Paris solo travel: everything you need to know

Paris is always a good idea because it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The architecture is stunning and every little corner is so aesthetically pleasing. The food is delicious and there are so many attractions waiting to be explored. A Paris solo travel adventure is a must. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

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Even though Paris is known as the city of love and one of the most romantic cities in the world, I think it’s a perfect destination for a solo trip. Boyfriends and girlfriends come and go, but your relationship with yourself is for life. It’s the most important one. So go to Paris to celebrate the love you have for yourself.

view of the eiffel tower and the seine at night

Paris was my first solo trip. I was 31 and I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and travel by myself. I stopped waiting for people to go with me because I realized that if I keep waiting, I might never travel. And not seeing the world was just not an option for me.

It’s a trip I will never forget. Paris will always have a special place in my heart because that’s where my travel adventure as an adult started. I loved every single second I spent exploring the city.

During this trip I also fell in love with solo travel.

Table of Contents

What should I visit in Paris as a solo traveler?

There are so many places to explore in Paris. The French capital is a big city, so you’ll need time to properly explore everything. Let’s go through the highlights.

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is where I asked the Uber driver to drop me off from the airport. I was traveling only with a backpack since it was a short trip, so I went straight to exploring the city without stopping by the hotel.

The Arc de Triomphe honors the people who died for France in wars. It has the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its walls. It also has the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I under its vault.

And, of course, it’s at the center of that massive roundabout you see in movies which makes you wonder how people don’t crash their cars every 5 minutes.

Fun fact: there is an Arc de Triomphe in Bucharest as well. It was built to honor the Romanian heroes that fought in World War I. Bucharest used to be called Little Paris.

Champs Elysée

One of the avenues that connects to the Arc de Triomphe is Champs Elysée. It’s a large avenue full of shops like Louis Vuitton or Dior. It’s the equivalent of Fifth Avenue in New York City, but it’s much less crowded, at least early in the morning.

If you walk from the Arc de Triomphe all the way to the end of Champs Elysée you will get to the Louvre.

The Louvre Museum

The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world because it houses DaVinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. It’s a very large museum as there are 500,000 objects on display. Be prepared to spend a few hours here.

Pont Alexandre III

One of my favorite things about Paris is how beautiful the bridges are. There are statues, lamps, and golden decorations adorning these bridges. My favorite one is Pont Alexandre III. Just look at all the details! So gorgeous!

The Eiffel Tower

You have to stop by this famous symbol of Paris designed by Gustave Eiffel. It is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world and over 6 million people visit it every year.

The tower has two levels: second floor and the top. You can either climb about 300 stairs to get to the second floor, 600 stairs to get to the top, or you can take the elevator. If you’re anything like me, if there is an elevator option, you will always pick that option.

There are two restaurants in the Eiffel Tower: the Michelin-star Jules Verne on the second floor and Madame Brasserie on the first floor. At the top they have a Champagne Bar. I usually stay away from restaurants in popular tourist locations since they tend to be expensive and not very good. But if you want to dine here for the view, then do it. How many people can say that they had a meal in the Eiffel Tower? Yolo.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame is a famous medieval Catholic cathedral built in the 12th century. It is one of the symbols of Paris, along with the Eiffel Tower and Sacre Coeur Basilica. It is located on Île de la Cité, a small island on the Seine in the center of Paris.

Unfortunately, in 2019 while it was undergoing renovations its roof caught on fire and the entire cathedral sustained serious damage. It is still under construction to be restored after the fire and it should reopen in December 2024.

Sacre Coeur Basilica

Sacre Coeur is another symbol of Paris located in the Montmartre neighborhood. It sits on the top of a hill and the views of Paris from there are so amazing. You can aim to visit later in the day so you can sit on the steps in front of the basilica and watch the sunset.

You will have to climb some steps to get to the church, but it’s not that bad. In case you can’t climb on foot there is also a funicular that can bring you to the basilica.

If you want to go inside, you will need a ticket. It’s a very popular attraction and there are many tourists visiting even during shoulder season, so I highly recommend you book your tickets online in advance.

