Free and cheap things to do in Paris

Ahh Paris ...where do we begin?

It's a magical city jam-packed with things to do, whether it's taking in the history and culture, wandering down the cobblestone sidestreets, or admiring the iconic landmarks the city is renowned for, you can never be short on inspiration when in Paris!

Whilst Paris may also have a reputation for being glamorous and expensive, the truth is - beneath the city’s shiny exterior of luxury boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants, there's a ton of free and cheap experiences just waiting to be discovered! It's all about knowing where to look - that's why we've put together this guide on affordable things to do in Paris, proving that you definitely don’t need to splash the cash to enjoy this stunning city.

So whether you're planning a romantic weekend in Paris for Valentine's Day or need a little bit of inspiration for fun ideas for things to do in Paris with kids, we've got you covered!

Table of Contents

• Top Tips for Travelling To Paris
• Romantic Things To Do In Paris
• Things To Do With Kids in Paris

Top Tips for Travelling to Paris

First of all, we've put together some general top tips to get you started on your travels, taking into account transport links, city customs and more - to ensure you make the very best of what Paris has to offer, and aren't caught off guard by anything on your trip.

Carry some cash

Whilst the UK has more or less become a cashless society, and it is so easy and accessible to just tap away on your debit or credit card, or even better - use Apple Pay on your mobile - France is not yet 100% cashless, and in fact - some cafes, shops and restaurants even have a minimum spend attached to paying with a bank card (this is usually around 10€). So it’s always safe to make sure you carry a little bit of cash with you for these occasions!

Be aware of popular scams

Paris is a relatively safe city, but with every major city - the touristy places can be a major hotspot for popular scams. If you see people waving papers around, it's not to sign a petition or sign up to support a charity, but instead they may be trying to distract you in order to steal your phone or wallet. Whenever you travel, you should always be mindful of pickpockets, and don't leave your phone or other valuables lying on a restaurant table, and be careful around ATMs too. You may like to consider taking out some travel insurance before your trip, for peace of mind. You can check out our wide range of Travel Insurance discount codes and get a free quote today. Additionally, why not check out our many travel discount codes to keep your travel expenses as low as possible!

Find the best option for transport

Paris is a smaller city compared to London, easily accessible with public transport. The RATP is the main transport network used in Paris, coupled with the SNCF. Both networks have a variety of tickets and travel cards available, depending on your age, where you want to travel to, and how often you plan to visit. You can easily visit the Tickets section of their website RATP.FR to ensure you find the best travel card to suit your needs, and also to ensure you don’t overspend on buying unnecessary tickets!

The Mayor of Paris is trying to make the city greener and more sustainable, by forbidding cars in some areas. Using public transport is the quickest and cheapest option to travel, as you won't have to drive around or pay hefty taxi fees to access your destination. For reference, a taxi from Charles de Gaulle airport to central Paris costs between €50-€60, while a train into the city centre costs around €12.

However, if getting around by car is your most likely option - there are still ways to keep the cost down. Browse our range of Car and Vehicle Hire discount codes to compare prices on popular car hire companies, including Europcar, Discover Cars and Enterprise Car Club.

Know your supermarkets

My French colleague and fellow Savoo Money-Saving Editor, Marine Garnier says:

"Heading to a supermarket can be a great way to stick to a budget on any city break, especially in Paris - as picnicing under the Eiffel Tower is a popular pastime in the city. If you plan on buying a cheap lunch or even a few groceries to keep you going throughout the day, you can definitely get decent quality even in the cheapest supermarkets. Try to avoid Monoprix which is known to be expensive, and instead look for a Spare, a Franprix, or a Carrefour. Also, be careful with corner shops as they are usually very expensive!"

Take in some culture

Many Parisian museums are free, either for everyone or for those under 26 years old. There are also discounts for students, teachers, families or seniors, available with the proper ID - so bring any student card or ID you may have with you. This is a great way to soak up some culture whilst saving money in the process! Be sure to have a look on each museum's website to make sure you don't purchase a ticket without needing to.

Know when to visit

Typically, Sundays and Mondays are when you'll find a lot of places closed throughout France. Although Paris is usually quite vibrant every day of the week, it’s best not to assume that cafés, shops, museums and restaurants you want to visit will 100% be open on these days. If you can, plan ahead with some of the places you’re looking to go, either by visiting their websites or social media pages like Instagram and Facebook, to be sure of opening times and other seasonal closures. By double checking, you can avoid wasting time and money on transport costs, and instead make the very most out of your trip!

If you're still in the planning stage of your Paris trip, why not check out our guide on the best time to book a holiday to brush up on the best time to book a break whilst keeping costs down? Next, browse our range of Travel discount codes and find a deal that makes your money go further whilst travelling, whether it's using one of our flights discount codes , like EasyJet and Jet2 Holidays. If you're planning a trip to Paris via the Eurostar, be sure to check out our free guide on getting cheap Eurostar tickets to keep your travel costs at bay!

