Plan Your First Solo Trip to Paris + 3 Day Itinerary
A Guide for First-Time, Female Solo Travelers visiting Paris!
August 15, 2022
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Out of all the solo trips I’ve done, I feel that Paris was certainly one that felt quite surreal.
I had heard that visiting Paris was nothing like what we see in photos or TV and that it truly wasn’t all that it was cracked up to be. But the city is so popular, how could I not see it with my own eyes?
I won’t deny that yes, there were things that gave me a bit of shock, but I will certainly advocate to make Paris one of your destinations for your first solo trip if you want to head to Europe!
The cool thing too is that if you make a Paris trip, it’s so easy to hop on a train to other cities in England or Belgium for the day.
Depending on the season you choose to visit, it’s likely that Paris might always be full of tourists, busy with cars, and like there’s always something under construction. But, hey, this is completely normal being that Paris IS a fast-paced, bustling city!
So, if you’re looking to make a trip to Paris as a first-time solo female traveler, get ready to fully immerse yourself in all the vistas, architecture, art, and cafes you could ever imagine.
PLEASE NOTE:
Before planning and booking your trip to France from the US, make sure to check Covid-19 travel restrictions and requirements in terms of vaccines, tests, and quarantine periods! Find more information on the Embassy’s website and on the US Department of State Travel Advisory website. Always make sure to take care of yourself, social distance and follow the local health safety measures!
CONTENTS
About Paris
Paris is the capital city of France and is located on the north area of the country. The City of Light is closest to the borders of Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany.
Paris is sometimes also referred to as the Latin Quarter because back in the Middle Ages, many of the students that came to University La Sorbonne would use Latin as their study language. However, if you ask a Paris resident where the Latin Quarter is, they will guide to towards the southern side of La Seine River (between the 5th and 6th Arrondissement) which in turn isn’t all of Paris.
When To Visit
The best time to visit Paris is anytime. Really, it’s true. There’s something good about Paris during any season of the year!
Peak Season (May-August): For a first-time solo destination, it’s best to travel during the high-peak season which begins during late Spring and ends just after Summer if you want to be surrounded by a lot more tourists!
Shoulder Season (April, September-October): If you have already done solo travel to another country before and feel comfortable with less crowds, you might prefer to book your trip during the shoulder season as it’s has lower tourism and sometimes even cheaper flights!
Winter Season (January-March, November-December): As a solo traveler visiting Paris for the first time, it’s best to avoid the off-season which happens during Winter. This is mainly because it’s usually more vacant and it will most likely be cold and rainy most of the time. However, you may want to consider going during the holiday season between Christmas and New Years if that’s your goal.
View of Notre Dame during the Christmas season
Where To Stay as a Solo Traveler
Given that Paris is a small city, there isn’t one single place that’s best to stay in compared to others. But to stay close to the central areas, look for accommodation options located within Arrondissement 1 through 8.
That said, no matter which Arrondissement offers what you like, you’ll quickly notice that using the metro will become necessary to go from one place to another.
So, when choosing a place to stay, check out the walking distance to the nearest metro station. Once you have access to one, you’ll have access to all of Paris!
Another thing to keep in mind is that choosing a location for you, whether you’re staying at an Airbnb or Hostel, will ultimately come down to what you plan to do during your trip as well as your what your budget will be like.
The further away you are from tourist sites, the better chances you have at finding lodging on a budget. If you prefer to be closer, revamp your travel savings and make a financial plan to make it happen.
Tourist Sites and Metro Stations
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Some places to See: Louvre Museum & Pyramid, Pont Neuf, Sainte-Chapelle, Tuileries Garden, Domaine National du Palais-Royal & Gardens
Nearby Metro Stations: Concorde, Palais Royale-Musee du Louvre, Louvre-Rivole, Chatelet, Pyramides
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Some places to see: Galerie Vivienne (arcade), Covered Passages for shopping and cafes, Rue Sainte-Anne for Japanese, Korean, and Thai Cuisine.
