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Top 50+ Free Things To Do In Paris From A Local

view of the Jardin du luxembourg in Paris, with iconic fermob chairs and flowers; one of the best free things to do in Paris, France

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, you may be worried about the high costs associated with the city. However, plenty of amazing free things to do in Paris can make your trip enjoyable and affordable. 

You don’t need to break the bank to experience the best the French capital offers. With so many activities available, it can be overwhelming to choose what to do, especially if you’re new to the city and only have a few days.

That’s why I compiled 50+ of the best free things to do in Paris to help you plan your trip to Paris if you’re on a budget but still looking for fun activities to do in Paris!

Top 50 Free Things To Do In Paris

Planning a trip in itself can be overwhelming, and so is planning a trip to a big city, especially if you’re planning a trip to Paris on a budget (or not).
Therefore it’s always great to know the top free (or cheap) things to do in Paris to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. You will find plenty of fun activities to do in Paris and exciting things to check out that will let you soak in the uniqueness of Paris and learn more about its history while enjoying some beautiful must-see Parisian sights and landmarks.

The things to do and see in this Paris travel guide are outdoor and free indoor things to do in Paris. Therefore it’s perfect for all types of weather.

You’ll be able to hit all the best sites for free sightseeing in Paris, and a lot of those places are also things not to miss in Paris!

If you’d like to know how to enjoy Paris on a wet day, I also have a guide about the top things to do in Paris on a rainy day to check out!

Enjoying ourselves and having a fantastic time on holiday is always the best, so let’s get right into it!


What Can I See In Paris For Free?

Free Parks and Gardens To Check Out In Paris

Did you know that despite being a big city, Paris is still composed of 450 green spaces, whether it’s gardens, parks or squares?

Of course, the most beautiful parks and gardens in Paris are free to visit, and some are a must-visit!

  1. Jardin Des Tuileries

If there is one iconic garden in Paris, especially if you’re on Instagram, you must have seen it!

Jardin des Tuileries is a renowned public garden in the heart of Paris, adjacent to the Louvre Museum.

With its beautifully manicured lawns, iconic fountains, elegant pathways and iconic green Fermob chairs, the garden offers an oasis where visitors can relax, stroll, and admire sculptures and art installations amidst the scenic landscape.

However, it quickly gets crowded when the sun comes out, as it is a popular spot.

Address: 113 Rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris
Metro: Line 1 – Tuileries

2. Jardin Du Luxembourg


Another famous garden with those iconic green chairs (pictured above) is located n the 6th arrondissement of Paris, where you can find the beautiful Fountain de Medici!

Known for its stunning flowerbeds, tree-lined promenades, and central octagonal basin, the garden provides a serene atmosphere for leisurely walks, relaxation, and the scenic beauty of the surroundings.

Address: 15 Rue de Vaugirard 75291 Paris
Metro Line: RER B Luxembourg or L10 Notre Dame des Champs

3. Jardin Des Plantes

Jardin des Plantes is a notable botanical garden known for its rich history and diverse collection of plant species.

It serves as both a scientific institution and a public garden, allowing visitors to explore themed gardens, greenhouses, and the Natural History Museum, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and educational outings.
It’s also a perfect spot to enjoy cherry blossoms in spring. If you’d like to know all the best spots, check out my list of the best spots to see Cherry blossoms in Paris!

Address: 57 rue Cuvier 75005 Paris
Metro Line: L10 Jussieu or Gare D’austerlitz

4. Parcs Des Buttes de Chaumont

The fifth-largest park in Paris with a beautiful water area and a cliff with the Temple de la Sibylle on top gives you a fantastic view over Paris Sacré Coeur and more!

Address: 76 Rue de Crimée 75019 Paris
Metro Line: L7bis Botzaris

5. Parc De La Butte Du Chapeau Rouge

A lovely park in the 19th arrondissement gives a nice view over Paris.

