Cheap and free things to do in Paris

Carry Some Cash

Whilst the U.K. has more or less become a cashless society, France is not there yet. In fact, some cafes, shops and restaurants even have a minimum spend when paying with a bank card (usually around €10). So it’s always a good idea to carry a little cash for these occasions! You can check online banks like Revolut to avoid payment and withdrawal fees when spending money abroad.

Be Aware of Popular Scams

Paris is a relatively safe city, but, like every major city, the touristy areas can be hotspots for popular scams. Pickpockets are especially active in the city, using various tactics to distract you and steal your phone or wallet, like waving papers or ambushing you at the ATM. You may want to consider taking out some travel insurance before your trip, for peace of mind. You can check out our wide range of travel Insurance discount codes and get a free quote today.

Save on Paris’ Transports with Passes

Paris is a smaller city compared to London, easily accessible by public transport. The RATP is the main transport network used in Paris, coupled with the SNCF. Both networks have a variety of tickets and travel cards available, depending on your age, where you want to travel to, and how often you plan to visit. You can easily visit the Tickets section of their website RATP.FR to ensure you find the best travel card to suit your needs, and also to ensure you don’t overspend on buying unnecessary tickets!

Here is a breakdown of the best transport card options to visit Paris on a budget.

The Mayor of Paris is trying to make the city greener and more sustainable by forbidding cars in some areas. Using public transport is the quickest and cheapest option for travel, as you won't have to drive or pay hefty taxi fees to reach your destination. For reference, a taxi from Charles de Gaulle airport to central Paris costs between €50-€60, while a train into the city centre costs around €12.

However, if getting around by car is your most likely option, there are still ways to keep costs down. Browse our range of Car and Vehicle Hire discount codes to compare prices on popular car hire companies, including Europcar, Discover Cars, and Enterprise Car Club.

Avoid Expensive Supermarkets

My French colleague and fellow Savoo Money-Saving Editor, Marine Garnier, says: ‘Heading to a supermarket can be a great way to stick to a budget on any city break, especially in Paris. If you plan to buy a cheap lunch or a few groceries to keep you going throughout the day, you can definitely get decent quality even at the cheapest supermarkets. Try to avoid Monoprix, which is known to be expensive, and instead look for a Spar, a Franprix, or a Carrefour. Also, be careful with corner shops as they are usually very expensive!’

Save on Museums with Free Entries and Cumulative Tickets

Many Parisian museums are free, either for everyone or for those under 26 years old. There are also discounts for students, teachers, families or seniors, available with the proper ID, so bring any student card or ID you may have. This is a great way to soak up some culture whilst saving money! Be sure to check each museum's website to avoid purchasing a ticket you don't need.

You can also use a pass to save on multiple activities. Some museums offer dual-museum tickets at a reduced price, allowing you to visit multiple attractions. For example, individual entries to the Louvre and the Musée Delacroix cost €31 total, while a combined ticket costs €22.

Another option to save on multiple attractions is to for a city pass. The Paris Pass can save you up to 50% off select attractions, like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or the Arc de Triomphe, as well as offer you discounts on activities like a cheese tasting or a “Croque Monsieur" with a gorgeous view of the Seine.

Know the Best Times to Visit Paris

Typically, Sundays and Mondays are when you'll find a lot of places closed throughout France. Although Paris is usually quite vibrant every day of the week, it’s best not to assume that cafés, shops, museums and restaurants you want to visit will 100% be open on these days. The same goes during bank holidays (sometimes even a few days before or after) and in August, when many French people take their holidays. If you can, plan ahead by checking the websites or social media pages of the places you're looking to visit to confirm opening times and other seasonal closures. By double-checking, you can avoid wasting time and money on transport costs and make the very most of your trip!

