Solo Travel To Paris: How to Spend 3 Days Itinerary + Map

A Tailor-Made Solo Trip to Paris 3-Day Itinerary 

I focused on safe and easy-to-navigate spots that are great for someone traveling alone.

The plan includes quick stops at famous museums, cozy cafes, and lively areas perfect for strolling.

This way, you can see the best of Paris comfortably and safely in just three days.

Day 1 – Paris Itinerary

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Morning:

On your first day in Paris, let’s hit the most iconic attraction, The Effiel Tower! But first, you want to find something to eat before arriving.

Take the metro (8) to École Militaire and visit Terres de Café.

Here, grab a croissant or lemon pound cake and cappuccino. The cafe is an 8-minute walk from your first stop this morning!

Pro Tip: Most of the cafes around the Eiffel Tower are WILDLY overpriced. I’m talking €25 omelets and €8 lattes. Don’t walk the neighborhood hangry, or you might end up spending a small fortune.

Eiffel Tower

After you are fueled up by coffee and croissants, it’s time to hit up the Eiffel Tower! I found that early morning is a great way to avoid the MAJOR crowds.

But, don’t expect it to be empty, just not as busy as it gets later in the day.

Take an elevator ride to the top for breathtaking views of the city. I recommend booking this guided tour in advance or getting a skip-the-line ticket. Otherwise, you will need to be prepared to wait, even if you arrive in the morning.

Learn all about Gustave Eiffel the engineer behind the design and construction of the Eiffel Tower.

One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, it stands tall in the heart of Paris.

If you have a fear of heights, then you can skip going to the top, and just wander around the grounds!

Afternoon: 

Louvre Museum

After you’ve had your fill at the Eiffel Tower, you can easily head to the next major attraction Paris has to offer, the Louvre Museum!

It is a beautiful building and a great place with a vast collection of art and historical treasures.

Spend the afternoon on a quick 2-hour visit to the Louvre exploring world-famous masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. 

Visiting the ground is an absolute must, but is visiting inside the Louvre worth it?

As you may have heard, the Mona Lisa is a bit underwhelming with how tiny the painting is, and how many people are crowded around it.

If you are not a major art lover, and feeling short on time, you could skip the interior visit, and just visit the building itself.

PRO MONEY SAVING TIP: Get the Museum Pass for Paris, and get free admission to over 60 museums and monuments in and around Paris!

After exploring the Louvre, why not wind down with a late afternoon at Maison Maison?

The highlight of my trip was diving into the French cuisine there. I absolutely loved their little neck clams!

You can make reservations, and I recommend it if it’s a really nice day since it sits on the Seine River with a view of the Eiffel Tower!

Later, if the weather is nice, a great place to check out between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde is the Tuileries Garden.

It is a 15-minute walk from Maison Maison.

Here you will find a picturesque public park with immaculate lawns, beautiful flowerbeds, and sculptures, providing a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.

Alternatively, you could visit Rue de Rivoli, one of the most famous streets in Paris, Rue de Rivoli is known for its upscale shopping!

Evening: 

Seine River Cruise

When I travel alone, I like to find ways to be social. On my last trip to Paris, I joined a gourmet dinner river cruise along the Seine!

While there are a few dinner cruises to choose from, this river cruise with dinner and live music allows you to book for one person!

I was sat next to a friendly couple from California who was there celebrating their anniversary.

We were served a three-course meal and you can opt for wine for an additional fee.

PRO TIP: If being alone is something you are very sensitive to, you might want to skip a dinner cruise, and do a regular cruise. I am comfortable being on my own, but when I first started solo traveling I was a little uncomfortable.

Day 2- Paris Itinerary

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Morning 

On my second morning in Paris, I wanted eggs and avocado toast! So I found a great place next to Notre Dame! I went to Kozy, a reasonably priced and delicious cafe minutes from the Cathedral.

If you rather freshly baked croissants and a frothy cappuccino. Visit Shakespeare and Company Cafe just a 3-minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral!