The Wall of Love

a blue wall which has "I love you" written on it in all languages

Paris, the city of love, also has a wall of love. It is a large, blue wall in Montmartre, close to Moulin Rouge. It has “I love you” written on it in all languages. In Romanian we say “te iubesc”. Can you spot it in the picture?

Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge is the iconic cabaret in Paris and the birthplace of the can-can dance. It’s located close to Montmartre and it has been operating since 1889.

You can book a dinner and show starting at 7pm, or just the show at either 9pm or 11pm.

Cruise on the Seine

Taking a cruise on the River Seine was one of my favorite activities. You get to be on the Seine for about an hour and you can see most of the major attractions from the water. As you can see in the picture, the boats have an open deck so everyone can enjoy the magnificent views.

Galeries Lafayette rooftop

I love city viewpoints so much! One of the best viewpoints in Paris is the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette. And it’s free! You just have to go inside the shopping mall and take the escalators to get to the rooftop. Make sure to snap a few pictures of the inside of Galeries Lafayette, the architecture is stunning.

The Garnier Opera

Palais Garnier is one of my favorite buildings in the world. As soon as you enter you feel like you went back in time and you’re part of the French bourgeoisie. All the decorations, the chandeliers, the rooms adorned in gold are so exquisite. You can visit the building during the day or you can attend an opera concert for the full experience.

Centre Pompidou

Centre Pompidou is a Parisian Museum of Modern Art. It’s a funky looking museum, very colorful, and it has indoor escalators that feel like you’re going through a time traveling tube. You can view the Eiffel Tower as you go up the escalators. If you like modern art, you’ll have a blast here.

Right in front of Centre Pompidou you can find Brancusi’s Atelier. Constantin Brancusi was one of the most famous Romanian sculptors. He used to live in Paris, and he donated his studio to the French government and asked them to turn it into a museum. Entrance is free and you’ll be able to see a replica of his studio.

I loved visiting because I’m Romanian and seeing his studio and work on display in Paris made me very proud and emotional at the same time.

Musée d’Orsay

There are so many museums in Paris, but Musée d’Orsay is such a special one. It is located in the former Gare d’Orsay, a train station from 1900. How cool is that? The museum mostly has French art on display.

Palais de Tokyo

Palais de Tokyo is a museum of modern and contemporary art. It is also the perfect spot for a photo shoot. It has so many good locations that can be used for pictures.

Petit Palais

Petit Palais houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. It has a collection of murals and sculptures from the early 1900’s on display. It is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

My visit in September overlapped with Paris Fashion Week. One night after dinner I was taking a walk and I saw Petit Palais lit up in pink and there were a lot of people in front of it.

Of course I went to see what was going on. It turns out that L’Oréal was having a soiree for Paris Fashion Week. It looked like a very cool party and I’m sure there were a lot of celebrities there. I wish I had an invite! If any Fashion Week folks are reading this and have an extra invite to any Fashion Week events, please let me know *wink wink*.

Jardin du Luxembourg

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the French capital, you can visit Jardin du Luxembourg. The garden was created in the early 1600’s after Marie de Medici made the Luxembourg Palace her new residence.

The garden is very large, covering 56.8 acres, and it is nestled in the heart of the city. You can walk along tree-lined pathways, read a book by the pond, or explore the fountains and statues. It’s the perfect place to relax after a lot of sightseeing.

Tuileries Gardens

The Tuileries Gardens are located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. If you walk from Champs Elysée you will have to walk through the gardens to get to the Louvre. It was created by Catherine di Medici in 1564 and it was opened to the public in 1667.

It’s a beautiful garden with a lot of trees, statues, and a fountain. I love how much people were focused on the beauty of architecture and gardens back in the day. As a person who thrives in an aesthetic environment I wish we did more of this in the present.

Jardin du Palais Royal

This is the garden where Emily and Mindy used to hang out in Emily in Paris! I love that show so much. I binge watched all three seasons.

It’s a beautiful garden where you can sit down on benches or chairs by the fountain with a book. Or you can just people watch, my favorite activity.

