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This is what I know. Sometimes you have to go it alone. If you’ve been waiting for your friends or family to get it together to be able to travel with you, you may just be waiting forever.  Is Paris on your bucket list?  Why wait any longer? Go to Paris by yourself!  Traveling to Paris alone is something that you CAN DO! If you’re interested in solo travel in Paris, then read on.

Is Paris Safe?

From time to time Paris pops up in the news with horrible details of terror attacks.  The 2015 Paris terror attack is probably the most horrific of the most recent events.  Thankfully, those types of events are few and far between in Europe and shouldn’t stop you from traveling there. 

Generally speaking, Paris is a very safe city even for a solo female traveler.  The most common crimes in Paris are pickpocketing and scams. 

How To Stay Safe In Paris

The vast majority of crimes in Paris are of the pickpocketing and scams variety. Here are some things you can do to avoid being a victim:

Avoid being pickpocketed in Paris

• Don’t carry large sums of cash
• Carry your purse close to your body
• Don’t leave belongings unattended (not even for a second)
• Don’t walk around with your phone out (grab and run is a thing)
• Carry your backpack to the front
• Don’t carry your passport while sightseeing. Leave it in the safe at the hotel
• Make copies of your passport just in case it is stolen
• Be hyper-aware in crowded places like the Metro, Eiffel Tower, and The Lourve
• Be aware the pickpockets usually work in groups

Avoiding scams in Paris

• DO NOT accept anything from anyone on the street or let them put anything on your wrist
• IGNORE people asking you to give to “charity” on the street
• ONLY buy Metro tickets from employees of the station or at the ticket machine

Paris is a prime and popular tourist location, so the risk of being the victim of petty crime is high but by taking the proper precautions and staying vigilant and alert, you should be fine.

These are everyday precautions you should be taking anyway, even in your home country.  Keep in mind that statistically, Paris is one of the safest cities in Europe. 

Where To Stay In Paris

The most difficult decision in planning for Paris will be where to stay.  Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts).  Arrondissements 1-9 are most central to the popular tourist attractions like the Louvre (1st), Eiffel Tower (7th), Latin Quarter (5th), Arc de Triomphe (8th), and Notre Dame (4th) to name a few.  With a good pair of walking shoes, you can hoof it and cover a lot of ground by staying in any one of these arrondissements.

Hotels closer to the tourist attractions (center city) will be more expensive than hotels that are further out. So, you’ll be tempted to stay further away to save some coins. However, you definitely have to determine how much you’ll actually save if you have to take the Metro or Uber back and forth to the center of the city. The time it takes to get back and forth is also something to consider.

When traveling solo, your hotel accommodation requirements might be different than if you were traveling with another person, so if I’m traveling alone I’m very specific about where I stay.

Hotel Requirements When Traveling Solo: safety, location, helpful staff, nearby nightlife, good reviews, nearby public transportation and free wi-fi and breakfast. 

Here are some hotels in Paris that fit the bill:

Best Hotels In Paris For Solo Travelers

Hotel Lumen Paris Louvre

If you really want that Parisian feel in your accommodations then this Neo-baroque style hotel is the place for you. It’s classy and chic with a staff that is committed to making your stay as enjoyable as possible.  With an in-house restaurant, bar, free wi-fi, and buffet breakfast you may have to tear yourself away just to go sight-seeing.  The Metro station is just a 2-minute walk away. 1st Arrondissement-Louvre. Prices start at €156/night.

Hotel Europe Saint-Séverin

Located in the Latin Quarter and a short walk to Notre Dame Cathedral, this beautiful hotel is authentically Parisian.  With its comfortable contemporary furnishings, great location and on-site Italian restaurant you can’t go wrong with this chic location. 1st Arrondissement-Lourve. Prices start at €100/night.

Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais

A boutique hotel, 2 steps from Notre Dame Cathedral with phenomenal views of Paris.  This location in the historic part of Paris is perfect for an evening stroll along the banks of the Seine.  Be transported back to the 18th century by its decor while still enjoying the modern comforts of elevators, air-conditioning, and wi-fi.  If old-world charm is your thing then this is the spot for you! 4th Arrondissement-La Marais. Prices start at €130/night.

Hotel de Londres Eiffel Paris 

This hotel focuses on the little touches like concierge service, multi-lingual staff, umbrellas at your disposal, TV with international channels, plus adapters and a minibar.  That coupled with a hearty buffet breakfast to start your day all make for an exquisite stay.  7th Arrondissement-Eiffel Tower. Prices start at €145/night.

Hotel Astoria Opera

This Astotel brand hotel is where I stayed during my solo trip to Paris.  If you’re looking for a cozy, beautifully decorated boutique hotel with great customer service then look no further. Their 24-hour reception staff strives to meet your every need. A delicious buffet breakfast with hot and cold options is served daily. A perfect location just minutes from the nearest Metro station.  Be sure to check out their price match guarantee. 8th Arrondissement-Champ Élysées. Prices start at €82/night

Hotel Lorette

I love this Astotel hotel brand, can’t you tell?  Here’s another one of their properties.  It’s an outstanding central location within walking distance to multiple Metro lines and dedicated staff is perfect for the solo traveler.  The high-quality buffet breakfast and fast wi-fi are the hallmarks for this brand.  I’ll definitely look for this boutique brand wherever I go.  9th Arrondissement-Opéra. Prices start at €91/night.

