/ / Solo Trip To Paris: 20 Best Things To Do In Paris On Your Own (+ Practical Tips)

Solo Trip To Paris: 20 Best Things To Do In Paris On Your Own (+ Practical Tips)

This article will show you all the best things to do in Paris on your own plus practical tips to ensure you get the most out of your solo trip to Paris.

Planning a solo trip to Paris? You’re in luck! Though Paris is usually painted as a couple’s destination with many couples strolling hand in hand down the Seine and countless proposals taking place at the Eiffel Tower, it doesn’t mean that solo travelers can’t enjoy it. In fact, there’s plenty to see and do even if you’re here by yourself.

A complete guide to solo travel in Paris.

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From sitting in a park and watching the world go by to wandering down the prettiest Paris streets at your own pace or admiring the beauty of French paintings in museums, I’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Paris on your own to help you enjoy the city of love alone.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

WHERE TO STAY
Best Eiffel Tower Views: Hôtel Le Walt (9.0)
Luxury stay: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel (8.2)
Mid-range stay: Hôtel Eiffel (8.7)
Budget Stay: People – Paris Bercy (8.9)
Apartment Rental: Résidence Charles Floquet (9.1)  

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES HAPPENING NOW IN PARIS
Luminiscence at Saint-Eustache Church: A music and lighting show in one of Paris’s most beautiful churches: (4.7/10)
Candlelight show: Perfect if you want to be treated to a candlelit music show in a beautiful Parisian venue: (4.8/10)
Cabaret at Moulin Rouge: A cabaret in the iconic Moulin Rouge is a must: (4.7/10)

Best Things To Do In Paris On Your Own

In no particular order, here are some of the best things to do alone in Paris.

1. Go Museum-hopping

Louvre museum facts
Louvre museum

There are over 130 museums in Paris, big and small and you can spend days staring at artworks, sculptures, and installations of all shapes and sizes.

Museum-hopping is a perfect activity for traveling to Paris solo. Without having someone tag along, you can enjoy the museums at your own pace minus having to rush through anything.

From the world-renowned Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, and Musée de l’Orangerie to lesser-known gems and unconventional museums like the Palais Galliera (museum of fashion and fashion history), L’Atelier des Lumières (an immersive digital art museum), Musée du Parfum (perfume museum), to Musée Rodin, your museum-hopping options are endless so you can handpick a couple that you think are your cup of tea.

But before you embark on your museum-hopping adventure, make sure that you book your tickets in advance to avoid wasting time in queues. Below are some of the skip-the-line tickets to the must-visit museums of Paris.

Alternatively, you can purchase this Paris museum pass to gain free access to all the museums above while also skipping the long lines.

And on top of these famous museums, you can spare some time to visit the smaller and free Parisian museums.

2. Try Different Types of French Food

Croque Monsieur is one of the famous foods in Paris
Croque Monsieur

The best part about traveling alone is that you can go wherever you want and of course, eat whatever you want to eat!

If you love food, take this solo trip opportunity to try all the French food you’ve always wanted.

From buttery croissants to colorful macarons and French classics such as steak tartare, onion soup, escargots, oysters, French wine, Croque Monsieur, and crepes, there’s plenty to taste in Paris. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try out these French desserts too.

If you need some company, there are many guided food tours that you can sign up for but if you need recommendations, my favorites are this Montmartre walking food walking tour where you’ll discover this charming neighborhood while tasting wine, charcuterie, and various pastries, or this Le Marais food tour.

3. Visit The Top Attractions of Paris

Geting an upclose look at the Eiffel Tower from Champs De Mars is one of the things to do in one day in Paris
Eiffel Tower

Traveling alone doesn’t mean you can’t check off all the best attractions in Paris!

Make a checklist of all the attractions you’d like to check out in Paris and check them off your list one by one as you conquer the city one attraction at a time.

Some iconic landmarks in Paris you shouldn’t miss out on include the Eiffel Tower (of course), the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Palais Garnier, Sacre-Coeur, Panthéon, Luxembourg Palace, Palace of Versailles, Paris catacombs, and more.

