Paris is an amazing city to travel to. If you are planning a solo trip to Paris in France, I share my honest experience of traveling to Paris solo, including things to do when you solo travel to Paris, travel tips, where to solo dine in Paris, getting around and recommended places to stay when traveling alone in Paris. I hope this inspires you to visit!
Travelling Solo in Paris
Is Paris safe for solo female travellers?
If you’re wondering ‘Is Paris safe to travel alone?’ The answer is yes, the city is generally safe to travel to. As with any capital city there are areas that you need to avoid when you solo travel in Paris and you may feel more comfortable booking an Uber or taxi at night instead of taking the metro. I tend to avoid empty carriages at night and stick to well-lit areas.
There are pickpockets here so just keep an eye on your valuables at the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and metro stations. Areas like the Champs-Élysées, Le Marais, and Saint-Germain are usually safe. Some parts of the 18th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements (around Gare du Nord or Barbes), Pigalle and the area surrounding the Moulin Rouge can feel a bit sketchy at night. Expect some catcalling from French men too. They do like to charm! Just be cautious in the evenings and trust your instincts.
Conclusion – Is Paris safe for women? Yes, if you avoid the above you’ll have a fab time there. I was there solo and didn’t encounter any problems. If you do need assistance, 112 is the European emergency number, and 17 is for police assistance in France.
Solo Trip To Paris: Woman Travel Tips
Here are my Paris tips for your solo trip!
* Parisians have the reputation of being unwelcoming which I haven’t found to be true. They appreciate you trying to speak a few phrases of French whether that’s just “bonjour” (hello), or “merci” (thank you).
* The Champs-Elysees is more than one mile long so take some comfortable walking shoes with you to explore this famous street (You can read my Loom shoes review here).
* Be prepared for a long queue and a crowd when you see the Mona Lisa and for it to be smaller than you may have envisioned. I recommend buying a skip the line ticket so you don’t miss it during your visit.
* If you are a fan of the series, Emily in Paris, the Jardin du Luxembourg is an ideal spot for some nature and quiet time. It was inspired by Tuscan gardens and starred in the series.
* If you are planning to explore Paris, you have to experience the Metro. It’s fast, reliable, and gets you almost anywhere in the city. My tip is to buy a carnet of 10 tickets, which is cheaper than buying them individually. As for the yellow line (Line 1), it is actually the oldest metro line in Paris and each station has its own distinct design. One stop even has a word search integrated into the design.
* If you are staying in Paris for 2, 4 or 6 days, consider purchasing the Paris Museum Pass. It gives free entry to more than 60 top Paris attractions as well as priority entry. You’ll save some money during your trip and also make it easier for you to visit various tourist sites. * Buy the Paris Museum Pass here
* To make your solo trip to Paris even more fun, one of the fun things to do in Paris alone is to take yourself off to Disneyland Paris for the day! It’s easy to reach on the train from Paris and you can indulge your inner child and meet Mickey!
Things To Do in Paris Alone
1. Climb The Eiffel Tower
Paris is an amazing city to visit. If you are travelling to Paris alone, here are my 10 favourite places to visit in Paris as a solo.
Originally built for the World Exhibition in 1889, the Eiffel Tower was designed to be seen from any viewpoint. It’s a well-known landmark that represents the city of Paris. If you plan on visiting the city, you should definitely include the tower in your itinerary.
Take the elevator up the steel frame for a breathtaking view of Paris or just watch the tower from afar as it lights up and twinkles across the city on every hour. Discover more about the history of this iconic museum with a historic presentation and access to the summit. * Check rates & availability: Eiffel Tower Summit Ticket
2. See The Arc de Triomphe
Standing in the centre of a junction known as the Place Charles de Gaulle is the giant Arc de Triomphe. Commissioned by Napoleon, it was built to honour those who fought for France and is the largest arch in the world. It is home to the tomb of the unknown soldier and remains of national importance.
Visit the rooftop for panoramic views from the terrace, or spend your evening dancing the night away in the nightclub beneath it! * Check rates & availability: Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets
3. Window Shop at Champs-Elysees
The Champs-Elysees is one of the most famous avenues in the world. It’s a great tourist spot to visit, especially if you prefer to look around the city leisurely. Take some comfortable shoes to walk along the wide boulevards, street cafes and Parisian buildings as the avenue is 2 kilometres long!
