Dive Into Paris: Free Attractions by Aquarium de Paris

See more, spend less—discover Paris’ best free spots around the Aquarium!

Kids at Aquarium de Paris

The marine magic at Aquarium de Paris is only the beginning—this riverside corner of the city packs a punch with even more fabulous, free experiences. Even if you don’t want to spend a euro, you’re surrounded by lush parks, fascinating history, world-class architecture, and some of the best Seine-side people-watching you’ll find anywhere. We’ve rounded up ten fantastic reasons to stick around the Trocadéro area after your aquatic encounters. Whether you’re looking for photo opportunities, a tranquil guided walk, or an inspiring spot for a picnic, grab your curiosity and get ready for the ultimate Paris freebie adventure. 

Our favorite free things to do near Aquarium de Paris include: 

  • Jardins du Trocadéro 
  • Pont d’Iéna 
  • Eiffel Tower Esplanade 
  • Musée du Quai Branly Gardens 
  • Palais de Chaillot Exterior 
  • Passerelle Debilly 
  • Paris Street Art Walks 
  • Avenue de New York Riverside Promenade 
  • Place du Trocadéro Viewpoint 
  • Parc Rives de Seine 

Jardins du Trocadéro 

If picture-perfect Paris is your vibe, you have to stroll the Jardins du Trocadéro, just outside Aquarium de Paris. This sweeping expanse, dotted with fountains, sculptures, and tree-lined paths, serves as the city’s open-air living room. Start by admiring the monumental Warsaw Fountains, which send plumes of water skyward in an unforgettable show (especially cool at sunset!). 

The gardens offer plenty of variety: formal terraces for classic vacation photos, lush lawns made for sunny day picnics, and hidden corners for daydreaming or people-watching. Street performers and buskers often pop up here, making every visit feel uniquely Parisian. Pull up a patch of grass, marvel at the Eiffel Tower, and watch locals skateboarding, families eating ice cream, and couples snapping engagement pics. It’s a true feast for the senses—all with the busiest fish tank in Paris practically next door. 

Pont d’Iéna 

Don’t overlook the bridge right outside the Aquarium—Pont d’Iéna links the Trocadéro with the Eiffel Tower and offers some of the neighborhood’s most dramatic views in both directions. This 19th-century stone bridge was built under orders from Napoleon, giving you a taste of history every time you walk across. 

But it’s the everyday energy that makes Pont d’Iéna so memorable: watch riverboats glide underneath, cyclists whiz by, and artists paint riverside scenes. Lean over the edge to catch the river breeze, stop for a snapshot of monuments reflected in the Seine, or simply dawdle and watch the world move around you. It’s a quintessentially Parisian crossing—a perfect shortcut that feels like a destination in its own right. 

Eiffel Tower Esplanade

Eiffel Tower Esplanade

Who says you need a ticket to soak up the romance of the Eiffel Tower? The vast esplanade tucked beneath the city’s most famous structure is always free to wander. Just cross the Pont d’Iéna, and you’re there: paved plazas, casual benches, and grassy spots where friends sprawl for selfie sessions and snack breaks. 

In the daytime, the scene buzzes with languages from every corner of the world—overheard laughter, spontaneous dance troupes, and the ever-captivating sight of the Eiffel Tower soaring overhead. By night, the sparkle starts: thousands of flashing lights adorn the tower every hour, creating a moment that makes you forget about time (and ticket prices). For cheap Paris thrills, a moonlit stroll here feels just as magical as anything you’ll find inside the gates. 

Musée du Quai Branly Gardens 

You don’t need a museum ticket to enjoy the remarkable gardens outside the Musée du Quai Branly—Jacques Chirac. These wild, whimsical grounds just a short walk from the Aquarium are where Paris swaps structured flower beds for a mini-jungle, mixing bamboo copses with winding paths and sculptural installations. 

This patch of green is made for aimless wandering and accidental discoveries. Look for benches shaded by exotic trees, peek at the museum’s impressive living wall (covered in hundreds of plant species), or enjoy the garden’s artful ponds and bridges. It’s a refreshingly quiet retreat, even though you’re just steps from the city’s hustle. Bonus: the garden paths offer new angles for Eiffel Tower photos you won’t find anywhere else. 

Palais de Chaillot Exterior 

The Palais de Chaillot may be best known for its museums, but the grandeur begins way before you step inside. Free and open to all, the vast terraces, elegant staircases, soaring columns, and golden sculptures give the area an old-school Parisian movie set vibe. Panoramic balconies serve up unbeatable perspectives of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine below. 

It’s a playground for photographers, a meeting place for musicians (catch an impromptu jam session if you’re lucky), and one of the best spots for slow strolls or people-watching, Paris-style. Grab a bench, soak in the ambience, or snap a few hundred photos of the city laid out at your feet. It’s living proof that Paris likes to keep her best views open to everyone. 