Pro tip: Plan your sightseeing route based on areas, and plan your day-to-day itinerary accordingly.

The good thing is that Paris is pretty walkable and public transport is decent, so you’ll be able to get around easily even on your own.

I have written several itineraries that you can use from this 1 day Paris itinerary and 2 days in Paris itinerary to this 3 days in Paris itinerary, and if you’re visiting on the weekend, you’ll find this Paris weekend itinerary helpful.

And as you plan to visit these places, keep in mind that most of them usually have long queues and the best way to beat them is by purchasing skip-the-line tickets in advance. Below are the tickets you’ll need.

Skip the line ticket to Paris Catacombs

Palais Garnier self-guided entry ticket

Arc de Triomphe skip the line ticket

Entry ticket for Palace of Versailles

You can also check out my list of skip-the-line tickets for popular attractions in Paris.

4. Visit Some Hidden Gems

Île aux Cygnes is one of the best hidden gems in Paris.
Statue of liberty at Île aux Cygnes

Top attractions aside, I also suggest allocating some time in your itinerary to check out several hidden gems of Paris and participate in various nontouristy activities.

There’s more to the City of Lights than places filled with tourists, and it’s fun to venture off the beaten path with the freedom you have when traveling alone.

From lesser-known museums such as the Museum of Fairground Arts and the Musée du Vin Paris (Wine Museum) to underrated secrets like Petite Ceinture, Île Aux Cygnes to see the statue of liberty in Paris, Montmartre Cemetery, Tour De L’horloge, and Arenes de Lutèce, you won’t run out of places to visit in Paris.

Want to explore Paris’s hidden treasures with a group? Join this Electric Bike Tour themed around little-known secrets and hidden gems of Paris.

5. Go on a Self-guided Walking Tour of Paris

Rue Norvins is one of the prettiest streets in Paris
Rue Norvins in Montmartre

The best way to see Paris entirely is by going on a self-guided walking tour. The city is luckily very walkable and most points of interest are not far from each other.

The best part about visiting Paris alone is that you choose exactly where to go, when to stop, and when to resume.

You can plan your day or even an afternoon to roam around a specific neighborhood or arrondissement, or just decide to see just the popular spots in each area.

If you prefer to visit neighborhood by neighborhood, you start with my favorite neighborhood of Montmartre or the Latin Quarter then head to ile de la cite or Le Marais. Every neighborhood has its own charm that will be felt as you traverse around.

6. Join a Walking or Biking Tour Around Paris

Sorbonne university - latin quarter
Sorbonne University in the Latin Quarter

Hesitant about going sightseeing yourself? If you’d prefer having a bit of company while you explore the city, there’s always the option of joining a tour so it’s not so intimidating.

There are plenty of guided sightseeing tours that you can book, including free walking tours with no upfront payment required but you can pay any amount you wish at the end of the tour based on how much you think it was worth!

These tours are perfect for solo travelers on a budget, and you’ll also get the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers.

Depending on the part of Paris you want to explore, you can choose from this Montmartre walking tour to explore this bohemian village, this Latin Quarter guided walking tour to explore the historical landmarks of Paris and see the roman influences in Paris, or this Le Marais guided walking tour.

Alternatively, you can also choose to explore Paris on a bike, whether by yourself or by joining this small group bike tour guided by a knowledgeable and friendly tour guide.

You can also check out my recommended tours and activities to do on a Solo trip to Paris in the widget below all offered by my favorite tour provider GetYourGuide.

7. Get on the Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Getting on the Hop-on Hop-off Bus is one of the best things to do in Paris alone.

Another activity not to miss while traveling to Paris alone is to join this Hop-on Hop-off Discovery Bus Tour!

Bookable at an affordable price tag and ranking high on my list of things to do in Paris on your own, this bus tour allows you to see Paris’s top landmarks from the comfort of your bus seat and you’re free to hop off for a pitstop and do in-depth exploration wherever you’d like!

