Rapp / 7e), 33 Rue du Champ-de-Mars – built 1900 (33 rue du Champ-de-Mars / 7e), Lavirotte Building – built 1901 (29 Avenue Rapp / 7e). 16e Arrondissement: Castel Béranger – built 1898 (14 rue Jean de La Fontaine / 16e), 25 bis Rue Franklin – built 1903 (25 bis rue Franklin / 16e), Hôtel Guimard – built 1912 (122 avenue Mozart / 16e), Hôtel Mezzara – built 1911 (60 rue Jean de La Fontaine / 16e), Hôtel Pauilhac – built 1911 (59 avenue Raymond Poincaré / 16e), 18 Rue Henri Heine – built 1925 (18 Rue Henri Heine / 16e). FREE
  11. (8e) Petit Palais / Museum of Fine Arts – The visit is always free to the permanent collections for everyone, with the temporary exhibitions free for the lucky few that can prove they are students or teachers (bring school ID). FREE

  1. (8e / 16-17e) Place Charles de Gaulle (Place de l’Étoile) – Completed in 1836, this iconic monument is a completely intimidating round-about with 12 avenues radiating out of its center. If you have a rental car, I’m offering Brownie Points to anyone that drives DOWN the Champs Elysees, AROUND Place de la Concorde, then UP the Champs Elysees, and then finishes by going AROUND Arc de Triomphe (twice) – at rush hour! Remember: priority is to drivers entering on the right. Personally, I’ve been known to close my eyes and hope for the best – DON’T DO THAT! No vehicle? Then just stop by to watch the total and complete chaos. FREE
  2. (9e) Galeries Lafayette / Le Printemps – Climb to the rooftops for the most amazing of views! Both are outstanding, but if you can only choose one, choose les Galeries Lafayette. Make sure to reserve ahead for Le Glasswalk at les Galeries Lafayette, directly on their website. Both have rotundas (coupole), but note that the Printemps terrace is hidden on the 6th floor and not intuitive to find. FREE
  3. (9e) Musée de la Vie Romantique – A sweet little museum tucked out of the way in a residential neighborhood. It’s a quiet relief from the hubbub of Paris; go there for the free permanent exhibitions and to savor the quiet of the gardens. FREE
  4. (9e) Hôtel Drouot Auction House – Join the professional flea market vendors! Open weekdays, this is a perfect option for the adventurous to not only see, but also touch, exquisite French antiques and museum quality finds. There are non-catalogued sales (current sales or “ventes classiques”) for those that like the surprise of the hunt, or check the schedule to determine which auctions will be the most interesting for you personal interests. For these, look for information on the public viewings (“Exhibitions”) given before the actual event. If you get hit by the auction bug, you can even register to bid virtually from anywhere in the world, or just browse their online auction catalogues and daydream what you would buy to furnish your château! (May be closed in August) FREE
  5. (12e) Promenade Plantée – Three mile long elevated linear park built on top of the old Vincennes Railway line that ran along the perimeter of Paris. The most strenuous part of this walk is the stairs to reach the park! Bonus points if you stop for window shopping at the artisanal boutiques (Viaduc des Arts) on the ground floor. FREE
  6. (14e / 20e) Cimetière Montparnasse / Cimetière du Père Lachaise – If you know me, then you know I love cemeteries… It’s just like with churches; I try to visit as many as possible. There’s simply something about them that speaks to me, the connection to history, the telling of people’s stories, the trace of their lives… Père Lachaise is the classic choice, but I like Montparnasse for its quieter vibe and walkability from Sacré Coeur. FREE
  7. (16e) Maison de Balzac – For all you literary fans, the temporary exhibits require a ticket, but you can visit Balzac’s house and see where he penned his manuscripts and see the peaceful gardens with a view of the Eiffel Tower. FREE
  8. (16e) Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris – Situated in the Palais de Tokyo, it’s the museum building a fine example of 1930s architecture. The permanent collection is completely free and includes such avant-garde works as Raoul Dufy’s La Fée Électricité, Henri Matisse’s La Danse, Le Rêve by Marc Chagall, and Pablo Picasso’s Cubist works. FREE
  9. (18e) Sacré Coeur – Yes, it can be incredibly busy. And yes, please do watch your wallets and purses! But if you love people-watching as much as I do, and you’re looking for fabulous views and good vibes, then come enjoy the free street musicians who play most evenings when the weather is warm. Come to Sacré Coeur at sunset for the best ambience, and if you don’t mind spending a few euros, the (illegal) beer vendors ply the steps with cold beers. FREE
  10. (18e) Les Puces de Saint-Ouen / Clignancourt – Another must do! Imagine it as a grouping of free little museums for you to wander while checking out all the cool stuff. Make sure you don’t miss the UFO (yes, really!!!). FREE
  11. (18e) Mur des Je T’aimes – Calling all romantics! Here’s the perfect photo opportunity for all you lovebirds out there. Wait in line with all the other couples (it goes fast), then locate your language on the wall, snap a picture of the two of you smooching, and go on your merry way having immortalized the moment. FREE
  12. (19e) Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse – Ranked among the top 5 performing arts institutions worldwide, all student performances are free to the public (see season schedule). The building itself, by contemporary architect Christian de Portzamparc, has been recognized by the “Patrimoine de XXe siècle” label. FREE
  13. (Seine River) La Seine – Want to get your steps in? This one’s for you! The banks of the Seine River in Paris are considered a UNESCO Heritage site and a perfect afternoon stroll, whether for just a short segment or a full round trip… FREE
Le Mur des Je t'Aimes

