Free Things to Do in Paris

Walking along the Seine River costs nothing and reveals various aspects of Parisian life, passing under Pont Neuf and near Notre-Dame Cathedral. The riverside paths stay well-maintained and attract street musicians, especially in the evenings.

Start the walk at Pont Alexandre III near the Grand Palais, then head west or east. The Right Bank stretch from Pont Neuf to Pont de l'Alma features benches and bookstalls. You hear water lapping softly and voices from nearby cafes. The Left Bank near the Latin Quarter features quieter paths shaded by chestnut trees.

Street vendors often sell baguettes, cheese, and wine nearby, suitable for a picnic on the riverbank. to see more walking routes along the Seine, see our Seine River walking tours guide.

While Notre-Dame Cathedral's interior remains closed for restoration as of 2026, its exterior continues to impress visitors at no cost, with detailed Gothic stonework and sculpted gargoyles visible from the surrounding plazas.

Located on Place Jean-Paul II on Île de la Cité, the cathedral’s façade is accessible along Quai de Montebello and Rue du Cloître-Notre-Dame. The restoration, following the 2019 fire, involves scaffolding but does not limit views from the square. Visitors admire flying buttresses and the rose windows from outside, though interior visits are currently suspended.

For historical context, join a guided walk like the Paris History Walk: Medieval Marais, Notre Dame Islands & Stories. Official updates on the restoration are available via the Notre-Dame Cathedral renovation site.

Jardin des Tuileries is a free public garden open daily from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, featuring formal French landscaping, statues, fountains, and plenty of seating ideal for relaxation or a picnic.

Situated between the Louvre on Rue de Rivoli and Place de la Concorde, the garden stretches for about 25 hectares. You will notice gravel paths lined with chestnut trees, marble statues such as those by Aristide Maillol, and symmetrical pools reflecting the sky. The scent of freshly cut grass mixes with the occasional waft of baked goods from nearby cafés.

In spring and summer, the fountains activate regularly, and you might hear children playing near the carousel at the garden’s southeast corner. For more about this area, visit our dedicated Jardin des Tuileries guide.

Montmartre features free public access to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Paris from its steps, along with winding cobblestone streets filled with open-air artists and historic cafés.

Climb the hill via Rue du Chevalier de la Barre or the stairs beside Place du Tertre. The basilica itself is free to enter, with daily opening hours from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM. Outside, the white domes stand out against the sky, and you can hear church bells ringing in the distance. The nearby Place du Tertre features artists painting portraits and landscapes, a tradition dating back to the early 20th century.

For those interested in local culture, consider attending the Paris La Nouvelle Eve Cabaret Show in Montmartre for an affordable evening option.

Le Marais features narrow medieval streets and historic squares like Place des Vosges, where visitors can walk through gardens and admire 17th-century architecture free of charge.

Starting from Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, stroll past art galleries and old mansions converted into museums. Place des Vosges, located at 6 Place des Vosges, is the oldest planned square in Paris. Its red brick buildings with vaulted arcades frame a green park where locals sit on benches or read. In the mornings, the nearby Marché des Enfants Rouges on Rue de Bretagne features fresh produce and a lively atmosphere, although sampling food here requires purchase.

The district is also rich in Jewish heritage along Rue des Rosiers, where you can see kosher bakeries and synagogues. The sound of church bells and street chatter fills the air, blending with smells from nearby bakeries.

Père Lachaise Cemetery is free to enter and allows visitors to walk among elaborate tombstones and memorials of famous figures, including Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde, along shaded paths beneath tall trees.

Located at 16 Rue du Repos in the 20th arrondissement, the cemetery is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It covers 44 hectares, so plan to spend at least 1 to 2 hours walking its winding paths. Maps at the entrance help locate notable graves. The atmosphere is quiet and reflective, with birdsong mixing with the rustle of leaves.

To enrich your visit, consider the detailed Père Lachaise Cemetery Tour. More information on notable burials is available at the official Paris tourism site.

Shakespeare and Company bookstore near Notre-Dame is free to enter and browse, with a cozy atmosphere, shelves stacked with English-language books, and regular free literary events.

Situated at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, it opens daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The creaky wooden floors, narrow staircases, and small reading nooks create a sense of intimacy. You might hear quiet conversations or a poetry reading during your visit. The scent of old paper and fresh coffee from the adjacent café adds to the ambiance.

For book lovers, this spot is a cultural landmark and a peaceful retreat from the busy city streets.

Palais de Tokyo allows free access to its public areas, including large modern art installations and outdoor sculpture gardens, although exhibitions inside require paid tickets.

Located at 13 Avenue du Président Wilson, the museum is open from 12:00 PM to midnight daily except Tuesdays. The building’s vast halls and terraces provide space to view contemporary works in natural light. The scent of concrete and fresh paint occasionally mingles with the murmur of visitors.

More details about free access and current exhibitions can be found on the Palais de Tokyo official site.

During Paris Fashion Week, select designers and department stores like Galeries Lafayette host free fashion shows accessible to the public, often requiring prior registration or early arrival.

Paris Fashion Week occurs several times a year, with the main events in late February/March and late September/October. Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann periodically organizes free shows on its 7th floor, showcasing ready-to-wear collections. Local fashion blogs and the official Paris Fashion Week website list public events and registration details.

Outside of Fashion Week, the store hosts free beauty workshops and art exhibitions, making it a worthwhile visit.