I lived in Paris for seven years, first as a student (meaning broke) and then as a freelance journalist (meaning even more broke). I love trying new activities and getting deep into the culture of wherever I’m living, so I sought out all possible free things to do in Paris. 

 

And the good news is that, even though the city itself is expensive, there are tons of activities that cost absolutely nothing. These include visiting world-class museums, going on hikes, and trying out sports from fencing to climbing. In fact, some of the most iconic experiences in Paris don’t cost a thing. Read on for my advice on the best things to do in Paris on a budget! 

 

Free Things to Do In Paris 

Here are the 12 best FREE things to do in Paris and why each of them is an awesome activity to add to your Paris itinerary.

 

Visit Museums for Free on the First Sunday of the Month 

With the Mona Lisa, Monet’s waterlilies, and Rodin’s Thinker, it’s no wonder that Paris’ museums are world-famous. If you’re lucky enough to be under 26 and from a European country, many top museums are free all the time. If not, time your visit for the first Sunday of the month, when several museums open their doors to everyone.

 

There are a dozen museums to choose from. I recommend the Musée d’Orsay, a former railway station with glass roofs and a wonderful collection of impressionist art, and the Musée du Quai Branly, which celebrates art and traditions from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. 

 

As for the Louvre, it switched things up and is now free on the first Friday evening of each month instead of Sunday. It feels like Night at the Museum, in the best way. 

 

Most museums require a reservation, and I’d suggest going early because Parisians love a free day out.

Visit the Saint-Ouen Flea Market

The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is the world’s largest flea market, although only a small section of it houses antiquities. The rest is a vibrant, sprawling market with knock-off branded clothes, beautiful handicrafts, and every random thing you could imagine. 

 

The centre section has antique shops along narrow alleyways, and feels like an open-air cabinet of curiosities, filled with vintage clothes, records, furniture, and oddities you didn’t know existed. It is a fun place, even if you don’t plan on spending any money. 

 

Keep an eye on your possessions. Like many busy areas of Paris, Saint-Ouen has its fair share of pickpockets. But don’t let that put you off, it is still a perfectly safe and friendly place to explore. To get there, go to the métro Porte de Clignancourt (not the Porte de Saint-Ouen). 

 

After you’ve finished browsing, pop into La REcyclerie, a former railway station that has an urban farm, a cafe, and art exhibits. Sink into a mismatched armchair, and enjoy the community vibe. 

 

Try out Free Sports Classes Offered by the City of Paris 

The City of Paris offers free sports classes in everything from fencing to climbing, football to circuit training. They’re aimed at locals, but if there’s space, anyone can sign up. 

Classes are taught in French, so you’ll need at least a basic grasp of the language to get by, and you may need to show a doctor’s note declaring you fit to participate. 

Hike the GR2024, Through Paris’ Secret Neighbourhoods 

In honor of the 2024 Olympics, Paris created its own long-distance hiking route: a 50-kilometer loop weaving through lesser-known neighborhoods and green spaces.

Pass through multicultural areas with shisha bars and shops selling African Wax fabric. Follow former railway lines, which have been rewilded and become environmental havens. In the Bois de Boulogne, you can enter wild woods that feel very far from the city, before stumbling across a historic red light district. 

It is a unique way to explore the city, and one that will leave you with a deeper understanding of how diverse Paris really is. 

 

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

The ornate, gargoyle-covered Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Paris has reopened after the devastating fire in 2019. Surprisingly, they still allow candles.

 

It is open every day and costs nothing at all. Come early to beat the crowds – the cathedral opens its doors at 7:50 am. You can also book a slot online to avoid queuing. The high ceilings and stained glass are very atmospheric, and you can climb into the towers of the cathedral. 

 

Don’t forget to walk around the exterior, where the gargoyles, flying buttresses, and detailed gothic sculptures are just as striking as the interior. 

Admire the Views from Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre

Montmartre’s Basilique du Sacré-Cœur is free to enter, but it’s the walk up there that’s the real treat. You’ll pass through the narrow, cobbled streets of what used to be Paris’ most bohemian neighbourhood before reaching the gleaming, domed church. The inside is relatively simple, but the views from its steps—sprawling across Paris—are unforgettable.

