The best free things to do in Paris

Wild, hilly and with incredible views across the city to Sacré-Cœur, the Buttes-Chaumont is the park Parisians try to keep for themselves. Landscaped from the site of an old quarry in 1867 for the Exposition Universelle, when the adjacent village of Belleville was absorbed into the capital, it’s a curious mix of styles. Don’t miss the waterfall thundering from its eastern slope (plus the secret cave beneath it) and the Roman-style Temple de la Sybille. In summer it’s a great place to picnic, while runners and qigong classes claim the flatter paths year round.

➡️ Discover more of the best parks and gardens in Paris

The world’s first floating urban art centre, no less. Moored at the foot of Pont des Invalides since spring 2019, Fluctuart cuts a striking figure with its all-glass shell. Spread across three levels and completely free to enter, its 1,000 square metres house a permanent collection of around fifteen works by big names in street art (Banksy, Miss.Tic, C215), plus a 3.5-metre-high space dedicated to sharp temporary retrospectives. But the biggest bonus of coming here? The gorgeous panoramic terrace with views of the Eiffel Tower, followed by a scenic stroll afterwards. What could be better? 

If you’re into places that feel like a proper escape, Père-Lachaise is the one. The most famous cemetery in Paris – and probably the world – also doubles as a picturesque, shady, English-style garden, with winding paths snaking up the hill and the occasional staircase thrown in. It’s the kind of maze you’ll happily get lost in… especially since you never know who you’ll bump into around the next corner. Big names are everywhere here: Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Pierre Bourdieu… all lined up in marble.

In Paris, there are the museums that go free on the first Sunday of the month – and then there are the others: the ones that are free every single day, no matter the season. Here are the free museums worth checking out first: Petit Palais, Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, Collège des Bernardins, Musée Carnavalet and Lafayette Anticipations. And then there are the major museums that are free on the first Sunday of every month, if you’re lucky enough to time your trip with that. 

➡️ Check out our full guide to free museums on the first Sunday of the month in Paris

Over in Oberkampf, Panic Room blends a cocktail bar with a pocket-sized club. Typically open all night with free entry, it’s a real visual trip, with lighting that’s definitely not one for epileptics. On the music side, curated by Samy Znimi, the programme dips across the full spectrum of electronic, with a clear soft spot for house, disco and funk. Highly recommended.

➡️ Discover more of the best clubs in Paris

Cité Fertile is still going strong! Originally set to close at the end of 2022, the Pantin site has had its deadline pushed back indefinitely. Which means you can keep wandering its 10,000 square metres for free, making the most of its spaces and events. On the agenda: volleyball, pétanque, and all kinds of festivals – or just having a gentle stroll, weaving your way between the planted beds.

Paris is full of colourful streets, façades and hidden alleyways, just the thing to brighten up even the greyest of days – and snap a few photos while you’re at it. Our favourite is La rue Crémieux (essentially what Notting Hill is to London), which you’ll find in the 12th arrondissement between Gare de Lyon and the Seine (nearest Metro is Line 1, Gare de Lyon stop). Want to make it into a tour? La rue de la Glacière and La rue Sainte-Marthe are rather nice too.