Address: 5 Avenue Debidour 75019 Paris
Metro Line: 7bis Pré St Gervais or L11 Place Des Fêtes

6. Parc Monceau

This park is one of my favourites as you can find a beautiful pond with ancient columns, adding charm to the place.

Address: 35 Boulevard de Courcelles 75008 Paris
Metro Line: L2 Monceau or L3 Villiers

7. Parc Montsouris

A vast park perfect for a walk and enjoying plants is located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris.

Address: 2 rue Gazan, 75014 Paris
Metro Line: Tram 3A Montsouris

8. Square Des Batignolles

This quaint square is the most significant green space in the 17th arrondissement of Paris.

Address: 114bis rue Cardinet, 75017 Paris
Metro line: L14 Pont Cardinet

All the parks in Paris are full of beautiful sculptures, unique flower arrangements, greenhouses, and museums; they’re also great if you visit Paris with kids or to organise a picnic during spring or summertime with a cheese board and some good French wine.

If you’d like to know the complete list of all the free parks to visit in the capital, check out my travel guide about all the best parks and gardens in Paris.

Parks are the perfect chill things to do in Paris, especially during spring and summertime!

Free Museums in Paris To Visit

Free things to do in Paris: Le louvre is free of access every first Sunday of every month
Pyramide Du Louvres

Museums are inevitably something you think about when you think about Paris. However, there are not free to visit, well, for most of them! You can still see a few for free, and they always make a great activity in Paris as the city is famous for its various museums and rich culture.

Here is a list of Paris free museums to visit:

9. Victor’s Hugo House

Victor Hugo’s House Museum, also known as Maison de Victor Hugo, is a museum in Paris that was once the residence of the renowned French writer Victor Hugo.

The museum showcases Hugo’s personal belongings, original manuscripts and offers insight into his life and works, providing a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of France’s literary giants.

10. Musée De La Vie Romantique

Musée de la Vie Romantique, or the Museum of Romantic Life, is a charming museum in Paris that provides a glimpse into the romantic era of the 19th century.

Housed in a picturesque townhouse, it showcases artworks, personal belongings, and memorabilia related to prominent figures of the Romantic period, offering a delightful experience for art and history enthusiasts.

11. Petit Palais – Musée des Beaux Arts

Petit Palais Musée des Beaux-Arts is a beautiful art museum in Paris near the Champs-Élysées. It houses various artworks spanning various periods, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

The museum offers free admission to its permanent collections, allowing visitors to explore its impressive artworks without an entry fee.

12. Carnavalet Museum

Carnavalet Museum reopened in 2021 after being closed for a couple of years and is free to visit; you only need to book a slot to see it.

This historical museum in Paris is dedicated to the history and heritage of the city. Housed in two stunning mansions, it showcases an extensive collection of artefacts, artworks, and exhibits that chronicle the evolution of Paris from ancient times to the present day, providing a captivating journey through the city’s rich history.


More well-known museums are also free of access every first Sunday of every month. This is the case for the following ones listed below:

13. Musée Du Quai D’Orsay

14. Centre Georges Pompidou

15. Musée National De L’Orangerie

16. Le Louvres

Of course, this is only a tiny list as those are free, but with conditions, I don’t want to spend too much time on those as I focus primarily on all year-round free things to do in Paris.

However, please note that if you’re a European citizen and under 26 years old during your visit, you can access most museums for free! That’s how I visited most of them without spending much.

Most of the landmarks and museums are great free things to do in Paris under 26.

Free Must-See Landmarks In Paris

Ready for some free sightseeing in Paris? Here is a list of some of the most amazing landmarks in the capital that you can visit and see for free.

I couldn’t list the things to do for free in Paris without including all the beautiful landmarks in the capital.

There are many landmarks Paris is well known for, so chances are you have probably heard about a few of them, but you might also discover some lesser-known landmarks of Paris that you can visit or see for free while you visit Paris!

Paris is a city full of history and culture so it would be impossible to write a travel guide about all the free things to do in Paris.

