My Solo Travel to Paris was the BEST - My Complete Guide

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Paris wasn’t my first time solo traveling, but it quickly became the place I kept coming back to.

What started as a quick solo trip turned into multiple returns—and eventually, I stayed long enough to call it home for a while.

If you’re considering solo travel in Paris, this guide is for you.

I’ll walk you through what it’s really like to explore the city on your own—how to pick a hostel that doesn’t feel isolating, how to meet people without forcing it, and what parts of Paris feel surprisingly great for solo travelers. 

Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, traveling solo in Paris is easier (and more rewarding) than most people think.

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Why Paris is Perfect for Solo Travelers

Paris works incredibly well for solo travelers. It’s one of those cities where exploring at your own pace feels natural, not awkward.

No pressure to rush through things or stick to a plan—just go where the day takes you:

• I loved walking along the Seine, slipping into quiet bookshops, or staying longer than planned in a museum without checking in with anyone.
• Public transport is straightforward and cheap, which helped a lot when I was backpacking Paris on a budget. I mostly used the metro or walked everywhere, and I always felt safe on my own.

I also quickly realized I wasn’t the only solo traveler in Paris.

• Hostels are full of people traveling on their own, and I met so many in the common room just hanging out, sharing stories, or planning day trips.
• Choosing a hostel over a hotel or Airbnb made it so much easier to find people to explore with or grab dinner. The social aspect of hostel life really helped me settle in.

And while Paris has a reputation for being expensive, it’s totally doable on a budget.

• Some of the best experiences cost next to nothing. I spent afternoons people-watching over a €3 espresso, picnicking by the Eiffel Tower, and watching street performers near the Pompidou Center.
• Many hostels included perks like free walking tours, cheap breakfast, or communal kitchens—which saved money and made the experience more fun.

Don't worry about it being the 'City of Love' if you're doing it alone:

• I saw plenty of locals and travelers doing their own thing, just like me.
• Being solo actually made the city more enjoyable—I could follow my own rhythm, take breaks when I needed to, and fully soak in the atmosphere.
• Solo travel in Paris turned out to be a perfect balance: freedom when I wanted it, community when I needed it, and plenty of ways to make the experience my own.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Paris

1. MIJE Hostel - Fauconnier
2. Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels - best for Older travelers (+50)
3. Woodstock Montmartre by Hiphophostels - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
4. Caulaincourt Montmartre by Hiphophostels - best for Couples
5. Madrigal - best for Couples, Female Solo Traveller

MIJE Hostel - Fauconnier

8.7

4è - Marais

MIJE Hostel Fauconnier is part of 3 hostels in the Marais District. All three hostels date back to more

Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels

8.2

18è - Montmartre Area

Start your day on the sunny terrace with jaw-dropping views of the Sacré Coeur, while more

from

$23.61

Woodstock Montmartre by Hiphophostels

8.1

9è - Opéra Area

Colourful decor, a cute hostel cat and an onsite bar open until 2am - all to be found at Woodstock, more

Caulaincourt Montmartre by Hiphophostels

8.6

18è - Montmartre Area

Stay at Caulaincourt Montmartre and you might think you accidentally booked a hotel. It’s more

from

$25.69

Madrigal

9.0

14è - Montparnasse Area

This stylish boutique hostel is your modern home-away-from-home. The gorgeous hostel dog will make a more

from

$29.56

A 2–3 Day Itinerary for Solo Travelers

Not sure where to start? Here’s how I would plan a short solo trip to Paris, based on my own 3-day adventure:

Day 1: Iconic Eiffel Tower

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a simple flow that works well—especially if you’re solo and want a mix of connection, sightseeing, and downtime.

• Start with a free walking tour in the morning. It’s a low-pressure way to meet other travelers and get your bearings. Most tours cover landmarks like Notre-Dame and other highlights in central Paris, with fun stories and useful tips mixed in.
• Head to the Eiffel Tower after lunch. Go early or close to sunset to avoid the biggest crowds. And yes, asking another tourist to take your photo is totally normal—people are usually happy to help.
• In the evening, check out your hostel’s happy hour if they have one. It’s a chill way to meet fellow backpackers. Or join a group pub crawl if you’re in the mood for something more social—lots of hostels organize them, and it’s an easy way to experience Paris nightlife without going solo to a bar.

