Don’t let your fear of traveling alone hold you back. These tips will help.

I’m pretty happy being by myself. In fact, I would say I’m comfortably a 4.5 on the Five Stages of Being a Merry Loner. I’ve gotten to the point where going to the cinema with anyone else seems utterly ridiculous (it’s the least social activity imaginable), and there is not a shred of self consciousness when eating alone at a restaurant. Zilch.

So, you’d assume solo travel would be a breeze, right? Well, let me introduce you to my pal: anxiety.

The shortlist: 4 strategies to stop being scared of traveling alone

1. If you’re spiraling over all the what-ifs
2. If you’ve heard hostels are great—but you’re nervous about staying with so many strangers
3. If you’ve got major decision fatigue when traveling alone
4. If you’re overwhelmed by all the new sights, sounds, and smells

Coping with solo travel anxiety

My love-hate relationship with anxiety (he is, in his own way, trying to protect me) began at an early age. I was the kid who got nervous at sleepovers, the one who fretted whether his toys were getting along, and above all, the one who really hated change. And guess what? As it turns out, travel is just one long exercise in change: new beds, new people, new daily uncertainties.

Despite all that, I’ve somehow managed to survive (and occasionally thrive) through two months of interrailing around Europe and half a year of navigating Turkey and Southeast Asia. In fact, as I type, I’m in the process of packing my bags to head back to Vietnam. All on my merry lonesome. 

Whether you’re a proud loner or just Loner Curious, it’s still normal to be a little scared of traveling alone—but that doesn’t mean you have to let solo travel anxiety hold you back from your dream destinations.  

Let’s go hand-in-hand through some of the top reasons people have a fear of traveling alone—and come up with strategies to kick your solo travel anxiety:

More articles on solo travel: 

Solo Travel to Paris: Itinerary for Traveling to Paris Solo + 26 Things to Do Alone in Paris

I Don’t Like Traveling Alone—But I Keep Doing It Anyway

Alone at Night in Paris—Where to Take Yourself on a Solo Date

What does solo travel have to do with being a merry loner?

It's one of the most easily recognizable parts of the merry loner lifestyle. While I love traveling with friends, there's nothing quite like the freedom of solo travel—no waiting on others to make plans and no needing anyone else's company to justify the trip.

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1. You're spiraling over all the what-ifs

There is absolutely no getting around it: Traveling alone comes with uncertainty. In the bucketloads. 

You’re ditching the comfort of your own little bubble and swapping it for the big wide world. That can sound horrifically daunting, but taking it step by step is the way to go. And spoiler: The uncertainty and unknown is where the magic happens.

For me, the largest uncertainty was: “What if I can’t handle it?” For you, it might be: “What if I get ill?” “What if I hurt myself?” “What if I get stranded in an airport with the wrong visa?” 

Whatever it is, these are just the what-ifs, and they are a very, very natural response to the prospect of solo travel. Your brain is simply trying to prepare for the worst-case scenarios. 

It’s a pain in the arse, don’t get me wrong—but the less attention you give these thoughts, the less intense they become.

Tip: Prepare for your biggest solo travel fear—then let the rest go.

There’s a fine line between preparing and over-preparing. 

Obsessive planning tells your nervous system there’s something to fear, which keeps you stuck in anxious loops. Instead, pick one major thing to plan well, and let the rest go.

For me, that involves doing a decent amount of research on accommodation options. I’m not a party-person anymore, so ending up in a rowdy hostel or in a hotel next to a club is nightmare-fuel. Once I know that where I’m staying will be quiet, comfortable, and welcoming, a lot of my what-ifs calm down.

For you, that might look like researching good restaurants, being near a medical centre, or staying in the safest neighbourhood in the area.

Then you have to stay firm and not fall into the trap of prepping for everything else. Remind yourself you have sorted out your main concern and that you can handle whatever else is thrown your way.

2. You’ve heard hostels are great—but you’re nervous about staying with so many strangers

Storytime: After five dreamy days in the Algarve, beach-hopping, making new friends, and feeling freer than ever, I booked the first decent-reviewed hostel I could find en route to Seville. 

Big mistake. 

The place revolved around drinking games (conveniently held right outside my bedroom), and I shared a dorm with a 60-year-old whose snores registered on the Richter scale. As I lay there, bed shaking from the aftershocks and sleep deprived, I promised myself: no more rushed hostel bookings.

For us Merry Loners, hostels can present all sorts of hurdles and challenges. Of course, you can choose to avoid them entirely—but they’re affordable, and meeting people from all over the world is one of the best parts of travel (yes, even as a loner).

Tip: Look for quiet, non-party hostels

My top tip for you if you have solo travel anxiety about overcrowded hostels is to pick hostels that aren’t considered very social. 

There are a few ways to find these. First, look at the reviews. If you see things like “Really nice place, just a little quiet,” cha-ching! You’ve hit the jackpot. 

Second, avoid any hostel with an on-site or nearby bar (double-check the pictures for this). Next, don’t go with the cheapest option. You pay for what you get in hostels, and cheapo ones typically attract the loud crowds. 

I’m aware that it might sound like I’m setting you up for a boring stay, but keep in mind that for us introverted solo travelers, a place that is considered “not very social” to others could offer the perfect level of interaction for us. It also means you’re more likely to meet like-minded travelers.

A few more quick tips if you’re anxious about traveling alone and staying in a hostel:

If you’re staying in dorms, every week or two, book a couple days in a private room or move to a hotel.

If you’re a people-pleaser, practice saying no. Saying yes to everyone and every offer you receive is exhausting—people won’t mind if you decline.

3. You get major decision fatigue when traveling alone

Waking up each morning with a clean slate ahead and not having to cater to anyone else’s needs is unbelievably liberating. “Hmmm, today I think I’ll spend the morning at the beach, the afternoon at a cosy café with my book, and the evening eating good food with a view— bliss.”

There is, however, a negative to all this choice: decision fatigue. 

I’m not the most decisive person (at the best of times), but if you throw in tiredness, language barriers, and a steady stream of revolving new situations, I’m like a deer in headlights. 

I’m aware this sounds a little ridiculous.“Oh, poor you, having to decide what to do each day while traveling around the world must be so hard.” I get it. Plenty of my friends and family would kill for that challenge. But it’s a very real thing, and not having anyone to share decision-making responsibility with is tiring when you’re traveling alone.

Tip: Stick to routines, and keep your itinerary light

Routine is a key part of your life, whether you’re conscious of it or not. So when you’re on the road, finding structure is important. 

Try to stick to the same sleep/wake cycle when possible; develop an exercise schedule (however light); and attempt to eat meals at similar times each day.

Speaking of meals, don’t feel bad about eating at the same place for several days (or weeks) in a row. There’s great pressure when traveling to try all the amazing foods on offer, but sometimes having a regular spot you know and love can really reduce decision fatigue. 

I would also really recommend booking in “do nothing” days. 

It’s very tempting to pack your calendar full of activities so you don’t miss out on anything. Great on paper, absolutely rubbish in reality—you’ll soon crash and burn. If I’m in a place for a week, I block out at least two to three days for relaxing, laundry, life admin (the new Gym, Tan, Laundry for those Jersey Shore fans).

4. You’re overwhelmed by all the new sights, sounds, and smells

This point might not apply to you, but I wanted to include it because it’s something I’ve had to manage—and I have a sneaking suspicion that if you also enjoy time alone, you might be a little sensitive to sensory input, too.

Sensory processing sensitivity is a heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli (try saying that quickly), like light, sound, smell, and touch. Basically, if you find yourself squirming when loud emergency vehicles soar past or you’re someone who hates overhead lights and opts for lamps and candles, you might fall into this category. 

It’s actually very common, with 15-20% of the population believed to experience the world in this way—so it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It can, however, impact how you take in the world when you’re on the road.

One of the most amazing things about travel is that everything is new. It’s like seeing the world through a toddler’s eyes, and it makes you realize how switched off you can be in normal life. But after a while, all these new sights, smells, noises, and tastes can feel a little too much, making the magic of a busy Bangkok market turn into a sensory slaughterhouse.

Tip: Pack gear to help you find your zen

This will depend on which sense is the most sensitive for you. For me, that’s sound, so  I won’t travel anywhere without my noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs. These two tools help bring the noise down to a far more manageable level and make me feel more in control of my environment.

If harsh lights bother you, I’ve found baseball caps and/or sunglasses are great, while steering clear of markets or harbors is best when smells are too much.

When in doubt, one of the best things you can do for sensory overload is to book a hotel room and allow yourself to withdraw from the world. Take a day or two with the curtains drawn, order food, and situate yourself horizontally. You’ll soon feel yourself again.

If imagining noisy, crowded environments is enough to get your solo travel anxiety going, then let’s take a look at some of the quieter spots you could enjoy on your travels: from the rivers of Yellowstone to the beaches of Ericeira to the cats of Istanbul.

I got over my fear of traveling alone—and you can too

If you had asked my friends a few years ago who among us would be the most likely to travel alone, I would have been rock bottom on the list—not due to my fear of being alone (quite the opposite) but due to solo travel anxiety. 

But  if I can do it, you absolutely can.

If you’re headed off on your first solo trip, then it’s normal to be feeling scared of traveling alone. To be honest, yes—you might have the odd wobble. But you’ll learn a lot about yourself (cliché, but true), meet some seriously interesting people, and have an adventure you’d never get sitting at home wondering, “What if?” 

So start your research (but not too much), pack your bags, and go forth into the big wide world, even if you’re still a little anxious. You got this. 

Daniel John

Daniel John is a freelance copywriter from the UK who spends his days writing words for brands across industries—from travel to automotive to mental health. When not working, you’ll most likely find him behind the lens coaxing cats into posing for the camera. You can see some of his professional work at danieljohncopy.com

danieljohncopy.com

Next Steps:

Start planning your solo trip. If could be close to home, like a weekend away in the next town. Or it could be a dreamy, long-haul vacation like a solo trip to Paris. If that’s the case, I’ve got your 7-day solo travel Paris itinerary.

Get a little more solo travel courage. If you’re not convinced about the value of solo travel, read this essay: I Don’t Like Traveling Alone—But I Keep Doing It Anyway.

Build some solo travel inspiration. Get yourself in the mood for solo travel planning with these 21 quotes for traveling alone. 

Use the image below to save this post to Pinterest so these tips are there when you need them. 

Discover how the merry loner lifestyle makes life more enjoyable:

LONER MINDSET: fresh perspectives on learning to genuinely enjoy your own company

BOOKS: reading lists for people who love being alone with a good story

ANALOG LIVING: inspiration to step back from the screen and live a life offline

SOLO TRAVEL: guides on where to go and how to enjoy it alone

MINDFUL CONSUMPTION: vetted recommendations for a simpler, less wasteful life

LONER Q&As: interviews from global voices on how to live a meaningful, enjoyable life

Feeling Lonely?

I believe a happy life starts with learning to love your own company.

Every week, I write a newsletter with notes on books, analog living, solo travel, and mindful consumption—the pillars of what I call the Loner Mindset.

Because when you can be happy on your own, you can do anything.

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The post Scared of Traveling Alone: How to Deal with Solo Travel Anxiety appeared first on A Merry Loner.

Your cheatsheet for solo travel to Paris, including a solo Paris itinerary and a list of the best things to do alone in Paris.

Oh, Paris. One of the most romantic cities in the world. So what do you do if you’ve booked yourself a solo trip to Paris? First of all, don’t despair! (Remember: There’s nothing to fear in being alone.) 

Instead, pack a trench coat and a Breakfast-at-Tiffany’s-inspired pair of sunglasses and get ready to romantically wander the streets like you’re in your very own movie montage. (Spoiler: The cigarette smoke is aplenty (no, duh). And like any big metropolis, the streets are dirty.) 

Ah, Paris. 

Here’s your cheatsheet for traveling to Paris solo, including:

• Fun Things To Do Alone in Paris
• Where to Eat Alone in Paris
• Where to Shop Alone in Paris
• Best Neighborhoods for Traveling Alone in Paris
• Cheap or Free Things To Do Alone in Paris
• Things To Do Alone in Paris At Night
• Tips for a Solo Trip to Paris
• Tips for Traveling Paris Solo for Women
• Solo Trip to Paris Itinerary
• What I Learned from My Solo Trip to Paris

Fun Things To Do in Paris Alone: How to Sightsee Solo in Paris

IMHO, sightseeing alone can actually be really fun. 

For one, you don’t have to make any compromises. If you feel like hitting the ground running at 08:00 to pack in four museums, you can. Or if you don’t feel like a tourist chomping at the cultural bit, you can also be super lazy and spend the day doing little more than wandering around from café to café. 

