The Paris don’t have to be expensive; it is possible to explore the beauty of the city called the city of light. Being a historical and cultural city, there is so much that one can do in Budapest without paying a dime, for example; Despite the many interesting things do and places to visit such as areas such as Montmartre that are associated with romantic couples, the Eiffel Tower especially from the Champ of Mars and the serene beauty of Luxembourg Gardens that are free to visit.
This list of the best absolutely free things to do in Paris assures that the traveler will get the best of the city’s splendorous sights that are often overshadowed by extravagant tourist traps and hustle and bustle.
Suitable for visitor with limited financial resources or those who want to save money or rediscovering their own city, those free things to do still convey the mood and spirit of the city of Paris and will remain unforgettable memories.
Free Tourist Attraction in Paris: Must-Do Activities
Here is the list of what to do in Paris for free, starting from museums and galleries to parks, and districts of the city.
Visit Iconic Landmarks
- Eiffel Tower: While the trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower which might be quite costly, the view of the tower itself, is free of charge. Visit nearby Champ de Mars or Trocadéro gardens to get majestic views of the tower. Even better, it is the best thing of its kind as it comes free of charge.
- Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur: Although Montmartre has great artistic appeal, it can be reached by simply taking a funicular in Anvers metro station for a station to the hill top. Besides, the religious importance, the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur situated at the hilltop provides the panoramic view of the beautiful city of Paris. However, the stairs are free to climb though a fee is charged to get into the basilica.
Explore Free Museums and Galleries
- The Louvre: Although one may think that Louvre is crowded with long queues and a ticket price, it is actually free every first Sunday of the month. It is also an opportune moment to discover the attractions that it offers and the variety of its exhibitions and shows usually are not so freely accessible.
- Musée d’Orsay: Beside the Tuileries Gardens lies the current home to a great number of Impressionist artworks, former railway station. Cooper Union adjoins to free the first Sunday of the month and the Museum offers a special price for selected exhibitions that do not allow paying.
- Museum of Decorative Arts: This museum is also located in Tuileries Gardens and it also displays some of the best collections of design and art. There are no charges on the first Sunday of the month for general entrance and also for special exhibitions.
- Paris Museum Pass: although they are not completely free, it is affordable to get a pass to Paris Museums since it enables you to cover a number of museums and exhibitions within a few days. It also includes free or even discounted entry rights to most of the places of interest.
Capturing French Culture in Public Spaces
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: Enter this gorgeous cathedral free of charge and enjoy the scenic beauty of the interior. Looking forward, the external designs of the towers have been quite captivating especially since the towers have undergone through some refurbishment of sorts because the Towers are closed. You can easily walk by this site when participating in one of the free/ paid walking tours which sometimes include this area.
- Panthéon: As impressive as they are accessible, you can visit the Panthéon free of charge. It is an interesting structure that holds the history of the country reflected in the historical personalities buried inside it.
Enjoy the City’s Natural Areas
- Luxembourg Gardens: Located right in the downtown, the Luxembourg Gardens offer one a chance of a stroll. The latest among them is a rowing Shed, where one can rent a row boat to travel round the ample pond or can have a picnic basket full of foods purchased from nearby food markets.
- Jardin des Plantes: This is not only an appearance of the French capital but also the place where the French National Museum of Natural History is located. About the majority of such exhibitions have the entrance is paid, but there are also free ones, and with pleasure it is possible to spend several hours in the park.
- Buttes-Chaumont: In other case for adventurous persons this park provides steep slopes, water falls, even there are butte Chaumont formal garden, queen’s lake and so on but all these are present inside the park. During the summer, the place is more active with various events that do not require any charges and water sports.
Indulge in Local Street Food
- Cafés and Crêperies: You don’t have to go to have a French high-end restaurant in order to get the real French tastes. Paris is rich in cheap cafés and crêperies that are ready to offer strong meals. For more filling, affordable lunch, you should try the crêpe or the croque-monsieur.
- Local Markets: Intending to feel the Parisian culture, it is recommendable to take a walk to some of the markets around such as Marché Bastille or Marché d’Aligre to enjoy organize cheese, fruit, bread and other negotiable commodities from the region. This can be achieved by having a cheese and baguette for a sandwich in one of the parks that is in Paris.
Free Entertainment and Particular Cultural Programs
- Concerts and Events in the Jardin du Luxembourg: It is suggested to look for a local TV guide for the free of charge concerts and other performances that occur frequently in the Jardin du Luxembourg. This is a good way to watch a music or performance programs while at the same time sitting or lying in a beautiful environment.
- Street Performers: The streets of Paris, as one might expect, are full of gifted and creative people. These performers are entertainers like musicians, dancers, mimes who perform these shows without charging the people hence contributing to the beautification of the city.
Discover Local Neighborhoods
- Le Marais: Take a walk along plateaus of paris of Le Marais, a district with small winding streets with shops and quite galleries, cafes and restaurants. Most of them, such as Place des Vosges and the Picasso Museum that offers its day-by-day tickets for free, most especially during the first Sunday of the month, are free.
- Latin Quarter: One of the most cultural and student-oriented areas of Paris, Latin Quarter is a place hosting famous Sorbonne University and a charming Shakespeare and Company bookstore. Stroll down the banks of the Seine and take advantage of many free choices with the suggestion of visiting the Panthéon.
Experience Parisian Transportation
- Use the Paris Pass: Though it is not absolutely free, Paris Visite Pass permits to travel as much as one wants by metro, RER, bus and tram, for a limited period only. It is relatively cheaper for those who intend to cover more grounds of the city.
- Walk or Bike: Paris is highly amenable to walking and a number of sights are situated within proximity to each other. Hire bicycles from one of the cycle rental shops which is a part of Vélib’, Paris’s public bicycle rental service, to move around the city independently.
Explore Parisian Cathedrals and Churches
- Sainte-Chapelle: This beautiful chapel is well decorated especially by the stained-glass windows. The fee charged to get entry into the area mostly is very low compared to beauty it displays to the world.
- Saint-Merry Church: For some culture, head to the Saint Merry Church at 8:15 in the morning during weekdays to witness the singing of the “Ave Maria” by the choir. It is a very touching experience and there is no entrance fee required.
Participate in Free Walking Tours
Attend one of the free walking tours you find around the city of Paris. As such, these tours range from historical to art and different important aspects to learn about the culture as well as the history of the city.
Also Read – Best Things to Do in Zurich
Conclusion
When in Paris, it’s not mandatory to spend so much and yet one can note the exquisiteness of the city. Being one of the most visited cities in the world, Paris has numerous free of charge opportunities for leisure, lots of cheap cafes and restaurants, and numerous parks.
As seen from early view, if one wants to have taste of Paris at an affordable price, below are some of the ways:
- Getting a free admission into some of the museums after researching on which day the museums are offers free entry,
- Exploring the different neighborhoods
- Last taking a stroll in the natural areas.
Shuffle in your bags, check your burdens and get ready to be mesmerized by the beauty of Paris within your purse.