Here is a list of the main French bank holidays to help you plan:

• 1st January
• Easter Monday (Good Friday is not a bank holiday in France)
• 1st May (Labour Day)
• 8th May (WWII Armistice commemoration)
• Ascension Day (39 days after Easter Sunday)
• Whit Monday (50 days after Easter)
• 14th July (National Day)
• 15th August (Assumption Day)
• 1st November (All Saints Day)
• 11th November (WWI Armistice commemoration)
• 25th December (there is no Boxing Day in France)

If you're still in the planning stage of your Paris trip, why not check out our guide on the best time to book a holiday to brush up on the best time to book a break whilst keeping costs down? Next, browse our range of travel discount codes and find a deal that makes your money go further whilst travelling, whether it's using one of our flights discount codes, like EasyJet and Jet2 Holidays. If you're planning a trip to Paris via the Eurostar, be sure to check out our free guide on getting cheap Eurostar tickets to keep your travel costs at bay!

The top 3 cheapest months of the year to visit Paris:

• January: This is because it's low season, the middle of winter and falls right after the expensive festive period in December, when most tourists have returned home, and are back to work and school.
• March: This is also considered low season, where the weather is still a tad hit and miss, and falls just before the bustling Easter holidays and nicer spring weather.
• September: This is when the summer rush is more or less over, and most kids and students are back to school and university.

However, whilst these are generally considered the cheapest times of the year to visit Paris, don't forget to factor in Paris Fashion Week, which happens twice a year, or events such as Fête de la Musique, which recently gained a lot of traction on social media. Travelling to the city can be costly during this time, due to a high demand for hotels and flights. Not to mention, many restaurants may be booked in advance, so it's best to plan ahead if you know where you want to go!

The top 3 most expensive months of the year to visit Paris:

• December: Christmas is a magical time to spend in Paris, so this is when you'll find an influx of people heading to the city, with soaring prices on flights and accommodation too.
• July: It's high season and the start of summer holidays for most schools, so the city is in full swing and full of tourists.
• August: Also high season and the middle of Summer, so the city is in full swing and full of tourists.

Best Free Things to Do in Paris

Whatever the season, Paris and its surroundings have many free activities. Whether you’re a solo traveller, on a romantic getaway, or on a family holiday, here are some of the best free activities to do in Paris for a trip on the cheap.

