Paris is known for being expensive. But even such a tourist city has its more affordable side. Want to know what services and entertainment you can enjoy for free in Paris?
Of course, it’s not possible to travel completely free of charge, but if you need to save money, it’s worth booking a hotel in Paris in advance and planning where to eat and how to spend your time!
» READ MORE – 90 Travel Tips for Your Paris Vacation
Maps
Maps of Paris and the Paris Metro are available free of charge. Ask for a city map at the Office de Tourisme; they can often be found at information desks. In the summer, these booths appear near the main attractions.
Metro, bus, and RER maps are available at ticket offices in underground stations — just ask the cashier.
Not free, but a very economical option for a tour is an audio guide.
Museums
All city museums are free! Paris has three types of museums: state museums (the Louvre, Orsay, etc.), private museums (the Eiffel Tower, the Beard Museum, etc.), and city museums (such as the Museum of Paris). The first two types charge admission fees, while city museums are free.
- State museums offer many discounts for young people, children, and pensioners
- Private museums usually have the same price for everyone
- Municipal museums are always free
Among the municipal museums, we recommend the Museum of Modern Art in the Palais de Tokyo, whose collection is comparable in significance to that of the Musée d’Orsay.
All museums, at least their main exhibitions, are free on the first Sunday of every month from October to April. If you are lucky enough to be in Paris during this time, take advantage of this opportunity.
Museums are also free on July 14, during Museum Night, and White Night.
Entry is usually free for children under 12. The Louvre is free for children under 18. National museums are free for European university students under 26 (student card required).
» READ MORE – 33 Tips for traveling to Paris with children
Carousels
During the Christmas holidays in Paris, there are free carousels. Remember the ones from the movies, with spinning horses? Yes, those! And they are completely free!
Admission to the ice rink is also free if you have your own skates.
Churches
Entrance to Notre Dame, Sacré-Cœur, and other churches and cathedrals is free. Despite being some of the most visited places in Paris, these are active religious sites with regular services, and admission remains free.
However, entry to the Notre Dame museum or the towers requires a paid ticket.
» READ MORE – Notre Dame Cathedral: how to visit?
Bread and water are free in Paris
In Paris, as in the rest of France, bread and water are served free of charge in cafés.
Napoleon introduced a law requiring tavern owners to provide water and bread crusts for free to any traveler. Since the mid-1980s, a decree has been in place reaffirming this rule.
However, don’t get your hopes too high. The water will be from the tap, but it is perfectly safe to drink. If you don’t want to spend money on bottled water or other drinks in a café, simply ask the waiter for a Carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît. This signals that you want free water.
There are two things to keep in mind:
- The café owner may choose not to provide water for free. In this case, it must be clearly stated on the menu
- Waiters often automatically bring mineral water, which is not free
Public toilets
Paris has plenty of free street toilets. If you see a grey cubicle in the middle of a boulevard, it’s a free public toilet.
Here’s how to use it:
- First, wait for the green light next to the door to turn on – only then can you enter. The rest is simple and straightforward
- There are also toilets in the metro, which you can access using your travel ticket. Opposite the toilet door, you’ll usually find a fountain where you can wash your hands while waiting
» READ MORE – How to save money in Paris
Concerts and parties
Paris hosts many free concerts in a wide range of styles and genres, from reggae and jazz to church hymns and organ music. These performances often take place in parks, squares, and along the embankments.
And we’re not just talking about street musicians, who are hard to miss in Paris – established bands and artists also give free open-air concerts.
These events are usually announced in advance, so check the city website or visit the Office de Tourisme for schedules.
Most clubs in Paris have free entry. You pay only for food and drinks.
There are exceptions, such as special events, concerts, or private clubs, so it’s always best to check at the entrance.
Interestingly, the French don’t usually spend the whole night in one club. They often move from place to place — and since admission is free, it’s easy to do so!
» READ MORE – Paris by night: the city’s 10 best clubs
Free internet in Paris
There are many free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the city.
In addition to the city’s own Wi-Fi, you can connect to free internet in most chain restaurants (like McDonald’s) and in some business centers.
Beaches and parks in Paris are free
In July and August, beaches and swimming areas open along the banks of the Seine. They are completely free to use, as are the chairs and sun loungers in the parks.
» READ MORE – Boat tours on the Seine in Paris
If you manage to grab one before other tourists do, you can sit back and relax while enjoying the alleys, fountains, and the beauty of Paris!
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