Nearby Metro Stations: Reaumur-Sebastopol, Sentier, Bourse, Strasbourg Saint-Denis, Grands Boulevards, Quatra-Septembre
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Some Places to See: Musee National Picasso-Paris, Musee des Arts et Metiers, Musee de l’illusion Paris, Marche des Enfants Rouges (food market)
Nearby Metro Stations: Arts et Metiers, Rambuteau, Republique, Temple, Filles du Calvaire, Saint-Sebastien-Froissart, Chemin Vert
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Some Places to See: Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Hotel de Ville, the Centre Pompidou, Ile de la Cite
Nearby Metro Stations: Cite, Hotel del Ville, Saint-Paul, Sully-Morland, Pont Marie
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Some Places to See: Latin Quarter, Cluny Museum, Jardin de l’ecole de botanique, Zoo du Jardin des Plantes, National Mueusm of Natural History, Pantheon
Nearby Metro Stations: Saint-Michael Notre-Dame, Cluny La Sorbonne, Maubert-Mutualite, Cardinal Lemoine, Place MOnge, Censier-Daubenton, Jussieu
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Some Places to See: Luxembourg Palace, Le Jardin du Luxembourg, Palais des expositions des Beaux-Arts (art museum), Deux-Magots (café), belltower of Saint-Germain-des-Pres
Nearby Metro Stations: Vavin, Notre-Dame des Champs, Saint-Placide, Saint-Sulpice, Siant-Germina-des-Pres, Mabillon, Odeon
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Some Places to See: Musee d’Orsay, Rue de l’Universite, Esplanade des Invalides (park), Eiffel Tower + gardens, Champ de Mars
Nearby Metro Stations: Rue du Bac, Solferino, Assemblee Nationale, Sevres-Babylone, Vaneau, Duroc, Saint-Francois-Xavier, Segur, Ecole Militaire, La Tour-Maubourg, Invalides
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Some Places to See: Avenue des Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Galleries Lafayette, Jardins des Champs-Elysees, Grand Palais, Petit Palais- Musee des Beaux-Arts, Parc Monceau, Musee Cernuschi (Museum of Asian Art), L’eglise de la Madeleine, US Embassy in Paris
Nearby Metro Stations: Alma-Marceau, George V, Franklin D Roosevelt, Courcelles, Saint-Phillippe-du-Roule, Champs-Elysees-Clemenceau, Miromesnil, Rome, Europe, Liege, Saint-Augustin, Concorde.
Other Areas to Consider
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Some Places to See: Trocadero Gardens, Musee de la Marine, Paris Aquarium
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Some Places to See: Moulin Rouge, Sacre-Coeur Basilica, Montmartre, ‘I Love You’ Wall
Language
Paris in an international city so you’re bound to meet people with languages from all over the world! That said, it’s important to note that the locals speak mostly French, the one and only official language.
This shouldn’t be a shock since this is France after all, but if you’re an American tourist unfamiliar with the language, it might feel difficult to assimilate.
It’s a known trend that Americans say they often feel unwelcomed in France. But a lot of it has to do with language barriers they didn’t expect to have.
The truth is that English is not widely spoken in France but a majority of tourists expect it to be. So when you visit, manage your expectations! The good thing is that in the tourist areas (such as near the Eiffel Tower or The Louvre), many shop vendors and restaurant staff know enough English to be able to communicate with you in case you can’t communicate in French.
But if you’re doing a solo trip, take advantage of the opportunity to learn to say and read a few French phrases to get you through the day. You will not only feel accomplished that you are making an effort to connect with the locals but they will also feel appreciation towards you for trying.
Sacred Heart Cathedral in Paris
The view from the Furnicular in Montmartre
Entrance to the Sacred Heart Cathedral
Expectations Versus Reality
Solo travelers often feel disappointed after a trip when their expectations of a place don’t look or match to what they thought it would be like.
When it comes to Paris, external factors influence how we think of the city and the locals. On TV or movies, Paris looks magical and like a life-changing place where nothing can go wrong. But the reality is that it is like any other big city. It can be loud, crowded, and sometimes unpleasant.
So here’s a list of expectations and realities you should keep in mind when you visit Paris for the first time as a solo female traveler:
Paris locals speak English. Reality: If you visit the tourist areas of Paris, this may be true but don’t go in expecting it from the get-go! You may need to learn a few French phrases to get you by too. On the other hand, many tourist shops have English-speaking staff and even if you speak French to them, they’ll most likely speak English back to you. They probably find it easier to serve you this way. It’s okay if this happens!
Paris is a charming small city. Reality: Paris is a small city but with BIG CITY VIBES. It gets crowded, busy, loud and somewhat dirty. This is a popular city where cars travel through the streets, locals take buses, the metro isn’t always clean, and smokers are very common in public places and restaurants! Be aware of this so that you avoid unnecessary shock!
The Louvre appears to be empty. Reality: The Louvre is big! It may seem empty in certain areas but it will be surprising when you see groups of people gathered in other locations. If you want to live out your solo travel fantasies walking alone in a museum, consider going there first thing in the morning!
