Seine River Walk
- 📍 Where
- From Île de la Cité to Eiffel Tower
- 🕑 Best time
- Sunset
Mubboo’s tip: Grab a €2 crêpe and watch the tower sparkle at night.
Things to Do in Paris
Free–$463 per activity
Paris can drain your wallet faster than a pickpocket in the Métro, but the city’s best moments—sunset strolls along the Seine, the Eiffel Tower’s light show, wandering Montmartre—cost nothing. Pay for a smart guided tour (like a semi-private Louvre evening) and skip the overpriced Seine dinner cruises. This guide separates overhyped traps from genuine, unforgettable experiences.
June: Fête de la Musique on June 21, free music performances city-wide · Crowds: Very High
Mubboo Verdict: Paris is a city where free rewards outweigh paid ones if you’re willing to walk. Splurge on a small-group Louvre tour or a food walk in Le Marais, but skip the generic hop-on, hop-off buses and tourist menus.
How M decides what’s worth it
M’s Paris playbook: start with the free—walk the Seine, explore Montmartre, and hit free museum days. Then splurge on one or two small-group tours like a semi-private Louvre evening ($75). Budget $50/day for transport and snacks. Skip the mass-market stuff: summit elevator queues, dinner cruises. Invest in expert-led, small-group tours for genuine insight.
Free First
Free things to do in Paris
Start here. These cost nothing and are genuinely worth your time — no booking required.
Montmartre Wandering
- 📍 Where
- 18th arrondissement
- 🕑 Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon
Mubboo’s tip: Skip the artists’ square; head to Place Dalida for an authentic vibe.
Free Museum Days
- 📍 Where
- Various museums
- 🕑 Best time
- First Sunday of the month
Mubboo’s tip: Arrive early; free entry draws crowds, especially at the Louvre.
Jardin du Luxembourg
- 📍 Where
- 6th arrondissement
- 🕑 Best time
- Weekday mornings
Mubboo’s tip: Bring a book and claim a green chair by the Medici Fountain.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
- 📍 Where
- 20th arrondissement
- 🕑 Best time
- Weekday late afternoon
Mubboo’s tip: Download a map; Oscar Wilde’s grave is easy to miss.
Tours & experiences worth paying for in Paris
For those moments where a guide unlocks the story, these six paid tours stand out. Each delivers something you can’t get for free—insider knowledge, skip-the-line access, or a curated taste of Paris. Prices range from a tip-based walking tour at $3 to a full-day champagne excursion at $463.
Family Friendly Louvre Museum Private Guided Tour
5.0234 reviews⏱ 2h 30m
Mubboo Verdict: Overpriced for most, but if you have kids under 12 who hate crowded museums, this private guide keeps them engaged. Worth it only for families with a healthy budget.
Best for: Families with children under 12
From $436Book Now
The Essential Louvre Masterpieces Tour - Limited to Six Guests
5.0205 reviews⏱ 2h 30m
Mubboo Verdict: Excellent introduction to the Louvre’s heavy hitters. Small group of 6 ensures you hear the guide. Skip if you prefer niche art over the Mona Lisa.
Best for: Art lovers short on time
From $212Book Now
Paris E-Scooter Tour with fun & informative guide (small groups)
5.0200 reviews⏱ 3 hours
Mubboo Verdict: Fun and efficient way to cover ground. Better than a Segway for maneuverability, but Paris traffic can be nerve-wracking. Ideal for confident riders.
Best for: Adventurous travelers who want speed
From $77Book Now
Paris Montmartre Free Walking Tour
5.0131 reviews⏱ 2 hours
Mubboo Verdict: A steal at $3—tip-based, so you only pay what you think it’s worth. Covers Montmartre highlights, but groups can grow large. Go early to avoid the crowds.
Best for: Budget travelers and first-timers
From $3Book Now
Paris Private Food Tour: Taste 10 French Classics in Le Marais
5.0127 reviews⏱ 3h 30m
Mubboo Verdict: The Marais food tour is a serious culinary deep-dive. 10 tastings, private, and avoids tourist dives. Pricey but a highlight for foodies.
Best for: Food lovers wanting an authentic taste
From $278Book Now
Louvre Evening Tour Semi Private 6ppl Max BEST Avoid The Crowds
5.0150 reviews⏱ 2h 30m
Mubboo Verdict: The smart way to see the Louvre: fewer crowds, cooler light, and a guide who cuts through 35,000 works to the good stuff. Best value Louvre tour.
Best for: Visitors who want a crowd-free experience
From $75Book Now
What to skip & what to know in Paris
Skip these
- Skip the Eiffel Tower summit elevator: the wait is often 2-3 hours, and the view isn't significantly better than the second floor. Book stairs to the second floor instead.
- Skip Seine dinner cruises: overpriced, mediocre food, and you'll be stuck at a table with strangers. A picnic by the river is more Parisian.
- Skip the Champs-Élysées for shopping: it's just global chain stores. Head to Le Marais or Saint-Germain for unique boutiques.
Know before you go
- Know the Paris Museum Pass: it covers over 50 museums and can save money if you visit at least three per day. Buy it at any participating museum.
- Know that many museums are free the first Sunday of each month, but expect crowds. Arrive 30 minutes before opening.
- Know the Métro system: buy a carnet of 10 tickets (t+ book) for cheaper per-ride fares, and validate them. Avoid taxi scams at airports; use official taxi stands.
