Planning a trip to Paris might seem overwhelming. And it certainly isn’t cheap! Some of the most popular activities in Paris are quite pricey for those traveling on a budget. That said, there are seemingly endless free things to do in Paris if you know where to look!

From free museums, to romantic strolls, to historic sites, and more – there is something for everyone in the boundaries of the ‘City of Light’.

So, without further ado, here are 9 free things to do in Paris that you should consider adding to your itinerary!

9 Free things to do in Paris

1. Visit the Père Lachaise Cemetery

It may seem odd that a cemetery makes the list of the top ten best free things to do in Paris. However the Père Lachaise Cemetery is certainly worth a visit. Père Lachaise Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Paris, spanning over 110 acres in the 20th arrondissement. 

The cemetery holds the tombs of some of the most notable figures, including Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Frederic Chopin. 

The park contains over 5,000 trees and hundreds of ornate statues scattered along the cobbled pathways.

You are able to explore the cemetery on your own, or you can opt for a guided tour to learn more about the history. The cemetery closes at 5:30pm, so make sure you plan enough time to explore beforehand!

2. Wander through Montmartre

Montmartre is certainly not a “hidden gem” in Paris. But there is good reason that the neighborhood is well visited. Montmartre is notably a neighborhood that attracted artists from Vincent Van Gogh to Monet to Picasso. It is also the backdrop to the charming movie Amelie, and is home to some of the most iconic landmarks including The Moulin Rouge and Sacre Coeur Basilica. 

I recommend spending an entire day wandering through Montmartre. Rather than pack the day full of activities, opt instead to sip coffee and nibble pastries in one of the many charming cafes. 

Montmartre is still home to many aspiring artists. If you are in the area, you certainly need to check out Place du Tertre. This street is constantly lined with artists, cartoonists, and sculptures practicing their crafts and selling their works. 

I would also highly recommend checking out Sacre Coeur – the famous basilica. Visiting the basilica is free for guests. But, if you would like to climb to the top of the dome, you’ll need to pay 6 Euros. This is absolutely worth it.

Check out my Top Things to Do in Paris guide for more information on Sacre Coeur!

3. Spend a day in the park (Luxembourg Gardens, Tuileries, and many more!)

Although it is a large, metropolitan city, Paris contains many public parks that offer a literal breath of fresh air. Whether you are planning a picnic, or just need a quick moment away from the hustle and bustle, there are absolutely spaces tailor made for you.

Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens) is a massive park located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. The park features iconic fountains, tennis courts, and an antique carousel. It is also home to many heated chess matches.

In the 1st arrondissement, you’ll find the Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden). Located adjacent to the famous Louvre, this garden is difficult to miss. The Jardin des Tuileries has a long history of battles, destruction, and restoration. It was also the first Royal Garden to be opened to the public. The Tuileries are surrounded by some of Paris’ most famous museums and historic palaces. They are certainly worth a stroll through! (And, perhaps, a ride on the iconic ferris wheel?)

Parks are a great, free way to spend a day in Paris. Make sure you pack some snacks for a nice picnic!

4. Picnic next to the twinkling Eiffel Tower at night

One of the most memorable Paris experiences is picnicking underneath the Eiffel Tower at night. Beginning at sundown, the Eiffel Tower is beautifully illuminated and, every hour on the hour, kicks off a twinkling light show. 

Grab a blanket and fill a basket full of cheeses, fruit, baguette, and wine – and head over to Champ de Mars park to stake out a spot for the evening. Just be aware that the park typically closes at 11pm, so you’ll want to make sure you’re there a few hours earlier. 

Make sure you bring a jacket – as the temperature can drop at night!

5. Visit the Shakespeare Bookstore

On the left bank of Paris, in the 5th arrondissement, lies the Shakespeare and Company Bookshop. The original bookshop was a frequent haunt by many notable writers including: Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and James Joyce. Following World War II, the bookshop was restored and is still in operation today.

This bookshop should be on any bibliophile’s bucket list. It is lined floor to ceiling with towers of every genre of book imaginable. And on the inside? A friendly bookshop cat to give pats to. Shakespeare and Company is conveniently located just across the Seine from Notre Dame. If you are in the area, it is absolutely worth a visit.

Note that the shop is nearly always crowded with tourists. I recommend getting there early to explore before the chaos ensues! 

Check out the Shakespeare and Company official website to see if there are any upcoming events to check out!

6. Tango under the stars at the Palais Garnier

The Palais Garnier Opera House is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. It was the inspiration for Gaston LaRoux’s Phantom of the Opera, and remains a centerpiece for dance, theater, and opera in the city.

However, one less known aspect of the opera house is the fact that dozens of people gather together under the stars on the steps of the palace to dance the tango in the moonlight. 

We went back night after night to watch couples dance and simply enjoy the night. Tangoing under the stars is undoubtedly one of the best free things to do in Paris.

I highly recommend checking out this experience. The group is typically active during the spring and summer. But I would try to see if you can find them on Facebook to determine when they are meeting up next. 

7. Walk along the Coulée Verte René-Dumont

The Coulée Verte René-Dumont is a gorgeous walking trail and park built on top of old city railway infrastructure. The walking trail is one of the best ways to view Paris from above. Along the walk, you will see a variety of flowers, trees, and foliage – a nice escape from the hectic city below!

The Coulée Verte René-Dumont is the first abandoned railway that was transformed into a public park. The route inspired the construction of the Highline in New York City a little over 10 years later.

The route offers a little shade from the hot summer sun, and is perfect for a morning or sunset stroll.

8. Spend a day in the Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is a historic district located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris and is one of the intellectual hubs of the city. It was a popular gathering area for artists and writers, and is home to the Sorbonne and College de France. Today, the Latin Quarter is one of the more popular destinations for tourists, and is certainly worth a visit if you are in the city.

9. Explore the Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen

The Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is one of the largest open-air flea markets in the world. The market houses over 2,500 shops and stalls that offer trinkets, art, vintage items, antiques, clothing, and furniture. 

The market is located just outside of Paris in St Ouen, and is open Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. The Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is a must see for anyone interested in digging for treasures!

That’s all, folks!

Hopefully this list helps kick off your itinerary of free things to do in Paris! Paris is truly one of the most remarkable cities in the entire world. I know you will enjoy your visit!

For more planning ideas, check out my top 10 things to do in Paris guide.

Have you been to Paris? Drop a comment with your favorite things to to below!