Without including some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and some lesser-known Parisian landmarks, you should check out! Those are also the top attractions in Paris.

Here are 30+ famous landmarks of Paris to check out!

17. Wallace Fountains

Did you know that you can drink water from some fountain in Paris? One of the most famous models is the Wallace Fountain! There are around 100 in Paris.

18. Go up the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette / Printemps Rooftops

Not exactly a landmark in itself; however, from the top of the Galeries, which you can access for free, you can see a superb view over the city of the Opera Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, and more!

Very close to Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Hausmann, you can also find the Printemps rooftop, which offers beautiful views over the city. It’s also somewhat less crowded than the Galeries LaFayette one.

19. Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery is one of the most prominent Parisian cemeteries and the most famous worldwide. Each year, it is visited by no less than three million people and is one of Paris’s best landmarks. Many celebrities (i.e. Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf…) are buried there as their final resting place.

20. Eiffel Tower

I couldn’t list the best landmarks without including the most famous one in Paris, the Eiffel Tower. While climbing up the Iron Lady isn’t free, you can admire it from underneath, from the Trocadero, or walk around the Champs de Mars for free!

Also, admiring the sparkling Eiffel Tower at night is one of the top free things to do in Paris at night!

The Eiffel Tower starts to sparkle every 10 minutes as soon as the night falls until 11 AM.

Going on the hunt for the best spots to take photos of the Eiffel Tower is another fun, free thing to do in Paris. If you want some help planning the photo tour, I’ve got you covered with those great insta-worthy spots to take photos of the Eiffel Tower!

Check out the Eiffel Tower Official Website for extra info.

21. Arc de Triomphe

Inaugurated in 1836, it can be seen at the end of the famous Avenue des Champs Elysée and is dedicated to the armies of the Revolution and the Empire. The Unknown Soldier is buried there.

Sightseeing and walking around the Arc de Triomphe when you stroll along the Champs Elysée is one of the free things to do in Paris.

However, climbing up the arch isn’t free to get a panoramic view of Paris from the top terraces. It cost 13€; however, admiring this impressive monument and soaking up the atmosphere of this famous avenue is free!

22. Place Vendôme / Place de La Concorde

Those two plazas are located in the 1st and 8th arrondissements of Paris and within a short distance from each other.

In place of Vendôme, you can admire the Vendôme Column. It is also a great area to do some window shopping as you can see a lot of designer stores and particular hotels with beautiful architecture all over the place (it’s also one of the best areas to admire Christmas Lights in Paris).

A 14-minute walk will take you to Place de la Concorde, where you can admire two monumental fountains and the Obelisque of Luxor right next to the Tuileries Garden.

23. Cimetière du Montparnasse

Another cemetery worth visiting in Paris, while it is less flashy than Père Lachaise, it is still a significant landmark to enjoy a stroll.

You can find a lot of intellectuals buried at Montparnasse’s cemetery, such as Simone de Beauvoir, Samuel Beckett, and more! It has beautiful flowers in spring and summer.

24. Les Invalides

Le Dôme des Invalides” is a baroque architecture-style building inaugurated in 1687. It is another awe-inspiring landmark of Paris with a big esplanade to take a walk on. Besides the dome, you can also find two churches.

You can also see hundreds of adorable rabbits roaming around freely in the garden of the Invalides!

You can visit the museum part, the Museum of the Armies, for 14€.

25. The Wall of Love

Located in Montmartre at the bottom of the Sacrée Coeur, you can find an endearing wall paint in a square where “I love you” is written in no less than 250 languages.

26. Statue of Liberty

Did you know that Paris has its Statue of Liberty?


Located in the 15th arrondissement on the Île aux Cygnes near the Grenelle bridge, you can admire a miniature replica of the statue gifted to the USA to commemorate the alliance between the French and the USA during the American Revolution.

