Paris offers more than 130 museums and countless treasures—but the best things don’t always cost money. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning, these 15 free activities will help you embrace Parisian life without spending a euro. From historic parks and open-air galleries to stunning views, it’s possible to explore the City of Light on a budget and still uncover its magic.
- 1. Swim in the Seine
- 2. Discover Public Art at Parc de la Villette
- 3. Relax in the Tuileries Garden
- 4. Marvel at Notre-Dame from Point Zéro
- 5. Visit Free Municipal Museums
- 6. Stroll Along the Seine Promenade (Rives de Seine)
- 7. Free Open-Air Concerts & Events
- 8. Window-Shop at Galleries & Department-Store Rooftops
- 9. Montmartre’i jalutuskäik
- 10. Explore City Cemeteries & Architectural Oddities
- 11. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
- 12. Saint-Martin Canal
- 13. La Défense’s Modern Architecture
- 14. Rue Mouffetard
- 15. Free Church Visits
- Plan with Paris For You App
1. Swim in the Seine
For the first time since 1923, swimming in designated zones of the Seine is free—and arguably Paris’s most unique summer experience. Monitored areas near Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and eastern Paris opened in summer 2025 after a €1.4 billion clean-up effort. Water quality is tested daily, with lifeguards on duty—just bring swimwear and towel!
2. Discover Public Art at Parc de la Villette
This sprawling eastern park is a living exhibition of deconstructivist design. Architect Bernard Tschumi’s iconic “follies” – 26 bright red structures – double as playful art and wayfinding elements. With gardens, open-air film screenings in summer, and art installations, it’s a cultural experience in a public green space.
3. Relax in the Tuileries Garden
Created in 1564 by Catherine de’ Medici and opened to the public in 1667, this historic garden lies between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. With sculptures, fountains, and people-watching along the Grand Allée, it’s open-air Parisian life at its best.
4. Marvel at Notre-Dame from Point Zéro
While entering the cathedral is free, don’t miss Point Zéro des Routes de France, a marker outside designating the literal center of Paris. Legend says stepping on it will bring you back one day. Nearby Pont de l’Archevêché offers classic Notre-Dame views (minus the love‑lock chaos).
5. Visit Free Municipal Museums
All Paris municipal museums offer free admission to their permanent collections. These include few lesser-known gems:
- Petit Palais, with works by Monet, Rembrandt and Cézanne
- Musée Bourdelle, the sprawling atelier of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle
- Musée Cernuschi, showcasing East Asian art
- Atelier Brancusi, Constantin Brancusi’s reconstructed studio
6. Stroll Along the Seine Promenade (Rives de Seine)
Since 2013, a 2.3 km car-free promenade stretches from Musée d’Orsay to Pont de l’Alma. Featuring floating gardens, playgrounds, climbing walls, and sneak peeks of Paris life, this space invites walkers, joggers, and spontaneous gatherings.
7. Free Open-Air Concerts & Events
Paris is alive with free cultural happenings. From summer concerts in parks and outdoor festivals to film screenings, the city’s event calendar is full of no-cost experiences. Check sites like Sortir à Paris for current schedules.
8. Window-Shop at Galleries & Department-Store Rooftops
Art lovers can explore street-level galleries around Le Marais at no cost. For views, visit Galeries Lafayette Haussmann’s free rooftop terrace—a hidden gem for skyline selfies.
9. Montmartre Walk
Climb the steps in front of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica – the view over the city is free, and the atmosphere is lively, especially at sunset. The narrow streets of Montmartre, the street art, and the Place du Tertre artists’ square are also free to explore.
10. Explore City Cemeteries & Architectural Oddities
Visit the peaceful Père Lachaise Cemetery—free to walk among famous graves. Head to the Catacombs courtyard (queue line viewing is free outside) to sense the historic vibe. Stroll through the architectural labyrinth of Île de la Cité and the façades of medieval Paris.
11. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
This hilly park is one of Paris’s most unique green spaces, offering cliffs, waterfalls, a suspension bridge, and sweeping views of the city. It’s ideal for a picnic or peaceful walk—and has a hidden temple modeled after Rome’s Temple of Vesta.
12. Saint-Martin Canal
Stroll or relax by the water along Canal Saint-Martin, where locals gather for picnics, drinks, and music. During summer, it’s common to find spontaneous street performances or free riverside events.
13. La Défense’s Modern Architecture
Explore Europe’s largest business district, filled with striking glass towers, bold monuments, and over 60 open-air sculptures. A true contrast to central Paris, this free sculpture park lets you enjoy urban creativity on a grand scale.
14. Rue Mouffetard
One of Paris’s oldest market streets, Rue Mouffetard in the Latin Quarter offers a bohemian vibe with food stalls, cafes, and street musicians. It’s a lively place to wander, observe local life, and soak in authentic neighborhood charm.
15. Free Church Visits
Many historic churches in Paris—such as Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Eustache, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés—are free to enter. Some also offer free organ or choir concerts, adding a touch of sacred sound to your visit.
Why These Experiences Matter
These free activities immerse you in everyday Parisian life—without commerce taking centre stage. They encourage exploration beyond tourist hotspots, foster unexpected discoveries, and prove that the city’s best moments often cost nothing but time and attention.
Plan with Paris For You App
Find all these experiences—plus hidden cafés, parks, and local tips—on the Paris For You app. Use its interactive map, audio introduction, and offline navigation in 26 languages to wander smart and confident.
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Enjoy Paris for free—your adventure awaits!
