Travelling To Paris Alone: 37 Things To Do Solo

Travelling to Paris alone? I overheard a young woman in a cafe in Victoria, Canada saying that she would never do a solo trip to Paris. “The Eiffel Tower alone?” she moaned. I almost leapt across the table, stared her down and barked, “Why not?”

But I am a reserved Canadian and just couldn’t interrupt her and say, ” Solo travel to Paris is the best!” I pondered instead her loss of a magnificent opportunity.

One of the world’s most romantic cities, Paris sees couples lingering on the Seine River bridges and at the Eiffel Tower. Romance just begs to be experienced first-hand in Paris. It seems as though this notion of romance might be a challenge for the solo traveler but I have found that travelling to Paris alone is more than doable. It’s absolutely perfect!

Are You Ready To Travel Solo To Paris?

Let’s start with a few questions:

• Have you travelled solo before?
• Are you good with your own company?
• Can you let yourself be swept away by the charm and elegance of the French capital?
• Will you allow yourself to connect with the essence of Paris?

If you answered, “YES” to the above, I think you are set to have a marvellous time travelling to Paris alone. Embracing solo travel is predominantly about mindset. Attitude is everything. If you are going to solo travel to Paris, step into your space and explore like there’s no tomorrow. You have all of Paris. You can go at your own pace. Going to Paris alone sounds like a recipe for success!

Travelling To Paris Alone: 37 Perfect Things To Do

1. Take A Walking Tour

If it is your first time in Paris, a guided walking tour is one of the best ways to get oriented. It’s the first thing I do when I arrive in a new city. I have had exceptional experiences with guided walking tours. They are often a great place to meet other solo travelers.

On your Paris solo trip why not check out Paris Greeters (free walking tours) or Discover Walks? Taking a bike tour is another way to solo travel in Paris and connect with others. Here is a list of 5 unique walking tours of Paris.

Great Walking Tours When Travelling Solo In Paris:

This one takes you through Montmartre, or choose from the iconic neighbourhoods tour or maybe the Street Art tour is for you!

2. Marvel At The Eiffel Tower

Whether this is your first solo trip to Paris or your tenth, a visit to the Eiffel Tower is always a good idea!

The Iron Lady makes an appearance when you are least expecting it, soaring over rooftops or peeking out at the road’s end. The Eiffel Tower, in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, looks grand in the daytime but even more glamorous at night. On the hour, her golden twinkling lights glitter for 5 minutes as her sweeping beam ignites the city.

There are many views of the Eiffel Tower. Which is the best?

Start at Place du Trocadero.

3. Explore Paris By Quartier

The two sides of Paris, the capital city with constantly wailing sirens and the small village atmosphere, are both waiting to be unveiled. Paris is a big city but dive into the neighbourhoods that used to be small villages, sit at a corner café and watch how the community interacts.

Get mixed up with the arrondissements of Paris? This guide to the Paris arrondissements will help you plan your best visit to the City of Light!

Here are some of the iconic Paris quartiers that used to be small villages:

• Montmartre: Explore Bohemian Paris.
• Saint-Germain des Prés: Explore Paris like in the movies!
• 23 top things to do in le Marais: Everyone loves Place des Vosges and the historic Marais.
• Ile Saint-Louis: One of the oldest villages in the city center.
• Ile de la Cité: My guide to 17 things to see and do in this iconic part of Paris.
• The Latin Quarter: Don’t miss this enchanting historic part of Paris. It’s perfect for wandering.

4. Travelling To Paris Alone: Cruise The River Seine

A solo Paris trip is not complete without gliding along the River Seine. I love taking a one-hour cruise down the Seine River. You get a completely different perspective of this beautiful city and its monuments. Try timing your cruise for the evening when the iconic monuments are twinkling and the Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour on the hour for five minutes. The Illumination Cruise is spectacular.

5. Walk The Quays Of The River Seine

A visit to Paris is never complete without a long drawn-out stroll alongside the quays of the Seine River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelling to Paris alone is the perfect opportunity for such a walk. The curious traveller will be enchanted. Who lives on the houseboats? Which bridge is which and what is its significance? How many picnics are happening? And a multitude of Parisians in the midst of “jogging” (say that in your best French accent) will pass you by inspiring you to walk a bit more briskly.

6. Stand in Awe Before Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is the heartbeat of Paris. On each solo trip to Paris, I always visited. After the devastating fire in April of 2019, it has not been possible to enter Notre Dame Cathedral. However, it is fascinating to watch the scaffolding and the workmen, read the panels explaining the fire and restoration project and sit in awe on the risers before the façade.

