10 Affordable and Unique Things to Do in Paris
Paris is full of surprises if you know where to look. Here are ten affordable, lesser-known experiences that will leave you amazed!
1. Explore the Buttes-Chaumont Park
Located in the 19th arrondissement, Buttes-Chaumont is one of Paris’s largest and most unique parks. This English-style garden mimics a mountain landscape: rocks, cliffs, streams, waterfalls, a cave, alpine meadows, and viewpoints.
The hilly paths, man-made waterfalls, and the Temple de la Sybille perched on a cliff make it feel like a hidden retreat. Bring a snack and enjoy panoramic views of the city – it’s free.
2. Visit the Musée de la Vie Romantique
Located in the 9th arrondissement, this museum showcases Romantic-era art and literature, with works by novelist George Sand and painter Ary Scheffer. The museum also shows items from Chopin, Delacroix, and other Romantic-era legends. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and personal artifacts from 19th-century Paris. The small courtyard café offers a relaxing spot after visiting the exhibits. Entry to the permanent collection is free.
3. Walk Along the Coulée Verte
The Coulée Verte, also known as the Promenade Plantée, is an elevated park created from a former railway line. It runs from Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes, with well-maintained paths, gardens, and shaded spots to sit.
Along the way, you’ll find unique views of Paris, small art installations, and peaceful spaces for a break from the city’s hustle. A unique walk that lets you discover a different side of Paris.
4. Discover the Arènes de Lutèce
Did you know Paris has a Roman amphitheater? The Arènes de Lutèce is one of the few remaining traces of Roman Paris, hidden in the Latin Quarter. Built in the 1st century AD, this amphitheater could hold over 15,000 people for gladiator battles, theater performances, and public gatherings.
Now, it’s a peaceful escape where locals play pétanque or relax on the stone steps. Informational signs around the site tell the story of its construction and historical significance. Entry is free.
5. Climb Belleville for Panoramic Views
Head to Parc de Belleville in the 20th arrondissement for sweeping views of Paris. It’s less crowded than other lookout spots, and the neighborhood is filled with great street art. Bring your camera and wander around, you’ll find plenty to admire without spending a euro!
6. Stroll Through the Covered Passages
Paris’s 19th-century covered arcades are fascinating for their history and variety. Passage Jouffroy has antique shops and leads to the nearby Musée Grévin. Galerie Vivienne features high-end boutiques and an elegant design including beautiful mosaic floors.
Passage des Panoramas is a hotspot for vintage eateries, stamp shops, and traditional brasseries. Passage Verdeau is quieter, known for its antique bookshops and art galleries. Each passage has its own unique character. They’re worth exploring if you’re curious about Paris’s hidden corners.
7. Explore the Petit Palais Museum
The Petit Palais, near the Champs-Élysées, was built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle. Its Beaux-Arts design features grand columns, sophisticated stonework, and a beautiful glass dome.
Inside the Palais, the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts offers free access to a permanent collection that includes works by Monet, Delacroix, and Courbet. You’ll also find decorative arts, sculptures, and rare manuscripts. The garden courtyard is a nice place to relax between exhibits. Be aware that temporary exhibitions may require a ticket.
8. Browse Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
Shakespeare and Company is a world-famous English-language bookstore near Notre-Dame, with a history as fascinating as its shelves. Opened in 1951 by George Whitman, the shop became a haven for writers, artists, and dreamers. Whitman’s philosophy attracted literary figures like Allen Ginsberg and Anaïs Nin. The shop’s Tumbleweed program even allows aspiring writers to stay overnight in exchange for work. Regular literary events and readings keep its legacy alive.
9. Visit the Petite Ceinture
The Petite Ceinture is an abandoned railway line that feels like a hidden urban jungle. Some sections are open to the public, with wild greenery and quiet paths. It’s a unique way to explore Paris’s lesser-seen corners.
The Petite Ceinture is an abandoned 19th-century railway that once circled Paris! Stretching for over 32 kilometers, parts of this overgrown railway have been transformed into public green spaces. Accessible sections like those in the 15th and 20th arrondissements offer peaceful walking paths surrounded by wild greenery and occasional street art. Some stretches retain remnants of old train stations. A lesser-explored yet intriguing part of Paris.
10. Take a Free Fashion Tour at Galeries Lafayette
The iconic Galeries Lafayette Parisian department store is famous for its stunning glass dome and early 20th century Art Nouveau design. The best part is, you can watch free fashion shows on the top floor (check the schedule online). You can also access the rooftop terrace for incredible views of the Eiffel Tower and Opéra Garnier, all free.
These lesser-known spots prove you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy the magic of Paris. Which will you try first?