Paris might be famous for its luxury and style, but you do not have to spend a fortune to enjoy the City of Lights. As a budget traveler, I was on the hunt for all of the ways to enjoy the city without having to spend a fortune. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you know your way around the French capital, there are actually so many amazing things you can do without spending a dime.  Paris has a lot to offer with free access, including free museums packed with art history, leisurely stroll through the largest parks and street art spots. Let’s get into the best spots for street art, viewpoints, art galleries, music festivals, shows and performances which are among some of the best free things to do. 

Museums

1. Carnavalet Museum (Museum of the History of Paris)

This museum is all about the history of Paris. It’s located in le Marais neighborhood and walks you through the city’s timeline with everything from medieval signs to revolutionary artifacts. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays.

2. Petit Palais (Fine Arts Museum)

The building itself is gorgeous, and inside you’ll find paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Renaissance to the early 1900s. This museum is an absolute must in Paris and was actually one of my favorites. Plus, it has a cute little café where you can grab drinks and it’s right near the Champs-Élysées. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday.

3. Museum of Modern Art of Paris

If you’re into modern and contemporary art, this one’s solid. It’s part of the Palais de Tokyo and has works from artists like Picasso and Delaunay. It’s free for the permanent collection. Closed Mondays.

4. Victor Hugo’s House 

This museum is located in Place des Vosges, this is where the author of Les Misérables used to live. You can see his old room, personal items, and manuscripts. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday.

5. Bourdelle Museum

 This museum showcases the works of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle. It’s quiet and has a cool mix of indoor and garden sculptures. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday.

6. Brancusi’s Studio

This museum is right outside the Centre Pompidou, it recreates the workspace of sculptor Constantin Brancusi. It’s small, but worth a quick visit. Open every day except Tuesday.

7. Museum of Romantic Life

This one’s in a cute old house at the foot of Montmartre. It has art and objects from the Romantic era, plus a peaceful garden café. It’s the perfect activity to add to your itinerary while you’re exploring the Montmartre neighborhood. Closed on Mondays.

8. Balzac’s House

 A former home of author Honoré de Balzac, tucked in a residential area with a nice view of the Eiffel Tower. You’ll find his writing desk and original manuscripts. Open Tuesday to Sunday.

9. Curie Museum

 A small museum about Marie Curie and her research on radioactivity. It’s actually inside her old lab and really interesting if you’re into science. Usually open Wednesday to Saturday.

10. Liberation of Paris Museum

 The liberation museum covers the French Resistance and the liberation of Paris during WWII. Includes videos, photos, and artifacts. Open Tuesday to Sunday.

11. Museum of the Legion of Honor

Located near the Musée d’Orsay, this museum goes over the history of French military and national honors. It’s free and not too crowded. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

12. Fragonard Perfume Museum

Attached to the Fragonard perfume shop, this museum walks you through how perfume is made and the history behind it. They have free 30 minute guided tours available daily.

13. Zadkine Museum

 This one is near the Luxembourg Gardens and focuses on the sculptor Ossip Zadkine. It has a relaxed vibe and a nice garden. Admission to the permanent collection is completely free.

14. Paris Police Museum

This museum is located inside an active police station and features crime and law enforcement history in Paris. A bit offbeat, but surprisingly interesting. You do need to make reservations in advance.

15. Richelieu Library (Bibliothèque Richelieu)

While not a museum in the traditional sense, this historical library has art, architecture, and rotating exhibitions. The grand “Salle Ovale” or oval room within the library is free to enter.

Performances and Festivals

16. Free Concerts at the American Church in Paris

This one’s a hidden gem. Every Sunday at 5 pm, the American Church in Paris hosts free classical music concerts. You don’t need to be super into classical music to enjoy them, it’s more about the experience. The building itself is beautiful, and the talent is legit. Check their event calendar here for the latest schedule.

17. Summer Open-Air Movies at Parc de la Villette (July & August)

 If you’re in Paris during the summer, this is a must. Grab a blanket, pack snacks, and head to Parc de la Villette for free movie nights under the stars from Wednesday to Sunday. The Open Air Festival shows films range from old classics to newer hits, and you’ll hear everything in the original language with French subtitles. It’s super laid back and locals love it. You can even bring wine and have a cute picnic.

