Cheap Things To Do In Paris

Paris is one of the world’s oldest and most iconic cities. As the capital of France, Paris has served as a cultural, intellectual, and artistic center for centuries. The city is known for its grand boulevards, world-class museums, delicious cuisine, and its many landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe. Paris is home to over 2.2 million people and is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. With its rich history and unique culture, there are plenty of cheap things to do in Paris, no matter your budget.

History of Paris

Paris has been a settlement since the Iron Age and was first known as Lutetia by the Romans who founded it in 52 BC as a fishing village on an island in the Seine River. It developed into a major trading center in the Gallo-Roman era. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city fell under the rule of the Franks and became a major political, religious, and cultural center under Charlemagne in the Middle Ages. In the 16th century, Paris experienced a cultural and architectural revolution under King Henry IV. This period saw the construction of many of the city’s most famous landmarks and buildings including the Louvre, Place des Vosges, Place Vendome, Place de la Concorde, and Place des Victoires. In the 18th century, under the rule of Louis XV, Paris was transformed into a modern city with wide boulevards and new public spaces. During the French Revolution in 1789, Paris was briefly declared the capital of France and it became an important center for politics and culture in the 19th century during the reigns of Napoleon I and III. Today, Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world and is renowned for its beauty and culture.

What to Do in Paris on a Budget

Paris is known for its high prices, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city on a budget. You can find free or low-cost activities that will give you a true Parisian experience. Here are some of the best things to do in Paris on a budget:

Visit Local Markets and Street Fairs

Paris is home to many lively markets and street fairs offering everything from food to clothing to antiques. These markets are typically found in local neighborhoods and offer great deals on authentic items such as fresh produce, souvenirs, and clothing. Some of the most popular markets include Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen (the largest flea market in Europe), Marché Monge (a food market), and Marché Bastille (a large market with antiques).

Take a Free Walking Tour

Walking tours are a great way to explore Paris on a budget. You can find free walking tours all over the city that will take you to some of its most iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Place de la Concorde. These tours are typically offered by local guides who provide interesting insight on the history and culture of Paris.

Visit Free Museums

Paris is home to some of the world’s best museums and many of them offer free entry. The Louvre Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Paris, but it can be expensive to visit. However, if you visit on the first Sunday of every month, you can get free entry. Other museums with free entry include Musée de l’Orangerie, Musée Rodin, Centre Pompidou, Musée d’Orsay, and more.

Explore Local Parks

Paris is full of beautiful parks that are perfect for relaxing or exploring on a budget. One of the most popular parks is Jardin du Luxembourg which is known for its lush gardens, sculptures, and majestic palace. Other parks include Tuileries Garden (located next to the Louvre Museum), Parc des Buttes Chaumont (known for its waterfalls), Parc Montsouris (home to a lake), and more.

Go Shopping on Rues des Martyrs

Rue des Martyrs is one of the best places to go shopping in Paris on a budget. This street is full of vintage stores offering clothing from all different eras at great prices. You can also find plenty of thrift stores, antique shops, bookstores, and other unique shops offering unique items at affordable prices.

Visit Local Monuments

Paris is home to many iconic monuments that make it unique such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, Pantheon, Sacre Coeur Basilica, and more. Most of these monuments are free to visit or have a small fee. Visiting these monuments will give you an insight into Parisian history and culture.

Popular Tours in Paris

While there are plenty of cheap things to do in Paris on a budget, there are also plenty of popular tours that you can take in order to get an even deeper insight into the city’s history and culture. Here are two popular tours that you can book through Viator:

Seine River Cruise

A Seine River Cruise is one of the best ways to get an overview of Paris from a different perspective. You can cruise along the river for 1-2 hours and explore some of the city’s iconic sights such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and more. The cruise also includes commentary from an experienced guide who can provide interesting insight into Parisian history and culture. You can book this tour here.

Eiffel Tower Guided Tour

The Eiffel Tower is one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks and a visit to it should be included on any trip to Paris. You can book a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower which includes fast-track entry to bypass long lines so you don’t have to waste time queuing up. The tour also includes an audio guide so you can learn more about its history and architecture as you make your way up to the top of the tower. You can book this tour here.

Conclusion

Paris is one of the world’s oldest and most iconic cities. It is known for its grand boulevards, world-class museums, delicious cuisine, and its many landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. While it’s known for its high prices, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Paris on a budget including visiting local markets, taking free walking tours, visiting free museums, exploring local parks, shopping on Rue des Martyrs, and visiting local monuments. There are also many popular tours that you can book through Viator such as Seine River Cruise or Eiffel Tower Guided Tour that will give you an even deeper insight into Parisian history and culture. No matter your budget, there are plenty of cheap things to do in Paris that will give you a true Parisian experience!