Free things to do in Paris
There are so many things to do in Paris, from walkways over the city to galleries and fashion shows.
Here are the most offbeat and entertaining activities in Paris that will cost you nothing.
Make the most of free Sundays
Based on your time to reach Paris, you can visit some of the famous monuments and museums in Paris for free because of the free first Sunday program.
Attractions like the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay, as well as more quirky spots such as Albert-Kahn musée et Jardins (homage to gardens worldwide), fall under the same scheme.
Free Sundays program offers an opportunity to poke your nose into many places you may not have considered visiting with a door tax.
Free open-air cinema at Parc de la Villette
Catch a free film at the open-air cinema on Parc de la Villette. The program runs during July and August and usually follows a particular theme.
One-of-a-kind communal event to enjoy the big screen while perching on the grass.
Take a stroll at Jardin du Luxembourg
Visitors spend an entire day wandering around this beautiful city park. This garden is the second largest in Paris and is the French senate’s garden.
The garden was made possible in the 17th century and it comprises hundreds of statues, monuments and fountains – including the first model of the statue of liberty by Frédéric Bartholdi.
Located beside the garden is Musee du Luxembourg, Paris’s first museum of contemporary art.
The Pere Lachaise cemetery
The cemetery is regarded as one of the most visited cemeteries in the world. It has an impressive list of those laid to rest here.
A few names include Georges Rodenbach, Oscar Wilde, and Jim Morrison.
You can also visit the cemetery with a guide walking beside you if you opt for a guided walking tour of the cemetery.
The sculptures at Atelier Brancusi
Visitors should pay to enter the Pompidou center’s leading museums and exhibitions.
The Constantin Brancusi studio near the same area is free to visit.
Visitors could get an impression of the space in which Brancusi worked, as well as some of the work that helped redefine modern sculpture.
The love wall
The wall comprises “I Love You,” scrawled in hundreds of different languages, drawing countless tourists to take pictures to capture a holiday snap.
Late-night picnic at the square du Vert-Galant
To get a real taste of Midnight in Paris and its bohemian vibe, walk down to the square du Vert-Galant with a bottle of wine in the evening.
Located on the western tip of the Île de la Cité, go to the cozy park with a bottle of wine in the evening and enjoy relaxing on the grass.
Watching the boats sail on either side of the island adds a touch of Parisian magic.
Sacre-Coeur
While looking for free things to do in Paris, a tour of Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre is worth visiting.
Located at the summit of Montmartre, its dome is 200 meters above the Seine. The Basilica overlooks the entire city of Paris and its suburbs.
Its breathtaking panoramic views make it a popular tourist destination in the capital city.
Nowadays, Sacre-Coeur still operates as a Roman Catholic Church devoted to the sacred heart of Jesus and also welcomes tourists to let them admire its stunning architectural details and artwork.
The place of Sacre-Coeur is open for sightseeing from 6 am to 10.30 pm and entry to the building is accessible.
Here’s a list of free events that happens every month in Paris:
| Months | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Ice skate in front of Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) Chinese New Year parade at 13th arrondissement |
| February | Ice skate in front of the Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower) Carnaval de Paris |
| May | La course des garcons de café- Waiters’ race Tous à l’Opera- Everybody at the Opera Printemps de Rues- Spring in the Street Nuit des Musées- Night at the Museum Fête du Pain- Bread Celebration |
| June | Fête de la Musique- Music Celebration Gay Pride |
| July | July 14, free concert at Opera Garnier July 14, Fête Nationale or Bastille Day July 14, at the Château de Versailles Free Open Air Cinema at the Parc de la Villette The arrival of the Tour de France |
| September | Journée du Patrimoine November 11th – Armistice Day |
| December | Admire the windows of the Grands Magasins. Créches de Noel – Nativity Scene at Notre Dame de Paris Marchés de Noël- Christmas Markets |
Featured Image: Tripsavvy.com