4. See The Mona Lisa at Le Louvre
It’s not all about the Mona Lisa (which is really small when you get a chance to see it through the crowds). There are so many rooms in this palace that you can spend hours and hours here and if you love art, Roman sculptures, and Ancient Egypt then you will literally be in your element.
There are more than 30,000 items at Le Louvre so get an audio guide to learn more about this world-renown museum. It does get very busy so be prepared to queue or buy advance tickets to save you waiting in line.
If you want to see all the pieces inside the museum, be prepared to allot half your day going around the place. This way, you can appreciate the artwork and won’t need to hurry to get to the other places on your itinerary in the same morning. * Check rates & availability: Louvre Museum Ticket
5. Try Pierre Herme Chocolate
This French pastry chef is famous for his macarons and each year he surprises and surpasses his previous chocolate delicacies with fusions of new flavours such as apricot and pistachio or olive oil and vanilla. Although most people visit Laudree, a famous patisserie along the Champs Elysees, Pierre Herme’s should definitely be tried. (Address – 72 rue Bonaparte).
6. Get Arty at The Rodin Museum
If you enjoy sculptures then you will love the Rodin Museum – my favourite sculptor and one of the most famous sculptors of our time. The world-renowned works of Auguste Rodin include The Kiss, and The Age of Bronze. Stroll through the sculpture garden for giant sculptures of The Gates of Hell and my favourite; The Thinker. * Check rates & availability: Rodin Museum Guided Tour
7. Cruise Along The River Seine
The most well known of the French Rivers, the River Seine is 800 km long and flows from Dijon in the Alps. A mile and a half of the riverfront is now traffic-free with floating gardens. It’s a great place to visit after a long and busy day. Walk across one of the bridges or take a leisurely cruise along it instead and learn more about the Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower as you cruise past. * Check rates & availability: River Seine Cruise
8. Marvel at The Stunning Sacre Coeur
The Sacre Coeur is a stunning basilica and one of the most iconic monuments in Paris. Originally built from contributions by Parisian Catholics, the Sacre Coeur is on the top of Montmarte hill, with lots of tourist shops for those Parisian gifts (and prints of the Mona Lisa). A visit here is definitely worth the climb up the hill.
You could even save the Sacre Coeur towards the end of your trip to shop for some memorabilia you want to take home. Or see the Sacre Coeur on a Montmartre highlights walking tour as you wind through the streets and admire the landmarks. * Check rates & availability: Montmartre Walking Tour
9. Admire the City View
You can’t come to Paris without seeing a panoramic view of the city and there are a few different places to view the city. You can either see it during the day when the city is busy or at night when all the lights of Paris are on. I chose to climb the spiral staircase of the Sacre Coeur. There are 300 steps but the view is absolutely worth it.
10. Search For Icons at Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Walking around a graveyard may seem like a strange thing to do but I can guarantee you won’t be the only one doing it. It is one of the largest cemeteries in France and with fifteen famous people such as Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf buried here, it is definitely worth the spooky visit.
It is huge though and very easy to get lost. I actually spent three hours here and left without seeing the tombstones I had come to see so I recommend taking a tour of the famous tombs. * Check rates & availability: Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Paris at Night
Moulin Rouge
There are so many things to do in Paris on your own, and don’t let being single in Paris stop you from venturing out in the evenings either. In the entertainment district is one of the most famous shows of all, with semi-naked dancers, girls swimming with snakes and a fab ventriloquist to keep you entertained in-between the shows. Did I also mention that you get to drink champagne if you take the package? It’s a treat and a night to remember. * Check rates & availability: Moulin Rouge Show
Walking Tour
Exploring Paris at night just highlights how amazing this city really is. If you don’t fancy walking around in the evening by yourself then I recommend Guru Walks. They offer free Paris walking tours where you just give a donation at the end depending on how much you enjoyed the tour. Take a historic Paris walking tour, learn more about the Latin Quarter or Paris through the Revolutions or explore the area of Montmartre in a group. * Check all Free Paris walking tours
River Cruise
Enjoy an evening cruise along the Seine River, offering a relaxing way to see Paris lit up at night. As you sail, take in panoramic views of the city’s famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Orsay Museum, the Alexandre III Bridge, Concorde Square, the Petit and Grand Palais, and the Marie Bridge, among others. * Check rates & availability: Evening river cruise
Bus Tour
Or maybe you prefer to stay on land and take a bus tour of the city at night. You’ll see the Eiffel Tower, La Louvre and the Champs Elysees at their most beautiful on a 2 hour tour starting at Carroussel du Louvre. * Check rates & availability: Paris evening bus tour
Paris Tours
Get Your Guide is a platform that uses local tour companies and guides to help you book the top things to see in Paris. Choose from museum passes, bus tours and an evening at Moulin Rouge. Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people so not all of them are ideal for solo Paris travel but there are plenty to book as a solo and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. * Check rates and availability for all Paris tours
Best Areas To Stay in Paris For First Timers
Paris is easy to get around with the metro. If you’re unsure of the best area to stay in Paris for the first time, here are my recommendations. Just below the areas are recommended hostels and hotels too!