The tour also provides an audio guide to learn some fun Paris facts and the history of landmarks you see along the way.

In my opinion, it’s an extremely value-for-money, fun, and hassle-free way to see the best sights of Paris when you’re traveling on your own.

This Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour runs a route dotted with some of Paris’s most popular landmarks such as the Opera Garnier, Louvre Museum, Pont Alexandre III, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, and more.

8. Take a Day Trip to Versailles Palace

What is Paris famous for? Versailles palace is one of them.

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris for a bit? All you have to do is hop on a train and you will find yourself at Versailles Palace in under an hour!

Located just 20km (12 miles) from Paris, Versailles Palace is a popular Paris day trip destination for all types of travelers, including solo ones.

As one of the most beautiful castles near Paris, you’ll be mesmerized by its array of rooms including the dazzling hall of mirrors, its beautiful French-style gardens, and plenty of other sights steeped in history.

Not sure how to get there? You can check out my article on how to get from Paris to Versailles palace.

However, if you don’t want to stress yourself with planning, then you can book this Versailles day trip tour that includes roundtrip bus transportation from Paris, admission tickets to the palace and the gardens, and an audio guide for the palace.

You can also choose to go on your own and just join this guided tour of the palace to learn about its impressive history.

9. Step into A Book Heaven at Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare & Co bookstore

If you love books and reading, you have to add Shakespeare and Company to your solo travel to Paris checklist.

Located in the bustling neighborhood of the Latin Quarter, Shakespeare and Company is unofficially the most famous independent bookstore in the world and indisputably the most famous English bookstore in Paris.

The shelves of the store are full to the brim with books about Paris, classic novels, rare first Editions, Paris guidebooks, and all sorts of English novels you can think of.

Do note though that photography is prohibited inside the bookstore, so you really have to head here yourself to get a sense of how it looks and feels on the inside!

Since you’re traveling solo to Paris, you can easily spend a few hours of me-time here without having to rush through the shelves.

And if you work out an appetite, stop by their cafe to grab a coffee and a snack.

10.  Go on a Seine River Cruise

Going on a Seine River Cruise is one of the best things to do in Paris on your own.
Going on a Seine River Cruise is one of the best things to do in Paris on your own.

The Seine River Cruise is a must-do activity whether you’re traveling alone in Paris, with teenagers, a loved one, or as a family.

Agreed, it’s usually classified as a romantic activity for couples in Paris but if you go for this 1-hour Seine cruise and not the romantic dinner cruise, you will be able to enjoy the cruise as that’s what most people on a Paris solo trip opt for.

Secure a spot on the cruise’s panoramic terrace or indoor seating by the window and keep your eyes peeled as you cruise past majestic Parisian monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Grand Palais, Musée d’Orsay, Les Invalides, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and more.

Commentary in multiple languages is provided on board so you’ll get to learn about the stories and history behind the sights along the way.

While you can cruise the Seine any time of the day, I highly recommend taking this sunset cruise to not only see the landmarks drenched in the golden sunset but to also see the night lights of Paris brightening up the sky after dusk.

11. Stroll Through Paris’s Beautiful Gardens and Parks

Strolling through Paris’s beautiful gardens and parks is one of the fun things to do on a solo trip to Paris.
Luxembourg gardens

Slow down as you travel by heading to one of the beautiful parks in Paris. Paris is a lovely city with plenty of tranquil green spaces that offer a breath of fresh air and a temporary respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Bring along a book or pack a cup of coffee (or some pastries) from a cafe and you can pass time at one of the beautiful gardens and parks in the city.

Some of my favorite parks that are great for solo travelers include the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Tuileries Garden, Jardin des Plantes, Parc Monceau, Parc Floral de Paris, and Parc des Buttes Chaumont.

If you’d like to get a good sweat, you can even come to one of these parks for a morning or evening jog! Chances are you’ll come across many locals doing the same.