Politics in Paris are not like in other countries. Reality: Every country has its own set of political issues. Some countries are more affected than others and France is no different. Paris has been in past headlines in regards to in-person strikes. These, and transportation strikes, can happen. When you’re traveling, read up on tourism advisories and pay attention to your surroundings.
Other countries know American culture and customer service. Reality: No they really don’t! When you visit any country, you’ll notice that their culture and customer service isn’t the same. Keep in mind that French customer service does not equal American customer service and things may not go the way you think they should. Keep an open mind at all times!
Place du Tertre in Montmartre where artists gather to exhibit their art!
Getting To and Around Paris
You can take the train to get from the Charles du Gaulle Airport to the city. Once you arrive to Arrivals, find your way to the station on the lower grounds of Terminal 3. Then the train line you should look for is the RER B.
The cost of the tickets should be around 10 euros for a one-way journey. The ride takes about 50 minutes to reach the City. If you happen to miss the train you originally wanted to take, it helps to know that this line runs every 10-20 minutes from 5 AM until Midnight.
If you prefer to get to the City in the shortest amount of time, then finding a Taxi, requesting an Uber or booking private transportation suits you better. The car ride to the city should be approximately 30 minutes, however, the rate can be somewhere between 60 to 80 euros.
Once you’re in the city, you are able to mobilize easily by either walking, taking the underground metro, using RER trains, Taxi/Uber, and the Montmartre Funicular. The Funicular is only for a small portion of the city so it will not be something you’ll use every day.
Transfer Service in Paris
Transportation Cards
If you’re staying in Paris for less than 3 days, then it’s okay to spend on daily transportation tickets. However, if you’re choosing to stay longer, it is wise to invest in a transportation card such as Paris Visite or Passe Navigo instead. This will most likely save you a few euros.
Whether you are choosing to pay for daily tickets or invest in a transportation card, make sure you know which Zones you’ll be visiting frequently so that you are purchasing the tickets or cards that work for you! Paris is priced in 5 different zones (Zone 1 is the center, Zone 5 is in the outskirts).
Check out this website for more information: https://parisbytrain.com/paris-transportation-zone-map/
View of the Eiffel Tower from the Jardins du Trocadero plaza
Solo Travel Activities To Do in Paris
When you visit Paris for the first time, consider filling your itinerary with these activities perfect for female solo travelers:
Board onto the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus for an overall view of Paris for cheap! You’ll probably need a few hours to visit a few sights or do a full trip. If using this option, a Paris metro pass may not be needed for the day.
Join a walking tour in Montmartre (Your safety is your priority so consider booking experiences during the day instead of night. It’s best to avoid hanging out in Montmartre at nighttime when alone)
Visit the Louvre. It’s closed on Tuesdays so you need to fit your itinerary properly! To avoid a possible long line to enter or purchase a ticket, consider getting a timed entrance ticket online.
Hire a professional photographer for a photo session at the Jardin du Luxembourg
Take a boat ride along the Seine River! You can book a boat that only takes you around or one of those boats that offer a dining experience.
Check out the Arc de Triomphe and purchase a ticket to get to the top. The views are reportedly better than those from the Eiffel Tower!
Take a cooking class so you can learn to make crepes or macaroons
Going out at Night
As a female traveler, you’re told to avoid going out at night when you’re on your own.
Although I concur that safety at night takes a lot more attention compared to safety during the day, I wouldn’t want you to completely toss out the idea of spending one or two nights strolling through the City of Lights.
Here are things to do for going out:
Join a Pub Crawl – You can book pub crawls through sites like Airbnb Experiences, Viator, or Get Your Guide. If you book through one of these sites, make sure you have a plan on how you’ll get there and back to your accommodation after the event is over. Also, consider booking from those that have reputable reviews and 4+ stars. Another option is to join pub crawls organized by your hostel or hotel. These are usually free!
Have dinner and a show at a Cabaret Show – There are a few spots you could do this at but going with Moulin Rouge or Lido de Paris, you can go wrong! Keep in mind that tickets for the Moulin Rouge are expensive and hard to get. On the other hand, Lido de Paris is more affordable and just as extravagant! If you have never been to a Cabaret Show, be aware that there is nudity but it’s a performing art show, there is nothing rowdy.
Join a nightime walking tour or a dinner boat! The Eiffel Tower illuminates every hour for 5 minutes (from sundown until about 1 AM) and although you can see it during the evening. There’s something different about seeing it at night!
