Solo Travel Paris: The Complete Guide for Women Traveling Alone

Planning a solo trip to Paris sounds exciting right up until the little doubts start creeping in.

Where should I stay? Is Paris safe alone? Am I really going to sit at dinner by myself every night? And what if I get there and realize I actually don’t like traveling alone?

I’ve traveled to Paris on my own at different stages of my life, and the way I would plan that trip today is definitely different from how I would have done it when I was younger. But one thing hasn’t changed: Paris is a fantastic city for solo travel when you plan it around what makes you feel comfortable.

You don’t need to stay in the cheapest hostel, eat every meal alone, or prove anything by doing the entire trip independently. And you also don’t need a luxury budget to have an amazing time here.

In this guide, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from traveling Paris solo, including where I would stay, what I think is worth spending money on, where you can save, how to stay safe, and the mistakes I wouldn’t make again.

And if you’re reading all of this because you want to go to Paris but you’re already having second thoughts about doing it alone, I get that too. I host small women-only group trips to Paris and other destinations in Europe for women who want the freedom and feel of solo travel, without actually having to do the whole trip by themselves.

But if Paris solo is calling your name, keep reading. I’ll help you plan a trip that feels right for you.

Is It Worth Traveling Alone to Paris?

I absolutely think Paris is worth visiting alone.

Sure, it would be fun to climb the Eiffel Tower with a friend or sit in a little café sipping a café au lait with someone special. But life is short. If I had waited for someone to join me in Paris, I might still be waiting.

Instead, I went alone, and I had the best time.

And here’s something I learned pretty quickly: traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone the entire trip.

I found small tours and experiences I could join when I wanted some company. It gave me the best of both worlds. I could spend a few hours exploring Paris with other travelers and then go back to doing exactly what I wanted, when I wanted.

That’s still one of my favorite ways to travel solo today.

So if the only thing holding you back from Paris is not having someone to go with, I wouldn’t let that stop you. Book the trip. You can always build a little social time into your itinerary along the way.

Is Paris Safe for Solo Travelers? What to Watch Out For

Safety is always my number one concern when traveling alone as a female. Honestly, I won’t even consider going somewhere unless I feel confident it’s safe. Looking over my shoulder the entire trip is not my idea of fun.

When I visited Paris solo, I felt safe overall. Of course, you may have seen stories or reels on Instagram showing homelessness, protests, or pickpocketing in the city, but that’s not the full picture.

Like any major city, Paris has neighborhoods that are better to avoid, especially late at night, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the city confidently.

I found that by staying in the right areas, being aware of my surroundings, and knowing a few safety tips, I could relax and enjoy everything Paris has to offer.

The biggest issues tend to be petty theft and scams rather than violent crime, which is why I recommend taking simple precautions like carrying a crossbody bag that zips, avoiding crowded metro doors, and being cautious around popular tourist sites such as the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur.

Common Scams in Paris to Watch Out For

Paris is a major tourist destination, so scams do happen, especially around the busiest attractions. There’s no reason to be paranoid, but knowing what to look for makes them much easier to avoid.

Here are three I’ve personally seen:

The String Bracelet Scam

Someone approaches you and tries to tie a string or bracelet around your wrist or finger, sometimes telling you it represents good luck or is part of a tradition.

Don’t engage. Keep walking and don’t let them put anything on you. The goal may be to demand money afterward or distract you while someone else pickpockets you.

I’ve seen this around the stairs leading to Sacré-Cœur.

The Clipboard Scam

Someone approaches asking you to sign a petition or form. While you’re distracted by the clipboard, an accomplice may try to pickpocket you.

Politely ignore them and keep moving.

I’ve seen this several times around the Eiffel Tower.

The Cup and Ball Game

You’ll see someone shuffling a ball underneath three cups while people gather around and bet on where it will land. Some of the people who appear to be winning may actually be working with the scammer.

Don’t play. The game is rigged.

I’ve seen this happening around Place du Trocadéro near the Eiffel Tower.

Best Area to Stay in Paris for Solo Travelers 

Paris neighborhoods are organized into arrondissements; the closer to the center, the lower the number.

You can also bank on the fact that the closer to the center, the more expensive the hotels will be.

9th Arrondissement

I stayed in the 9th and 10th arrondissements on my latest solo trip to Paris. While I thought the 10th was convenient and a cool place to stay, I can’t say enough good things about staying in the 9th!

My hotel of choice is Hôtel Sacha! It is a quiet, boutique-style hotel in a neighborhood I am absolutely in love with!

The price was also reasonable (compared to hotels in the US). I paid around $150 per night in the month of April.

4th Arrondissement- Le Marais

Le Marais is one of my favorite areas to recommend for a solo trip to Paris, especially if you want to step outside your hotel and immediately have somewhere to go.

You’re surrounded by cafés, restaurants, shops, and plenty of people out and about, which is something I really appreciate when I’m traveling alone. I’d much rather stay somewhere with a little energy than find myself walking back to a quiet neighborhood at the end of the night.

