Rooksana Hossenally is one of the authors of the new Lonely Planet Paris guidebook. Here she shares her suggestions for the best things to do in Paris that won't cost you a cent. But you'd be wrong. For something more offbeat, explore the abandoned railway of La Petite Ceinture, a hidden urban oasis, or dance the night away at drag bingo. Read on to find out how to see Paris without breaking the bank.
Explore Paris from below and up above on its abandoned railway, La Petite Ceinture, which snakes around inner Paris. The railway fell out of use completely by after being replaced by the Paris metro network and motorised vehicles.
Planning tip: Parts of the railway are closed to the public so, before setting off, have a look at the map of open sections to plan accordingly. The guide also features detailed itineraries for each section. Read more: How to navigate your way around Paris. Built for the World Expo, the museum, with its opulent architecture, features a semicircular garden, a beautifully decorated arcade, and intricate details like wrought-iron gates, majestic staircases and stained-glass windows, which make it worth the visit alone.
There are regular paying temporary exhibitions that put a fresh spin on French history through art too. Planning tip: As with all museums in Paris, the Petit Palais gets quite crowded, so aim to go at opening time to get the huge spaces almost to yourself. These passages, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, are filled with quirky boutiques, old bookstores and places to eat.
Despite most of these passages being demolished due to the rise of department stores, a handful have survived and are primarily located in the 2nd, 9th, and 10th arrondissements.
