10 Best Free Things To Do In Paris

Paris, for free? How can such a magical city possibly do anything but politely pull away every last Euro from our pockets? Simple! By taking in its majesty in the form of public gardens, free museums, and simple strolls through colorful neighborhoods. 

If you like to people watch, picnic beside rivers, and window shop through bustling streets, department stores, and markets, then we have quite a few ideas in mind for you. Come evening light, your journal will be chock-full of observations about how to live the good life, Parisian street style. 

Savor the Gardens

There are quite a few gardens to wander through in Paris, starting with the Jardin du Luxembourg. All you need to do is secure one of those iconic green chairs and sit and watch the world go by. 

Children will be dropping little boats into the fountain. Lovers will be sitting, hand-in-hand. Friends will be quietly reading their new books from Shakespeare & Company. It’s an entire universe unto its own. 

The Tuileries Garden is another showstopper, as is the Jardin du Palais Royal, the Jardin des Plantes, and the Jardins du Trocadéro – if you’re making your way over to the Eiffel Tower. 

Step Inside Sacre-Coeur

When you make your way to Montmartre, see what the crowds look like around Sacre-Coeur. If it’s not too much of a “sensory overload” moment, you might like to step inside and see the glorious interior. 

It’s glittering in gold with masterful works of art in honor of Jesus. There are no photographs allowed, and security is pretty tight. So, don’t try to sneak any pics but, rather, live in the moment and wonder how mankind can make such extraordinary things. 

Stroll Through Le Marais

Perhaps one of Paris’ most enchanting neighborhoods, Le Marais is a wonderful place to stroll, window shop, and people watch. You’ll find many boutiques owned by the locals, filled with treasures. 

So, consider yourself warned since this is a free tour of Paris! Whether you give into temptation or not, you’ll enjoy the vibrant LGBTQ+ community, rich Jewish heritage, and loads of locals doing what they do best – living life to the fullest. In addition to rich neighborhoods like Le Marais, here are 10 unforgettable things to see, do, and eat in Paris. 

Visit Galeries Lafayette

While we’re on the notion of temptation, let’s talk about Paris’s most beautiful department store. Keep your hand on your purse, because your eyes are going to be looking up at the ceiling quite a bit here, giving you small moments where you might not be as alert to your surroundings as you normally would. 

The architecture here is simply stunning. And, if you happen to come during the Christmas season, a glorious Christmas tree is suspended from the heavens, glistening within those glass windows. Window shop all the big brand names, admire all the gorgeous passersby, and remember this moment the next time you’re back home in a more, shall we say, generic department store.