Paris Solo: 10 Ways to Enjoy the City On Your Own

Mais oui, Paris is for lovers. It’s the place to come to stroll along the Seine, hand in hand, and steal kisses under the pink sky at sunset. But, don’t let that fool you. It’s also a mecca for curious minds, history buffs, lovers of art and architecture, and the bold and the beautiful. 

If you’ve been considering a solo trip – one where you can go where you want, when you want – then Paris will serve you well. Together, let’s explore how to stay safe, savor every moment, and return home with a renewed heart. 

Choose a Nice Hotel

When traveling solo, safety always comes first. To that end, it’s worth splurging on the slightly posher hotel in a safe arrondissement. We’ve felt safe and secure staying at L’Hôtel du Collectionneur up near the Arc de Triomphe. From there, you can walk straight down the Champs-Élysées and begin your daily explorations. 

Alternatively, if you’d like to be somewhere like the Île Saint-Louis, you can also stay in a lovely boutique hotel, Hôtel Saint-Louis en l’Isle. When you’re there, it’s a quick walk for a lovely meal at Café Saint-Régis followed by easy access to L’île de la Cité. Here’s an additional list of the best places to stay in Paris for the first time. 

Linger In a Café

We mentioned Café Saint-Régis for its great location at the end of Île Saint-Louis. It opens up to great views of the Seine. But, no matter where you are in The City of Lights, take a moment to sit down and linger in a cafe for an hour. 

You can sip on a glass of wine or a strong espresso, but be sure to do this at least one afternoon. Take the time to people-watch – those walking the sidewalk and those sitting beside you. Take in Paris’ lively café culture, where friends and family have been coming together for generations. 

Visit Shakespeare and Company

Even if you’re just a passive book lover, no trip to Paris could be complete without a trip to Shakespeare and Company. In a city filled with beautiful bookshops, this one’s a landmark. 

Since it opened its doors, it’s been a center for expat literary life in Paris. Pick up a small anthology of Parisian poetry or a classic by James Joyce – one of the many writers who visited this bookshop throughout the years. 

Bring Your Book to Jardin du Luxembourg

With your purchase in hand, head on over to Jardin du Luxembourg. This is another place to linger for a while – a bit like the delightful cafe culture. Pull up one of the famous green chairs and sit by the fountain as children play with their boats and lovers sit hand-in-hand. On a nice sunny day, it’s easy to sit here and breathe in the fresh garden air as you listen to the buzz of life dance all around you. In addition to this beautiful jardin, here are 20 iconic sights you won’t want to miss.