Solo Travel Paris: Tips To Plan A Perfect Trip
Is it safe for a woman to travel alone to Paris? Should I travel solo to Paris? I had several questions when planning my first solo trip to Paris, France.
Sure, Paris is romantic, but who says a solo traveler can’t enjoy the best of the city too. In my perfect plan, I would visit Paris with my partner, but I didn’t get to do so, and I wouldn’t miss my chance to see this city.
I spent a week in Paris and totally loved it. In this article, I’d like to share my solo travel Paris guide and experience, favorite things to do in Paris, and some tips to make the best of your solo trip.
Is Paris safe for solo female travelers?
Before visiting Paris, I had visited a few countries in Europe on my own, so traveling solo to Paris wasn’t too strange for me.
However, each country is different, and I was still concerned about my safety here. I did some research before my trip and knew to avoid high drug and alcohol areas like the Champs Elysees and Les Halles when going out alone late at night.
On my trip to Paris, I generally felt safe. There were a few occasions when I felt a bit anxious about sketchy guys in the metro, though, but I didn’t see any violent crime or having any unwanted attention or harassment.
My tips for staying safe in Paris
Planning
When you travel by yourself, it’s important to have a plan and avoid getting in a situation when you don’t know where to go or what to do. This is especially true in Paris, where it is easy to get lost if you do not know the city well.
Be aware of the pickpockets
Be alert for the possibility of pickpockets. It’s probably the biggest problem that you’d encounter.
You should watch your belongings at all times, especially at tourist attractions and on public transport. The underground trains are where pickpockets happen most.
However, you shouldn’t risk ruining your trip by over-worrying. Like in any big city, you should be aware of your surroundings and use common sense in Paris, and you’ll be fine.
Avoid scams
Also, scams in Paris are quite common, so just go away and don’t interact with them. For example, one may give you a bracelet, card, or a rose but forget to tell you the price. To avoid this kind of problem, keep your hands in your pockets and refuse it.
Where are the best places to stay in Paris for solo travelers?
I always prefer staying at hostels when traveling alone because it’s affordable and easy to meet new people.
In an expensive city like Paris, staying at a hostel is the best choice. I stayed at A and B and had a blast. Both hostels have good locations, and their dorm rooms are clean.
How much does a solo trip to Paris cost?
My total cost of a 7-day trip to Paris is $1150. It includes $70 for 2-way flights from Copenhagen to Paris and back. It doesn’t include my shopping.
Depending on your location, you may get budget flights to Paris. I always use Skyscanner to compare prices and get the best deals.
Here is a breakdown of my spending per day in Paris.
- Hostel: $20
- Food and drinks: $40 ~ $80
- Tour/ Admission fee: $25 ~ $50
- Transport: $5 ~ $10
I usually walk a lot on my trips and avoid taking public transport unless necessary as it’s the best way to explore a new city. I also buy a weekend ticket to save money on my Paris trip.
Best things to do in Paris for solo travelers
Traveling alone shouldn’t stop you from exploring Paris. There are plenty of things to do and places to see in Paris, and here are my favorites.
- Visit The Louvre Museum
- Take a bike tour
- Explore the Catacombs
- Do wine tasting
- See Eiffel tower
- Take a river cruise
- Join a cooking class
- Take a trip to Versailles
- Stroll Tuileries Gardens
- Shop at Galeries Lafayette
- Walk along the Champs-Elysee
- Wander around Le Marias area
- Cross the Pont Alexandre III Bridge
- Relax at Luxembourg Gardens
What to pack for solo travel Paris?
I always pack light on my trip and only bring necessary items. For example:
- Camera
- ID/ Passport
- Debit/Credit card
- Universal adaptor
- Umbrella
- Raincoat
- Sweater or jacket
- Selfie stick