 

The nearby Place du Terte is touristy but fun, filled with painters selling their work and cafés perfect for people-watching.

See the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro

Climbing the Eiffel Tower is a fun experience, but it isn’t cheap, and once you are on the tower, you can’t see the tower, which is a shame. I prefer going to Place du Trocadero, a square on the other side of the iconic edifice.It is especially beautiful at night, when the Eiffel Tower glitters with lights each hour on the hour. Bring a bottle of wine, some cheese, and a baguette, and you’ve got yourself a classic Parisian evening. 

 

Have a Picnic on the Seine 

And since we’re on the subject of picnics, plan an evening wandering along the Seine. The riverside has been transformed in recent years, with entire stretches now pedestrianised, offering wide walkways, leafy parks, art installations, and plenty of spots to perch with your feet dangling over the water.

 

My favourite stretch is the Quais de Jussieu in the 6th arrondissement. In summer, it comes alive as dancers set up speakers and play salsa and bachata, inviting anyone to join in.

 

The area around Notre-Dame Cathedral is equally charming, buzzing with buskers and students as the evening sets in. On the Right Bank, La Voie sur Berge becomes “Paris Plages” in summer, complete with sand, deck chairs, and palm trees. It’s a little kitschy, but undeniably fun nonetheless.

 

Have a Dip in the Seine

After staring into the murky brown water of the Seine, there is a (very slight) chance that you will develop a desire to go for a swim in it. Thankfully, this is now possible! 

 

For decades, swimming in the Seine carried a kind of mythical status among Parisians. Up until the 1920s, it was commonly done. Black-and-white footage of bathers in vintage swimsuits splashing around with Notre-Dame in the background filled people with nostalgia. 

 

Ahead of the 2024 Olympics, Paris City Hall pledged to clean up the river. It took a little longer than expected, but in 2025 three designated swimming areas finally opened. They’re completely free and genuinely great fun.

 

Bear in mind that it is still illegal to swim anywhere outside of these three areas, and there is quite a lot of boat traffic, so it is best to adhere to this rule. 

 

Take a Cruise Along the Paris Canals

Paris’ canals are less famous than the Seine, but are beautiful shaded walkways, lined with 19th-century industrial architecture that is striking to see. 

 

Walking along the Canal Saint-Martin and the Canal de l’Ourcq is a great way to spend an afternoon. Better yet, there is a free cruise along the Canal Saint-Denis, starting at the Corentin-Cariou metro station. 

 

If you’ve been eyeing the bateaux mouches but they don’t fit into your budget, this is a good alternative, and one where you’ll find hardly any tourists. 

 

Learn to Cook for Free at a Paris Farmers’ Market 

If you speak French, you can sign up for free cooking classes organized by the French Federation of Cuisine. If you don’t speak French, this alone might be motivation to start learning. 

The classes are held at farmers’ markets across Paris and the wider region. Professional chefs teach you how to pick the right ingredients and make seasonal dishes. Sign up early, as spaces are limited, and Parisians are keen cooks. 

Explore Artistic Squats Like 59 Rivoli

In typical French fashion, when a building is left empty in Paris, it is likely to be taken over and turned into a community space, providing a home to vulnerable communities or artists. Some of these squats are open to the public, including the iconic 59 Rivoli. 

The Haussmanian building is a riot of color, every part of the six floors painted with beautiful artwork. A dozen artists have their studios, and their homes here, and you can stroll through, and sometimes chat about their work. 

Other squats pop up regularly around the city, often with a mix of art exhibits, music performances, and community events—keep an eye on posters or local event listings.

 

If you are travelling on a budget, you might rule out Paris, which has a reputation for being expensive. I hope this article has shown that you don’t have to. You can  have an amazing stay in the city without spending a dime, visiting some big sights, some off-the-beaten track quirks, and taking a few classes to step into authentic Parisian living. 

 

By Eloise Stark, of Shortcuts and Sidequests