Notre Dame cathedral, Paris
A quick hop across the channel isn’t expensive, either – especially when you consider how much there is to do for free. Here are some popular attractions that won’t cost you a penny… or a euro!
Five things to do in Paris for free
- Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur - see a wealth of fantastic architecture and art,
all for a modest optional donation.
- Musee d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou - admission to these fascinating museums is free on the first Sunday of each month.
- Paris by night along the Seine - marvel at the grandiose buildings and illuminated sights as you stroll along the Seine.
- Pere Lachaise Cemetery - visit the resting place of legendary names including Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Chopin and Edith Piaf.
- Galleries Lafayette - the terrace at this store is the same height as the first stage of the Eiffel Tower and offers panoramic views across the Paris skyline.
Five things to do in Lille for free
- Wazammes Market - soak up the atmosphere at this bustling market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, where
the colourful wares include food, flower and exotic produce from around the world.
- The Citadel Park and Zoo - this is a 123-acre haven in the heart of the city, perfect for a romantic walk. The zoo is
free too!
- Free museum entry - many museums are free on the first Sunday of each month, including the Palais de Beaux Arts and the Museum of Natural History.
- Vieille Bourse - don’t miss this spectacular arched courtyard, which boasts beautiful architecture and is home to a book market, chess players and occasional tango evenings during the summer.
- The Old Town - wander through the winding cobbled streets of Vieux Lille where you’ll
find delightful old Flemish houses and the superb cathedral.
Five things to do in Brussels for free
- Manneken Pis - walk to the corner of Rue
de L’Etuve and Strootfstraat and discover
why a certain little boy has amused visitors since 1619.
- Picnic in the park - stroll through the woodlands of Bois de La Cambre and enjoy
a picnic on the lakeside lawns at the southern end of Avenue Louise.
- The Atomium & Grand Place - for fans of wonderful architecture these two places are must-sees.
- Sunday markets - why not peruse the stalls of the flea and antiques markets on the Place Du Grand Sablon. Browsing costs nothing!
- Galleries St Hubert - go window-shopping in Europe’s oldest shopping arcade, housed
in a beautiful glass-roofed building.
Enjoy a great value break with
Great Getaways
, in association with Saga, and save 5%. Choose from a wide range of UK and European destinations by self-drive, rail or air, with somethign to suit every taste and budget.