Where To Stay in Paris First Time
Le Marais: This historic district is a great choice for first-time visitors. It is centrally located and has plenty of attractions, such as the Place des Vosges, museums, and shops. Le Marais has a mix of old-world charm and modern style, with plenty of trendy cafes and restaurants.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: This neighbourhood is known for its artistic and literary history, and it is a great option for those who want to explore Paris’ cultural offerings. There are plenty of museums, galleries, and bookshops, as well as cafes and restaurants. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is also well-connected to other areas of Paris.
Latin Quarter: This area is known for its lively student vibe, with plenty of bars, cafes, and bookshops. The Latin Quarter is centrally located and has plenty of attractions, such as the Pantheon and the Sorbonne. It is also close to the Seine River and the Notre Dame Cathedral (which is being rebuilt after the devastating fire).
Montmartre: Montmartre is a picturesque neighbourhood located on a hill in the northern part of Paris. It has a bohemian vibe and is known for its artistic history, with many famous artists having lived and worked in the area. Montmartre has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as stunning views of the city from the top of the hill.
Where To Stay in Paris: Solo Traveller recommendations
In Paris, you generally get what you pay for so don’t expect too much from a hostel especially if you stay in a older building where you may have stairs to climb and thin walls but they are cheap and generally good places to meet others who are travelling in Paris alone. Here are my recommendations for the best hostels in Paris for solo travellers.
Best Hostels in Paris For Solo Travellers
The People Paris Belleville – This hostel has a nice sun terrace and a snack bar. There’s a library and a shared lounge and reception is open 24 hours so it’s ideal if you are arriving into the city late. * Check rates & availability: People Paris Belleville
The People Paris Bercy – This hostel is in a good location. The staff are helpful and the hostel has a cozy vibe that feels more like a boutique hostel. It’s close to the metro and a bus stop and has a bar to meet others. Plus, they have female-only dorm rooms. * Check rates & availability: People Paris Bercy
Best Paris Hotels For Solo Travelers
If you prefer your own privacy and the comfort of a hotel as an alternative to the best Paris hostels for solo travellers, these hotels have been recommended by our solo travel community! Note that even though these are the best Paris hotels for solo travelers, you may have to pay an added tax when you check in. * Click here for all Paris accommodation
Hotel Avenir Jonquiere – $
Although this hotel is a one-star, it has everything you need for your solo trip Paris on a budget. It is close to shops, restaurants and the metro and situated in a nice area. Take ear plugs if you are there on the weekends due to the nearby bar noise. Choose from a single or double room with a private bathroom. * Check rates & availability: Hotel Avenir Jonquiere
Motel One Paris-Porte Doree – $$
This 3-star hotel is a bit far from the city but it is close to a park and a good space to come back to at the end of an evening if you’re not planning to go out again. The rooms are really comfortable and clean and there is a lounge area and a bar. Breakfast is quite costly so you may prefer to go into the city and eat there before you sightsee. Choose from a king or queen room. * Check rates & availability: Motel One Paris-Porte Doree
Hotel La Conversation – $$$
This 3-star hotel is clean and welcoming and in a nice location next to a park and places to dine. The rooms are soundproofed, there’s a nearby supermarket and it’s close to two bus routes and a short walk to the metro station. Plus, they do a fab breakfast at an additional cost. Choose from a classic, deluxe or junior suite. * Check rates & availability: Hotel La Conversation
Hotel Aiglon – $$$
Located in the district of Montparnasse, this 4-star design hotel is modern and stylish. It’s close to the metro, has 24-hour reception, a dining room, bar and a lounge with a library so you can relax when you are not sightseeing. Choose from a cosy or classic room. * Check rates & availability: Hotel Aiglon
Getting Around Paris
Paris is generally easy to navigate your way around (if I can do it, you definitely can!) The metro is the best way to get around and the fastest. Or take the city bus if you don’t want to go underground. For taxis, Paris does use Uber and also an app called G7 that you may want to download before you arrive.