Passerelle Debilly 

Stroll a bit north and you’ll spot the delicate metal arc of the Passerelle Debilly—a pedestrian bridge built for the 1900 Paris World’s Fair. Less crowded than its neighboring crossings, Passerelle Debilly delivers picture-perfect scenes of the Eiffel Tower rising over the Seine, especially magical at golden hour or twilight. 

It’s a favorite for local joggers, couples stepping out for a riverside promenade, and travelers tracking down that postcard shot. Pause halfway across to watch the city unfold, or linger on the benches at either end for a quiet break from the urban whirl. The ironwork details and historic feel only add to the sense that this is a slice of everyday Paris that most visitors overlook. 

Paris Street Art Walks 

Running parallel to grand landmarks, the streets near the Aquarium are alive with world-class street art. Head south along Avenue de New York or backstreets behind Palais de Tokyo, and you’ll enter a lively open-air gallery of graffiti, murals, and quirky installations. 

You’ll spot everything from massive, technicolor portraits by celebrated urban artists to sly stencils and witty sticker art tucked beside doorways. Each visit reveals new creations—street art in Paris evolves constantly—so walking this route feels like a treasure hunt. If you’re feeling inspired, snap pics to share or just enjoy the unexpected creativity that gives Paris’s classic skyline a modern pop. 

Avenue de New York Riverside Promenade

Avenue de New York

Parallel to the Seine, Avenue de New York’s riverside promenade invites you to explore one of the city’s most picturesque walks. Here, wide sidewalks lined with leafy trees hug the riverfront, making it perfect for an aimless amble or a spot of riverside lounging. 

Pause often—there are countless benches each with a slightly different view of the Eiffel Tower, houseboats bobbing in the current, and locals chatting over pastries and coffee. Street musicians and roller skaters sometimes add their own flavor to the experience. The pace is relaxed, the people-watching is prime, and the ambience couldn’t be more Parisian. It’s a welcome reminder that the city’s most memorable moments often cost nothing at all. 

Place du Trocadéro Viewpoint 

Any city as photogenic as Paris needs a star lookout, and Place du Trocadéro is exactly that. Just steps from the Aquarium, this raised plaza offers an unrivaled vantage of the Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars stretching out below. At sunrise, crowds are thin and the city glows softly; by day, it’s alive with street performers, food carts, and a whirl of fellow travelers from across the globe. 

Pull out your phone or camera—this spot is the go-to for the quintessential Paris photo. But there’s more than just the view: the plaza is a fun spot to pass time, share snacks from a nearby bakery, or join the applause after a local breakdancing performance. We love how this viewpoint brings together Paris’s diverse energy, all with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop. 

Parc Rives de Seine 

If you love a leisurely stroll by the river—and really, who doesn’t?—make a beeline for Parc Rives de Seine. This inviting car-free stretch of riverbank unfurls southward along the left and right banks, a favorite with Parisians who come here to run, picnic, dance, or simply watch the boats cruise by. 

By late afternoon, the setting sun throws golden reflections across the Seine and a relaxed energy fills the air. Whether you’re power-walking or simply ambling, Parc Rives de Seine places you at the heart of Parisian life, offering endless views of historic bridges, moored houseboats, and the distant silhouette of Notre-Dame. It’s proof that some of the city’s greatest escapes—bright, breezy, and blissfully free—sit only moments from the marine world of Aquarium de Paris. 

 

So there you have it—a treasure trove of free adventures right outside Aquarium de Paris, each offering a different flavor of the city. Whether you’re craving lush gardens, jaw-dropping views, or simply a scenic stroll by the Seine, this neighborhood makes it easy to experience Parisian magic without dipping into your travel budget. Enjoy exploring, snapping photos, and living like a local—because in Paris, some of the very best memories come absolutely free. 

Enjoyed this? Check out Aquarium de Paris vs. Paris Science Museum or Things to Do as a Family in Paris 

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An Alternative Guide to Paris Museums

