Paris on a Budget: 6 Free and Affordable Sights
Discover the City of Light's most iconic landmarks and experiences without breaking the bank.
Visiting Paris on a budget is very possible, as many of its most iconic sights and activities are completely free or very cheap. The key is to focus on the things you can enjoy without a ticket and to save your money for a few select experiences.
Here are 6 of the best and cheapest places to visit in Paris:
1. Stroll the Seine River and Gardens
The Seine River is the heart of Paris, and simply walking along its banks is a quintessential Parisian experience. You can see many of the city's most famous landmarks, like Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre, from the riverbanks. Many of the city's beautiful public gardens are also free to enter, including the Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Tuileries. These are perfect spots for a picnic with a baguette, cheese, and wine purchased from a local market, which is another great way to eat cheaply.
2. Explore the Montmartre District and Sacré-Cœur Basilica
The charming, hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre is a must-see. You can wander through its cobblestone streets and soak in the bohemian, artistic atmosphere. The Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, which sits at the top of the hill, is free to enter and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city from its front steps. While you have to pay to climb the dome, the view from the ground is still spectacular.
3. See the Eiffel Tower from the Champ de Mars or Trocadéro Gardens
Paying to go up the Eiffel Tower can be expensive, but you don't need to in order to enjoy its beauty. The best views of the iconic landmark are from the ground. Head to the large park, Champ de Mars, for a classic view, or cross the river to the Trocadéro Gardens for a slightly elevated perspective, especially at night when the tower sparkles with lights every hour.
4. Walk the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe
One of the most famous avenues in the world, the Champs-Élysées, is free to walk down and window shop. It stretches from the Place de la Concorde to the impressive Arc de Triomphe. You can admire the Arc from the ground, or for a fee, you can climb to the top for a different perspective of the city.
5. Visit a Cemetery-Museum
Paris's historic cemeteries are a unique and free attraction. Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest and most famous, serving as the final resting place for many notable figures, including Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf. Wandering through the artistic and ornate tombs is like visiting an open-air sculpture museum.
6. Enjoy Free Museums
Many of Paris's world-class museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month. This includes major institutions like the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou. If you're under 26 and an EU citizen, most of these museums are free all year round. Even if you don't qualify, there are several museums that are always free, such as the Petit Palais and the Musée de la Vie Romantique.
