10 Best Free Things to Do in Paris
How to Experience Paris on a Small Budget
Beyond the famed, pay-to-visit sites like the Louvre Museum and the Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France is filled with incredible free things to do. From rooftop viewpoints and captivating museums to historic churches and contemporary art installations, there are loads of fantastic attractions that you can visit in The City of Light, all without spending a single euro cent.
See the Eiffel Tower without the pricy entrance fee, discover Parisian history in hidden gem museums, and marvel at incredible artwork without stepping foot in an expensive gallery. So, ditch the hefty entry fees and get ready to embark on an unforgettable Parisian adventure that won’t empty your bank account.
1. The Terrace at Galeries Lafayette
Jaw-dropping rooftop views
Good for: Budget, Photo, Shoppers
Settled on top of the bustling Galeries Lafayette shopping centre, its 8th-floor rooftop terrace offers stunning, 360-degree views of Paris’ 1st and 9th arrondissements. Bask in the views of the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, Notre Dame and Palais Garnier without spending a single penny.
While the Terrace’s Paris city views are fantastic any time of day, summer sunsets are, without a doubt, the best and make for incredible holiday photos. Watch nature’s evening show paint the City of Light in a beautiful golden glow from this rooftop perch.
Location: 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France
Open: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 8.30 pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Phone: +33 (0)1 42 82 34 56
The Terrace at Galeries Lafayette
2. Arc de Triomphe
Historic arch landmark on the Champs Elysees
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Towering over the Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous landmarks in all of Paris. Admire the arch’s intricate carvings of Napoleon’s victories and pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The contrast of the gigantic monument surrounded by modern vehicles is truly a striking sight.
It’s important to note that, while it’s free to admire the Arc de Triomphe from the base of the structure, there is (usually) a fee to climb to the top. That said, there are several exceptions to this payment rule, including under 18s and visitors with disabilities, so check the official Arc de Triomphe website to see if you qualify for free entry.
Location: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Open: Wednesday–Monday from 10 am to 10.30 pm, Tuesday from 11 am to 10.30 pm
Phone: +33 (0)1 55 37 73 77
Arc de Triomphe
3. Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
Extensive contemporary art museum
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
The Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, or the City of Paris Museum of Modern Art, is filled with pieces by iconic art masters. Wander through and marvel at 15,000 works by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, Raoul Dufy and Marchel Duchamp, Georges Braque and Marc Chagall. Nearly every 20th and 21st century artistic era, including fauvism, cubism and surrealism, is represented within the museum’s walls.
While the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris’ permanent collections are completely free to enjoy, the temporary exhibits may have a fee. The museum building itself is a fabulous example of 1930s architecture, so make sure you take a look before you leave.
Location: 11 Av. du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris, France
Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 9.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +33 (0)1 53 67 40 00
Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
4. Street Art Avenue
Kilometres of canal-front murals
Good for: Budget, Photo
One of the coolest free things to do in Paris is wander along Street Art Avenue. Often called an open-air gallery, the route along the picturesque Saint-Denis canal (between the Stade de France and the Parc de la Villette) is filled with dozens of incredible murals.
Each year, more and more murals are added to the avenue in just about every medium imaginable. Paint, stencils, and collages are just the beginning. And while you can certainly stroll along the promenade for a free art walking tour, Seine-Saint-Denis Tourisme also organises paid, yet budget-friendly, canal cruises designed especially to view these art pieces.
Location: 93200 Saint-Denis, France
Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm
Phone: +33 (0)1 55 87 08 70
Street Art Avenue
5. Musée Carnavalet
Large history museum held in a pair of mansions
Good for: Budget, History
Journey through time without spending a euro cent at the Musée Carnavalet. Nestled within a pair of massive mansions, this Parisian museum is dedicated to documenting the city’s rich and intriguing history. Explore captivating exhibits showcasing fashion trends, artistic masterpieces and military relics that have shaped the City of Lights over the centuries. As the oldest museum in Paris, the mansions stunning architecture holds more than 450 years of history, so don’t forget to stop and admire it.
