Purple Hearts: Free things to do on Paris city breaks
Paris is one of Europe’s most visited cities, drawing in tourists from all over the world, particularly during the summer. Despite being notoriously expensive, there are actually a lot of ways you can save money on Paris city breaks
1. Go wandering for free
Since 2004 over 4 million people have taken advantage of Sandeman’s New Europe free walking tour. If you take this opportunity, you will pass along the banks of the Seine, walk around the Latin Quarter, remaining in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower and then some. Lasting for a generous 3 hours, these visits pass by heaps of the top Paris attractions, giving you a chance to see lots of the city at once, learn about the history of Paris and meet other enthusiastic travellers at the same time.
Image via @bass_nroll
Tours meet at Place St. Michel by the fountain. Visit times: Daily at 11am & 1pm.
2. Explore the diverse Parisian neighborhoods
Paris is one of the coolest urban areas in Europe and an expansive part of its cool notoriety can be credited to the city’s different neighborhoods. A standout amongst the most well-known is Montmartre, which is the spot to go in case you’re searching for alternative shopping. It additionally boasts an enormous choice of bistros where you can indulge in the main Parisian interest; people-viewing. Different neighborhoods to look at include the Latin Quarter, which can be found South of the Seine and is brimming with pedestrianized roads and is the ideal spot for a walk. There’s additionally St Germain, an enormous yet to a great degree beguiling neighborhood in the sixth and seventh Arrondissements, and Le Marais, Paris’ gay quarter.
Image via @Craig Finlay
3. Investigate the city’s lovely open spaces
One of our most loved things to do in Paris is to meander through the lovely green spaces found all through the city and it won’t cost you a penny to appreciate them. Jardin de Luxembourg (fifth Arrondissement) is home to what are likely the most well known garden in the city. On top of that, this is likewise where you’ll discover the dazzling Palais du Luxembourg, a standout amongst the most delightful structures in Paris. Look at Jardin du Tuileries before the Louvre and unwind by the lake or at the fountain. When you visit the Eiffel Tower, make some time for hanging out in the Parc du Champ de Mars, right underneath the celebrated structure, and Jardin de Trocadero, found across the road from the Eiffel Tower. Be sure to also pack a picnic, what could be more romantic than that?
Image via: @Bernard Laguerre
4. Visit the Seine around evening time
After a day of touring, your wallet may be feeling somewhat light however never fear, there are some extraordinary things to do free of charge in Paris at night. Our recommendation? Go down to the Seine and take a stroll along the banks of the river. Along the way, you’ll get astonishing perspectives of a portion of the city’s top attractions. On warm summer nights, you’ll likewise meet a lot of individuals along the way. Attempt to look at the Pont des Arts close to the Louvre, as it has a tendency to draw in bunches of artists who come to capture the enchanting scene before them.
Image via @Waqas Ahmed
5. Walk and browse around the Champs-Élysées
The captivating Champs-Élysées, Paris’ notorious tree-lined parkway, is great for a walk around by day and meander by chic stores and packed bistros. This lovely lane is additionally exceptionally noteworthy during the evening, when plenty of lights highlight the boulevard’s amazing width. Walk the entire distance down the Champs-Élysées and you’ll reach the world-renowned Arc de Triomphe. Constructed by Napoleon Bonaparte, it’s a standout attraction in Paris and one that you’ll definitely have to have your camera ready for.
Image via @Loic Lagarde
6. Enjoy Promenade Plantée
This enchanting park is elevated above street level and is really extraordinary. You may recognise it from the film Before Sunset. The 4.7km pathway is a remodeled railway line. The elevation provides the opportunity to marvel at extraordinary perspectives over the areas and to get up close with Parisian structures. It’s the ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind.
Image via: @Nicholas Vollmer
7. Discover Parisian history at Carnavalet Museum
This exhibition is in the Marais neighborhood. The permanent collections of the Carnavalet Museum are free, which is truly uncommon for French historical sights. Individuals who are enthusiastic about history will be glad to discover the historical background of the city from Neolithic through to current times. In case you’re especially intrigued by the French Revolution, this is the spot for you. A few rooms house objects that belonged to French royal family and to revolutionaries. On top of this, the museum is housed in a delightful memorable building.
Image via: @Rose Trinh
8. Grab a 360° perspective of the city from Printemps Rooftop Terrace
On top of the great Printemps mall, there’s a mystery bistro offering stunning perspectives that you won’t find anyplace else in Paris. To get here, take the lift to the top floor. You’ll be rewarded with one of the most exceptional views you’ll ever see – 360° from Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower, and everything in the middle. There’s a lot of room to walk around and soak up the stunning excellence that Paris is so celebrated for.
Image via: @Nathan Rupert
If we missed any top tips on cheap or free things to do in Paris, let us know in the comments below!
