My Solo Trip to Paris: What I Learned Traveling Alone

Paris had been on my radar for a long time. My original trip had been canceled in March of 2020, and I know I don't have to tell you why. The day I was departing for London and then Paris, the world shut down. As soon as I was able to reschedule, I did, and I planned my solo adventure to Paris. While it was still an interesting time to travel and people were a bit edgy, I was determined to get there and walk the streets of my favorite city. So I did.

My Favorite Statue in the Tuileries Garden

It's hard not to be a little nervous when you're heading to a foreign country where they don't speak your language. The good thing is that we can all do hard things, and I chose to overcome my nerves and go on the trip anyway. Anytime I travel somewhere alone and/or new to me, I make sure I take the best care of myself by preparing as much as possible. Here are a few things many solo travelers worry about:

Safety

The nice thing about Europe is that it's a generally safe place, particularly for female solo travelers. There's not a lot of violent crimes, but you do need to watch for pickpockets and scammers. Doing some preparation ahead of time to see what types of scams are typical for the city you go is a good idea, and always keep your most valuable things close to you in a tamper-proof bag or crossbody.

Eating Alone

I understand that it can feel uncomfortable eating by yourself. Paris doesn't make it very easy to do that with their reservation system, either. It's typical that they start you off at a party of two on their equivalent of Resy and Open Table. However, since you are just one, you can walk into most places and get a seat. Sometimes at the bar, sometimes at a tiny table for one. I often go early since Parisians eat later than many Americans, and rarely make a reservation.

Getting Around the City

When you arrive in a city jet lagged and tired, you don't want to do a lot of extra thinking about how to get to your hotel. Many of my solo trips to Paris will start with me taking a taxi or an Uber. As I've gone more, I take the RER train because I'm not so intimidated, but my first few trips by myself I budgeted for a service. While you're in the city, walking is the most preferred mode of transportation, the metro being the second. The metro is very easy to navigate, and Google Maps helps you with your route to a tee. I lay out the best ways of how to get around Paris in my guide.

Sunset in Paris

Spending whole days by yourself if you're not used to it can feel rather daunting. Because I work a lot alone, I am used to spending whole days alone, but in the comfort of my own home and in my known city. When I travel alone, I don't like to jam my days with activities because it leaves no room for inspiration and awe and magic. I took that advice with me to Paris, and my first solo trip to Paris was a success.

Morning

For this trip, I stayed in an unusual accommodation: a bed and breakfast. I want to note that these do not exist in Paris like they do in the US. It was actually a room with a bathroom in someone's personal apartment. While I'll never do that again (I'll only stay in hotels - and here is a list of ones I've stayed in and recommend for solo travelers) I did get a nice breakfast each morning. The hosts were annoying to me and wanted to talk a lot, and I realized I much prefer to have a croissant while walking or in my hotel room. I like to take slow mornings in Paris, as the city doesn't get going until later.

Afternoon

Afternoons in Paris for me were and still are spent wandering. I love getting lost in the streets, and I often do the Parisian thing of being a flâneur, which is someone who wanders without anywhere in particular to go. I've found some of my favorite shops and cafes by doing this. Not having a big schedule is a gift, and one that I give myself over and over when I travel to Paris by myself. I enjoy hitting a museum or waking through a garden, sometimes even lying in the grass amongst Parisians, not having a care in the world.

Evening

Sunset in Paris is one of the most stunning things you can witness. There are so many evenings I stand on one of the many bridges and watch as the sun goes down. The twinkling Eiffel Tower is in front of it, and it's putting on a show. Strolling the Marais or the Latin Quarter is one of my favorite things to do, as both neighborhoods are so lively and fun. You can pop into a wine bar like Le Willi's or to a traditional French restaurant like Les Philosophes. I don't feel unsafe into the evenings there, but use your judgment if you're alone. Go by what feels right to you as far as a turn-in time.

