Alright, so last weekend I finally tackled that Paris free attractions checklist I’d been scribbling notes about for weeks. Grabbed my comfiest sneakers, charged my phone, and hopped on the metro with just a bottle of water and my beat-up notebook. Mission? Hit as many wallet-friendly spots as possible in one day.
Starting Strong at Notre Dame
Got off at Cité station around 8 AM before crowds got crazy. The line was already forming for cathedral entry, but get this – just walking around the exterior costs zero euros. Spent 20 minutes staring up at those gargoyles with my neck cramping. Pro tip? Check out the little garden behind it for killer photo ops with nobody photobombing.
Losing Myself in Luxembourg Gardens
Took the RER to Luxembourg next. Seriously guys, this place is free therapy. Watched old men play boules like it was the Olympics, stumbled upon random modern art statues among flower beds, and straight-up napped under a chestnut tree with pigeons judging me. Didn’t spend a cent unless you count smiling at toddlers sailing toy boats.
Montmartre Vibes on a Budget
After lunch (packed sandwich, duh), I hauled myself up the hill to Sacré-Cœur. Huffed and puffed climbing the stairs behind the funicular – free workout achievement unlocked. Inside, it’s free to wander but what blew my mind was the square outside. Got treated to:
- A dude playing accordion Piaf covers
- Street artists drawing caricatures for tips-only
- That panoramic view of Paris everyone posts – totally gratis
Riverside Wandering Magic
Saved the best for last. Walked along the Seine as sunset hit and boom – spontaneous dance parties popping up under bridges! People chilling with wine on cobblestone beaches, barges lit up like birthday cakes. Didn’t even realize I’d walked for 2 hours until my feet screamed.
Epic Fails & Wins
Now the real talk: screwed up by forgetting free museum Sundays (major facepalm), and my phone died post-Montmartre so I paper-mapped like a caveman. But scored huge with locals near Canal Saint-Martin who tipped me about free summer open-air cinema spots. Next time baby, next time.
Final tally? Covered five big spots for literally €0. Best splurge was the €1 metro ticket home – blisters demanded it. Paris on zero budget isn’t just possible; it’s where you’ll find the real heartbeat of the city rattling outside those pricey entrances.