12. Experience the Parisian Nightlife

Visiting Place de la Concorde at night is one of the things to do in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.
Place de la Concorde at night

Looking for things to do in Paris alone at night? If you’re the type of solo traveler who likes to meet new people, going out at night is going to do your Paris solo trip some good.

Paris sparkles differently at night and has plenty of nightlife to offer if you’re still buzzing with energy after nightfall.

From laid-back cocktail bars, and Parisian rooftop bars to lively streets, nightclubs, and pubs, you can grab a drink or two and hopefully get to meet some new friends while at it.

Some popular nightlife spots in Paris include Le Marais (especially known for its LGBT-friendly establishments), Bastille, the Latin Quarter, Canal St Martin, Montmartre, and Pigalle (known as Paris’s red light district).

Hesitant about going drinking on your own while visiting Paris alone? Join this Latin Quarter Pub Crawl Tour for a safe and fun experience with a team of friendly and international night guides.

You’ll get to meet new friends from all over the world and check out 2 – 3 bars and a club in the Latin Quarter in a night!

You can also look for nightly activities on the Meetup app as a number of Parisians organize events in bars where locals and internationals come together to make new friends and even chat away for a night.

However, if going to Paris nightclubs or bars is not your thing, then you can check out these Paris night tours and you might just find your favorite way to see the city at night.

13. Go Shopping

Shops inside Galeries Lafayette
Shops inside Galeries Lafayette

If you’re a shopaholic, shopping should be on top of your list of things to do in Paris alone after all Paris is the shopping mecca and you don’t need a companion to get something nice for yourself.

Paris takes shopping seriously, and you can find everything and anything in the city’s picturesque shopping streets (like Rue Saint-Honoré where you’ll find all the luxurious shops like Dior, Versace, Balenciaga, Christian Louboutin, and more), lovely boutiques, luxury stores, and sophisticated malls.

From the iconic Champs-Élysées to the huge Parisian department stores such as Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, BHV, Printemps, and Le Bon Maché, shopping in Paris is quite the experience, and many shopping spots are impressive landmarks on their own.

Commemorate your experience of traveling solo to Paris by getting yourself something nice, whether it’s a piece of French jewelry, clothing, a French handbag, a French perfume, French makeup, French shoes, or French skincare products that will remind you of your adventures here.

14. Visit the Local Markets

Pick up an antique at the Paul Bert Serpette Flea market is one of the best nontouristy things to do in Paris
Paul Bert Serpette Flea market

Prefer to shop like the locals? If department stores and luxurious shopping districts aren’t your gem, I suggest adding the local markets to your Paris solo trip itinerary instead.

From farmer’s markets to flea markets, you can get everything from fresh cheeses, French bread, produce, wine, flowers, antiques, textiles, plants, secondhand books, and more at these local markets open at specific times of the week.

Whether you have your eyes set on buying something specific or just want to stroll around and soak in some vibes, you’re bound to have fun one way or the other.

Some of my recommended markets to check out include the Marche d’Aligre in the 12th arrondissement, Marche Monge in the 5th, Le Marche Saint-Germain in the 6th, Marche Mouffetard in 5th for fresh produce or, the Paris Flea Market in Saint-Ouen, Paul Bert Serpette Flea market in Saint-Ouen, and Puces d’ Aligre in the 12th for antique shopping.

Some neighborhoods of Paris also organize Broncates on specific Sundays and since they vary a lot, you can check this website to see if there is one nearby during your time in Paris.

15. Have a Good Laugh at a Comedy Show

Having agood laugh at a Comedy Show is one of the things to do if you're traveling solo to Paris.

Still not sure what to do alone in Paris? Then indulge in some pure French humor without scrambling to understand what the words mean by booking yourself a seat at “Oh My God She’s Parisian“, a stand-up comedy show performed by a Parisian lady Julie entirely in English!

Held in an intimate and comfortable 70-seat Theatre Bo Saint-Martin, you’re guaranteed a good laugh while being exposed to the secrets of Parisian culture, stories on why they behave the way they do, and bit and bits of everything about Parisians all told in a very fun, electric and engaging way.

