What to do in Paris this summer? 15 must-sees on a budget

Paris in the summer is magical — but it can quickly become expensive if you're not organized. Here are 15 must-do activities in Paris with tips for enjoying them without breaking the bank.

Freebies that are worth their weight in gold

  • 🌳 Tuileries Gardens — Free shows in summer, view of the Louvre
  • 🏛️ Royal Palace — Magnificent architecture, free entry
  • 🏔️ Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre — Panoramic view, free entry
  • 🌊 Paris Beaches — Free activities on the riverbanks (July-August)
  • 🖼️ National Museums — Free admission on the first Sunday of the month (Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou)

Must-sees to book in advance

Tourist sites are often fully booked in the summer. Book in advance to avoid a 2-3 hour queue:

🗼 Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles — skip-the-line tickets

Book now and avoid the endless queues

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Top 15 — Our complete selection

  1. Eiffel Tower — Go to the summit (reservations required in summer)
  2. Louvre Museum — Mona Lisa + Egyptian collections
  3. Musée d'Orsay — The world's finest Impressionist collection
  4. Versailles and its gardens — Full day recommended
  5. Seine River Cruise — A different view at sunset
  6. Holy Chapel — Breathtaking stained glass windows
  7. Centre Pompidou — Modern art + view of Paris
  8. The Marsh — Free galleries, street food
  9. Montmartre by night — Artists, illuminated view
  10. Père Lachaise — An unusual walk, free entry
  11. Paris Beaches — Free sand and entertainment
  12. Tuileries Festival — Ferris wheel, retro rides
  13. Bois de Vincennes — Lake, bicycles, picnic
  14. Saint-Martin Canal — Bohemian stroll, terraces
  15. White Night — Free art installations (October)

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