Paris is often seen as a city of luxury, but did you know that some of its most breathtaking attractions are completely free to visit? As someone who has explored the French capital extensively, I’ve discovered that you don’t need a big budget to experience its rich history, stunning architecture, and artistic wonders.
From world-famous landmarks to hidden gems, Paris offers a wealth of no-cost experiences that showcase its timeless charm.
Take the Notre-Dame Cathedral, for example. While the interior remains closed due to restoration, you can still admire its stunning Gothic façade and the intricate details of its flying buttresses. A short stroll away, the Seine River banks offer the perfect setting for a scenic walk, where you can soak in views of iconic Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Pont Alexandre III.
Art lovers will be thrilled to know that the Louvre Museum offers free entry on the first Sunday of the month from October to March, and the Musée d'Art Moderne is always free! And let’s not forget the lively Montmartre neighborhood, home to Sacré-Cœur Basilica, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city without spending a euro.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a Paris aficionado, this guide to the best free places in Paris will help you explore the city like a local—without breaking the bank.
But first of all, it will be essential to have your favorite map application to get from one point to another, and a good internet connection. That is why I recommend iRoamly Travel Sim Card. You will have a discount and reliable internet coverage throughout Europe.
How to get around Paris
Walking , Paris is a city for walking . Although there are many bus companies, we actually provide this possibility if you would like to book it, as long as your body allows it, even if you walk slowly, the most beautiful things in Paris are discovered on foot .
Paris has 20 communes and all its neighbourhoods are unique or offer something different. In this article we tell you what to do in Paris in two days , seeing the most essential things to do in the French capital.
PARIS GUIDE DAY 1: ÎLE DE LA CITÉ (IN THE MORNING)
You may not know it, but Paris originates from the island that is located in the very center of the city and is surrounded by the Seine River . Here we will find 4 monuments to see in Paris.
1. Notre Dame Cathedral
As important as the Eiffel Tower , Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is the point where the city emerges. Home to mysterious messages, Napoleons and Quasimodos, the best place to start your visit to Paris. In fact, it is where we begin our tour of the Historic center of Paris.
You will also cross the first Royal Palace of France from Clovis 1 to François 1. Several governments resided there during the Revolutionary period and it was also the headquarters of Nazism during the occupation of Paris . To this day, it is where the most emblematic trials at a national level have been held.
After finding a beautiful clock on the corner, you will see a medieval building, the Conciergerie, which served as a prison for the former royal palace and where Marie Antoinette was held before being taken to the square where the Paris guillotine was located.
In my opinion, it is not worth the entrance, but it is worth walking across the Bridge of Changes and taking some photos with the medieval prison and the Seine River in the background .
2. The New Bridge
It is a monumental work, as it is the first stone bridge that the city of Paris will have . The work of Henry IV, this bridge will connect the left bank with the right bank of the city and in the centre, where the Île de la Cité ends, there is an emblematic sculpture of the French king.
Leaving the Île de la Cité we find the Pont des Arts , the famous " padlock bridge " and in front of it we also have the Louvre Museum .
The Pont des Arts connects the Louvre with the Academy of Arts in France and lovers place their padlock on it to seal their love forever. Would you put a padlock on this bridge? There are versions that speak of a curse after performing such a ritual, pay attention.
3. See the Louvre pyramids
The most famous museum in the world? In addition to a wonderful palace, we will find great works such as the Mona Lisa , the Wedding at Cana or the Victory of Samothrace among many others. It is worth entering , but if you do not have much time, you can visit the Louvre's square courtyard or the famous Pyramids for free .
It is a French garden, built by Catherine de Médici in the 16th century . It begins at the Arc de Triomphe Carrousel and ends at the Place de la Concorde .
4. Place Vendôme, the most luxurious square in Paris & Galeries Lafayette
It is the most luxurious square in Paris, surrounded by luxury shops of the big brands and has a sculpture of Napoleon Bonaparte in the centre . During the times of the monarchy there was a sculpture of Louis XIV in the centre and the balconies bear his signature: he is the Sun King of France .
During the French Revolution , the heads of the city's great authorities appeared stuck on torches, giving this majestic space the name " La Place des Piques ".
