Go ahead and explore the city of love without spending too much money. If you are planning what to see in Paris, we will tell you about the best free tours in Paris so that you can learn about its history, culture, and customs in a fun and affordable way.
In this quick guide you will know which are the free tours in Paris top rated, most popular and tours in Spanish, you will also learn how they work, what are their advantages and what is their cost (spoiler alert: almost nothing!).
What is a Free Tour?
A free tour is a tour in which you can sign up without having to pay in advance. In general, free tours are organized by tour operators or by independent guides who are truly passionate about the work they do.
Are Free Tours really free?
Despite using the word “free”, that does not mean that you do not have to scratch your pocket. It is true that there is no predetermined fee to pay, but you are expected to tip proportionally to the quality of the tour you have taken.
Advantages of doing one (or several) free tours in Paris:
- You can book for free without paying in advance.
- You will take a tour accompanied by a guide, who will not only provide you with information about the monuments of Paris, but you can also ask him about places to eat, where to go shopping or any question you have about Paris.
- It is an excellent opportunity to meet other people.
- At the end of the tour you will only have to pay the money you consider fair for the experience.
Is it mandatory to book?
Yes. To participate in any of the free tours in Paris you must make the corresponding reservation. In our list of tours, in addition to a brief review of each one, you will also find the links where you can make reservations.
Free Tour of Montmartre and Sacré Coeur
To get to know the artistic Paris where characters like Dalí and Picasso took refuge, the cafes at street level, the cabarets and some of the locations from the film Amélie, this free tour of Montmartre is the experience you are looking for.
The tour of the artists’ quarter begins at Place Blanche, in front of the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret (the banner of La Belle Époque). A short distance away is the Café deux Moulins (where some scenes from the movie Amélie were shot) .
This art-infused tour comes loaded with more surprises you won’t want to miss. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and ends in front of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
Free Tour of the Latin Quarter
The free tour of the Latin Quarter in Paris goes through very picturesque places, such as Rue du Chat Qui Pêche (the narrowest street in Paris), to solemn monuments, such as the Panthéon in Paris, where the remains of famous people such as Marie Curie or Victor Hugo rest.
You will visit the Sorbonne Square, the San Severino church, the Cluny Museum (where you will hear the story about the unfortunate who dared to challenge the power of Notre Dame).
If you are one of those who thinks that the Latin Quarter in Paris owes its name to the influence of Bad Bunny and Shakira, you should sign up for this two-hour tour to learn the true story behind the name.
Free Tour of the mysteries and legends of Paris
Murders, wars, plagues, conspiracies and severed heads in the guillotine (the most influential French invention in the future of the country) are part of the dark history of the French capital.
If you want to know the city of love, better skip a couple of paragraphs. The free tour mysteries and legends of Paris is about death, ghosts and blood. Did you know that the Palace of Justice was a place of torture and executions?
You will hear the legend of the barber and the baker of rue Chanoinesse, you will learn the stories about the Paris Catacombs and the terrifying story about the curse of the Knights Templar.
Sign up for this 2-hour tour only if you have what it takes!
Free Tour Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe
Get to know the most emblematic symbols of the city of Paris in depth on this free tour of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. You will visit the Champs Elysees and have an exterior visit of the Louis Vuitton Mansion.
Do you know the meaning of the inscriptions on the Arc de Triomphe ? Can’t you even imagine that at the time of its construction, Parisians hated the Eiffel Tower! Find out about these and other anecdotes on this unforgettable tour.
Le meilleur du meilleur!
Free Tour of Essential Paris
The essential free tour of Paris begins near the Notre-Dame Cathedral and continues across the Seine on the Pont Neuf. The tour then continues towards the famous glass pyramid of the Louvre until passing through the Tuileries Garden. From where you can see the Orsay Museum and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel.
Finally, the tour will end in Place Vendôme next to the most exclusive jewelry stores and shops in all of Paris. Do not miss it!
Free tour of essential Paris
On this free tour of Paris in Spanish (with a duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes), you will get to know the île de la Cité, where you can admire the facade of the Notre-Dame cathedral, as well as The Saint Chapelle, La Conciergerie, the Palace of Justice and the Pont Nuef.
The walking route continues along the Seine River, passing by the Pont des Arts. You will learn stories about the Sun King, Napoleon Bonaparte, the French Revolution and other important events in French history. Next, you will visit the Tuileries Gardens and you will be able to take a look at the Arc de Triomphe du Carousel.
Finally, the t`our ends in front of the Louvre Museum. This free tour of Paris is among the best rated among the more than 200,000 travelers who have taken it.
Free Tour of the historic center of Paris
The free tour of the historic center of Paris will take you to see the main tourist spots of the city. From Notre-Dame Cathedral to the Louvre Pyramid, from the Pont Neuf to the Eiffel Tower and many more. All the major attractions in one tour!
More than 780 favorable opinions give this tour the highest possible rating. Users say that it is exceptional, fun, entertaining and that they would repeat it without hesitation. The walk lasts a little less than three hours and to book you just have to enter the following link.
Free tour essential in Paris!
See more details and book
Free Tour of “Emily in Paris”
In the free tour of “Emily in Paris” you will follow in the footsteps of Emily Cooper, who is the protagonist of the popular Netflix series, through the real settings where it is set.
You will visit the apartment building where Emily lives, her workplace, Gabriel’s restaurant , the Royal Palace Gardens and the Louvre, among other locations in the series.
The tour lasts just over 2 hours and more than two hundred positive opinions recommend it.
Flat!
Free Tour of Montmartre, Moulin Rouge and Pigalle
Art lovers will love this free tour of Montmartre, Moulin Rouge and Pigalle. In addition to visiting two of the most charming neighborhoods in Paris , you will have the opportunity to discover hundreds of anecdotes and stories related to the artistic and bohemian life of the place.
You will visit the Paiva Palace, the Gavarni Monument, the Le Chat Noir Cabaret and the building that once housed the Maison Close (an old brothel).
You will travel along the Boulevard de Clichy to the famous Moulin Rouge. You will see locations from the movie Amelie, the Wall of Love, the Bateau-Lavoir residence where Picasso lived and many other places.
The guide of this tour is called Nuria, she is from Madrid and she is an expert in art history.
Free Tour from Place de la Concorde to the Eiffel Tower
We finish our list of recommendations with this free tour from the Place de la Concorde to the Eiffel Tower. On a 2-hour tour, you’ll see iconic landmarks like the National Assembly, Hotel Crillon, and Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
The list of monuments continues until reaching the Eiffel Tower, but the tour is not only about seeing, it is also about listening to the interesting stories that the city treasures.
100% recommendable!
More tips for saving in Paris
It’s no secret that the capital of France is an expensive city. Therefore, if you are looking for accommodation, we have prepared a guide where we tell you the advantages of each district so that you can decide where to stay in Paris.
And if you are traveling with the little ones in the house, do not miss the opportunity to consult our page on what to do in Paris with children. much less all the information that we have compiled for you to organize your visit to Disneyland Paris.
To enjoy the city of light, make the most of our guide to Paris! Where you will find all the information you need in an original and entertaining way.