Well, I said one Statue of Liberty, but you can find 5 replicas scattered throughout the capital. Here are all the other 4 spots where you can find those replicas:

  • Musée des Arts et Métiers located at 60 rue Réaumur, 75003 Paris
  •  Luxembourg gardens
  • Musée d’Orsay
  • Place Diana/Pont de l’Alma

27. Arènes de Lutèce

Yes, there is a Colosseum inside Paris. A lesser-known area of Paris that you can visit for free is the Arène de Lutèce. Located in the 5th arrondissement, you can see it for free.

28. Palais-Royal

Palais-Royal is composed of a beautiful garden with a fountain (like many parks in Paris). You can find a stunning art installation called “Les colonies de Buren” next to it, an excellent Instagram photo spot!

29. Open Air Sculpture Museum

Located in the 5th arrondissement and open 24/7, you can find an open-air museum with various sculptures to admire.


Plenty of free walking tours in Paris will go through all the principal landmarks while teaching you about the city’s history and fun facts.

You can also find cheap sightseeing tours in Paris with hop-on, hop-off buses or booking tours with locals who love to share about their city.

Famous Churches In Paris To Check Out

While some of the places listed here could have easily made it into the landmarks category of the top free things to do in Paris, I thought giving all of Paris’s beautiful churches and cathedrals a proper section was better.

If you’d like to know more about all the churches in Paris, from the famous ones to hidden gems, click this link!

Here are some of the best religious monuments to visit for free in Paris:

30. Eglise Saint-Augustin

This prominent church is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris and ends on two boulevards, Malesherbes and Haussmann. It was built under Napoleon III between the 1850s and 60s.

Its unique architecture and dome of 61 meters have been designed in such a way to be visible from the Arc de Triomphe.

Address: 8 Av. César Caire, 75008
Opening hours: Mon- Friday 8:30 am – 7 pm

Sat: 9 am – 12:30 pm 2:30- 7:30 pm
Sun: 8:30 am – 12:20 pm / 4:30 – 8 pm

31. Church of Saint-Sulpice

Église Saint-Sulpice is a famous Catholic church in Paris known for its grand architecture and historical significance.

It is located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood and boasts impressive interior features, such as the renowned Delacroix paintings and the magnificent organ, attracting visitors and art enthusiasts worldwide.

32. Basilique du Sacré-Coeur

Located in Montmartre, this stunning white-domed basilica offers panoramic views of Paris and houses beautiful mosaics and artwork. Entrance to the basilica is free, although there may be a fee to access certain areas.

33. La Madeleine

La Madeleine Church, formally known as L’Église de la Madeleine, is a striking neoclassical church in Paris. Its grand and imposing design, resembling an ancient Greek temple, and its prominent location near Place de la Concorde make it a notable landmark and a place of worship, as well as a venue for cultural events and concerts.

34. Paroisse Saint-Eustache

Paroisse Saint-Eustache, also known as Saint-Eustache Church, is a renowned Catholic parish in the heart of Paris. This impressive Gothic church is known for its stunning architecture, remarkable organ, and historical significance as a venue for royal ceremonies and notable events.

It is a popular attraction for visitors and a place of local worship.

35. Notre-Dame-des-Victoires

Notre-Dame-des-Victoires is a less-known Paris attraction yet one of the great points of interest in Paris. Situated near the Palais-Royal, this Baroque-style church is known for its elegant interior and is dedicated to Our Lady of Victories.

Admission to the church is typically free, allowing visitors to appreciate its architectural beauty and religious significance.

36. Cathedrale de Notre-Dame

Lastly, Notre Dame de Paris is one of the most iconic Cathedrals in France and the world.

Notre Dame Cathedral is a world-famous Gothic masterpiece in the heart of Paris, known for its intricate architecture, stained glass windows, and iconic gargoyles.

There is no entrance fee to visit the most famous cathedral in Europe. Only the Tower and Crypt of Notre Dame have an entrance fee.

Sadly, since the fire of April 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral has been under construction and will be until 2024. In the meantime, you can still admire the exterior of it.