It promises to be a very exciting year ahead with the re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral scheduled for December 8, 2024.

7. Explore Paris By Bike

I first started cycling in Paris on a solo trip to Paris. In recent years, there have been many new bicycle lanes added to the large city. Hopping on a bike is a great way to get familiar with Paris. I get lost every time but it makes me smile because it means I am getting to know Paris intimately! Here are my tips on renting a Velib (those green and blue bicycle rental stations) and how not to get one stolen.

Pay attention when renting a bike in Paris. The cyclists are not known for following the rules of the road. Stick to the bike laneways by the Seine River.

Guided Tour By Bike: A 4-hour bike tour and a 3-hour bike tour.

8. Travelling To Paris Alone: Flâner A Little

My favourite way to explore Paris is to wander. Why not step into the designation of “urban explorer” when travelling to Paris alone? The quintessential urban explorer, known as a flâneur in the 18th century, was a man (not a suitable designation for a woman back then) who strolled about town, frequented cafés and observed daily life. Parisians love to flâner, it is an integral part of French culture. Not a man? Not a problem. The modern-day female explorer can flâner through the city. 

Not sure where to start your urban explorer adventures? One of the best places is a stroll along one of these amazing Paris streets.

9. Visit The Mona Lisa

A solo trip in Paris, especially if it is your first time to the French capital, will involve a visit to the Louvre Museum and specifically the Mona Lisa. You won’t feel alone in Paris at all. Stand before the most famous painting in Paris and revel in the fact that you are in Paris alone before a da Vinci masterpiece!

10. Solo Travel To Paris: Get Off The Beaten Path

Paris is full of hidden gems. There is a certain joy in uncovering hidden Paris, especially on a solo trip to Paris. Start with these 43 tucked-away gems and delight in the elegance and charm of Secret Paris.

11. Watch Sailboats In The Jardin Du Luxembourg

There are so many things to experience when travelling to Paris alone. One of my favourite places to soak up Parisian culture is in the Jardin du Luxembourg. The green metallic chairs fill on weekend mornings. Picnics and games of pétanque get underway, ponies are ridden, and little children scoot around the perimeter of the fountain pushing their sailboats while parents cheer them on. Embrace this solo trip to Paris and simply observe lived moments.

12. Visit Sainte Chapelle

Ste Chapelle, nestled on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, is a breathtaking masterpiece that holds tales of history through its stained glass windows. Built in the 13th century by King Louis IX, this jewel of Gothic architecture is a testament to the grandeur of medieval France. As you step inside, be prepared to be completely enchanted. You can also enjoy a concert at Ste Chapelle in the evening.

13. Investigate Some Of The Lesser Known Green Spaces

Travelling to Paris alone, it’s a great idea to visit some of the smaller or lesser-known parks. The Parc des Buttes Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement has a waterfall and temple! The Parc de Bagatelle in the Bois de Boulogne is a stunning park with a magnificent rose garden! Walking the Coulée Verte in Paris’s 12th arrondissement is another way to visit a green space and get off the beaten path. Close to the Eiffel Tower is Ile aux Cygnes, the third and smallest island in the Seine River. Walk over from the Eiffel Tower, enjoy the magnificent Bir-Hakeim Bridge, and see the largest Statue of Liberty in Paris.

14. Picnic By Canal Saint-Martin

Solo travel in Paris is a good reason to celebrate! How about buying one of those mini-champagne bottles and having a little celebration solo in Paris? Plan a “picnic for one” by Canal Saint-Martin. You won’t be alone and the people watching will keep you more than entertained.

Did you know that rumours float around about the crocodile in Canal Saint-Martin?

15. Solo Paris Travel: Stand Amongst Locals At A Café

Paris is a city that lives and socializes outdoors. It’s part of the Parisian culture. Can you feel alone when corner cafes are buzzing with conversation and connection? Catch a wave of the energy. Be content with your own company. Choose an outdoor table and people-watch or scratch a few notes in your journal.

When travelling to Paris alone, I love to stand at the counter amongst the locals, order a coffee (a “noisette”), pay the Parisian (non-touristy) price, and sip my coffee at the counter. All around, Parisians will be chatting with their barista or reading the paper.

I have been known to stand and read a good book on my Kindle app such as Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast. Better yet, pick up a book at an English Bookstore in Paris and read away! If you’re an Ernest Hemingway fan, you might want to pop by the Hemingway Bar and sit right on a barstool and soak up the literary vibe!