1. Wander in Paris’ “passages": “Passages" are stunning covered galleries dotted in and around the Seine. Here, you can take leisurely strolls through the covered archways, peaking at the picturesque displays in the old 19th-century shops, browse the charming boutiques, and admire the intricate architecture of these historic covered arcades. Some of the best passages in Paris include:
   • Galerie Véro-Dodat (1st arrondissement)
   • Galerie Vivienne (2nd arrondissement)
   • Passage des Deux Pavillons (2nd arrondissement)
   • Passage Choiseul (2nd arrondissement)
   • Passage des Panoramas (2nd arrondissement)
2. Visit the glorious Galeries Lafayette: The famous Parisian store takes a lot of pride in its window displays. From magical Christmas worlds to chic fashion displays, take a stroll to admire their latest window exhibition. You can also book a free spot on the “Glasswalk", the large glass footbridge, for an incredible view of the “Coupole" and the store’s architecture. Finish your visit with a stunning viewpoint on the "Terrasse", where you can spot all the famous Parisian landmarks for free. This makes a perfect stop for a glorious sunset!
3. See the Eiffel Tower Sparkle: This one almost goes without saying! One of the most magical things you could do for free in Paris is be there to see the stunning Eiffel Tower light up and sparkle away at night. The tower lights up every single night after sunset until 11 pm, and sparkles for five minutes at the beginning of each hour. There are many places in Paris with views of the Eiffel Tower, and the magical memories of seeing it sparkle are sure to last a lifetime!
4. Enjoy a picnic at Canal Saint-Martin: Canal Saint-Martin is considered a super trendy area in Paris, but that doesn't mean it has to be expensive! In fact, it's a wonderful place to peruse the fashion boutiques, discover some contemporary art galleries, and stumble upon a cocktail bar or two. The canal itself is the ideal place for a leisurely stroll, taking in the picturesque atmosphere and even having a little picnic on one of the benches overlooking the river, if the weather permits!
5. Visit Local Markets: Did you know that Paris is host to over 80 food markets? One of the most affordable food markets in Paris is the Marché de Belleville, which is open twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Here, you can take your time perusing all the food stalls, selling everything from fresh fruit and veg to coffee, sandwiches, "pâtisseries", and more. Perhaps pick up a few bits and pieces for a nice picnic? Other fabulous markets to consider in Paris include Marché Bastille, the biggest food market in Paris! Running on Thursday and Sunday mornings, you'll find about one hundred traders selling cheeses, meats, fruit, veg and other local produce. Ideal for a long weekend spent in Paris.
6. Walk through the Coulée Verte: The Coulée Verte René Dumont goes 5km from the heart of Paris in Bastille to Vincennes, a nearby town. It’s an old train track that was rehabilitated into a green walk. It’s ideal for a mild hike or a cute picnic, with many plants and flowers to enjoy in spring and summer.
7. Enjoy some street art in Spot 13: Spot 13 is an open air gallery in the 13th arrondissement. Street artists regularly add new art, so the place never looks the same. Discover classic graffiti, figurative pieces, collages and more from French and international artists.
8. Spend a few hours at Jardin des Tuileries: Jardin des Tuileries is a gorgeous garden located right between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde and is perfect for exploring with children or for a romantic walk. Wander along the tree-lined pathways, enjoy the fountains in the summer, or treat the kids to a magical carousel ride.
9. Soak in some culture with free museum visits: Paris makes culture affordable with many museums being free all year round or every first Sunday of the month, like Musée d’Orsay or Musée du Louvre. Permanent exhibitions are accessible to all, which is great for enjoying art or history on a budget. Year-round free Parisian museums include:
   • Musée Carnavalet, for Parisian history
   • Petit Palais, for art and architecture
   • Musée d’Art Moderne (MAM), for modern art
   • Musée de la Vie Romantique
   • Victor Hugo’s house
   • Musée Cernuschi, for Asian art
   • Musée Bourdelle, for sculptures and Bourdelle’s atelier
   • Musée Cognacq-Jay, for XVIIIe century collections
   • Musée Curie, for radioactivity history
10. Enjoy a botanical walk in Jardin des Plantes: Paris botanical gardens boast close to 2,500 species of plants, trees, and flowers. Being over 400 years old, the Jardin des Plantes is the perfect destination for nature lovers and amateur gardeners.
11. Admire the cherry blossoms at Parc de Sceaux: Located about 30 minutes out of Paris from Gare du Nord, in the nearby town of Sceaux, the gigantic park is the best place for a picnic and a scenic walk. Wander between the cherry blossoms in spring, sit on the grass and enjoy nature, or venture along the canal for a day in the wild.
12. Discover nearby towns: Paris’ suburbs are almost as charming as the capital itself, and can offer many quaint and scenic places to visit. It’s also a great way to discover more of the authentic French way of life, as they’re less subject to tourists. Vincennes is just 15 minutes away from central Paris and offers a massive forest and park, many cafes and restaurants, and even a castle and a zoo.
13. Discover the wonders of Montmartre: Whilst Montmartre might be a bit of a tourist hotspot, it is still a great place for proper village vibes in the heart of Paris. Enjoy the magical view in front of the Sacré Cœur, admire some art from local artists, or sit on the famous staircase to have a chat or snap a picture and admire the sunset. You can also pay a visit to the iconic Wall of Love Montmartre, which displays the words “I love you" in many languages, from French and Spanish to Navajo and Inuit.

When it comes to the best free places to visit in Paris, Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy Manager and Parisian Audrey Bounaix-Bains says, ‘One of my favourite things to do in Paris is taking a wander through the stunning Jardin du Luxembourg- an ideal place to relax by the fountains in the summer, admiring the sculptures and just watching the world go by. Nearby, you'll also find the iconic Shakespeare and Company Bookshop – my favourite bookshop in Paris! Even if you don’t buy anything, it's a very cosy store and its literary charm makes it worth the visit! You should also pay a visit to the chic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood, where you can window-shop at stylish boutiques, take in the artistic vibe, and pretend you’re living the bohemian Parisian dream – all for free.’