After all, when you’re A Merry Loner, you’re in charge. 

When I went to Paris for the first time, I was completely on my own. 

This was back in 2017 when I had just turned 20 years old. Full of optimism, curiosity, and all the clichés I’d heard about Paris throughout my life, I boarded a plane (my second flight ever, at that time) from Boston to Paris. I was en route to Rennes for a six-month study abroad program but would spend the first weekend exploring Paris. 

Here’s a recap of some of things I did while traveling alone in Paris:

1. Eiffel Tower

Of course. Because can you go to Paris for the first time without visiting the Eiffel Tower? 

Since I was visiting the city in the first week of January, it was still blasted cold. (But I was wearing a new furry headband I had just gotten for Christmas, so I felt unstoppable.) 

Naturally, on the day I decided to visit the Eiffel Tower, it was completely gray and overcast. I waited in line alone probably for 40 minutes, schlepped up the stairs and tiny elevator by myself next to couples and families with tiny, shrieking kids, and then peered out over the horizon. 

Nothing but gray skies and murky clouds. 

It was great! Even though I couldn’t see a Goddamn thing, I was full of that first-time-in-Paris, giddy excitement, and I didn’t care. 

My advice for solo traveling in Paris: Don’t skip the Eiffel Tower. Even if it seems super lame and touristy. I’ve been to Paris several times since and have never gone again (and I probably never will). But, being the quintessential icon of the City of Lights, this is one moment you don’t want to miss.

2. Arc de Triomphe

After my first day alone in Paris, I met up with a family friend who was living in the city at the time. She was studying for her master’s (some engineering something, I don’t remember) and was kind enough to take me on a little tour around the city. 

Our first stop? The Arc de Triomphe. 

Really, this is just a quick photo-op moment. Located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is at the center of an enormous roundabout. (Yes, even the roundabouts are fancier in Paris.) 

TBH, we didn’t stay here for more than a few minutes. But if you’re in the area (which if you’re a tourist traveling solo in Paris, then you probably will be), make sure you remember to stop for a look. 

Pro tip: Visit the Arc de Triomphe at sunset like my friend and I did for the best Kodak moment. 

If you want to learn some actual historical information about the famous monument (Fun Fact: Its full name is Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile), you can read this article about the history of the Arc de Triomphe.

3. Seine River Cruise

While I did spend quite a bit of time walking along the Seine River during my solo weekend in Paris, I didn’t have the time (or the cash) for a Seine River Cruise. (I did go on a river cruise in Strasbourg a few months later, but that’s a different story for a different day…)

Checking out the Seine River is a must-have on any trip alone to Paris. And honestly, if you’re spending any amount of time walking around the city, it’s pretty hard to miss it. But if you want to do more than just look at the river and actually go for a little joyride, you could check out a Seine River cruise. 

This is particularly a great option for a woman traveling in Paris alone. If you want to do some sightseeing at night but are wary of wandering around on your own, then consider booking a river cruise with a group of other tourists. This way, you can see the sparkly Parisian lights on the water’s surface—without feeling nervous about walking alone in the street.

If you’re worried about river cruises that look like scams, try doing a search on TripAdvisor. You can read reviews from people who have already booked so you get a few insider tips before you sign up.

4. Gardens

In my first weekend solo in Paris, I didn’t have enough time to head to any of the city’s famed gardens, but I wish I had. Even in winter, I hear this is one of the best things to do in Paris by yourself. After all, who doesn’t love a little romantic stroll through a luxuriously manicured garden? 

So don’t be like me. As you plan your solo trip to Paris itinerary, make sure add a stop to one of the city’s better-loved gardens, like:

• Luxembourg Gardens
• Jardin des Tuileries
• Coulee Verte Rene-Dumont
• Jardin du Palais Royal

Need some inspiration? Read the reviews from TripAdvisor to help you plan which gardens you want to visit.

5. Sacre Coeur

I visited Sacre Coeur on my very first night in Paris. But while the view was certainly dazzling, it’s not necessarily my favorite memory. 

Long story short, it was late at night. It was dark. I was lost. I didn’t have a phone. And I was pretty sure I was being followed by some questionable fellows … 

Fortunately, nothing bad happened. But as always, when you’re traveling alone in Paris (or otherwise), remember to play it safe. 

My recommendation: Sacre Coeur is a must-see. But if you’re traveling alone, you’re likely better off visiting during the day. 

6. Museums

No, duh. No matter where you go, visiting museums is usually the #1 recommended thing to do if you’re traveling alone. And Paris is certainly no exception. 

With all of the millions of travel blogs out there, I’m not going to stun you with any “insider” travel tips by telling you to visit a museum in Paris. So I won’t bore you with a list. 

Instead, here’s some advice for visiting museums alone in Paris: Don’t try to visit more than two museums in a day. 

Why? Museums are tiring. I think we all know that. No matter how much of a history/art buff you are, at the end of the day, there’s only so much museum the average human can take. So don’t push it. 

By not trying to pack in too many culture trips, you can slow down and fully explore all the exhibits you want to. Better yet, you can skip the paintings you don’t like (because WGAF?) and stand for seven minutes staring in silence at that one painting that really says something to you. After all, that’s what museums are for. Not for saying, “Look at me. I went here and did this and saw ALL the things.” 

Bonus: You’ll save money by only buying admission for 1-2 museums! 

Related Posts:

• Alone at Night in Paris—Where to Take Yourself on a Solo Date
• What I Learned Traveling the World Alone Without My Partner
• I Don’t Like Traveling Alone—But I Keep Doing It Anyway

Exploring Paris Alone? Reserve a Table for One. 

We Merry Loners are not afraid to go to a restaurant, walk up to the hostess and say, “Table for one, please.” In fact, we like it! So if you’re exploring Paris alone, don’t hesitate to book yourself a fancy Parisian dinner for one. 

French cuisine is pretty damn rich. And I’m not just talking about the flavors. There’s A LOT to talk about here. But for the non-foodies, I’ll keep it short and sweet. 

Here are my recommendations for foodie things to do in Paris alone:

1. Go on a food tour

Some people think they’re dorky, but you know what? I’m actually a big fan of tours! I think they’re a pretty fun, easy way to see a lot and learn a lot while traveling. 

If you really want to stuff your face with try a lot of different French dishes, then a food tour is your best bet to maximize variety in a short amount of time. 

Since I have celiac disease and, thus, can’t eat gluten, this is sadly an activity I can no longer partake in. To find good food tours in Paris, I recommend checking out TripAdvisor and reading their traveler reviews. 

Expert tip: If you want to learn more about French cuisine (from an anglophone!), I invite you to check out my friend Ally’s food blog, Nigella Eats Everything. 

2. Go on a wine tour

No gluten to be found here! Which means a wine tour is still totally up my alley. (In fact, my drink of choice used to be a pint of beer before getting diagnosed with celiac disease. But after working in a wine bar and moving to France, I’ve since become accustomed to a nice glass of Bordeaux.) 

But I digress. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Paris alone and those fun things sound like wine to you, then why not go on a wine tour? Sure, you can cruise into any old bar solo. But maybe you’re shy. Or maybe you want to imbibe in a few glasses and are worried about getting a little tipsy on your own. 

A wine tour, then, is the perfect scene for a solo traveler in Paris to do a little mingling while you let that Bordeaux flow. 

Plus, did I mention cheese? I think that’s ‘nough said. For example, this champagne and cheese tour in Paris, um, exists. Seriously … I live down south in Toulouse right now, but this is making me want to visit the capital again. (It’s been awhile.)

3. Take a cooking class

Ugh! To be able to take a cooking class in Paris! Since I have celiac disease (diagnosed about three years ago), this is sadly now off the table for me. But just listen to these:

• Learn How to Make Macarons
• Learn to bake French Croissant with a Pastry Chef
• Paris Evening Cooking Class with 3-Course Dinner and Optional Market Visit

Sigh. (Not going to lie—I’m getting a little FOMO just reading these. If you don’t have a problem with gluten (You lucky, bastard! *shakes fist*) and you like the sound of taking a cooking class during your solo trip to Paris, you can explore these options and more on TripAdvisor.)

If you’re allergic to gluten, you’re gluten intolerant, or you have celiac disease like me, don’t despair. While we can’t indulge in a croissant, a Croque Monsieur, or pretty much any typical French pastry, there IS still French cuisine we can enjoy while traveling solo in Paris. 

In fact, I’m working on a blog post about gluten-free travel in Paris. If this interests you, you can sign up for A Merry Loner’s Newsletter to be notified when it’s published.

4. Have a traditional French breakfast

If you’re touring Paris on your own AND you’re doing it on a budget, then signing up for extra tours and classes may not be the most economical choice. But don’t fret! 

In fact one of the best things about France is how affordable the food is. (Okay, this may not necessarily be true in Paris, where food is about 7.2% more expensive than the French provinces … But still. You’re likely to find that it IS cheaper than most American cities. (But that’s a topic for another today.)) [Source: Statista]

Long story short: While you’re traveling alone in Paris, you can definitely get yourself a traditional French breakfast without having to spend more than a few euros.

What do I mean by a traditional French breakfast? Why, an espresso and a cigarette, of course.

Kidding. (Not kidding.) I don’t smoke, and I in no way, shape, or form mean to suggest that you should.

No. This is what I mean by a traditional French breakfast:

• A croissant (duh). But it doesn’t have to be just a croissant. Consider a slice of bread with jam and/or butter or another sweet pastry. The most important takeaway is that the French nine times out of 10 opt for a sweet breakfast instead of savory. 
• An espresso. ‘Nough said. 
• A glass of orange juice. The French love their freshly-squeezed orange juice. And … are they wrong? This is definitely something I’ve been doing more often since moving here. And I love it.

And voila! The best part is, it’s all super cheap. So tuck in! 

What To Do Alone in Paris? Stroll and Shop on Your Solo Paris Trip

To be honest, I’m not a big fan of shopping while I’m traveling. When I was younger, I used to love to shop for clothes as souvenirs. I picked up a leather trench coat in Korea, another leather trench coat in Poland, a hat and two pairs of boots in France, another pair of boots and a leather vest in Mexico, a suede jacket in Nashville … (Can you sense the trend?) But as I get older, I don’t feel the need to buy as much as I used to. At this point, it’s been years since I bought new clothes.

But if there’s one place where you might want to get a few souvenirs (particularly of the fashion variety), it’s Paris. 

Here are a few fun places to shop in Paris on your own:

1. Strut your stuff on the Champs-Élysées

Oh, Champs-Élysées … OH, Champs-Élysées! (If you studied French in school, your teacher may have made you listen to this song by Joe Dassin. (At least mine did.) But again, I digress. 

The Champs-Élysées doesn’t need much introduction. (But if you want some more background information, go crazy reading its Wikipedia page.) Remember, this is where the Arc de Triomphe is located. It’s also home to the finish line of the Tour de France cycling race and the annual Bastille Day military parade. 

TLDR; what does that mean for your solo Paris trip? Shops, baby. Lots and lots of shops, like Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Longchamp.

… 

…

… Uhh … yeah. If these are way out of your price tag, then same. And same for most people in the world, really. But it’s still fun to look at! In fact, this is probably one of the best things to do in Paris alone: spend the afternoon perusing the shops on Champs-Élysées, taking in the sights and maybe a coffee or two. Remember, it costs nothing to window-shop! 

2. Dress like a French woman at Galeries Lafayette

ICYMI, Galeries Lafayette is one of the most famous luxury department stores in the world (also conveniently located on the Champs-Élysées).

To be honest, visiting a department store doesn’t exactly sound like my idea of fun things to do in Paris, solo or otherwise. But there is something different about Galeries Lafayette. For one, it’s shiny and pretty. 

Plus, whether you want to buy anything or not, I do think it’s fun sometimes to check out stores in another country and see how it differs from at home. 

And let’s not forget the most important reason to visit Galeries Lafayette: If you do buy a hat or a pair of shoes or an overpriced perfume or other bauble and you do happen to get compliments on it when you return home, then you can gasp and respond pretentiously, “Why, this old thing? Where did I get it? In France, darling, from the shops at Galeries Lafayette when I was traveling Paris solo. Ooh, la la.”

3. Find hidden treasures at a flea market

Even if you’re not in the market to buy, it’s always fun to kill some time strolling through a flea market. And isn’t that fun instantly intensified when it happens to be a Parisian flea market? 

Personally, my favorite kind of flea market to stroll in Paris is the kind selling mostly books and artwork. Even if you don’t speak French, it can still be fun to come home with a pretty French book as a souvenir. And if you do speak French, then I highly suggest you take this opportunity to stock up! 

