Who doesn’t like free stuff especially if you can save money on one thing and use it on something else? The good thing about Paris is that the city has tons of free things that you can do when you are on a tight budget. Broke and don’t feel like spending money? In this blog post, I highlight free things to do in Paris for broke people.
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Free things to do in Paris for broke people
Where are my free things people and penny savers? Like most people, if I can save money while I am traveling, I am all for it. If you are planning a trip to Paris, let me help you with these free activities that you can do solo or with friends.
Explore parks and garden
Throughout Paris, there are countless of parks, squares and gardens that you can explore for free. The free gardens are:
- The Tuileries Garden a favorite destination for fashionistas and fashion bloggers attending Paris Fashion Week for a photoshoot.
- Luxembourg Garden.
- The Jardin des Plantes, a botanical garden known for its rich collection of plants species.
In terms of parks, the Buttes Chaumont Parc (where an episode of Emily in Paris was shot) is a popular destination due to the show. There are also several others such as the:
- Parc Monceau which has a beautiful carrousel where parents can take their children for a ride right at its entrance.
- Montsouris ( Parc de Montsouris)
- Parc de Bagatelle which bandstand hosts music concerts from May to September, and its publicly accessible lawns are a meeting place for Parisians to picnic in the summer.
Free museums
Most museums are free for EU residents under 25. However, EU and non EU residents over the age of 25 can visit for free if they come to see the permanent collection of certain museums such as the:
- Petit Palais also called the Beaux-Arts Museum
- Musée de La vie Romantique
- Victor Hugo’s House
- Musée Cernushi
Free monuments
Do you know that every September, there is the “journée du Patrimoine”. It means “Heritage day”. It usually falls on a weekend. During two days, Saturday and Sunday, people have access to all of the museums and monuments. Locals and visitors can also visit the Palais of Elysée where reside the French President. One advice though, wear comfortable shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking and standing up especially at the most sought-after national monuments. Check out some of the monuments that you can visit below.
Arènes de Lutèce
The arena is the vestige of a fomer Gallo-Roman amphitheatre which at its peak could contain up to 15000 people.
The Ministry of Justice Building
It moved inside the Bourvallais Hôtel which became upon its confiscation in 1718 its headquarter.
The Châtelet Theater
This theater is a musical prowess built from 1860-1862 by architect Gabriel Davioud. It hosts rich cultural program such as operas, musical comedies, classical concerts, jazz and recitals.
The Palais Royal
Built in 1628 by Cardinal Richelieu, Le Palais Royal is a former royal palace of the French Royal family located in Paris’s first district. Today, it houses the State Council, the Constitutional Council, Ministry of Culture and Arbitrary Court.
La Conciergerie
This former prison is located on the Isle of the City in Paris first district. It is notoriously famous for beheading prisoners including Marie Antoinette. Today, it is a Court of Law.
The Arc de Triomphe
The Arc is a famous mounument where those who fought and died for France during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars have been honored.
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was built as one of the main attractions at the Paris World Fair in 1889. Fast forward to our time, visitors from all over the world marvel before such a beautiful architectural prowess that resisted the test of time. In the evening tourists and locals can see it sparkling in all its splendor.
Visit public librairies and cultural centers
Two of my favorite public libraires ( bibliothèques in French )are the Bibliothèques Louise Walser-Gaillard and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France.
Window shopping
Who doesn’t like going window shopping? You get to see beautiful clothes, snap pictures of you in front of some of the most beautiful boutiques in Paris and send them to friends. If you are more into department stores, these stores below are institutions in Paris for luxury goods. They are also great spots to spend the day especially on a rainy day.
- La Samaritaine
- Galeries Lafayette which has a free rooftop which offers a beautiful view of the city.
- Le Printemps
- Le Bon Marché
- Place Vendôme, a beautiful place where you find diamond stores, fancy hotels and palaces.
Have a picnic
Buy some bread, cheese, and wine from a local market and enjoy a picnic in one of Paris’s parks or along the Seine River or canals. Give the canal Saint Martin, Ourcq and the Lavillette Bassin a try. Every summer, these places become very festive with loud music, concerts, games..
View arts in public spaces
Admire outdoor art installations and sculptures scattered throughout the city, such as the fountain at Place Saint Michel or the sculptures in the Jardin des Tuileries.
Street art
If you are like me and love street art, these places are where you can see it for free:
- Rue de l’Ourcq, 19th arrondissement.
- Rue Denoyez, 20th arrondissement
- Spot 13 which is an open-air gallery that boasts countless works of art by well-known and lesser-known artists.
Want to know what else to do in Paris, check out these posts:
Street painters in Montmartre
Throughout history, Montmartre has been one of the favorite places in Paris for renowned artists. Stroll along the Place du Tertre to see artists showcasing their talent.
Père Lachaise Cementary
This cemetary is where many famous people have been laid in there. There you will find the tomb of:
- Jim Morrison
- Frédéric Chopin
- Jean de la Fontaine
- Edith Piaf
Self guided walking tours
Take a self-guided walking tour of Paris’s neighborhoods, such as the Latin Quarter or Montmartre. There are companies that offer free walking tours where you can explore the city with a knowledgeable guide. Donot forget to give them a tip.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the many free activities available in Paris. With some creativity and exploration, you can discover even more ways to enjoy the City of Light without spending a fortune. Do you have a question or want to add something else to help a fellow traveler, feel free to share your thoughts down below.
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