Beautiful Flower Shop in Paris

What I learned from traveling alone in Paris and many other places is abundant. There are things I've learned about travel, about myself, about other cultures. These are things I would never have been able to experience had I gone with another person or not at all. Getting out of my shell and my comfort zone has served me well in my solo travels, and my Paris solo trip(s) are no different.

1. Paris is one of the best cities to go solo
2. Being alone does not mean being lonely
3. Confidence comes from experience
4. You notice more when you're alone
5. Trust in yourself grows from traveling solo
6. The people you meet in your solo travels are priceless to your trip

Stunning Gates Near Saint Chapelle

I've got tips for making your first solo Paris trip a success. It's truly one of the most amazing places to go, much less to get to go alone. Let's prep you for some good times in your upcoming travels.

Where to Stay

While Paris is a compact city, you'll want to stay in the central part of the city. Neighborhoods like the Marais and the Latin Quarter are the perfect areas for a solo traveler, as there is much to do around each spot. Generally, as a first time traveler to Paris, I'd encourage you to stay in arrondissements 1-7. You'll be in walking distance to everything. I'm a right bank fan, and I rounded up my favorite boutique hotels for you here.

How to Stay Safe

I'm hoping that you're not a complete exposed nerve ending when it comes to traveling alone, especially to Paris. A little worry is normal, so I'll speak to those who are nervous but willing to go despite the fear.  Staying safe in Paris is rather simple. Keep your bags close to your body. Do not engage with people who want to wrap a bracelet around your wrist, ask you for change, or anything of the sort. Every big city has these issues, Paris no different. If nighttime activities make you uncomfortable, make sure to be in by a certain time or stay close to your hotel. And always let the hotel when you're leaving with a au revoir so they see your face.

How to Feel Less Awkward Alone

I've felt it, you'll feel it. It cannot be helped all the time. Awkwardness can follow us anywhere, and it might follow you to Paris. When I'm feeling the feels of being alone, I will often take a book with me and read while I'm sipping my vin at a cafe and eating lunch or dinner. I've taken tours so I break from the monotony of being by myself. I also talk to people when it presents itself because people do enjoy connection. You and I included.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Pretty much anything you can do with someone in Paris you can also do alone. The reality is that no one is looking at you (for long) and no one really cares. I've found that people are generally friendly when I am friendly as well, and while I am not the type to try to "fit in" anywhere, I do respect the culture when I'm traveling. It helps tremendously with how you are received. Paris will be the same, as they love their culture and want us to show regard for it.

Best Solo Activities When You Want Quiet

• Take a book to a cafe or the Seine and read it
• Go to a smaller museum, like Carnavalet or Rodin
• Walk and walk and walk - it's an outside museum
• Sit in one of the many gardens, like Tuileries, Palais-Royal, or Luxembourg
• Visit some of the most beautiful churches

Best Solo Activities When You Want Structure

• Take a walking or food tour
• Ride in a boat for a nighttime Seine River Cruise
• Book a guided museum tour (particularly the Louvre)
• Something I do is make a "find the best croissant" day or similar, and I go to bakeries and eat croissant all day

Best "Paris Moments" to Do Alone

• Admire the twinkling Eiffel Tower at dusk on the Champs de Mars
• Walk Montmartre and see the artists
• Get professional photos taken of yourself - I do this every time
• Buy something very Parisian, like a purse or clothes from a small boutique
• Be a flâneur
• Sit at a cafe for longer than you're used to and people watch. Put your phone away

Mornings in Paris as a Solo Traveler

My solo experiences in Paris, from the first until now, continue to help me grow as a person, to love myself deeper, to scratch the itch of personal development, and to get out of my comfort zone. Paris offers you anything from the most simple of pleasures like a glass of wine and a profiterole to life-changing moments. I've had both. Paris, to me, is the best place a solo traveler can go, especially when open to experiences and opportunities. So, without further ado, book yourself to Paris, and please take me with you.

If this was helpful, you might also like my itinerary and guide on a day in Paris and what to see in 3 days in Paris.

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