Now that I live in France, I can (obviously) buy as many French books as I please. But when I was living in the States, I found it really hard to get my hands on French books that weren’t just for language learning. So whenever I found myself on vacation across the pond, I always made a point to buy a few French books. (Best of all, you can usually snag second-hand books at a flea market for just a few euros!)

Of course, there are a lot of other things to shop for at flea markets in Paris, other than books. For example, you could do some souvenir-shopping for: 

• Artwork
• Postcards
• Clothes
• Home decor
• And more

Since relocating to France, I’ve discovered Better World Books, which is an awesome online second-hand bookstore. Best of all, they sell books in many different languages, like French and Spanish. (Ironically, I discovered this website in my search for English books now that I live in France.) What I like the most about it is that you can buy new and used books—and you can get free international shipping. Like a lot of people, I detest paying for shipping, so this is a huge win for me. If you’re looking for foreign language books or just good-priced second-hand books, feel free to browse the selection at Better World Books.

4. Grab a book at Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare and Company is one of the most well-known and well-loved tourist hotspots in Paris—and for good reason! 

Located across the way from Notre Dame, this English-language bookstore was founded by American George Whitman and has been in business since 1951. Since then, it’s become a famous meeting place for anglophones. You can read more about the history of Shakespeare and Company. 

Best of all, the bookstore also has an add-on café, where you can get all the fancy coffees and cakes your heart desires. I’ve visited this bookstore several times (alone and with friends). In fact, it was one of my first stops during my solo trip to Paris in January 2017! 

For all those romantic bookworms who dream of traveling to Paris solo, this is one stop you don’t want to miss. 

Traveling Alone in Paris: Best Parisian Neighborhoods for Solo Travel

Really, there’s no shortage of solo things to do in Paris. I’m pretty sure that wherever you go, you’ll be able to stumble upon something new and exciting to interest you. That said, certain parts of the city do lend themselves more to the style of European delights most tourists are looking for. 

In my humble opinion, these are the best Parisian neighborhoods to check out if you’re in Paris solo:

1. Montmartre

First, Montmartre is most well known for its artsy, bohemian atmosphere. In other words, if you’re looking for a good place to stroll around in your cutest travel outfit and take Instagram pictures for your fans, then this is it. 

There are a lot of tourist attractions in Montmartre, like Sacre Coeur, Place du Tertre, and many others. 

Naturally, Montmartre was one of the first neighborhoods I visited when I was exploring Paris alone. Particularly, I remember spending the evening in a very cutely decorated café, where I enjoyed my first real crêpe and apprehensively spoke French with the friendly waiter. (Sadly, I can’t recommend the café, since I just waltzed into a random place.) 

Note: I think I’m the only one who feels this way, since pretty much every other travel blog I look at says Montmartre is a very safe area both day and night, but I felt a little unsafe there. This is only my experience and perhaps I was just being young and scaredy, but as I walked through the neighborhood alone at night as a 20-year-old girl just out and about exploring, I definitely felt wary of the eyes following me. There were even a few strangers who approached me and tried to talk/walk with me, which I really could have done without. So it’s worth noting (no matter where you are), if you are traveling to Paris alone as a woman, take care of where you go, especially at night. And be careful.

2. Latin Quarter

Another famous neighborhood in Paris, the Latin Quarter is another hotspot to include in your solo trip to Paris itinerary. 

What makes it so special? For starters, it’s located near several universities, including the Paris City University and the Sorbonne, so there’s a heavy student influence in the neighborhood. (In other words, it’s where the cool kids are.) 

Plus, there are many notable tourist attractions in this area, like:

• Shakespeare and Company (remember this?) 
• Musée Cluny (a Medieval art museum)
• Panthéon (an 18th century monument, because can you get enough of those?)
• Jardin du Luxembourg (for very manicured, not-very-natural nature)

3. Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Yet another place in Paris to stroll, sip coffees, take pictures, and all around feel like a gal in a music video: Saint-Germain-des-Prés. 

First, for all your romantic daydreams and musings, I suggest you check out Café de Flore. This is one of the oldest coffeehouses in Paris and is supposedly where many high-profile writers used to hobnob back in the day.

Today, Saint-Germain-des-Prés remains a very literary neighborhood. If you’re a traveling bookworm, you’ll find lots of quaint bookstores to explore and you can thrill yourself knowing this quarter was the center of existentialist movement (think Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir) during the 1940s/50s. [Source: Wikipedia]

Even More (Cheap) Things to Do Alone in Paris

As I always like to say: “Sure, it’s fun to travel pretty much anywhere if you’re a millionaire.” But what about us lowly common folk? You know, those of us not swimming in a pool of hundred-dollar bills who are just trying to find some fun solo travel Paris activities that won’t bankrupt us? 

Worry not. Although Paris is an uber-expensive city, you can certainly find plenty of fun things to do solo in Paris that won’t break the bank. Here are five:

1. Go for a bike ride

In my opinion, biking is a great way to get to know a city. When I lived in Toulouse, I used to take the bike almost every day to get around—but only after living there for a year. In the beginning, I mostly took the metro/tram and/or walked. But once I started taking the bike, it was like I saw the city with a whole new set of eyes! 

Even if you don’t live in Paris full time and own a bike, you can still easily bike around the city. You can either rent a bike for a whole day or even a few days—or just use the city bikes to hop between neighborhoods. 

It’s an affordable, healthy, and ecological way to travel. What more do you need? 

2. Go on a walking tour

Years ago, I used to kind of roll my eyes at the idea of going on a tour. To me, they seemed pretty overpriced and lame, and I always preferred just exploring the city on my own. 

But in the last year, my husband and I have started going on tours wherever we travel—and we love it! (Stay tuned for reports on tour recommendations in Dublin and Barcelona.) 

Don’t get me wrong: I’m 100% an advocate for just wandering around and getting lost in a new city. This, I think, is the best way to get a natural feel for the city’s daily life. But if you really want to learn (about history, art, culture, whatever), then I believe the best way is with a dedicated guide. This is also an efficient use of time since they make it easy to pack the most sights, sounds, and information into your trip.

Walking tours are particularly helpful when you’re trying to figure out what to do alone in Paris. For one, you’ll be in a group with other tourists, so you can get a little social interaction if you’ve been solo traveling for a while and are starting to feel lonely. Plus, they get you out, about, and moving—which is sometimes easier said than done when you’re traveling alone and need to be your own source of motivation. 

Here are a few walking tours to consider for your solo Paris trip:

• Paris Walking Food Tour
• Skip-the-Line: Louvre Museum Fully-Guided Tour
• Montmartre Hill Food & Wine Tasting Tour
• Famous Sights of Paris – Private Tour
• Your Perfect Day in the City Custom Tour

3. Sip pastis in the sun

Behold, one of my favorite things about living in France: pastis. (Does that make me sound like an alcoholic?)

But really. If you don’t already know what pastis is, then let me be the first to introduce you. 

Pastis is an anise-flavored aperitif most commonly enjoyed in the south of France. [Source: Martha Stewart] It has a very distinct (and to some people, very unappetizing), chartreuse hue. When you add water, it turns a pale, milky whitish-green color. 

Sounds appetizing, eh? But wait—why add water? 

That’s how you drink it, dude. Typically, pastis is served with one or two ice cubes and a carafe of water so you can add as much water as you like. (I usually do about 2-3 parts water to 1 part pastis. (And I find it really annoying when you go to a bar and they add the water for you instead of giving you the water carafe on the side. But I digress.))

To be honest, pastis is definitely not for everyone.

Personally, I find that the strong licorice flavor is something you either love or hate. Me? I love it! Particularly, since I have celiac disease and therefore can’t drink beer (and I don’t like cocktails), my drink of choice when out with friends is either wine or pastis.

Another big perk of pastis? It’s super cheap! One glass usually costs about 3 euros. 

I rest my case.

4. Sit in a cafe and people-watch

It may sound creepy, but I’ve long been quite the fan of people-watching. (IYKYK.) And Paris is one hell of a great place to do it.

First, it’s logistically easy. Paris (and French, in general) is famous for its plethora of outdoor seating. This is a concept we in the States really only seemed to catch on to during the COVID-19 pandemic when social-distancing regulations pushed restaurants to get creative by adding extra tables and chairs to the sidewalks out front. But the French have been doing this for decades. (Is it because they smoke and are, therefore, willing to eat outside even in the winter so they can puff as they please? Maybe, maybe.) 

In any case, all this outdoor seating makes people-watching one of the top things to do solo in Paris.

Plus, it’s Paris! There are so many different walks of life out there pounding the pavement, that it’s hard not to find something interesting to ponder over, e.g., the fashion, the language, the joie de vivre, the savoir faire, and all the other clichés you can think of. 

On that note, I’m reminded of this interesting article I recently read in The Economist: Why French women no longer wear high heels. A drôle read, if you’re into that kind of thing.  

5. Check out French pharmacies for self-care products

If you’ve been on the Internet or read a book like … ever, then you’ve probably stumbled upon the cliché of French women and their affinity for beauty products. So if you’re thinking, “Why is Merry recommending checking out pharmacies as one of the top things to do in Paris on your own?” Then you might have an idea. 

In all honesty, French pharmacies are a pretty cool sight to see. At least, if you have any interest in self-care or beauty products like I do. If that’s the case, then you’ll be delighted to check out all the different brands of creams, gels, lotions, and potions. 

Particularly, if you’re already a fan of French cosmetic brands, like Caudalie, then this is your chance to snag your favorites at a much cheaper price than you’ll find them elsewhere in the world.

Things to Do in Paris Alone at Night

Traveling alone is all fun and games until the sun sets. During the day, there are plenty of fun things to do in Paris alone, like visiting museums, going to bookstores, strolling through flea markets, spending a few hours in a café … But once the sun is, it can be a bit harder to find things to do in Paris alone at night.

For one, if you’re traveling to Paris alone as a female, you may feel a bit unsafe wandering the streets alone at night and/or going to certain bars. And safety aside, a lot of people are less comfortable going to a loud, crowded bar by themselves than they are going to a cozy, inviting coffee shop. 

But don’t think you have to stay cooped up all by yourself at night during your solo travel to Paris! Instead, here are a few ideas of things to do in Paris alone at night:

1. Treat yourself to a fancy French dinner

For a lot of people, going out to dinner alone can feel kind of sad or embarrassing or lame. Especially when that dinner is a fancy, candlelit dinner for two that’s actually going to be “just for one, please.” 

But The Merry Loner Lifestyle is all about overcoming that fear of being alone and changing the idea of what it means to be a loner. 

So don’t let insecurities or worries about what other people will think hold you back from enjoying some fine French cuisine while touring Paris on your own. Instead, I highly recommend going ahead and making that reservation for one! Because screw it—who cares.

If you need some inspiration, I recommend checking out the restaurant I went to during my first weekend ever in Paris: Le Relais de l’Entrecôte. I had never been to a restaurant like this before, and it kind of blew me away. 

Here’s how it works: There’s only one thing on the menu. (Spoiler: It’s steak and frites, AKA French fries, AKA fries.) Everyone eats the same thing. There’s a huge line outside the door before the restaurant opens. When they open their doors, you’re immediately seated and within what feels like five minutes, a plate of steak and frites is in front of you. It’s a highly efficient but still elegant way of dining—and I had never experienced anything like it before.

Highly recommend. 

2. Explore French film at the cinema

I’ve heard people say going to the movies by yourself is pretty lame, but I just don’t get it. Okay, it may be fun to go on a hot date to the movie theater and get all cozy, but if you’re just going with friends? You’re mostly going to sit in silence, anyway. (Or at least, I hope you will for the sake of the other viewers!) 

TLDR; going to the cinema is a great way to spend the night out if you’re looking for things to do solo in Paris. 

Many cinemas in Paris will play foreign films (and by foreign films, I mean films that aren’t in French). So if you don’t speak the language, no worries—you can easily find an American or English film in a Parisian cinema. 

But if you do speak French, then woo-hoo! This is your chance to soak up some real French cinema in an authentic setting. Even if you’re not fluent in French and only know a bit of the language, it’s a great learning experience and still a cool way to explore a bit of another culture.

3. Dress up and sip a Parisian cocktail

If you want to feel fancy in Paris (I’m guessing you probably do), then heading to a chic cocktail bar is the way to do it. 

Of course, not all of us feel confident enough to head out to the bar alone (especially in a foreign city). So if you want to explore a bit of the bar scene in Paris but are hesitant to do so solo, try checking out some solo meetups. 

You can search for these on Facebook groups or dedicated apps, like Meetup. But I usually find that these sources only pay off if you’re staying in one spot for an extended period. If you’re only traveling to Paris solo for a weekend, I believe that you’re better off booking an event in advance. 

