Top 10 free activities to do in Paris
Visiting Paris without breaking the bank is not only possible but highly recommended. In a city renowned for its elegance and cultural richness, the best experiences are not always the ones that cost a lot.
From open-air museums to free panoramas, as well as markets, gardens, and festivals accessible to everyone, we have gathered here the 10 best free activities to do in Paris. It's a way to experience the capital differently, both intensely... and intelligently. Ready to explore Paris with 100% good deals?
1. Visit the free museums of Paris all year round
Who said that culture always comes with a price tag? In Paris, several municipal museums are free all year round, and not just any. The Petit Palais, for example, opens its doors with a magnificent collection of ancient and modern art in a sumptuous architectural setting. You can also discover the Maison de Victor Hugo, nestled in the Place des Vosges, or the Musée Carnavalet, dedicated to the history of Paris.
Good to know: many national museums are also free every first Sunday of the month, such as the Musée d'Orsay or the Centre Pompidou.
👉 For a complete and well-thought-out selection, check out our guide to the best museums in Paris.
Visit the famous Orsay Museum!
2. Strolling through the most beautiful gardens and parks of the capital
If there is one city that knows how to offer greenery amidst urban bustle, it is Paris. From the tranquility of the Luxembourg Garden to the bucolic atmosphere of the Buttes-Chaumont Park, each green space has its own charm. The Parc de la Villette, with its XXL lawns and contemporary installations, is perfect for a cultural break in the sun.
Feel free to vary the pleasures by also exploring lesser-known spots like the Square des Batignolles or the Catherine Labouré Garden. It’s also the perfect opportunity for a stroll in Paris, camera in hand.
Participate in Paris, city of Crime!
3. Explore authentic neighborhoods like Montmartre or Le Marais
Paris is also a mosaic of neighborhoods with distinct identities. For a charming immersion, head to Montmartre, with its cobbled streets, vineyards, and breathtaking view from the Sacré-Cœur. This perched village has retained its bohemian and artistic soul, where you encounter painters, retro cafés, and secret corners at every turn.
Another iconic neighborhood: Le Marais. Between private mansions, art galleries, independent shops, and hidden squares, it’s a blend of history and modernity. No need to spend to enjoy these charming strolls.
👉 Discover all the neighborhoods of Paris to explore for free, to wander at your own pace.
4. Admiring street art in the streets of the 13th arrondissement
Paris is not limited to its museums to appreciate art: just look up in certain streets of the 13th arrondissement to come face to face with monumental murals. World-renowned artists like Obey, Inti, or Seth have transformed building facades into true XXL canvases.
Avenue d'Italie, Rue Jeanne d'Arc, and Boulevard Vincent Auriol form a true open-air museum, free and constantly evolving. The ideal? Let yourself be guided through the colorful walls during an unusual visit to Paris, specially dedicated to urban art.
5. Enjoying outdoor exhibitions along the Seine quays
In Paris, even art goes out to get some fresh air! Along the Seine quays, particularly in the 5th arrondissement near the Tino-Rossi garden, contemporary sculptures line the promenade like an open-air gallery. It’s the perfect place for an inspiring stroll by the water, free and accessible at any time.
Throughout the year, other temporary art installations come to life in public spaces, especially during major events like Nuit Blanche or Paris Plages.
👉 To experience this type of freedom, take a look at our selection of unusual walks in Paris, between art and urban surprises.
6. Enjoying the most beautiful views of Paris for free
There are a thousand ways to fall in love with Paris, but one of the most magical is to observe it from above. And good news: some of the most beautiful panoramas of the capital are completely free. Among them, the belvedere of Belleville Park offers a spectacular view of all of Paris, without the crowds. Other popular spots include the steps of Sacré-Cœur and the panoramic terrace of Galeries Lafayette.
These viewpoints reveal Paris from a different angle, with zinc roofs, iconic monuments, and golden light at sunset.
👉 To fully enjoy it, head to Montmartre and its hidden treasures, a neighborhood perched with timeless charms.
7. Discovering places of worship steeped in history
Paris is home to some of the most beautiful churches and cathedrals in Europe, and the good news is that their access is completely free. A must-see, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart watches over Montmartre from its hill. Besides its majestic façade, its interior offers a striking atmosphere of contemplation.
Another spiritual masterpiece: the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris, still accessible from its forecourt and surroundings, despite the ongoing work. Just a few steps away, don't miss Saint-Sulpice Church or the majestic Church of the Madeleine, often lively with free organ concerts.
Whether you are a believer or simply curious, these places are architectural gems to discover without spending a dime.
8. Strolling through the typical markets of Paris
It's impossible to talk about free experiences in Paris without mentioning its markets, true scenes of local life. As you walk between the stalls of the Aligre market, one of the oldest in the capital, you will be struck by the colors, smells, and voices that intertwine in a joyful tumult.
The Marché des Enfants Rouges, nestled in the Marais, is another must-visit place where passersby mingle with regulars. Even without buying anything, these strolls are a lively immersion into popular, gourmet, and warm Paris.
The ideal? Go early in the morning, when the activity is at its peak and the atmosphere is the most authentic.
9. Participate in free events and festivals in Paris
Paris is a city in constant celebration, and it doesn't always require an entry ticket. Throughout the year, free events enliven the streets, parks, and public squares. Among the most iconic: Paris Plages transforms the banks of the Seine into a seaside resort every summer, while Nuit Blanche offers artistic installations and contemporary performances throughout the capital.
Winter is no exception with street shows, illuminations, and free activities on the Champs-Élysées or in the town halls of the districts.
Regularly check cultural agendas to not miss anything: in Paris, the unexpected can always become the highlight of your stay.
10. Visit an urban farm in the heart of the city
Want a breath of fresh air without leaving Paris? Head to the urban farms, these oases of nature nestled in the heart of the capital. The most well-known is undoubtedly the Ferme de Paris, located in the Bois de Vincennes. Open to the public and completely free, it offers an educational discovery of the agricultural world, with animals, vegetable gardens, and occasional workshops.
You can learn to compost, recognize the cycles of the seasons, and observe ecosystems... all just a few metro stops from downtown. It’s the ideal activity for families, but also for the curious seeking nature and meaning.
In Paris, even agriculture becomes a cultural experience in its own right — free and inspiring.