Restaurants and Cafes in the City
Eating in Paris will not be hard to do. There are restaurants and small cafes all over the city and no matter where you are, you’ll find something that won’t disappoint!
The best thing is that Paris (and Europe in general) is known for its outdoor cafes where it’s very common to see people eating alone. It’s not weird at all!
So when you’re out there, look out for cute spots to visit when you’re walking around. Here’s a short list of places to get you started. Always check their hours and days of operation and find out if a reservation is needed ahead of time!
Le Consulat - Famous Instagram place
Angelina Café
Le Café de Chats - If you’re a cat-lover
Le Bistrot Pyramide - If you’re looking for fancy vibes, but can be considered a tourist trap because of prices!
Seb’on - Located in Mortmartre
For simple American stuff there’s Starbucks with somewhat different menus (for example bakery is French pastries)
JUMP TO:
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Additional Planning Tips - Closures
Before jumping onto buying flight tickets and filling out your daily itinerary, check on closure days for sites in Paris!
If you didn’t already know this, several cultural and historic sites close at least once a week. This is to allow staff to be able to repair, maintain, restore, or install new works/exhibits without interrupting the visitor’s experience.
You’ve probably only heard of the Louvre Museum being closed on Tuesday, but the reality is that there is an extensive list of cultural sites that are closed on other days of the week too!
If your first Paris solo trip is only a few days, make sure to make it worthwhile by making your visit during days where all your favorite sites are open. This includes watching out for national holidays too!
Staying Safe in Paris as a Female Solo Traveler
No matter where you are going, safety should always be your first priority. Read below for important tips to keep you safe in Paris:
Pickpocketing is very common during high-peak season but this doesn’t mean you should let your guard down if you go during shoulder season. On the contrary, it’s important that you are more aware of your surroundings!
Street sellers often use tactics to get close to you and persuade you to hold something they are selling. If they ask you to hold it, don’t do it. They will pressure you to buy it and get upset when you don’t. Instead, simply wave them off and say “Non Merci” and separate yourself from that spot. Some places where you could experience this is at the Jardins du Trocadero, or the base of the Eiffel Tower.
Be safe with your money. The best way to ensure you are not scammed is to buy all your tickets and book all the activities you want to do via reputable websites. Often you’ll find locals trying to sell tickets at higher prices claiming that they are exclusive or better than the regular price.
Depending on the season you go, be aware that humidity makes the city hotter than the temperature suggests. During summer carry water, wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and/or hats; during colder weather you can’t go wrong with layers!
When you’re distracted taking photos or getting your bearings, keep an eye on your belongings. If you like to wear purses, consider using one that’s crossbody style and has a zipper to close it securely.
You can read more general safety tips for solo women travelers here too!
Crossing through Champs Elysse for a view of the Arc de Triomphe
The Moulin Rouge
Paris Trip Planner:
Sample 3-Day Itinerary For Paris
> Day 1 – Monday, Travel Day*
*Travel Day: Your first day of your trip is most likely always a ‘travel day’ (trip planning timeline tips here!). This means you are taking a flight or train to get to your destination. Please be mindful that travel days don’t always go per schedule and you may experience delays or even worse…cancellations. This is why I suggest that you avoid planning big things like attending special events where you need to purchase tickets in advance...unless you really have no choice!
12 PM – Arrive to Paris Airport and make your way to the city center via metro (will need to purchase a transportation ticket or a card) to check in to your hostel or Airbnb. If your check in is until later in the afternoon, consider leaving your pack at a luggage locker facility for however long you need to. You can search spots on Luggage Hero.
2 PM – Stroll down the city center and head out to lunch. Find a restaurant or café to sit in. If you don’t know where to go first, consider taking the underground metro to get to the 8th Arrondissement (Champs Elysee area) or the 9th Arrondissement (Moulin Rouge area)
5 PM – After reenergizing from your flight, make your way to Jardin du Trocadero to see the iconic view of the Eiffel Tower. There are usually small crepe stands around the area so make sure you grab a sweet one for dessert! Feel free to walk down to the carrousel area and watch street performers along the way.
7 PM – Once you are done in the area (and if you’ve worked up an appetite) walk to the restaurants located along Avenue de Suffren and pick one where you can sit outside and people-watch. If you choose a restaurant with a view to the Eiffel Tower, you’ll enjoy it as it shines up every hour.
9:30 PM – Dinner in Paris can be as long or as short as you want it to be. Once you’ve enjoyed a fine plate and glass of wine, head back to your hostel or Airbnb to rest up.