For example, on TripAdvisor, you can find sign up for meetups in Paris, like:

• Solo in Paris Meetup in a Bar
• Solo Meetup & Explore Great Cocktail Bars in Paris
• Latin Quarter Pub Crawl

4. Mingle at a language cafe

If drinking isn’t so much your thing and you’d rather focus more on meeting new people, why not try a language cafe? 

At a language cafe, you can meet and mingle with other travelers (and even locals!) to practice your language skills. Of course, these meetups often take place in bars, but you can also find some daytime activities in coffee shops or parks, if that’s more your style. 

If you only speak English, don’t sweat it. A lot of people come to the meetups to practice English. But if you know or are learning another language, then this is a great chance to practice chatting with other language learners—and even natives.

Again, you can look for these language cafes in Facebook groups or on websites like Meetup.

Tips for a Solo Trip to Paris

Perhaps you’re a total pro at solo travel and moving around on your own doesn’t faze you. Good on you! 

But for many people, solo trips can be a nerve-wracking, daunting experience. If you’re only dipping your toe into The Merry Loner Lifestyle and still need a little support and encouragement to get comfortable spending time on your own, no worries. 

My first solo trip ever was to Paris, so hopefully I can do a little to help calm your nerves. 

Here are my best tips on getting ready to visit Paris on your own:

1. Plan your itinerary

It’s not ground-breaking news that uncertainty about the future is strongly linked to anxiety. [Source: PubMed Central] So if you’re new to the solo travel scene and you’re seriously stressing about being in Paris solo, you can help calm your nerves by creating an itinerary in advance. 

That said, The New York Times also makes the argument that planning TOO much can actually make your trip more stressful because you can just end up worrying about packing in all your planned activities.)

In my opinion, it’s best to meet somewhere in the middle. There’s no need to schedule every day of your trip down to the hour. I agree with the NYT on this one—that would just make things more stressful. But having a loose plan of how you’ll spend your time and what things you can do in Paris solo will help you make the most of your time and calm any travel anxiety.

So try this: For your upcoming solo travel to Paris, plan 2-3 things for each day. Book tours or dinner reservations in advance if you have to, but leave room for yourself to be flexible. 

2. Embrace solo activities

You know what to do! If you were wondering before what to do alone in Paris but were coming up with nada, now you know that there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Paris on your own.

A few of my personal favorite activities include: 

• Visiting Shakespeare and Company
• Going on a Seine River cruise
• Signing up for a food or wine tour
• Taking a cooking class

3. Stay connected

Safety, first! Because safety is sexy. ( … Is it, though?) 

But seriously. When you’re headed to Paris solo, it’s important to regularly check in with your friends and/or family. Let them know that you’re okay. This way, if, God forbid, something shady happens and they haven’t heard from you in a few days, someone can at least know that you need help. 

Go a step further by letting them know where you’re staying. And if your hotel, hostel, or whatever asks for an emergency contact number, give it to them! 

Better safe than sorry … 

4. Stay aware of your surroundings

Remember how I said things felt a little shady while I was walking around alone in Montmartre? 

Granted, wandering around alone at night in a foreign neighborhood where I knew no one (without a phone, no less!) may not have been the best idea. But I was on alert the whole time. And even when you feel like you’re in a safe neighborhood, this is always a good idea when traveling solo. 

Don’t skip on this. 

Seriously. Among my family and friends, I am known for often walking around with my head in the clouds. I can be really oblivious to my surroundings and miss things that are right in front of me. But as I try to tell them when they’re worried about me traveling on my own: I don’t do this when they’re not there. 

Just the opposite. Whenever I’ve traveled alone (in Poland, in Chicago, in Italy, in Montreal, etc.), I pay attention. I watch out for my bag, and, more importantly, I watch out for myself. Particularly as a woman (and particularly as a young woman), this is an important tip for traveling to Paris alone (or anywhere, for that matter). 

4. Learn some basic French phrases

Don’t be one of those people who doesn’t even know how to say thank you in the native language. 

Just don’t. 

Before you stress, you don’t have to go out there and learn French before you embark on your solo trip to Paris, but you should know at least some basic French phrases. First of all, it’s polite. And second of all, it’s for your benefit! After all, not being totally clueless is usually helpful, right? 

Here are a few basic French phrases to know before going to Paris on your own:

• Hello: Bonjour
• Please: S’il vous plaît
• Thank you: Merci
• Good evening (to say when you’re leaving a place): Bonne soirée
• Good day (to say when you’re leaving a place): Bonne journée
• Excuse me: Pardon
• Yes: Oui
• No: Non
• I don’t speak French.: Je ne parle pas français.
• Do you speak English?: Vous parlez anglais ?

5. Use public transportation

If you don’t have a great sense of direction (same), these days it can be really tempting to just call an Uber when you need to get around. 

I do not recommend you do this while exploring Paris alone. 

For one, that takes all the fun out of it! Getting lost in a new city can lead you to a lot of hidden gems that are off the beaten path. Plus, learning how to use another city or country’s public transportation is an experience in and of itself and an important way to learn about another culture. 

Finally, taking taxis everywhere gets damn expensive. Save your money for actually doing things in Paris and take the metro, RER, or buses in Paris—or walk! 

6. Stay in well-located accommodations

Perhaps your solo trip to Paris is on a tight budget. (Aren’t we all?) That’s totally fine—you can definitely swing a fun week full of solo things to do in Paris without spending a ton of money. 

But when it comes to organizing a travel budget, this is my golden rule: Don’t skimp on the accommodations. 

I’m not talking about staying in a five-star hotel or anything. Actually, hostels are a great way to socialize and meet people when you’re traveling alone, and they’re cheap! But pay attention to the neighborhood in which you’ll stay. 

This is the most important part. Not only do you want to stay somewhere that feels safe, but it’s useful to stay somewhere as close to the city center as you can so you don’t waste a lot of your precious vacation time shuttling from the ‘burbs to the attractions.

7. Trust your instincts

Even if you’ve never been to Paris before, chances are, you know a dicey situation when you see it. 

Maybe that neighborhood doesn’t look like the best place to explore alone at night. Perhaps this isn’t the group of strangers you’d like to befriend at the bar. 

Sometimes, there’s no precise reason for why something doesn’t feel like a good idea. But if you feel uncomfortable, uneasy, or something (or someone) is giving you the wrong feeling, don’t gaslight yourself into thinking you’re just overreacting. Maybe you are this time, but isn’t it better to be safe than sorry? 

When in doubt, go with your gut—and get yourself out of the situation if you need to.

Tips for Traveling Paris Solo for Women

The joys of womanhood, am I right? I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’m seeing any articles out there about “Tips for Men Traveling Alone.”  Sigh. But whether or not it feels unjust, the reality is that life is not the same for men and women—and we need to act accordingly. 

So before you start skipping around like Emily in Paris, read up on these tips for traveling to Paris alone as a female:

1. Dress comfortably and respectfully

I mean, you do you, girl. You wear whatever the hell you want. But as always, if you’re going to be going to religious sights as part of your sightseeing, it’s usually recommended (and sometimes) required to dress modestly. 

This is where the scarf becomes a superhero (though isn’t it always?). A good scarf will not only keep you warm on the airplane and keep you looking chic on the streets, but it can double as a wrap to cover your shoulders before you duck into Sacre Coeur. 

Plus, pay attention to your footwear. I’m sure you know the drill: Pack comfortable shoes, and don’t whip out that new pair of kicks when you’ve got a week of sightseeing ahead of you. 

And if you want to stay chic and care about fitting in with the locals, I’ll again draw your attention to this article from The Economist: Why French women no longer wear high heels. I’m definitely a fan of high heels, myself, but, yeah—stilettos are probably not the best choice for a walking tour.

2. Be cautious at night

Personally, I’m not looking for a repeat experience of my stressful evening walking around Montmartre. Not to scare you away from the neighborhood. (Everyone else online seems to say it’s very safe?) But yeah—it wasn’t one of my best ideas to wander around totally lost by myself without a phone in an unknown neighborhood at night. 

Do as I say, not as I do. 

Of course, it’s not like Paris is some dangerous no-man’s-land, but best practices still apply: Watch where you go at night. Pay attention to your surroundings. And remember what I said about prioritizing public transportation instead of taxis? If it’s really late and you feel anxious taking public transportation for a long journey by yourself, go ahead and call that taxi. 

3. Inform someone about your whereabouts

As mentioned, this is a basic tip for staying safe while traveling solo—but I’m going to say it again for the people in the back. 

As a woman traveling alone in Paris, make sure you check in regularly with friends and/or family and let them know your whereabouts. You can even turn on location-sharing on your phone with a trusted contact, if you’re into that. Plus, don’t forget to give them the details about your hotel or hostel, and always keep your emergency contact information easily accessible. 

Just in case.

4. Don’t go for the cheapest accommodation you can find

Remember what I said about prioritizing well-located accommodations in your travel budget? 

This isn’t just so you can get a better view from your hotel or hostel window. It’s so you can stay somewhere safe. 

Whether you’re looking for hotels in Paris, hostels in Paris, or AirBnBs, do some research before booking. Check out what people have to say about the neighborhood and what the transportation options are in that area. 

After all, what’s that old saying? You can’t put a price on peace of mind … 

Recommended Reading:

• 21 Quotes for Traveling Alone
• 26 Best Bars in Providence: Insider Tips from a Native Rhode Island-er
• Extroverts Can Be Loners, Too: How Solo Travel Taught Sarah Silvia to Love Spending Time Alone
• 5 New Things I Want to Do Alone This Year
• How to Get Over Yourself and Go to that Damn Wedding, Gloriously Solo

Solo Trip to Paris Itinerary

To be honest, I’m not a big planner—at least when I travel. In my daily life, I am big into lists, trackers, spreadsheets, calendars, etc. But when I’m exploring a new city (especially on my own), I prefer to just go where the wind takes me. I’ll keep a rough idea of top sights to see, but I generally like to play it all by ear. 

Understandably, this is not everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re a planner (or if you need planning help!), here’s some inspiration for building your solo trip to Paris itinerary:  

Day 1: Landmarks

IMHO, the first day of any trip is best spent just getting a feel for the lay of the land. This is a great day to do outdoor activities and cross the most famous landmarks off your list (if that even interests you). 

For example, on Day 1 of your trip, I think some of the best things to do in Paris alone would be:

• Seeing the Eiffel Tower
• The Seine
• Checking out the Arc de Triomphe
• Strolling the Champs-Elysées
• Popping into Galeries Lafayette (these last three are all located near each other, so it’s efficient and easy)

Day 2: Museums

Let’s be honest: Even if you like museums, they are really tiring. 

This is one I recommend front-loading your Paris trip with museums. Most likely, you’ll have more energy and enthusiasm at the beginning of your trip. Whereas, by the end, you’ll probably be so mentally and physically wiped that all you’ll want to do is sit around and eat cheese. (Good news! In France, that’s called culture)

On Day 2 of your solo trip to Paris itinerary, I would recommend visiting 2-3 museums, depending on how long you plan to stay at each one. 

Some obvious museum choices include: 

• Musée du Louvre
• Musée d’Orsay
• Musée Rodin

Some less obvious museum choices include:

• Petit Palais
• Palais Galliera (a fashion museum)
• Maison Européenne de la Photographie

Day 3: Nightlife

Now it’s time to have some fun. At this point, you’ve done what you’re supposed to. You’ve seen the sights. You’ve been to the museums. You may even have taken a boat ride along the Seine. 

So perhaps you’d like to reward yourself with a fun night out? 

For inspiration, you can refer back to the above list of things to do in Paris alone at night. 

My top picks for a date night with myself in Paris?

• Spend the afternoon at the cinema 
• Head to Le Relais de l’Entrecôte for dinner
• Go to a solo or language meetup in a pub

Day 4: Cuisine

Next up on our solo Paris itinerary? Food, baby. 

Especially if you’re maybe nursing a little hangover from the night before, a day spent absolutely stuffing your face indulging in all things French cuisine is the perfect way to spend a day in Paris. After all, if you’re wondering what to do alone in Paris, you pretty much can’t go wrong with spending the day visiting different boulangeries, pâtisseries, fromageries, viennoiseries, etc. 

If you’ve got room in your budget, I highly recommend signing up for a food and/or wine tour. 

As a solo traveler in Paris, this is a great, easy way to get out there and mingle a little bit. Plus, it gives you the chance to try a lot of different kinds of cuisine—more than you could just ordering a typical meal in a restaurant. 

And a food walking tour … I mean, with all that over-eating, taking some strolls between meals is certainly a good idea.

