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

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