18. Galeries Lafayette Fashion Show

Galeries Lafayette, one of the most luxurious shopping locations, hosts a 30 minute fashion show every Friday afternoon at their flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann. You’ll need to reserve in advance, but it’s a cool way to see the Paris fashion scene up close without spending a euro. Models walk a mini runway showing off the latest trends being sold in-store.

19. Street Performers at Place du Tertre

This spot in Montmartre is known for its artists and painters, but you’ll also find street performers around the square, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Think musicians, mimes, and people doing random but very entertaining stuff. It’s touristy, sure, but still fun and very “Paris.”

20. Roller Skaters at Place de la Bastille (Sundays)

On Sunday afternoons, head to Place de la Bastille and catch groups of skaters doing loops, tricks, and casual rides through the city. It’s kind of like a pop-up performance on wheels. If you skate, you can even join in. If not, it’s just fun to watch with a coffee or snack in hand.

21. Fête de la Musique (June)

 If you are in Paris on June 21st, you are going to stumble into Fête de la Musique whether you plan to or not. It is an all-day, all-night music celebration that happens across the entire city. Every street corner, park, café, and even a few museums turn into a live music stage. You will hear everything from rock bands to classical quartets to solo singers just setting up wherever they can. Best part? It is completely free and open to everyone. You can hop from one spot to another and soak up the different vibes. Just know that it gets crowded, so wear comfy shoes and be ready for a long, fun night.

22. Paris Jazz Festival (June–July)

 The Paris Jazz Festival is perfect if you want something a little more chill and scenic. It takes place over several weekends in June and August at Parc Floral, which is already one of the prettiest green spaces in Paris. The concerts are free, but there is a small entry fee to the park (around €2.50). Once you are in, you can spread out on the grass, listen to some amazing live jazz, and enjoy a super laid-back afternoon. They feature both international jazz legends and local up-and-comers, so you get a nice mix of styles. Bring a picnic if you want to make a full day of it.

Churches

23. Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame is one of the iconic churches you have to visit in Paris. After the fire, it’s now open again and accessible inside. You can walk all around it and get great views from the Seine River side. It is right in the middle of the city on Île de la Cité, super easy to get to by Metro or just walking if you are staying central. You can get reservations ahead of time, but walk-ins are allowed.

24. Sacré-Cœur Basilica

This church sits at the highest point in Paris in Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur is hard to miss. It is free to enter and the inside is just as beautiful as the outside. You can also sit on the steps outside and get one of the best views of the city. The neighborhood is touristy but fun to wander around after.

25. Saint-Sulpice Church

Located in the 6th arrondissement near the Luxembourg Gardens, Saint-Sulpice is massive and has a lot of cool art inside. You can visit for free anytime during opening hours and if you visit on a Sunday, you might even catch an organ concert. This church is a quieter alternative if you want a break from the bigger crowds.

26. Église Saint-Eustache

You will find Saint-Eustache right near the busy Les Halles area. It looks super gothic and is known for having one of the largest organs in the world. They sometimes have free music performances too. Even if you are just shopping or eating nearby, it is worth swinging by for a quick look.

27. Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church

 Right in the heart of the Saint-Germain neighborhood, this church is the oldest in Paris. It has a simple but beautiful vibe and is close to a ton of cafés and bookshops. A perfect little stop if you are wandering through the Left Bank.

28. Église Saint-Denis-du-Saint-Sacrement

 This small church is tucked away in the le Marais neighborhood, a super cool neighborhood full of history. It is not one of the flashy famous churches but it has a really peaceful feeling inside. Great spot to take a short break if you are museum hopping around the area.

29. Saint-Étienne-du-Mont

 Right behind the Panthéon in the Latin Quarter, Saint-Étienne-du-Mont is super unique. It has a fancy stone screen inside that you will not find anywhere else in Paris. This church also has ties to famous figures like Blaise Pascal and Jean Racine, who are buried here.

30. La Madeleine

 La Madeleine looks nothing like a regular church. It actually looks like a giant Roman temple with all its columns. Inside, it is surprisingly grand and peaceful. It is located near Place de la Concorde and the fancy shopping streets like Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, so it is easy to visit while you are out exploring.

31. Église Saint-Augustin

 Found near Parc Monceau and a bunch of good local restaurants, Saint-Augustin is a little less touristy but still really impressive. The dome and big ironwork doors are super striking. It is an easy walk from Saint-Lazare train station too if you are staying nearby.

