The capital of France is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its most famous landmarks have been portrayed in countless artistic and cultural representations around the world over the years, so it’s little wonder that Paris is a regular bucket list destination for avid travelers.
Everyone should visit this fantastic city at least once in their life, and no matter time of year you visit, Paris will have plenty of things for you to do, and charm to burn.
Most people assume that, because Paris is such a popular and sought-after destination, tourists need to spend a lot of money in order to guarantee an excellent time. But fortunately, this isn’t the case at all!
Paris is filled with fun activities which are very cheap, or even free of charge. If you are planning on taking a trip to the City of Light, bear in mind that, with a bit of research, you will be able to have a great time without breaking the bank.
Paris by Food Tours
Paris’ culinary scene is one of a kind. There are plenty of options to enjoy, and food tourism is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the authentic Parisian way of life. It is also a smart way to avoid overpriced restaurants and subpar dishes.
Getting to know Paris by food tours is ideal for those interested in learning more about the history and culture of this incredible city, while sampling some of the most outstanding venues the country has to offer.
Crucially, the guides on these tours will take you to outstanding venues which are not necessarily well-known to most tourists. Participants can enjoy a variety of Parisian specialties, such as pastries, crepes, and cheeses, while roaming through the streets of Paris’ most beautiful neighborhoods.
Food tours are relatively affordable and, if you book in advance, you may be entitled to vouchers for discounts and free drinks.
Cemetery Tours
If you enjoy architecture and want to marvel at the gothic buildings on display in the city, you should definitely check out the cemeteries of Paris. Pere Lachaise, the most famous of them all, is filled with statues and tombstones which are genuine works of art in themselves.
Here you will be able to visit the resting places of many famous artists from all over the world, from Jim Morrison to Oscar Wilde.
Museums
If art is your preference, then you’ve come to the right place – Paris is known for its rich and eclectic museums.
The Musée d’Orsay hosts a vast array of events, including music concerts and art exhibitions, while the Louvre is home to one of the most prestigious art collections in the world. Be sure not to rush things; it can take several days to see everything these museums have to offer!
Parisian museums typically open to the public for free on one day every month – usually the first Sunday – and offer discounts for students. If you book in advance for any other day of the week, you may also receive a discount of up to half price on the regular entrance fee.
Don’t forget that up to fourteen museums belonging to the city of Paris are 100% free for visitors – look for the city emblem on the main entrance!
Churches
Catholic expressionism has defined the city of Paris since the beginning of time. Each one of the city’s magnificent churches and cathedrals are free for all-comers.
Make sure to visit the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre, with its incredible panoramic view of the city!
Street Markets
Street markets are a major Parisian tradition. They usually take place during the weekend, and represent the perfect opportunity to collect original souvenirs and get to know the local artists.
Try to visit the markets in the early morning hours, to avoid the crowds during rush hour. At the end of your tour, why not sit in a café and enjoy the street performers while eating some delicious French pastries?
Walk it Out
Paris is definitely a city for walking. Take a stroll along the river Seine, or walk up the Avenue des Champs-Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. The city streets are perfect for getting lost in, and as a rule, Paris is much more enjoyable on foot.
Bring your camera with you; you will want to take plenty of pictures of these notable landmarks for sure, and will get a feel for the Parisian vibe without having to spend a dime.
Parisian Music
You can enjoy a typical French concert for free as well while visiting the city. Paris’ Music Conservatory puts on over 300 student performances per year which are free of charge.
In addition, Radio France hosts more than 180 free concerts per year at the city’s Museum of Fine Arts. You may need to book tickets in advance for these shows, since they tend to sell out quickly.
Fashion
Paris is known as the fashion capital of the world, and it’s not hard to see why. There are plenty of amazing stores in the downtown part of the city which can be visited for free. And if you want to take in a typical Parisian fashion show, the iconic Galleries Lafayette department store hosts them every Friday, free of charge.
These are just some of the activities which you can do in Paris without spending much (or any) money. The main thing to consider when visiting a new city is that everything is possible… if you know where you’re going in advance, making your traveling experience even more enjoyable.
With all this in mind, you should now be ready to visit Paris without going over budget, having fun and enjoying a unique city without spending a fortune. What are you waiting for?
Pack your bags and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the fantastic city of Paris.