Paris is one of those amazing European cities just brimming with art, culture, and history. In fact, some of the most famous museums in the entire world are found right here in the City of Lights. We’ve all heard of the Louvre, Musée D’Orsay, Versailles, and so on. But what about those of you who’ve already hit up the biggies and are looking to explore some more distinctive or unusual Paris museums? If you’re looking for alternatives to the major label museums in Paris, have we got the handy little guide for you. Check out our guide to the quirky, unique, and unexpected museums in Paris. The alternative museums we highlight in this post include: Musée des Plans-Reliefs Musée de Cluny Museum of Arts & Crafts Museum of Decorative Arts Château de Rambouillet Sèvres, City of Ceramics Museum of Music Discovery Palace Picasso Museum Musée des Plans-Reliefs The Musée des Plans-Reliefs would be Toby Shandy’s delight. Housed in the Hôtel des Invalides, this collection features a massive assortment of “plans-reliefs,” or scaled-down models of cities and other geographic features for military purposes. They were originally used to strategize during battle—something of an early precursor to our digital renderings. The collection includes pieces from the late seventeenth through the early nineteenth centuries. Musée de Cluny Although it’s a museum that tends to escape people’s radar when visiting Paris, the Cluny Museum is actually among the most significant cultural institutions in the city. Found in the Latin Quarter, this museum features one of the best collections of medieval art and artifacts anywhere in the world. For example, you’ll find a number of famous tapestries, crowns, engravings, sculptures, and other evidence of medieval artistry and craftsmanship from France and beyond. Museum of Arts & Crafts The Musée des Arts et Métiers is something of a misleading name for this fine collection of scientific and industrial materials. Here you’ll find tens of thousands of drawings and objects—among which are some of the most famous technical objects in history, such as an original Foucault pendulum, the original model for what would become the Statue of Liberty, and the first mechanical calculator. Visitors can also explore historic cars, planes, and other artifacts from the history of transportation. Museum of Decorative Arts Housed in a portion of the Louvre Palace (but distinct from the Louvre itself), the Musée des Arts Décoratifs brings together compelling exhibits from the history of graphic arts, advertising, and fashion. The overall focus is on design and decorative arts, with objects like furniture, wallpaper, ceramics, glassware, children’s toys, carpets, and much more comprising its extensive collections. Visitors will also want to take time to explore themed period rooms that showcase different moments in the history of material goods. Château de Rambouillet Castle of Rambouillet is located a fair distance southwest of Paris, but it’s worth the extra effort to see this remarkable museum. Formerly the summer home of the Presidents of the French Republic, it’s now a historic monument preserving the long history of the castle. It was originally built in the fourteenth century but is most famous as the place that Louis XIV transformed into an idealized version of a country dairy to please his queen, Marie-Antoinette. There were further additions and modifications made by later rulers as well. Sèvres, City of Ceramics A small community in the southwest suburbs of Paris, Sèvres is known for its unparalleled production of exquisite porcelain. The largest porcelain manufactory in Europe is still located in this neighborhood, as the eponymous Sèvres – Cité de la Céramique museum. A visit here is an opportunity to learn about the historic porcelain production in France, as well as a chance to see their fine collection of Asian and European ceramics, including many pieces by modern and contemporary artists. Museum of Music Located within the renowned performance space Cité de la Musique, the Musée de la Musique boasts a unique collection of rare and unusual instruments. Visitors can peruse over 1,000 instruments and musical artifacts ranging from a tortoise guitar to a crystal flute. The collections span the period from the seventeenth century through the modern era including non-European instruments and music. The accompanying audio guide allows visitors to listen to recordings, and free daily concerts provide live musical inspiration. Discovery Palace The Palais de la Découverte is an exciting modern science museum located in the 8th arrondissement in Paris. Permanent exhibitions here include a focus on topics like mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, geology, and astronomy. It’s particularly notable for its Zeiss planetarium. About a decade ago it merged with the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, sharing their collective dedication to spreading scientific knowledge and education with visitors of all ages. Picasso Museum An art gallery dedicated exclusively to the expansive productions of one of Europe’s most famous artists, the Musée Picasso is absolutely a must-visit for fans of the Spaniard’s life and works. You’ll find more than 5,000 works of art including paintings, notebooks, sculptures, ceramics, engravings, and drawings, as well as thousands of archival documents include Picasso’s personal correspondence, manuscripts, and photographs. This collection is located in the Marais district of Paris. Save on Admission to Paris Museums Visit these museums and plenty of other cultural institutions with the Go Paris pass. Pay only 95 Euro for the 48-hour Paris Museum Pass, which covers admission to more than 55 different museums and monuments in the broader Paris area. The Go Paris pass also includes admission to tours, cruises, and other fun attractions to help round out your weekend getaway. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal
Parisians sitting at exterior cafe tables
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5 reasons to visit Paris in July

