Free Things to Do in Paris: 10 Budget-Friendly Experiences in the City of Love

For a budget traveller or backpacker, Paris can be their worst nightmare as for almost every other thing you need to pay for tickets. It is no doubt a lovely city but I feel you don’t need to do all these paid things. So I’ve created a list of free things which you can do in Paris without breaking your bank

1. See the Eiffel Tower

Quite an obvious one, you can admire its beauty for free. In the evening, you can also see it sparkle every hour. There are many spots to view the Eiffel Tower and here are a few – Champ de Mars, Trocadéro, Rue de Monttessuy, Av. de Camoens.

2. Walk along Seine River

A Parisian experience which I feel is walking along the Seine River. This is where you really feel the rhythm of the city, with street musicians, bookstalls, and beautiful bridges lining your path.

3. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

This gothic structure which is over 800 years old is a famous spot in Paris. It caught fire in 2019 and it’s finally open again for visitors. It is completely free to go inside. You need to go inside as it’s a must to do thing if you are in Paris.

4. Explore the free Art Museums

Although the Louvre is the most famous one, there are plenty other museums which you can enter for free – Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air, Pavillon de l’Arsenal, Musée Édith Piaf, Théâtre-Musée des Capucines.

5. Chill in Paris parks & gardens

For a more relaxed experience, spending time in Parisian parks is a great option. There are a number of green spaces in the city – jardin des tuileries, Champ de Mars, Square Louise-Michel, Parc de Belleville, Jardin du Luxembourg.

6. Wander Montmartre

Wandering through Montmartre feels like stepping into a film, with its cobbled streets, artists, and charming cafés. Visit the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic city views and enjoy street performances in the lively squares. It’s the perfect place to get lost, soak in the atmosphere, and capture that classic Paris aesthetic.

7. Stroll around the Latin Quarters

Wandering through the Latin Quarter is a perfect free way to soak up Paris’s student vibe, historic streets, and lively atmosphere. You can admire landmarks like the Panthéon from the outside and walk down toward the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral along charming cobbled lanes. It’s ideal for exploring on foot, with hidden bookshops, cafés, and street performers around every corner.

8. Free Viewpoints

Paris has some incredible viewpoints that don’t cost a thing if you know where to go. Head up to the steps of Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre for one of the best panoramic views over the city, especially at sunset. For a less crowded but equally stunning perspective, visit Parc de Belleville, which offers sweeping skyline views.If you prefer rooftop views, the terrace at Galeries Lafayette Rooftop gives you a free elevated look across Paris, including the Eiffel Tower. Another great spot is the Institut du Monde Arabe Rooftop, which is often quieter and perfect for a relaxed cityscape view.

9. Visit the Père Lachaise Cemetery

A bit different but it’s peaceful, beautiful, and feels like a sculpture garden. You can wander through and find the graves of famous figures like Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison, which makes it both a cultural and historical experience.

10. Finally – just walk the city

There are so many places and structures which you don’t find online until you walk around the city. There are hidden alleys, cosy cafes, underrated historical structures. Pont Alexandre III, Pont des Arts (Love Lock Bridge), Fontaine Saint-Michel, and many more are some to look at.