10 Magical Things to do in Paris—for FREE! ✨🇫🇷
Paris doesn’t have to break the bank! Some of the most magical experiences in the city are completely free—stunning viewpoints, historic landmarks, art-filled museums, and charming neighbourhoods waiting to be explored. If you’re dreaming of a budget-friendly Paris trip, these are some of my favourite places to visit without spending a cent🌹
1. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
📍 Location: Montmartre (18th arrondissement)
🕰 Best Time to Visit: Early morning for a peaceful experience or at sunset for breathtaking views over Paris.
Sitting at the highest point in Paris, Sacré-Cœur is one of the most stunning landmarks in the city. The white-domed basilica is free to enter, and inside, you’ll find one of the largest mosaics in the world. Outside, the view over Paris is absolutely breathtaking.
Things to do
✔️ Admire the intricate interior and beautiful stained glass.
✔️ Climb the steps for a panoramic view of the city.
✔️ Sit on the grassy slope with a picnic and people-watch.
Nearby
Montmartre’s charming streets, the Place du Tertre, and the Dalí Paris Museum.
Tip
The dome climb offers even better views but requires a paid ticket.
2. Jardin du Luxembourg
📍 Location: 6th arrondissement
🕰 Best Time to Visit: Spring for cherry blossoms, autumn for golden leaves.
One of the most beautiful parks in Paris, Jardin du Luxembourg was designed for royalty in the 17th century. Today, it’s a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike, with tree-lined walkways, elegant fountains, and even a small Statue of Liberty.
Things to do
✔️ Watch children sail tiny boats on the Grand Basin.
✔️ Find a quiet bench and enjoy a Parisian picnic.
Nearby
The Pantheon, the Saint-Sulpice Church, and the charming streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Tip
Bring a book and embrace the Parisian way of life—reading in the sun!
3. Petit Palais
📍 Location: 8th arrondissement, near Champs-Élysées
🕰 Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds.
Things to do
✔️ Explore the museum’s collection, including works by Monet and Rembrandt.
✔️ Enjoy a peaceful coffee break in the inner courtyard.
Nearby
The Grand Palais, Pont Alexandre III (one of the prettiest bridges in Paris), and the Champs-Élysées.
Tip
Even if you’re not an art lover, the architecture alone is worth a visit!
4. Notre-Dame Cathedral
📍 Location: Île de la Cité (4th arrondissement)
🕰 Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening for a quieter experience.
Recwntly re-opened! Notre-Dame is a must-visit. This 850-year-old cathedral, famous for its gargoyles and stunning façade, remains one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris.
Things to do
✔️ Admire the intricate details of the cathedral’s exterior.
✔️ Visit the Square Jean XXIII, a beautiful garden behind Notre-Dame.
✔️ Walk along the Seine for gorgeous riverside views.
Nearby
Sainte-Chapelle (not free, but worth visiting for its stained glass windows) and the Shakespeare & Company bookshop.
Tip
The bells no longer ring, but the magic of Notre-Dame still lingers in the air!
5. 59 Rivoli (Artists’ Squat)
📍 Location: 1st arrondissement
🕰 Best Time to Visit: Afternoon for live art sessions.
One of the coolest free art experiences in Paris! 59 Rivoli is an artist collective in a former squat, now a legal space where you can explore open studios, meet artists, and see unique, ever-changing exhibitions.
Things to do
✔️ Wander through the building’s six floors, each filled with eclectic artwork.
✔️ Watch artists paint, sculpt, and create in real time.
Nearby
The Louvre Museum, Palais Royal Gardens, and the charming Rue Saint-Honoré.
Tip
If you love art, chat with the artists—they often sell small, affordable pieces!
6. Galeries Lafayette Rooftop Terrace
📍 Location: 9th arrondissement
🕰 Best Time to Visit: Sunset for magical city views.
Want a free panoramic view of Paris? Head to the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette, one of the city’s most famous department stores. From here, you get breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and beyond.
Things to do
✔️ Snap incredible skyline photos.
✔️ Wander through the stunning Art Nouveau dome inside the store.
Nearby
The Opéra Garnier, Printemps Haussmann (another department store with a rooftop view), and Boulevard Haussmann’s historic shopping streets.
Tip
It’s free to visit, but you might be tempted to shop after!
7. Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris
📍 Location: 16th arrondissement
🕰 Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings.
This museum is perfect for modern art lovers, featuring works by Picasso, Matisse, and more—all for free. Unlike the Pompidou Centre, which has an entrance fee, the permanent collection here is completely accessible.
Things to do
✔️ Explore vibrant paintings and sculptures.
✔️ Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere—this museum is often quieter than others.
Nearby
The Palais de Tokyo, a contemporary art space, and the Seine riverside walk.
Tip
Some temporary exhibitions require a ticket, but the main collection is free!
8. National Archives Museum
📍 Location: Marais (3rd arrondissement)
🕰 Best Time to Visit: Afternoon for a peaceful visit.
Things to do
✔️ Step inside a real Parisian mansion.
✔️ Explore historical documents from France’s past.
Nearby
The Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris, and the Picasso Museum (not free, but worth it!).
Tip
Perfect for history lovers looking for a quieter museum experience.
9. Montmartre
📍 Location: Montmartre (18th arrondissement)
🕰 Best Time to Visit: Morning for a quiet stroll or evening for a romantic atmosphere.
Montmartre isn’t just about Sacré-Cœur—it’s an entire neighbourhood filled with history, art, and charm. Once home to Picasso and Van Gogh, this area is still bursting with creativity and character.
Things to do
✔️ Visit Place du Tertre, where street artists paint portraits.
✔️ Find the Le Mur des Je T’aime, a wall with “I love you” written in 250 languages.
✔️ Walk past the Lapin Agile, a historic cabaret that inspired Picasso.
Nearby
Tip
Avoid the main tourist streets and wander the quieter alleys for a more local experience!
10. Galeries Lafayette
📍 Location: 9th arrondissement
🕰 Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds.
Even if you’re not planning to shop, Galeries Lafayette is worth visiting for its sheer beauty. This iconic department store, founded in 1894, is home to one of the most breathtaking Art Nouveau domes in the world. The glass-and-iron structure is a masterpiece, and during the holidays, the entire store transforms into a magical wonderland with its famous Christmas tree display.
Things to do
✔️ Marvel at the stained-glass Art Nouveau dome.
✔️ Explore the gourmet food hall for free tastings.
✔️ Wander through luxury and high-street fashion displays.
Nearby
The Opéra Garnier, the Printemps Haussmann department store, and the stylish Boulevard Haussmann.
Tip
If you’re visiting at Christmas, don’t miss the animated window displays—they’re a Parisian tradition!
Which of these free spots are you adding to your Paris itinerary? Let me know in the comments! ✨
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