Last updated on November 3rd, 2023
Considering a solo trip to Paris? Here are the top things you NEED to know for your adventure to Paris!
Paris is one of the top destinations for romance and vacationing with your boo. However, it’s also an excellent place to visit alone. In fact, a solo trip to Paris will most likely make you fall in love with solo travel if you aren’t already.
Now, you may have heard that Paris is overrated. Those people telling you that either have never been themselves or simply don’t enjoy all Paris offers.
I was in that same position where people told me Paris was a waste of time. And I almost listened.
However, I went away, not expecting much. But surprisingly, Paris became one of my favorite destinations in ALL of Europe.
Moral of the story: don’t NOT go to Paris just because someone said they didn’t like it. You need to try it for yourself because we all experience things differently.
As someone who loves Paris, I’m giving you the top tips on planning a solo trip to Paris.
This post is about making the most of your solo trip to Paris.
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Solo Trip to Paris
First things first, why take a solo trip to Paris? Simple, Paris is what dreams are made of. 😆
No, but seriously, Paris is the perfect city to romanticize your life. It’s the city of love for a reason. And just because you’re traveling solo doesn’t mean you can’t love on yourself.
Paris has so much to offer: famous monuments & museums, macarons & other tasty treats, gardens & art. And regardless of what you’re into, there’s something for everyone.
Plus, the ancient streets of Paris have an enchanting feel, which only adds to the city’s allure. I’m telling you, you’ll feel like you’re in a movie in just a couple of hours in Paris.
Is Paris Good for Solo Travelers?
As I alluded to earlier, Paris is great for solo travelers! I say this for a few reasons.
#1: Overall, Paris is a safe destination for solo travelers (female solo travelers included). Now, while Paris is beautiful, it’s not perfect. This means crime still exists in the city & you should exercise caution when traveling.
#2: It’s easy to be a solo traveler in Paris. The city is like a giant maze you can explore for hours. It’s also very comfortable dining alone in the city, as many women are known to eat alone in Paris. And the city is full of cafes, which offer the perfect setting for eating alone.
This is hella important for solo travelers because dining alone can be extremely daunting if you’re not used to it yet.
#3: Paris is one city that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to another world. It’s a very enchanting destination that makes you feel good about life. With that being said, it’s not all fairytales and rainbows, but it’s definitely not your average city.
What Should I Know Before Visiting Paris as a Solo Traveler?
Pickpocketing is very common in Paris, especially at crowded tourist sites. So, you’ll always want to be aware of your personal items. I suggest wearing an anti-theft bookbag or an anti-theft purse that zips up.
Don’t carry a large amount of cash on you. Because pickpocketing is so huge in the city, you wouldn’t want all your money stolen. Bring small bills and keep them in separate places. And save some backup cash & an extra debit card hidden in your luggage.
Watch out for common scams in Paris. Unfortunately, tourists are heavily targeted when it comes to theft. So, don’t accept jewelry or flowers (or anything) from a random stranger. They will be chasing you down, demanding payment, even though you thought it was free. If someone approaches you like that, it’s best to just ignore them & keep on your way.
Don’t give money to beggars. While I’m a big advocator for generosity, giving money to beggars is a disaster waiting to happen. Sometimes, people asking for money in Paris are scammers. So, f you’re handing money out, the situation can get hairy quickly.
And your safety is the top priority, so avoid giving money to people. If you want to give back, you can donate to a charitable organization in Paris.
Avoid going out at night by yourself. This is a best practice for traveling anywhere, but Paris during nighttime can be sketchy in some areas. So, it’s best to go out with someone or a group during the night.
However, if you are alone at night, stay in well-lit areas with many people around.
How not to stand out as a tourist in Paris?
One top way to minimize scams is to blend in with the locals.
Tip #1: Dress accordingly. Leave the baseball caps, t-shirts with logos, tennis shoes, flip-flops, and sweatpants at home. Wearing these in Paris is like wearing a bright-red sign that says ‘I’M NOT FROM HERE.’
Instead, choose clothing items like dresses, skirts, basic tees, black pants, and leather shoes.
Tip #2: Walk like you know where you’re going, even if you have no clue. If you look lost and confused, you will surely draw attention to yourself (and not the kind you want). So, hold your head high and walk as if you know exactly where you’re going.
Tip #3: Learn key phrases in French. Whenever you enter a business, it’s best to greet others with a ‘bonjour.’ Not only is this polite but it’s considered respectful and will likely get you a warm response.