I guarantee this show may just become your most unforgettable memory of your Paris solo trip.

16. Learn to Bake or Cook Some French Delights

Learning how to bake or cook some French delights is one of the cool things to do when you travel to Paris alone.
Baking Macarons

Love getting hands-on in the kitchen? Bring home recipes from Paris by signing up for a cooking or baking class run by a trained local chef! Joining classes like these is truly one of the best things to do in Paris on your own.

Whether you’d like to learn how to bake macaroons, make French desserts such as the Paris Brest Grand Marnier Souffle or molten chocolate cake, or cook a full 3-course French meal from scratch, there are plenty of classes run by local chefs and baking studios you can sign up for — for a few hours of fun in the kitchen.

You can later recreate your favorite French dishes for your loved ones when you get back home.

17. Join a Street Art Tour

Searching for street art is one of the best nontouristy things to do in Paris
street art in Paris

Take a break from common landmark sightseeing and sign up for a street art tour!

Besides its impressive art museums, Paris itself is pretty much an open-air museum, and street art occupies a space as part of the city’s urban landscape existing in trendy and laid-back neighborhoods.

From large-scale murals to guerilla graffiti and vibrant posters, Paris’s street art will give you a fascinating glimpse of the city’s urban art scene that often hides behind its world-famous monuments and classic facades.

You can go on this 90-minute guided street art walking tour through 2 arrondissements (the 19th and 20th arrondissements) known for their graffiti-covered walls.

Alternatively, you can opt to explore on your own! The Belleville, 13th arrondissement, and canal areas such as Saint-Denis and Canal de l’Ourcq are perfect places to start if you want to wander without company.

18. Visit the Filming Locations of Your Favorite Movies or Shows

Pont Alexandre III in Paris
Pont Alexandre III – Emily in Paris filming location

Add a splash of fun to your Paris exploration by paying a visit to the filming locations of your favorite movies or shows filmed in France.

Paris’s beauty has inspired many writers and directors to use it as a backdrop for their work, and it’s definitely fun to catch sight of these iconic filming locations in real life after seeing them on the big screen.

Some of the shows and films set in Paris whose filming locations you can look for include popular names like Amélie, Before Sunset, Marie Antoinette, Emily in Paris, Inception, La La Land, the Da Vinci Code, Midnight in Paris, and more.

Chances are the cafe you see round the corner or the beautiful bridge you’re walking on to cross the Seine has served as a backdrop for a film you’ve watched before.

19. Scout for Vantage Points in Paris

Eiffel tower view from centre pompidou
Eiffel tower view from Centre Pompidou

Going to Paris alone doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on the stunning views of the city! Luckily for you, Paris is blessed with various vantage points where you can get a rare glimpse of the city.

Whether you prefer taking in the views of the Eiffel Tower or the city’s cute roofs and various landmarks, you’ll not be disappointed.

For stunning views, you can head to the Arc de Triomphe, the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, Sacre Coeur, Pont Alexandre III, Montparnasse Tower, Pompidou Centre, and many more.

Also, these are some of the best places to take photos of the Eiffel Tower, so make sure you go with your camera.

20. Visit Sainte Chapelle and Other Parisian Churches

Sainte Chapelle's stained glass windows
Sainte Chapelle’s stained glass windows

One of the best things to do in Paris alone is to wander its churches! Paris has a number of churches but one you shouldn’t miss is Sainte Chapelle whose colorful glass-stained walls will capture your attention from the moment you arrive till you leave.

Beyond Sainte Chapelle, there are several Parisian churches you shouldn’t miss and the ones that come to the top of my head include the architecturally beautiful Saint-Etienne Du Mont Church in 5th Arrondissement which is right next to the Paris Pantheon, Madeleine church in the 8th, Eglise Saint-Sulpice in the 6th Arrondissement and of course the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Even though you won’t be able to enter it due to the renovation work, a stroll around it is still impressive.

