They say Paris is expensive… but if you know where to look, you’ll discover a generous, creative city full of surprises—without ever opening your wallet! Whether you’re just passing through AIJ Paris or staying for a few days, here are 15 100% free ideas to make the most of the capital in 2025.
🖼️ 1. Visit free museums for those under 26
Good news: national museums are free for EU citizens under 26!- Musée d’Orsay
- Centre Pompidou
- Musée de l’Orangerie
- Château de Versailles (except the gardens on days when the musical fountains are in operation)
🧱 2. Discover street art in Belleville
Stroll through the Belleville neighborhood, especially around Rue Dénoyez, and discover monumental frescoes, socially engaged messages, and a unique artistic energy.🧺 3. Hunt for bargains at the Marché d’Aligre
A guaranteed working-class atmosphere, with flea markets, fruit stalls, and unlikely discoveries. Perfect for observing the true working-class Paris, even without buying anything.🎶 4. Attend a free concert at the Philharmonie
Every first Sunday of the month, the Philharmonie de Paris offers a free concert, often accompanied by workshops for young and old.🛤️ 5. Walk on the Coulée Verte René-Dumont
A 4.5 km suspended walk along a former railway line, between secret gardens, green walls, and unusual views of eastern Paris. Departure a 5-minute walk from the AIJ!🖋️ 6. Read or write at the Forney Library
A free and sublime art library in a private mansion in the Marais, with an almost sacred calm. A perfect spot for a moment off.🎭 7. Relax at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
One of the most spectacular parks in Paris: lake, cliff, suspension bridge, ancient temple. You can picnic, read, or sleep in the sun without spending a cent.🎨 8. Explore the art galleries of the Marais
Most of the galleries (Rue Vieille-du-Temple, Rue de Turenne, etc.) are open to the public and free of charge. And sometimes, there’s even wine at openings 😉🏛️ 9. Enter the most beautiful churches in Paris
- Saint-Sulpice Church (6th)
- Saint-Eustache Church (1st)
- Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church (5th)
- And of course, Notre-Dame, currently under renovation but open to the public
📷 10. Take a photo of the skyline from Belleville Park
One of the most beautiful free panoramas in Paris, with a view of the Eiffel Tower and all of western Paris. Ideal at sunset.🧘 11. Take a yoga or dance class in a park
In summer, many associations offer free outdoor sessions: yoga at Parc de la Villette, dancing on the banks of the Seine, tai chi in the Luxembourg Gardens…📚 12. Explore the BNF (Bibliothèque François Mitterrand)
The architecture is impressive, the temporary exhibitions are sometimes free, and the central garden is open to visitors at certain times.🖥️ 13. Go to a Couchsurfing meetup or a language exchange
You only pay for your drinks (or nothing at all if you’re with someone), and you can speak three languages in one evening, meet travelers from all over the world, and make real friends.🥾 14. Take a free guided tour
Passionate guides offer tours at a free price: Montmartre, the Marais, the Latin Quarter… You give what you want at the end (even nothing). Check out: Free Tour Paris, Guruwalk, Discover Walks.🎉 15. Enjoy free festivals and events
In 2025, you’ll be able to attend plenty of events open to all:- Nuit Blanche (October)
- Fête de la Musique (June 21)
- Paris Plages (July-August)
- Open House des Ateliers d’Artistes (Spring & Fall)