Best Cheap Things to Do in Paris

From art and culture to food and history, Paris is at the heart of it all. Let’s take a look at the best affordable things to do in Paris for an unforgettable trip that doesn’t break the bank.

14. Head to Musée Delacroix: This is one of the smaller museums in Paris, which was the former home of the 19th-century painter Eugène Delacroix, and has some gorgeous gardens as the backdrop to this stunning building. Jam-packed full of artwork, drawings, prints and letters, this is a good place to go to avoid the hustle and bustle of tourists at some of the bigger and widely-recognised art galleries that fill Paris. Admissions are only €9, and children, students, teachers, unemployed people, and disabled people go free. The museum also hosts workshops, activities, and lectures for as little as €5 for art buffs.
15. Eat in one of the famous “Bouillons": “Bouillons" are a Parisian institution for cheap and abundant food in the French capital. They usually offer classic “bistrot" cuisine, such as steak/fries, duck confit and baby potatoes, or beef Bourguignon. Main courses usually cost around €7-15, making it very easy to eat delicious yet affordable French cuisine. Our personal favourite is Bouillon Chartier in Grands Boulevard, for a typical Parisian experience.
16. Enjoy free live music at Les Nautes: Head to the side of the Seine for a glass of rosé and live music at Les Nautes. The terrace offers a unique view of Île Saint Louis and is a great spot for a warm summer night out.
17. Visit the Musée Rodin and its Sculpture Garden: You cannot go wrong with visiting the Musée Rodin and the picturesque Sculpture Garden. Discover work from the famous sculptor as well as pieces from other artists like Camille Claudel, Van Gogh, or Bourdelle. General admission starts at €14, and kids can enjoy a touchscreen game to follow along for €6.50.
18. Have a fun day out in Foire du Trône: Avoid expensive Disneyland entries and head to Foire du Trône. This massive funfair is open from the end of March to the end of May and is 100% free for all! Rides, games, and food are just a 15-minute metro ride from central Paris, in the nearby town of Vincennes. Whether your with friends or family, fun is guaranteed!
19. Walk in the steps of the Phantom at the Paris Opera: Palais Garnier is one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris. From the incredible Chagall ceiling to the magic of the Grand Foyer, the Paris Opera is filled with history and secrets (like an actual lake underneath it!). Self-guided tours start at €10 and guided tours at €11, making it a great spot for an cheap activity in Paris. If you want to see a ballet or opera, prices start ar €12 (but beware you’ll be far up in the “Poulailler").
20. Discover the Père Lachaise cemetery: Located in the 20th arrondissement, the Père Lachaise is the forever home of many illustrious artists, such as Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Chopin, or Molière. Although you can visit it on your own for free, you can also opt for a guided tour to discover more about the history, music, and art beyond these famous names. The cemetery doesn’t organise official tours, but you can find many private tours for as little as €17 per person.

Affordable Child-Friendly Museums in Paris

A great thing about Paris is that not only are many museums completely free for kids and teenagers under 18, but many also offer really useful resources for families with younger children!

• The classic Musée d’Orsay is considered one of the most child-friendly museums in Paris, with many themed visits and interactive activities to keep the kids entertained for hours! General admission starts at €14 for adults and is free for children.
• The Musée national de la Marine also offers special activities for children 3-5 years old. Meanwhile, adults can browse the wonderful collection of scale models of historic boats. Children go free while adult tickets start at €11.
• We know that there's nothing that kids love more than chocolate...right? This one is for the foodie families, you can pay a visit to Choco-Story Paris - a delicious gourmet chocolate museum that offers educational tours designed specifically for children alongside an engaging treasure hunt. Kids will also be able to enjoy interactive chocolate-making workshops alongside an expert chocolatier, making this a magical (and delicious!) activity for youngsters in Paris. Children under 3 can enter for free, while 3-11 year-olds tickets retail for €10.80 and adult entries for €18.