20 Tips for Traveling to Paris Solo

Paris is one of these cities that is truly a perfect place to travel alone. There are so many things for solo travelers to do, and because you’re amongst people in the street and restaurants all the time, you rarely feel like you’re alone. Being an avid solo traveler, I came to Paris many times by myself before finally moving here, and I can vouch firsthand that it’s a wonderful place to visit, with or without anyone else.

Feeling comfortable with being solo in Paris is extremely important, so doing a little preparation can ease any of the feelings of discomfort before you even take off. Having a mix of planned activities and space for spontaneity is one of my key recommendations, as Paris will surprise you with all the beauty when you’re not expecting it. Because I’ve traveled to Paris alone so many times, I’m going to share some of my biggest tips with you so you fully enjoy your solo trip to Paris.

Solo Pizza Dinner

1. Choose Your Neighborhood Carefully

Choosing the right neighborhood is important for a few reasons. I also recommend staying in a hotel rather than an AirBnB when you’re traveling solo. Having hotel staff around means there are people who see you coming and going and can help if you need anything. That said, being able to walk to and from dinner or an event is crucial to comfort when you’re by yourself. While I have yet to feel uncomfortable at night, I still recommend a good area for you when you’re by yourself and traveling to Paris.

I wrote an entire guide on where to stay in Paris as a solo female traveler, and it's a great way to choose the right neighborhood for your first trip, maybe even your second or third. Some of the areas I recommend are: Le Marais, Saint Germain, and the Latin Quarter. For more detail, definitely see the guide.

2. Don’t Overplan Your Itinerary

One of my biggest pieces of advice when planning any trip, no matter if you’re solo or with a group, is to not overplan it. Some of the most memorable and special moments come from the time you are wandering aimlessly or call an audible and do something totally different than what you thought you might do. Something I enjoy doing is having one thing each day planned, and the rest is left up to fate. And fate can be such a serendipitous thing when traveling. Planning 2, 3, or 4 things in a day makes each day a grind rather than a nourishing vacation for yourself.

3. Save Everything to Google Maps Before You Arrive

I’m a nut when it comes to saving anything and everything I want to do, have done and liked, or someone mentions that catches my attention. I’ve started to make individual map lists so that things are not blurred together, but I do have a massive Paris map that has so many amazing things that I’ve done or people suggest I do or I’ve seen somewhere that look interesting. This will save you loads of time if you’re trying to figure out what to do next.

4. Learn How Paris is Laid Out

Paris has twenty arrondissements, and they are laid out in the shape of a snail shell, or spiral. The 1st arrondissement starts smack in the middle of Paris, and they fan out from there, going clockwise until it reaches the 20th, which is at the top right of Paris on the Right Bank. Speaking of banks, there is a Right Bank and a Left Bank, and many Parisians are partial to one or the other. I like both, but I do live on the Right Bank.

5. Learn a Few Basic French Phrases

For the love of croissants, please say “bonjour” when you enter an establishment. This is a cultural norm, and one that is very serious in Paris. Whether it’s a boutique or a restaurant, a simple “bonjour” for daytime or “bonsoir” in the evening will get you far. Learning to say “please- s’il vous plait” and “thank you - merci” are also helpful. No need to enroll in private lessons, but a few key phrases will help your experience in Paris.

6. Get Travel Insurance

I’m not into pushing people to get travel insurance, but if your trip is somewhat non-refundable, or you fear not being able to go for one reason or another, it would be a good idea to consider purchasing some travel insurance. Check out my guide on travel insurance to see if it’s right for you. It may be, it may not be.

7. Think About Safety Before Your Trip

Is Paris safe for a solo female traveler? In my personal opinion, yes it is. But if you want more reassurance, definitely read about it in my guide. For me, I feel much safer in Paris than I did in even my home city in the USA. Yes, there are pickpockets, but this can be relatively easy to avoid if you’re carrying an appropriate bag and not letting your belongings splay out while having breakfast.

Arc de Triomphe While Walking to a Movie Theater

8. Walk Whenever It Makes Sense

I’m in love with walking in Paris, as you get to see so much that you wouldn’t see if you’re underground on the métro or riding in a rideshare. On one of my trips traveling to Paris alone, I stumbled upon the Musée d’Orsay, which I wanted to visit on that particular trip. It was perfect timing, as I was trying to decide my next activity, and voilà - there it was. Get yourself some good walking shoes, too. You’ll likely clock in the double digits every day you’re in Paris.

9. Learn to Use the Métro

I know I just went on and on about walking everywhere, but sometimes a girl’s gotta use the métro, and it’s a great tool to get from one side of the city to the other, especially if you’re short on time. My guide on how to get around Paris is super helpful for all of your options, métro included. The whole system is so easy to use, and I use it regularly when it’s raining or I need to travel far.