It’s also incredibly central, so you can walk to a lot of Paris rather than constantly relying on the Metro.

And for solo dining, one of my favorites is Chez Janou. They have bar seating, which is exactly what I look for when I’m eating alone. Grab a seat at the bar, order dinner and definitely save room for their chocolate mousse.

Le Marais is also well connected by public transportation, making it a perfect base for a weekend in Paris and easy to explore other parts of the city.

💕 Click Here For Hotels in the Le Marais Neighborhood

6th Arrondissement – Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Located in the 6th arrondissement on the Left Bank of the Seine, Saint-Germain-des-Prés has a bohemian and intellectual ambiance.

It has a rich literary and artistic heritage, with historic cafes like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots that have hosted famous writers and philosophers.

This neighborhood offers Instagrammable streets to wander, upscale boutiques, art galleries, and renowned institutions like the Musée d’Orsay.

The central location makes it a super convenient base for exploring Paris.

Areas to Avoid Staying As A Solo Traveler

Paris is mostly a safe city for tourists, including solo travelers. However, some areas might require extra vigilance, especially at night.

In my travels, I tend to be cautious in the northern parts of the 18th and 19th arrondissements.

These areas, particularly around the Porte de la Chapelle and Gare du Nord experience crime, and can feel a bit edgy due to the bustling traffic and crowded streets.

Although they have their charms by day, places like Château Rouge and Barbès are known for being a bit more hectic and might not be the best places for solo travelers looking for a quiet evening stroll.

Remember, every city has its nuances, and Paris is no exception. It’s all about finding the spots that make you feel comfortable and enjoying what this beautiful city has to offer!

Which Paris Airport Is Best To Fly Into?

Depending on where you are flying from, you may have a choice of airports. I usually pick Orly when I can because it’s the closest and easiest for getting into the city.

That said, each airport has its pros and cons, so here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which one works best for your trip:

Airport	Distance to City Center	Best For	Transport Options	Typical Ticket Cost	Things to Know
Orly (ORY)	~8 miles	Closest to central Paris, convenient for Left Bank	Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau, Orlyval + RER	~€11–15	Fastest arrival, smaller airport feel, fixed-fare taxis available
Charles de Gaulle (CDG)	~15 miles	Long-haul international flights	RER B train direct to central hubs, taxis, buses	~€11–13 (train)	Busy but efficient, fixed-fare taxis available, expect longer lines
Beauvais (BVA)	~53 miles	Budget carriers (like Ryanair)	Shuttle bus to Paris (1 hr 15+), private transfers	~€15–20 (shuttle)	Far from the city, only worth it if the airfare savings are significant

My Pick: I usually pay a little more to fly into Orly rather than BVA. It’s closer and easier when you are solo.

Arriving in Paris Alone & Getting to The Center

Depending on the airport you land at, several public transit options are available to connect you to the heart of Paris seamlessly.

Upon my first arrival in Paris, navigating my way to the city center felt daunting.

While I managed it with no problem, there are some things to consider.

I don’t recommend taking transit alone from the airport to the city if any of the following apply!

• It’s late at night
• You don’t regularly take public transit in your home city
• It’s your first time traveling solo
• You have a lot of luggage
• The flight took more than 4 hours to get to Paris.

I am not suggesting you avoid transit the whole trip, just consider alternatives for the arrival.

Don’t try to be a transit hero on your first day and start the trip by biting off more than you can chew.

PRO TIP: If you are a first-time visitor solo traveler and don’t feel comfortable navigating public transit alone, book an airport transfer. I always use Welcome Pickups because of their rates and reliable service. 

Is It Safe To Take the Metro Alone in Paris?

Yes, I take the Metro alone in Paris all the time. It’s generally easy to navigate, but like any major city, you need to pay attention to your surroundings and keep a close eye on your belongings.

The trains can get very crowded, which is also when I’m most mindful of my phone and bag.

If it’s your first time in Paris, I recommend mapping out your route before you leave your hotel. I find it much less stressful to know which line I’m taking and where I need to change rather than trying to figure it out in a busy station.

My biggest tip: Don’t stand near the Metro doors casually holding your phone. Keep your bag zipped and your phone secure, especially when the train is crowded.

For directions and current transit information, I use Bonjour RATP or Google Map.

The Navigo Card Transit Card, and why you need it!

One of the best tips I received when going to Paris was to get the Navigo card and pair it with the Bonjour RATP app.

You will need to buy the physical card at any of the machines in the Metro stations.

Select this option when buying a day pass for zones 1 &2 on your first day.

The card itself costs €2, and once you have it, you can EASILY reload it from the app, which makes life so much easier!

Taxis:

If your feet are burning from a day of exploring, you can get a taxi! I used an app called G7, but you can also try Free Now, although they have fewer taxis.

Keep in mind that taxi prices may be higher during busy times or in heavy traffic.