Also, it’s not a church or a free place to visit in Paris, but the capital has a fantastic Mosquee that you can visit for a little fee, and it’s beautiful and full of wisteria during spring, so you might want to consider adding it to your list!

Places To Visit In Paris For Free

Paris isn’t a huge city compared to New York; for example, Paris is only 105km² while NYC is 826km², but there is still so much to check out between the right and left banks and the many different histories of the city.

Here are all the best free places to go in Paris!

37. La Coulée Verte

In my opinion, a 4.7 km elevated linear park built on top of a former railway is one of the best walks you can take in Paris, and of course, it’s free to visit!

You can get many beautiful shots of the city’s stunning architecture and enjoy nature and street art.

Address: 1 Coulée Verte René-Dumont, 75012 Paris

38. Le Marais

One of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Paris is located in the 4th arrondissement and is the best place to go shopping if you’re looking for some gorgeous pieces to bring back home.

The beautiful “Place des Vosges” and Victor Hugo’s house can be seen in the Marais.

39. Montmartre

Montmartre is probably one of the most iconic neighbourhoods in Paris. It can be seen in so many movies (i.e. Amélie Poulain) about Paris and has so much history and impressive landmarks that Montmartre is a must-visit in Paris!
Just be careful about those common scams, as Montmontre is quite touristy. Scammers are roaming around!

40. Butte Aux Cailles / Cité Florale

Have you ever thought you could be in Paris, but it feels like you’re simultaneously in a bit of town in the South of France?

Well, if you explore those two locations, then it’s possible. Paris is full of tiny ‘villages’ that will give you an off-the-beaten-path experience.

41. Ile de la Cité

This islet is pretty much the centre of Paris; it used to be a medieval city where you could find the beautiful Notre Dame.
This area of Paris feels like a step back in time as some of the cobblestone roads and paths still feel ‘old’ compared to other areas of Paris!

You can also find several signs which show how high the water rose during the 1910 Great Flood Of Paris; it’s pretty impressive to imagine this area of Paris almost wholly covered by water.


Of course, most of Paris is charming, and it’s easy to find places to go in paris for free that are worth it just by walking around!

Best Bridges In Paris To See For Free

Famous Pont Alexandre III in Paris on a beautiful day.
Pont Alexandre III

For the last part of this list about all the free things to do in Paris, I will be covering all the best bridges & covered to check out during your vacation in Paris.

As you know, Paris is divided into two parts by a river called “La Seine”, and if you didn’t know, well now you do, so it’s no surprise that you can find many stunning bridges in the city!

Paris is known for its many bridges, with the exact number varying based on what is considered part of the city. There are approximately 37 bridges that span the Seine River within the administrative boundaries of Paris.

Here are some bridges to admire if you’re in Paris:

42. Pont Des Arts

Pont des Arts is a famous pedestrian bridge in Paris that crosses the Seine River and is known for its history of love locks left by couples.

The bridge offers a picturesque city view and is popular for romantic gestures and photography.

However, please note that adding locks to any bridges in Paris is now forbidden, especially since it weighs the bridge down.

43. Alexandre III

Pont Alexandre III is an iconic Paris bridge renowned for its ornate design and extravagant golden decorations.

It spans the Seine River, connecting the Champs-Élysées with the Invalides and offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and other landmarks. It’s one of my favourite bridges in Paris!

44. Pont de L’alma

Pont de l’Alma is a bridge in Paris that spans the Seine River, located near the Eiffel Tower.

It is known for its historical significance, including the site of the Flame of Liberty, a monument that has become Princess Diana’s remembrance symbol.

45. Pont de Bir-Hakeim

Pont de Bir Hakeim is an iconic bridge in Paris that crosses the Seine River and is famous for its distinctive double-deck structure.

It has been featured in various films and offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and the surrounding area, making it a popular spot for tourists and photographers.

