Best Free Things to do in Paris | Museums, Gardens & More

Considered to be an essential summer meeting destination in north east Paris, Parc de La Villette turns itself into a huge open-air cinema screening, giving a magical theatre experience. The films displayed are in their original version with French subtitles.

Watching the lights at the Eiffel tower is a must on your bucket list! Watch the lights sparkle every night, on the hour, every year. The best part is, it is completely free.

 There are a lot of museums in the city that allow free entry on the first Sunday of the month like the Paris Museum of Modern Art, Galerie Lumiere des Roses, Maison de Victor Hugo, Musée Carnavalet, Musée de la Vie romantique, and many more.

Located on the borders between Saint-Germain-des-Pres and the Latin Quarter, the Jardin du Luxembourg is a blend of French and English styles. Within the grounds sits a breathtaking collection of orchids, a rose garden and an apiary to learn bee-keeping.

The Cathedral de Notre Dame is Paris’s most famous Gothic church and is simply beautiful both inside and out. One of the most iconic sights in the city, with sculptures and stained glass, it is a sight to behold.

Rub shoulders with souls of literary greats like Proust and Balzac, Oscar Wilder, Jim Morrison and more at Paris’ most haunting spots. The tree-lined avenues and calling crows add on to making Pere Lachaise an atmospheric walk in the city.

A railroad track with an elevated walkway, offers a great view and allows you to walk through the lush green archways. This 4.5km pathway covers most of the 12th arrondissement and can be joined from Avenue Daumesnil, next to the Bastille metro stop.

Spend an evening with a bohemian vibe by heading down to the Square du Vert-Galant, on the western tip of the lle de la Cite. Enjoy a cosy environment as you watch boats sail on either side of the island.

The flea market puts together close to 2000 second-hand and antique dealers spread over the markets and the surrounding streets. More than 7 million visitors come here for its old furniture, bronzes, records and other objects, perfect for bargain hunters.

Since 1867, the Parc de Buttes-Chaumont has been one of the largest public parks in Paris. Inspired by the Italian Temple of Vesta, the most famous feature is the Temple de la Sibylle, 50 meters above the waters of the artificial lake.

A perfect mix of cool, lively and tranquil, the Canal St Martin in Paris is a spot where all the creative minds went when Montmartre got too expensive. Stroll through the streets and find the walls adorned with street art.

Discover the ancient origins and learn all about Paris’ history at its recently renovated Musee Carnavalet, where there is no entry charge and allows you to wander through the drawing rooms and reconstructed baroque interests free of cost.

An ideal melting pot of music, art and culture. You can take a stroll down the roads, visit the art galleries and museums and other prominent hubs. Check out the view from the top of Sacre Coeur, a masterpiece of grandeur.

The Champs-Elysees is a popular street lined with luxury boutiques and restaurants where you can spot celebrities shopping and dining. A stroll through these streets is definitely one of the top free things to do while you are in Paris.

Located in the Place de Vosges in the heart of the Marais district, the Maison de Victor Hugo welcomes you into the private home of the well-known French writer, who resided on the 2nd floor and wrote some of his major works.

Easily one of the top free things to do in Paris, located opposite of the Seine to the Tower in Pari’s 16th Arrondissement, this raised platform at the end of the gardens, gives a perfect view to the Eiffel Tower.

The Arc de Triomphe is a symbol that honours all those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, with the names of the generals and French victories inscribed on its inner and outer walls.

The popular UNESCO heritage site is a free spot for long walks or a place to sit and admire the lights against the night sky. You can also admire the bridges across Seine like Alma or Archbishops Bridge, which are popular tourists’ attractions.

Paris is known for a variety of Free Walking Tours with tour volunteers who give you an insight into the beautiful city. Choose an area of an interest, take a highlight tour or take a night time tour based on your requirement.

This massive park in Paris is perfect to take a stroll in or lounge around for a bit. Located at the base of the Eiffel tower, it offers stunning views of the landmark attraction along with greenery all around.