Catacombs

Visiting the catacombs is a bit of an eerie experience. In the catacombs you’ll see the bones and skulls of more than six million people on display.

The history of the catacombs starts in the late eighteenth century, when the city of Paris decided to transfer the remains of people from cemeteries to an underground site due to major public health problems tied to the city’s cemeteries. The catacombs became open to the public in 1809.

They are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:45am – 20:30pm.

Le Marais

Le Marais is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Paris. It is a mix of history and contemporary charm. Le Marais is full of cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, colorful cafes and hip boutiques.

It used to be the Jewish neighborhood, so you can still find a lot of Kosher restaurants here.

Where should I stay in Paris?

Paris is a large city divided into 20 arrondissements or neighborhoods. Each arrondissement has a great selection of hotels for all budgets. As expected, the closer you get to the city center and the major attractions, the more expensive the accommodation becomes.

Mid-budget hotels

I stayed a bit further away from the center to avoid the crowds and save some money. I stayed at Courtyard Paris Port de Versailles. It’s 5 minutes from the Port de Versailles metro station, so you are well connected to the rest of the city. The hotel was clean, the room was spacious, and it was very quiet. I was really happy with the quality given that it wasn’t an ultra-central location. Other mid-budget options are Hotel de NELL, Hotel Maison Mere, Courtyard by Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon, and B Montmartre Hotel.

Luxury hotels

If you have a higher budget and are seeking a more luxurious option in the city center, then I recommend Four Seasons Hotel George V, Shangri-La Paris, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, and Hotel de Crillon – A Rosewood Hotel. I found them when I was doing my research into where to stay and I would have loved to stay at any of them.

Budget hotels

If you have a low budget and are looking for hotels that cost less than 100 euros a night, then I recommend Hotel Europe Saint-Severin, Hotel Marais Grands Boulevards, Hotel Quartier Latin, Hotel de Neuville – Arc de Triomphe, and Pink Hotel.

Hotels with an Eiffel Tower view

If you want to stay at that hotel that has an oval window with a view of the Eiffel Tower that’s all over Instagram, it’s called Le Metropolitan. I think it’s expensive and overrated and you can find other hotels with great views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Some more budget friendly examples are Hotel Gustave, Hotel La Comtesse Tour Eiffel, Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, and Hotel Le Walt by Inwood Hotels.

Hostels

Unfortunately, I am not the right person to recommend you any hostels. I am in my 30s and I value comfort, so I will always choose to stay at a hotel vs a hostel. I can see how a hostel is a great option for younger people, but I’m at a different stage in life, so I prefer hotels.

Airbnb

I also tend to pick hotels over Airbnbs because I feel like it’s less of a risk and it’s a more reliable option. One time when I visited Miami with my friends we booked an Airbnb that looked great in pictures but looked really bad in reality. We ended up going to a hotel instead. After that experience I tend to avoid Airbnbs altogether.

What should I eat in Paris?

Everything! I’m serious, French cuisine is delicious, and you really can’t go wrong with any food in Paris. I’m sharing just some personal favorites, but this is far from being a comprehensive list.

Fun fact: Paris has over 44,000 restaurants, so you can never get bored when it comes to food in the French capital city.

You can also do a food tour in Paris to get acquainted with the local gastronomy.

Croissant and coffee

a croissant and espresso at a bakery in paris

This cafe noisette (aka espresso with a little bit of milk) and praline croissant was my first meal in Paris. I got them at Bo & Mie, a delicious boulangerie. They have a location very close to the Louvre.

One thing I love about Paris is how many boulangeries, or pastry shops, they have. If in New York City you find a Starbucks every 3 blocks, in Paris you find a boulangerie. They all have high quality pastries that are affordable, so get those carbs for breakfast every day you’re there. They say calories don’t count while you travel.

Some other vienoisserie items you should try in Paris besides the classic croissant are pain au chocolat, pain au raisin, chausson aux pommes (apple turnovers), and choux (mini puff pastries).