For some booking inspiration, consider starting your search for a food or wine tour in Paris by perusing these options:

• Seine River Lunch Cruise
• French Bakery Behind-the-Scenes Experience
• Cozy Wine & Cheese Tasting in Montmartre

Day 5: Do something active

No matter where I travel, I always try to stay active when I’m on the road. Sure, this is DEFINITELY easier said than done. And even though I pretty much always travel with my trusty travel yoga mat, I don’t always find the time (or, honestly, the space!) to take it out.

Staying active while you travel, though, can help you:

• Deal with the effects of jet lag [Source: PubMed Central]
• Improve sleep quality [Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine]
• Reduce stress [Source: Mayo Clinic]
• Generally not feel like a total slug

Particularly after a day of feasting on French pastries, wine, and cheese, adding a day of activity into your Paris solo trip itinerary can help you put a spring back in your step. Consider:

• Going for a long walk around the city
• Renting a bike 
• Jogging in a park

Day 6: Neighborhoods

Finally, I recommend closing out the last day of your solo trip to Paris with some good, unscheduled strollin’ around. Rather than putting pressure on yourself to squeeze in one last museum visit or tour, take this time to just enjoy what the city has to offer.

Revisit that restaurant for lunch that you loved. Because why not? Grab a coffee at the cute café you passed by the other day but didn’t have time to stop in before your booked museum tour. Go to the park and stretch out in the sun. It may be your last day in Paris (for now), but who says it has to be action-packed? Sometimes, the best days are those on which we do nothing. 

What I Learned from My Solo Trip to Paris

When I spent a solo weekend in Paris, it was the first time I was in Europe, period. This was back in January 2017, when I had just turned 20 years old and was on my way to Rennes to study for a semester. 

Up until that point, I had only been on a plane once before—from Rhode Island down to Florida to visit family. Going on this solo trip to Paris (even if just for a few days) was a grand experiment in learning how to do things on my own. 

It was the first time I took the subway; the first time I was in a city that big alone; the first time I had wine! It was the beginning of a lot of learning. One of my biggest takeaways? 

Traveling alone can be really fun! No one ever really prepared me for that. And if I hadn’t gone on this trip, I don’t think I ever would have gone to Quebec alone or Poznan or Salt Lake City or flown alone to Chicago, D.C., Korea, etc. 

So what do you think? Do you like solo traveling? Have you ever taken a trip by yourself? Do you want to? Where? 

Drop me a line at itsmerry@amerryloner.com to let me know or leave it in the comments.

As always:

Thanks for being here,

Merry

Before You Go …

If you’re headed to Paris from somewhere in the States, there’s no two ways about it: You’re going to have to spend quite a bit of time on the plane before you arrive in the City of Lights. 

I don’t know about you, but traveling is one of my favorite times to unplug from everything and dive into a good book. If you would like travel reading inspiration, please read my next article to find easy-to-read classics you’ll love.

References

Statista Price differential (Fisher index) between the Paris Region and the French provinces in 2022, by sector

Shakespeare and Company History

Wikipedia Saint-Germain-des-Près

Martha Stewart Why the French Love Pastis—Plus, How to Enjoy This Iconic Anise Aperitif at Home

PubMed Central Uncertainty and Anticipation in Anxiety

PubMed Central Jet Lag in Athletes

Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine Exercising for Better Sleep

Mayo Clinic Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress

The post Solo Travel to Paris: Itinerary for Traveling to Paris Solo + 26 Things to Do Alone in Paris appeared first on A Merry Loner.

Without a travel partner, I forced myself to shake off my inhibitions, allowing myself to be vulnerable.

“Can I just sit anywhere?” I asked the waiter. He stared at me for a beat. “Can I just sit anywhere?” I repeated, suddenly wondering if I had violated an obscure Colombian cultural norm by asking. Maybe, in Colombia, you were supposed to just boldly sit down anywhere, even if you didn’t have a reservation. Maybe this was another negative aftereffect of Spanish colonialism that I didn’t yet understand.

Finally, the waiter shook off his reverie and listlessly gestured to a table, still apparently confused. Sinking into my seat, I basked in the knowledge that I had successfully acquired a place in this restaurant.

It wasn’t until hours later that I learned there was a difference between sentarse (to sit) and sentirse (technically, to feel one’s self). I hadn’t, in fact, been asking if I could sit anywhere. Instead, I had been asking, repeatedly and with confidence, “Can I just touch myself anywhere?”

I blamed my boyfriend Renzo. He was supposed to protect me from these situations; he was the native Spanish speaker of the two of us. However, he had been busy with a work meeting that day during the hour of my solo excursion. But little did I know that this was merely the first of many similar situations. 

For the past year, we had both been working remotely, so Renzo could play translator whenever I forgot a word or didn’t have enough functioning brain cells. But many months after my restaurant faux pas, Renzo’s job stopped being remote, temporarily separating us and leading me to embark on several solo travel journeys that turned me into a Merry Loner. Here’s what happened—and what I learned.

Related Posts:

• I Don’t Like Traveling Alone—But I Keep Doing It Anyway
• No Date? No Problem—A Guide to Dating Yourself in 2025
• Extroverts Can Be Loners, Too: How Solo Travel Taught Sarah Silvia to Love Spending Time Alone

Embrace mistakes

Mixing up sentirse and sentarse is not the only mistake I’ve made while speaking another language. 

In French, I once accidentally ordered a toddler-sized bottle of wine for my mom, who barely drinks. In Italian, I accidentally told a flight attendant I was vegan. In Portuguese, I accidentally declared to an entire room that I was straight. But in all of these cases, I was able to overcome my temporary embarrassment by laughing everything off.

Speaking another language can be frustrating and even terrifying, but it helps if you take yourself less seriously. Even if you’re the smartest person in the world, you’ll make mistakes when you first engage with a new language. 

This is humbling; this is ego death. This is life. It happens when you have no one else to rely on but yourself.

Seek creative solutions

When Renzo and I were constantly traveling together, he would fight my battles for me in Spanish as if we were Meegan and Andre. Without him, I’ve not only improved my Spanish but learned to fend for myself. 

For instance, when I was in the northeastern Colombian city of Bucaramanga for a travel writing assignment, I couldn’t find a pool with open hours for lap swimming. Every person I talked to had said that I needed to pay for lessons. The problem was that I already knew how to swim. 

So I decided to pay for lessons. Then when I met the instructor, I simply told him that I could already swim and that he was now officially on paid vacation. In one fell swoop, I had both unlocked a new level of Spanish and learned how to navigate the informal currents of Colombian culture. 

Since that moment, I’ve tackled all of my obstacles with a sense of playfulness and calm. It’s the best way to stay sane when I have no one else to vent or laugh about my troubles with. Plus, my swim instructor was able to use his time off to finish The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Step outside your comfort zone

If you are an introvert, then the idea of asking a stranger for help can incite a nervous breakdown. But sometimes, you have to push yourself and take that extra step. 

Case in point: In my second year of solo trips without Renzo, I found myself in a pickle. I was in the Calanques of southern France, slightly lost and more than a little shaken after a disastrous solo lunch in which I broke every rule of French etiquette. (I used the wrong spoon; I dipped the wrong bread in my soup; I smiled too much.)

But soon, I noticed a fellow Merry Loner, equally lost-looking and (as I would soon discover) similarly separated from his boyfriend, who was temporarily overseas. I swallowed my fear, ignoring my impulse for shyness, and asked this man if he knew how to find a trail back to civilization. In the end, we found it together and even swam in a grotto for a bit. He lent me his towel. 

Though I had indeed relied on the kindness of a stranger, I strangely felt more independent afterwards. Without a travel partner, I’d forced myself to shake off my inhibitions, allowing myself to be vulnerable. I could now add “asking for help” to my arsenal.

Don’t neglect yourself

Solo travel can be intimidating, but you’ll need to engage in active self-love to succeed. 

Whenever I’ve traveled without Renzo, I always made it a point to find sites for phoneless reflection. Facing a sunset. Behind an abandoned warehouse. Under the shade of an oak tree. I’ve needed this time to confront my thoughts, uncover my pain, and reflect upon my experiences. Only then have my lessons been learned or even recognized.

Without that time for reflection, solo travel would have become a series of meaningless images and sounds, soulless and uninspiring, pushing me back into my comfort zone. I also wouldn’t have grown to see myself as my own best travel partner.

Boyfriend? What boyfriend?

Solo travel has also made me a better boyfriend. Armed with self-knowledge, I’ve grown more skilled at communicating my needs and accommodating Renzo’s. I fight my own battles but seek help when I need it. I learn from my mistakes. I appreciate the smaller moments.

That said, boyfriends remain overrated. Don’t wait on your significant other if you want to book that ticket to Rome. Go. A sunrise epiphany on Capitoline Hill only happens once in a lifetime. Date night can happen any old Wednesday.

Recommended Reading:

• 7 Books on Self-Awareness to Become a Better Person
• 21 Quotes for Traveling Alone
• How to Live a More Analog Life: 5 easy, cheap (or free) ideas
• 5 New Things I Want to Do Alone This Year
• How to Get Over Yourself and Go to that Damn Wedding, Gloriously Solo

Evan E. Lambert is an essayist, journalist, travel writer, and short fiction author with clips at Thought Catalog, People, Business Insider, Mic, Going, Santa Fe Writers Project, Paste, Motley Bloom, and more. He spends much of his time in Lima, Peru, and is fluent in Spanglish.

The post What I Learned Traveling the World Alone Without My Partner appeared first on A Merry Loner.

What makes us want to collect (dare I say hoard) quotes? Words of wisdom plucked from a writer, artist, or some other sage figure that struck some magical, harmonic chord within us.

• “Yes, that’s how I’ve always felt.”
• “No one’s put it that way to me before.” 
• “I didn’t know how to express what I was feeling—but finally, there it is.” 

I highlight quotes I like in books. Dog-ear the pages. Circle entire paragraphs. If it’s a library book, I’ll even take the time to painstakingly transcribe the quote into a journal, on a napkin, or on any errant scrap I find. 

These days, my quotes are now likely to get lost in the digital abyss. Copy-and-pasted into a Google Doc. Bookmarked on my browser. Saved in my Notes apps—and rarely, if ever, seen again. 

Why do we do this? 

Because words make you feel. They can make you heal. And put together just so, they can give you more pause than an entire photo reel (or even, she shudders, an Instagram reel). 

Words are our friends when the world is screaming too loud. When small talk is insufficient and corporate speak, ubiquitous. Someone, somewhere has already found just the right thing to say to soothe you and move you and keep the existential dread at bay. 

These are some of them—the traveling alone version. 

Whether you need: 

• Quotes about traveling alone to help you sink into the bliss of solitude
• Traveling alone quotes to make you feel like a free bird
• Quotes for traveling alone to potentially find yourself 
• Quotes on traveling alone that make you focus on personal growth

Consider this your chest of inspirational delights for sometimes-weary travelers in our often-weary world: a thoughtfully curated round-up of 21 quotes for traveling alone. 

Related Posts: 

• Extroverts Can Be Loners, Too: How Solo Travel Taught Sarah Silvia to Love Spending Time Alone
• I Don’t Like Traveling Alone—But I Keep Doing It Anyway
• Alone at Night in Paris—Where to Take Yourself on a Solo Date

Quotes about traveling alone…for when you want to sink into the bliss of solitude

Taking in the sunset solo—with only a glass of wine at your side. Wandering hidden bookshops in a new city. Cosplaying an elderly gentleman by sitting outside a cafe for hours and just calmly watching the world go by. 

When you appreciate the bliss of solitude, you can find contentment anywhere. 

Set the mood with these 6 quotes about traveling alone to savor solitude: 

1. “Loneliness adds beauty to life. It puts a special burn on sunsets and makes night air smell better.”

Speaker: Henry Rollins, American singer and writer (1961–)

2. “I wondered why it was that places are so much lovelier when one is alone.”

Speaker: Daphne du Maurier, English novelist, biographer and playwright (1907–1989)

3. “To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the most pleasant sensations in the world.”

Speaker: Freya Stark, British-Italian explorer and travel writer (1893–1993)

4. “In the solitude of solo travel, the mind expands, and the spirit dances to the rhythm of the open road.”

Speaker: Jack Kerouac, American novelist and poet (1922–1969)

5.“The inner journey of travel is intensified by solitude.”

Speaker: Paul Theroux, American novelist and travel writer (1941–)

6. “I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.”

Speaker: Mary Anne Radmacher, American writer and artist (1957–)

Traveling alone quotes…to make you feel like a free bird

Perhaps you spontaneously cut your own hair—or dyed it. Quit your job. Ended a relationship. Moved—whether across the country or to the next town over.

Even small steps can make big changes, especially when those small steps are the first on a voyage you take alone.