The RER is the train that tuns to the airport and also to Disneyland. There’s also a tramway which is a unique way to get around or take the Montmartre funicular to avoid the stairs at the Butte Montmartre. * Discover all ways to get around Paris
My Verdict on Traveling Paris Solo
Paris in France was somewhere I had dreamed about going for a romantic weekend and having lived just a ferry ride away in the south of England for so long, I really had no excuse not to have visited sooner, except that I was of course – single. Being single and romantic European breaks don’t usually go hand in hand, or so I thought…
Arriving into Paris at night, I felt it – the tingling of excitement as we drove past the Louvre, then the Effiel Tower. The magical feelings that London had once captured, now replaced by the draw of Paris. Okay, so the French accent may have been a plus and the fact that I think French men are the most charming men on the planet but this city was not how I imagined.
I had envisaged couples everywhere, kissing at iconic monuments, holding hands in French brasseries and gazing lovingly at each other on boat trips along the River Seine but there were hardly any couples in sight.
The conclusion – J’adore Paris! I have totally fallen in love with this city and you really shouldn’t let being alone stop you from travelling here. It’s so easy to get to from the UK with Megabus or Eurolines. Along with London, Shanghai and Dubai, Paris is up there for me. It’s not often I say this but: Paris, I will be back, only next time, it will definitely be on a romantic break – oh la la.
Solo Dining in Paris
Dining solo in Paris is a great experience, and it gives you a chance to practice your French too! If you are unsure where to eat alone in Paris, here are my recommendations.
Pierre Hermé – French cuisine is revered globally for its finesse and flavour, but the iconic macarons are a must-try when visiting. Pierre Hermé, often hailed as the “Picasso of Pastry,” creates some of the finest macarons in Paris. Each October, he celebrates his famous recipe, unveiling unique, seasonal flavours that are both a visual and culinary delight. So, if you’re in Paris during that time, make sure to indulge!
Pâtisserie de la Grande Épicerie – For iconic French pastries, visit the famous Pâtisserie de la Grande Épicerie, a must for indulgent tarts and éclairs.
Latin Quarter – The Latin Quarter is steeped in romantic history, but dining here can be tricky. Avoid touristy spots with English menus. A top recommendation is Semilla on Rue de Seine, offering a fresh take on French classics.
Flunch – For a budget-friendly meal, Flunch provides affordable French lunch options, ideal for a quick, casual bite.
République Area – Place de la République is a great spot for a relaxed stroll along Canal Saint-Martin. It’s full of quirky cafés, 2nd hand shops, and excellent coffee, perfect if you are seeking a laid-back atmosphere.
Saint-Germain is known for its chic restaurants and bars. Here are the best ones to try when traveling to Paris alone.
Café de Flore – One of Paris’ oldest cafés and a former haunt for intellectuals like Sartre, Café de Flore serves classic French fare like croque monsieur and indulgent hot chocolate. It’s perfect for people-watching.
Les Deux Magots – Just across from Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots is another historic café popular with artists. Slightly more upscale, it offers dishes like steak tartare and seafood, ideal for a leisurely lunch.
L’Avant Comptoir – A casual wine bar known for tapas-style French bites like foie gras waffles and mini burgers. This buzzing spot is great for a quick, fun solo meal.
Semilla – Semilla offers modern French cuisine in a lively yet relaxed setting. The menu features fresh, seasonal dishes perfect for a more upscale but informal dining experience.
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte – For a classic steak-frites experience, Le Relais de l’Entrecôte serves only steak with secret sauce and fries. Simple, busy, and delicious.
La Petite Cour – Hidden in a courtyard, La Petite Cour offers a more refined dining experience with modern French classics, ideal for solo diners seeking a quiet, charming atmosphere.
Travel Insurance For Paris
Paris is an iconic city to visit but travel insurance is always recommended for your holiday to cover you for any medical assistance especially if you’re travelling here solo.
True Traveller and World Nomads are insurance companies that I recommend. True Traveller is available to UK and European residents, and World Nomads is available to over 100 countries worldwide, including the USA and UK. For digital nomads, Safety Wing is a nomad insurance that covers people from all over the world.
All companies allow you to buy insurance when you are already on the road and offer different plans depending on your needs including additional adventure cover. * Check insurance cover and prices for True Traveller
N.b. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
I hope my girls guide to Paris has inspired you to take a Paris solo trip. It really is an iconic city that you should visit at least once in a lifetime and who knows, next time round you could come back in a couple!
