Known for its luxury style, art collections, opulent palace hotels, iconic landmarks, and designer capital, the French capital is one of the best places you must visit. However, Paris can be an incredibly expensive city. It may not be realistic to spend unnecessarily and break the bank to explore the city. You can always find a lot of things to do in Paris, decent accommodations, and explore the attractions at discounted prices in the gorgeous city. Here, we will share some of the best free things to do in Paris. If you are on a tight budget, you can consider exploring these places.
See the Eiffel Tower Sparkle at Night
Eiffel Tower dazzles at night and there is a free light show eight nights until 1:00 AM. It is one of the most appealing sights and the twinkling lights add life to the tower. Eiffel tower at night is one of the most magnificent experiences and is no less than a paradise. You do not need to buy tickets to experience Eiffel Tower at night. You can watch it from your hotel window, Trocadéro Square, Parc du Champ de Mars (the large park next to the Eiffel Tower), or Gardens on the other side of the Seine.
Stop by the Shakespeare & Company Bookshop
Shakespeare & Company Bookshop, first opened in 1951, has been a go-to stop for all book lovers and enthusiasts. They have a wide collection of books, ranging from antique literature to new classic books. The best thing is that there is a free reading library and you can explore the books you find at the store. Make sure you check the timings of the library before visiting.
Attend Free Festivals and Events
Paris is a city of culture and hosts tons of events year-round. Paris Music Festival, the Open Air Cinema Festival at La Villette in summer, Bastille Day celebrations, Paris Pride, and European Heritage Days (Journées Européennes du Patrimoine) in September are some of the popular events and festivals that happen in Paris. You must consider exploring these to learn more about the culture of France.
Visit Free Museums
Paris is well-known for its authentic art pieces and cultural inspirations. The Louvre, Musée Rodin, Musée Picasso, Centre Pompidou, and Musée d’Orsay are some of the museums which offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month. Make sure you check the guidelines of the museum before planning the visit. Visiting the museums is one of the best ways to explore and learn more about the culture and history of France. Keep in mind that the museums are either closed on Mondays or Tuesdays.
City Museums are Free
There are various museums in the city that offer free admission year-round. The Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Musée Carnavalet, Musée de la Vie Romantique, and Victor Hugo’s House (Maison de Victor Hugo) in Haute Ville are some of the museums. You can find many more and visit them any day at your convenience.
Visit The Montparnasse Cemetery
The Montparnasse Cemetery is the home to the graves of some of the most famous writers and thinkers in the city. You can find graves of personalities such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Charles Baudelaire, Simone de Beauvoir, and Julio Cortázar.
Parc Champs de Mars
The Parc Champs de Mars is one of the most famous and huge parks located in Paris as it is situated at the base of the Eiffel Tower. You can have a picnic at the park. Keep in mind that public drinking is not permitted at the park and it will be ideal to follow the guidelines.
Explore Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Square
If you want to get the best views of the Eiffel Tower, Trocadero Square is one of the best places. The entry to Trocadero Square is free and you can head up the stairs to enjoy the most stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.
Take Free Walking Tours
One thing about Europe is that there are various companies and organizations that offer free walking tours. You can considerably opt for a free walking tour and explore more about the city, if you are visiting Paris for the first time. The guides are friendly, and knowledgeable, and will help you learn more about the French culture. The best thing is that you will get time to interact with the locals and learn more about the place. Keep in mind that you will have to book the tours in advance.
Go on a Pub Crawl
If you want to explore the nightlife in Paris, it could be the best option. You can join a free Pub crawl to explore places where the locals go and experience more about the French nightlife.
Walk along the Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets in Paris and all over the world. There are multiple high-end stores and you can explore Parisian fashion. You may also come across some of the celebrities on the street. You can visit the street for window shopping as well. Make sure you dress appropriately and sleek.
Free Music in Paris – Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse
Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse is Paris’s most prestigious music conservatory. There are more than 300 student concerts happening a year and most of them are free. Whether you like classical, contemporary jazz, or baroque, you must consider visiting the place. The tickets are handed out at the gate thirty minutes before the starting time.
Walk along River Seine
River Seine is a 777-km long river in Northern France and one of the city’s most famous landmarks. You must consider taking a walk along the river Seine. Wear some comfortable shoes and take a camera along for a wonderful experience.
Explore the Streets of Montmartre
Montmartre is one of the most famous districts in Paris and there are multiple things at Montmartre that you can enjoy for free. For instance, you can explore artists' paintings in the Square, or watch the street performers showing their talents. You may also discover Dali Museum, and Picasso’s studio, or can even explore the views of Paris from Montmartre.
Visit Historic Cathedrals and Churches
Cathedrals and churches are one of the best places to explore if you want to learn more about the historic Christian culture. Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chappelle are the churches which you can enter for free on the first Sunday of each month, You may also consider exploring other churches including L'église Saint-Sulpice de Fougères (Church of St. Sulpice), and Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre.
Check Out the Arc De Triomphe
Arc De Triomphe is a giant stone archway and one of the most photographed monuments. You can walk around the Arc De Triomphe for free, but if you want to go upstairs you will have to pay a fee of euro 12.
Best Free Things to do in Paris – Summing Up
These are some of the best free things to do in Paris. You can consider exploring these places, enjoy free festivals, or have a picnic at the parks. Make sure you check the weather and guidelines of the place before visiting. Stay tuned to Scott and Ben for more such guides and updates.