Pâté en croûte

plate with pate en croute at a restaurant in paris

I love pâté of any kind. In Romania we have cans of pâté sold in supermarkets and we eat it on fresh bread. It’s a staple in our households.

The pâté en croute comes with a flaky crust so you don’t need the bread anymore. They serve it with pickles. It’s delicious and even if you’ve never had it before, you should try it. Paris is the perfect place for this.

Crepes

creme brulee crepe at a restaurant in paris

Crepes are a staple of French cuisine. I opted for a fancier one, the crème brûlée crepe. It combines two desserts the French are experts at and it was out of this world. I got it from Galbar, a crepe shop.

Cheese

What I like to do on every single trip is to go to the neighborhood supermarket and get some local foods. It’s a great way to experience what it is like to live like a local by looking at prices for food as well as eating what locals eat at home. Plus, it’s cheaper than eating at a restaurant. Don’t get me wrong, I love to splurge on a meal at a good restaurant, but it’s all about balance.

I had a Carrefour Express next to my hotel in Paris and I opted for a multigrain baguette and all the cheese. Their baguettes are super cheap, fresh, warm, and they bake them in the store. I wish I had access to bread like this all the time, especially in the US.

The cheese in France is also amazing. You should try as many varieties as possible. You can’t go wrong with anything.

Brunch at B.O.U.L.O.M

B.O.U.L.O.M is a restaurant that offers a buffet-style brunch in Montmartre. For 49 euros you get to eat whatever your heart desires. They have cold cuts, a warm station, salads, seafood, desserts. It’s a foodie’s paradise and you can sample a lot of delicious food in one place vs ordering separate dishes at a restaurant.

There was a good mix of locals and tourists when I went. If locals eat here, given how many great choices they have in Paris, then it means it’s really good. I personally loved it.

Splurge on a meal at a 2-star Michelin restaurant

the interior decor of a 2 star michelin restaurant in paris

As I mentioned before, I’m all about balance when I travel. This means that I will also splurge on a Michelin meal every once in a while. Restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse is a 2-star Michelin restaurant close to the Louvre.

The food is absolutely amazing, the service is top notch, and the decor is out of this world. If you want to experience Parisian fine dining then this restaurant is a great choice.

I went with the 7-course Collection menu and it was a lot of food. Be prepared to spend over two hours at the restaurant. One big difference between Europe and the US is that in Europe they like to savor meals and they stay longer in restaurants. In the US they bring you the check as soon as you’re done eating. In France, and everywhere in Europe really, you’ll have to ask for the check when you’re ready to leave. Otherwise, they don’t bring it to you.

What are the best spots for views of the Eiffel Tower?

When you’re in Paris you need to get pictures with the best views of the Eiffel Tower. A tripod is a solo traveler’s best friend. I always take it with me on trips so I can capture pictures and videos of the places I visit. There are so many places with a great view of the Eiffel Tower, but I’ll highlight just four of them.

Trocadero

Trocadero offers a quintessential view of the Eiffel Tower. The Trocadero Gardens are perched across the Seine River from the iconic landmark. It’s the perfect place to capture some breathtaking photos. It’s a must-visit for everyone seeking a timeless view of the Iron Lady.

Champ de Mars

Champ de Mars is the place at the feet of the Eiffel Tower, so you’ll be able to get an up close, unobstructed view of the tower here. There is a large lawn near the landmark so you can have a little picnic while you take in the views. Bring a baguette and some cheese and you’re all set. Or go at night to see the twinkling lights.

Cruise on the Seine

Another great place for a view of the Eiffel Tower is the Seine. If you go on one of the cruises on the River Seine you will see the tower from a different perspective. No matter where you look at the tower from it’s always such an impressive view. I found myself always searching for this view when I was strolling through Paris.

Rue St. Dominique

This is a great spot to snap an Instagrammable picture with the tower. It’s a little street where you can see the tower peaking right in the middle of the street. So gorgeous!

It’s also so interesting how influencers can make certain places so popular. This street and hotel Le Metropolitan are definitely more famous because of Instagram influencers.

Is Paris safe for a solo female traveler?

