There are few cities better suited to a solo trip than Paris. Whether you’re passing time people-watching at a sidewalk bistro, wandering down cobblestone streets admiring the architecture, or ambling along the Canal Saint Martin snacking on a pastry, there is much in Paris to keep you occupied. In fact, you may find you prefer discovering the city and French culture alone. After all, solo travelers have been visiting Paris and reveling in its delights for centuries.
That said, if you’re a first-time solo traveler, it can be a little intimidating to hit the streets of a foreign city alone for the very first time. It’s good to know what to expect before your first solo trip and note any particular safety precautions you may want to take, especially if you plan to visit Paris alone as a female.
Read on to learn about things you’ll want to keep in mind as you explore the City of Light, including tips from solo female travelers that have visited Paris before.
Solo travel in Paris
Visiting Paris solo is ideal whether you’re planning a day trip, a few days, or a much longer adventure. The beauty of traveling solo is that you can do everything at your own pace. If you feel inclined to visit numerous attractions and sites in one day, you can do so without worrying about anyone else’s energy levels.
Or if you prefer to take your time and explore Paris on foot, you can enjoy taking in all the details that you might have missed if you hadn’t decided to travel solo. A great way to soak up French culture is to spend plenty of time in cafes and restaurants. In fact, Paris is an ideal city for solo diners as it’s a common cultural practice to eat alone in restaurants. Try to snag a spot under a heater at an outward facing terrace table. It’s the perfect place to people-watch as you enjoy your meal.
Best things to do traveling alone in Paris
Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world for good reason. There are countless tourist attractions and sites to visit, from Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe and Sacre Coeur. If your aim is to visit as many sites and take as many great photos as possible, Paris won’t disappoint.
As a distinctly walkable city, Paris is the perfect solo travel destination because you can pass so much time simply walking the streets — without ever spending a single euro on your solo adventure. A walk along the River Seine, or exploring the bridges of the Ile Saint Louis, or relaxing near a fountain in the Jardin du Luxembourg could easily fill half a day — and all these areas are all relatively close together. You may find that exploring Paris with no strict agenda is the best way to experience the city.
Getting around Paris as a solo traveler
A common question about a solo trip to Paris is whether you need to speak French in order to get around. In general, the answer is no. Most restaurants and cafes are familiar with tourists, and while you may find yourself in situations where you can’t fully understand what’s going on, you will certainly be able to do the basics — navigate the metro system, check into a hotel, and order a meal in a restaurant — without knowing the language.
In addition to being a distinctly walkable city — most places are easily reached by foot in an hour or less — you can also easily navigate Paris using its metro system. You can purchase metro tickets in any station, and find easy-to-follow maps in all stations. This is a good option if you are short on time but want to see a lot of the city.
Staying safe as a solo traveler in Paris
Paris is generally a very safe city. While the usual precautions for travelers apply — don’t carry around lots of valuables potentially attracting unwanted attention, and always pay special care when withdrawing cash at ATMs — you can enjoy feeling safe in Paris just as you would in most other European cities.
Solo female travelers need to take the usual precautions. Always tell someone where you are staying, and perhaps check in with someone at home at the same time every day to update them on your trip, as well as any changes to your itinerary. Also keep in mind that Paris is one of the great romantic cities of the world. While this can be a lovely experience, it can also mean that solo female travelers may find themselves attracting undesired attention or offers that are too good to be true. Trust your instincts and if you are inclined to meet someone new, always stay in public and well-trafficked areas.
Solo travelers should always take out a travel insurance policy before leaving home, whether it’s their first solo trip or their tenth. Even in the safest destinations, unanticipated things can happen. Comprehensive travel insurance can help you navigate inconveniences like lost or delayed baggage, assist you if your passport is lost or stolen, or help provide financial reimbursement if your trip is delayed or interrupted unexpectedly.
Most importantly, medical coverage can cover any expenses you might incur if you’re injured or taken ill while on your trip and need medical treatment. Your everyday health insurance may not provide coverage for any healthcare costs you incur while outside of the country. If you do experience an emergency, make sure you call the battleface 24/7 travel assistance hotline as soon as possible for invaluable guidance covering a multitude of situations.