Planning Tip: If you plan to arrive by plane at night, make sure that you plan your trip so that you still have about 3 full days to explore! Keep in mind that even if you arrive in the morning, there is a chance you’ll be drained more than usual so make sure to adjust Day 1 to give yourself a break!
Walking on a Parisian Street
Exploring around the Louvre Square
> Day 2 - Tuesday
9 AM – Head out to the city to meet up with a Walking Tour group (make sure to book it in advance!). The time you need to start your day will depend where you need to meet and at what time they ask you to arrive. Some walking tours last from 1 hour up to 3 hours.
12:30 PM – As you visit the city center and perhaps Montmartre during your walking tour, spot a few restaurants or cafes you’d like to visit for lunch. You can read a few tips on how to be comfortable eating solo here.
2:30 PM – When you’re ready to head out, stop by a convenience store to get a bottle of wine, a baguette, cheese, and grapes or strawberries, and a few macaroons, and head out to Jardin du Champs de Mars to have an impromptu picnic! You can use this time to relax, read a book, or have a photoshoot if you hire a professional photographer!
5:30 PM — Book a Siene River boat ride in advance. If you want to have a unique dining experience then consider a dining cruise! You’ll be able to see the Eiffel Tower light up from the Seine River. That is main character energy and I’m here for it!
7:00 PM – Head back to your hostel or Airbnb for an hour or two of rest. The night is young!
9:00 PM – Get ready for a night in Paris. Seeing Paris at night is a totally different vibe. Join your hostel’s pub crawls or purchase a ticket through GetYourGuide or Airbnb Experiences to hop between bars or speakeasies!
1:00 AM – If you can’t hang after midnight, there’s no shame in going back to your hostel to rest. It’s wise to sleep “early” to get up early! But if you want to try staying up all night, tag along with a few of your hostels’ friends and see where the night takes you.
Planning Tip: If you’re booking experiences, do it in advance! Always get tickets from reputable websites like GetYourGuide, Airbnb Experiences, or Viator. It’s possible to book the day before (or on the day of) but it may be more expensive due to it being last minute.
> Day 3 – Wednesday
9:00 AM – Visit the Louvre first thing in the morning! You’ll need about 2-3 hours to walk around the majority of the museum so adjust your itinerary accordingly. To possibly avoid a long entry line, consider purchasing online a timed entrance ticket with time in advance.
12:00 PM – The Louvre has many cafes around which are perfect if you’re looking to complete that main character vibe. This is an easy spot to read a book or people-watch!
1:45 PM – To let your meal settle in, consider walking or taking the bus to Champs Elysses and check out the shops along this famous street! It would take about 40 minutes to walk the entirety of the street so make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
3:00 PM – Visit the Arc de Triomphe and make your way to the top. You’ll need to purchase tickets and ascend to the top about 200+ stairs. If you wish to see the sunset, make sure you time it out before finalizing your itinerary!
4:30 PM – From the Arc de Triomphe, make your way to the Notre Dame. As of 2021, the cathedral has been closed for restoration due to a fire that broke out. It’s still a sight to see and shouldn’t be missed!
5:30 PM – If you’re ready to sit for another Parisian meal (or pastry), look around for a cute café to rest your feet. If you’re feeling a bit more social or rather do something you don’t usually do, consider taking a cooking class! As always, make sure you book your experience with time in advance!
6:30 PM – From now until the Cabaret Show, you may choose to go back to your hostel or Airbnb to rest up or spend the evening shopping, watching street performers, or walking along the Seine River.
9:00 PM – Cabaret shows start at different times but are usually a bit later into the night. You can purchase tickets for the show only OR have the full experience of an upscale dinner and a show!
Overlooking the Seine River on an overcast winter day
> Day 4 - Thursday, Travel Day*
*Travel Day: Depending on the time your flight leaves Paris, you may need to adjust your itinerary for your last day as needed.
8:00 AM – Head out on a group tour to Palace of Versailles! Group tours are usually great to beat the crowds and avoid taking public transportation to get there. Look for tours that offer pick up and drop off. Tours can range from 4 hours to 6 hours.
2:00 PM – Once you’re back from the group tour, you may need to replenish at yet another café (which shouldn’t be a problem at all). But you also may need to checkout from your hostel or Airbnb so make sure you make arrangements to either take your pack with you OR leave it at another luggage storage facility.
3:00 PM – Start heading to the Airport on train and enjoy the view. You have completed three days of solo travel in Paris and you can use this time to reflect on what you liked the most and what other things you can do to make your next solo trip better!
Colonnes de Buren at the Royal Palace in Paris
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