Colonnes de Buren

  1. (Various) Historic Churches – Personally, I try to pop in on all the churches that I come across and have been rewarded with some fantastic finds – like Saint-Étienne-du-Mont near the Pantheon – don’t miss the fabulous “jubé” (sculpted partition) and the Galerie des Charniers for eye level 16th century stained glass. l’Église Saint-Gervais et Saint-Protais de Paris ais also known for it’s stunning stained glass windows and carved furniture. Look closely and you will see evidence of the 1918 bombing and a sundial for your treasure hunt (see #2) . FREE
  2. (Various) Paris Street Art – For cool people only 😉 Especially good areas to view street art are Rue Denoyez/Belleville, Canal de l’Ourcq La Villette, and Passage des Gravilliers, to name just a few. For indoor experiences, go to 59 Rivoli and discover the spiral staircase covered in layers of graffiti, Fluctuart, the floating art center that houses free temporary and permanent collections, or the street art museum Art42 – but this one requires reservation online and has limited spots available. FREE
  3. (Various) Space Invader – If you wander around Paris with your eyes looking up (but PLEASE watch your step! That legendary Parisian dog poop problem is improved, but not fully eliminated); you might locate one of those cute little mosaics created by the artist known by his pseudonym “Invader” (otherwise known as Franck Slama). Download the Flash Invader app to track your wins and follow him on Instagram for new installations. FREE
  4. (Various)Vide-Greniers / Brocantes (Flea Markets) – This must be my most favorite of all things to do in Paris! Ok, it might be a bit more fun if you have a few euros in your pocket, but even if you don’t, it’s a ton of fun just to look at all the weird stuff. Quality and interest level vary by location, but if you can converse in French, these sellers are a trove of interesting information. Don’t assume the flea market will run on your selected weekend; make sure to check first. FREE
  5. (Various) Marchés Alimentaires – To see the French in their native environment is to stroll through one of the 80 food markets located across Paris. They all have different vibes… Below Sacré Coeur at Barbès it’s quite ethnic; across the river from the Eiffel Tower at Marché d’Alma, it’s bourgeois. Trendy at Les Enfants Rouges, while Rue Montorgueil is rather touristy, and Rue Mouffetard is expensive but very Parisian. A favorite of mine is the Marché Bastille, where they even have an actual oyster bar – and absolutely don’t forget to get a glass of white wine, it’d be sacrilegious. Check the Agenda to see which food markets are open when in your arrondissement. FREE
  6. (Various) Les Passages Couverts – A perfect escape if the weather isn’t cooperating, whether that’s rain or scorching sun, the covered passages of Paris have retained their undeniable charm from bygone days. The passageways were once the shopping malls of their day, built for the elite to stroll comfortably far away from the muddy chaotic streets of Paris. Today they house a plethora of cute boutiques, antique shops, and restaurants. Good ones to visit include Passage Panorama, Passage Jouffroy, Passage du Grand Cerf, Galerie Vero-Dodat, Galerie Viviene. For the best experience, plan your visit to link several passages together. FREE
  7. (Various) Outdoor Exercise Opportunities – For all you die hard exercise enthusiasts out there that revel in a hard workout “en plein air”, I commend you (but I also won’t be joining you). For a real cardio challenge, try the 222 steps of the Sacré-Cœur staircases. For the joggers out there, join the throngs running along the Seine River, or the groups circling the Jardin des Tuilleries and Jardin Luxembourg. If you prefer to train solo, try Jardin des Voltiges with its full range of outdoor exercise stations, or l’Île aux Cygnes where you’ll find basic stationary equipment with beautiful views to keep you encouraged. Drop by the spots along the Parc Rives de Seine to meet other like-minded active folks (look for the running icon on the map), or find equipment installations in your current neighborhood. FREE

Bonus Activity:

(7e) WATCH THE LIGHTS OF THE EIFFEL TOWER SPARKLE – Need I say more? Every evening on the hour after sunset, ending at midnight. FREE

So much to visit, so little time…

There’s just so much to see and do in Paris, with many detours to interesting things you accidently come across and want to explore. Google map history tells me I don’t know how to walk a straight line to save my life! The next shiny object always takes me off my planned course, but it’s almost always for the better. They have a term for it in French, “flâner” (to stroll aimlessly), so be a “flaneur” too, and enjoy the most beautiful city in the world!

I always clock at least 10K steps per day, and usually it’s well over 15K – so don’t forget to bring your favorite comfortable shoes!

PS – New to budget travel? Check out my Newbie Tips for Budget Travelers.

Happy (budget friendly) Travels,
Girl Gone GallicSaveSave

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