46. Debilly Footbridge

The Debilly Footbridge, also known as Passerelle Debilly, is a pedestrian bridge in Paris that spans the Seine River.

It is an elegant and modern bridge with a unique design, providing a convenient and scenic pathway for pedestrians and offering beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower and the surrounding area.

If you’d like to know more amazing spots to take photos of the Eiffel Tower, check out my list of the best Eiffel Tower photo spots. They’re free!

47. Pont d’Iéna

Pont d’Iéna is a historic bridge in Paris that crosses the Seine River, connecting the Eiffel Tower with the Trocadéro area.

It offers stunning views of the iconic landmark and the Champ de Mars, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists to admire the city’s beauty.

Best places to visit for free in Paris: stroll along the banks of the Seine and spot the famous "Bouquiniste" booths.
“Bouquiniste” Booth along the river banks

Another famous thing about Paris worth seeing around the banks of the Seine beside the Bridges is “The bouquinistes”.

One another fantastic thing that you can find scattered through Paris-covered passages. They are the perfect places to explore and shop or get a snack when it’s raining in Paris. And they’re also wonderful to admire and free!

Moreover, the covered arcades of Paris are a typical Parisian must-see when you visit Paris.

Best Free Hidden Gems: Covered Passages In Paris.

Here are some covered passages to check out:

48. Passage des Panoramas

Constructed in 1799, the “Passage des Panoramas” is considered one of the first covered passages in Paris and has kept its ancient charms and architecture through the centuries.

Address: 11 Bd Montmartre, 75002 Paris
Open every day from 6 AMto 12 AM

49. Galerie Vivienne

With its neo-classic architecture, “Galerie Vivienne” is one of Paris’s most famous covered passages.

It has been registered as a historical monument since 7th July 1974.

Address: 4 rue des Petits-Champs, 75002 Paris

Open from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM.

50. Passage du Grand-Cerf

The highest covered arcades in Paris with a ceiling height of 12 meters.

Its beautiful glass roof allows the light to shine on sunny days, making it even more charming.

Address: 8 rue Dussoubs, 75002 Paris

51. Passage des Princes

First constructed in 1860 and then destroyed in 1985 to be rebuilt to its former glorten10 years later.

Many stores are dedicated to toys, models, and games that give this arcade a peculiar charm.

Address: 5 Bd des Italiens, 75002, Paris

As you may have noticed, many of those covered passages are located in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, but that’s not all of them!
Check out my complete guide about all the secret-covered passages in Paris!

FREE EVENTS TO ATTEND IN PARIS

The French capital is a lively city; there are many amazing free events in Paris throughout the year to check out!

Remember to check each event’s dates and schedules, as they may vary yearly.

52. Check Out The 14th of July Fireworks and Parade for Bastille Day

Each year for Bastille Day, Paris organises a big fireworks event thrown at the Eiffel Tower; you can admire it from all over Paris for free.

53. Nuit Blanche à Paris

Held every year since 2002, “Nuit Blanche” is celebrating its 20th anniversary; you can find all kinds of fun displays and shows around Paris.

So, if you’re reading this on the 1st of October and wonder, “What are the free things to do in Paris today?” well, you have your schedule for the night sorted!

During the event, public transportation stays open through the night so people can enjoy all the various spots and events this popular Parisian event today. Of course, it gets super crowded, so you might want to take a different itinerary or walk back to your accommodation if that’s an option.

in 2023, “La Nuit Blanche” is taking place on the 3rd of June.

54. Fête de la Musique on June 21st

This annual music festival takes place on the summer solstice, with live performances taking over Paris’s streets, parks, and squares.

For the occasion, some public transport in Paris stays open throughout the night.

55. Paris Plages (July/August)

During the summer, the banks of the Seine River are transformed into artificial beaches where you can relax, enjoy recreational activities, and attend free concerts.

56. Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days):

Les Journées du Patrimoine are held each year in September.

This event offers free access to numerous historical buildings, museums, and landmarks across Paris, allowing visitors to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.

