Are you thinking of taking a solo trip to Paris? There are many fantastic reasons to decide to see the “City of Love.”
Maybe you want to explore the city on your own schedule.
Maybe you want to meet new people and make friends from all over the world.
Or maybe, it is tough to find travel buddies willing to put their money where their mouth is, and you’ve decided to go to Paris solo.
Whatever your reasons, Paris is the perfect destination for a solo trip.
In fact, for many solo travelers, Paris is the first place to test out solo traveling as it is a common place to visit among solo female travelers. It’s pretty safe, has an excellent tourism infrastructure, and, to be honest, it’s PARIS, for crying out loud!
My first trip to Paris was in 2017, and I did it all by myself. I fell madly in love with the city. With its rich culture and beautiful architecture, Paris is a city that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Determine How Much Money You Need
The first step is determining how much money you’ll need or creating a trip budget. Your budget includes the cost of your flight and accommodation and spending money on activities, meals, and transportation while in the city. It’s also a good idea to have some extra cash in case of emergencies.
Once you know how much money you’ll need, start looking for ways to save or earn more. There are many ways to save money when planning a solo trip to Paris. For example, you can look for deals on flights and accommodation or take advantage of discounts. Additionally, you can find ways to earn money online—for example, freelance writing, blogging, or starting an Etsy shop.
Numbeo.com is one of my favorite websites to see how much things cost in a particular city. Use this website to help you calculate your day-to-day trip costs when in Paris.
We will discuss finding a flight and booking accommodation in Paris much more in a second. But if you want to estimate how much they will cost, do a quick search on Skyscanner.com or Google.com/flights to see the estimated flight cost.
Then do a quick search on your desired accommodation website to see how much it will cost. Use Airbnb, Hotelscombined, or Hostelworld.
Decide When To Travel to Paris
The next step is to decide when you want to travel to Paris. The best time to visit Paris solo may depend on your budget and the weather conditions. If you’re looking to save money, consider traveling during the off-season.
The off-season is typically from September to November and January to March. Remember that some attractions may be closed during this time, so do your research in advance.
If you’re looking for warmer weather, the best time to visit Paris solo is from June to August. This is also the busiest time of year, so be prepared for large crowds at popular tourist attractions.
Plan What To See and Do in Paris
The next step is to research the city and decide what you want to see and do in Paris. With so much to see and do in Paris, it’s essential to list the attractions you don’t want to miss. This may include famous sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.
By deciding in advance what you want to do in Paris, you can make sure that you see and do everything that you want. There are many other great attractions in Paris, but these are some of the most popular:
10-Best Things To Do in Paris for First-Timers
- Eiffel Tower
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Louvre Museum
- Centre Pompidou
- Montmartre
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Arc de Triomphe
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Musée d’Orsay
- Place de la Concorde
Create an Itinerary for Paris
After you know what you want to do in Paris, it’s time to start planning your itinerary. When planning your days, leave some time for spontaneous activities.
Leave blocks of time open if you discover an exciting activity or attraction that you didn’t know existed. It’s also a good idea to build in some downtime so that you can relax and enjoy your solo trip.
When planning your itinerary, consider the opening times of attractions, as many sights are closed on certain days or have restricted hours. You can find this information on the official company websites.
Additionally, many attractions offer discounts for travelers within specific age ranges, so look for that online or ask about these when you arrive.
I recommend that you stay in Paris for a minimum of 3 days. That’s the perfect amount of time to see many of the major attractions. Here is a 3-day sample itinerary for Paris.
3-Day Itinerary for a Solo Trip to Paris:
Day 1:
Start your day by exploring the Notre Dame Cathedral. Then, walk around the Latin Quarter and grab lunch at a local café. In the afternoon, visit the Musée d’Orsay and stroll along the banks of the Seine River. In the evening, enjoy a glass of wine at a sidewalk café as you people watch.
Day 2:
Start your day with a trip up the Eiffel Tower. Then, explore some of Paris’s famous museums, such as the Louvre or Centre Pompidou. In the afternoon, wander through Montmartre and visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica. End your day with a stroll along the Champs-Élysées.
Day 3:
Spend your last day in Paris exploring some of the city’s other famous sights. Visit the Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle, and Place de la Concorde. In the afternoon, take a walk through one of Paris’s many parks, such as the Jardin du Luxembourg or the Tuileries Garden. End your trip with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
If you’re in Paris for just one day, check out this 1-day Paris itinerary.