Also, it’s important to remember that not everyone in Paris speaks English. Hence, navigating conversations with some basic French phrases is crucial.
Tip #4: Avoid leaving big tips. In France, tips are already included in your bill. However, if you want to give your server a little something extra, you can. But try to leave at most 1-2 euros.
Tip #5: When dining out, don’t ask for modifications unless you have allergies. Asking for changes in your meal is considered insulting to the chef.
How Much is a Solo Trip to Paris?
A 5-day trip to Paris for a solo traveler will cost roughly $1,200 – $1,500. This will cover lodging, food, transportation within the city, and any activities you want to experience. Unfortunately, this does not cover your flight to and from Paris. A roundtrip flight will cost anywhere from $1,000 – $1,400, depending on where you’re flying from.
While Paris isn’t the cheapest Europe destination, it is possible to visit on a budget. To reduce costs, consider staying in a hostel instead of a hotel and walking instead of public transportation.
Other tips for saving money on a trip to Paris include traveling during the off-season. Hotels and airfare are likely to be much lower during the off-season. Also, consider using travel sites like Skyscanner to find the best price on transportation.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Paris Alone?
There is much to see and do in Paris. So, to give yourself enough time to see everything without feeling rushed, I recommend spending 4-5 days in Paris.
When is the Best Time to Visit Paris?
The best time to visit Paris is during the fall months, September & October. It’s not too hot or cold; Paris Fashion Week is in full swing, and changing leaves’ colors make the enchanting city look even more beautiful than usual.
Another ideal time to visit Paris is in the summer when the weather is gorgeous and outdoor activities happen daily. However, the downside to visiting during summer is the crowds. Summer is a high season for tourists. But if you don’t mind the crowds, it’s definitely one of the more fun seasons to visit.
11 Best Things to Do in Paris Alone
There is so much to do in Paris, especially for solo travelers. Here are my favorite things to do in Paris alone.
1. Eat Breakfast at a Cafe
Breakfast is one of my favorite meals of the day & it truly sets the tone for the day. And what says, ‘I’m living my Paris dream’ more than eating in a cafe?! Now you don’t have to go during breakfast, but you can’t leave Paris without dining in a cafe.
2. Get Lost in the Endless Museums
Paris is well-known for its museums like the Louvre & the Musée d’Orsay. So, pick your favorite 3 and spend the afternoon getting lost in the stunning art & history.
3. Take a Cruise Along The Seine
Cruising on the Seine River is one of the best ways to see the city, and it is actually a lot of fun. You learn neat facts about Paris, and some cruises even offer a meal and champagne during the trip. Yes, please
4. Get Some Epic Photos at the Arc De Triomphe
Built-in 1836, the Arc De Triomphe is one of Paris’s most famous & easily recognizable landmarks. You can get some BEAUTIFUL photos at the arc, so be picture ready when you visit.
5. Visit the Eiffel Tower
Visiting the Eiffel Tower should be a no-brainer when on a solo trip to Paris. Yes, it’s a major tourist attraction, but did you even go to Paris if you didn’t go to the Eiffel Tower?!
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6. Stroll Through the Jardin Du Luxembourg
The Jardin Du Luxembourg has some of the most beautiful flowers, fountains, and ponds. It is an excellent place to relax, and I highly recommend it for taking a moment to journal. If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to gather your thoughts, this is the place to do it.
7. Explore the Covered Passageways in The Passage du Grand Cerf
These ‘secret’ passageways in the Passage du Grand Cerf are beautiful and the perfect place to get a souvenir.
8. Go on the Hunt for Crossiants & Crepes
Calories don’t count on vacation, am I right? Paris is known for their DELICIOUS croissants and crepes, which are easy to find. But make an adventure out of it, and find the best ones in the city.
9. Take a Day Trip to Chateau de Versailles
The Palace of Versailles was formerly home to royalty and is one of the most impressive structures in Europe. So, of course, it’s definitely worth the visit if you have the time!
10. Climb up Montmartre
The views are absolutely stunning on the hilltop of Montmartre. Spend the afternoon taking some great photos, exploring the cobblestone streets, and having lunch in one of the cafes on the hill.
11. Do Some Shopping at the Legendary Les Grands Magasins
If you are a shopper & have some extra room in your suitcase, you MUST stop by the impressive Les Grands Magasins – Le Bon Marché, Au Printemps, and Galeries Lafayette.
So, grab a nice lunch beforehand, then shop til you drop!
This post is about making the most of your solo trip to Paris.
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