Things to Do in Paris: A Student Guide to Living (and Loving) the City

Paris has long been one of the most exciting cities in Europe for students. With its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, lively neighbourhoods and café culture, the French capital offers a unique mix of academic life and unforgettable experiences.

If you’re already planning your move, finding the right student accommodation in Paris is a big part of making the most of your experience. From free museums and green spaces to affordable food spots and buzzing nightlife, student life in Paris is all about balance, studying, socialising and making the most of the city you now call home.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best things to do in Paris as a student, helping you explore the city like a local, stick to a student budget and enjoy everything Paris has to offer during your time here.

Map of Paris's student attractions

Explore Paris’s Arts & Culture (on a Student Budget)

Paris is one of the world’s great cultural capitals, and the good news is that students get huge advantages when it comes to accessing it.

The Louvre

The Louvre is the world’s most visited museum and an essential stop during your time in Paris. Home to more than 35,000 artworks, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, it’s a place you can visit again and again.

👉 Student tip:
 EU students under 26 get free entry, and the museum is free for everyone on the first Friday evening of each month after 6PM.

Musée d’Orsay

Set inside a former railway station, the Musée d’Orsay houses one of the finest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world. Monet, Van Gogh and Degas are just the beginning.

👉 Head to the top floor for incredible views through the station’s famous clock.

Centre Pompidou

If contemporary art is more your thing, the Centre Pompidou is a must. Its bold, inside-out architecture makes it one of Paris’s most recognisable buildings.

👉 The permanent collection is free for EU students under 26, and the rooftop terrace offers some of the best free views in Paris,  especially at sunset.

Where to Eat in Paris as a Student

Paris has a reputation for expensive dining, but students quickly learn where to eat well without spending a fortune,  especially when living in central, well-connected neighbourhoods popular with students.

Affordable Restaurants

• Le Bouillon Chartier: Classic French dishes in a beautiful Belle Époque setting, with meals starting around €10
• Chez Gladines:  Famous among students for generous portions and wallet-friendly prices
• L’As du Fallafel (Le Marais):  A Paris icon for quick, affordable street food

Cafés & Bakeries

Café culture is a big part of student life in Paris,  whether you’re studying, meeting friends or just people-watching.

Student-heavy areas near universities are full of relaxed cafés, making daily life easier when you’re based in well-located student residences in Paris.

Markets & Street Food

Markets are perfect for students on a budget:

• Marché d’Aligre for affordable groceries
• Marché des Enfants Rouges for international food stalls
• Crêpe stands around the Latin Quarter for quick meals between classes

Discover Paris’s History & Student Neighbourhoods

Paris is a city you explore best on foot. Simply walking around lets you experience over 2,000 years of history.

The Latin Quarter

Home to some of Paris’s most famous universities, the Latin Quarter has been a student hub for centuries. Its narrow streets are packed with bookshops, cafés and affordable eateries.

Don’t miss:

• Rue Mouffetard
• Place de la Sorbonne
• The Panthéon (free for EU students under 26)

Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Montmartre feels like a village within the city. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is free to enter and offers stunning views over Paris.

Notre-Dame & Île de la Cité

While Notre-Dame is still undergoing restoration, the surrounding area remains one of the most beautiful parts of Paris.

Many of these neighbourhoods are popular with students thanks to their atmosphere, transport links and proximity to universities — all key parts of enjoying student life in Paris.

Nightlife in Paris for Students

Paris nightlife is diverse, international and easy to enjoy on a student budget.

Bars & Wine Bars

• Latin Quarter bars attract students from all over the world
• Canal Saint-Martin is perfect for relaxed evenings with friends
• Bastille is a favourite for affordable wine bars

Living in a well-connected student residence in Paris makes it much easier to enjoy nights out without worrying about long journeys home.

Clubs & Live Music

From underground techno to live jazz, Paris has it all. Many venues offer student nights or reduced entry, especially during the week.

Enjoy the Outdoors in Paris

Despite being a major capital city, Paris has plenty of green spaces where students can relax, study outdoors and spend time with friends.

Jardin du Luxembourg

A favourite among students, especially those studying nearby. Ideal for sunny afternoons, reading or revision sessions.

Canal Saint-Martin

One of the most popular hangout spots for students and young Parisians, perfect for picnics and social plans.

Bois de Vincennes

Paris’s largest green space, ideal for running, cycling or escaping the city without leaving it.

Having access to green areas, shared spaces and a strong sense of community is a big part of student living in Paris.

Shopping in Paris on a Student Budget

Paris is a fashion capital, but students know where to shop smart.

Le Marais

The go-to area for vintage shops and independent boutiques, ideal for affordable and unique finds.

Flea Markets

• Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen for vintage treasures
• Book stalls along the Seine for second-hand books and souvenirs

Why Paris Is One of the Best Student Cities in Europe

Paris combines academic excellence with culture, history and an unmatched social scene. Many of the city’s best experiences are free or discounted for students, making it possible to enjoy a high quality of life without overspending.

If you’re getting ready to move, you can start by browsing our range of student accommodation in Paris, designed to help you feel at home from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Paris as a student?

Visit major museums, explore neighbourhoods like the Latin Quarter and Montmartre, relax in parks and enjoy affordable food markets and nightlife close to your student accommodation in Paris.

Is Paris expensive for students?

It can be, but student discounts, free museums and choosing well-located accommodation make daily life much more affordable.

What free things can students do in Paris?

Museums (for EU students under 26), parks, walking along the Seine and exploring historic neighbourhoods are all free.