Paris is one of those unique cities that can be visited year-round, and travelers can be assured they will have the best time. People can easily spend one week in Paris and enjoy the city with different budgets. Although the Cité de Lumière has a reputation for being expensive, there are some affordable tours, including visiting the Louvre Museum and going on a famous Seine river cruise.
Visiting Paris can be affordable if travelers are willing to research: some museums are free, and it's always possible to plan an activity to enjoy the city for free.
10 Explore Paris By Bike
Paris has endless attractions, but one of the best things to do in the city is to explore it by bike. Luckily, the city has over 1,000 km of cycling paths and an excellent bike-sharing system, which makes it an affordable experience. Vélib is the most famous, with over 1,100 spots and mechanical and electrical bikes spread over Paris.
The bike also helps travelers to avoid chaotic traffic and the overcrowded metro stations in Paris. On top of that, it's an eco-friendly way to visit the city.
- Price: Approximately $3 for 45 minutes and $5 for 24 hours.
9 Visit The Louvre Museum For Free
The Louvre is among Paris's most important tourist attractions, and it is worth a visit. Everyone in Paris on Bastille Day (14th July) can visit the museum for free, but they should be aware that it's also one of the busiest days of the year.
The museum also offers free entrances for different groups, including visitors under 18 years old, journalists, and art and history teachers. Travelers can also purchase the tickets online, which is helpful to skip the lines.
- Price: $17
8 Watch The Eiffel Tower Light Show
Every evening, hundreds of tourists visit the Place du Trocadero to watch the Eiffel Tower Light Show, when the 20,000 golden lights spread over the tower sparkle for five minutes. The show happens every hour after sunset and goes on until 1:00 AM. This is one of the best things to do for free in Paris, but travelers should be careful at Place du Trocadero, as there are many pickpockets around.
The light colors can be different on special occasions. For example, in October, they are pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
- Price: Free
7 Have Fun On A Traditional Flea Market
It's impossible not to have fun in a flea market in Paris. The city has many of them, but the most famous is the Porte de Clignancourt, the Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, which is open from Saturday to Monday. It's a great experience to get there early and drink a coffee while watching people open the shops. Visitors can find anything there, including books, art deco furniture, and mirrors. There's no entrance fee, and it's a paradise for shop lovers.
- Price: Free
6 Visit Paris' Famous Cemetery
Some cemeteries worldwide have become unofficial tourist attractions, and Père Lachaise Cemetery is one of them. The place has over one million gravesites, and it is impressive for its sculptures. However, visitors often go there because many famous people are buried in the cemetery, including Oscar Wilde, Marcel Proust, Jim Morrison, and Édith Piaf.
As the place isn't an official tourist attraction, no tour guides are available. Their website highlights that some activities, such as picnicking or drinking alcohol, are forbidden.
- Price: Free
5 Enjoy A River Cruise At Seine
The Seine is one of the most romantic spots in Paris, and travelers can have a great time going on a river cruise. A great reason to do the tour is that it's possible to see the most important attractions of Paris on this affordable tour. The boats will pass by the Eiffel Tower, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the National Assembly. Travelers can use an audio guide to learn more about the monuments.
It's a great choice for travelers on a budget or with a short time in the city, but also for those who want to see those landmarks from a different angle. The tour is even more special during the sunset.
- Price: Starts at $13
4 Go Somewhere Nice For A Picnic
Paris is one of those destinations that can be visited year-round, and each season offers something unique. During the spring and summer, locals and tourists love to do picnics in Paris' parks and along the canals. Some popular locations are the Jardin du Luxembourg, Tuileries Garden, and the Canal Saint-Martin.
It's a great way to enjoy the city with friends. The only thing that people need to do is stop by a supermarket and grab some food and a bottle of French wine.
- Price: Free
3 See The Archaeological Crypts Of Notre Dame
Many people ignore that Notre Dame Cathedral has an underground museum. Visitors can see archeological remains from the 16th century found during an archeological campaign during the 1960s. The place also features 3D recreations with different images of Paris through the centuries and hosts temporary exhibitions.
People don't need to pay to enter Notre Dame, but they should purchase a ticket to enter the crypt. Travelers should make their reservations online, and the tour takes approximately one hour.
- Price: $5
2 Visit The Opera Garnier
The Opéra National de Paris is one of the largest opera houses on earth and is considered one of the masterpieces of 19th-century theater art architecture. Sadly, purchasing a ticket to its opera, ballet, and concert season can cost over $1,000.
Yet, travelers can have a tour to see the magnificent building and see their seasonal exhibitions. Those who choose to have a guided tour have a detailed explanation of its history, architecture, and activities. It's the perfect tour to see the most lavish side of Paris.
1 Discover The Stade De France Behind-The-Scenes
Sports fans should be aware that Stade de France is the largest stadium in the country and an important music venue. It's also the place where France won the World Cup back in 1998, which makes this tour even more meaningful for soccer fans. Visitors can see the changing rooms during the tour and enter the arena. Before scheduling a visit, it's a good idea to check if they are hosting any event, as it can impact the itinerary.
- Price: Between $10 and $15