Practical Tips for Traveling to Paris Solo (+ FAQs)

While traveling alone in Paris is doable and enjoyable, there are a few things you should know to make your trip even better.

Is Paris Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

woman taking a photo with the Eiffel tower

One of the most commonly asked questions among females is whether visiting Paris solo is safe!

The simple answer is YES. Paris is safe for female solo travelers but you also have to use common sense, the same way you would if you were back in your home country.

Walking alone at night drunk is probably not the best way to stay safe so if stay out late, stay sober.

And just like any other big city, some areas are more sketchy than others. Try to stay away from empty sketchy streets at night if you’re alone and if you ever feel threatened by any situation, just enter any nearby cafe, supermarket, or bar until you’re sure everything is ok.

woman taking a selfie in front of the Eiffel tower

This is not to say that such a situation might occur but the idea is to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Also, stay away from some areas like Bois de Boulogne. This place is nice to go for a walk especially in fall when the trees put on a nice display of orange color, but it can get quite weird for a female solo traveler since it’s associated with s*x workers.

If you’re alone as a woman, it’s easy to be mistaken for one and attract “buyers” even when you’re wearing normal clothes. Sad, I know but that’s the reality of it.

If you feel compelled to go there, try going on a weekend when many people and families are there but absolutely stay away from it at night!

What is The Best area to stay in Paris alone

Paris Pantheon in the Latin Quarter
Paris Pantheon in the Latin Quarter

When planning a solo trip to Paris, one of the things you should consider carefully is where to stay!

Paris has 20 arrondissements and various neighborhoods and they’re all not created equal. Some are safer than others and some are just better situated than others.

So where exactly should you stay? I recommend staying in the central arrondissements like the 4th in the Le Marais neighborhood, the Latin Quarter, or the 7th arrondissement — it’s also pretty safe to stay in.

If you choose to stay in the Latin Quarter, I have a list of the best hotels in this neighborhood you can check out.

You can also read my full article on where to stay in Paris based on arrondissements to choose your next base as you travel Paris alone.

If you’d rather have hotel recommendations, below are the ones I suggest depending on budget.

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel is one of the best eiffel tower view hotels
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel Hotel

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel: This is the best hotel for those looking for a luxurious stay. It’s near the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadero and everything can be reached with ease by metro. Plus, it offers beautiful Eiffel Tower views. Click here to check rates and availability.

Hôtel Eiffel Turenne: Located in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, you can’t go wrong with this hotel. It is located on a nice and safe street and you’ll be centrally close to everything in the city. Click here to check rates and availability.

Résidence Charles Floquet: If you’d rather stay in an apartment, this residence also in the 7th arrondissement will be your new home away from home. Besides the views and its closeness to the Iron lady, the apartment itself screams luxury and you can’t be in any safer place than this. Click here to check rates and availability.

Be aware of Pickpockets

Paris travell tips

Pickpockets are also quite common in Paris, especially in crowded areas and in the metro, so make sure you keep your wallet where you can see it all the time or use a cross bag and wear it across your chest.

If you opt for a backpack, still wear it from the front as opposed to the back as the chances of someone opening your zipper are high if won from the back.

Don’t Fall for Scammers

scam alert sign

If you thought Paris is just the romanticized things you see in movies, you’re in for a huge surprise! Yes, Paris has scammers, and unfortunately, they target tourists or those who scream tourists.

A few of the common scams in Paris include;

Someone coming to you with some written documents and asking you to sign and support their cause. You don’t know their cause. Don’t try to listen or even sign it because as soon as you do so, they’ll aggressively start asking for money, sometimes even shouting at you that you’ll feel embarrassed and the only to drive them away is to give them money. This scam is especially common around the Eiffel Tower.

Another scam is the friendship bracelet scam. This one usually happens around Sacre Coeur with someone coming towards you in a friendly way with a bracelet. They’ll try to put it on your wrist and then force you to pay for you. Just move away from anyone trying to be friendly with a bracelet.