For the only company you need, turn to these 3 traveling alone quotes to make you feel free like a bird:

7. “The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.”

Speaker: Henry David Thoreau, American naturalist and essayist (1817–1862)

8. “Travel only with thy equals or thy betters; if there are none, travel alone.”

Speaker: Buddha, ascetic and religious teacher (6th or 5th century BCE)

9. “A hotel room all to myself is my idea of a good time.”

Speaker: Chelsea Handler, American comedian and actress (1975–)

Quotes for traveling alone…and potentially even finding yourself

The unspoken quest of every solo journey to be taken: “finding” yourself.

Even if you hadn’t felt lost to begin with, an independent mind, an open road, and enough space and time to think can put you face to face with the person you didn’t know you could be.

Get curious with these 6 quotes for traveling alone to find yourself:

10. “You must go on adventures alone to find out where you belong.”

Speaker: Sue Fitzmaurice, New Zealand writer, editor, publisher (unknown)

11. “When the traveler goes alone he gets acquainted by himself.”

Speaker: Liberty Hyde Bailey, American horticulturist (1858–1954)

12. “I think one travels more usefully when they travel alone, because they reflect more.”

Speaker: Thomas Jefferson, American Founding Father and 3rd US President (1743–1826)

13. “Traveling alone makes it easier to be yourself.”

Speaker: Charles Bukowski, American poet and novelist (1920–1994)

14. “It seemed an advantage to be traveling alone… we temper our curiosity to fit in with the expectations of others.”

Speaker: Alain de Botton, British author (1969–)

15. “Loving life is easy when you are abroad… you are more master of yourself than at any other time.”

Speaker: Hannah Arendt, German-American historian and philosopher (1906–1975)

Quotes on traveling alone…that make you focus on personal growth

Sometimes if you want to grow, you must first rip out your roots.

Walk where you’ve never been. Pack lightly. Breathe deeply. And keep your best photos for yourself—the most profound personal growth happens when no one is looking.

Start the process with these 6 quotes on traveling alone for personal growth:

16. “Always go with the choice that scares you the most, because that’s the one thing that is going to require the most from you.”

Speaker: Caroline Myss, American author (1952–)

17. “If you don’t get out of the box you’ve been raised in, you won’t understand how much bigger the world is.”

Speaker: Angelina Jolie, American actress and filmmaker (1975–)

18. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do…”

Speaker: Mark Twain, American writer and humorist (1835–1910)

19. “You are the one that possesses the keys to your being. You carry the passport to your own happiness.”

Speaker: Diane Von Fürstenberg, Belgian fashion designer (1946–)

20. “A solo journey is not a solitary endeavor; it’s an affirmation of your ability to thrive independently…”

Speaker: Amy Smith, leadership coach (unknown)

21. “Solo travel not only pushes you out of your comfort zone; it also pushes you out of the zone of others’ expectations.”

Speaker: Suzy Strutner, Executive Content Director, Oracle (unknown)

A book of quotes for traveling alone—AKA the best solo travel companion

Perhaps the old Eat Pray Love clichés are true. Solo travel does teach you about yourself. It tests your patience, exposes you to new cultures, and reminds you that you are a tiny bee in a massive hive and that, for better or for worse (usually for better), you, your troubles, and your worries are really not that big of a deal.

Most importantly, solo travel forces you to spend time with no one but yourself—a surprisingly difficult feat in our always-connected, always-buzzing world of endless distractions.

Recommended Reading: 

• Books for Existential Dread
• How to Get Over Yourself and Go to that Damn Wedding, Gloriously Solo
• How to Live a More Analog Life: 5 easy, cheap (or free) ideas
• 5 New Things I Want to Do Alone This Year
• Food Editor Ally Mitchell on the Power of Taking Risks Alone

The post 21 Quotes for Traveling Alone appeared first on A Merry Loner.

Solo travel is liberating and frustrating. It’s helped me know myself better—and enjoy myself more. 

The travel bug bit me hard and early. I grew up in a traveling family, with parents who pushed me out the door after high school to experience the Big Wide World. Since then, I’ve spent much of my spare time and income traveling. And I love it. 

New cultures, new foods, new people, new adventures—what isn’t there to love about traveling? Well, one thing: being by myself. 

Solo travel is both liberating and frustrating. Thrilling and terrifying. It’s one of my most complex relationships but one I keep coming back to. And for good reason. It’s helped me know myself better—and enjoy myself more. 

Related Posts:

• Alone at Night in Paris—Where to Take Yourself on a Solo Date
• 5 New Things I Want to Do Alone This Year
• How to Get Over Yourself and Go to that Damn Wedding, Gloriously Solo

Solo travel tears: the moments when I wanted to quit

My solo travel experiences have ranged from a few days in London to a few weeks in Portugal to a few months in Central America. When I go back to read my journals from those trips, I’m struck by all the angst: 

• the phone call to my sister regretting my decision to stay in a hostel dorm with 12 other people—and me asking her if I can come home
• the stress of trying to navigate in another language, another city, another culture
• the frustration of not finding a restaurant for dinner—and settling for eating peanuts in the hotel instead
• the emotional roller coaster of being alone with my thoughts all day.

It’s enough to make me ask: “Do I even like this?”

Solo travel triumphs: the moments that inspire more trips

You better believe there were a lot of tears shed on these solo trips. But there was even more growth. Even more empowerment. And even more adventure. 

Because what I really remember about those solo travel experiences is singing karaoke with the homestay family in Costa Rica. Making ceviche in Mexico. Navigating the London tube without getting (too) lost. Joining a food tour in Portugal and eating octopus. Talking to the Uber driver 100% in Spanish in Guatemala. Climbing a volcano in Nicaragua. 

“There were so many experiences I wouldn’t have had if I had stayed scared of doing things alone.”

There was self-growth. There was self-empowerment. And there were so many experiences I wouldn’t have had if I had stayed scared of doing things alone.

Solo travel has been a big catalyst for self-discovery; it’s expanded my mind and worldview. Doing things on your own is liberating. It shows you what you’re capable of and how you handle challenges and problems. 

It also exposes your needs, wants, and desires. Without the input of other people, it’s all you, baby. 

Where do you want to eat for breakfast? What activities do you actually like doing? Want to read by the pool all day instead of hiking a mountain? Do you. 

When you remove outside input, opinions, and persuasion, how can you not deeply and profoundly learn about yourself while traveling alone? 

Mindset matters: solo travel tips & tricks

How do I embrace solo travel despite the struggles? I think there’s a secret to it: Choosing to value your own company and find peace and contentment doing your own thing. 

Here are a few ways to embrace this Merry Loner Mindset : 

1. Eliminate barriers 

If you’re a new or first-time solo traveler, start small and start easy. This will remove some of those logistical hurdles that become major barriers to you enjoying your time. 

Consider choosing a destination where you: 

• Speak the language. This makes it so much easier to navigate around. 
• Can explore in just a couple of days. Weekend trips can be an awesome first solo trip experience.
• Already know the terrain. You can dive deeper into an area you love where you know you feel comfortable. 
• Don’t have to go far. Start by exploring locally. 

2. Plan, plan, plan! 

Yes, one of the big benefits of independent travel is you can do whatever you want, however you want. But one of the challenges is that you can do whatever you want, however you want! 

That’s a lot of decisions to make, and it can become overwhelming. 

My advice is to plan ahead. Look into your destination and figure out what kind of things you would enjoy doing there. This ensures you have joy-inducing activities lined up and takes some of the decision fatigue away. 

3. Go ahead, dine alone

If you’re like me, food is a big part of traveling. That’s why you’ve got to get comfy with dining alone. It may feel unnatural at first, but let me remind you that eating is the most natural thing in the world—and I’m not going to let you miss out on the delicacies of life because you don’t want to say, “Table for one, please”! You’ve got this.

If you’re feeling awkward, take something to read with you. This helps you connect with and enjoy the present moment. IMO, scrolling on your phone does the opposite and you may miss out on what’s in front of you. 

4. Mind your mind 

The way you speak to yourself matters, so mind the influences you’re letting in there. 

If you’re full of negative self-talk—like, “This is too hard” or “I’m not cut out for this”—check it, squash it, and replace it with something better. 

Repeat mantras. Journal positive thoughts. Get a pep talk from your friend—whatever you need to do. The key is to fill your mind (and social media feed) with positive empowerment. 

5. Take the first step

Solo travel can start small. You can build up to your dream trip. But you have to take a step, no matter how small it might be. 

Your first step might be exploring why you’re afraid to do things alone or taking yourself on solo dates around town. 

Or, if you’re already comfortable hanging out by yourself, it might be researching a trip you want to take. It might be telling a friend you’re planning a trip. It might be booking the flight or Airbnb. 

I’ve always loved the famous quote by French writer André Gide

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” 

Raise the anchor, loosen the ropes, and cast off from shore—you’ve got to take that first step to start sailing anywhere. Your solo travels and independent adventuring are waiting for you to do so. 

Remember: Solo travel doesn’t have to mean international travel

I acknowledge the time, financial, and passport-power privilege I have to travel abroad. I’m grateful for this and recognize there are very real barriers that prevent people from doing the same.

But even if traveling internationally isn’t an option for you right now, the power of solo travel and doing things alone is still available to you. Traveling is simply exploring a new place, which you can start doing in your own backyard.

You might book a night at a hotel in a different neighborhood so you can catch a play or movie and eat at a trendy restaurant. Or, enjoy a solo trip to a neighboring town for a change of scenery—grab your book or other solo hobbies, bookmark some cute cafes to check out, and make a weekend of it.As your confidence grows (and time and finances allow), consider short flights within your country or nearby international destinations.

It truly doesn’t matter where you end up, as long as you intentionally embrace the freedom and growth that come from taking that first solo step outside your everyday environment and exploring somewhere new.  

Travel or not, all solo adventures lead to self-growth

I may love traveling, but I know it’s just one path to empowerment and confidence.

I firmly believe this self-growth happens when you do anything alone. Exploring new places and doing things on your own—no matter how big or small—helps you learn more about your interests and capabilities while fostering inner peace and contentment. 

Feeling Loner Curious? Some intro solo adventures may be

• reading a book at a new cafe
• going shopping alone
• visiting a museum in your city

Once comfortable with that, you could sign up for a hobby class (like cooking or pottery), take a day trip to another neighborhood or town, or eat at a restaurant by yourself, sans reading safety blanket.

It doesn’t matter where you start—doing anything solo is one step towards independent happiness.

What’s your next step? Take it. We’re right here with you!

Recommended Reading:

• No Date? No Problem—A Guide to Dating Yourself in 2025
• How to Live a More Analog Life: 5 easy, cheap (or free) ideas
• Food Editor Ally Mitchell on the Power of Taking Risks Alone
• In Defense of Laughing Alone
• Accepting Your Fate (Finding Acceptance Alone)

Alyssa Wiens is a freelance content writer and editor from Vancouver, Canada. Between trips, you can find her working in cozy cafes, kickboxing, and growing her houseplant collection. You can follow along with her work on her website and Substack.

The post I Don’t Like Traveling Alone—But I Keep Doing It Anyway appeared first on A Merry Loner.

I’ve tried them all—these are the best bars in Providence for friends, dates, and solo time.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I spent many of the wee hours of the morning between the ages of 21 and 23 prowling the streets of Providence with my gang of misfit acquaintances. I worked in public relations; one guy worked with ex-cons; one girl worked at an Ivy League; one bloke was even a pilot. 

It was very Cheers-y of us, and most nights felt like a sepia-toned movie montage—the part in the movie where all the wayward souls start to become friends. 

And the mise en scène was always Providence, Rhode Island.

There were many golden memories in these bars. Sometimes there were tears. Maybe even a fight or two. Regrets. Sloppy kisses. Lonely nights. Victorious parades home after feeling like the life of the party, as well as shameful, tragic marches with that awkwardly uttered phrase playing in memory on repeat. 

So if you’re searching for downtown bars in Providence, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll show you:

• Fun bars in Providence to wear a flashy dress and a flashy smile (Winner: Riffraff Bookstore and Bar)
• Best pubs in Providence to take yourself on a solo date (Winner: Wild Colonial Tavern)
• Best cocktail lounges in Providence to pretend you’re an elegant lady or gentleman (or at least make someone else think you’re an elegant lady or gentleman) (Winner: Courtland Club)
• Best craft beer in Providence to wear plaid and steep yourself in the nostalgia of 2012’s adorkable years (Winner: The Malted Barley)
• Best bar food in Providence for when you’re that many drinks in and need a little pick-me-up (Winner: Harry’s Bar & Burger)
• Best neighborhood bars in Providence to just have a beer with a friend without having to get all fashionable about it (Winner: Ogie’s Trailer Park)

Fun Bars in Providence

These are the trendy locales that may be suggested to you by someone the Internet names a “girlie” or a “bro.” 