Is there Uber in Paris?

YES! There is Uber in Paris. Uber operates in several cities in France such as Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lyon, Nice, Strasbourg, and more! For a full list, check out the official website.

Top Things To Do Alone in Paris

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When planning your solo trip to Paris Itinerary, I imagine you will want to hit all the iconic spots am I right?

I admit, they are very touristy, but honestly, 100% worth visiting on your first trip to Paris.

Here are the quintessential things to do in Paris solo…

READ MORE: I also wrote a detailed 3-day itinerary of how to spend your time in Paris!

Visit the Eiffel Tower: Rating 10/10 (exterior visit)

While I know it could be considered touristy, I think it’s 100% worth it to stroll around the Eiffel Tower.

Now, if you don’t have many days in Paris, I don’t think you need to spend hours waiting to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower. In my opinion, the exterior visit is enough.

But if you do, I think it’s more fun in a group. That is why I highly recommend visiting the Eiffel Tower with this affordable guided tour option!

It is a great way to meet other travelers, solo or not; I always end up making a friend.

Stroll Along the Seine River (Rating: 10/10)

Simple, but magical. I had to pinch myself when I walked along the Seine, which is a quintessential Parisian experience.

The riverbanks are a UNESCO World Heritage site and offer stunning views of many of Paris’ famous landmarks.

It’s a perfect spot for some peaceful reflection or to enjoy a good book from one of the iconic bouquinistes (second-hand book stalls).

Explore the Musée du Louvre (Rating: 8/10)

I’m not the world’s biggest museum person, but even I would insist that you visit the Louvre! Did you know it’s the world’s largest art museum?

As a solo traveler, I would consider downloading an audio guide or joining a small group tour to enhance my visit.

The most famous masterpieces here are the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo!

Get Your Ticket Now: Louvre Museum Timed Entry Ticket

Wander Through Montmartre (Rating 10/10)

Montmartre is an artistic and soulful neighborhood outside the city center. You’ll find charming streets, stunning views from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and a lot of hills!

From the center of the city, you are looking at about a 30-minute metro ride that is absolutely worth the trip!

Montmartre has several idyllic cafes, including La Maison Rose, which is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Spend an afternoon in the Place du Tertre just sipping café au lait and taking pictures.

Visit the Musée d’Orsay (Rating 9/10)

Housed in a grand former railway station, the Musée d’Orsay is a great place to visit if you are into Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.

It’s less overwhelming than the Louvre and offers a fantastic artistic experience, particularly if you enjoy works by Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh.

Explore the Luxembourg Gardens (Rating: 10/10)

The Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the best places to visit in Paris on a sunny day! It is famously featured in the show Emily in Paris, one of my favorites.

The Luxembourg Gardens are free to explore, but if you want to visit the Musée du Luxembourg, there is a fee.

Take Yourself Out For Tea & Cake

Go on a little date with yourself solo in Paris at Le Jardin de Mademoiselle!

Located in the 7th Arrondissement, this adorable little tea and cake shop does an excellent high tea.

It’s the perfect spot to treat yourself to something sweet on a mid-afternoon in Paris!

Shopping at Galeries Lafayette (Rating: 8/10)

A wonderful way to enjoy some solo time in Paris is by indulging in a bit of retail therapy at Galeries Lafayette!

It’s a famous upscale department store in Paris known for its wide selection of high-end goods, ranging from fashion to beauty products, and even gourmet food.

It’s well-known for its stunning architecture, including a remarkable stained-glass dome.

Even if you don’t plan to buy anything I insist you visit the top floor which leads to a rooftop observation deck with views of the Eiffel Tower! Just a bit of a warning, it gets VERY crowded, so go early if possible.

Go To A Moulin Rouge Show (Rating: 10/10)

Attending a Moulin Rouge show can be super fun, even if you’re on your own! It’s on the pricier side of things to do in Paris, but hey, you are worth it.

After the show, since the area can get a bit iffy late at night, it’s a good idea to take a taxi or Uber back to your accommodation.

This ensures you’ll end your fabulous evening on a safe and comfortable note!

Best Paris Tours for Solo Travelers

When I travel solo, I always try to join a couple of tours if I have the time. It is the best way to make new friends!

In Paris, I joined a few that I would recommend!

• Day Trip to Mount Saint Michel – It’s a long full day off the beaten path, but well worth it! I made a friend on the bus that I spent the day with.
• Bike tour to Versailles! – You can always just go to Versailles alone on the train from Paris, but I highly recommend going on a bike tour!

Wrapping Up & Where to Go After Paris?

Now that I wrap up this guide to Paris, I hope you have found it helpful in your planning a trip to Paris alone!

If you have more time to explore France on your own, might I suggest a trip to Bordeaux!?

You can spend a few days in Bordeaux by taking the train from Paris in under 3 hours! Bordeaux is a wonderful smaller city to visit alone if you are interested in art, food, and wine tasting!

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