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Are you considering taking a solo trip to Paris? Maybe the timing isn’t lining up to go with friends or your partner. Or perhaps solo travel is simply your preferred way of exploring.
As Paris is widely known as a romantic destination, you may be wondering if it’s even possible to enjoy the “City of Love” alone. Since I’ve now officially visited Paris both as a couple and solo, I’ve got plenty to say on the matter.
The fact is that if you fixate on the couples walking hand in hand along the Seine, then sure, a solo trip to Paris could be sad. The good news is that this is completely unnecessary. From fashion to food to history, there are so many ways to do Paris your way.
Below, I am breaking down my own experience of enjoying Paris solo. Allons-y!
Solo Trip to Paris: What You Need to Know
Why Travel Solo to Paris?
I may be an occasional solo traveler, but I’m a reluctant one. I much prefer to explore cities alongside my husband, Aaron. So why did I travel to Paris without him?
- I’ve been studying French for years, and desperately wanted to test my skills in France. Aaron doesn’t speak French, so it was easier to practice without him there.
- I have a dear friend who lives outside Paris, and I’d always wanted to spend time with her in France.
- I had signed up for a writing workshop in Paris, so decided to stay a couple extra days to explore.
- I’d already spent two days in Paris previously, and had always wanted to return and see more.
- I wanted to reach Silver status on United Airlines, and needed at least one more international trip to get there.
Still confused about why I visited Paris alone, when I usually travel with my husband? The simplest answer is that he has limited vacation time, and I have much more flexibility than him as a travel blogger.
Top Attractions in Paris
Below are the top five places to visit in Paris. Obviously, there are way more attractions than this, but these are the iconic ones you should start with!
1. Eiffel Tower
2. Louvre Museum
3. Arc de Triomph
4. Notre-Dame Cathedral
5. Seine River Cruise
Paris First Impressions
As I’d been to Paris before, I’d already made my first impressions of the city. However, upon arrival, I was once again reminded of its beauty. The buildings are such a dreamy color palette of beige, cream, and light gray, with the iconic blueish gray rooftops you see in Emily in Paris.
Additionally, getting into Paris from the airport was a breeze, as I simply took the inexpensive RER train and the metro to my hotel in Montparnasse. As I was visiting in mid-July, the weather was sweltering, so I was thankful that my various hotels had air conditioning.
Finally, I found Parisians to be kind, despite rumors to the contrary. It does help to learn basic French before visiting. I always found that people were much warmer and friendlier when I at least attempted to speak the language.
Meeting Other Travelers
In a large city like Paris, there are so many ways to meet people. It’s simplest to stay in a hostel, where you are sure to encounter other solo travelers like yourself.
That said, I prefer hotels, so I like to meet people by taking tours. Sometimes, it even leads to sharing drinks afterwards, like during my Barcelona trip last year! In Paris, I loved exploring the Catacombs with Take Walks and doing a Montmartre food tour.
This recent solo trip to Paris was actually the most social I’ve ever been while traveling alone. It was nice to meet up with my friend, Christelle, who lives near Paris. Additionally, I met a fun group of girls at my writing workshop, and loved dining and grabbing drinks with them.
There are also several Facebook groups for solo female travelers that can connect you with other travelers or locals before your trip. Here are a few:
Paris Likes and Dislikes
There is a lot to love about Paris, but no city is perfect. Below are the things I liked and disliked during my solo trip to Paris.
What I liked about Paris
- Watching the Bastille Day fireworks over the Eiffel Tower from Pont Neuf.
- The Parisians. Try speaking a little French; people tend to be much friendlier.
- The ability to eat pain au chocolat and other pastries every day.
- Escaping the summer heatwave by doing a Catacombs tour.
- Exploring and eating snacks in Montmartre during a food tour.
- Spending an afternoon thrift shopping in the Marais
- Seeing gorgeous sunsets over the Seine.
- Channeling Paris writers before me by holing up in my hotel room and writing for my workshop, with only short breaks for coffee.
What I disliked about Paris
- Almost getting pickpocketed. Yes, I almost got pickpocketed at a metro station while stopping for thirty seconds to read a map. I heard my backpack unzip, and immediately turned to see two teenagers behind me. Thankfully, they were unsuccessful.
- Prevalent homeless people sleeping along the streets.
- Unbearable summer crowds at major tourist sights, like Versailles and Sacre Coeur.
- The locals’ leisurely walking pace. I am not Parisian enough to walk that slow.
- Practically nonexistent iced coffee on 100 degree days.
- Watching a girl almost get stuck between the doors of the metro because she wouldn’t get out of the entryway.
Safety in Paris
Like any other major city, exploring Paris as a solo female has some safety risks. However, if you take the same precautions in Paris that you would in a big city at home, you are more likely to avoid undesirable scenarios. This article goes even deeper into safety, and I absolutely recommend reading it before your trip:
- Petty crime: Pickpocketing is incredibly common in the metro and at major tourist attractions, like Sacre Coeur, in Paris. Like I just mentioned, I barely evaded a pickpocketing attempt myself! As a precaution, wear a money belt, or small cross-body bag that is easy to keep track of. Never keep your phone or wallet on a restaurant table or in your back pocket.
- Respect the Metro: Mind the gap between the platform and train and immediately get on board when you hear the warning bell. If you don’t think you’ll make it in time, just wait for the next train. They typically arrive every four or five minutes.
- Walking in Paris after dark: People stay out pretty late in Paris, and it generally feels safe to walk around at night. However, I recommend making any late walks back to your hotel well before midnight. Always try to walk quick and like you know where you are going. I also like to talk to Aaron on the phone when walking after dark.
- Be kind to your stomach: In Paris, you may encounter unpasteurized cheese or eat raw meats, like tartar and carpaccio. I was sidelined for two days with stomach issues after a cheese binge and another girl in my writing workshop got food poisoning from tartar. Still eat all the things, but pack a probiotic, just in case.
- Intense summer heat: Paris sees hotter and hotter summer days each year. I even did a food tour on a 106 degree F day! Beat the heat by packing light, breathable fabrics (avoid denim) and always carry a water bottle. Sunscreen is also nonnegotiable.
Should Females Take a Solo Trip to Paris?
Bien sûr! Not without normal precautions of course, but otherwise, go! You don’t need company to wander down charming historic streets, eat all the macarons, or enter every adorable boutique. It would be a shame to never visit Paris because the right travel companion doesn’t come along.
Yes, there may be times when you wish you could enjoy a romantic meal with a partner or share a drink with a bestie. However, why put off experiencing the best of Paris if you are able to go right now? Plus, you’ll never know the unexpected adventures you’ll encounter or people you’ll meet until you get there.
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I hope I have shown you that it is totally possible to fall in love with Paris while taking a solo trip. You don’t have to be lonely with the availability of so many walking tours and other unique experiences to try.
Plus, a city as iconic as Paris will sweep you off your feet no matter who you do or don’t travel with. The only question left is whether you will allow yourself the opportunity.
Are you thinking of taking a solo trip to Paris?