Hotel Panache

It’s called Panache for a reason. Its chic upscale design and attention to detail coupled with its authentic and tasty restaurant, Café Panache, definitely make you feel like you’re living your best life! If you love French cuisine with a Mediterranean touch and an extensive wine list than do yourself a favor and check this place out.  The location is just right with a short walk to the Metro station.  9th Arrondissement-Opéra. Prices start at €95/night.

Want the inside track on where to eat in Paris? Check out my Paris Food Guide. 7 amazing bloggers share the best places to eat and what to order.

Things To Do In Paris

While Paris will never be on anyone’s list of cheap places to visit, there are certainly ways to get a good feel for the city and experience the sights without breaking the bank.

Solo Travel In Paris: Free Things To Do

FREE Walking Tours Paris

Discover Walks provides FREE walking tours guided by a local.  For the solo traveler in Paris, this is a great way to sightsee with a group and get a lay of the land for FREE.  Tips are customary and expected. 

Free tour options include:

• Montmartre Tour: Moulin Rouge to Sacré Coeur
• Trendy Marais Tour: Mansions and Fashion
• Paris Landmarks: Right Bank Tour
• Notre Dame: Before During & After The Fire
• Latin Quarter Left Bank Tour: To The Sorbonne & Pantheon
• Hidden Gems & Secret Paris Tour: Jump Off The Tourist Maps

Things To Do While Traveling In Paris Alone

Day Trip From Paris

Palace of Versailles

Listed as a World Heritage Site, this palace of 2,300 rooms contains a collection of paintings and sculptures of days gone by. The history of King Louis XIII is filled with more drama than your most beloved soap opera. This is definitely a must-see!

I was given a guided private tour by this sweet soul, an ex-New Yorker who’s currently living in Paris. Her history lessons and running commentary made for the most hilarious experience at the Palace of Versailles. It was fabulous! I’d recommend her to anyone traveling solo in Paris.

What To Do At Night

Moulin Rouge

The sequins, the feathers, the costumes, and the music all make for the best of cabarets. So why not dress up and have a night out on the town. You won’t be disappointed. And just to let you know there is some nudity.

Try something a little different

One of the many benefits of traveling solo is that you get to do exactly what you want, without having to consider anyone else. Solo travel in Paris is the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone. So why not take the opportunity to do something “out of the box”.

Try something like:

Book a Professional Photoshoot

A professional photoshoot in the beautiful city of light should be at the top of your list. What better way to document your solo travel in Paris?!  Be the star model in your own photoshoot.  To find a photographer, just search Instagram for #parisphotographer.  Contact the photographers whose pictures you like the most.  Compare prices.  Airbnb Experiences is another option for finding photographers. After doing my due diligence I chose Matthieu Waddell Photography for my photoshoot.  Did I make the right choice? I believe the pictures speak for themselves! For full step-by-step instructions on booking a Paris photographer check out my blog post which goes into greater detail.

Outfit details: Hot Pink long maxi tulle skirt, motorcycle jacket, and black beret can all be found on Amazon.

Retro Tour Paris

One of the highlights of my trip was the Retro Tour Paris experience. Imagine roaring through little-known cobbled stoned streets in the sidecar of a retro motorcycle. This is a MUST DO for solo travel in Paris!  As I waited for my pickup outside of my hotel in the misty air, I heard the slight roar of a motorcycle in the distance.  Sure enough, it was my ride.  What followed was a delightful experience with an edge of adventure.  Ask for Dylan!  Prices start at €89 for 40 minutes. Tour packages cover various Paris hot spots and can be modified to meet your desires.  

Paris Catacombs

Do you have a sense of adventure?  Then descend into the eerie, surreal, and dark network of death that is the Les Catacombs of Paris.  The history lesson alone is worth the trip.  While hitting the highlights of Paris, don’t forget to also check out what’s below ground.  You have two options: a guided tour or the audio-guided tour.  The guided tour is twice the price at $90 but you get to skip the line, hear the story of the Catacombs by an informative guide, and gain access to chambers and chapels closed to the general public.  I purchased my guided tour ticket via Viator.  The audio-guide tour tickets (€29) come with priority access which means a shorter wait on line. 

Don’t forget the pack these essentials…

Beret – Only because a beret is a MUST when traveling to Paris.

Universal Travel Adapter – Wall outlet receptacles vary from country to country. Universal travel adapters are necessary to charge all your travel devices.

Compression Knee Socks – Deep Vien Thrombosis (DVT) is always a possibility when traveling long distances on a plane. Sitting for long periods (without moving) in an upright position decreases blood flow in the legs and may cause blood clots. Compression socks aid the blood flow from the legs to the heart, thereby reducing the chance of blood clots.

Chest Sling Bag – When traveling it’s best to keep cash, cards, and phones out of sight. This is one of my go-to bags. If I’m sightseeing, I like to carry a little as possible and this bag fits the bill. This bag fits nicely under coats, jackets, and sweaters and is easily accessible.

Washcloths – Many hotels in other countries do not supply washcloths. If you’re used to bathing with washcloths then it’s best to bring your own.

Travel Umbrella – Paris is known for its frequent downpours. A small travel umbrella is a necessity.

Just do it already…

Solo travel in Paris is an “out of this world” experience. The sights, the sounds, the language, the culture, and the history will change you in ways that will be hard to articulate! It’s a magical experience!

Europe airfare deals are plentiful, so what are you waiting for? Jump on it and book your ticket to Paris! Don’t wait for anyone…JUST GO! Solo travel in Paris is not as hard as you think…and better than your wildest dreams!

Are you signed up for email airfare deal alerts? Check out my travel tips on what to do to get started. It lists the airfare deal alerts you should sign up for.

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