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Planning a Paris trip: Best free activities?

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Monika_P
Joined:
18.01.2021
Posts: 411
Topic Starter
06.01.2025 02:29
Hey everyone! My partner and I are planning a trip to Paris next month and while we're super excited, we're also trying to stick to a pretty tight budget. We've heard there are tons of amazing things to do that don't cost a fortune, but it's hard to sift through all the information online. We'd really appreciate any recommendations for truly free activities or hidden gems that won't break the bank. We're open to anything from parks and museums (if they have free days) to just wandering through interesting neighborhoods. What are your absolute must-do free things in the City of Lights? Any tips for enjoying Paris without spending a dime would be incredibly helpful!
18 replies in this topic
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gost_nedelq
Joined:
10.02.2023
Posts: 463
29.01.2025 22:24
Walking around Le Marais is an absolute must. You don't need to spend a cent to soak in the architecture and the vibe.
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Hani_B
Joined:
01.09.2022
Posts: 1877
16.02.2025 07:36
Don't forget the Jardin du Luxembourg. It's beautiful, free, and perfect for people-watching for hours.
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grigor_b
Joined:
16.10.2023
Posts: 1155
16.02.2025 16:47
In reply to a previous post
Actually, you should check out the Musée Carnavalet. It's totally free and gives you so much history about Paris itself.
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Oskar_Z
Joined:
17.02.2024
Posts: 1301
27.02.2025 18:35
In reply to a previous post
That's a great suggestion! I second the Carnavalet, it's one of my favorite museums in the city.
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kamilo
Joined:
18.02.2022
Posts: 1674
29.04.2025 01:20
If you are there on the first Sunday of the month, many state-run museums have free entry. Just be prepared for long queues.
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Stefan_W
Joined:
20.04.2020
Posts: 279
24.07.2025 16:45
Honestly, just buy a baguette and some cheese from a local supermarket and have a picnic by the Seine. It's the most 'Parisian' thing you can do for cheap.
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Oli_L
Joined:
02.02.2021
Posts: 1633
06.08.2025 00:02
In reply to a previous post
Totally agree with the picnic idea! It beats sitting in an expensive cafe any day.
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simon_v
Joined:
14.05.2020
Posts: 607
10.08.2025 09:33
Check out the view from the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette. It's free to go up and the view of the Opera and Eiffel Tower is stunning.
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GospodinNikoi
Joined:
06.06.2023
Posts: 2164
17.09.2025 13:27
In reply to a previous post
Is the rooftop usually crowded? I'm going next month too and want to make sure it's worth the trip.
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Brayan_Z
Joined:
05.01.2022
Posts: 1914
08.10.2025 23:37
In reply to a previous post
It can get busy, but it moves fast. Definitely worth it for the free photo op!
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ZlatnaRuka
Joined:
08.05.2025
Posts: 1173
15.10.2025 16:29
Wandering through the Père Lachaise Cemetery is surprisingly peaceful and interesting. Lots of famous graves to find.
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Znaesht
Joined:
07.08.2022
Posts: 27
16.10.2025 07:09
Walking along the Coulée verte René-Dumont is a great way to see the city from an elevated park. It's like the High Line in NYC.
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Yani_Z
Joined:
27.03.2022
Posts: 1708
20.10.2025 12:16
I'd suggest visiting the Arènes de Lutèce. It's an old Roman amphitheater tucked away in the 5th arrondissement. Very quiet and free.
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Kaya_J
Joined:
15.05.2021
Posts: 1011
06.12.2025 07:36
In reply to a previous post
Thanks for the tip about the Roman amphitheater! I've been to Paris three times and never heard of that one.
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Toni_M
Joined:
29.07.2023
Posts: 430
23.01.2026 21:13
Don't bother with the expensive boat tours. Just take the public bus or walk along the river banks; the view is the same!
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Filip_G
Joined:
05.11.2025
Posts: 1256
13.03.2026 11:42
Whatever you do, stay away from restaurants right next to the major landmarks. They are overpriced and not great quality.
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Toni_M
Joined:
09.03.2022
Posts: 2132
22.03.2026 17:56
In reply to a previous post
That's solid advice. Even a coffee near the Eiffel Tower will cost you an arm and a leg.
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iztrit_potrebitel
Joined:
22.08.2022
Posts: 1610
08.04.2026 13:46
Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night from the Trocadéro gardens is free and magical. Don't miss that!

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