Get Your Passport Ready For France
If you’re planning to travel to Paris solo, one of the most important things you need to do is get your passport and visa ready. This involves ensuring that your passport is up-to-date and that you have all the necessary visas for your trip.
If you don’t have a passport, apply for one before your trip. Getting a passport can take several weeks, so it’s crucial to start this process as soon as possible. It took me about four weeks to receive my passport when I needed to renew it.
Allow at least 12 weeks if you are getting a passport for the first time. Allow enough time if there is an error on your paperwork and it needs to be submitted again.
If you already have a passport, check the expiration date. Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months after your arrival date.
As for a visa, France requires individuals from some countries to obtain a travel visa to enter. If you are from the United States, you don’t need a visa to enter, and you can stay up to 3 months.
The visa application process can be time-consuming, so starting this process as soon as possible is essential. Allow at least 12 weeks to have your visa processed.
For more information on visas and passport requirements for France, visit your country’s French Embassy or Consulate website.
Find an Affordable Flight to Paris
Next, it’s time to book your flight to Paris. If you travel to Paris from abroad, you will most likely arrive at one of these airports: Paris. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY).
There are many ways to find inexpensive flights to Paris. One of the best ways to find deals is to use a flight search engine such as Google Flights or Skyscanner.
These websites allow you to compare prices from different airlines and find the cheapest flights. Here are some more tips for getting an affordable flight to Paris:
How To Get an Inexpensive Flight to Paris:
- Travel off-season
- Fly with budget airlines
- Search for your flight in a private or incognito window
- Sign up for flight alerts
- Be flexible with your travel dates
Find The Best Accommodation in Paris
My Airbnb in Paris!
One of the most critical aspects of planning a solo trip is booking safe accommodation in Paris. I know this might seem daunting, but it’s pretty simple.
Using common sense and listening to your gut are the only skills you need when looking for somewhere safe to stay in Paris. No matter your budget or travel style, you can find somewhere to stay that you will love.
Use Hostelworld (Hostel), Airbnb (home rental), and Hotelscombined (hotel) to look for accommodation. I have used these three websites for years when traveling by myself. When looking for a location, you need to read the reviews thoroughly.
What To Look Out for in Reviews
- Safety of the neighborhood
- Helpfulness of staff members
- Amenities you need
- What around (restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, etc.)
- Cleanliness
If you are worried about being alone in Paris, book a hostel. Hostels are often much cheaper than hotels, and they offer an excellent opportunity to meet other solo travelers from all over the world.
You can also rent a room on Airbnb. I rented a private room in Montmartre for my first solo trip to Paris. It was a lovely experience because the host was sweet and very helpful.
Another option is Couchsurfing. Couchsurfing allows you to stay with a local in their home for free. Yes, you stay with a stranger! It sounds crazy, but Couchsurfing is a great way to meet new people and save money on your trip.
Couchsurfing is common for young people and a popular way to travel around Europe.
My Airbnb in Paris!
I know this might sound scary, and if it’s not your thing, then completely ignore this recommendation! However, thousands of people enjoy Couchsurfing and recommend the experience.
After you book your flight and accommodation and know the exact days you will be in Paris, be sure to book travel insurance. You can use World Nomads or Insuremytrip.com.
Listen to your gut, no matter the accommodation you pick when solo traveling in Paris! If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is!
Packing For Paris as a Solo Traveler
When packing for your solo trip to Paris, I recommend you pack light. It’s not completely necessary, but having a light suitcase does make it easy when navigating to your accommodation from the airport and vice versa.
A good rule of thumb is, if you can carry it, you can pack it!
To help you pack lighter (again, this is just my recommendation, you don’t have to!), you’ll want to pack versatile clothes that you can wear multiple times. It’s also a good idea to pack weather-appropriate clothes.
If you’re traveling in the summer, you’ll want to pack lightweight garments such as shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. If you’re traveling in the winter, you’ll want to pack heavier clothes such as sweaters, jeans, and boots.
Check out my ultimate packing list for Paris.
What To Pack for Paris
- Pack your essentials first: Pack your passport, boarding pass, and a copy of your travel insurance policy. These are the items you’ll need when you’re traveling solo.
- Adapter: Outlets are much different from the ones we use in the U.S. You will need to buy an adapter to be able to plug in electronics
- Voltage Converter: You might need a voltage converted to convert the voltage to what’s used in France. Most electronics have a voltage converter built into them, but many do not. For example, computer and cell phone chargers usually have a converter built in, while curling irons and flat irons do not. You must buy an adapter if you have an electronic device with a voltage converter.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Paris is a large city, and you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes that you can walk in all day.