The top 3 cheapest months of the year to visit Paris:

January: This is because it's low season, the middle of winter and falls right after the expensive festive period in December, when most tourists have returned home, and are back to work and school.

March: This is also considered low season, where the weather is still a tad hit and miss, and falls just before the bustling Easter holidays and nicer spring weather.

September: This is when the summer rush is more or less over and most kids and students are back to school and university.

However, whilst generally speaking -- these are considered the cheapest times of the year to visit Paris, don't forget to factor in Paris Fashion Week, which happens twice a year. In 2025, Paris Fashion week falls in January (Tues 21 Jan - Sun 26 Jan) and March (Mon 3 March - Tue 11 Mar 2025) and travelling to the city can be costly during this time, due to a high demand in hotels and flights. Not to mention, a lot of restaurants may be booked in advance, so it's best to plan ahead if you know where you want to go!

The top 3 most expensive months of the year to visit Paris:

December: Christmas is a magical time to spend in Paris, so this is when you'll find an influx of people heading to the city, with soaring prices on flights and accomodation too.

July: It's high season and the start of summer holidays for most schools, so the city is in full swing and full of tourists.

August: Also high season and the middle of Summer, so the city is in full swing and full of tourists.

Things to do for couples in Paris

If you're considering spending a romantic weekend in Paris this Valentine's Day - we've got you covered! You can still make romantic gestures and magical memories with your loved ones, without having to stress about expenses. From charming walks by the Seine to intimate dinners, we’ve rounded up the best spots and activities to make your trip unforgettable, yet affordable!

Romantic Strolls in Paris

Let's start with some couple's walks through the city, and Paris is called 'The City of Love' for a reason! There are so many cute and quaint places to "promenade" hand in hand, and we've compiled some of the best romantic rambles for couples - a combination of iconic places in Paris with some of the less-touristy hotspots, so you can enjoy the city's charm at your own pace, without the overall buzz of the tourists.

Up until 2015, one of the most iconic (and romantic) Parisian destinations was Le Pont des Arts - otherwise known as 'Paris' lovelock bridge.' This long-standing tradition allowed lovers to visit the pedestrian bridge and place a padlock somewhere along the fencing of the bridge, symbolised "locking their love." Couples would then throw the padlock's key off the bridge and into the River Seine, so their love was locked away forever! Sadly, in 2015 - the weight of thousands of padlocks actually caused the collapse of part of the bridge, so the tradition came to an end. But don't worry - there are still plenty of other romantic walks and activities to consider in the City of Love!

Firstly, head to some of Les Passages de Paris which are stunning covered passages dotted in and around the Seine. Here, you can take leisurely strolls hand in hand through the covered archways, peaking at the picturesque displays in the old 19th century shops, browse the charming boutiques, and admire the intricate architecture of these historic covered arcades.

Some of the best passages in Paris include:

• Galerie Véro-Dodat (1st Arrondisement)
• Galerie Vivienne (2nd Arrondisement)
• Passage des Deux Pavillons (2nd Arrondisement)
• Passage Choiseul (2nd Arrondisement)
• Passage des Panoramas (2nd Arrondisement)

They are the perfect place to soak up a bit of Parisian history while window shopping or enjoying a quiet coffee in one of the quaint cafés tucked away inside, proving that there's plenty to soak up in Paris without spending a penny!

Whilst Montmarte might be a bit of a tourist hotspot, you'll find that a lot of couples can’t resist heading to the famous staircase for those gorgeous city views. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to snap a photo or just sit and take it all in, especially on a clear day if there's a good sunset and the city appears golden and even more magical than usual! The area in itself has also got a really romantic vibe too – think cobbled streets, quirky cafés, and artists sketching away in the square. You can also pay a visit to the iconic Wall of Love Montmartre which is considered one of the most romantic locations in Paris. It’s no wonder Montmartre is such a favourite for lovebirds!

When it comes to the best spots in Paris, Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy Manager and Parisian Audrey Bounaix-Bains says, ‘One of my favourite things to do in Paris is taking a wander through the stunning Jardin du Luxembourg- an ideal place to relax by the fountains in the summer, admiring the sculptures and just watching the world go by. Nearby, you'll also find the iconic Shakespeare and Company Bookshop – my favourite bookshop in Paris! Even if you don’t buy anything, it's a very cosy store and its literary charm makes it worth the visit! You should also pay a visit to the chic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood, where you can window-shop at stylish boutiques, take in the artistic vibe, and pretend you’re living the bohemian Parisian dream – all for free.’

