Top 10 Free Attractions in Paris

Paris proves that the best things in life truly are free. From world-class museums offering complimentary admission to stunning architectural marvels and vibrant street art, the City of Light provides countless opportunities to experience its magic without spending a single euro.

1. Notre-Dame Cathedral Exterior & Sainte-Chapelle Views

While restoration continues inside Notre-Dame, the exterior remains one of Paris’s most magnificent free attractions. The Gothic architecture, flying buttresses, and detailed stone carvings tell centuries of history, while the surrounding Île de la Cité offers stunning views of the Seine.

Opening hours: Exterior accessible 24/7, best lighting during daylight hours Getting there: Metro Line 4 to Cité or RER B/C to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame Free bonus: Walk around the entire perimeter to appreciate different architectural perspectives, and visit nearby Sainte-Chapelle’s exterior for more Gothic splendor

2. Sacré-Cœur Basilica

This white-domed basilica atop Montmartre hill offers both architectural beauty and panoramic city views. The Romano-Byzantine interior features stunning mosaics, while the exterior steps provide one of Paris’s best sunset viewing spots.

Opening hours: Daily 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM Getting there: Metro Line 12 to Abbesses, then funicular or stairs up Rue Foyatier, or Metro Line 2 to Anvers Free tip: Arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the peaceful atmosphere locals enjoy

3. Luxembourg Gardens

These formal French gardens span 25 hectares and offer everything from tree-lined promenades to children’s playgrounds. The Luxembourg Palace provides a stunning backdrop, while the gardens’ varied sections include an orchard, rose garden, and puppet theater area.

Opening hours: Daily 7:30/8:00 AM – 5:30/9:30 PM (varies by season) Getting there: Metro Line 4 to Saint-Sulpice, RER B to Luxembourg, or Metro Line 6 to Notre-Dame-des-Champs Free activities: Watch kids sail model boats in the central pond, attend free outdoor concerts in summer, or join locals playing chess and boules

4. Père Lachaise Cemetery

This historic cemetery doubles as an outdoor museum and peaceful park. Famous graves include Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde, while the elaborate tombs and mausoleums showcase 19th-century funerary art among tree-lined paths.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closes earlier in winter) Getting there: Metro Lines 2 or 3 to Père Lachaise, or Metro Line 3 to Gambetta Free maps: Available at the entrance, or download the cemetery’s official app for self-guided tours highlighting notable graves and architectural features

5. Free Museum Days

Many of Paris’s world-renowned museums offer free admission on specific days or times. The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou all provide complimentary access for EU residents under 26 and everyone on the first Sunday of each month (October through March).

Louvre: First Sunday of each month (October-March), first Friday evening of each month for under 26s Musée d’Orsay: First Sunday of each month (October-March) Centre Pompidou: First Sunday of each month Getting there: Varies by museum – Louvre (Metro Line 1 to Palais-Royal), Orsay (RER C to Musée d’Orsay), Pompidou (Metro Line 11 to Rambuteau)

6. Street Art in Belleville & Le Marais

Belleville’s steep streets showcase some of Europe’s best legal street art, while Le Marais features hidden murals in quiet courtyards. The outdoor galleries change regularly, providing new discoveries for repeat visitors exploring these vibrant neighborhoods.

Best viewing: Daylight hours for photography and safety Belleville route: Metro Line 11 to Belleville, walk down Rue Dénoyez and surrounding streets Le Marais route: Metro Line 1 to Saint-Paul, explore Rue des Rosiers and connecting side streets Free tours: Several organizations offer donation-based street art walking tours on weekends

7. Seine Riverbanks (Paris Plages in Summer)

The pedestrianized Seine riverbanks provide year-round recreation, while summer transforms sections into Paris Plages – artificial beaches complete with sand, palm trees, and organized activities. The permanent installations include floating gardens and exercise equipment.

Paris Plages dates: Mid-July through late August annually Opening hours: Riverbanks accessible 24/7, Paris Plages typically 8:00 AM – midnight Getting there: Multiple access points via Metro Line 1 to Hôtel de Ville, Line 4 to Châtelet, or RER A/B/D to Châtelet-Les Halles Free activities: Beach volleyball, outdoor cinema screenings, dance classes, and library books during Paris Plages

8. Marché aux Puces Flea Markets

These sprawling weekend flea markets offer free entertainment through browsing vintage treasures, antique furniture, and collectibles from across Europe. Even without purchasing, the markets provide insight into French culture and history through their eclectic offerings.

Opening hours: Saturday-Monday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (some stalls close earlier) Getting there: Metro Line 4 to Porte de Clignancourt for Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen (largest), or Metro Line 7 to Porte de Montreuil Free entertainment: People-watching, architectural details of market buildings, and discovering unusual historical artifacts

9. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

This dramatic 19th-century park features artificial cliffs, a suspension bridge, and a temple perched on a rocky island. The varied terrain includes waterfalls, caves, and panoramic viewpoints, making it feel like a natural landscape despite its urban location.

Opening hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (May-September), 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (October-April) Getting there: Metro Line 7 bis to Buttes-Chaumont, Line 5 to Laumière, or Line 7 to Botzaris Free highlights: Temple de la Sibylle offers 360-degree city views, while the park’s diverse paths provide excellent walking and jogging routes

10. Place des Vosges & Free Outdoor Concerts

Paris’s oldest planned square features Renaissance architecture surrounding a central park where locals play, children run, and musicians perform. Summer brings free concerts and festivals, while year-round the covered arcades provide shelter and window shopping opportunities.

Opening hours: Square accessible 24/7, park section typically 8:00 AM – sunset Getting there: Metro Line 1 to Saint-Paul, Line 5 to Bastille, or Line 8 to Chemin Vert Free events: Check the 4th arrondissement website for scheduled outdoor concerts, art exhibitions in the square’s galleries, and seasonal festivals Bonus: The surrounding Marais district offers free window shopping, historic Jewish quarter exploration, and people-watching at outdoor cafés

Pro Tips for Free Paris:

• Download the Citymapper app for efficient public transportation routing
• Many churches throughout Paris offer free entry and often feature beautiful architecture and art
• Summer brings numerous free outdoor festivals and concerts in parks and squares
• The Seine’s bridges provide free scenic walks with postcard-perfect views
• Tourist information offices offer free maps and event calendars highlighting complimentary activities

Paris rewards curious travelers who explore beyond paid attractions. These free destinations provide authentic experiences of local culture, stunning architecture, and the relaxed lifestyle that makes the city irresistible to millions of visitors each year.