The City of Lights is an enchanting, beautiful place filled with endless opportunities for cultural immersion and internships for students and graduates. Paris is bursting with things to do with hundreds of museums, galleries, fine dining, and events, but for someone on a budget all of the attractions in Paris can really add up.The more popular attractions like going to the top the Eiffel Tower or visiting the Louvre are going to cost, but not everything in Paris comes at a premium price. Below are five places to go in Paris that won’t cost you a Euro!
Gertrude Stein once said, “America is my country, and Paris is my hometown.” Many famous artists, musicians, and singers called made Paris their home and final resting place. Cemeteries, though a bit morbid, are a budget-friendly way to view history in a scenic, peaceful setting.
1. The Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
The Cimetière du Père-Lachaise is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world. For free, you can visit the famous graves sites of rocker Jim Morrison, playwright Oscar Wilde, poet Gertrude Stein and pianist Chopin. If Pere Lachaise is too crowded take a stroll through the lesser-known Montparnasse to see other famous burial sites like those of Samuel Beckett and Simone de Beauvior.
2. Musee Carnavalet
See the history of Paris through an array of collections, exhibits, and portraits at the Musee Carnavalet. The museum does not charge admission to view their permanent selections and themed exhibitions. Walk through the styles of Parisian houses from the 17th century to present day, learn more about the French Revolution, and immerse yourself in the past of Paris at no cost.
3. Markets
Paris is renowned for their fresh food, unique fashion, and fantastic shopping. Experience all that Paris has to offer at one of their many street markets filled with vendors serving thing everything from baked baguettes, vintage clothing, and plenty of sweets and wine. Overwhelm your senses in the best way possible in some of the famous markets like the ones in Rue Mouffetard and Marche d’Aligre.
4. Neighborhoods
Walking around the cobble-stoned streets of Paris is relaxing, and cheap, way to explore the beauty of the city. There are many alcoves and areas for to you to discover unique art, cute shops, and ancient architecture. Be sure to walk along the must-see historic streets of La Maris neighborhood. On a nice, sunny weekend spend some time soaking up Parisian life along the canal in the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood.
5. Free Days at Museums & Events
On the first Sunday of every month the famous museums of Paris, including the Lourve, offer free admission. Plan your Sunday around what museum you want to see, and remember to go as early as possible because all of the museums will be crowded.
For our interns that go in the autumn there is annual all-night arts festival appropriately named Nuit Blanche on the first Saturday in October, and for summer interns going to Paris mark your calendars for a free music festival that takes place on June 21st called La Fete de la Musique.