32. Saint-Pierre de Montmartre

A lot of people miss this one because it is right next to Sacré-Cœur. Saint-Pierre is one of the oldest churches in Paris and has a much more lowkey and local vibe. If you are visiting Montmartre, definitely take a few minutes to step inside and check it out. It feels way more authentic compared to the packed basilica next door.

Landmarks

33. Eiffel Tower (Sparkles Every Evening)

 You cannot come to Paris and miss the Eiffel Tower. Even if you do not go up it, standing underneath it is pretty magical. The real treat is at night. Every evening after sunset, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes at the start of every hour. It is free to watch and never gets old no matter how many times you see it.

34. Arc de Triomphe (Exterior)

 The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris. Walking around the base and seeing all the detailed carvings is totally free. If you want to climb to the top there is a fee, but just seeing it up close is pretty impressive on its own. It sits right at the top of the Champs-Élysées, making it an easy stop while you are out exploring.

35. Place de la Concorde

 This huge open square is full of history and surrounded by beautiful buildings. It is also where you will find the giant Egyptian obelisk. It is located between the Tuileries Garden and the start of the Champs-Élysées, so you will probably pass through it anyway during your sightseeing.

36. Pont Neuf

 Despite its name meaning “new bridge,” Pont Neuf is actually the oldest bridge in Paris. It connects the Right and Left Banks through the western tip of Île de la Cité. It is a great spot to snap some photos and enjoy views of the Seine River without dealing with any crowds.

37. Île de la Cité

 This island in the middle of the Seine is basically the historic heart of Paris. You can stroll around for free, admire Notre-Dame Cathedral from the outside, check out the beautiful Place Dauphine, and soak in the atmosphere. It is small but packed with history and super easy to explore on foot.

38. Place des Vosges

 Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris and still one of the prettiest. It is located in the Marais neighborhood, surrounded by cute cafés and art galleries. You can sit in the park, have a little picnic, or just walk through and take in the view without spending a cent.

39. Hôtel de Ville (Paris City Hall – Exterior)

 The Hôtel de Ville is a stunning building with insane detail on the outside. You can visit the exterior for free and it is especially pretty at night when it is all lit up. Sometimes they even host free public events and exhibitions inside, but just admiring it from the square is worth it.

40. Panthéon (Exterior)

 The Panthéon in the Latin Quarter is known for its giant columns and grand dome. Going inside costs money, but checking out the exterior and hanging around the nearby streets is free. It is right near Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church too, so you can easily hit both in one trip.

Parks and Gardens

41. Luxembourg Garden (Jardin du Luxembourg)

One of the prettiest spots in Paris. Luxembourg Garden is huge and has everything from fountains to cute chairs where you can just sit and relax. It is right in the Latin Quarter, easy to get to, and great for people watching.

42. Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries)

 This famous garden stretches between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. It is super central and the perfect place to take a break after museum hopping. You will find statues, fountains, and lots of wide paths for strolling.

43. Buttes-Chaumont Park (Parc des Buttes-Chaumont)

 This park feels a little different from the others because it is super hilly. There are waterfalls, bridges, and even a temple on a cliff. It is located in the 19th arrondissement and it is less touristy, so it is perfect if you want more of a local vibe.

44. Monceau Park (Parc Monceau)

 Monceau Park feels really fancy but in a laid-back way. It has pretty little bridges, statues, and a very peaceful vibe. It is located in a fancy neighborhood too, so it is fun to walk around the area after.

45. Belleville Park (Parc de Belleville)

 This park gives you one of the best views of Paris without the crowds. It is up on a hill in the Belleville neighborhood and is full of flowers, fountains, and wide-open lawns.

46. Bois de Boulogne

 Bois de Boulogne is more like a forest than a park. It is on the western edge of Paris and is massive. You can rent a boat, have a picnic, or just go for a really long walk. Perfect if you want to escape the city feel for a few hours.

47. Bois de Vincennes

 Kind of like the cousin of Bois de Boulogne, but on the east side. Bois de Vincennes has lakes, gardens, and even a zoo (the zoo costs money but the park is free). It is huge and great for outdoor adventures.