For the most part, yes. There are a lot of pickpockets and scammers in the popular touristic spots. They usually work in pairs or in groups. They either ask you to sign up to donate something, take a picture of them, or try to show you something. You need to know what the common scams are so you can avoid them. Don’t engage, continue walking and you’ll be fine.

How to get cell phone data when visiting from abroad?

The cheapest and most convenient way to get data while visiting from abroad is to buy an eSIM. An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you activate a data plan from a provider without having to use a physical SIM card. They are super easy to use.

I use Nomad eSIM (use code IOAN43TM for 25% off your first purchase). You can go to their website, select the country you’re traveling to, select how many GB of data you want, and how many days you want the eSIM to be active for. After you pay you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to activate the eSIM.

You can activate it on your phone and the process takes under 1 minute. Once the eSIM is activated you don’t have to do anything else. When you’re at your destination you will automatically get data.

What is the best time for a solo Paris trip?

I went in September and it was perfect. The weather is still warm, but there are less tourists compared to the peak summer months. May could also be a great option.

I tend to avoid Europe summer travel because it gets so hot and there are so many tourists everywhere that it takes away from the experience for me. I’d rather wait a few months and go in the fall so I can properly enjoy the destinations I’m visiting.

Do I need to book tickets for attractions in advance?

I highly recommend you book all the tickets online in advance of your trip. Paris is a very popular destination so it’s very likely that tickets will sell out. Especially if you visit during the summer months. Booking in advance will give you peace of mind.

Do people speak English in Paris?

Yes, they do. Paris attracts a lot of visitors each year and, as you can imagine, not all tourists speak French.

However, if you want to impress Parisians, you should learn a few French words ahead of your solo trip and try your best to speak to them in French. Parisians love it when people try. You don’t have to be fluent, you don’t have to have the perfect accent, but you have to show them that you’re trying. You’ll score major brownie points.

What French words do I need to learn before my solo trip?

Bonjour = hello (said during daytime)
Bonsoir = good evening
Merci = thank you
Au revoir = goodbye
Oui = yes
Non = no
Enchanté = Pleasure meeting you
Une table pour un, s’il vous plaît = a table for one, please
Je suis désolé(e) = I’m sorry
Parlez-vous anglais? = Do you speak English?
Pouvez-vous m’aider? = Can you help me?
Où sont les toilettes? = Where are the toilets?
Je ne comprends pas = I do not understand
Je cherche le métro/le gare = I am looking for the metro/train station
Pourriez-vous me prendre en photo? = Can you take my picture?

Do I need cash?

I didn’t use cash at all when I visited, I paid for everything with a credit card. But it’s always recommended to carry some cash with you so you can tip tour guides or buy souvenirs or something else from small mom-and-pop shops who don’t accept credit cards.

Pro tip: always get cash from an ATM in the airport instead of going to an exchange place. Your bank will always have better exchange rates when taking out cash in a foreign currency from an ATM.

How many days do I need in Paris?

I spent 3 days in Paris during my first solo trip, and it wasn’t enough. I didn’t manage to visit everything I wanted during my trip and I did feel a little rushed. You need at least 5 days in Paris to explore more of what the city offers and be able to also enjoy a bit of slow living. If you also want to take a day trip to Versailles, then I would probably recommend a week.

paris je t'aime sign on rooftop of galeries lafayette

How can I get to the city center from the airport?

You can take the RER B train from Charles de Gaulle Airport or from Orly Airport. You can hop off the train at the following stations in Paris: Paris-Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame, Luxembourg, Palais-Royal, Denfert-Rochereau, Cité Universitaire. The ticket costs 11.8 euros.

You could also take the Roissy bus which has stops at Paris-Gare du Nord and Opera.

Or if you don’t want to deal with public transportation you can take a taxi or an Uber. This is the option I opted for, and it cost me around 40 euros. Alternatively you can also schedule a private transfer.

How can I get around Paris?

Paris is a very walkable city, but it’s quite big. They have a great subway system that has stations near all major attractions. If you don’t like to take the subway you can always take an uber.