Notre Dame Cathedral

Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral. Admire its stunning Gothic architecture and get pictures!

Please note: The interior of the Notre Dame Cathedral is set to open to the public on the 8th of December 2024.

Afternoon 

Montmartre

From the Norte Dame, you should go check out the charming neighborhood of Montmartre.

You are going to want to take the metro, as walking would take an

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica sits on top of Montmartre hill and is really high up—about 200 meters above the river Seine.

From here, you can see all of Paris and its surrounding areas. It’s the second most visited spot in Paris after the Eiffel Tower and has some pretty cool history.

To reach the top from the base of the street, you’ll need to climb 270 stairs. But you can also jump the trolley-like vehicle that takes you to the top of Montmartre, called the “Funiculaire de Montmartre.”

It can be quite crowded, but if you want to get a shot with no people like I did, just position yourself at the edge of the stairs like I did below.

There must have been 200 people above me on the next level, but from this angle you can’t see a thing!

To get to Montmartre from Norte Dame, you will need to either walk for an hour or take the metro line M4 for a 30-minute ride.

Montmartre is known for its artistic past, bohemian atmosphere, and picturesque streets. It’s a great place to explore and experience the artistic and cultural side of Paris.

If you are ready for lunch a great restaurant for solo dining is Le Cabanon de la Butte.

I got the white fish, as pictured above, with a glass of French white wine!

If you are vegetarian or vegan, this place might not work for you. Instead try, Uban Greener!

Père Lachaise Cemetery

After lunch take the Metro line (2) 30 minutes to the Père Lachaise Cemetery, it is the Pere Lachaise stop, and exit the metro via 1. Bd de Ménilmontant.

Alternatively, you can walk to Père Lachaise Cemetery in one hour or a short taxi ride.

Père Lachaise Cemetery is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world and serves as the final resting place for many notable figures, including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Frédéric Chopin.

Evening 

Moulin Rouge

If this is your first time in Paris, and you have never seen the Moulin Rouge show, I highly recommend going alone!

I promise you won’t be bored, and it’s really one of those once-in-a-lifetime things to do.

​You can opt out of dinner at the Moulin Rouge, but I suggest out of convenience since most restaurants don’t open till 7 pm and that is when the show starts.

It was not the best meal I’ve ever had, but it was totally enjoyable. 

PRO Tip: When you are leaving the Moulin Rouge alone after the show, I recommend you consider getting an Uber home to your hotel. The neighborhood is a little less safe late at night.

If a night at the theatre is out of your budget or just not your thing, you might enjoy a swing through the spookier side of the capital with one of these Paris ghost tours.

Day 3- Paris Itinerary

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Morning 

Kick off your last day with breakfast at the delightful Café Le Carré Élysée, just a 9-minute walk from your first stop. Enjoy their tasty omelets, croissants, and more!

Petit Palis Museum

After breakfast, you will visit the Petit Palais in Paris. This magnificent museum showcases an impressive collection of fine arts, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The best part is that admission to the permanent collection is FREE!

I was so impressed with the grand facade, adorned with intricate details and sculptures, especially the Belle Époque architecture.

Inside, the museum’s vast galleries offer a journey through the works of renowned artists like Monet, Delacroix, and Rodin, among others.

From stunning Impressionist masterpieces to exquisite Art Nouveau artifacts, the Petit Palais presents a diverse array of artistic expressions.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the cafe and lovely outdoor seating area!

The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm daily except closed Mondays.

Afternoon 

Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe

Once you’ve had enough time to visit the Petit Palais and take in its stunning art and architecture, it’s time to move on.

Head for a leisurely lunch at Le Sens Unique, known for its excellent and moderately priced French cuisine. It is only a 15-minute walk from the Petit Palais!

Once you’re satisfied, make your way to the Champs-Élysées. Stroll along this iconic avenue from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, passing by landmarks, boutiques, and cafes, ideal for post-lunch relaxation and window shopping.

Cap off your afternoon with a visit to the Arc de Triomphe, where go to the top to get a few snaps of the magnificent views!