56. Check out the Christmas lights display.

One of the best free things to do in Paris in winter is undeniably checking out the beautiful Christmas lights that are dressing up the city of light. Christmas is a magical time to visit Paris.

If you plan on spending your Christmas vacation in the capital, I have two amazing posts you must check:
Where to see the best Christmas lights in Paris for great free activity and how to spend Christmas in Paris (and France in general) if you want a guide to help you learn more about French customs and how to plan your magical Christmas paris vacation


If you were wondering “what to do in paris for free”, I hope this listing answers your question!

And that’s a wrap on the 50+ top free things to do in Paris, France. If you’ve budgeted, you still see some unique parts of the city and experience it fully without spending too much money, a win-win situation!

That’s a wrap on this list of the things to do in Paris for free! I hope you enjoyed it and have a great time visiting the city of love!

Also, if you’d like to see more Paris content with incredible places to check out or eat, do not hesitate to follow me on Instagram @ cpt_lyne!

If you enjoyed this Paris travel guide of the best free things to do in Paris, make sure to check out those other travel posts:

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Top 50+ Free Things To Do In Paris France


✈ Best Travel Ressources To Plan Your Next Trip

If you need help planning your next trip, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered! Here are my favourite websites and apps to plan a trip!

✈ How To Find Flights?

My favourite website for booking flights is Skyscanner; it is a good comparator for finding the cheapest flights.
Google Flight is also a good help when it comes to comparing flights.

✈ Where To Book Accommodations?

The best sites to book accommodations are Booking.com or Expedia. They both allow you to collect points for a discount; it’s worth comparing the two as they often have different pricing for the same hotels.

Another perk of Booking.com and Expedia is that you can sometimes get bundle deals for flights and accommodations, which can help you save a lot of money.

✈ Best Sites To Book Activities

My go-to website when I need to book an activity is GetYourGuide when I can’t get a ticket directly on the website or if it’s easier to go through them.
I always check if the price is the same, though, as the whole point is for it to be easier but not more expensive.

You can also check out Klook if you need to book more than just activities and would like to get everything from the same website—(i.e. transport cards, car rental, hotel…).

✈ Other helpful travel resources

Radical Storage: If you need a place to keep your luggage for an extended period when you travel, I recommend using them. It was a great help when we needed a place to keep our luggage safely while we left the city for a few days.
TheTrainline: If you love to travel by train like me, then TheTrainline needs to be your go-to website for train travel in Europe. It is very reliant and easy to use.

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Disclaimer: This resources box contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you book anything through my links at no additional cost. These links help me support the blog and generate more content. Happy travels!

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41 Comments

  1. skigrl985 says:

    What a great list! And darn, I’m not quite under 26 anymore, or that would have been a great way to see so much on a budget!

  2. Paris is such a dream!! This is a fantastic list for the next time we make it back there!

  3. Great article, reminds me of the time when I was young lol. I visited Paris several times when I was a college student with little money. The free things were pretty much everything I visited, but it’s still a loooooot. And it’s great that now young people can visit museums for free.

  4. I’m actually planning on a fourth trip to Paris next year, and it’s going to be a budget trip so it’s great to know what are some of the top free things to do there!

  5. Oh, I have to save this list for my next trip to Paris. I haven’t been to many of these places and they are definitely worth visiting. Thanks for the ideas!

  6. Paris is one of my favorite cities and now I want to go back and check out some of these awesome free activities! I love how there’s always something new to discover, thanks for the inspiration!

  7. rachelsfindings says:

    Definitely saving this for my next Euro trip!!

  8. limitlesssecrets says:

    As a Parisian myself I can only approve this list! And I always love to know all the free stuff to do when I visit a city 🙂

  9. Ahh I miss Paris!! Saving this post for when I can finally get back there post COVID.

  10. There really is so much to do! I still can’t believe I have never visited Paris, though know I need to travel more when restrictions ease!