The mass exodus of Parisians keen to head south to the shores of the French Riviera begins in July, which seems a little like Monet putting down his paintbrushes in favor of some gardening. Why? Because July is one of the best times of year to visit Paris. Paris in July experiences wonderful summer temperatures of around 23°C, and also hosts some of France’s top annual events. Intrigued? You should be! Here’s 5 very good reasons to visit Paris in July. 1. Bastille Day celebrations Better known in Paris as Le Fête Nationale (National Celebration) and Le Quatorze Juillet (July 14) Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison. Taking place on July 14 1789, it kicked off the French Revolution. Little remains of the prison itself, except for a star-shaped outline on the sidewalks of Place de la Bastille. However, as France’s national day, it’s far from forgotten. The main event is a military parade – the largest in Europe. This makes its way along the Champs-Élysées from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. Attended by the French President and notable guests – most famously US President Donald Trump – it ends with a magnificent fly past by the Patrouille de France aerobatics team. For more on them, head to the Museum of Air and Space. The attention then turns to the Eiffel Tower. Constructed to mark the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the base of the Eiffel Tower is the location of a major concert. As darkness falls, the biggest fireworks display of the Paris year erupts around the tower. Whilst that’s enough for many, the celebrations continue all night long at the central fire stations of each of the 20 arrondissements (districts), which fling open their doors to the public. 2. Museums by night Part of the European Night of Museums extravaganza, Paris’s Nuit des Musées (Museums Night) sees many of the city’s much-loved collections offering free after hours opening. Guests can explore their treasures and take part in special events including workshops. Just some of those which take part are the Picasso Museum and the Museum of Arab History. But if you miss this one-night-only event there are several other options for exploring Paris’s landmark attractions after dark. Nights at Les Invalides combines an immersive sound and light show with the chance to explore Napoleon Bonaparte’s burial place on the banks of the Seine by candlelight. Alternatively, you could turn to the Palace of Versailles gardens on Saturday evenings throughout July. Specially lit for the occasion, music drifts around the groves and fountains before the sky erupts into a sea of fireworks. 3. Make the most of the good weather With glorious July sun and warm evenings pretty much on tap, there’s plenty of reason to linger in Paris’s public outdoor spaces. Take a Bateaux Parisiens Seine river cruise and you might be surprised to see beachgoers lining the river’s banks. Those unable to up sticks to the French Riviera for the summer season are at least able to sink their feet into the imported sand of the Paris Plages beaches. Of the many reasons there are for exploring the parks and gardens of Paris in July, one of the best has to be the Fête de Tuileries. Located just behind the Louvre, it takes the form of a traditional funfair, complete with wooden carousels, a ghost train and hall of mirrors. Meanwhile, Parc de la Villette hosts an open-air cinema for much of the summer. One best suited for night owls, screenings can only take place once it’s got dark enough, meaning the mix of classic and modern movies don’t get their curtain call until 10:00 – 10:30PM. 4. Join the festival crowds On the eastern side of the city, the Parc Floral within the Bois de Vincennes becomes the site of the two month long Paris Jazz Festival. The eclectic line-up includes many of the greatest names in jazz, which in the past has seen both Gregory Porter and Sandra Nkaké take to the stage. Crossing musical genres, Festival Fnac Live has a commanding position in the courtyard of the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) building. The free event lasts three nights and welcomes somewhere in the region of 100,000 revelers keen to see acts that have included Sting, Shaggy and Ed Sheeran. The lesser-known Canal de l’Ourcq around the Bassin de la Villette also comes into its own in July. As well as being a lovely place to soak up the sun with a canal-side stroll, it hosts a number of July events ranging from concerts to urban art trails suitable for all the family. 5. Bikes and shopping bags If one major July spectacle on the Champs-Élysées in July wasn’t enough in the form of the Bastille Day celebrations, then there’s the grand finale of the Tour de France to look forward to. The bike pack arrives in the capital after a route covering approximately 2200 miles. Ending with several laps of the Arc de Triomphe – and the impressive feat of cycling over cobbles whilst sipping from a Champagne flute – it’s a great way to get close to any cycling heroes. If it’s shopping bags rather than bikes that interest you, Paris in July is still the place to be. The time of the traditional summer sales, stores throughout the capital can offer significant discounts on ordinary retail prices, with the best deals generally appearing towards the end of the sales period. Should luggage space prevent you from making too many purchases, the stores of streets like Boulevard Haussmann are still well worth visiting. They include department stores Au Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, whose impressive art nouveau interiors have been drawing crowds for over 100 years. Saving on attraction admission in Paris in July With so much going on, you might think you’re going to need a significant win on the loto (the French lottery) to pay for it all. But even if lady luck isn’t standing by your side, it’s still possible to do all you want without worrying about the cost. Although Paris is considered an expensive city to both visit and live in, there are ways visitors to the French capital can ensure their money lasts. Explore Paris with Go City and you’ll get the benefit of reduced admission on many of the city’s top tourist attractions. What’s more, you can do this without needing to make any firm decisions about what you’d like to visit or when until you’re all set to immerse yourself in Paris in July.
Ian Packham
Two women walking along the Seine in Paris.
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Best walks in Paris

“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life”. So said Thomas Jefferson, third President of the USA and ambassador to his beloved France from 1785-1789.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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