In the Paris Opera area you will find a wide variety of restaurants, bistros and other establishments for lunch.
In addition to finding the big European brands, the Galeries Lafayette has an incredible dome and the view of the city from the top floor , in addition to being free, is one of the most famous in the city.
IN THE AFTERNOON, THE PARIS OF THE UNIVERSAL EXHIBITIONS
After eating something, we continue walking. There is a part of the city that will lead us to the Eiffel Tower and it is the universal exhibition area. There is no better way than to take a guided tour for the day.
Here is our list of the best things to do in Paris for 2 days.
7. Walk around where the Paris guillotine was
It was the square where the Paris guillotine once stood and today it functions as an axis of symmetry and is the largest square in the city.
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8. Cross the Pont Alexandre III and Napoleon's tomb
Without a doubt the most impressive bridge in Paris in one of the most majestic and one of my favourite areas of the city. The place is also highly instagrammable, so take your time to shoot some great pictures here.
In the background, Les Invalides , a hospital dedicated to the military. And who lies beneath that golden dome? The remains of someone very important: Find out in our Majestic Tour of Paris.
9. Champs Elysees and Arc de Triomphe
Walking along the Champs Elysées Avenue with its large shops and enjoying good views of the Arc de Triomphe should be on your list of things to see in Paris in 2 days.
10. See the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro
The Eiffel Tower will undoubtedly be the end of your day or the beginning. The Trocadero is the chosen place for photo sessions in the city and if you want a photo like the one above, simply book your photo sessions in Paris, and get up early to have the Tower all to yourself.
11. Boat trip on the Seine River
A must-do activity in Paris is a boat ride on the Seine River. You will have a totally different view of Paris and when the weather is nice, what better than sunset to end a day of intense walking.
Boat Trip on the Seine River
If you would like to top off your visit with a dinner cruise on the Seine River in Paris , you can make a reservation here. It is a unique and special experience, one that you have to do once in a lifetime.
Day 2 in Paris: Latin Quarter and Bohemia in Montmartre
The Latin Quarter in Paris is one of those places you must visit if you are visiting the city. It is located south of Notre Dame and there you will find many places to see and visit on your trip to Paris in 2 days.
12. The former Shakespeare & Company bookstore
The legendary bookstore that will bring together the great writers of the lost generation , protagonists of Woody Allen's legendary film, Midnight in Paris, in Paris .
The Luxembourg Gardens are a gem that you can't miss. It's definitely worth reliving the stories of the hopscotch Cortázar played in Paris. Walk around for a while or sit and sunbathe in these gardens, which are one of the favorite spots for travelers on our Latin Quarter Tour.
There you will find the remains of men and women who contributed their grain of sand to build the dreamed French Republic . Although the building was intended as a church, the French Revolution took it as the place to pay homage to its heroes.
13. Where is Emily's house in Paris?
Where does Emily live in Paris? Emily lives around the corner from the Pantheon in Paris , opposite the Place de l'Estrapade , so if you're walking around the area, don't miss the chance to go and say hello to her and maybe even appear in the series.
14. Visit Montmartre, the artists' quarter
Montmartre has countless views and landscapes that will leave you speechless and it really is a neighborhood that our travelers love , which is why it is worth spending a morning or afternoon walking around it and enjoying the tranquility of this part of the city.
The Montmartre tour includes a crêpe as you walk around the Place des Artistes.
15. Visit the Sacred Heart of Jesus for free
At the top of Montmartre hill is the Sacred Heart of Jesus , a basilica that was built to ask God's forgiveness for the Revolutions and stands on the remains of the bravest fighters of the Paris Commune. Admission is free.
16. Moulin rouge, the Red Mill in Paris
The scene of the craziest nights of the Belle Époque , the Moulin Rouge offers its legendary "Féerie" show with a half bottle of Champagne that leaves us smiling easily and dancing the can can.
To complete the 2-day plan in Paris, you could go to dinner in the Le Marais neighborhood , which has a super relaxed and laid-back atmosphere at night, and at the same time, visit the gay and Jewish neighborhood of the city.
This is our guide on what to see in Paris in 2 days . You will be walking quite a bit, but I promise you, it will be worth it and you will leave with a super complete overview of the city.
