7 incredible free places to visit in Paris

Paris boasts numerous parks and gardens, offering peaceful escapes within the bustling city. (Image: Getty)

Paris attracts a multitude of tourists due to its iconic landmarks, rich history, vibrant culture, world-class museums, and romantic ambiance. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame Cathedral are instantly recognisable symbols of Paris and major draws for visitors.

Paris also boasts a thriving arts and fashion scene, and a rich history evident in its architecture and neighborhoods. All of these contribute to its status as a global tourist destination, and are often why the city is branded expensive to visit. However, it is possible to visit Paris on a budget by making smart choices about where to eat, stay and visit. We came up with a list of 7 wonderful attractions you can visit for free on your trip in this renowned city.

Place Des Vosges

Place Des Vosges is Paris's oldest planned square, located in the Marais district. It's a historic site known for its symmetrical architecture, red brick facades, and slate roofs. The square features arcades on the ground floor, a central garden, and is surrounded by 36 pavilions. It's a popular spot for Parisians and tourists, offering a tranquil escape and a glimpse into the city's past.

Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau is an 8.2-hectare public park, known for its English garden style and unique architectural follies. It features winding paths, a pond, and several scaled-down replicas of famous structures like an Egyptian pyramid and a Dutch windmill. The park also includes statues of notable French figures and is popular with locals for recreation and relaxation.

National Archives Museum

The Musée des Archives Nationales, also known as the National Archives Museum, is housed in the Hôtel de Soubise. It preserves French archives from the Merovingian period until 1958 and showcases documents, writings, and  historical artifacts related to French and European history. 

Luxembourg Gardens

Luxembourg Gardens, officially known as Jardin du Luxembourg, is a large, historic park in the heart of Paris, France. It's known for its formal French and English gardens, tree-lined promenades, fountains, sculptures, and various recreational activities. The gardens, established in the 17th century, are a popular destination for both Parisians and tourists.

Jardin Des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries is a large public garden, situated between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde. Originally created in 1564 as the private gardens of the Tuileries Palace, it became a public park after the French Revolution. Today, it's a popular spot for Parisians and tourists to relax, stroll, and enjoy the green space in the heart of the city. The garden features numerous sculptures, fountains, and large ponds, as well as historical elements and event spaces.

Colonnes De Buren

Also known as Les Deux Plateaux, the Colonnes De Buren is a public art installation by Daniel Buren located in the Cour d'Honneur of the Palais Royal. It consists of 260 black and white striped columns of varying heights, arranged in a grid pattern. The columns, made of marble, emerge from the courtyard's surface, with some extending below into the basement, creating a visual connection between the historical site and the subterranean spaces.

Petit palais

The Petit Palais, officially the Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris (City of Paris Fine Arts Museum), is an art museum in Paris that houses a diverse collection of art from antiquity to the early 20th century. Built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, it is known for its Beaux-Arts architecture, including a courtyard garden and peristyle.