48. André Citroën Park (Parc André Citroën)

 This modern park is built on the site of an old car factory. It has fountains you can splash around in during the summer, huge greenhouses, and a big open lawn. There is even a hot air balloon you can ride (not free but cool to see).

49. La Villette Park (Parc de la Villette)

 This park is super modern and full of fun stuff like playgrounds, gardens, and even outdoor movie screenings in the summer. It is up in the 19th arrondissement and great for a more off-the-beaten-path afternoon.

50. Botanical Garden (Jardin des Plantes)

This is the main botanical garden in Paris. It has beautiful flowers, exotic plants, and even a small zoo (again, the zoo has a fee but walking around the gardens is free). Super peaceful and great if you love nature.

51. Coulée Verte René-Dumont (Promenade Plantée)

This park is a little different because it is built on an old elevated railway. You walk above the streets on a trail lined with flowers and trees. It is like Paris’s version of New York’s High Line but even quieter.

52. Square du Vert-Galant

 This tiny park sits right at the tip of Île de la Cité, surrounded by the Seine. It is a peaceful spot for a picnic or just hanging out by the river. Great spot to catch the sunset too.

53. Anne-Frank Garden (Jardin Anne-Frank)

Tucked away behind the Pompidou Center, this little garden is peaceful and full of shade. It is small but meaningful and a good place to catch your breath if you are sightseeing in the Marais area.

54. Royal Palace Garden (Jardin du Palais Royal)

 This hidden gem near the Louvre has neat rows of trees, fountains, and benches. It feels super peaceful and is a nice break from the tourist crowds around the museum. Plus, the black-and-white Colonnes de Buren art installation is right here too.

55. Alpine Garden (Jardin Alpin)

Inside the Jardin des Plantes, there is a special hidden section called the Alpine Garden. It has over 2,000 plant species from mountainous regions around the world, including the Alps, Pyrenees, Himalayas, and Rockies. It’s a small but super tranquil space that feels totally different from the rest of the city.

Art Galleries

56. Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac

 This gallery is a must-visit for modern and contemporary art lovers. It is located in the Marais and shows off big names like Anselm Kiefer and Alex Katz. The space is huge, light-filled, and super inspiring to walk around. Open 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

57. Galerie Perrotin

 Also in the Marais, Galerie Perrotin is known for its edgy and playful exhibitions. Artists like Takashi Murakami and JR have shown here. It feels more like an experience than just an art gallery and it is totally free to enter.

58. Galerie Daniel Templon

 Right around the corner from the Pompidou Center, this gallery has been showing contemporary art since the 1970s. It features a mix of French and international artists and the exhibitions are always changing, so there is something new to see every few months.

59. Galerie Laurent Godin

 If you want something a little more experimental, Laurent Godin’s gallery is a cool stop. It is a little less traditional than some others and focuses on innovative modern art. The shows are super well-curated and the vibe is very welcoming9

60. Galerie Kamel Mennour

 Split between two locations in Paris, Kamel Mennour’s galleries show a mix of sculpture, painting, and photography. The exhibitions are high quality but the vibe is easygoing and open to everyone.

61. Le Plateau – FRAC Île-de-France

 This spot is a little outside of the tourist center but it is worth the trip if you love contemporary art. Le Plateau hosts free exhibitions that feature up-and-coming artists and experimental projects. It is fresh, creative, and usually not crowded.

62. Galerie Nathalie Obadia

Another big name in the Paris art scene, Nathalie Obadia’s gallery shows established and rising contemporary artists. The exhibitions often reflect cultural and political themes, so you get more than just pretty pictures on a wall.

63. Fondation d’Entreprise Ricard

 This foundation focuses on supporting young contemporary artists. It is a really cool place to see new talent before they get super famous. Entry is free and they often have talks and events too if you are around at the right time.

64. 104 Paris (Le Centquatre)

104 Paris is a huge cultural center that mixes art, design, theater, and even food. It is located in the 19th arrondissement and feels like a playground for creativity. You can see exhibitions, watch performers practicing, and just hang out in the space. Entry is free but some special shows might charge.

Best Street Art Spots

65. Rue Denoyez

Rue Denoyez is basically street art heaven. It is a tiny street in Belleville, but it is packed with colorful murals, graffiti, and stickers everywhere you look. The whole vibe here is creative and ever-changing. Artists come and go, so no two visits are the same. It is a great spot to just wander around and snap some cool photos.

