Travelling to Paris Alone: A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Paris

Are you travelling to Paris alone? Here are our top tips for enjoying your trip!

Paris should be on everyone’s bucket list - the romantic French capital is brimming with culture, culinary delights and charm. Not only for couples, Paris is a fantastic city, perfect for any kind of traveller! Check out our guide on how to make the most of travelling to Paris alone.

Getting around

Paris is a beautiful city to explore on foot, although do note that the distance between attractions can be quite far. Luckily, the Métro, bus and tram systems are there help you get around the city, while trains allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris and visit other areas of France. To make your trip even easier, you can save time and money on tickets for public transport with your Paris Visite Travelcard, included free with the Paris Pass. You could also consider a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, for the perfect opportunity to thoroughly explore the heart of the city. Or you could join in the Set in Paris walking tour and explore the Parisian locations which inspired some of the world’s most beloved stories.

Staying safe

Paris is quite a safe city, but like with any big city, it’s always best to be careful. Be aware of potential pickpockets and scams at all times, in particular when using public transport and when stopping to look at the beautiful sights around you. Try to blend in and don’t make it obvious that you are carrying cash or your passport. Any valuables you take with you should be safely stored away. Recent events in Paris mean that security has been heightened at major attractions, but don’t let this put you off visiting them. Simply allow extra time for security checks, and avoid taking large bags and backpacks with you.

Cultural stops

Travelling to Paris alone gives you the luxury to explore the city in your own way. There are hundreds of sights to see and things to experience at your own pace. Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe are all iconic Paris landmarks, but how about spending some time sitting in a cafe along the Champs-Elysées and people-watching? For the ultimate 360° view of Paris, visit Paris’ best-kept secret – the rooftop terrace cafe on the top floor of Printemps department store. The Louvre museum and its gardens, the Tuileries, are another place where you could easily spend the whole day. Why not try to beat the crowds by getting there early? If you’re looking for an authentically Parisian experience, tour the streets of Montmartre, wander the streets behind the Sacré-Cœur and discover the “folies”, the gargoyles, fairies and magical beasts which have been carved into the sides of houses there. Then keep walking down the hill and you’ll come across the only vineyard in the whole of Paris!

Culinary experiences

In 2010, France’s gastronomy was added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage and no trip to Paris would be complete without tasting some of the city’s culinary delights. Whether you're planning to sample a glass or two of wine, want to learn more about the best of French cheese or intend to indulge in traditional Parisian dishes, we've got your culinary cravings covered! You’ll find restaurants and cafes all over the city, but how can you choose where to eat? Locals love the Chez Paul restaurant in the eleventh district near the Bastille neighbourhood. It’s a typically Parisian bistro with good portions, great wine and a fantastic, relaxed ambiance. Want a bit more history? Check out our guide to Paris' oldest restaurants for a slice of history! Nestled close to the Parc de Belleville in the twentieth arrondissement is La Bellevilloise, a fabulous venue which transforms itself into a concert hall, restaurant and much more. It is the perfect place to meet some friendly Parisians and enjoy a cocktail or two while listening to live music. If you’re travelling to Paris alone, there is plenty to enjoy and experience. Have a safe and inspiring trip!