NOTE: The Arc de Triomphe is open daily from 10 AM to 10:15 PM.

Evening 

Rooftop Views From Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette is a super famous store in Paris where you can buy all sorts of fancy stuff. But it’s not just about shopping!

You absolutely have to go up to the rooftop because the view of the city is amazing. Seriously, you can’t leave Paris without visiting the rooftop at Galeries Lafayette!

Seine Riverbanks and City Lights

End your weekend with a leisurely stroll along the Seine Riverbanks. Take in the beauty of the illuminated city and iconic landmarks before bidding Paris adieu.

Have dinner in the Latin Quarter, a neighborhood for its bohemian vibes and intellectual legacy.

Most famously it is home to the Sorbonne University and offers a delightful array of bookshops, cafes, and charming streets.

A great place for dinner is Hébé! They offer a three-course menu for both vegetarians and meat eaters. I found the food to be delicious and the prices reasonable, considering Paris is so expensive!

An Alternative Last Day in Paris

Palace of Versailles

If you want to end your solo trip to Paris with a day trip, consider visiting the Palace of Versailles!

If you are alone, I would recommend you go on an organized tour to make things easy.

This tour will take the majority of your last day, but well worth it!

Is the City of Paris Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Paris is generally considered safe for solo travelers, and I didn’t feel unsafe at any time.

If you are wondering how to travel alone in Paris, just behave like you would in any major city.

You know the drill, exercise caution, and be aware of your surroundings.

It’s those crowded tourist areas and public transportation that you want to be mindful of. 

As long as you use common sense and stick to well-lit and populated areas you will be fine. Leave the valuable items at home and be cautious of pickpockets.

My best advice is don’t make yourself stand out and carry flashy items such as high-end designer bags like Louis Vuitton when you are walking around in a city you aren’t familiar with.

It is a good idea to be understated rather than attract attention. 

Solo Travel Tips For Paris

Before I wrap up this weekend’s guide for traveling alone to Paris, I wanted to leave you with some helpful tips:

1. Safety first: Paris is generally a safe city, but like any major city, there are some areas of Paris best to stay from. The neighborhoods to avoid in Paris are the 10th, 18th, and 19th arrondissements. Learn more on Numebo.
2. Learn some basic French: While many Parisians speak English, making an effort to speak a few basic French phrases can go a long way in showing respect and appreciation for the local culture. Simple greetings like “Bonjour” (hello) and “Merci” (thank you) can make a positive impression.
3. Choose accommodation wisely: Pick a centrally located and safe neighborhood to stay in. Popular areas for solo travelers include Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Montmartre. Consider staying in a reputable hostel or a well-reviewed hotel to meet fellow solo travelers and potentially make some friends.
4. Take guided tours: Best tip for solo travel in any city is to participate in guided tours, whether they are walking tours, museum tours, or food tours. Not only will you learn more about the city’s history and culture, but you’ll also have the chance to meet other travelers and share experiences.
5. Stay connected: Having a mobile data plan or a portable Wi-Fi device can be beneficial for staying connected with maps, translation apps, and online resources while exploring the city.

Wrapping Up Your Solo Adventure in Paris!

I loved exploring this city alone doing and eating whatever I wanted at the moment. Paris truly lived up to its reputation as the City of Light.

This itinerary should hopefully answer any questions about what to do for a 3 days solo in Paris!

But if you find yourself with more time, there are a lot of day trips you can take by train from Paris to nearby cities! One of my favorite day trips was to Mont Saint Michel!

Feel free to customize this itinerary to match your interests and preferences.

This way, you can create a truly unique and memorable Parisian adventure.

Where to Next?

Another amazing city for solo female travel is Toulouse! It’s called “The Pink City” because of its beautiful pink buildings that look amazing in the sunset.

Toulouse has old, charming streets to explore and is known for space exploration too. You can visit museums about space and enjoy walks or bike rides by the river or the canal.

The city is friendly and easy to get around, with lots of cafes and markets to check out.

It’s a safe and fun place for anyone wanting to experience the good life in the south of France.

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