66. Rue Oberkampf

 This street is super popular with local artists, especially around the Le Mur space where a rotating wall features new murals every few weeks. Rue Oberkampf has a trendy, artsy vibe and you will find a ton of bars and cafés nearby if you want to hang out after checking out the art.

67. Rue de la Fontaine au Roi

 You might have seen this street in Instagram posts without even knowing it. It is full of bold, colorful murals and it is close to République, so it is really easy to get to. The art here tends to be a little political and edgy, which makes it even more interesting to explore.

68. Rue Saint-Maur

Rue Saint-Maur is a long street where you will spot lots of random pieces tucked between regular apartments and shops. It is perfect if you like stumbling across art when you least expect it. Some of Paris’s most famous street artists have left their mark here.

69. Rue Laurence Savart

 Tucked away in the 20th arrondissement, Rue Laurence Savart is a quieter spot but still full of colorful walls. It is great if you want a more laid-back, less crowded street art walk. Plus, Belleville Park is nearby if you want to chill after.

70. Avenue de Flandre

 Avenue de Flandre has a different feel from the smaller streets. You will find huge murals and more modern art styles here. It is in the 19th arrondissement and it is worth the trip if you love seeing how street art can completely change the vibe of a neighborhood.

71. Boulevard Vincent Auriol

 This boulevard in the 13th arrondissement is famous for its giant building-sized murals. A lot of the art here was commissioned as part of a city project, so it is more polished but still super impressive. You can see work from big names in the street art world.

72. Rue des Cascades

 Rue des Cascades feels a little more low-key but has some really good hidden art if you keep your eyes open. It is a residential area, so it is quieter, but it gives you a real sense of everyday Paris mixed with artistic expression.

73. Rue du Retrait

 Another Belleville gem, Rue du Retrait is full of colorful surprises. It is not as well-known as some of the other spots, which makes it even better if you want to explore without crowds. Bring your camera because there are lots of photo-worthy finds here.

74. Quai de Valmy & Canal Saint-Martin

 Walking along the Canal Saint-Martin, especially near Quai de Valmy, you will find tons of murals, graffiti, and quirky art pieces. The vibe here is super relaxed, especially on sunny days when everyone is hanging out by the water. It is the perfect mix of people-watching and art-spotting.

Free Rooftop Viewpoints

75. The Galeries Lafayette Rooftop

 If you want one of the best free views in Paris, head straight to the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette. It is right in the heart of the city and gives you a front-row seat to the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the sea of classic Paris rooftops. The terrace is on the 7th floor, and it is super easy to get to with the store elevators or escalators. While you are there, you can also browse the store if you want, but the rooftop itself is totally free.

76. Printemps Haussmann Department Store Rooftop

 Right next to Galeries Lafayette, Printemps also has a free rooftop terrace with another killer view of the city. It is a little quieter than Lafayette, so if you want a more relaxed vibe to soak in the Paris skyline, this is the spot. You will see everything from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre. Plus, there is a café up there if you want to grab a drink and hang out longer.

77. Terrasse du Fécheray

 This one is a little outside of central Paris, in Suresnes, but it is so worth it. Terrasse du Fécheray gives you an amazing panoramic view of Paris from a distance, with a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower in the center. It is a peaceful spot where you will find way fewer tourists. It is a great place for a chill afternoon if you want to escape the busy city for a bit.

78. The Institut du Monde Arabe Rooftop

 The rooftop at the Institut du Monde Arabe is such a hidden gem. It is completely free to visit and offers a stunning view over the Seine River and the Notre-Dame area. Plus, the building itself has some cool architecture to check out. If you want a lesser-known viewpoint that still feels special, this one should be on your list.

Final Thoughts

Paris really proves that you do not need to spend a lot to have an unforgettable time. From free museums to beautiful parks and lively street performances, there is so much to enjoy without touching your wallet. You can visit stunning churches, relax at the best spots for a leisurely stroll, and even find free entry to some incredible galleries and landmarks. Exploring the best ways to experience the city without breaking the bank is easier than you might think. If you are looking for an excellent place to soak in the vibe of Paris, this list covers everything you need to plan a fun, affordable trip. So go ahead and start planning,  Paris is full of surprises that do not cost a thing.