16. Visit A Smaller Museum

If larger crowds seem overwhelming on a solo trip to Paris, opt to spend some time in a smaller museum. Paris is full of intimate museums housed in historic buildings and ancient mansions. Here is my guide to 15 Museums in Paris. Why not try the Musée Jacquemart-André in a stunning Paris home or the Galerie Dior, for fashion lovers?

Atelier des Lumières is an immersive art experience that is completely memorable and different from the usual museum experience. Book your ticket here.

Plan Ahead and Skip The Line: At the Musée d’Orsay and Orangerie, the Picasso Museum. Why not try the Paris Museum Pass for 2, 4, or 6 days?

17. Travelling To Paris Alone: Take A Cooking Class

What a thrill when I was given a cooking class as a gift at the cooking school at the Ritz Hotel! It was a 4-hour class and if you love to cook, you can’t go wrong! It was elegant and professional and every minute of the hands-on 4-hour class was jam-packed! It’s the perfect thing to do if you are travelling to Paris alone. Read about my cooking class experience at the Ritz Hotel.

If the Ritz doesn’t fit into your plans, here are some other suggested cooking classes to consider:

• a market visit and cooking class with a Parisian chef
• French pastry secrets with a Ferrandi chef
• making macarons with a Parisian chef

18. Watch A Riveting Game Of Pétanque

Can you feel alone observing pétanque in action? The heavy metal balls clank and players gather intently around a landing spot to determine points.

Head over to Place Dauphine, one of the oldest squares in Paris, situated at the end of Ile de la Cité. It’s a charming oasis in bustling Paris – sip rosé in a café, watch a game of pétanque (better yet, join in!) or relax on a bench.

19. Travelling To Paris Alone: Tango By The Seine

When the sensual side of life is calling to you, just head down to the Jardin Tino-Rossi to watch the dynamic and elegant flow of tango dancing. It might seem hard on the heart to watch couples dancing when travelling alone to Paris, but, as the Parisians arrive, change into their dancing shoes and float to the music alongside the Seine, I feel remarkably alive and inspired in the City of Love. Tango by the Seine is people-watching with a seductive twist.

20. Dive Into French Gastronomy

After living in Paris for four years, I admit that I have sought out and sampled many pâtisseries, croissants and baguettes in the French capital. Oh, là là. Delicious food is such an integral part of the French and Parisian culture.

Solo in Paris? Head to your local boulangerie or pâtisserie and sample to your heart’s content! If you are in Paris in January for Epiphany, be sure to try the Galette des Rois, only available at this time of year. Gluten-free? Paris has a solid choice of gluten-free cafés and restaurants.

Read up on 29 Scrumptious Things to Eat In France – what will you try?

21. Savour French Cheese

There is nothing like a Parisian picnic when you are travelling to Paris alone. The most important part of the picnic (besides the glass of wine) is the cheese. Oh, and the baguette. These French cheeses are sure to set your taste buds alight! If you are looking for outstanding fromageries in Paris, look no further than one of these seven.

Is Gastronomy Your Thing? Here are some food and wine tours: A Cheese and Wine Tour, and a Chocolate and Patisserie tour.

22. Solo Trip To Paris: Where To Eat?

I have eaten all over Paris as a solo female traveller and as a woman living on her own in Paris. It takes a bit of gumption at first but then it becomes normal. Afterwards, there is often a good tale to tell. Perhaps it is the overly attentive waiter (you know, the handsome one), the couple that turns around and practically joins you for dinner, and the woman across the way who calls out, “Bon appetit!”

Here are some of my favourite places to eat when travelling to Paris alone:

• gourmet experiences in le Marais
• vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Paris
• Bouillon Restaurants
• where to eat by Canal St Martin

If you’re looking for a refreshing treat, how about stopping at one of these fantastic ice cream shops in Paris?

23. Go Shopping On A Solo Trip To Paris

When traveling to Paris alone, I love shopping. There is every kind of chic shopping in Paris from the elegant Champs-Elysées to the trendy Marais full of concept shops. Pass your time finding treasures in Paris vintage shops and head to the flea markets for great finds. The best part about shopping in Paris are the charming boutiques discovered by chance.

24. Travelling To Paris Alone: Explore The Paris Markets

One of the greatest places to watch French life unfold is at the local markets. I find on a solo trip to Paris that I am much more tuned into those around me. Where better to observe Parisian life in action than at the markets in the city centre?

