I got the idea for this list after my third coffee that morning. See, last month my cousin visited Paris and blew her budget just on entry tickets. She asked me, “Ain’t there anything free here?” and I realized, heck yeah there is! So I grabbed my notebook and started scribbling down spots I’ve been to.
How I Actually Tested These Places
First I dusted off my metro card and decided to revisit everything. Woke up at 7 AM on Tuesday because crowd levels matter. Took Line 4 straight to Cimetière du Père Lachaise. Wandered for two hours chasing Oscar Wilde’s tomb – got lost twice but that’s part of the fun. Saw people leaving lipstick kisses on his grave, free as air.
Afternoon was Sacré-Cœur time. Rode the funicular up (free if you’ve got a metro pass) and sat on those famous steps. Watched a street artist make giant soap bubbles while tourists snapped pics. Didn’t cost a dime unless you count the €3 I gave that bubble guy because come on, he deserved it.
- Pro tip 1: Sunset brings crowds but the golden light? Chef’s kiss.
- Pro tip 2: The basilica’s dome has views but climbing costs €6 – stick to the outside.
Next morning hit Shakespeare & Company when they opened at 10. Creaky floors, free poetry readings upstairs. Snapped photos of that iconic exterior then crossed the street to chill by Seine with stolen bookstore vibes.
Unexpected Finds & Failures
Tried finding Petite Ceinture – that abandoned railway? Epic fail. Ended up in some residential alley with angry cats. But then stumbled upon Jardin Anne-Frank near Marais. Rose bushes exploding everywhere and zero tourists.
Made friends with a gardener who told me about Sunday morning concerts at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Went last weekend – local grandpas playing accordions while kids chased pigeons. Felt more Parisian than any €20 museum tour.
Funniest moment? At Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen. Thought flea markets meant free browsing but nah – vendors glared when I touched stuff without buying. Quick exit achieved.
Why This Matters
That list wasn’t just copied from travel sites. I got blisters verifying every location in person. Found out that at Musée Carnavalet, the gardens are free but indoor exhibitions require tickets now. Wouldn’t have known without testing.
Spotted 4 pickpockets near Notre Dame though. Free don’t mean safe – keep your bag tight folks. Final verification: dragged my broke college roommate to all 10 spots last Thursday. His review? “Better than that overpriced boat cruise.” Mission accomplished.
