The smell of espresso beans is in the air and I see a delicious pain au chocolat staring at me as I walk into the café. I’ve been in Paris for 2 days, and I have realized that it is so easy to get carried away by everything that Paris has to offer. Luckily, if you know where to look, there are a lot of amazing things to see and do in Paris that wont cost you a dime.

• See the Sacré-Coeur Basilica – This church is located on the top of Montmartre which is the highest point in Paris. The church itself is beautiful on the inside with a stunning blue and gold dome stealing the spotlight. The view from the outside over the city is magnificent, and one that you will not want to miss (more so if you are not going to the top of the Eiffel Tower)
• View the Arc de Triomphe – One of the most famous monuments in Paris, this Arc pays tribute to those who served and lost their lives in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic War. Although the arc has intricate detailing and is worth seeing in its own right, I think it is its location that makes it worth seeing. It is located at the center of Charles de Gaulle which branches out to 12 avenues, and is a cool spot to be.
• Stroll down the Champs-Élyseés – Paris’ grand boulevard with many high-end shops. It is fun to window shop down this strip and admire all of the plush clothing and accessories.
• Picnic at the Tuilenes Garden – At the end of the Champs-Élyseés you will come to this public park providing a quaint retreat. You can enjoy the green space, stroll through like a Parisian, sit by the water, admire the flowers, or let your kids play at the playground.
• Enjoy the character of the Promenade des Berges de la Seine – You can sit by the water, get some exercise in, relax, stroll the strip, admire the floating garden, let your kids run around on the playground, and enjoy the smells from the cafe’s lining the bridge
• Take in the Notre-Dame – The most famous church in Paris that many around the world are modeled after. It features a magnificent rose stained glass window, gargoyles, and flying buttresses. (UPDATE: The Cathedral caught fire in spring of 2019; you cannot enter at this time, but you can walk near and catch a glimpse of the stained glass, rose window and steeple. It’s sad to see at the moment).
• Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night – If you want to do the Eiffel Tower free, then you aren’t going to get to go to the top. I think that the next best thing is to go at night when the lights start to twinkle.

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