The well-dressed ladies with their shopping caddies roll up to their regular vendors, have a lovely conversation and stock up for the next day. The men are shopping too. This is not a chore but an outing centred around one of the keystones of French life, gastronomy.

Marché des Enfants Rouges: This oldest covered market in Paris is the perfect place to stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables, and eat a meal at a shared table.

When travelling to Paris alone or with a friend I love to visit two of my favourite Paris markets. Don’t miss the Marché Richard Lenoir (Bastille) and the Marché d’Aligre. I’ve written about them both in my articles on the 11th arrondissement and the 12th arrondissement.

Marché aux Puces: Paris’s famous flea market is an outing in itself. The perfect place to flâner and observe life in Paris. There is something for everyone. Here is what to expect at Marché aux Puces.

Christmas Markets: In Paris in December? The Christmas markets in Paris are a marvellous, festive place to find all your Christmas gifts. And what about a day trip to Strasbourg to visit the Strasbourg Christmas Market, which has been going strong since 1570?

25. Visit A French Castle Near Paris

A trip to France is just not complete without visiting a dazzling château! On a solo trip to Paris, why not venture to a nearby French castle?

• Chantilly: How to plan the best day trip to this beautiful castle.
• Versailles: How to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site independently.
• Versailles: Pick from the top organized day trips to Versailles.
• Château of Fontainebleau: How to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site independently.
• Loire Valley Castles: A little further away, pick from the best organized day tours to the Loire Valley.

26. Travelling Alone to Paris? Consider A Day Trip

When travelling to Paris alone, there are plenty of trips within a day’s reach. There are Normandy beaches, pilgrimage sites, and tiny medieval villages all within reach of Paris. Check out train schedules and bus schedules and you’ll be amazed where you can get to in a day.

Here are a few day trips to consider when travelling to Paris alone:

• Giverny France: Giverny in Normandy France, Claude Monet’s home and water lily ponds, is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. How to Spend the Perfect Day in Giverny
• Disneyland Paris: Just a short 35-minute train ride away is a little dose of Disney magic! Read these tips for planning a trip to Disneyland Paris.
• Auvers-sur-Oise: If you love small towns and Vincent Van Gogh, this is the destination for you. He lived here for a few months before his untimely death and created 80 paintings in this short time. Here is how to visit.
• Deauville and Trouville: These twin towns in Normandy are right on the beach. If you are in Paris during the summer, they are a marvellous escape to the sea. Here’s the low down on this day trip.
• You might want to extend your day trip from Deauville to Honfleur and Etretat.
• Provins: The perfect UNESCO medieval towns! Here is what to do in Provins.
• French Beaches: Here are some of the best French beaches.

27. Meander In Tiny Micro-Neighbourhoods

La Butte aux Cailles: Looking for off-the-beaten-path Paris… here it is…

Butte Bergeyre: A mini-village sitting on a hill in the 19th arrondissement? Another great off-the-beaten-path discovery for the solo traveller to Paris.

28. Calling Lovers Of Art Nouveau Architecture

You can’t miss Art Nouveau in Paris if you look for the Metro stations designed by Hector Guimard. They are a hallmark of classic Paris. If Guimard’s fanciful designs intrigue you, head to the residential area of the 16th arrondissement and follow this trail of fascinating facades.

29. Have Tea in the Garden At The Petit Palais

Tucked away behind the free exhibits at the Petit Palais is the most delightful garden and restaurant. Go for tea. Go for lunch. Write in your journal. Embrace the tranquillity and elegance of this hidden spot perfect for the solo traveller in Paris.

30. Descend Into The Paris Catacombs

One of the most unique experiences in Paris is visiting the Paris Catacombs in the 14th arrondissement. This eerie underground ossuary was never on my list of places to visit in Paris alone but it is very intriguing! The catacombs are well worth a visit! Read 25 Interesting Facts About The Paris Catacombs

31. Attend A Cabaret

The enchantment of Paris is incomplete without experiencing the captivating world of a cabaret. The ambience at the cabaret venues, such as the Moulin Rouge or the Crazy Horse, drops you into an era of glamour with elaborate dance performances.

32. Take In Magnificent Views Over Paris

A solo trip in Paris has to include magnificent views over the city. Head to the 7th floor at Galeries Lafayette, the top of the Panthéon or the top of the Arc de Triomphe, and the top of the Montparnasse Tower. All have sweeping views over Paris including the Eiffel Tower! There are fantastic views over Paris from the Eiffel Tower. Does travelling to Paris alone get any better than this? Bring the selfie stick!