Other romantic things to do in Paris

See the Eiffel Tower Sparkle

This one almost goes without saying! One of the most romantic things you could do in Paris is be there to see the stunning Eiffel Tower light up and sparkle away at night. Also considered one of the easiest things to do, because the tower lights up every single night after sunset, until 11pm, and sparkles for five minutes at the beginning of each hour. So if you miss it, you won't have to wait long at all for your next opportunity. There are many places in Paris that have a view of the Eiffel Tower, and the magical memories of seeing it sparkle are sure to last a lifetime!

Visit the Sculpture Garden - Museé Rodin

You cannot go wrong with visiting the picturesque Sculpture Garden in the Museé Rodin, which is gorgeous in any season! If you're headed to Paris for Valentine's Day, be sure to put this on your list of places to go, as February will be host to stunning pink virbunum blossoms throughout the garden, the first tell-tale signs of spring, making it EXTRA special for Valentine's Day!

Enjoy a picnic at Canal Saint-Martin

Canal Saint-Martin is considered a super trendy area in Paris, but that doesn't mean it has to be expensive! In fact, it's a wonderful place to peruse the fashion boutiques, discover some contemporary art galleries, and stumble upon a cocktail bar or two! The canal itself is the ideal place for a leisurely stroll, taking in the picturesque atmosphere and even having a little picnic on one of the benches overlooking the river, if the weather permits!

Visit Local Markets

Did you know that Paris is host to over 80 food markets? One of the most affordable food markets in Paris is the Marché de Belleville - which is open twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Here, you can take your time perusing all of the many food stalls, selling everything from fresh fruit and veg, coffee, sandwiches, doughnuts and more! Perhaps pick up a few bits and pieces for a romantic picnic for two? Other fabulous markets to consider in Paris would be Marché Bastille - the biggest food market in Paris! Running on Thursday and Sunday mornings, you'll find about one hundred traders selling cheeses, meats, fruit, veg and other local produce - ideal for a long weekend spent in Paris.

Head to Museé Delacroix

This is one of the smaller museums in Paris, which was the former home of the 19th century painter Eugène Delacroix, and has some gorgeous gardens as the backdrop to this stunning building. Jam-packed full of artwork, drawing, prints and letters - this is a good place to go to avoid the hustle and bustle of tourists at some of the bigger and widely-recognised art galleries that fill Paris.

Cheap things to do with children in Paris

Paris doesn't just have to be a place for couples and romantic getaways! You'll also find a plethora of things to do in Paris with families and young children, without it breaking the bank! From enjoying the simple things like playing in one of Paris' many parks, to immersing children in interactive experiences, there's plenty to do for young kids in Paris without having to fork out a lot of money. Paris is filled with gorgeous open spaces for little ones to run and play, as well as fun activities within galleries and museums to that spark their curiosity and let little imaginations run wild! With so many free things to do in Paris, you can create unforgettable memories without stretching your budget. We've compiled some of the best cheap and free things to do in Paris with children:

Child-Friendly Museums

A great thing about Paris is that not only are most museums completely free for kids and teenagers under 18 years, but most of them also have really useful resources for families with smaller children! See the below for a summary of some iconic museums in Paris that are great for children and young families:

• The classic Musée d’Orsay is considered one of the most child-friendly museums in Paris, with a terrific treasure hunt available to keep the kids entertained for hours!

• Very close to the Musée d’Orsay you will find Palais Garnier In fact, you could even do two in one afternoon, which is a fantastic way to spend a rainy day in Paris with children.

• The Musée national de la Marine also offers a special tour-and-workshop for children from 7 to 12 years of age. Meanwhile, adults can browse the wonderful collection of scale models of historic boats.

• We know that there's nothing that kids love more than chocolate...right? This one is for the foodie families, you can pay a visit to Choco-Story Paris - a delicious gourmet chocolate museum that offers educational tours designed specifically for children alongside an engaging treasure hunt. Kids will also be able to enjoy interactive chocolate-making workshops alongside an expert chocolatier, making this a magical (and delicious!) activity to do in Paris for the youngsters.

Outdoor Spaces for Children

Paris is definitely not short of parks and outdoor spaces, as long as you know where to go! No matter the weather or season, kids are sure to find fun anywhere, even in the simplest of things! Speaking of, a super simple activity to enjoy with kids in Paris is taking a relaxed stroll along the River Seine and marvelling at the beautiful bridges and footbridges that span the river! It’s a great chance to play eye-spye with little ones, soak up the gorgeous views of the city, whilst also going at your own pace stress-free!

Spending a few hours at Jardin des Tuileries is a fantastic way to enjoy Paris without spending a fortune. This gorgeus garden is nestled right between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde and is perfect for exploring with children. Little ones can play tag along the tree-lined pathways, have fun playing amongst the fountains in the summer and will surely fall in love with the magical carousel ride here, which is great for keeping the kids entertained and the perfect photo opportunity for proud parents! It’s also a budget-friendly way to sprinkle a little extra magic into your Paris adventure!