Fun, trendy bars usually turnover fast—but Providence has managed to produce a few mainstays that have been proudly delivering sticky floors and loud music for many a time.

Related Posts:

• Alone at Night in Paris—Where to Take Yourself on a Solo Date
• No Date? No Problem—A Guide to Dating Yourself in 2025
• Did This French Writer Just Reveal the Secret to Happiness?

1. Riffraff Bookstore and Bar

A bookstore AND a bar? Be still my beating heart. 

Well, actually, I guess there is one flaw with this jewel of a place. If you want to stand out as the moody, brooding intellectual who brought their high-brow literature to the bar to do some sophisticated reading alone… You’re not going to feel special here. If that’s your MO, you’re better off checking out one of the best pubs in Providence or one of the best neighborhoods in Providence. (More on that later.) 

BUT if you want to mix and mingle with other people who love to read (or at least claim to), set your GPS to 60 Valley St #107A, Providence, RI 02909.

2. AS220 Food & Drink

Now this one is a little something special. AS220 is technically a “non-profit community arts organization.” According to their website, they: 

“provide all people in Rhode Island affordable access to galleries, performance venues, educational opportunities, residential spaces, and work studios needed to realize their full creative potential.”

You can also eat and drink stuff there. 

Seriously, this is one of the more interesting places to check out, other than just for a drink for the night. 

If you want to excite your cultural taste buds, check out AS220’s events calendar.

3. The Boombox

“Let’s go sing karaoke,” they said. “It’ll be fun,” they said. 

“They” were two new friends who managed to cajole me to do a thing I never do: sing karaoke after imbibing in a few delirious hours at a wine bar. 

“They” also ended up sounding better than Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper when they took on the Hollywood pair’s Shallow duet from A Star Is Born, which I (as the untalented singer I am) was not prepared to hear. 

I digress. Whether you want to show off your singing chops or willfully embarrass yourself, this is a mighty fine place to do it. 

4. The Eddy

Come to think of it, I think I’ve only been to The Eddy once. I guess I’m not cool enough. 

This place is always slammed, so I guess you’ve got to be either a) willing to tolerate shoulder-to-shoulder crowds as you fight to order your basic-ass gin and tonic or b) stop by on an errant Monday night when things are probably slow. 

BUT The Eddy isn’t wrong in calling itself a “stylish, dimly lit cocktail bar.” It IS dimly light, and there’s enough polished oak in there to make you feel like you’re inside a jewelry box. So if you want to show off that you’re an intellectual hipster with a little bit of cash, come on down to 95 Eddy St, Providence, RI 02903.

5. The Black Sheep

Calling everyone who wants to have a good time. I sure did the last time I found myself at The Black Sheep 397 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903. I was celebrating a friend’s birthday, and she started the night proclaiming she wanted to end the night here. 

We did. We danced. We sang. And we woke up with a headache that turned into a long-lasting memory we decided to call fun.

The best thing about The Black Sheep? Everyone fits in here. Apparently, The Black Sheep is home to “Rhode Island’s Premiere Drag Show”? And they also have Sunday brunch? (Even I’m just discovering this.) What kind of magical place is this? 

6. Tiny Bar

A tiny bar where you can skip tiny cocktails with your tiny (AKA pinky) finger sticking up. 

If you head into this tiny joint at 377 Richmond St, Providence, RI 02903, make sure you say hi to my old friend Analise … if she still works there. And you better hope she does because she’s one of the best bartenders around these parts. 

Warning: Tiny Bar is not tiny. No, really. While they do have a large, twinkly courtyard to enjoy during the summer months (and the winter months, if you dare), this place can really only handle a few tables. So if you want to feel like a VIP (or if you want an excuse to cozy up to your date), this is the place to be.

7. Rooftop at the Providence G

This one’s for you, People Who Just Want to Go to a Bar That’s Popular. I see you. I don’t feel you. But that’s okay—you do you. 

The Rooftop is (you guessed it) a rooftop bar above the Providence G, which are luxury apartment buildings in the center of Providence. I’ve spent my fair share of time at the Rooftop, usually leaning against the wall in a leather jacket with a glass of whiskey acting like I’m too hipster to be there. 

But if you’re not as much of a pain in the ass as I am and you just want to have a good old time like most people, good on you. You’ll probably enjoy the firepits. 

Pro tip: Make sure you make a reservation first for your night at 100 Dorrance St, Providence, RI 02903.

Best Pubs in Providence

You know those nights when you’re bringing together friends from different friend groups? Besides asking yourself what the hell you’re doing and why you’ve decided to create such an anxiety-inducing night where all your diverse personalities may collide, you might wonder where to take everyone. 

The answer is: You can’t go wrong with a pub. IMHO, these are the three best pubs in Providence: 

8. Wild Colonial Tavern

Wild Colonial Tavern has a quaint, stone facade that’s right out of a picture book. If you want to play pool, play darts, and/or throw back a Guinness, this is a pretty good place to do it. The atmosphere is relaxed and lowkey, so it’s unlikely anyone annoying will bother you. 

Plus, 250 S Water St, Providence, RI 02903 is right near the Providence River, so in the warm months you can sip your cold pints outside and enjoy an easy, breezy view.

They offer “bar bites” but not a full menu, so it’s advised to fill up on dinner before heading out for all those whiskey shots… 

9. The Point Tavern

If you want dinner AND drinks but can’t be bothered to call an Uber halfway through the night, The Point Tavern can be your one-stop shop for beer, burgers, and booze. Or if you don’t subscribe to the holy trinity, no worries—this pub also maintains a pretty extensive cocktail menu, including seasonal delights like Winter Sangria and more versions of a Moscow Mule than I can be bothered to list here.

It’s on the very famed Wickenden Street (302 Wickenden St #4469, Providence, RI 02903 to be precise) where you can sip your drinks outside and people watch—or duck inside for weekly quiz night.

10. Trinity Brewhouse

Ah, Trinity Brewhouse. The pub I most frequented out of the three best pubs in Providence. I like the fact that they have a very large, varied selection of craft beers. They also have a basement, if that makes you feel cool in any way. Plus, the food ain’t that bad! 

At 186 Fountain St, Providence, RI 02903, United States, Trinity Brewhouse stands loud and proud on the corner and takes up plenty of space, so it definitely doesn’t give you those hole-in-the-wall vibes you’ll find at Wild Colonial Tavern. But that also means it’ll be a lot easier to find a table on a crowded Friday night. 

You can’t have it all. 

Best Cocktail Lounges in Providence

Cue the moody music. If you want an excuse to dress up or perhaps a dimly lit room to flutter your eyelashes in front of your date, then let me be your guide. I’ve sipped dirty martinis and strutted my best shoes in (dare I say) all the cocktail lounges in Providence—and these are the very best. 

11. The Walnut Room

One of the newer additions to the nightlife scene in Providence at 245 S Main St, Providence, RI 02903, United States, The Walnut Room is a very respectable establishment. And yes—by respectable establishment I do mean the place to go with your friend to consume an entire bottle of champagne each and touch up your lipstick in the bathroom like you’re posing for the pages of Vogue. 

It has little velvety chairs and wanna-be marble tables. It has lots of shiny wood. And if I do recall, it even has a luxurious black curtain in front of the bathroom door, which you can use to hide behind and sneak a peek out at your date or fling open Disney-princess style to make a grand entrance. Depends what kind of night you’re having, but having options is always nice. 

12. Courtland Club

I really do quite like the Courtland Club, but I’ll express my one grievance right off the bat: On numerous occasions, they served me my dirty martini in a tumbler glass. Not a fan. 

With that one demerit out of the way, I can otherwise wholeheartedly recommend the Courtland Club. There’s an exposed brick wall inside (come on, who doesn’t love that?) onto which they often project old-timey movies. 

Best of all, it has kind of a hidden entrance on 51 Courtland St, Providence, RI 02909, United States. My roommate-at-the-time and I discovered it while going for an ambling walk one night in what we thought was strictly a residential area until we discovered a few too many people walking into this one door suspiciously not-residential-like door. The rest is history (and a little blurry). 

13. Justine’s

My best friend and I discovered Justine’s per her mom’s recommendation—who discovered it per the pages of some RI Monthly magazine. Tucked in the not-exactly-picturesque streets of Olneyville at 11 Olneyville Square, Providence, RI 02909, United States, Justine’s lives up to its self-proclaimed title of “unassuming lounge…with moody lighting & a speakeasy vibe.” 

From the street, Justine’s looks like a (very cheap and tacky) lingerie shop. Once you step inside, there’s nothing but a small, empty black room, where a rather undelighted bouncer checks your IDs and then ushers you past the curtain. Inside, I have memories of a glittering delight of cozy booths, accent mirrors, and lots of gold. 

10/10, I recommend. This is a great spot to go if you’ve already spent a lot of time in downtown Providence and are looking for a little something different.

14. The Avery

At 18 Luongo Square, Providence, RI 02903, The Avery is not far from my old apartment in Providence, so it was easy for me to wander by from time to time on a random weekday. 

Another speakeasy-inspired lounge (though far less dramatically so than Justine’s), The Avery is a dark, moody, jazzy bar that’s ripe for date nights and girl nights. (There’s even a fountain and benches out front, so it’s practically begging to be the pivotal scene in a rom-com.) 

I will say that (unless things have changed) I’m taking points off for the music. Save the one time a spontaneous marching band came in and belted out a couple brassy tunes, they typically play house music that’s just not on brand with the jazzy, romantic interior design. Kind of a bummer.

15. The Royal Bobcat

Want to start and end your night out in Providence with elegance? Then I suggest you bookend your evening with The Walnut Room and The Bobcat. 

Word on the street is, they’re owned by the same dude. And that tracks. Like The Walnut Room, The Royal Bobcat is a dimly lit bar with a lot of polished wood. Except The Walnut Room is on the East Side and is, appropriately, more elegant, while The Royal Bobcat is on the East Side and is, also appropriately, a little more pub-like. 

Can’t really go wrong. 

16. Needle and Thread

Another relatively new bar Providence nightlife scene, Needle and Thread has quickly become (as the kids say) hip and happening. 

Needle and Threat gives off the same ‘20s- and speakeasy-inspired flair as do The Avery, The Walnut Room, and Courtland Club … but (sorry) with a little less sophistication. Though that’s not necessarily a bad thing! At least not all the time. Needle and Thread is easily three times the size of those other bars, so if you want to get your Great Gatsby mood on but your party is bigger than six people, it’s best to head here to 45 Peck St, Providence, RI 02903, for the night.

TLDR; here’s what you need to know about the best cocktail lounges in Providence: 

• The Walnut Room and The Royal Bobcat are your basic speakeasy-inspired vibe. (They’re even owned by the same person.) But one is on the East Side (The Walnut Room), and one is on the West Side (The Bobcat). 
• Courtland Club is your speakeasy-inspired vibe for hipsters. 
• Justine’s is your most authentic speakeasy-inspired vibe.
• The Avery is your speakeasy-inspired vibe, dive bar version. 
• Needle and Thread is your speaky-inspired vibe, basic club version. 

You’re welcome.

Best Craft Beer in Providence

If you don’t care about ambiance, cocktails, or trying to look cool in a dimly-lit room and you just care about the beer, welcome. There’s room for you here in the two bars with the best craft beer in Providence.

17. The Malted Barley

The perfect place to wear a plaid shirt and reminisce about watching Season 2 of New Girl. In other words, in a hip, Gen Z-er’s world, this craft beer joint is a Millennial’s escape. 

Located on the very appealing Westminster Street in downtown Providence, you can come during the evening for casual dinner and strolling, and then end the night with a pint and a soft pretzel at The Malted Barley. (The soft pretzels are apparently gourmet?) 

For fans of trivia night and other bar-friendly activities, this is the place to be. Plus, they even have foosball, which is never not a good thing.

18. Moniker Brewery

When I was living in Providence, Moniker Brewery was but a dream, i.e., continuously in construction. I never did get to see the opening today, but I recently spent the night hanging at its 432 W Fountain St, Providence, RI 02903 location for a rehearsal dinner. 

It did not disappoint. 

They don’t serve food themselves, but it seems there’s always a food truck out front, so you can craft-beer and stuff yourself with overpriced finger food to your heart’s content. 

If you do want to host a party (be it a rehearsal dinner, a birthday party, or whatever hipster soirée of your choosing), then you can call in advance and book the courtyard for only your special VIPs. 

And like any great craft beer bar, dogs are welcome. 