33. Book An Evening Concert At A Historic Church

One of my favourite things to do on a solo Paris trip is to attend an evening concert in a historic church. I have seen plenty. You don’t feel alone at all surrounded by magnificent music and other spectators. It’s been a highlight of every Paris solo trip. I even met a stranger there who later became a friend. You can read about her here!

34. Wander Through Père Lachaise Cemetery

When travelling to Paris alone, a cemetery may seem an unlikely place to spend your time. But the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery is a tranquil place full of history. Wander through its cobblestone alleys looking for the greats such as Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison.

35. Follow The Claude Monet Trail

One of my favourite things to do on a solo trip to Paris is discover amazing museums. Claude Monet, the famous Impressionist painter has plenty of masterpieces in Paris. Look for them in the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée de l’Orangerie, and the Musée Marmottan. Dedicated fans will want to plan a day trip to Giverny.

36. Discover the Charm of Belleville

I love Belleville and have lived near the 20th arrondissement for quite some time. I love its eclectic charm. How about wandering the streets of Belleville or taking a walking tour of the fabulous street art?

37. Revel In the Market Atmosphere Of rue des Martyrs

One of my favourite streets in all of Paris, I discovered after reading “The Only Street in Paris.” As a solo traveller in Paris, I love this market street’s buzz. Come hungry as there are plenty of places to stop and sample great French chocolate, patisseries, cheese, and ice cream. Have a coffee at the KB Coffee Roasters or a fun drink at Classique.

(Another favourite street of mine is rue du Bac! It’s chic and perfect to meander when travelling to Paris alone.)

Is It Safe To Travel To Paris Alone?

“Should I travel to Paris alone?” is a very common question along with, “Is Paris safe for solo female travellers?” After many trips to Paris solo, I can say it is a great idea to plan a solo trip to Paris. As with all solo travel, you need to be aware and prepared and wear a cross-body bag. Paris is a large city and with that comes pickpocketers and scammers. Here are my best tips on how to avoid Paris scams. That being said, I never feel unsafe in Paris.

Solo Trip Paris: How To Get Around?

Paris is a walking city. Bring comfortable shoes and walk, walk, walk! The public transportation in Paris, the Paris métro and buses is great for getting around Paris. Here are all the tips you need to use the Paris métro.

Uber and Taxis are another convenient way to navigate Paris when travelling to Paris alone.

Travelling In Paris Alone: eSim

I recommend purchasing an eSIM before you leave your home country. As soon as you arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport, you will be connected to data. For safety, I find having data essential. I use my eSim daily to navigate around Paris with Google Maps.

Solo Travel Paris: Where To Stay

Some of my favourite places to stay when travelling to Paris alone have been in the Marais, and on the left bank in the 7th arrondissement.

Affordable Hotels In Paris: Check out this curated list of 13 best affordable Paris hotels.

Boutique Hotels In Le Marais: 11 Charming Boutique Hotels in le Marais

Hotels with Eiffel Tower Views: 21 Hotels with Sumptuous Views

Apartments In Paris: How about this gorgeous apartment just a 4-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower?

Travelling To Paris Alone: Planning Ahead

• Book your airline tickets with my favourite platform, Skyscanner.
• Book a transfer from Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport with Welcome Pick Ups.
• Reserve a car (not for Paris) but for a road trip in France
• Reserve train tickets for further travels in Europe with Trainline (my go-to)

Skip the Line Tickets and Tours

On a Paris solo trip, I recommend purchasing your tickets and booking guided tours in advance.

Be sure to book in advance for the most popular things to do. Book your entry to the Eiffel Tower, a one-hour Seine cruise, a timed-entry ticket to the Louvre, and a skip-the-line ticket to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. And don’t forget Versailles and Disneyland!

Further Paris Reading

25 Key Travel Tips For Paris. Here are the best Paris experiences to have and where to find 25 hidden gems in Paris. Only have a short time in Paris? Try this One Day in Paris Itinerary. If you want to find the charms of secret Paris, find them in my eBook, Paris for the Curious Stroller.

Are you up for the adventure of travelling to Paris alone? Do you have the gumption to do that solo Paris trip? I bet you do! Will you step out of your comfort zone? I bet you will! I hope this guide has given you the confidence and inspiration to plan a “going to Paris alone” trip!

Until next time,

Like this post? Pin it for later!