10. Use Buses When You Want to See the City

Buses are not my favorite, but a lot of my Paris friends swear by the bus, and I can see why. It’s nice to take a load off, be in an enclosed space, and look out your window while passing the Louvre on your right hand side. It’s a spectacular way to get a little reprieve from walking, and an even better mode of transportation so you can see what you’re passing instead of smelling someone’s armpit on the métro.

11. Don’t Be Afraid to Take a Taxi or Rideshare

We all succumb to a taxi or rideshare at some point in Paris, so don’t be ashamed if you need to do it. I was at a bar on the Left Bank with some friends recently, it was late, and we just wanted to get home. We took an Uber, and we had no qualms about it. Sometimes you just want to get to where you’re going, and a taxi or rideshare makes the most sense.

12. Use Guided Tours Strategically

Guided tours for solo travelers are such great ways to acquaint yourself with the city. Whether it’s a food tour or a city tour or a neighborhood tour, you’ll familiarize yourself a bit more with Paris. You’ll also potentially meet other people on the tour, and if nothing else, get some good information and conversation for a couple of hours. I’m a huge fan and often do one when I travel.

Seeing the Eiffel Tower Sparkle

13. See the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower can be seen from many parts of the city, and I highly recommend viewing her at any angle you can. I’m famous for stopping dead in my tracks when I spot the old Iron Lady, and I’ve seen her countless times. At night when the tower sparkles, it’s truly magical. People clap, get excited, and stand in awe while the twinkles happen. Don’t skip it because it’s touristy. Locals love it just the same.

14. Spend a Few Hours at a Museum

Maybe you like art, so you go to Musée d’Orsay, or maybe you want to know the history of Paris, so you check out the (free) Musée Carnavalet. Whatever museum you choose, you’ll be glad you hit one or two. Paris has so many, and many are free. If you’re like me, you like the free option because you don’t love spending your whole time in museums. Or perhaps you do. I’ll let you choose.

15. Wander Through Le Marais

Le Marais is truly one of my favorite places in Paris. It gets crazy crowded, especially on the weekends, but I absolutely love walking the narrow streets in the neighborhood and popping into shops as I stroll. It’s where I discovered some of my favorite clothing brands long ago, like Maje and Karen Millen. Take your time here, and soak it all up. Maybe get a falafel on Rue des Rosiers while you’re roaming.

16. Explore Saint Germain and The Latin Quarter

Geographically, you may be able to hit both of these neighborhoods, as they sit side-by-side. I’ll say that each likely deserves its own day, but if you’re pinched, you can hit the highlights of each. Definitely don’t miss Luxembourg Gardens - that could take a half a day in and of itself. It’s so peaceful and beautiful most of the year, and enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

17. Sit at a Café by Yourself

Essential! Bring a book, choose a little café, and just sit there for a while. Order yourself some l’oignon soup (French onion soup), a glass of vin rouge, and just hang out while you people-watch or read your book. There is nothing more French than this, and if your table is close enough to someone else, you may just strike up a conversation with your neighbor.

18. Have a Fabulous Meal Alone

It’s likely that if you’re traveling solo, you’ll be eating many meals alone, but I recommend making a date with yourself to a really nice place. Make a reservation somewhere you are dying to go, and take yourself out. If sitting at a bar/counter is more comfortable, do that instead. I love treating myself like the best date I’ve ever had, especially when I’m by myself in Paris. There’s no better place to do this.

19. Walk Along the Seine

Be a flâneur and walk along the Seine River with nowhere in particular to go. Grab a seat near the water if one is available and rest, knowing that you deserve it and appreciate the fact that you love yourself enough to have gone to Paris by yourself. This is one of my favorite things to do, and it makes me want to stop writing and do it at this moment.

20. Take a Day Trip from Paris

There are so many places just outside of Paris that you can go, and if you want to see one other place than Paris, I’d recommend buying a train ticket and getting out for the day. You can go to any number of places, including Versailles, Reims (Champagne area), Giverny to see Monet’s garden, or Fontainebleau. A day trip is totally manageable, and you can be back by evening.

Stumbling Upon the Cutest Street While Walking

While Paris solo is not for everyone, it might just be for you. If this is a city that captivates you and interests you, then my vote is to make it happen. Before I made the move alone (that’s how much I love Paris), I came here countless times by myself because it’s that comfortable. The city itself is a size that allows for seeing so much, and it’s very easy to navigate. If this is your first or second solo trip, be sure to read my guide on how to travel solo so you are even better prepared. Paris is waiting for you, all you have to do is show up.

If you liked this and found it helpful, you might also want to know about my favorite boutique hotels for solo travelers in Paris or where to stay in Paris for the first time.

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