It is important to note that while Musée Carnavalet’s permanent collections are free to enter, there are some paid add-ons. Guided tours and entry to some temporary collections require a small fee.
Location: 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris, France
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +33 (0)1 44 59 58 58
Musée Carnavalet
6. Trocadero
Popular Eiffel Tower-viewing spot
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
The Trocadero is an entire little district in Paris’ 16th arrondissement. Mostly filled with paid museums, this is also home to the hidden gem that is the Trocadero Gardens, complete with elaborate sculptures, thriving greenery and dancing fountains. As an added bonus, they’re completely free to explore.
But by far, the most popular thing to do in The Trocadero area is take in the views of the Eiffel Tower. With the iconic Iron Lady just across the Seine River, this district arguably has the best views of Paris’ most famous landmark. Snap dozens of photos from Esplanade Joseph Wresinski or Trocadero Square, which are both amazing when viewed at sunset.
Trocadero
7. Musée Cognacq-Jay
Museum showcasing 18th-century luxury
Good for: Budget, History
Immerse yourself in the world of 18th-century Parisian high society at the Musée Cognacq-Jay. This hidden gem showcases the exceptional private collection of philanthropist Ernest Cognacq and his wife, Mary-Louise Jay, offering a glimpse into the refined taste and lifestyle of the era.
Each of the opulent rooms is filled with exquisite furniture, elegant tapestries and immaculate porcelain. Paintings by artistic masters at the time, including ones by Jacques-Louis David and Paul Signac, grace the walls. Occasionally there are also free conferences and events dedicated to specific pieces and related themes. It’s safe to say that you’ll be charmed by this taste of Paris’ aristocratic Age of Reason.
Location: 8 Rue Elzevir, 75003 Paris, France
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +33 (0)1 40 27 07 21
Musée Cognacq-Jay
8. Sacré-Coeur
Beautiful hilltop basilica
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Of the many free things to do in Paris, Sacré-Cœur should be at the top of every budget-friendly bucket list. Located at the summit of the butte of Montmartre, this impressive basilica towers above the city. Gape in awe at the finely crafted façade before ducking inside to see eye-catching stained-glass windows and elaborate mosaics.
Similar to the Arc de Triomphe, though Sacré-Cœur is free to visit and explore, there is a small fee to climb to the top of the basilica dome. At least 4 masses are conducted every day, and there are Benedictine Sisters on hand to answer any questions or share a prayer with.
Location: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
Open: Daily from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm
Phone: +33 (0)1 53 41 89 00
Sacré-Coeur
9. Église St-Eustache
Historic church with 8,000-pipe organ
Good for: Budget, History
Standing tall in the heart of Paris, Église Saint-Eustache offers a completely free architectural experience. This Gothic masterpiece, dating back to the 16th century, boasts stunning stained-glass windows, captivating sculptures and sky-high ceilings. Inside, you can scan a QR code with your smart phone to access a guided tour to learn all about this beautiful church.
Beyond the visual, Église Saint-Eustache is an auditory delight as well. Between the fantastic acoustics and the massive, 8,000-pipe organ, any sort of musical performance within these walls is a treat. To this day, this church hosts incredible (and usually free) organ performances that shouldn’t be missed.
Location: 2 Imp. Saint-Eustache, 75001 Paris, France
Open: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm
Phone: +33 (0)1 42 36 31 05
Église St-Eustache
10. Colonnes de Buren at the Palais Royal
Once-controversial art installation
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
As a former-palace-turned-government-building, the Palais Royal isn’t typically open to the public, with a couple of exceptions. The Colonnes de Buren are a publicly accessible contemporary art piece made by French artist, Daniel Buren. Once upon a time, it was pretty controversial, since many people thought a modern art piece would clash with such a historic, monumental building.
Despite the disagreements, the 260 black-and-white marble towers of The Colonnes de Burren were built and installed in 1986 at the Palais Royal. Today, visitors to the Palais Royal grounds are more than welcome to take pictures of this one-of-a-kind blend of modern art and ancient architecture.
Location: Galerie de la Cour d’Honneur, 2 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France
Open: Daily from 8 am to 8.30 pm
Colonnes de Buren at the Palais Royal
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