Where to spend your time in Paris
Montmartre (18th)
🚇 20 minutes from centerSacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre, vineyard, Musée de Montmartre
Top pick: Montmartre Walking Guided Tour
Le Marais (3rd & 4th)
🚇 10 minutes walk from Notre-DamePlace des Vosges, Picasso Museum, Jewish Quarter, trendy boutiques
Top pick: Paris Private Food Tour: Taste 10 French Classics in Le Marais
Latin Quarter (5th)
🚇 5 minutes walk from Notre-DameSorbonne, Panthéon, Rue Mouffetard market, Shakespeare and Company
Top pick: Walking tour with a local historian
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th)
🚇 15 minutes walk from LouvreCafé de Flore, Luxembourg Garden, Église Saint-Sulpice, art galleries
Top pick: Private walking tour of literary Paris
Canal Saint-Martin (10th)
🚇 25 minutes by Métro from centerTrendy bars, waterfront picnics, Hôtel du Nord, street art
Top pick: Canal-side picnic with cheese from Marché des Enfants Rouges
Belleville (20th)
🚇 30 minutes by Métro from centerParc de Belleville view, street art, Chinatown, diverse food scene
Top pick: Street art walking tour
Browse by category
When to visit Paris, month by month
JuneThis monthVery High crowds
Fête de la Musique on June 21, free music performances city-wide
JanuaryMedium crowds
Winter sales (soldes) and cozy museum visits
FebruaryMedium crowds
Valentine’s Day dinner cruise on Seine
MarchHigh crowds
Cherry blossoms at Notre-Dame and Parisian Fashion Week
AprilHigh crowds
Easter markets and spring blooms in parks
MayVery High crowds
Museum Night (Nuit des Musées) in mid-May, free entry to many museums
JulyVery High crowds
Bastille Day fireworks at Eiffel Tower, but crowds are intense
AugustMedium crowds
Many locals on vacation; city feels quieter, Paris Plages beaches along Seine
SeptemberHigh crowds
Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine) in late Sept, free access to government buildings
OctoberMedium crowds
Montmartre Wine Harvest Festival, art shows
NovemberLow crowds
Beaujolais Nouveau release, cozy wine bars
DecemberHigh crowds
Christmas markets and festive lights on Champs-Élysées
Not sure where to start?
First-timer with 2 days
Hit the free Eiffel Tower light show at night and book a semi-private Louvre tour to maximize your time.
Explore toursFamily with kids
Book a private, family-friendly Louvre tour so the kids don’t melt down. Skip the long lines.
Explore toursBudget traveler
The $3 tip-based Montmartre walking tour gives you a local’s intro for pocket change.
Explore toursFood lover
A private food tour through Le Marais is worth the splurge for the behind-the-scenes access.
Explore toursWhat travelers are saying
“I wish I had skipped the Eiffel Tower summit and just done the stairs to the second floor. The view is almost the same, and zero line.”
“The best thing to do in Paris is simply walk. Montmartre early in the morning, before the tourists, is pure magic.”
“I did a semi-private Louvre evening tour and it was worth every cent. Only 6 people and we had the Venus de Milo nearly to ourselves.”
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best free thing to do in Paris?
Walking the Seine at sunset and watching the Eiffel Tower light show from Trocadéro. Parks like Jardin du Luxembourg are free, and many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month.
Is the Paris Museum Pass worth it?
Yes, if you plan to visit at least three museums in a day. It covers over 50 sites and lets you skip ticket lines, but you still have to go through security. Buy the 2, 4, or 6-day pass.
Are there any discounts for kids?
Many museums are free for children under 18; Eiffel Tower has reduced youth rates. Book family tours that engage kids—private tours can be pricey but worth it for a meltdown-free day.
Can I get around Paris without speaking French?
Absolutely, but learn 'bonjour', 'merci', and 'parlez-vous anglais?'. Most people in tourist areas speak English; a little effort goes a long way.
What should I avoid in Paris?
Tourist traps like the Champs-Élysées chain stores, overpriced Seine dinner cruises, and anyone offering 'free' bracelets near Sacré-Cœur. Also, avoid taxis from unofficial ranks.
Is Paris safe for solo travelers?
Generally yes, but stay alert for pickpockets on the Métro and in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods; stick to well-lit areas.
What’s the best way to save money on transport?
Buy a carnet of 10 t+ tickets for the Métro and RER within zone 1. For multiple days, consider a Navigo Easy pass. Avoid taxis unless you’re splitting fares.
Plan the rest of your Paris trip
FlightsDirect flights from major US cities to Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) take 7-9 hours. Book at least three months out for summer; fares dip in winter except around holidays.HotelsStay in central arrondissements like the 1st, 4th, 5th, or 6th for walkability. Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés offer charming boutique hotels; avoid staying near the Champs-Élysées if you want a local feel.City guideFor a complete Paris guide covering where to eat, sleep and explore, check out our full Paris city guide.
Things to do in other cities
New YorkThe city that never sleeps, with exceptional museums, Broadway shows, and 24/7 energy.Los AngelesSun, surf, and Hollywood glamour—LA is all about beaches, hikes, and top-notch tacos.MiamiArt Deco, Cuban coffee, and nightlife make Miami a sun-soaked escape.Las VegasNeon lights, exceptional shows, and desert day trips—Vegas is pure spectacle.ChicagoDeep-dish pizza, architectural marvels, and lakefront trails define the Windy City.San FranciscoFog-kissed hills, the Golden Gate Bridge, and a hotbed of tech and sourdough.
Before you go
- esimStay connected with an eSIM data plan starting at $5—avoid roaming fees.
- insuranceProtect your trip with comprehensive travel insurance covering medical, cancellations, and theft.
- transferPre-book an airport transfer for a flat rate and avoid long taxi queues at CDG.
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