- Travel-Sized Umbrella: An umbrella is a must-have item for any traveler. It will protect you from the rain and the sun.
- Scarf: A scarf is a great way to keep warm in the winter. A scarf can also be used to cover yourself if you plan on visiting sacred places like churches and cathedrals.
- Hat: A hat is another great way to keep warm in the winter. It can also help protect you from the sun in the summer.
- Sunscreen: If you’re traveling in the summer, pack sunscreen. The sun can be extreme in Paris, and you don’t want to get sunburned.
- Travel water bottle: It’s essential to stay hydrated when you’re traveling solo. Be sure to pack a water bottle to always have water with you. A collapsible water bottle is a great choice.
- Google Maps App: A map is a must-have item for any solo traveler. It will help you navigate the city and find your way around.
- Google Translate app: This app can help you translate voice, text, and pictures from French to English.
What NOT To Pack for Paris
- Valuables: You don’t want to bring any valuables with you on your solo trip. Leave your jewelry at home and only carry the essentials.
- Too many clothes: Remember, you’re in a very walkable city, so you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. You don’t want to pack too many clothes because carrying all your stuff with you will be challenging.
- Heavy luggage: Heavy luggage can be challenging to carry, making it difficult to navigate the city. Invest in lightweight luggage.
Staying Safe When Traveling Around Paris Alone
While solo travel can be a great way to explore a new city, it’s essential to take precautions to stay safe. Here are a few tips for staying safe while traveling solo in Paris:
Stay alert: When walking around a new city, you must be aware of your surroundings. Keep your head up and be mindful of who is around you.
Avoid walking alone at night: Paris can be a safe city during the day, but like any major city in the world, it’s best to avoid walking late at night. Try to stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking through dark alleyways.
Be aware of your belongings: Always keep an eye on them and never leave them unattended. Pickpockets are known to operate in Paris, so it’s important to be vigilant.
Plan your route in advance: If you’re unfamiliar with the city, be sure to plan your route ahead of time. This will help prevent you from getting lost or ending up in an unsafe area.
Take public transportation: Public transportation is a great way to get around Paris safely. Avoid using unlicensed taxis and only use registered taxis with meters turned on.
Behave like a local: When you’re in a new city, it’s important to behave like a local. This means dressing conservatively, not talking too loud, and respecting landmarks and monuments.
Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and walk away. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
With these solo travel tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Paris. I truly hope this guide is exactly what you need to plan your solo trip to Paris.
I had a life-changing experience when I traveled to Paris alone, and that’s why I talk so much about experiencing Paris alone.
Bon, voyage!
Solo Trip to Paris FAQ
Is solo travel safe for women in Paris?
Solo travel can be safe for women if you take precautions and use common sense. Be sure to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep an eye on your belongings.
Remember that not everyone is your friend! If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and walk away. Following these solo travel tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable trip to Paris.
How to deal with loneliness when solo traveling?
Solo travel can be a great way to explore new places but it can also be lonely. One way to deal with loneliness is to connect with other solo travelers. There are many ways to meet other solo travelers, including online forums and social media groups.
Use Facebook groups, and find people on Instagram or Meetup.com. Additionally, you can pay for activities such as day tours, pub crawls, or a class. With these tips, you can overcome loneliness and have a great solo travel experience.
What are some tips for dining alone in Paris?
You will be surprised to know that eating alone in Paris is common. When you get to Paris, you will notice that many people sit in cafes and have coffee alone. Don’t worry, you will not be the only person dining alone!
Should I drink when traveling solo?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It depends on your personal preference and comfort level. If you choose to drink while solo traveling, be sure to do so responsibly. Avoid drinking too much, and never leave your drink unattended. Additionally, know your limits and don’t accept drinks from strangers. With these tips, you can enjoy solo drinking in moderation and stay safe while traveling solo.
Are French People Friendly to Solo Travelers?
Yes, French people are generally friendly to solo travelers. However, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Be sure to dress conservatively, speak quietly, and avoid being disruptive. Additionally, try to learn some basic French phrases before you go. With these solo travel tips, you will have a great experience interacting with the locals.
Is Paris a good location for solo travelers?
Yes, Paris is an excellent solo travel destination. As I mentioned earlier, Paris is usually the first destination for women that like to travel alone. There are plenty of things to do, a wealth of cultural experiences, and a great food scene. No matter your interest, you will find something to love in Paris.
Watch on Youtube
Save on Pinterest
