12 things to do in Paris for solo travelers

Paris isn’t just for lovebirds. The city has just as much charm for solo travelers seeking a trip with minimum distractions and maximum freedom. Paris also offers plenty of opportunities to meet new people—be it on walking tours or in social bars. Before your trip, here are our top tips for solo travelers and the best things to do alone in Paris.

Paris is a wonderful city for solo travelers. To meet other travelers, consider staying in a hostel—such as Le Village or Generator Paris—which offers both dorm rooms and private rooms at affordable prices. Also, download the Meetup app to join all kinds of local events.

Paris is pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot. For long distances, take the metro or buses with a Navigo Découverte Travel Card or hop on a Velib' bicycle provided by Velib' Métropole. During mealtimes, there’s no need to feel awkward eating alone in Paris. Nobody will bat an eye whether you’re dining alone in a restaurant or having a solo picnic.

When planning your itinerary, don’t be overwhelmed by the number of must-see attractions in Paris. Keep your interests in mind—whether it’s museums, nature, food, or films. Also, leave room in your itinerary for spontaneous adventures. After all, that’s one of the joys of traveling to Paris alone.

Paris is generally a safe city for solo travelers. However, be on high alert for pickpockets, especially in touristy spots and on public transport. Also, read up our list of common travel mistakes in Paris and learn how to avoid them. For example, you should always walk away when someone approaches you to sign a petition or sell a friendship bracelet.

First, get acquainted with Paris on a free walking tour. Sandemans offers a three-hour tour that takes you to major landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum, while City Free Tour runs neighborhood tours in Montmartre, Latin Quarter and Le Marais. These tours depart daily, so you can join one (or two) on your first day in Paris. They are also an excellent opportunity to make friends with other solo travelers.

Granted, the idea of climbing the Eiffel Tower might not appeal to everyone—but if you’re fit to tackle 704 steps, you’ll be well rewarded. With a guided climb tour, you’ll go up to the viewing platform on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. The view of the Parisian skyline feels sweeter now that you’ve worked for it. Book the climb with summit access to complete the journey to the third floor via an elevator.

Sit back and enjoy the iconic sights in Paris on a relaxing river cruise. Bateaux Parisiens runs cruises that depart from the foot of the Eiffel Tower. You’ll spot attractions such as Musee d'Orsay and Grand Palais, and glide under beautiful bridges like Pont Alexandre III. Choose the one-hour sightseeing cruise or extend the experience with a gourmet lunch or dinner.

There’s no doubt that the Louvre Museum should be on your itinerary. While visiting Paris alone, you can also dive into the dizzying array of lesser-known museums such as the Wine Museum, the Perfume Museum, and the Smoking Museum. For a day filled with mind-bending tricks, drop by the Museum of Magic and the Museum of Illusions. No matter your interest, there’s surely a museum in Paris that fits the bill.

Ready to meet new people? Then step into Le Social Bar along Villiot Street. This cozy bar is a space that encourages interactions between strangers. Naturally, it attracts people who—like you—are open to making new friendships. The bar hosts events like quizzes and concerts in the evenings to break the ice. You won't regret walking in alone.

Shakespeare and Company is a legendary English-language bookstore that sits on the left bank of the Seine River. Since its opening in 1951 by George Whitman, it has attracted countless literary minds including Allen Ginsberg, Henry Miller, and Anaïs Nin. In this Parisian bookstore, piles of books fill every nook and cranny, inviting you for a read. Say ‘bonjour’ if you cross paths with Aggie, the resident cat.

With a book in hand, you’re all set for a lovely afternoon in Cafe de Flore. More than a coffee shop, this was the meeting point for intellectuals and philosophers in the 20th century. Take a seat at the terrace with coffee and croissants. When your eyes need a break from reading, watch the world go by along Boulevard Saint-Germain. Just be warned—given the cafe’s popularity, its prices are on the higher side.

Paris is dotted with parks and gardens ideal for a picnic lunch. On a day with good weather, Parisians take the opportunity to sprawl on grassy lawns and soak up the sun.

For a solo picnic date in Paris, good food is essential. Head to La Grande Epicerie de Paris to pick up the classic combination of cheese and wine before claiming a spot in Luxembourg Gardens. Alternatively, sit under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower at Champ de Mars with a quiche or sandwich from the nearby Boulangerie Laurent B.

To relax your mind and body, book a session at L'Oasis Meïsō. This floatation center has six baths where participants simply… float. One of the best things to do alone in Paris, this experience awakens your senses and promotes introspection. The Epsom salt in the pool enhances your buoyancy. You’ll feel weightless as you bask in the silence, under dim light or in complete darkness.

Book a movie date with yourself at the Grand Rex, the largest cinema in Europe. This is one of the few locations in Paris where you can watch a movie with English audio. When looking up the line-up of movies online, search for the label ‘VOST’. This indicates that the movie will be shown in its original version with French subtitles. Unless you’ve mastered French, skip the movies labeled with ‘VF’ which stands for ‘French version’.

Take home the skills to recreate your favorite French dishes by joining a cooking class by La Cuisine Paris. Learn the techniques of whipping up finger-licking French sauces, or take a shopping trip to a typical French market before the hands-on lessons begin. You can also bake baguettes in a Parisian bakery or master the art of making croissants. After your trip, impress your friends by inviting them to a home-cooked French meal.

For a souvenir shopping experience that takes place under one roof, visit the flagship store of Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Hausmann. Once a fashion shop in 1895, Galeries Lafayette is now a departmental store chain with a global presence.

On the sixth floor, you’ll find a section dedicated to typical Parisian souvenirs such as trinkets and tea towels. Wander around to find more souvenir ideas, from gourmet chocolates to perfumes and scented candles. One thing’s for sure: you won’t come home empty-handed.

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