Best Bar Food in Providence

Naturally, a good night out spent prowling from one bar to the next must be intersected at some point with bar food. Maybe you want the greasy kind that you tell yourself will keep a hangover at bay. Or perhaps you want the slightly overpriced hipster kind that includes something with the word “deconstructed” on the menu. 

I see you and hear you, my friend. IMHO, this is the best bar food in Providence: 

19. Harry’s Bar & Burger

Oh, Harry’s Bar & Burger. This might be perhaps one of my most frequented joints in Providence—and I’m not ashamed to say so. 

Located on the ever popular 301 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903, Harry’s was just one street away from my apartment. As someone who likes to read, write, and stare off moodily into the distance while drinking a few pints (and inhaling a few cheeseburgers), Harry’s was my neighborhood dream come true. 

It became my tradition with myself to go there every Tuesday or Wednesday night for a pint(s), a burger, and a few hours of reading. (These Books for Existential Dread were often on the menu.) It was also a great stop with friends to either start the night out or end it with some bar snacks on the way home. 

10/10 forever.

P.S. There’s a second Harry’s Bar & Burger on the East Side at 121 N Main St, Providence, Rhode Island. 

20. Xaco Taco

Another beloved stop for snacks in the middle of the night. Perfectly situated at 370 Richmond St, Providence, RI 02903 in the Jewelry District (AKA on the other side of the city from my apartment), Xaco Taco was the perfect place for a little midnight snack to keep you going. 

Best of all, it’s located right next to the aforementioned Tiny Bar and Nick-A-Nee’s (a hint at what’s to come). 

21. Troop

Troop calls itself a “chill hangout with funky decor for eclectic street food fare & cheekily named craft cocktails.” How much of that rings true? 

I can attest to the fact that they’ve got some funky decor and cheekily named craft cocktails. Don’t know if I’d call the street food “eclectic,” but it sure is tasty. Notably, this is a good place to go if you’re looking for vegan bar food in Providence in the middle of the night. 

I’m told they also often host trivia nights and other activities meant to entice? 

Beware, though, that Troop is seriously lacking in the fabric department, which means it gets REALLY loud in there. If you want to whisper sweet-nothings in your date’s ear, this is not the place. But if you want to nod along and pretend like you’re listening to that friend of a friend who repeats the same (not funny) story over and over again? Troop’s got you. 

Best Neighborhood Bars in Providence

Trends may come and trends may go, but the good, old-fashioned neighborhood bar is a mainstay that we as a people cannot (and should not) ever go without. 

While I enjoy a cocktail lounge or a trendy, thematic bar as much as the next person, some nights you just can’t beat the classic neighborhood bar. Luckily, despite the many speakeasy-wannabe bars that continue to pop up all around town, there are still quite a few neighborhood bars for the Providence insiders to sip and imbibe a few libations on a weeknight. 

These are the six best neighborhood bars in Providence: 

22. Nick-A-Nee’s

Hands down, this is one of my all-time favorite bars in Providence. But you’ve been warned: It’s cash only. 

Not to fear, the 75 South St, Providence, RI 02903 location has an ATM inside. It’s also got a pool table, darts, an eclectic assortment of Americana paraphernalia, and (if memory serves me well) a few model planes hanging from the ceiling. 

Not gonna lie, Nick-A-Nee’s tends to attract an older and sometimes biker-esque crowd. But if you want to avoid being hit upon by lame TikTok-influencer wannabes and guys who think giving themselves whiplash to flick their hair out of their eyes is a turn on, then (like me) you’ll welcome the change in scenery. 

Plus, a few times a week, it’s bluegrass night. And I think it’s fair to say no one is getting enough bluegrass in their life. 

23. Muldowney’s Pub

My wardrobe may have plenty of frills, but sometimes all I want is a no-frills kind of bar. That means going to a tiny, been-there-forever, kind of dumpy bar with a jukebox, a pool table, and a bathroom in which I try to make absolutely no contact with any kind of surface while inside. 

That’s Muldowney’s Pub. It’s got a very laid-back atmosphere where absolutely no one is trying to look cool and the drinks are cheap. 

Plus, it’s just around the corner from Trinity Brewhouse. So if you start your evening with dinner and drinks at Trinity, you can loop all the way around downtown Providence and make it full circle back to where you started with a chill nightcap at Muldowney’s. 

24. Nolan’s Corner Pub 

Can there be too many Irish pubs? At least not in New England there can’t be. 

At the far end of Atwells Ave (not too far down the road from Harry’s Bar and Burger and The Royal Bobcat), Nolan’s Corner Pub is another dark and quiet room where you can play pool, play darts, or play with your date’s feelings. (Just kidding—don’t do that.) 

Like most neighborhood bars, it’s a good place to go if you want to head out for a casual drink without getting caught up in an active, look-at-me bar scene. No one will be wearing fancy clothes. No one will be playing whatever the kids are calling hip music these days. Though someone may card you. 

25. Ogie’s Trailer Park

Okay, I take back what I said about most neighborhood bars being a place to go if you don’t want an active bar scene. Because Ogie’s Trailer Park is anything but that. 

If you’re a hipster living in the Providence vicinity, then this is certainly the place to go if you want to see and be seen. It has an enormous outdoor seating area with a large firepit around which smokers will congregate once it’s near closing time. It has an indoor food truck where you can buy overpriced fries. And it has a pretty darn groovy disco theme that we all find delightful. 

But be warned: If you live in the area, you’re most likely going to run into someone you know here. Tread lightly. (And dress smartly.) 

26. Captain Seaweed’s Pub

Last but not least in the round-up of best bars in Providence is good ol’ Captain Seaweed’s Pub. You won’t find this pub mentioned in many “best of” lists since it’s quite far away from the rest of the downtown Providence scene, but I still think it’s worth mentioning, nonetheless. 

If you find yourself over the river (through the weeds), past Brown University, and way out by India Point Park, then consider swinging by Captain Seaweed’s Pub. In addition to its amusing name, this pub’s got an equally amusing decor with (you guessed it) lots of nautical-inspired gizmos hanging around, like seahorses, buoys, and (naturally) a pirate. 

It’s pretty cute for the summertime, since there’s a lot of outdoor seating with big, straw umbrellas. And for wintertime, you can challenge strangers to a game of pool and hope to score yourself a few free drinks if you win. (This is not Captain Seaweed’s protocol; it’s just something I do sometimes.) 

My Top 5 Favorite Bars in Providence 

Well that was certainly a walk down memory lane. After living on Atwells Avenue for a few years and circling the city on foot more times than I can count, I daresay I am an expert when it comes to the downtown Providence bar scene. 

So here’s my rapid-fire run-down on my all-time favorite bars in Providence: 

Wrapping Up: You can’t go wrong with any of the 26 best bars in Providence

At pretty much all times of the year, the nightlife in Providence is a-booming. 

In general, I’m completely convinced that Providence is a hidden gem and a true jewel in the USA—and its bar scene is no exception. 

If you make the journey to The Ocean State’s Big Apple, tell me: Which bar is your new favorite? 

Recommended Reading:

• The Problem with Shopping on Amazon Prime
• “Life Is Sad and Then You Die.” Why this is the motto that will bring you peace.
• 13 Habits to Start Now in Your 20s (or Whenever) for Long-Term Physical & Mental Wellbeing
• Ultimate Guide to Self-Care: 100 Self-Care Ideas
• Best Tea for Non Tea Drinkers | How to Start Drinking Tea

The post 26 Best Bars in Providence: Insider Tips from a Native Rhode Island-er appeared first on A Merry Loner.

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of a solo trip, whether that be a two-week jaunt to Québec to sit on rainy balconies and cosplay a tortured poet or a weekend spree to Warsaw to sing and dance in a crowd of strangers at The Eras Tour. 

But as most female travelers can attest, solo trips are all fun and games until the sun sets. 

No, our carriages aren’t turning into pumpkins and our elegant slippers aren’t falling off (though we may be leaving a bachelor on the dance floor), but our stranger-danger defenses are certainly going up. What’s a girl to do alone at night in Paris when the world is her oyster but also sometimes her undoing? 

Stay safe! But also, recreate. Voilà un petit round-up of four fun (safe) things to do alone in Paris at night:

Related Posts:

• Why Are We All So Afraid of Being Alone?
• 14 Habits to Develop in Your 20s
• 100 Self-Care Ideas

1. Dine Like an Elegant Lady at a Table for One 

“Table for one” needn’t be an embarrassing sentence you whisper sheepishly to the maître d’—at least not when you’re wearing a fabulous dress (that you didn’t buy on Amazon) and you’re smelling like an alluring blend of sandalwood, ginger lily, vetiver, and lavender.)

Truly, it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing. The beauty of The Merry Loner Lifestyle is that it empowers you to redefine loneliness as chosen independence. You’re not dining alone because no one will have you; you’re dining alone because you want to enjoy an evening out on the town with your own company. (And because you’re hungry.) 

If you want to live The Merry Loner Lifestyle (Paris Version), then a prime endroit for a chic French meal is at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte. A friend took me to this restaurant way back in 2017 during my first visit to Paris, and young, green, wide-eyed Merry was surely dazzled. 

Here’s how it works: 

• You line up outside the door with the rest of the evening’s restaurant-goers. 
• You enter with everyone else when the door’s open and are immediately whisked to a table. 
• You confirm your order to the waitress. (Spoiler: There’s only one thing on the menu. (Double Spoiler: It’s steak and fries.))
• Within about five minutes, you chow down on the exact same meal as your table neighbors. 

It’s elegant, and it’s efficient. (Who knew there was a way to combine the two?) Make sure you get there early! Add this restaurant to your travel loves list.

2. Act Like a Cinephile at a Local Movie House

Bonus points if you wear a turtleneck. 

What is it about the movie theater that intimidates the solo traveler? Okay, so you don’t have anyone’s hand to hold during the previews. So what? Maybe their hands are sweaty. 

In the age of streaming and ubiquitous short-form videos with impossibly cringe-y content (that the pioneers of the term “cringe-y” somehow fail to find cringe-y), few are those who seek more artful, lengthy films in traditional cinema. But perhaps the tides are turning. The Guardian claims “there is an incredible hunger” for classic films that are slowly crawling their way back into cinemas—and I’m here for it. 

Actually, I’m there for it—in a local movie house in Paris. For my fellow women travelers looking for things to do alone in Paris that don’t involve drinking or eating, hitting up a cinema should be at the top of your list. 

And if you don’t speak French, fear not. Many movie theaters play foreign films (i.e., non-French films), so it’s not that hard to find an American or English film in a Parisian cinema. 

If you do speak French, then woo-hoo. This is your chance to soak up some real francophone action. Even if you’re not fluent, going to the movies is great, authentic exposure to the language to give your listening comprehension a boost.

3. Play Dress Up at a Parisian Cocktail Bar

If you want to feel effortlessly fancy in Paris (I’m assuming you do), then sashay over to a dimly-lit cocktail bar. 

You can be mysterious and aloof by bringing a book along—try one of these classic novels if you want to give an allure of intellectual pretentiousness. Or maybe come armed with a luxe leather journal for all your daydreaming and musing. 

If you need a little social support, that’s okay. Becoming a Merry Loner is a journey—and flying solo at a bar at night in a foreign city is playing on expert level. Turn to good old Facebook groups or dedicated apps like Meetup to find events for travelers in Paris. These groups usually give you a higher success rate if you’re staying in the city for the long term. But if you’re traveling to Paris solo for a weekend, then you’re better off booking an event in advance. 

For example, on TripAdvisor, you can sign up for meetups in Paris like: 

• Solo in Paris Meetup in a Bar
• Solo Meetup & Explore Great Cocktail Bars in Paris
• Latin Quarter Pub Crawl

4. Mingle at a Language Café

If drinking isn’t so much your thing and you’d rather focus on meeting new people, why not try a language café?

At language café, you can meet and mingle with other travelers (and even locals, sometimes) to practice your language skills. Naturally, these meetups usually take place in bars, but you can also find daytime activities in coffee shops or parks, if that’s more your style. 

If you only speak English, don’t freak out. A lot of people come to language cafés to practice English, so you can usually find someone to talk to. Better yet, if you’re learning another language, this is your golden opportunity to practice chatting with other language learners and native speakers.

Again, you can find these language cafés in Facebook groups or on websites like Meetup. 

Recommended Reading:

• How Heather’s Lonely Year at Uni Became the Springboard to Her Greatest Adventures
• Accepting Your Fate (Finding Acceptance Alone)
• Did This French Guy Just Tell Us The Secret to Happiness?
• How to Stop Wanting Things
• The Problem with Shopping on Amazon Prime

The post Alone at Night in Paris—Where to Take Yourself on a Solo Date appeared first on A Merry Loner.