Day 2: Dive into Art and History

Not every day in Paris needs to be a sprint between monuments. Some of my favorite moments came from slowing down and letting the day unfold. Which is what day 2 is all about.

• I spent nearly half the day at the Louvre, getting completely lost (on purpose) in its endless halls. Solo travel in Paris means no one tapping their foot while you stare at beautiful sculptures or try to decode a 17th-century oil painting. Bliss. But if you're not into giant museums that feel like a workout... Try the Musée d’Orsay— it's more manageable, and full of art that won’t make your brain melt. Or pop into a small gallery where the only other visitor is a very sleepy security guard.
• In the afternoon, wander the streets near the Seine. It’s peak Paris: creaky bookshops, crepes with slightly too much Nutella, and corners that feel straight out of a black-and-white film.
• When the sun goes down, hop on a Seine river cruise for some smooth sailing past glittering landmarks—or skip the boat and settle into a wine bar that doesn’t mind solo guests. Paris after dark has a way of making you feel like you’re in the right place, even if you’re just sipping a glass of red with your notes app open.

Day 3: Keep Exploring

If you’ve got an extra day, it’s the perfect chance to shake things up a bit.

• Take a day trip to Versailles if you’re in the mood for grandeur. The palace is impressive, sure—but the real magic is in the gardens. You could spend hours wandering past fountains, pretending you live there.
• Or stay local and explore a Paris neighborhood market. Each arrondissement has its own little scene, and you’ll stumble across all kinds of good stuff—fresh produce, vintage books, spontaneous conversations with chatty vendors...
• If you opt to climb the steps to Sacré-Cœur, you'll be rewarded with one of the best views in the city. Your legs might complain, but your camera roll won’t.
• After the activity of your choice, I recommend you grab picnic supplies—baguette, soft cheese, and juicy strawberries from a nearby market—and find a sunny patch of grass to have a solo lunch in.
• For your final night, do something a little memorable. Maybe it’s an outdoor movie on a warm evening, or live music tucked away in a bar.

Is Paris Safe for Solo Travelers?

Is Paris Safe for Solo Female Travelers? That was my specific question anyway.

Safety was one of the biggest things on my mind before visiting—especially as a woman traveling alone.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I definitely googled “Is Paris safe for solo female travelers?” more than once.

Turns out, Paris felt generally safe, with the usual quirks of any big city.

I walked around the central neighborhoods alone, took the metro at different times of day, and never had any major issues.

• The worst I encountered? A few harmless catcalls and overly enthusiastic street vendors trying to sell me light-up Eiffel Towers.
• I kept my purse zipped, wore it crossbody and in front of me, and stayed aware in crowded areas. Basic common sense goes a long way.

The biggest thing to watch out for is petty theft, not danger.

• Pickpocketing is common around tourist hotspots like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and inside busy metro trains. I didn’t flash my phone or wallet, and I split my cash between a few pockets just in case. And.. nothing happened. Which was kindo f the point.
• One small but effective habit: I used the hostel lockers to store my passport and anything I didn’t need that day. That way, even if someone tried to pull one of those “help me sign this petition” scams, I wasn’t carrying anything I couldn’t afford to lose.

Choosing the right hostel also made a big difference.

• I booked places with strong reviews for solo travelers and stayed in women-only dorms when I could becaue that's my personal preference. That little extra comfort helped me sleep easier, and I often met other women who were also traveling alone—we ended up teaming up for day trips and dinner.
• Many hostels also have 24-hour reception, security cameras, and keycard access, which made me feel safe coming in late.

In the end, Paris felt as safe as any major European city. Stay alert, especially at night, stick to areas with people around, and trust your gut.

Most of the time, you’ll be too focused on having a good time to feel uneasy.

How to Meet People While Traveling Solo in Paris

Solo travel in Paris doesn’t mean you’ll be wandering the city in silence the whole time—unless you want to.

Some of the best moments on my trip came from the people I met along the way.

• The easiest way to find travel buddies? Stay in a hostel with a good social vibe. Look for places with lounges, communal dinners, or events like pub crawls or walking tours.
• I stayed at a backpacker hostel with a tiny bar and game nights. Within hours of checking in, I was swapping itineraries and heading to the Eiffel Tower with a couple of new friends.

If you're introverted (same), hostels still work well because you can socialize on your own terms.