Dress like Locals

How to dress in paris in spring

If you’ve read the above scams, you now know that most scammers target tourists because for one, since they know you have a short amount of time in the city, you’re less likely to follow up on the crime meaning that the scammer will get away with it.

You may ask, how will the scammers know that I am a tourist? Believe it or not, they can, especially if everything about you screams tourists.

If you look lost at a popular landmark, chances are high that you’re a tourist. In fact, even the way you dress can give you away.

The solution? Try as much as possible to blend in with the locals by dressing like them! If you’re not sure how to dress like Parisians, I have dedicated articles to show you what to wear depending on the time of the year you’re visiting.

You can check out these articles; what to wear in Paris in winter, what to wear in Paris in spring, what to wear in Paris in summer, and what to wear in Paris in fall.

What you Should Know About Eating Alone in Paris

woman eating alone in Paris

Traveling to Paris alone means that you’ll have to eat alone at one point if not all the time! If I am being honest, I am not someone who enjoys eating alone in a restaurant and Paris doesn’t seem to make it easier. Doable? Yes, but it comes with a few hiccups.

In a city that is as romanticized as Paris, most restaurants especially high-end ones will be full of couples or groups of people.

And to even make it more challenging, some restaurants, especially fine dining ones are not keen on giving their tables to solo diners.

Their reason is that on a table where they would sit 2 people to serve 2 plates of food, they’d serve only one! And since Parisian restaurants don’t rush diners, when you think about it, it makes total sense business-wise.

This is especially common during high peak main meal hours say lunchtime and dinner time. If you go alone, you may be turned away or if not, given the “worst table”.

Besides this, you may feel a bit weird dining alone in a fancy restaurant full of couples.

So what’s the solution to eating alone in Paris?

Instead of opting for fancy Parisian restaurants, opt for simple or casual brasseries that don’t require fancy dressing up.

Such restaurants are usually lively so you won’t feel like everyone is looking at you. You can find such restaurants in Montmartre or in Le Marais.

Also, you might find it easier to dine alone during lunchtime than at dinner as restaurants are a bit more relaxed during lunch than at dinnertime. And luckily for you, lunch menus are usually cheaper than dinner menus in most Paris restaurants.

Alternatively, you can opt for fast food or street food as these places are meant for quick eating.

If you still feel intimidated to eat alone in Paris, get a to-go meal, find the nearest park or even a bench and eat from there.

The bottom line however is that this is YOUR trip! If you want to enjoy a nice meal in a cozy restaurant alone, you can do it! Make a reservation ahead and enjoy your meal in a restaurant without any pressure.

Should You Travel to Paris Alone?

A woman alone in Paris next to the Seine

The million-dollar question is whether you should travel to Paris alone! In other words, is Paris good for solo travelers?

As one of the most romantic places in Europe, you might feel weird traveling there alone since everyone talks of either going to Paris for a honeymoon, taking their loved one there, or even proposing from there.

Yes, all that is true but who says you can’t enjoy Paris on your own? If you don’t have anyone to travel with, or heck if you just want to travel alone, Paris is still a good idea for you.

As we’ve seen above, there are so many things to do alone in Paris be it exploring museums, and popular landmarks, roaming around the city, or even chilling in its beautiful gardens.

Arc de triomphe at night
Arc de triomphe at night

Can you walk alone at night in Paris?

Paris has a vibrant nightlife so you’ll definitely have to walk at night to experience it. Places like Bastille or Saint Michel stay vibrant till late so you’ll find several people walking at night.

While it’s generally safe to walk at night in Paris, be vigilant of your surroundings. Stay in areas that have people and stay away from empty streets or sketchy neighborhoods.


Final Thoughts on What to do Alone in Paris

Ready to solo travel in Paris? I hope this article gives you a helpful glimpse of things to do in Paris on your own.

Ultimately, fill your itinerary with activities that make you happy without having to worry about other people — I mean that’s the beauty of traveling by yourself!

However, be aware of your surroundings at all times and perhaps learn a few useful words in French so you can get by smoothly.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

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