Incredible Free Things To Do On Your Next Trip To Paris, According To Travelers

A trip halfway across the world is something many people dream of. And after scrimping and saving, you can finally afford such a journey, which isn't an easy feat. Considering that it's one of the most romantic and beautiful places in the world, you've decided on Paris.

A vacation overseas can be expensive, though, and you're already researching ways to save on food and drink in Paris. However, if you want to take it one step further, then you should look into free stuff to do. When you can stretch your cash further, you'll be able to fit in more activities, creating more cherished memories along the way.

Luckily, there's a whole score of free things to do in Paris, which savvy travelers on Google and TripAdvisor have discovered. We've combed through your options and come up with a curated list that'll help you make the most of your time in France. In addition, the writer has personal experience visiting Paris, which will ensure that you see the best sides of this breathtaking city.

France is known for its impressive flea markets; the largest and best one you can find is in the north of France, in the city of Lille. If you're a flea market lover and aren't planning on going anywhere else but Paris, you might be disappointed by this information. However, you don't need to worry, as Paris is filled with these markets of splendor, too.

You don't necessarily have to spend money to have fun, either. Yes, you can pick up some terrific bargains and unique items you won't discover anywhere else. But without spending a cent, you can saunter through the aisles, taking in the various sights, sounds, and even smells.

Not sure where to go? Well, the Les Puces de Montreuil flea market is a great place to start. It's one of the oldest flea markets around and is held every Monday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. According to the Paris Region Tourist Board, in addition to vintage clothing, you'll find "rare books, vinyl records, trinkets, and small furniture."

Look at any picture of Paris, and you'll probably see the Eifel Tower, plus the Seine. This river is gigantic and goes right through Paris, which makes it very convenient to view. It has two banks: La Rive Gauche and Droite (the Left and Right Banks). These are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which means you'll get amazing views as you travel along. There are over 12 bridges that allow you to snake between the banks, with famous ones such as Pont Neuf. According to Come to Paris, it's the "oldest surviving bridge in Paris ... [and] the third longest."

The Seine's two banks are not only walkable, but they're also bikable. Those who like to zip around on bicycles will find it easy to traverse the river. In addition, you can use the Seine as a central hub for going off to other destinations. For example, the Jardin des Plantes (botanical garden) is only a stone's throw away from the left bank.

On top of the outstanding scenery you'll see along the Seine, there are several bouquinistes, too. These are book vendors selling everything from antique books to magazines that you can browse when you stop at these stores. You might even discover some fun souvenirs to buy and take home.

You may not be religious, but churches are still awe-inspiring places to be. Not only do they show beautiful old architecture, but they often provide a sense of serenity as well. So if you're interested in a piece of Paris' history, then a must-go is the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur. The church is almost 140 years old and is located on the hilltop of Montmartre.

If you want to take a moment from your day to pray in peace, then you can always do so here, whether it's night or day. No matter what day of the year it is, you'll find the Basalique du Sacre-Coeur open, from 6:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. There are at least four masses a day as well, so you can witness those if you're not religious but still curious.

The most amazing thing about the Basalique du Sacre-Coeur is its location. As mentioned before, it sits atop Montmartre, a tall hill in the 18th arrondissement. Once you get up there, you'll get a breathtaking view of all of Paris, and it won't cost you a cent.

If you're in the 1st arrondissement, near the Louvre, pop over to the Jardin des Tuileries. It's named as such for the tile factories, which used to be on these grounds. This park was established in 1564, which makes it a wonderfully historic place to be. Over 100 years later, it was opened to the public in 1667, after "Sleeping Beauty" author Charles Perrault asked the queen to make it so. Because of this, the Jardin des Tuileries became the first royal garden in Paris to go from private to public.

The locals come to this park, so if you want to walk amongst Parisians, this is the place to do it. On one side, you'll see the Louvre, and on the other, you'll see the Place de la Concorde, a large public square. Inside the Jardin des Tuileries, there are the gorgeous remnants of the royal palace, as well as relaxing gardens and ponds. If you speak French, you can sign up for free tours between March to December.

Those visiting in the summer months of June and August will get to partake in the Fête des Tuileries. Entry is free, but you'll have to pay for the rides and attractions. If you enjoy quieter fairgrounds, then you'll be pleased to know that there's no sound system here.

We know we just said you should go museum hopping, but the Musée de la Vie Romantique deserves its own section. Why? Because it's free to go to, no matter who you are and what day it is. This museum is owned and operated by Paris itself, and the city wants to encourage both locals and tourists to come see the artwork. The only exception is the temporary exhibits; for those, you'll have to pay to view them. In addition, you can download their free app to learn more about the Musée de la Vie Romantique and its exhibits.

When you arrive, you'll instantly be stunned by the beauty of the museum itself. It's located in the 9th arrondissement, at the foot of Montmartre. The mansion used to be painter Ary Scheffer's residence, and it was built in 1830. Make sure you snap pictures in front of the dreamy cream-colored house with its green shutters. Plus, spend time in the garden, where you can relax and take in the sights while sipping on tea from Rose Bakery.

Inside, most of the Musée de la Vie Romantique shows work from not only Ary Scheffer, but also George Sand. True to its name, the museum allows its visitors to marvel at romantic pieces of art.

Cemeteries can be peaceful places, especially ones that have been around for centuries. This necropolis is located in the 20th arrondissement and was built over two centuries ago. Cimetière du Père-Lachaise is Paris' biggest cemetery, standing at 43 hectares, which makes it worth spending an afternoon here. 

In the city's largest green space, you'll see just as much nature as you'll see gorgeous tombs. There are trees, bushes, vines, and other plants that grow throughout the grounds, adding to the serene atmosphere. Among this diverse ecosystem, you'll notice animals sprinkled throughout if you look hard enough, especially birds and foxes that are lurking about.

As for the tombs themselves, there are 70,000 burial plots you can visit while walking the pretty cobblestone lanes. What's interesting is that many celebrities are buried here, such as Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Frederic Chopin. You can get a map of the cemetery to find these famous graves, or you can pay for a guided tour. 

Nowadays, most people prefer rock concerts over classical ones. If it's been a while since you've watched musicians bring Bach's works to life, or if you've never been to a classical concert before, then there's no better place to do it than in Paris. There's a plethora of venues that offer free concerts, so if you plan ahead, you can observe talent in action without having to pay for a ticket.

A good place to start is at the city's churches. Various establishments put on classical concerts that show off the amazing acoustics, and if you attend one of them, it'll be divine. You can try the music conservatories and schools, too, since the students need experience performing for audiences. Additionally, there are free music events throughout the year, such as Opéra Côté Cour. Otherwise, try places like Maison de la Radio for free tickets. Whatever you choose, incredible classical music experiences are waiting for you.