How to visit Paris for free

If you’re on a budget and you’re in Paris, never fear. There are some great things to do that don’t cost a thing.

• Stroll Along the River Seine

If you’re with you’re sweetie, go to the River Seine located in the center of town. It’s a great place for sightseers and locals alike to check out the sights and get a great view of the city from all angles.

• Relax at Paris Plage

Want to have a relaxing day at the beach? Check out one of Paris’ beaches, like the Paris Plage which runs along the Ile St. Louis to the Jardin des Tuileries. The beach is a great place to relax with a good book, ride bikes, sunbathe, and people watch.

• See Fashion Shows

If you love fashion, but are on a budget, you can attend one of the fashion shows that are shown periodically throughout the year. These shows are all along the fashion avenues at Rue de Faubourg St. Honore and are free of charge.

• Admire the Eiffel Tower

Some visitors to Paris may be surprised that one of the most beautiful sights in Paris is actually free; The Eiffel Tower. You can pay to ride up the tower or you view it from one of the great sites in the city. The Eiffel Tower is located in the middle of the city and depending on where you are staying, can be impossible to miss.

• Visit Free Museums

If you love art or if you really liked the Da Vinci Code, you’ll be excited to know that the Louvre has free admission for those under 18, those who are unemployed or receiving benefits within the last 6 months, and guests with disabilities and their guests. Admission is also free for teachers of art and history departments and artists in the Maison des Artistes or the AIAP or the Association Internationale des Arts Plastiques. The first Sunday of each month and July 14th yearly is designated as free admission days for all. If you are a movie buff and are under 26, you can take advantage of their free admission every Friday night from 6-9:45 p.m. with the exception of the exhibits in the Hall of Napoleon.

• Watch Free Movies

If you’re a movie buff, check out a free movie at Parc de la Villette where you can see movies, listen to music, and mingle with the locals as well as tourists. To get there, take the Line 5 metro to Porte de Pantin.

• Stroll Down the Champs Elysées

Whether you’re going solo or with your family or your sweetie, you will not want to miss the Champs Elysées. This outdoor entertainment center has everything from lavish to budget hotels, restaurants, shopping, and nightclubs. Don’t think that you can’t have fun there if you’re on a budget. Taking a walk along this historic walkway is free and at night, it is all lit up!

• Explore Montmartre

Want to see the other side of Paris? Visit Montmarte, the last-known village in the city of Paris, according to Paris Digest. Montmarte offers up such sights as Moulin Rouge and Sacré-Coeur, one of the largest Catholic basilicas in France and located on Paris’ highest hill at 130 meters. Montmarte is where many of the great artists such as Renoir, Van Gogh, and Picasso once lived.

• Outdoors activities at the Bois de Boulogne

If you or someone you’re traveling with is the outdoorsy type, try one of Paris’ great parks like the Boulogne Park located on the west side of the city in an 865 acre area. It is a haven for outdoor activities and also has two horse tracks where you can attend a race as well. Best of all, it is free to the public and open 24 hours. You can find it at the 16th Arrondissement, Le Bois de Boulogne on the Ile-de-France, 75016. You can get there by the metro or by walking.

Photo of the Eiffel Tower, Paris originally posted by palindrome6996

Topic:  How to Tuesday | 3 Comments
Tags:  budget, Paris

About the author

Anna is a writer/researcher who specializes in travel writing. She earned her B.A. in Mass Communications from The University of Tulsa, making her the first person in her family to do so. She has been writing professionally since 2005 and is happily married to her best friend.