• I loved having privacy curtains on my dorm bed—a total game changer. After a long day, I could disappear into my little cave and recharge.
• When I wanted to be social, I just popped into the common area or joined whatever plan was unfolding. It’s a low-pressure way to meet people, which you don’t get in hotels or private rentals.

Beyond hostels, there are loads of ways to connect in Paris:

• Join a free walking tour on your first day—it’s casual, informative, and full of other solo travelers.
• Sign up for a cooking class or wine tasting. Everyone’s there to learn and have fun, which makes it easy to chat.
• In the evenings, check out group events like pub crawls (often organized by hostels) or traveler meetups around the city.

Even small moments—like chatting in line at a museum—can lead to real connections. The key is just being open to it.

I ended up making a few friends I still keep in touch with, all because I said yes to something simple, like grabbing a crepe or joining a sunset walk.

Still not sure? Pick my Favorite Hostel in Paris

#1 Top Hostel in Paris: FRATERNiTY-HOTEL

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Where to Eat and Drink Solo in Paris

I’ll admit—I wondered if eating alone in Paris would feel awkward. It’s the land of romantic dinners, after all. But the truth? Paris is incredibly solo-friendly when it comes to food.

• Mornings became a ritual: I’d sit at a sidewalk café with a croissant and coffee, watching the world go by. Parisians do this all the time—alone, with a book, or just enjoying their espresso and thoughts. I’d greet the waiter with a simple “Bonjour,” then settle in. No weird looks, no awkward vibes—just peaceful solo café time.
• For lunch, street food and markets are a solo traveler’s dream. I’d grab a crepe or falafel and eat while walking or sit by the Seine with my little DIY picnic—baguette, strawberries, a wedge of cheese. Cheap, easy, and honestly kind of charming.
• Dinner can go either way depending on your mood. If you’re feeling social, hostel kitchens are gold. Some nights we threw together pasta and wine with whoever was around—instant dinner party, no reservations needed.
• Want something quieter? Plenty of bistros and restaurants have bar seating or tucked-away tables that are perfect for solo diners. I treated myself to a proper French meal one night, brought a journal just in case, and ended up chatting with the waiter about his favorite spots in the city. It felt less like eating alone and more like having a local moment.
• Even for nightlife, going solo works. I once went to a jazz club on my own, and honestly, the music was more than enough company. Paris knows how to do atmosphere.

Solo dining in Paris isn’t something to dread—it’s something to enjoy. The city makes it easy.

11 Hidden Gemz in Paris (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Final Tips About Solo Travel in Paris

After exploring Paris on my own, I learned a few things I wish I’d known from the start. Here are some final tips and little surprises that can make your solo Paris trip even better:

• Embrace the “me time”: Don’t be afraid to do things alone, even in a social city. Some of my most special Paris moments were solo – like quietly watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night, or looking at the Seine from a park bench. These are the moments you remember, and you get to enjoy them fully on your own terms.
• Learn a little French: A simple “bonjour” or “merci” goes a long way. I was surprised how much warmer the interactions got when I greeted people in French. Even if you’re not fluent, locals appreciate the effort, and it can lead to friendlier service or even a short conversation. It’s a nice way to feel a bit more connected to the place.
• Pack smart and light: Since you’re solo, you’ll be handling your luggage everywhere. I was grateful I packed light when I had to carry my bag up the narrow hostel stairs. Also remember that most metro stops in Paris don't have elevators or escalators... As for hostels, you should bring a lock for the lockers, a comfy pair of shoes for all the walking, and maybe a light jacket because the weather can change quickly. 
• Be open to new experiences: This might sound obvious, but saying “yes” more often led me to some unexpected adventures. Paris has a way of surprising you, so go with the flow. If someone invites you to check out a street festival or try a quirky little bar, give it a shot (safely, of course). You never know what memories you’ll make.
• Trust yourself: Finally, trust that you can handle it. There’s a special confidence that comes from figuring things out on your own in a place like Paris. So if you’re on the fence about taking that solo trip to Paris, consider this your sign to go for it. 

Backpacking Paris? Here’s What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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About the author: Nour De Wilde Salhab

A Lebanese-Congolese-French-Belgian girl as likely to be found climbing a volcano in Indonesia or reading a sci-fi book by the sea in the South of France. Always on the hunt for remarkable experiences. My two favorites so far: volunteering in emergency medical services in Lebanon and solo backpacking around the world. Life is enjoyable in all its facets, from its healthy extremes to its mundane slows.