  11. I loveeee finding free things to do in a city when I travel – there is truly so many cool things at your fingertips! travel doesn’t have to cost a fortune when you can explore so many cool things like museums and shops for free! love this so much!!!

  12. muylindatravels says:

    So much to see and do in Paris but unfortunately not free for me…..

  13. I’ve been to Paris so many times… I wish I had your list when I was there. Oh well… Now I have an excuse to go back! Thanks for putting this list together!

  14. When we do citybreaks we tend to do a LOT of walking and don’t use public transport all that much. So for us, Paris’ Metro Carnet (book of 10 tickets) is perfect. Two great things about them:

    1: They don’t expire so any leftover tickets can be kept & used for the next time you visit Paris.
    2: They’re 10 individual tickets so you can hand tickets to friends who’re travelling with you and you both benefit from the cheaper price per ticket.

  15. What an awesome list! I wasn’t aware how much you could do in Paris without spending money. I will definitely keep some of these items in mind for the next time I visit.

  16. This is such a useful guide, especially for us coming out of South Africa with the crazy exchange rate to Euros. Thank you for sharing! 🙂

  17. Ah I always love having a handy list of free things to do; especially in an expensive city like Paris. This is so useful – thank you!

  18. I have heard that museums in Paris are such a charm. I regret not going to any of them on my visit to Paris.

  19. Great suggestions. We are going to Paris in May, so I will save this for when we do our planning! 🙂

  20. Perfect timing for this post as our family will be spending a few days there this Spring. Always great to see other people’s perspectives and ideas of places to visit in a destination.

    1. I hope you have a great time! x

  21. Awesome list! Will save for my trip to Paris next year 🙂

  22. Ahh I LOVE Paris!! Saving this post for inspo when I go back!

  23. Dyyyyying to go back to Paris! This is such a great list when you’re on a budget!

  24. I never realized there were so many free things to do in Paris. Thanks a lot for the tips!

  25. Ohh, I never realized that there are so many free things to do in Paris. I guess this is why they call it an open-air museum. I have been many times and yet I missed some of these things, so will be saving this post!!

  26. Maria Zakharkiv says:

    I’ve never been to Paris, but your post is so inspiring! I should visit that marvellous city one day.

  27. Hahah I think I might have accidentally snuck into the Louvres,….I definitely didn’t pay hahah. I had no idea it wasn’t free! WELL – at least I actually have a list of free things to do when I’m there next hhaha. Thanks for compiling this!

  28. Paris is one of my favourite cities and I would love to return to explore more of Paris. I had no idea that you could visit many museums for free if you are under 26 and from the EU, which makes me want to plan a trip soon to visit all these museums!

  29. What a magnificent list of things to do in Paris that are free. We hope to get their next year so I will be keeping this in my planning area…

  30. Your wonderful post reminds me that there are always free ways to explore great cities, including free museum days, free festivals, and of course being a flaneur. It is always free to walk around and explore Parisian neighborhoods.

  31. What a great list! It’s good to know that there are so many great free things to do in Paris including a lot of the main sites. I can’t wait to visit Paris & your tips are a great resource for planning. Thanks so much!

  32. Thanks for listing FREE things to do in France. I love to travel and to indulge, but it sure is nice being able to save when you can. (I would totally pay to go inside the Arc de Triumphe!)

  33. This is a fantastic list, thank you for compiling it. I loved going to Paris when I was a kid in England, this list really took me back there ❤️
    Pippa

  34. I just love to read the Giant List of Things To Do before I visit a new destination. It really forces you to decide hat is important in your travel. I have been to Paris multiple times but I still saw new ideas from your blog for my next Paris trip.

  35. Thank you for sharing! This is super helpful for planning a trip, even if you’re not on a budget!

  36. WOW so much great information in here! Thanks so much for sharing, definitely saving for later!

  37. Amazing list! Whenever my friends ask me for what to see and do in Paris, this post will be great to share.

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