Ok, so you’ve convinced yourself that you are going to the French capital. You’ve booked your plane tickets and your accommodation, and, surprise, you realise there isn’t a whole lot of moolahs left in the bank thanks to the pesky currency exchange that currently isn’t doing Canadians any favours at the moment. Especially not in one of the world’s most expensive cities! Fret not! There’s a whopping quantity of free things to do in Paris that are not only entirely affordable but that are also shockingly cool, from Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower, from free museums to breathtaking views of la Ville-Lumière.
Is it free to visit Notre-Dame de Paris? Yes it is!
Notre-Dame de Paris is swinging open its historic doors once more, regaining its grandeur after the 2019 fire. The best part? You can wander through its revived Gothic splendor for free, soaking up centuries of artistry under soaring arches and radiant rose windows. Daredevils can head up the towers—just be prepared to pay for panoramic thrills. Whether you’re a fan of medieval magic or just chasing wanderlust, this iconic cathedral is ready to captivate again.
Promenade plantée
Move over, High Line; the Promenade Plantée was here first! New York City’s disused train tracks-turned-linear park may get all the glory, but Paris’ counterpart existed long before that, opening in 1993. The green belt starts at the Opéra Bastille and ends four kilometres to the east at the Boulevard Périphérique ring road.
An excellent place to enjoy a croissant or people watch Parisian joggers.
Terrasse Printemps Haussman
Atop one of Paris’ busiest department stores is a spectacularly underrated terrace offering 360-degree panoramas. With the Eiffel Tower is one corner, Opéra Garnier in another, the Montmartre Hill in the back (connoisseurs will also easily spot Place de la Madeleine, Notre-Dame-de-Paris, and the Panthéon) there’s no denying this rooftop terrace offers the absolute best free view of the City of Lights.
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann also has a rooftop terrace, but out of the two, we prefer the Printemps.
The Eiffel Tower night light show
One memorable, cost-free option is to experience the nightly sparkle of the Eiffel Tower—a dazzling spectacle designed by lighting engineer Pierre Bideau and introduced for the millennium celebrations in 2000. Starting at nightfall, 20,000 bulbs flash for five minutes every hour, on the hour, until 1 AM, bathing the city in twinkling gold.
Our favourite spot to watch the show? Arrive early at Passerelle Debilly to claim a prime vantage point and soak up the romantic atmosphere by the Seine river. Once the lights dim, take a leisurely walk across the river to enjoy the soft glow reflecting on the water, rounding out an unforgettable Parisian evening… for free.
What are the best free things to do in Paris when it rains? Petit Palais!
The Beaux-Arts architectural gem first opened its doors for the universal exhibition of 1900 and now houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. Located right off the chic Champs-Élysées, it features 1,300 works of art covering several different genres including household French artists like Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet, Sisley, and Delacroix. If you can’t make it to Orsay or the Louvre, this is the next best and totally free thing!
Are all museums free in Paris?
Paris offers free entry to museums on the first Sunday of each month. Explore iconic venues like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, or uncover local gems. It’s a chance to connect with world-class collections without spending a euro. Arrive early to avoid lines and make the most of your day.
Good to know: the permanent collections of City of Paris Museums are all free to visit.
Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen
Encompassing 2500 stalls grouped in 14 different emporiums, this flea market is said to be Europe’s largest and is frequently visited by locals, from fashionistas to art collectors and antiquarians. Located in Paris’ northern doorstep, Marché aux puces de St-Ouen can easily be reached by public transit and remains one of the city’s most beloved shopping destinations.
Arènes de Lutèce
Did you know that Paris has a Roman amphitheatre? Don’t worry, even most Parisians have no idea!
Although there’s not much left of it, the Arena Lutèce (the Roman name for Paris) in the 5th arrondissement is one of the most important Gallo-Roman remains in Paris; it was used for gladiator fights and could seat up to 15,000 people. Discovered in the late 1800s, the archaeological site was publicly defended by intellectuals such as Victor Hugo, and excavation and restoration work continued until the First World War.
Kid’s carrousels
Get swept up in the year-round magic of Paris’ manèges! The two-storey carousel at the foot of the Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre, with its hand-painted horses and ornate decorations, brings a fairytale glow to the hillside. Down by the Eiffel Tower, another whimsical carousel spins beneath the city’s most famous landmark – pure storybook magic! For a more local feel, head to the Parc Monceau’s cosy little merry-go-round, tucked away in lush greenery, and watch wide-eyed riders of all ages beam with delight.
Maison de Victor Hugo
Maison de Victor Hugo allows visitors to explore the author’s townhouse (in which he moved in right after publishing the Hunchback of Notre-Dame) the way it was when he lived there. It authentically showcases his passion for Gothic furniture and contains a large collection of drawings and essays Hugo himself penned.
Rue Crémieux
There’s no doubt that Parisian architecture, with its elegant Haussmann buildings and manicured gardens, is a masterpiece. But deep in the 12th arrondissement is a small and secret hideaway with two rows of beautiful rainbow-coloured terraced houses… a breath of fresh air in an otherwise rather monochrome city.
Musée de la Vie Romantique in Montmartre
A visit to the Musée de la Vie Romantique is a free and immersive way to explore Montmartre’s rich cultural heritage. This hidden gem features paintings, sculptures and personal memorabilia that highlight the Romantic era and is housed in a 19th century villa once frequented by George Sand. Stroll through the charming greenhouse and garden courtyard, a tranquil escape from the busy streets of the neighbourhood. The museum’s cosy tea room also adds an extra layer of enchantment to the Montmartre experience.
Parc de la Villette free open air cinema
If you’re planning on visiting Paris in the warm summer months of July and August, then perhaps a visit to the bustling area of La Villette is in order. Brush up on your French and come sit in the grass with locals (perhaps with a baguette, some cheeses, and even a cheeky bottle of wine… or two) to enjoy a mix of new releases and cult films.
Musée Carnavalet
Housed inside two splendid 17th-century hôtels particuliers, Musée Carnavalet is dedicated to the history of Paris and spans from the Gallo-Roman period to modern day; it contains immensely valuable artefacts pertaining to significant events of French history, such as the 1789 Revolution.
What sight is free to visit in Paris: Père Lachaise cemetery
It is not a hidden gem. Père Lachaise cemetery may be one of the most visited attractions in Paris, but it is definitely worth braving the crowds.
What few people know, however, is that Paris’ largest cemetery was neither prestigious nor popular when it first opened in the 1800s; in fact, locals specifically asked not to be buried in Père Lachaise because the cemetery had not been blessed by the Roman Catholic Church. It wasn’t until the remains of La Fontaine and Molière were moved there that it became a sought-after resting place; today it holds the remains of many famous people, including Oscar Wilde, Honoré de Balzac, Édith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Eugène Delacroix, Frédéric Chopin and many others.
More fun, unusual and free tourist attractions in Paris
- Visit the Centre Pompidou‘s permanent collection
- Stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries
- Admire the panorama from the steps of the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur
- Walk along the Canal Saint-Martin
- Discover the parc des buttes Chaumont
- Admire the urban wildlife in the Jardins du Luxembourg
- Shopping at the Marché d’Aligre
